Flow-control assembly with a rotating fluid expander
US8544262B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0318
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flow-control assembly may include a fluid conduit and a flow-control valve in the fluid conduit. The flow-control assembly may further include a fluid expansion conduit with an inlet defined at least in part by the fluid conduit and configured to selectively receive flow of a fluid from the fluid conduit. The fluid expansion conduit may further include an outlet in fluid communication with the fluid conduit downstream of the flow-control valve. A rotating fluid expander in the fluid expansion conduit may be configured to expand the fluid and thereby rotate and in some embodiments generate electricity. In a first position flow is substantially blocked. In a second position flow is allowed through the fluid expansion conduit. In a third position flow through the fluid conduit is allowed without necessarily passing through the fluid expansion conduit. Related systems and methods are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.