Valve device with differential pressure controller

Abstract

A valve device (100) for controlling fluid flow and a fluid dispensing system (300) comprising the same. The valve arrangement comprises a valve body (110) having a valve inlet (111) and a valve outlet (112), and a differential pressure controller (120) comprising a movable membrane (121). The movable membrane (121) is held in an end position when a differential pressure between the first membrane side and the second membrane side is below a threshold. The movable membrane (121) is movable in response to the differential pressure when the differential pressure is above a threshold. The valve arrangement (100) also includes a check channel (130) configured to receive fluid from the valve inlet (111) or the valve outlet (112) when the differential pressure is above a threshold. The differential pressure controller (120) is configured to close the inspection channel (130) when the differential pressure is below a threshold. The presence of fluid in the check channel (130) indicates that the differential pressure is above a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device for controlling a fluid flow and a fluid dispensing system comprising the valve device. background

[0002] Fluid distribution systems used for heating, cooling, and water supply, for example, are designed to deliver fluid from a source to consumption points. Each consumption point typically has a calculated and designed flow rate or differential pressure requirement. However, depending on the type of system, flow rate requirements are often time-varying and can change depending on factors such as seasonality (e.g., summer vs. winter) that alters the load from the consumption point, temperature variations of the system fluid, and variations in the consumption of the system fluid (e.g., for drinking water).

[0003] Control valve components are often used in fluid distribution systems and have a variable opening, allowing the flow rate to be controlled. Because control valve components can operate under varying system conditions, they can complement differential pressure valve components. An example of such a combined control valve component and differential pressure valve component is known from WO 2010 / 090572 A1. The differential pressure valve component limits the differential pressure across the control valve component. Thus, despite varying pressure levels throughout the fluid distribution system, the operating conditions for the control valve component can be maintained at a sufficient level.

[0004] When a valve assembly, including, for example, a control valve component and / or a differential pressure valve component, is to be installed in a fluid distribution system, the person installing the valve assembly typically measures the fluid pressure at the valve inlet in order to properly calibrate the valve assembly. However, the optimal way to verify the various functions of such a valve assembly during installation and / or operation remains an open-ended question. Overview

[0005] The present disclosure aims to alleviate the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide an improved method for verifying the functionality of a valve device. This objective is achieved, at least in part, by a valve device for controlling fluid flow. The valve device includes a valve body having a valve inlet and a valve outlet, and a differential pressure controller. The valve body has a valve inlet and a valve outlet, and the differential pressure controller includes a movable diaphragm having a first diaphragm side and a second diaphragm side arranged on a side opposite the first diaphragm side. The first diaphragm side is arranged in fluid communication with the valve inlet, and the second diaphragm side is arranged in fluid communication with the valve outlet. The differential pressure controller also includes a spring element arranged to exert a force on the movable diaphragm and to maintain the movable diaphragm in an end position when the differential pressure between the first diaphragm side and the second diaphragm side is below a threshold. The differential pressure controller is configured such that when the differential pressure is above a threshold, the movable diaphragm is movable in response to the differential pressure, and such that the movement of the movable diaphragm offsets pressure changes between the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The valve device also includes a check channel configured to receive fluid from the valve inlet or the valve outlet when the differential pressure is above the threshold. The differential pressure controller is configured to close the check channel when the differential pressure is below the threshold. Thus, the presence of fluid in the check channel indicates that the differential pressure is above the threshold value.

[0006] Verifying the functionality of differential pressure controllers is particularly important to ensure that the valves are operating under proper authorization. Inspection channels allow verification of differential pressure controller functionality during installation and operation of the valves. Fluid distribution system installations may require numerous valves, and commissioning these can be challenging. Using the inspection channels, operators can quickly verify, without any tools, that the differential pressure at each valve is sufficient to overcome the threshold.

[0007] If the differential pressure threshold is not reached, the force acting on the movable diaphragm due to the pressure difference between the valve inlet and valve outlet is insufficient to overcome the force from the spring element and any frictional forces. In this case, the movable diaphragm remains in its end position. This means that the differential pressure controller is not activated and the valve arrangement is not functioning as expected. The presence of fluid in the check channel indicates that the differential pressure is above the threshold and, therefore, that the differential pressure controller is activated.

[0008] According to some aspects, the inspection channel is configured to direct fluid flow from the valve inlet or valve outlet to the exterior of the valve body when a differential pressure exceeds a threshold. Fluid exiting the valve body through the inspection channel provides a visual indication that the differential pressure is above the threshold. If the fluid is a liquid, the inspection channel can advantageously be sized so that a droplet of liquid exits the inspection channel when the differential pressure exceeds the threshold. The droplet is sufficient for visual inspection, and minimal liquid is wasted.

[0009] According to some aspects, the valve device further includes a sealing member that is arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position. In its closed position, the sealing member is configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve body via the inspection channel. In its open position, the sealing member is configured to allow fluid to flow out of the valve body via the inspection channel. Once the differential pressure has been verified to be above a threshold, it may be desirable to prevent fluid from exiting through the inspection channel. When verification of the function of the differential pressure controller is not desired, the sealing member provides a convenient way to prevent fluid from exiting through the inspection channel.

[0010] According to some aspects, the sealing member is arranged to be manually movable between an open position and a closed position. In this way, an operator can conveniently open and close the inspection channel. For example, the sealing member can be rotatably arranged in the valve body.

[0011] According to some aspects, the sealing member includes a conduit extending through the sealing member. When the sealing member is in its open position, the conduit is in fluid communication with the inspection channel, and when the sealing member is in its closed position, the conduit is fluidically isolated from the inspection channel. Using this conduit, only minimal movement of the sealing member is required to move the sealing member from its open position to its closed position. Here, "minimal" can relate to the size of the sealing member.

[0012] According to some aspects, the valve assembly further includes a movable indicator arranged to be movable within the inspection passage. When the differential pressure is above a threshold, the movable indicator is arranged in a first position, and when the differential pressure is below the threshold, the movable indicator is arranged in a second position. The position of the movable indicator is configured to provide a visual indication from outside the valve body that the differential pressure is above the threshold. When verifying that the differential pressure is above the threshold, the movable indicator does not require any fluid to leave the inspection passage. Therefore, in some cases, a movable indicator may be a preferred means for indicating.

[0013] According to some aspects, the movable membrane, when in its end position, is arranged to seal the channel entrance of the inspection channel. The movable membrane can advantageously provide a good seal, preventing fluid from entering the inspection channel. Alternatively, the differential pressure controller can include other means for closing the inspection channel when the differential pressure falls below a threshold, such as a member acting on the channel entrance of the inspection channel. The member acting on the channel entrance can be connected to the movable membrane so that the member follows the movement of the movable membrane.

[0014] According to some aspects, a differential pressure controller includes a closure device configured to change the variable cross-section of a passageway between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The closure device may be in the form of a cup acting as a gate, a rotary valve, a sliding valve, or other device configured to change the variable cross-section. The closure device reduces fluctuations in the pressure differential across the valve device, or even maintains a constant pressure differential.

[0015] According to some aspects, the closing device is a first closing device. In this case, the valve device may further include a control valve component provided with a second closing device configured to change the variable cross-section of the passage between the valve inlet and the valve outlet. In this manner, the flow of fluid through the valve device from the valve inlet to the valve outlet can be controlled. For example, the second closing device may include a seat and a closing member. In this case, the second closing device is configured to change the variable cross-section of the passage between the valve inlet and the valve outlet by means of the closing member acting on the seat. Alternatively, the closing member may be adjusted using an actuating spindle extending through the valve body.

[0016] According to some aspects, the valve body is provided with one or more measuring connections for measuring pressure and / or temperature.Such measurements may be required during installation and operation of the valve arrangement.

[0017] Also disclosed herein is a fluid dispensing system comprising a valve arrangement according to the above discussion.The fluid dispensing system is associated with the above advantages.

[0018] In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the element, device, part, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, part, means, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless expressly stated. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person recognizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the following describes in more detail embodiments of the present disclosure cited as examples. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1-Figure 3 The valve arrangement is schematically shown; Figure 4-Figure 6 The valve arrangement is shown; and Figure 7 A fluid distribution system is shown. Detailed description

[0020] The present disclosure is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects of the disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Throughout the description, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0021] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and shown in the drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0022] As fluid travels through a valve assembly, it typically flows through the nominal cross-sectional area at the valve inlet and valve outlet. However, the cross-sectional area available for fluid flow within the valve assembly typically decreases. This decrease results in a pressure drop across the valve assembly. In other words, a first pressure of the fluid exists at the valve inlet, and a second pressure exists at the valve outlet.

[0023] The differential pressure control mechanism integrated into the control valve typically requires a minimum differential pressure to operate. If the minimum differential pressure is not reached, the differential pressure controller will not operate, and the desired nominal flow rate of the valve will not be achieved. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a valve device 100 having a device for indicating the available differential pressure.

[0024] Figure 1-Figure 3 An exemplary valve arrangement 100 is schematically shown, Figure 4-Figure 6 shows an exemplary valve arrangement 100 in different operating states, and Figure 7 Shown is a fluid dispensing system 300 including the disclosed valve apparatus 100. The disclosed valve apparatus is suitable for use with fluids, and in particular with liquids such as water.

[0025] The disclosed valve arrangement 100 comprises a valve body 110 having a valve inlet 111 and a valve outlet 112. The valve outlet 112 is arranged downstream of the valve inlet 111. The valve arrangement 100 is arranged to control a fluid flow between the valve inlet 111 and the valve outlet 112.

[0026] The valve arrangement 100 further comprises a differential pressure controller 120 comprising a movable membrane 121 having a first membrane side 122 and a second membrane side 123 arranged on a side opposite to the first membrane side 122. The first membrane side 122 is arranged in fluid communication with the valve inlet 111, and the second membrane side 123 is arranged in fluid communication with the valve outlet 112.

[0027] exist Figure 1-Figure 3, arrow 101 indicates the fluid path from valve inlet 111 to valve outlet 112. It can be seen that some fluid is directed towards the first membrane side 122 at the inlet and some fluid is directed towards the second membrane side 123 at the outlet.

[0028] The fluid communication between the first membrane side 122 and the valve inlet 111 results in a first pressure on the movable membrane 121, thereby generating a first force that is the product of the first pressure and the area of the first membrane side 122 that is subjected to the first pressure. Similarly, the fluid communication between the second membrane side 123 and the valve outlet 112 thus results in a second pressure on the movable membrane 121, thereby generating a second force that is the product of the second pressure and the area of the second membrane side 123 that is subjected to the second pressure. The difference between the first and second forces controls the movement of the movable membrane 121 relative to the valve body 110.

[0029] The movable membrane 121 is movable relative to the valve body 110. The movable membrane 121 is preferably a flexible membrane. In this case, the movable membrane 121 is preferably made of an elastomeric material.

[0030] The movable membrane 121 serves as a barrier between the high-pressure valve inlet 111 and the low-pressure valve outlet 112. Fluid communication between the valve inlet 111 and the first membrane side 122 can be provided by channels / conduits disposed in the valve body 110 and connected to the valve inlet 111. Similarly, fluid communication between the valve outlet 112 and the second membrane side 123 can be provided by channels / conduits disposed in the valve body 110 and connected to the valve outlet 112. These channels / conduits are relatively small relative to the valve inlet 111 and valve outlet 112. When fluid flows through the valve device 100 (i.e., from the valve inlet 111 to the valve outlet 112), some of the fluid will flow into the channels / conduits and reach the movable membrane 121.

[0031] exist Figure 1-Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the circumference of the movable membrane 121 is attached to the valve body 110 , and the rest of the movable membrane 121 is movable relative to the attachment point. Figure 4-Figure 6 The exemplary valve device 100 of FIG. 1 shows a similar configuration. The movable membrane 121 may also be referred to as a diaphragm. The movable membrane 121 may be a so-called rolling diaphragm having a constant effective area, which can perform a large stroke in a small space.

[0032] The differential pressure controller 120 further includes a spring element 124, which is arranged to exert a force on the movable diaphragm 121 and is arranged to maintain the movable diaphragm 121 in an end position when the differential pressure between the first diaphragm side 122 and the second diaphragm side 123 is below a threshold value. The end position represents the farthest position to which the movable diaphragm 121 can move in one direction. In other words, when the movable diaphragm 121 is in its end position, the movable diaphragm 121 is in an extreme state. The differential pressure controller 120 is configured such that the movable diaphragm 121 can move in response to the differential pressure when the differential pressure is above a threshold value, and such that the movement of the movable diaphragm 121 offsets pressure changes between the valve inlet 111 and the valve outlet 112. In other words, the movement of the movable diaphragm 121 compensates for pressure fluctuations across the valve device 100.

[0033] The spring element 124 may include a coil spring, such as Figures 1-6 The exemplary valve device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 1-Figure 3 , it can be seen that spring element 124 is attached to a support frame, which in turn is attached to valve body 110. Generally, spring element 124 can comprise any resilient and / or elastic material that applies a third force to movable membrane 121, thereby maintaining movable membrane 121 in its end position. The direction of the third force is at least partially the same as the direction of the second force described above. Thus, the second force and the third force from spring element 124 act together on movable membrane 121. Thus, as movable membrane 121 moves, spring element 124 adjusts its equilibrium point.

[0034] The differential pressure controller 120 may include a closing device 125 configured to change a variable cross-section of a passage between the valve inlet 111 and the valve outlet 112 .

[0035] exist Figure 1-Figure 3 In the exemplary valve device 100 of FIG. 1 , the closure device 125 comprises a cup that acts as a gate. Figure 4-Figure 6 The exemplary valve device 100 in FIG. 1 also has a closing device 125 comprising a cup that acts as a gate. The cup is attached to the movable membrane 121 and is arranged so that the cup can move back and forth (in Figures 1-6 The closure device 125 can be configured to move substantially up and down in the valve (in the valve inlet 111) to reduce or increase fluid flow from the valve inlet 111 to the valve outlet 112. In some examples, the closure device 125 is configured to move to a position that completely blocks fluid flow. Fluid flow is controlled by adjusting the area through which fluid can pass. The pressure of the fluid entering the inlet and thereby reaching the first side of the movable membrane 121 forces the diaphragm, and therefore the cup, to move. This reduces fluctuations in the pressure differential across the valve device 100, or even maintains a constant pressure differential.

[0036] Alternatively, the closure device 125 may include a rotary valve, a sliding valve, or other device configured to vary the variable cross-section.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In , the movable membrane 121 is in its end position. Figure 2 In FIG, the movable membrane 121 has moved away from its end position. Figure 2 Compared with the position of the closure device 125, Figure 1 The position of the closure device 125 in allows for greater fluid flow.

[0038] When no fluid is flowing through the valve device 100, the force exerted by the spring element 124 on the movable diaphragm 121 maintains the movable diaphragm 121 in its end position. When fluid begins to flow through the valve device 100, the fluid may eventually cause the differential pressure between the first diaphragm side 122 and the second diaphragm side 123 to overcome the force exerted by the spring element 124 on the movable diaphragm 121 and any frictional forces. When this force is overcome, the movable diaphragm 121 will move in response to the differential pressure. In other words, the threshold value of the differential pressure corresponds to the situation where the force exerted by the differential pressure on the movable diaphragm 121 is greater than the force exerted by the spring element 124 and any frictional forces. Therefore, the threshold value is a function of the spring force of the spring element 124. The threshold value may also be a function of the wear of components in the valve device that affect friction, such as washers.

[0039] For personnel, such as valve system operators or those installing valve assembly 100, it is difficult to know whether differential pressure controller 120 is functioning properly. One way to verify the functionality of differential pressure controller 120 is to measure the properties of the fluid flow. However, this requires measurement equipment and is time-consuming, which is undesirable.

[0040] Thus, the disclosed valve device 100 includes a check channel 130 configured to receive fluid from the valve inlet 111 or the valve outlet 112 when the differential pressure is above a threshold. In addition, the differential pressure controller 120 is configured to close the check channel 130 when the differential pressure is below the threshold. Thus, the presence of fluid in the check channel 130 indicates that the differential pressure is above the threshold.

[0041] The inspection passage 130 is an inlet through which fluid can enter when the differential pressure is above a threshold. When the differential pressure is below the threshold, fluid cannot enter the inspection passage 130. The inspection passage 130 allows verification of the functionality of the differential pressure controller 120 during installation and operation. The installation of a fluid distribution system may require many valve assemblies 100, and commissioning these valve assemblies 100 can be finicky. Thanks to the inspection passage 130, an operator can quickly ensure that the available differential pressure at each valve is sufficient without any tools.

[0042] The inspection channel 130 can be configured to direct fluid flow from the valve inlet 111 or the valve outlet 112 to the exterior of the valve body 110 when the differential pressure is above a threshold. When the differential pressure is above the threshold, the inspection channel 130 is accessible, and fluid will flow from the interior of the valve body 110 through the inspection channel 130 to the exterior of the valve body 110. When the differential pressure is above the threshold, the inspection channel 130 is inaccessible, and no fluid flows through the inspection channel 130. Thus, the functionality of the differential pressure controller 120 can be visually verified. If an operator sees fluid exiting the inspection channel 130, e.g., if the fluid is a liquid, that the liquid falls from the inspection channel 130, then the functionality of the differential pressure controller 120 has been verified to be functioning as intended.

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exemplary valve device 100 and Figure 4-Figure 6 The exemplary valve device 100 of FIG. 1 shows an inspection passage 130 configured to direct fluid from an interior of the valve body 110 to an exterior of the valve body 110 . Figure 3 The example valve device 100 includes an inspection channel 130 having an alternative means for visually detecting the presence of fluid in the inspection channel 130, which will be discussed in greater detail below. The presence of fluid in the inspection channel 130 can also be detected in a number of other ways. For example, the inspection channel 130 can include an electrical sensor configured to detect the presence of fluid. Such a sensor can be equipped with a light source that is configured to be on when the sensor detects fluid and to be off when the sensor does not detect fluid.

[0044] It may not be desirable to always check whether the pressure controller 120 is functioning properly. In particular, where the inspection channel 130 is arranged to direct fluid from the interior of the valve body 110 to the exterior, it may be desirable to prohibit such flow after the inspection has been performed. Therefore, the valve device 100 may include a sealing member 140 that is arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The sealing member 140 is configured in its closed position to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve body 110 via the inspection channel 130. Furthermore, the sealing member 140 is configured in its open position to allow fluid to flow out of the valve body 110 via the inspection channel 130. Thus, the sealing member 140 allows fluid flowing out of the inspection channel 130 to be blocked. The components of the sealing member 140 and / or the valve body 110 may include a gasket 242 that provides an improved seal between the components of the sealing member 140 and the valve body 110 when the sealing member 140 is in its closed position. Figure 4-Figure 6 An example of a gasket 242 disposed on the sealing member 140 is shown.

[0045] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary valve device 100 in FIG. 1 , the sealing member 140 is shown as a movable lid arranged to seal the output of the inspection channel 130 outside the valve body 110 .

[0046] exist Figure 4-Figure 6 In the exemplary valve device 100 of FIG. 1 , a sealing member 140 is rotatably disposed within the valve body 110. The exemplary sealing member 140 includes a conduit 241 extending through the sealing member 140. When the sealing member 140 is in its open position, the conduit 241 is in fluid communication with the inspection passage 130, and when the sealing member 140 is in its closed position, the conduit 241 is fluidically isolated from the inspection passage 130. When the sealing member is in its open position, fluid can flow from the interior of the valve body 110 to the exterior of the valve body via the inspection passage and the conduit 241. However, typically, the rotatable sealing member 140 does not require such a conduit. The rotatable arrangement of the sealing member 140 provides a convenient way for the operator to prevent fluid from escaping the valve body 110 via the inspection passage 130 (and via the optional conduit, if present) when desired. Furthermore, the conduit 241 allows the sealing member 140 to be moved from its open position to its closed position with only a slight rotation of the sealing member 140.

[0047] The sealing member 140 may be arranged to be manually movable between an open position and a closed position. This allows for a quick check of the functionality of the differential pressure controller 120 when required. Alternatively or in combination, the sealing member 140 may be movable by an actuator.

[0048] exist Figure 4 In , the sealing member 140 is in its closed position. Figure 5-Figure 6 , the sealing member 140 is in its closed position.

[0049] As an alternative to the inspection channel 130 being configured to guide fluid from the interior of the valve body 110 to the exterior of the valve body 110 (directly or via the conduit 241), the valve device 100 may include a movable indicator 141 arranged to be movable in the inspection channel 130. Examples of such configurations are Figure 3 As shown in FIG. Movable indicator 141 is positioned in a first position when the differential pressure is above a threshold value and in a second position when the differential pressure is below the threshold value. Movable indicator 141 is positioned such that when fluid is received in inspection passage 130, movable indicator 141 moves from the first position to the second position. The position of movable indicator 141 is configured to provide a visual indication from outside valve body 110 that the differential pressure is above the threshold value.

[0050] exist Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, movable indicator 141 includes a head 142 disposed on a shaft 143. Shaft 143 is connected to an indicator membrane 144. Shaft 143 and indicator membrane 144 are movably arranged relative to valve body 110. Indicator membrane 144 is attached to a spring member that is arranged to urge shaft 143 and indicator membrane 144 upward, as shown in the figure. When fluid enters inspection channel 130, the fluid causes pressure to be applied to the indicator membrane, thereby causing a force that pushes indicator membrane 144 downward, as shown in the figure. Valve body 110 is provided with a transparent portion 145, which allows the position of head 142 to be visually inspected. Therefore, the movement of head 142 indicates whether the differential pressure is above a threshold value.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In an alternative example to the illustrated example, the head 142 is arranged outside the valve body 110, wherein the indicator membrane 144 seals the interior of the valve body 110 from the exterior of the valve body 110. In this case, the transparent portion 145 is not required. The movable membrane 121 can be arranged to seal the channel inlet 131 of the inspection channel 130 when in its end position. In other words, the movable membrane 121 is configured to close the inspection channel 130 when the differential pressure is below a threshold value.

[0052] exist Figures 1-6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the channel inlet 131 of the inspection channel 130 is arranged such that when the movable membrane 121 is in its end position, the first membrane side 122 seals the channel inlet 131. Thus, the inspection channel 130 is configured to receive fluid from the valve inlet 111. Alternatively, the channel inlet 131 of the inspection channel 130 can be arranged such that when the movable membrane 121 is in its end position, the first membrane side 123 seals the channel inlet 131. In this case, the inspection channel 130 is configured to receive fluid from the valve outlet 112. The movable membrane 121 can advantageously provide a good seal, preventing fluid from entering the inspection channel 130. Alternatively, the differential pressure controller can include other means arranged to close the inspection channel 130 when the differential pressure falls below a threshold value, such as a member acting on the channel inlet 131 of the inspection channel 130. The member acting on the channel inlet 131 can be connected to the movable membrane 121 so that it follows the movement of the movable membrane 121.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In FIG, the movable membrane 121 is in its end position. It can be seen that the movable membrane 121 seals the channel entrance 131 of the inspection channel 130. Figure 2 In FIG, the movable membrane 121 is in the open position. It can be seen that the movable membrane 121 is arranged in a position that allows the fluid to flow out of the valve body 110 through the inspection channel 130. Similarly, in Figure 4In FIG, the movable membrane 121 is in its end position. It can be seen that the movable membrane seals the channel inlet 131 of the inspection channel 130. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the movable membrane 121 is in the open position. It can be seen that the movable membrane 121 is arranged in a position that allows the fluid to flow out of the valve body 110 via the inspection channel 130.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the sealing member 140 is in its closed position and the movable membrane 121 is in its end position.

[0055] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, sealing member 140 is in its open position. Specifically, personnel have rotated sealing member 140 to its open position, allowing fluid to flow out of valve body 110 via inspection channel 130. However, because the differential pressure is below the threshold, movable membrane 121 is in its end position and seals the channel inlet 131 of inspection channel 130 closed. Therefore, no fluid can pass through inspection channel 130, and no droplets can flow out of conduit 241 in sealing member 140.

[0056] Figure 6 Represents Figure 5 The differential pressure has been increased compared to the situation in [1]. This increase can be achieved, for example, by increasing the pump head or by reducing the upstream flow resistance. Figure 6 In the present embodiment, the differential pressure has increased to a point where it is above the threshold. In other words, the differential pressure has increased to a point where it is sufficient to overcome the force applied by the spring element 124 and any other possible frictional forces. Consequently, the movable membrane 121 is lifted from its end position, allowing fluid to flow into the channel inlet 131 of the inspection channel 130. Personnel can now notice that the differential pressure has exceeded the threshold by visually indicating that fluid (e.g., droplets of liquid, if the fluid is liquid) is flowing out of the conduit 241 in the sealing member 140.

[0057] The closing device 125 can be referred to as a first closing device. In this case, the valve device 100 can also include a control valve component 150, which is provided with a second closing device, which is configured to change the variable cross-section of the passage between the valve inlet 111 and the valve outlet 112. The second closing device has an open position and can have a closed position. In the closed position, fluid is not allowed to flow from the valve inlet 111 through the valve device 100 to the valve outlet 112. In the open position, fluid is allowed to flow through it. Suitably, the second closing device can have a position in which the second closing device is considered to be fully open, that is, a maximum defined opening area is provided through the second closing device. The degree of opening of the second closing device is suitably controlled in a spire manner. However, the degree of opening can be controlled stepwise and discretely between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0058] The second closing device may include a seat 152 and a closing member 151. In this case, the second closing device may be configured to change the variable cross-section of the passage between the valve inlet 111 and the valve outlet 112 by means of the closing member 151 acting on the seat 152. Alternatively, the second closing device may include a rotary valve, a sliding valve, or other device configured to change the variable cross-section.

[0059] The closure member 151 can be adjusted using an actuating rod 153 that passes through the valve body 110. The actuating rod 153 can also be referred to as a shaft. The actuating rod 153 can be rotated manually or by an actuator to actuate the actuating rod 153 back and forth, thereby opening and closing the second closure device. When the second closure device is closed, the amount of fluid flowing through the valve device 100 decreases. As the closure device opens, the amount of fluid flowing through the valve device 100 increases.

[0060] The valve body 110 may be provided with one or more measuring connections 260 for measuring pressure and / or temperature. The measuring connection 260 may be a measuring channel for receiving a measuring device such as, for example, a measuring probe. Examples of measuring connections 260 are shown in FIG. Figure 4-Figure 6 Shown in.

[0061] Also disclosed herein is a fluid dispensing system 300 comprising the valve arrangement 100 according to the above discussion. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid distribution system 300 is shown. More specifically, Figure 7The system includes a fluid source 310 (such as a liquid tank) and a fluid consumption point 320 (such as a radiator). With respect to the valve device 100, an upstream section (upstream) 311 is located between the valve device 100 and the fluid source 310, and a downstream section (downstream) 321 is located between the valve device 100 and the consumption point 320. Fluid is recirculated from the fluid consumption point 320 to the fluid source 310 via a return path 322.

Claims

1. A valve device (100) for controlling a fluid flow, comprising: a valve body (110) having a valve inlet (111) and a valve outlet (112), and A differential pressure controller (120) comprising a movable membrane (121), the movable membrane (121) having a first membrane side (122) and a second membrane side (123) arranged on a side opposite to the first membrane side (122), wherein the first membrane side (122) is arranged in fluid communication with the valve inlet (111), and wherein the second membrane side (123) is arranged in fluid communication with the valve outlet (112), the differential pressure controller (120) further comprising a spring element (124), the spring element ( 124) is arranged to exert a force on the movable membrane (121) and is arranged to maintain the movable membrane (121) in an end position when the differential pressure between the first membrane side and the second membrane side is below a threshold value, wherein the differential pressure controller (120) is configured so that when the differential pressure is above the threshold value, the movable membrane (121) is movable in response to the differential pressure and so that the movement of the movable membrane (121) counteracts the pressure change between the valve inlet (111) and the valve outlet (112), The valve device (100) further comprises a check channel (130), the check channel (130) being configured to receive fluid from the valve inlet (111) or the valve outlet (112) when the differential pressure is higher than the threshold value, and the differential pressure controller (120) being configured to close the check channel (130) when the differential pressure is lower than the threshold value, wherein the presence of fluid in the check channel (130) indicates that the differential pressure is higher than the threshold value.

2. The valve device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The inspection passage (130) is configured to guide the fluid flow from the valve inlet (111) or the valve outlet (112) to the outside of the valve body (110) when the differential pressure is higher than the threshold value.

3. The valve device (100) according to claim 2, further comprising a sealing member (140), the sealing member (140) being arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein The sealing member (140) is configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve body (110) via the inspection channel (130) in its closed position, and wherein the sealing member (140) is configured to allow fluid to flow out of the valve body (110) via the inspection channel (130) in its open position.

4. The valve device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The sealing member (140) is arranged to be manually movable between the open position and the closed position.

5. The valve device (100) according to any one of claims 3-4, wherein: The sealing member (140) is rotatably arranged in the valve body (110).

6. The valve device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The sealing member (140) includes a conduit (241) extending through the sealing member (140), wherein the conduit (241) is in fluid communication with the inspection channel (130) when the sealing member (140) is in its open position, and wherein the conduit (241) is fluidly isolated from the inspection channel (130) when the sealing member (140) is in its closed position.

7. The valve device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a movable indicator (141) arranged to be movable in the inspection channel (130), wherein The movable indicator (141) is arranged in a first position when the differential pressure is above the threshold value, and in a second position when the differential pressure is below the threshold value, wherein the position of the movable indicator (141) is configured to provide a visual indication from outside the valve body (110) that the differential pressure is above the threshold value.

8. The valve device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein The movable membrane (121) is arranged to seal a channel inlet (131) of the inspection channel (130) when in its end position.

9. The valve device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein The differential pressure controller (120) comprises a closing device (125) configured to change a variable cross-section of a passage between the valve inlet (111) and the valve outlet (112).

10. The valve device (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The closing device is a first closing device, and wherein the valve device (100) further comprises a control valve component (150) provided with a second closing device configured to change the variable cross-section of the passage between the valve inlet (111) and the valve outlet (112).

11. The valve device (100) according to claim 10, wherein: The second closing device comprises a seat (152) and a closing member (151), wherein the second closing device is configured to change the variable cross-section of the passage between the valve inlet (111) and the valve outlet (112) by means of the closing member (151) acting on the seat (152).

12. The valve device (100) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein: The closure member (151) is adjustable by means of an actuating stem (153) passing through the valve body (110).

13. The valve device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein The valve body (110) is provided with one or more measuring connections (260) for measuring pressure and / or temperature.

14. A fluid distribution system (300) comprising the valve device (100) according to any one of claims 1-13.

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