Patent GB-190317554-A (GB)
Title: An Improved Method of Opening and Closing Valves.
Inventor: SEATON ALBERT EDWARD
Filed: 1903-08-13
Granted: 1904-03-10
Abstract: 17,554. Seaton, A. E. Aug. 13. Actuating valves; lift valves; spindles.- Relates to a device for actuating large valves for controlling the flow of high-pressure fluids, whether liquid or gaseous, in which the motive force is obtained by fluid pressure on a piston rigidly connected with the valve, the actuating- fluid being controlled by an auxiliary handoperated valve, which is automatically returned to mid-position by the movement of the main valve. According to Fig. 1 the opening and closing of the main valve V is controlled by a valve E, which admits high-pressure liquid above or below a piston P, rigidly attached to the main valve-spindle Sand working in a cylinder C. Holes H are provided in the main valve to ensure that the pressure above and below the main valve is always the same. The controlling-valve E is moved by means of a lever K, operated through a link L, by a sleeve N on the valve-spindle. The sleeve N is carried up and down the spindle S by a hollow nut M, which is screwed on to a threaded extension of the spindle. Lugs F, J, adapted to slide on guides, are provided on the sleeve N, and spindle S, respectively, to prevent them from turning, and stops U, X are provided to limit the longitudinal movement. The hollow nut M is turned by means of a spindle W and hand-wheel Z. The amount of actuating- liquid passing to or from the cylinder C, through the passages T1, T2 is regulated by plug valves R. Instead of the valve E shown, a slide valve may be employed, actuated directly from the sleeve N. Any movement of the main valve resulting from the action of the actuating fluid automatically returns the valve E to mid-position. If the main valve does not respond to the movement of the controlling-valve, the hand-wheel Z may be rotated until the lugs F come up against the stops U, when the spindle S will be drawn down through the nut M. Similarly the main valve may be closed by hand if necessary. In the valve shown, in Fig. 4, a piston B, of greater diameter than the valve, is attached to the main valve, and the valve-spindle is continued upwards and formed with an enlarged portion D. In both this and the valve above described the elbow e is the outlet. In this modification the high-pressure fluid, the flow of which is to be controlled by the main valve, is utilized as the actuating-fluid, and when such fluid is gaseous, a cataract arrangement of a piston P and cylinder C is employed to steady the motion. The cylinder C may be filled with water, glycerine, oil, &c. If a liquid is passing through the valve, the cataract cylinder may be dispensed with. A passage I connects the space below the piston B with the actuating pressure fluid or with a lowpressure exhaust, or shuts the space off, according to the position of the valve E, which is operated as described above. To open the valve, the space below the piston is connected with the exhaust, and steam pressure acting on the area by which the piston B exceeds the main valve causes the main valve to open. To close the valve, pressure fluid is admitted below the piston B, and the pressures above and below the valves being balanced, the valve closes due to the pressure fluid acting on the enlarged part of the spindle. If necessary, after the main valve is closed, the valve E may be put into such a position as to maintain pressure fluid below the piston B. The valve may be operated by hand if it fails to respond to the movement of the valve E.