Abstract:
The invention relates to a fluid distribution apparatus and method. The various embodiments of the fluid distribution apparatus comprise a core and a housing by which at least two input fluid streams may be selectively directed through two or more input ports to two or more output ports such that external attachments to the apparatus may remain substantially fixed and whereby substantially no input port or output port is left unused.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of fluid exchange, and more particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving multi-port fluid distribution. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    With heightened requirements for maximizing space, minimizing idle pipe structure, minimizing the number of necessary piping connections, and minimizing process error, an increased need has developed for devices that can easily and efficiently operate as fluid flow and exchange devices. Such devices are used in a wide array of industries. Fluid flow and exchange devices are commonly used in the chemical-related industries because multiple streams of various fluids must often be managed, directed, and safely contained in a labyrinth of piping or similar conduit structures. A device commonly used in the structure of such fluid systems is a multi-port valve. 
         [0003]    In many industries, multiple fluid streams are directed to varying destinations based on a schedule or “duty.” Each physical point at which one or more fluids are re-directed to a new destination could be thought of as an exchanging hub. With an increasing number of fluid streams to be exchanged comes a dramatic increase in exchanging hub complexity. Increases in exchanging hub complexity require an increase in the number of multi-port valves used, thereby taking up a great deal of space because of extra piping and increasing the chance for errors during a when fluid stream paths are alternated. 
         [0004]    One example of such use of multi-port valves includes the use in ion exchange reaction systems. Often, multiple ion exchange columns will be used simultaneously in a parallel formation and series operation. A three-column system is commonly employed. While a first column is exchanging ions with a feed material (“feed” step), a second column may be undergoing a reconditioning step (in parallel), while the third column performs a “polishing” step (in series with the first column). When the feed step is substantially complete, the first column must then undergo a reconditioning step. After the reconditioning step, the first column performs the polishing step, and then the cycle begins again. To maximize efficiency, the feed, recondition, and polishing steps are simultaneously performed in a stepwise fashion in one of the three columns, thereby minimizing down time for each column. The valves progress or “rotate” through the cycle of steps repeatedly in this example. This rotation is often called a “duty cycle.” 
         [0005]    Continuing with the example above, a minimum of twelve traditional multi-port valves, each with one inlet port and four outlet ports, are required for a three-column ion exchange system. If single port valves were used, over thirty valves would be required. In either case, the opportunity for error is heightened because of the large number of valves necessary to rotate the process through the required duty cycle. Moreover, with an increased number of valves comes an increase in piping and the undesirable presence of idle piping (commonly referred to as “deadlegs”). 
         [0006]    Many industries utilize processes that require a duty rotation of fluid streams through piping systems. In these industries as well as in the ion exchange example given above, there is a need to, inter alia, minimize the number of multi-port valves in order to maximize space, decrease the potential for errors, and minimize undesirable deadlegs. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]    The present invention is an apparatus and method that satisfies this need. More specifically, various embodiments of the invention are directed to a valve that includes a core and a housing. The housing covers part or substantially all of the core. The core contains a plurality of cavities and a plurality of openings. The cavities are connected to the openings by a plurality of conduits. Each cavity remains in fluid communication with a separate opening via an individual conduit. 
         [0008]    The housing includes a plurality of primary ports and a plurality of secondary ports. The primary ports correspond with the plurality of cavities. Each primary port remains in constant fluid communication with a separate cavity. The secondary ports correspond with the plurality of openings. Unlike the primary ports, the secondary ports do not remain in constant fluid communication with a specific opening. In contrast, the core and housing unite relative to one another such that the secondary ports are in transient fluid communication with the openings. More specifically, a first secondary port will remain in fluid communication with a first opening for a temporary period of time, the core and the housing will move relative to another, and then the first secondary port will be in temporary fluid communication with a second opening. In a preferred embodiment, the number of openings is equal to the number of secondary ports. It should be understood that the relative movement described above between the core and the housing does not require that both the core and the housing be moved relative to a third body. Rather, the core may be moveable within a stationary housing or, vice versa, the housing may be moveable about a stationary core. 
         [0009]    The embodiment of the invention described above allows for a plurality of inlet streams to enter the valve housing via the plurality of primary ports. Those same respective streams exit the valve through the secondary ports. However, the valve allows for a first stream initially traveling into a first primary port and out of a first secondary port to be re-directed from out of the first secondary port to out of a second secondary port. The first stream remains in fluid communication with the first primary port during the entire process. At the same time, the valve allows for a second stream initially traveling into a second primary port and out of the second secondary port to be re-directed from out of the second secondary port to out of a third secondary port (or back to the first secondary port, depending on how many primary ports and secondary ports are used with the given application). The second stream remains in fluid communication with the second primary port during the entire process. Because the primary ports stay in constant fluid communication with the plurality of first cavities, there is no need to move or change fluid lines carrying streams to the valve; these lines can remain attached to their respective primary port at all times. Similarly, lines connected to the secondary ports can remain attached to their respective secondary port at all times because the valve can redirect the respective flows of the streams to each line according to a desired sequential duty rotation. 
         [0010]    If a particular duty rotation requires three separate sequential steps, an embodiment of the invention can be selected including a valve with three primary ports and three secondary ports. Similarly, if a particular duty rotation requires X separate sequential steps, an embodiment of the invention can be selected including a valve with X primary ports and X secondary ports. It should be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the number of steps in a duty rotation does not necessarily correspond with the number of primary ports, cavities, conduits, openings, and secondary ports needed on a valve as described in this disclosure. An embodiment with X primary ports and Y secondary ports could be employed. For example, a four-part duty cycle may require a first input stream of Material A to be introduced into a system every other step. A stream of Material B may be required every fourth step and a stream of Material C may be required every fourth step. The pattern would, therefore, be as follows: Material A, Material B, Material A, Material C. In such a system, only three primary ports and three cavities would be required. However, four conduits, four openings, and four secondary ports would be required. 
         [0011]    The present invention is also directed to a fluid distribution and processing apparatus that satisfies the general needs described above in the context of ion exchange systems and the use of a duty rotation. One embodiment of the distribution and processing apparatus includes a portion of a three-column ion exchange system that undergoes a three-part duty rotation including the sequential steps of Feed, Recondition, and Polish. 
         [0012]    The system using the method of this embodiment of the invention includes three supply streams named for each duty: “Feed,” “Recondition,” and “Polish.” Each individual supply stream is directed to three separate primary ports located on the housing of a first valve. The first valve is a valve like the valves described in other embodiments of the invention. Feed is directed to a first primary port, Recondition is directed to a second primary port, and Polish (Feed effluent) is directed to a third primary port. For example, in a first step of the three-part duty rotation cycle, Feed flows into the first primary port, into a first cavity, through a first conduit, out of a first opening, and out of a first secondary port to a first column in the ion exchange process. At substantially the same time, Recondition flows into the second primary port, into a second cavity, through a second conduit, out of a second opening, and out of a second secondary port to a second column in the ion exchange process. At substantially the same time, Polish flows into the third primary port, into a third cavity, through a third conduit, out of a third opening, and out of a third secondary port to a third column in the ion exchange process. 
         [0013]    As the Feed flows through the first column, Recondition flows through the second column and Polish flows through the third column. The outflows of each column are directed to a second valve. In this example, a first Feed Effluent flows from the first column (becoming the Polish for the third column), a first Recondition Effluent flows from the second column, and a first Polish Effluent flows from the third column. 
         [0014]    The second valve is substantially identical to the first valve; however, the respective flows through the second valve move through the second valve in the opposite manner than with the first valve. For clarity in this example, components that are meant to designate the first valve will be designated by “(V 1 )” and components that are meant to designate the second valve will be designated by “(V 2 ).” More specifically, the first column effluent is directed to a first secondary port of (V 2 ). The second column effluent is directed to a second secondary port (V 2 ). The third column effluent is directed to a third secondary port (V 2 ). The respective effluent streams of each column are not only identified by the column that they came from but by the particular step in the duty cycle or “batch” from which the effluent streams were generated. This will become more apparent as various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail. 
         [0015]    The first column effluent flows through the first secondary port (V 2 ), a first opening (V 2 ), a first conduit (V 2 ), a first cavity (V 2 ), and a first primary port (V 2 ). The second column effluent flows through the second secondary port (V 2 ), a second opening (V 2 ), a second conduit (V 2 ), a second cavity (V 2 ), and a second primary port (V 2 ). The third column effluent flows through the third secondary port (V 2 ), a third opening (V 2 ), a third conduit (V 2 ), a third cavity (V 2 ), and a third primary port (V 2 ). Feed effluent, the contents of the first batch of the first column effluent, is distributed from the first primary port (V 2 ) directly to the first primary port (V 1 ) (or, alternatively, to a Feed effluent collection chamber). Recondition effluent, the contents of the first batch of the second column effluent, is distributed from the second primary port (V 2 ) to a Recondition effluent collection chamber. Polish effluent, the contents of the first batch of the third column effluent, is distributed from the third primary port (V 2 ) to a Polish effluent collection chamber. 
         [0016]    When the time comes for the ion exchange system to change duties for each ion exchange column, the core and the housing of the first valve are moved relative to each other to accomplish the following: Feed continues to be directed to the first primary port, Recondition continues to be directed to the second primary port, and Polish (Feed effluent) continues to be directed to the third primary port. Feed flows into the first primary port, into the first cavity, through the first conduit, out of the first opening, and out of the third secondary port to the third column in the ion exchange process. At the same time, Recondition flows into the second primary port, into the second cavity, through the second conduit, out of the second opening, and out of the first secondary port to the first column in the ion exchange process. At the same time, Polish (Feed effluent) flows into the third primary port, into the third cavity, through the third conduit, out of the third opening, and out of the second secondary port to the second column in the ion exchange process. As the Feed flows through the third column, Recondition flows through the first column, and Polish flows through the second column, the outflows of each column are directed to the second valve. 
         [0017]    When the time comes for the ion exchange system to change duties for each ion exchange column and substantially when the first valve is manipulated, the core and the housing of the second valve are moved relative to each other to accomplish the following: The first column effluent continues to be directed to the first secondary port (V 2 ). The second column effluent continues to be directed to the second secondary port (V 2 ). The third column effluent continues to be directed to the third secondary port (V 2 ). The first column effluent flows through the first secondary port (V 2 ), the third opening (V 2 ), the third conduit (V 2 ), the third cavity (V 2 ), and the third primary port (V 2 ). The second column effluent flows through the second secondary port (V 2 ), the first opening (V 2 ), the first conduit (V 2 ), the first cavity (V 2 ), and the first primary port (V 2 ). The third column effluent flows through the second secondary port (V 2 ), the second opening (V 2 ), the second conduit (V 2 ), the second cavity (V 2 ), and the second primary port (V 2 ). Feed effluent from the second batch is no longer in the first column effluent because the Feed was directed to the third column in this batch. Similarly, Recondition effluent is now in the first column effluent. Polish effluent is now in the second column effluent. Therefore, Polish effluent is distributed from the third primary port (V 2 ) to a Polish effluent collection chamber. Feed effluent is distributed from the first primary port (V 2 ) directly to the third primary port (V 1 ) (or, alternatively, to a Feed effluent collection chamber). Recondition effluent is distributed from the second primary port (V 2 ) to a Recondition effluent collection chamber. 
         [0018]    Hence, this embodiment of the invention illustrates a distribution and processing apparatus that significantly reduces the number of valves needed to perform the three-part duty rotation as described above. Instead of a minimum of twelve single input three output multi-port valves or over thirty single input single output valves, only two valves are required. Those skilled in the art appreciate that different embodiments of the invention may use a first and a second valve with more than (or less than) three primary ports, cavities, conduits, openings, and secondary ports. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0019]    Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale, so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a cutaway view looking from the side of a housing and a view of a core of a valve. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a view looking from the side of a core. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a side view looking at the outside of a housing, comprising a part of one of the embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a side view looking at the outside of a housing. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a view looking down at the top of a core. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of prior art apparatus utilizing three ion exchange reactors in parallel formation. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an apparatus utilizing one of the embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a cutaway view looking from the side of a housing and a view of a core. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a view looking from the side of a core. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a method illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    An overview of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 1 , displaying a distribution valve  100 . The valve includes a core  102  and a housing  104 . In this embodiment, the housing  104  substantially covers the core  102 . The core  102  includes a first cavity  106   a , a second cavity  106   b , and a third cavity  106   c . The core also includes a first conduit  108   a , a second conduit  108   b , and a third conduit  108   c . Additionally, the core includes a first opening  110   a,  a second opening  110   b,  and a third opening  110   c.    
         [0031]    The housing  104  includes a first primary port  112   a , a second primary port  112   b , and a third primary port  112   c . The housing  104  also includes a first secondary port  114   a , a second secondary port  114   b , and a third secondary port  114   c.    
         [0032]    For the purposes of this embodiment and all other embodiments discussed herein, the definitions for noted terms shall apply as follows:
       a. Pipe: the term “pipe” or any version thereof is meant to be understood in a broad sense to include the concept of a passageway, conduit, tube channel, duct, or other similar structure. Moreover, the term is meant to encompass such structures of various sizes including very massive and lengthy structures as well as very small structures and short structures. The term pipe is not meant to be limited to any type of material unless otherwise disclosed in this detailed description.   b. Vertical: the term “vertical” or any other version thereof is not meant to be limited to a particular orientation. The term is used herein to aid the reader at setting a particular frame of reference with the figures provided.   c. Elevation: the term “elevation” or any other version thereof is not meant to be limited to a particular orientation. The term is used herein to aid the reader at setting and gauging a particular frame of reference with the figures provided.   d. Solution: the term “solution” is not meant to be limited to common notions of a specific type of mixture containing a solute and solvent. Rather, the term should be interpreted herein to encompass any type of liquid mixture, regardless of whether a physically defined solute and solvent are actually present.   e. Fluid: the term “fluid” as used herein is meant to connote a broad definition including any type of matter capable of behaving in a flexible, fluid manner.   f. And: the term “and” as used herein is meant to connote the dictionary meanings of both the terms “and” and “or.” For example, use of the term “and” essentially means “and/or.”       
 
         [0039]    Referring back to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the core  102  is a tapered plug-like object that fits within the housing  104  such that the core  102  and the housing  104  may be rotated relative to one another.  FIG. 2  displays the core  102  by itself without the housing  104 . The core  102  may be made of a variety of different materials depending on the particular application for which the distribution valve  100  is being used. For example, low pressure and ambient temperature applications may allow for the valve  100  to be made of polymers or even more brittle materials. High pressure applications with corrosive fluids may require heavy duty plastic or rubber materials. High pressure or high temperature applications may require one of many metal compositions, including a wide array of metal alloys. In summary, the material used as the core  102  may contain or be made of any number of different materials or material combinations now known or later developed as long as the core is able to function properly as described herein. Though the cavities  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c  are defined along the core  102  in this particular embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the cavities in other embodiments may be defined wholly along a corresponding housing. Alternatively, cavities found in another embodiment may be partially defined in a core and partially defined in a corresponding housing. In still another embodiment, the cavities could be located partially in a seal or “seat” between a core and a housing. 
         [0040]    The housing  104 , like the core  102 , may be made of a number of different types of materials or material combinations. The primary requirement for choice of material is whether the housing  104  can function properly when used with applications similar to those described or inferred herein. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the primary ports  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  are shown as short passageways with fluid communication with the first cavities  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the primary ports  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  protrude out from the outer surface of the housing  104  to allow for a pipe or other structure to be attached. The primary ports  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  extend and are aligned in a linear vertical fashion in this particular embodiment. In a related embodiment,  FIG. 4  shows a housing  204  on which all of three primary ports  212   a ,  212   b , and  212   c  are not vertically aligned with one another.  FIG. 4  also shows secondary ports  214   b  and  214   c  at the same elevation along the housing  204 . 
         [0041]    It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the primary ports in various embodiments of the invention may be aligned in any fashion with one another depending on the requirements of the particular application as long as the cavities (like  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c ) that correspond to the primary ports (like  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c ) are vertically separate and substantially no fluid mixing occurs between the cavities (like  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c ). It should also be understood that that the protrusion of the primary ports  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  is not a requisite of the invention. The protruding characteristic of the primary ports  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  is merely shown as a characteristic of these particular embodiments. Other embodiments may not include primary ports that protrude from the housing. Moreover, the outer shape of the housing  104  (or  204 ) may vary significantly in various embodiments as long as the valve  100  functions in a manner as described herein. 
         [0042]    With reference back to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the cavities  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c  are located at different elevations along the outer surface of the core  102 . The cavities  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c  are substantially annular spaces, each of which remains in substantially continuous fluid communication with one of the primary ports  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c . For example, as the core  102  and the housing  104  rotate relative to one another, cavity  106   a  remains in fluid communication with primary port  112   a , cavity  106   b  remains in fluid communication with primary port  112   b , and cavity  106   c  remains in fluid communication with primary port  112   c . The housing  104  and the core  102  are oriented and spaced with one another so that substantially no fluid from a particular cavity ( 106   a ,  106   b , or  106   c ) mixes with the fluid in a separate cavity ( 106   a ,  106   b , or  106   c ). In this particular embodiment, at least one layer of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) is located at the interface between the core  102  and the housing  104  to act as a seal (commonly referred to as a “seat”), minimizing intermixing between cavities  106   a ,  106   b , and  106   c . However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more materials other than or in addition to Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) could be used in other embodiments as sealing aids to minimize intermixing between the applicable first cavities including, but not limited to, Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE). 
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a first conduit  108   a , a second conduit  108   b , and a third conduit  108   c  are located within the core  102 . The first conduit  108   a  has a first end  116   a  and a second end  116   b . The first end  116   a  is connected to the first cavity  106   a  and the second end  116   b  is connected to the first opening  110   a , thereby allowing fluid communication between the first primary port  112   a  and the first opening  110   a.  The second conduit  108   b  has a first end  118   a  and a second end  118   b . The first end  118   a  is connected to the second cavity  106   b  and the second end  118   b  is connected to the second opening  110   b,  thereby allowing fluid communication between the second primary port  112   b  and the second opening  110   b.  The third conduit  108   c  has a first end  120   a  and a second end  120   b . The first end  120   a  is connected to the third cavity  106   c  and the second end  120   b  is connected to the third opening  110   c,  thereby allowing fluid communication between the third primary port  112   c  and the third opening  110   c.  The conduits  108   a ,  108   b , and  108   c  described in this embodiment are essentially passageways that connect the cavities ( 106   a ,  106   b , or  106   c ) to the openings ( 110   a ,  110   b , or  110   c ), respectively. 
         [0044]    The openings  110   a,    110   b,  and  110   c  are located at substantially the same elevation with one another as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the openings  110   a,    110   b,  and  110   c  are separated from one another by an angular distance, “d,” defined by the equation as follows: 
         [0000]        d =(2·π· r )/3 
         [0000]    In the equation given above, the variable “r” is defined as the length value of the radius of the core.  FIG. 5  shows a top-down perspective view of this particular embodiment of the core  102 . The housing  104  and the core  102  are oriented and spaced with one another so that substantially no fluid from a particular second cavity mixes with the fluid in a separate second cavity. In this particular embodiment, at least one layer of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) is located at the interface between the core  102  and the housing  104  to minimize intermixing of openings  110   a ,  110   b,  and  110   c.  However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more materials other than or in addition to Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) could be used in other embodiments as sealing aids to minimize intermixing between the applicable second cavities including, but not limited to, Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE). 
         [0045]    In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the secondary ports  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  are shown as short passageways with transient fluid communication with each of the openings  110   a,    110   b,  and  110   c.  The secondary ports  114   a  (not shown),  114   b , and  114   c  are spaced apart in the housing  104  so as to simultaneously be in fluid contact with a separate opening  110   a,    110   b,  and  110   c.  For example, if secondary port  114   a  is in fluid communication with opening  110   a,  then, simultaneously, secondary port  114   b  will be in fluid communication with opening  110   b  and secondary port  114   c  will be in fluid communication with opening  110   c.  If and when the core  102  housing  104  rotate relative to each other such that the secondary port  114   a  becomes in fluid communication with opening  110   b,  then, simultaneously, secondary port  114   b  will be in fluid communication with opening  110   c  and secondary port  114   c  will be in fluid communication with opening  110   a.    
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the secondary ports  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  each protrude out from the outer surface of the housing  104  to allow for a pipe or other structure to be attached. As with the primary ports, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that that the protrusion of the secondary ports  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  is not a requisite of the invention. The protruding characteristic of the secondary ports  114   a ,  114   b , and  114   c  is merely shown as a characteristic of this particular embodiment. Other embodiments may not include primary ports and secondary ports that protrude from the housing. 
         [0047]    The size of the valve  100  will depend on the particular application. Any system now known or later developed that uses valve technology to transfer and alternate fluid stream flows in a stepwise fashion could potentially use this or other embodiments of the invention as discussed herein. Therefore, the size of the actual valve  100  is relative to the application. 
         [0048]    One particular application for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  is use in ion exchange systems. Ion exchange systems are used by a large number of industries including, but not limited to, water purification, water treatment, nuclear decontamination, power generation, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, semiconductor manufacturing, hydrometallurgy, medicine, and chemical separations. The basic principle behind ion exchange is found in the name itself: the exchange of ions. 
         [0049]    One type of ion exchange device is an ion exchange column. Often, multiple columns are used simultaneously in a given ion exchange system. In the industries listed above (as well as others), a common goal is to remove one type of ion in exchange for another type of ion in a fluid mixture. The science of and technology behind basic ion exchange is well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, details of the fundamental background information on ion exchange will not be discussed here. However, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that various embodiments of the present invention may be used with practically any form of ion exchange technology that uses two ion exchangers in parallel formation or three or more in parallel formation and operated in series or counter-current fashion with respect to the feed solution and operated in parallel with respect to the regenerative feed. 
         [0050]    Certain industries employ ion exchange systems that undergo three primary steps during operation. Those steps include a feed step, a reconditioning step (which is sometimes referred to as an elution step or “elute”), and a polishing step (which is use of the effluent of the feed column). In order to maximize efficiency, it is often desirable to operate sets of three ion exchange columns simultaneously so that, during operation, at least one column will substantially always be undergoing a feed step, at least one column will substantially always be undergoing a reconditioning step, and at least one column will substantially always be undergoing a polishing step. 
         [0051]    In order to direct the desired type of material (reaction mixture) to the correct ion exchange column presently requires a somewhat complex piping and valve assembly. For this three-column example application, at least six multiport valves would be required, each valve having at least one common input port and three separate output ports.  FIG. 6  shows a schematic diagram of a prior art ion exchange feed system array  300 . The feed system array  300  contains at least six multiport feed valves three of which are first feed valves  302   a ,  302   b , and  302   c  and three of which are second feed valves  302   d ,  302   e , and  302   f . Each first feed valve ( 302   a ,  302   b , and  302   c ) has one input port and three output ports. For example, valve  302   a  has input port  304  and output ports  306   a ,  306   b , and  306   c . Each second feed valve ( 302   d ,  302   e , and  302   f ) has one output port and three input ports. For example, feed valve  302   f  has input ports  308   a ,  308   b , and  308   c  and output port  310 . Each first feed valve has a pipe attached to each output port. For example, pipe  312   a  is attached to output port  306   a , pipe  312   b  is attached to output port  306   b , and pipe  312   c  is attached to output port  306   c . Pipes  312   a ,  312   b , and  312   c  are also attached to second feed valves  302   d ,  302   e , and  302   f , respectively. Second feed valve  302   d  is further attached to first ion exchange column  314   a , second feed valve  302   e  is attached to second ion exchange column  314   b , and second feed valve  302   f  is attached to third ion exchange column  314   c . When all six feed valves ( 302   a ,  302   b ,  302   c ,  302   d ,  302   e , and  302   f ) are considered, a total of at least nine pipes must link the first feed valves  302   a ,  302   b , and  302   c  to the second feed valves  302   d ,  302   e , and  302   f.    
         [0052]    The leftover reacted material, or “effluent,” from each parallel ion exchange column ( 310   a,    310   b,  and  310   c ) must be directed somewhere. In many ion exchange applications, it is desirable to recycle certain effluent streams. In some applications, the effluent streams contain hazardous waste that must be discarded in a specific manner. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 6 , it is often desirable to keep effluent streams separate and store all feed effluent in a first chamber  312   a , all recondition effluent in a second chamber  312   b , and all polish effluent in a third chamber  312   c . Because different effluent types flow from each ion exchange column after each separate ion exchange step, an effluent system array  316  must be used to redirect the effluent streams from columns  310   a,    310   b,  and  310   c  to the desired chamber ( 312   a ,  312   b , and  3   12   c ). As with the feed system array  300 , the effluent system array  316  includes at least six multiport effluent valves, three of which are first effluent valves  320   a ,  320   b , and  320   c  and three of which are second effluent valves  320   d ,  320   e , and  320   f  Each first effluent valve ( 320   a ,  320   b , and  320   c ) has one input port and three output ports. For example., valve  320   a  has input port  322  and output ports  324   a ,  324   b , and  324   c . Each second effluent valve ( 320   d ,  320   e , and  320   f ) has one output port and three input ports. For example, effluent valve  320   f  has input ports  326   a ,  326   b , and  326   c  and output port  328 . Like the feed system array  300 , the effluent system array  316  requires a minimum of nine pipes between the first effluent valves ( 320   a ,  320   b , and  320   c ) and the second effluent valves ( 320   d ,  320   e , and  320   f ). 
         [0053]    The three step ion exchange system just described comes with many challenges including the following: (1) significant space is required for the large number of pipes and valves necessary to connect all parts of the ion exchange system; (2) most of the pipes at any one time are not in use (i.e., they become deadlegs); (3) the large number of pipes in the structure increase maintenance costs; (4) the increased complexity of using at least twelve multiport valves increases the chances for operator and system error in the form of failure to switch the valves in sequence correctly. Therefore, it is desirable to use less valves and a less complex piping system to minimize the challenges listed above. 
         [0054]    The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  offers a solution to the challenges inherent in the ion exchange application outlined above and other similar fluid distribution applications. Instead of using twelve multiport valves, only two valves may be successfully used. Instead of allowing for two of every four pipes connected to each multiport valve to act as deadlegs during operation, the distribution and processing apparatus described herein allows for virtually no deadlegs. Instead of the need to accurately manipulate twelve valves during the operation of a three-step duty cycle ion exchange system, only two valves would need to be manipulated. 
         [0055]    A schematic diagram of this embodiment of the invention as used in this ion exchange application is shown in  FIG. 7 . The three-step fluid distribution and processing apparatus  400  is shown in  FIG. 7  with a feed valve  402  and an effluent valve  404 , wherein both valves  402  and  404  are substantially identical to the valve shown in  FIG. 1 . Three types of reactant solutions are directed to the feed valve  402  including a feed line  406   a , recondition line  406   b , and polish line  406   c . First transport line  408   a  carries a selected reactant solution to the first ion exchange column  410   a,  second transport line  408   b  carries a separate selected reactant solution to the second ion exchange column  410   b,  and third transport line  408   c  carries a still separate selected reactant solution to the third ion exchange column  410   c.    
         [0056]    During a first step of ion exchange operation, first transport line  408   a  would, for example, carry Feed solution, second transport line  408   b  would carry Recondition solution, and third transport line  408   c  would carry Polish solution. When the time comes for a second step in the ion exchange system  400 , first transport line  408   a  would carry Recondition solution, second transport line  408   b  would carry Polish solution, and third transport line  408   c  would carry Feed solution. In a third step of the ion exchange rotation cycle, first transport line  408   a  would carry Polish solution, second transport line  408   b  would carry Feed solution, and third transport line  408   c  would carry Recondition solution. The cycle would then start over again with Feed solution flowing through first transport line  408   a  to the first ion exchange column  410   a,  Recondition solution flowing through second transport line  408   b  to the second ion exchange column  410   b,  and Polish solution flowing through third transport line  408   c  to the third ion exchange column  410   c.    
         [0057]    As with the feed solution, recondition solution, and polish solution being directed to a particular ion exchange column ( 410   a,    410   b,  and  410   c ), the effluent solution from each ion exchange column ( 410   a,    410   b,  and  410   c ) is directed to a particular location. The effluent from the column undergoing Feed (Feed effluent) is preferably sent directly to feed valve  402  to be directed to the column to receive the Polish. Alternatively, the Feed effluent could be directed to an effluent feed chamber  412   a . The effluent from the column receiving Recondition (Recondition effluent) is directed to an effluent recondition chamber  412   b  and the effluent from the column receiving Polish (Polish effluent) is directed to an effluent polish chamber  412   c , respectively. In a first step of the ion exchange rotation cycle, Feed effluent from the first ion exchange column  410   a  is directed to effluent valve  404  through fourth transport line  414   a , Recondition effluent from the second ion exchange column  410   b  is directed to effluent valve  404  through fifth transport line  414   b , and Polish effluent from the third ion exchange column  410   c  is directed to effluent valve  404  through sixth transport line  414   c . In a second step of the ion exchange rotation cycle, Recondition effluent from the first ion exchange column  410   a  is directed to effluent valve  404  through fourth transport line  414   a , Polish effluent from the second ion exchange column  410   b  is directed to effluent valve  404  through fifth transport line  414   b , and Feed effluent from the third ion exchange column  410   c  is directed to effluent valve  404  through sixth transport line  414   c . In a third step of the ion exchange rotation cycle, Polish effluent from the first ion exchange column  410   a  is directed to effluent valve  404  through fourth transport line  414   a , Feed effluent from the second ion exchange column  410   b  is directed to effluent valve  404  through fifth transport line  414   b , and Recondition effluent from the third ion exchange column  410   c  is directed to effluent valve  404  through sixth transport line  414   c.    
         [0058]    During all steps of the ion exchange rotation cycle, Feed effluent is sent from effluent valve  404  to the feed valve  402  to be introduced as Polish for the column undergoing a polishing step (or, alternatively, to an effluent feed chamber  412   a ) via effluent feed line  416   a . Preferably, effluent line  416   a  transitions into or otherwise becomes polish line  406   c . Similarly, during all steps of the ion exchange rotation cycle, Recondition effluent is sent from effluent valve  404  to the effluent recondition chamber  412   b  via effluent recondition line  416   b . Also, during all steps of the ion exchange rotation cycle, Polish effluent is sent from effluent valve  404  to the effluent polish chamber  412   c  via effluent polish line  416   c.    
         [0059]    The fluid distribution and process apparatus  400  described above also preferably includes a first actuator  418   a  and second actuator  418   b  for feed valve  402  and effluent valve  404 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the first actuator  418   a  and the second actuator  418   b  are controllably linked to a first controller  420   a  and a second controller  420   b , respectively, whereby the controllers  420  direct the actuators  418  to manipulate the valves  402  and  404 , respectively. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controllers  420  are linked to a control system  422  whereby the control system provides control coordination between controllers  420 . 
         [0060]    Some of the benefits from use of the feed valve  402 , the effluent valve  404 , and the embodiment including the fluid distribution and processing apparatus  400  include the following: (1) only two valves are necessary instead of twelve or more, thereby saving space required by the other unneeded valves; (2) only six transport lines ( 408   a ,  408   b ,  408   c ,  414   a ,  414   b , and  414   c ) are necessary instead of eighteen or more, thereby saving much space and minimizing maintenance requirements; (3) only two valves must be manipulated instead of twelve or more, thereby minimizing the chance of operator or system error. 
         [0061]    Though a three-step ion exchange system example has been discussed, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that valves constructed based on the principles of the embodiments of the invention discussed herein may be created that address two or more step systems from various arts. For example,  FIG. 8  shows one embodiment of the present invention including a distribution valve  500  with a core  502  and a housing  504 . The valve  500  shown in  FIG. 8  has four cavities ( 506   a ,  506   b ,  506   c , and  506   d ), four conduits ( 508   a ,  508   b ,  508   c ,  508   d ), four openings ( 510   a ,  510   b ,  510   c , and  510   d ), four primary ports (not shown), and four secondary ports ( 514   a  (not shown),  514   b  (not shown),  514   c , and  514   d ). The valve  500  operates in a similar fashion as valve  100 , except that valve  500  is adapted for a four step fluid distribution process as opposed to a three step process. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  shows yet another embodiment of the invention, displaying the core  602  of a distribution valve  600  (partially shown). The embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  includes a housing  604 , three cavities ( 606   a ,  606   b , and  606   c ), three conduits ( 608   a ,  608   b , and  608   c ), three openings ( 610   a,    610   b,  and  610   c ), three primary ports (not shown), and three secondary ports (not shown). The purpose of discussing this particular embodiment is to show that the conduits found in various embodiments of the invention do not all have to be passageways found completely within the cores. As shown in  FIG. 9 , conduit  608   c  remains on fluid communication with cavity  606   c  and second cavity  610   c , but conduit  608   c  is partially enclosed by the housing  604  when the core  602  is located substantially within the housing  604 . 
         [0063]    It should be understood that various embodiments of the valve apparatus described above may be used individually, in parallel, in series, or in any way that is deemed beneficial to a user. More specifically, the various valves discussed above need not be used in groups of two or more. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  shows a diagram of another embodiment, including a fluid distribution and processing apparatus  700 , further including a feed valve  702  and an effluent valve  704 . The feed valve  702  includes a core  706  and a housing  708 . The core  706  further includes three cavities ( 710   a ,  710   b , and  710   c ), three conduits ( 712   a .  712   b , and  712   c ), and three openings ( 714   a ,  714   b , and  714   c ). The housing  708  further includes three primary ports ( 716   a ,  716   b , and  716   c ) and three secondary ports ( 718   a  (not shown),  718   b , and  718   c ). The effluent valve  704  also contains a core  720  and a housing  722 . The core  720  further includes three cavities ( 724   a ,  724   b , and  724   c ), three conduits ( 726   a ,  726   b , and  726   c ), and three openings ( 728   a ,  728   b , and  728   c ). The housing  722  further includes three primary ports ( 730   a ,  730   b , and  730   c ) and three secondary ports ( 732   a  (not shown),  732   b , and  732   c ). 
         [0065]    The apparatus  700  includes three supply streams of a separate input composition wherein each stream is named for each duty as follows: “Feed” supply stream, “Recondition” supply stream, and “Polish” supply stream. Each individual supply stream is directed to the three separate primary ports ( 716   a ,  716   b , and  716   c ) located on the housing  708  of the feed valve  702  via feed supply pipes  734   a ,  734   b , and  734   c . The feed valve  702  of this embodiment is a valve substantially identical to the valve described previously and displayed in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . Feed solution is directed to the first primary port  716   a , Recondition solution is directed to the second primary port  716   b , and Polish solution is directed to the third primary port  716   c . For example, in a first step of the three-part duty rotation cycle, Feed solution flows from the Feed supply pipe  734   a  into the first primary port  716   a , into the first cavity  710   a,  through the first conduit  712   a , out of the first opening  714   a , and out of the first secondary port  718   a  to a first column  736   a  in the ion exchange system  700  distributed via a first transport pipe  737   a . At substantially the same time, Recondition solution flows from the Recondition supply pipe  734   b  into the second primary port  716   b , into the second cavity  710   b , through the second conduit  712   b , out of the second opening  714   b , and out of the second secondary port  718   b  to a second column  736   b  in the ion exchange system  700  distributed via a second transport pipe  737   b . At substantially the same time, Polish solution flows from the Polish supply pipe  734   c  into the third primary port  716   c , into the third cavity  710   c , through the third conduit  712   c , out of the third opening  714   c , and out of the third secondary port  718   c  to a third column  736   c  in the ion exchange system  700  distributed via a third transport pipe  737   c . As the Feed solution flows through the first column  736   a  and reacts, Recondition solution flows through the second column  736   b  and reacts and Polish solution flows through the third column  736   c  and reacts. The effluent solutions from each column ( 736   a ,  736   b , and  736   c ) are directed to the effluent valve  704 . A first Feed effluent flows from the first column  736   a , a first Recondition effluent flows from the second column  736   b , and a first Polish effluent flows from the third column  736   c.    
         [0066]    The effluent valve  704  is used in this embodiment similarly to the first valve; however, the respective fluid flows through the effluent valve  704  move through the effluent valve  704  in the opposite manner than with the feed valve  702 . More specifically, a first column effluent transport line  738   a  is connected to the first secondary port  732   a  of the effluent valve  704 . The second column effluent transport line  738   b  is connected to the second secondary port  732   b  of the effluent valve  704 . The third column effluent transport line  738   c  is connected to the third secondary port  732   c  of the effluent valve  704 . 
         [0067]    The first column effluent is directed through the first secondary port  732   a , the first opening  728   a , the first conduit  726   a , the first cavity  724   a , and the first primary port  730   a . The second column effluent is directed through the second secondary port  732   b , the second opening  728   b , the second conduit  726   b , the second cavity  724   b , and the second primary port  730   b . The third column effluent is directed through the third secondary port  732   c , the third opening  728   c , the third conduit  726   c , the third cavity  724   c , and the third primary port  730   c . Feed effluent, the contents of a first “batch” (or “run” or “duty”) of the first column effluent, is preferably distributed from the first primary port  730   a  to the third primary port  716   c . Alternatively, the Feed effluent may be distributed to a Feed effluent collection chamber  740   a  via a first effluent chamber pipe  739   a.  Recondition effluent, the contents of the first batch of the second column effluent, is distributed from the second primary port  730   b  to a Recondition effluent collection chamber  740   b  via a second effluent chamber pipe  739   b . Polish effluent, the contents of the first batch of the third column effluent, is distributed from the third primary port  730   c  to a Polish effluent collection chamber  740   c  via a third effluent chamber pipe  739   c.    
         [0068]    When the time comes for the ion exchange system  700  to change duties for each ion exchange column (i.e., conduct another “run,” or run a new “batch”), the core  704  and the housing  706  of the feed valve  702  are moved relative to each other to accomplish the following: Feed solution continues to be directed to the first primary port  716   a  via the Feed supply pipe  734   a , Recondition solution continues to be directed to the second primary port  716   b  via the Recondition supply pipe  734   b , and Polish solution continues to be directed to the third primary port  716   c  via the Polish supply pipe  734   c . Feed solution flows into the first primary port  716   a , into the first cavity  710   a,  through the first conduit  712   a , out of the first opening  714   a , and out of the third secondary port  718   c  to the third column  736   c  via pipe  737   c  in the ion exchange system  700 . At substantially the same time, Recondition solution flows into the second primary port  716   b , into the second cavity  710   b , through the second conduit  712   b , out of the second opening  714   b , and out of the first secondary port  718   a  to the first column  736   a  via pipe  737   a  in the ion exchange system  700 . At substantially the same time, Polish solution flows into the third primary port  716   c , into the third cavity  710   c , through the third conduit  712   c , out of the third opening  714   c , and out of the second secondary port  718   b  to the second column  736   b  via pipe  737   b  in the ion exchange system  700 . As the Feed solution flows through the third column  736   c , Recondition solution flows through the second column  736   b , and Polish solution flows through the second column  736   b , the effluent flows from each column ( 736   a ,  736   b , and  736   c ) are directed to the effluent valve  704 . 
         [0069]    When the time comes for the ion exchange system  700  to change duties for each ion exchange column ( 736   a ,  736   b , and  736   c ) and substantially when the feed valve  702  is manipulated as described above, the core  720  and the housing  722  of the effluent valve  704  are moved relative to each other to accomplish the following: The first column effluent solution continues to be directed to the first secondary port  732   a . The second column effluent solution continues to be directed to the second secondary port  732   b . The third column effluent solution continues to be directed to the third secondary port  732   c . The first column effluent solution flows through the first secondary port  732   a , the second opening  728   b , the second conduit  726   b , the second cavity  724   b , and the second primary port  730   b . The second column effluent solution flows through the second secondary port  732   b , the third opening  728   c , the third conduit  726   c , the third cavity  724   c , and the third primary port  730   c . The third column effluent solution flows through the third secondary port  732   c , the first opening  728   a , the first conduit  726   a , the first cavity  724   a , and the first primary port  730   a . During this duty cycle, Feed effluent solution is no longer flowing from first column  736   a  because the Feed solution was directed to the third column  736   c  in this particular batch. Therefore, Recondition effluent is now flowing from the first column  736   a  to the effluent valve  704  and Polish effluent is now flowing from the second column  736   b  to the effluent valve  704 . Polish effluent is again distributed from the third primary port  730   c  to the Polish effluent collection chamber  740   c . Feed effluent is again distributed from the first primary port  730   a  to primary port  716   c  on the feed valve  702  (or, alternatively, to the Feed effluent collection chamber  740   a ). Recondition effluent is again distributed from the second primary port  730   b  to the Recondition effluent collection chamber  740   b.    
         [0070]    When the time comes for the feed valve  702  and the effluent valve  704  to be manipulated for a third batch, the process outlined above repeats in a similar fashion so as to bring about the following: (1) the respective input solutions (Feed, Recondition and Polish) continue to be delivered to the same respective primary ports ( 716   a ,  716   b , and  716   c ) on the feed valve  702  and (2) the respective effluent (output) solutions (Feed, Recondition, and Polish) continue to be distributed from the same respective primary ports ( 730   a ,  730   b , and  730   c ) on the effluent valve  704 . 
         [0071]    The three-step fluid distribution and processing apparatus  700  described herein is merely one embodiment in one type of application (ion exchange). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus just described could be altered to incorporate any similar fluid exchange apparatus requiring at least two steps in which at least two different fluids are used in a stepwise system. For example, the distribution valve  500  in  FIG. 8  could be used in a similar distribution and processing apparatus  700  as just described but with four fluid streams, wherein the distribution valve  500  is substituted for the feed valve  702  and the effluent valve  704 . To illustrate another embodiment, distribution valve  600  from  FIG. 9  could be substituted for the feed valve  702  and the effluent valve  704  in the fluid distribution and processing apparatus  700  described in detail above. The number of input streams in a given fluid distribution apparatus would ultimately determine what embodiment of the present invention should be used because the number of streams would determine the number of cavities, conduits, openings, primary ports, and secondary ports for the core and the housing of a given valve. 
         [0072]    The invention described herein also includes a method for distributing fluid using the various fluid distribution apparatus embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (1) receiving at least three separate fluids at a single distribution apparatus including a first fluid, a second fluid, and an third fluid; (2) distributing the at least three fluids to a separate fluid receiver such that the first fluid is received at a first fluid receiver, the second fluid is received at a second receiver, and the third fluid is received at a third receiver; (3) and manipulating the single fluid distribution apparatus such that the first fluid is received at the third receiver, the second fluid is received at the first receiver, and the third fluid is received at the second receiver. Only one fluid distribution apparatus and one manipulation step is required in this embodiment to distribute three or more liquids in an alternative fashion as described above. It is understood by those skilled in the art that any number of separate fluids could be successfully distributed by the method described above depending on the size of the valve and the availability of space for multiple fluid transport paths. The term “fluid receiver” is to be interpreted broadly and is meant to encompass any object, container, or three-dimensional zone (bounded or unbounded) capable of receiving a fluid including, but not limited to, a pipe, a reservoir, a sponge, a volume of a gas or mixture of gases, and a vacuum. 
         [0073]    The foregoing description of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration only, and it is understood that numerous modifications or alterations may be made in and to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.