Check valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-return valve (100) adapted to prevent the reflux of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve (100) comprising a cone (100.1) delimited by a perforated wall (100.1b) extending between a tip (100.1a) and an open base (100.1c) and at least one separating element (100.2): the separating element (100.2) extending in the cone (100.1) being adapted to form with the wall (100.1b) at least a first compartment (100.3) and a second compartment (100.4) of said cone (100.1); the perforated wall (100.1b) has at least one first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment (100.3) and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment (100.4); the first (100.3) and second (100.4) compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base (100.1c), the opening of the base (100.1c) defining a common outlet for the first (100.3) and second (100.4) compartments.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Non-return valve technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of fluid separation devices. Prior art

[0002] In all types of industries, non-return valves exist; however, these are optimized for installation in a pipeline. Therefore, they are designed to handle a single fluid flow. If two separate fluid flows arrive, it is impossible to keep them separate; they will automatically mix with the non-return devices known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all the aforementioned drawbacks. Thus, the invention aims to provide a non-return device that separates two distinct fluid flows while preventing backflow of said fluid into the pipe. Presentation of the invention.

[0004] The invention relates to a non-return valve adapted to prevent the reflux of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve comprising a cone delimited by a perforated wall extending between a point and an open base and at least one separating element: the separating element extending in the cone being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the perforated wall comprising at least a first inlet of a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet of a fluid opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining a common outlet to the first and second compartments.

[0005] The fluid passing through the valve can be a liquid. In one embodiment, the fluid is water. In another embodiment, the fluid passing through the valve can be a gas.

[0006] The cone may have a perforated wall adapted to allow the fluid to pass through.

[0007] In one embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third, and a fourth compartment. In yet another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, and a third compartment.

[0008] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third, and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0009] The separating element can be attached to the tip of the cone. The separating element can extend to the level of the open base. The separating element can extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0010] The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along at least a portion of the wall's height.

[0011] The valve can be adapted to guide at least one flow of fluid entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a flow of fluid entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0012] Advantageously, the wall of the cone adapted to form the entrance is at least partially perforated.

[0013] In this embodiment, the cone wall adapted to form the inlet can be perforated so that the cone has a point, a ring forming a contour of the base of said cone, said point and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Thus, in this embodiment, the wall and the separating element are in contact. In this embodiment, the wall at the inlet of the first compartment is similar to the wall at the inlet of the second compartment; both are perforated except at the point and the ring forming the perimeter of the base.

[0014] It is the perforated part which can allow the passage of the fluid through the first compartment or the second compartment.

[0015] Advantageously, the wall of the cone has a mesh adapted to form the entrance.

[0016] In this embodiment, the cone comprises a tip, a ring forming a contour of the base of said cone, said tip and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Between the wall portions extends an openwork mesh. The mesh may have larger or smaller openings allowing the fluid to pass through.

[0017] Advantageously, the valve comprises at least one flexible membrane arranged against an internal face of the wall, said membrane being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip to the base of the cone.

[0018] The membrane may be made of natural rubber. In another embodiment, the membrane may be made of elastomer. In a different embodiment, the membrane may be made of fabric. The membrane may be opaque.

[0019] In the embodiment in which the wall is perforated, the membrane has a relative rigidity enabling it to maintain its shape. The membrane may have a perimeter adapted to be positioned on the inner face of the wall, that is to say, on the inner face of the ring surrounding the base.

[0020] In the embodiment in which the wall has a mesh, the membrane can be supported by said mesh.

[0021] The membrane can be flexible so that when the flow passes into the first compartment or into the second compartment, said membrane can deform to allow the fluid to pass through said compartment.

[0022] The membrane can be adapted to fit the inner face of the cone wall when the flow does not pass through the compartment.

[0023] Advantageously, the cone and the separating element cooperate with each other to hold the membrane by compression.

[0024] In this embodiment, the membrane is positioned between the inner wall of the cone and the separating element so that said separating element can firmly hold the membrane wedged between them.

[0025] Advantageously, the valve includes at least one suitable fastening means for fixing the membrane in said valve.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fastening means may include a threaded rod arranged to pass through the separating element at its axis and through the tip of the cone. The threaded rod is adapted to cooperate with a suitable nut to hold the threaded rod, the separating element, and the cone together so that the membrane can be held between said cone and said separating element, even when deformed by the passage of the flow.

[0027] Advantageously, the fastening means is mounted on at least one face of the separating element in contact with the wall of the cone.

[0028] Advantageously, the fastening means is mounted on an internal face of the cone wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, the membrane may have two lateral edges, each having at least two holes. The fastening means of this embodiment may include at least two lugs mounted on an external surface of the separating element and at least the two holes in the lateral edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so that the lugs are inserted into the holes.

[0030] In another embodiment, the membrane may have two lateral edges, each having at least two holes. The fastening means of this embodiment may include at least two lugs mounted on an inner face of the cone wall and at least two holes in the lateral edges of the membrane adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so as to hold the holes in the membrane onto the lugs.

[0031] In a different embodiment, the fastening means may include suitable adhesive for securing the membrane to the external face of the separating element. The fastening means may include suitable adhesive for securing the membrane to the internal face of the wall.

[0032] In another embodiment, the fastening means may comprise both the lugs cooperating with the holes in the membrane and the threaded rod and nut. Thus, the membrane is firmly held in position on the lugs by means of the holes. The assembly formed by the cone, the lugs, the membrane, and the separating element is held together by the cooperation of the nut and the threaded rod passing through said separating element and said cone.

[0033] Advantageously, each compartment comprises at least a portion of the flexible membrane.

[0034] In this embodiment, the valve comprises a single membrane adapted to fit the entire internal surface of the cone wall. Thus, the first inlet of the first compartment comprises a first portion of the membrane and the second inlet of the second compartment comprises a second portion of the membrane.

[0035] In an embodiment in which the valve has four compartments, there may be two embodiments of the flexible membrane, namely that each compartment may comprise a portion of the single membrane or the valve may comprise two membranes so that two side-by-side compartments each comprise a portion of the same membrane.

[0036] Advantageously, each compartment comprises a flexible membrane.

[0037] In this embodiment, each compartment may include a membrane. Thus, a valve having two compartments may include two membranes, a valve having four compartments may include four membranes.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, each membrane may have two perforations on each of its lateral edges, and the separating element may have at least two lugs on each of its faces in contact with the cone wall. Two The lugs on the same face can be adapted to receive the perforations of two membranes from two adjacent compartments.

[0039] Advantageously, the thickness of the membrane is less than 50 mm.

[0040] The thickness of the membrane can vary depending on the dimensions of the valve. The membrane can, in particular, be less than 30 mm, and especially less than 15 mm.

[0041] The thickness of the membrane can be correlated with its flexibility. The membrane must be sufficiently flexible to deform in order to allow the fluid flow to pass through. Thus, the thickness of the membrane can be correlated with the dimensions of the cone; that is to say, the smaller the cone, the thinner the membrane can be—a thickness that allows it to be both flexible and maintain its shape against the cone wall when the fluid is not passing through the compartment inlet. Conversely, the larger the cone, the thicker the membrane can be, allowing it to be flexible while maintaining its shape against the cone wall when the fluid is not passing through the compartment inlet.

[0042] Advantageously, the separating element comprises at least two concave faces delimited by at least one convex curve, said faces being arranged opposite each compartment so that the at least one curve is positioned at the junction between the concave face and the wall of the cone.

[0043] The separating element comprises, between two faces in contact with the cone wall, two concave faces. Each concave face can be adapted to receive the membrane when it deforms during the passage of the fluid flow. The concave face can have a profile adapted so that the membrane can conform to said profile when the fluid flow passes through the inlet of the compartment.

[0044] Each concave face can be delimited by a convex curve. The convex curve can be adapted to prevent the membrane from being bent and potentially damaging it. The curve can minimize the radius of curvature of the membrane when it is deformed by the passage of fluid flow. Thus, when the membrane is deformed by the passage of fluid flow through the compartment inlet, its flexibility allows it to at least partially conform to the profile of the separating element.

[0045] Advantageously, the cone has a continuous surface on an external face.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cone may have a substantially smooth external surface. Thus, the valve inlet could be mounted on a single column, and the valve can be adapted to separate two fluid flows at the valve outlet.

[0047] Advantageously, the cone comprises on an external face at least two separating members arranged in the extension of at least one separating element.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cone may have on its external surface two separating elements that can form a single piece with the cone. Thus, the inlet The valve can be mounted on two different columns, each carrying a flow distinct from the other column, each flow being able to come from either column.

[0049] In one embodiment, the two separating members can form a single piece with the cone. In another embodiment, the two separating members can form a separate piece from the cone.

[0050] The invention also relates to a column adapted to be connected to at least one unit comprising at least one first and second separate chambers each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber having a different pressure from the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber, said column comprising an inlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a first valve, an outlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a second valve, and a common portion connected to the inlet and outlet and comprising at least one turbine.The column is remarkable in that: the first and second valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first and second chambers such that: the first valve directs a fluid flow from one of the first or second chambers towards the common section, and the second valve directs a fluid flow from the common section towards the other of the first or second chamber; the turbine being mounted in the common section and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber to the second chamber and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0051] The column may be a closed element having a bore extending longitudinally through said element. The column may be arranged horizontally. The column may be substantially straight. In another embodiment, the column may be curved.

[0052] The column may include a portion with a constant diameter. In another embodiment, the column may include several sections, each having a diameter different from the other sections.

[0053] The column may have a round, oval, rectangular, or square cross-section. In one embodiment, the column may have several sections, each section having a cross-section different from an adjacent section. In another embodiment, the column may have two sections, one section having a round cross-section and one section having an oval cross-section.

[0054] The unit to which the column can be connected may contain two identical fluids in the two chambers, and the fluid in each chamber may have a different pressure than the fluid in the other chamber. In another embodiment, the unit may contain two different fluids in the two chambers, and each fluid may have a different pressure than the other fluid. The fluid may be a liquid. In one embodiment, the fluid may be water. In another embodiment, the fluid may be a gas.

[0055] In another embodiment, the unit may have four chambers. In another embodiment, the column may be connected to two units, each having two chambers.

[0056] Advantageously, the first and second valves each comprise a cone delimited by a perforated wall extending between a point and an open base and at least one separating element extending in the cone being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the perforated wall comprising at least a first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining a common outlet for the first and second compartments.

[0057] In one embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third, and a fourth compartment. In yet another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, and a third compartment.

[0058] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third, and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0059] The separating element can be attached to the tip of the cone. The separating element can extend to the level of the open base. The separating element can extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0060] The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along at least a portion of the wall's height.

[0061] The first valve located at the inlet of the column may have an inlet connected to two conduits, each connected to a chamber. The first valve located at the inlet of the column may have an outlet common to both compartments, connected to the common section. The second valve located at the outlet of the column may have an outlet connected to two conduits, each connected to a chamber. The second valve located at the outlet of the column may be connected to the section common at the level of the entrance of the first and second compartments, said entrance of the first and second compartments.

[0062] Advantageously, the first and second valves are arranged in the column, so that the flow at the inlet and outlet passes through each of said valves from the tip to the base.

[0063] The valve can be adapted to guide at least one flow of fluid entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a flow of fluid entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0064] Advantageously, the turbine is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the energy of the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0065] When the fluid flow from the first chamber passes through the inlet valve and enters the common section, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed to the second chamber through the outlet valve. Conversely, when the fluid flow from the second chamber passes through the inlet valve and enters the common section, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed to the first chamber through the outlet valve. The common section may include a turbine arranged so that the fluid flow from one chamber to the other can pass through the turbine and cause it to rotate.

[0066] Advantageously, the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber are in the same direction.

[0067] The flow from the first chamber towards the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber towards the first chamber must necessarily pass through the column from the inlet, cross the common section, and head towards the outlet. This movement can be controlled by means of valves located at the inlet and outlet of the column, the structure of which can prevent flow from moving in the opposite direction.

[0068] Advantageously, the column includes an alternator coupled to the turbine and includes a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy.

[0069] The turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the alternator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into energy electrical. Thus, in this embodiment, the alternator can produce voltage only when needed.

[0070] The control unit is adapted to control the alternator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly into the electrical network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0071] Advantageously, the column includes a generator arranged to cooperate with the turbine and a control unit adapted to control said generator to produce electrical energy.

[0072] The turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the generator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy, the generator being able to be adapted to regulate the necessary voltage.

[0073] The control unit is adapted to control the generator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly into the electrical network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0074] Advantageously, the column includes a pump coupled to the turbine and the turbine is adapted to implement said pump to pressurize a fluid.

[0075] Another aspect of the invention relates to a unit intended to be installed in an aquatic environment comprising a column connected to said unit.

[0076] Advantageously, the unit includes at least one wave energy converter.

[0077] The wave energy converter may include a floating energy generator whose energy production is achieved through the cascading motion of said device on the water. The device may, in particular, include a cylinder comprising energy production means, namely the column and connecting means attached to anchors, the connecting means being crossed.

[0078] The cylinder may have an internal annular volume containing a liquid fluid in its lower part, for example, water, which only partially fills the lower annular volume. The liquid fluid can then move freely within the cylinder, while a gaseous fluid, for example, air, is located above it. Two chambers may be formed within the annular volume by using a partition, each chamber having a free surface of the liquid fluid. Thus, the two chambers can be formed between the free surface of the liquid fluid and the partition. The column can be mounted on an external face of the cylinder at the level of the partition. When the cylinder undergoes a cavalry motion due to wave propagation, it can then rotate about the cylinder's axis of revolution.When the cylinder is subjected to rotations due to swell, the liquid fluid remains in the lower part of the cylinder, but the support partition attached to the outer wall forming the cylinder changes from a nearly vertical position to an inclined position. Thus, the support partition moves closer to the liquid fluid on one side and away from the liquid fluid on the other. On the other side, the movement of the support partition towards the liquid fluid in one of the two chambers causes compression of the gaseous fluid, and the movement of the support partition away from the liquid fluid in the other chamber causes a depression of the gaseous fluid. More precisely, during rotation, one chamber can be compressed and the other decompressed, and when the rotation is reversed, the compressed chamber can then be decompressed and the decompressed chamber can be compressed. The compressions and decompressions, generated by the cylinder's movement and therefore its rotation, induce circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid, namely, through the column.The only passage being formed by the column containing the turbine connected to the current generator or the alternator or the pump depending on the embodiment, the turbine can then be driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and drive the production of electricity by the generator or the alternator or the production of pressurized water by the pump. Brief description of the figures.

[0079] Other advantages and features of the present invention are now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0080] [Fig-1] represents a schematic front view of a valve base according to a mode of the realization of the invention.

[0081] [Fig.2] represents a schematic profile view of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] [Fig.3] represents a schematic front view of a tip of a valve according to one embodiment.

[0083] [Fig.4] represents a schematic perspective view of a valve according to another embodiment.

[0084] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of a method of implementation.

[0085] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a valve 100 according to one embodiment. The valve 100 is also described in relation to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, which respectively show a front view of a base 100.1c and a tip 100.1a of a valve 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a valve 100 according to another embodiment.

[0086] Figures [1] to [4] describe a non-return valve 100 adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid into a closed pipe. The fluid passing through the valve 100 is a gas, in particular air.

[0087] The valve 100 comprises a cone 100.1 delimited by a wall 100.1b extending between a tip 100.1a and an open base 100.1c. The valve 100 comprises a separating element 100.2 extending within the cone 100.1. The separating element 100.2 is adapted to form with the wall 100.1b a first compartment 100.3 and a second compartment 100.4. The separating element 100.2 is adapted to prevent any communication between the first 100.3 and the second 100.4 compartments through said separating element 100.2.

[0088] The separating element 100.2 is joined to the tip of the cone 100.1. The separating element 100.2 extends to the level of the open base 100.1c. The separating element 100.2 extends in a plane containing the axis of the cone 100.1.

[0089] The separating element 100.2 is joined to the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 over the entire height of the wall 100.1b from the tip 100.1a to the base 100.1c.

[0090] The separating element 100.2 has two faces in contact with the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 and two concave faces 100.2a. The two concave faces 100.2a of the separating element 100.2 are each delimited by a convex rounded edge 100.2b. The two concave faces 100.2a are arranged opposite each compartment so that each rounded edge 100.2b is positioned at the junction between the concave face 100.2a and the face opposite the wall of the cone 100.1

[0091] The wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 is partially perforated to allow the fluid to pass through. The wall 100.1b has a first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment 100.3 and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment 100.4. The first 100.3 and the second 100.4 compartments are arranged so that they open onto the base 100.1c, the opening of the base 100.1c defining a common outlet for the first 100.3 and the second 100.4 compartments.

[0092] The wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 adapted to form the inlet is perforated so that the cone 100.1 has a point 100.1a, a ring 100.1d, 101.1d forming a contour of the base 100.1c of said cone 100.1, said point 100.1a and said ring 100.1d, 101.1d being connected by two portions of wall 100.1b arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element 100.2. The wall 100.1b and the separating element 100.2 are in contact. Wall 100.1b at the inlet of the first compartment 100.3 is similar to the inlet wall of the second compartment 100.4; both are partially perforated. Between the sections of wall 100.1b, there is an openwork mesh. The mesh has openings adapted to allow fluid to pass through either the first compartment 100.3 or the second compartment 100.4.

[0093] The valve 100 is adapted to guide a flow of fluid entering said valve 100 through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment 100.3 without passing through the second compartment 100.4 and to guide another flow of fluid entering the valve 100 through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment 100.4 without passing through the first compartment 100.3.

[0094] The valve 100 comprises two flexible membranes 100.5 arranged against an inner face of the wall 100.1b, each of the membranes 100.5 being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip 100.1a to the base 100.1c of the cone 100.1. Thus, each compartment 100.3; 100.4 comprises a membrane 100.5. The membrane 100.5 is opaque.

[0095] The membrane 100.5 has relative rigidity enabling it to maintain its shape. The membrane 100.5 is supported by the mesh of the wall 100.1b. The membrane 100.5 is flexible so that when the flow passes through the first compartment 100.3 or the second compartment 100.4, said membrane 100.5 deforms to allow the fluid to pass through said compartment 100.3; 100.4. The membrane 100.5 is adapted to conform to the inner face of the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 when the flow does not pass through the compartment 100.3; 100.4.

[0096] Each concave face 100.2a of the separating element 100.2 is adapted to receive the membrane 100.5 when the latter deforms during the passage of the fluid flow. The concave face 100.2a has a profile adapted so that the membrane 100.5 conforms to said profile when the fluid flow passes through the inlet of the compartment 100.3; 100.4.

[0097] Each convex rounded edge 100.2b of the separating element 100.2 is designed to prevent the membrane 100.5 from being bent and damaged. The rounded edge 100.2b minimizes the radius of curvature of the membrane 100.5 when it is deformed by the passage of fluid flow. Thus, when the membrane 100.5 is deformed by the passage of fluid flow through the inlet of compartment 100.3; 100.4, its flexibility allows it to at least partially conform to the profile of said separating element 100.2.

[0098] The thickness of the membrane 100.5 varies according to the dimensions of the valve 100. The thickness of the membrane 100.5 is correlated with its flexibility. The membrane 100.5 must be sufficiently flexible to deform in order to allow the fluid flow to pass through, while also having a certain rigidity that allows it to maintain its shape at rest, namely when it is against the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1. Thus, the thickness of the membrane 100.5 is correlated with the dimensions of the cone 100.1; that is to say, the smaller the cone 100.1, the thinner the membrane 100.5, i.e., a thickness that allows it to be both flexible and maintain its shape when at rest, and the larger the cone 100.1, the thicker the membrane 100.5. includes a thickness enabling it to be flexible while maintaining its shape against the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 when said membrane 100.5 is at rest.

[0099] The cone 100.1 and the separating element 100.2 cooperate with each other to hold the membrane 100.5 by compression.

[0100] The membrane 100.5 is positioned between the inner wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 and the separating element 100.2 so that said separating element 100.2 can firmly hold the membrane 100.5 wedged against the cone 100.1.

[0101] The cone 100.1 includes a fastening means (not shown) comprising a threaded rod arranged to pass through the separating element 100.2 at its axis and to pass through the tip 100.1a of the cone 100.1. The threaded rod is adapted to cooperate with a nut adapted to hold together the threaded rod, the separating element 100.2 and the cone 100.1 so that the membrane 100.5 is held between said cone 100.1 and said separating element 100.2 including when said membrane 100.5 is deformed by the passage of the flow.

[0102] In the embodiment described in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], and [Fig. 3], the cone 100.1 has a continuous surface on one outer face of the wall 100.1b. In this embodiment, the cone 100.1 has a substantially smooth outer surface. Thus, the inlet of the valve 100 is mounted on a single column, and the valve 100 can be adapted to separate two fluid flows at the outlet of the valve 100.

[0103] In the embodiment described in [Fig.4], the cone 100.1 has on the outer face of the wall 100.1b, two separating members 100.6 arranged in line with the separating element 100.2. The two separating members 100.6 form a single piece with the cone 100.1. Thus, the inlet of the valve 100 is mounted on two different columns, each having a flow distinct from the other column, each flow coming from one or the other of the columns.

[0104] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely to provide a non-return device making it possible to separate two distinct fluid flows while preventing a backflow of said fluid in the pipe, by providing a non-return valve adapted to prevent the reflux of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve comprising a cone delimited by a perforated wall extending between a point and an open base and at least one separating element: the separating element extending in the cone being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the perforated wall comprising at least a first inlet of a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet of a fluid opening into the second compartment;the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining a common exit for the first and second compartments. ;

[0105] In any event, the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically feasible combination of these means. In particular, one may consider:

[0106] - The fluid passing through the valve can be a liquid;

[0107] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartments;

[0108] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element;

[0109] - the separating element can be joined to the wall of the cone over at least a portion of the height of the wall;

[0110] - the membrane can be made of natural rubber;

[0111] - the membrane can be made of elastomer;

[0112] - the membrane can be made of fabric;

[0113] - the membrane may have two lateral edges, each having at least two holes.

[0114] - the fastening means may comprise at least two lugs mounted on a surface external of the separating element and at least the two holes in the lateral edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs; thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so that the lugs are inserted into the holes;

[0115] - the fastening means may include suitable adhesive to hold the membrane on the external face of the separating element. The fixing means may include suitable adhesive to hold the membrane on the internal face of the wall.

[0116] - the fastening means may include both the lugs of the fastening element cooperating with the perforations in the membrane and the threaded rod and nut; thus, the membrane is held firmly in position on the separating element by the cooperation of the lugs and the perforations; the assembly formed by the membrane and the separating element is mounted in the cone by the cooperation of the nut and the threaded rod passing through said separating element and said cone.

[0117] - the valve comprises a single membrane adapted to fit the entire internal surface of the cone wall; thus, the first entrance of the first compartment comprises a first portion of the membrane and the second entrance of the second compartment comprises a second portion of the membrane; each membrane may have two perforations on each of its lateral edges and the element of The separation may have at least two lugs on each of its faces in contact with the cone wall. Two lugs on the same face may be adapted to receive the perforations of two membranes from two adjacent compartments;

[0118] - in an embodiment in which the valve has four compartments, There can be two embodiments of the flexible membrane, namely that each compartment can comprise a portion of the single membrane or the valve can comprise two membranes so that two side-by-side compartments each comprise a portion of the same membrane;

[0119] - a valve comprising four compartments may comprise four membranes;

[0120] - the thickness of the membrane can be less than 50 mm.

Claims

Demands

1. A non-return valve (100) adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid into a closed pipe, said valve (100) comprising a cone (100.1) delimited by a perforated wall (100.1b) extending between an open tip (100.1a) and a base (100.1c) and at least one separating element (100.2): • the separating element (100.2) extending in the cone (100.1) being adapted to form with the wall (100.1b) at least a first compartment (100.3) and a second compartment (100.4) of said cone (100); • the perforated wall (100.1b) comprising at least a first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment (100.3) and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment (100.4); • the first (100.3) and second (100.4) compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base (100.1c), the opening of the base (100.1c) defining a common exit to the first (100.3) and second (100.4) compartments; • said valve (100) comprises at least one flexible membrane (100.5) arranged against an inner face of the wall (100.1b), said membrane (100.5) being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip (100.1a) to the base (100.1c) of the cone (100.1), said membrane having a thickness of less than 50 mm.

2. Valve (100) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the wall (100.1b) of the cone (100.1) adapted to form the inlet is at least partially perforated.

3. Valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one suitable fastening means for fixing the membrane (100.5) in said valve (100).

4. Valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each compartment (100.3; 100.4) comprises at least one portion of the flexible membrane (100.5).

5. Valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each compartment (100.3; 100.4) comprises a flexible membrane (100.5).

6. Valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the separating element (100.2) comprises at least two concave faces (100.2a) delimited by at least one convex curve (100.2b), said faces (100.2a) being arranged opposite each compartment (100.3; 100.4) so ​​that the at least one curve (100.2b) is positioned at the junction between the concave face (100.2a) and the wall (100.1b) of the cone (100.1).

7. Valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cone (100.1) has on an external face a continuous surface.

8. Valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cone (100.1) has on an external face at least two separating members (100.6) arranged in the extension of at least one separating element (100.2).

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