Patent ID: 7055808
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B01F,C23C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A vaporizer for vaporizing a liquid and mixing the vaporized liquid with a carrier gas, said vaporizer comprising: a valve body defining a control valve cavity having a first aperture and a third aperture; a valve seat in which a second aperture is formed through which the liquid flows at a flow rate, said second aperture having a central axis; a gas inlet port for receiving said carrier gas, said gas inlet port connected to said first aperture through a first fluid channel; a liquid inlet port for receiving the liquid, said liquid inlet port connected to said second aperture through a second fluid channel; a valve mechanism including a valve element disposed adjacent to and opposite said valve seat and forming a valve region circumscribing said second aperture, said valve region having a larger width than said second aperture as measured in a radial direction from said central axis, said valve element being continuously adjustable by said valve mechanism over a continuous range of settings between and including a fully closed position and a fully open position so as to variably control the flow rate of the liquid out of said second aperture into said valve cavity; and an outlet port connected to said third aperture through a third fluid channel, wherein during operation the liquid supplied through said liquid inlet port is injected through said second aperture, flows radially away from the central axis of the second aperture, vaporizes in said valve cavity, mixes with said carrier gas, and is carried out of said vaporizer through said outlet port.