Improvements in and relating to Steam or other Fluid-pressure Reducing Valves.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Dec., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 18th Oct., 1892-Accepted, 17th Dec., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Steam or other Fluid-pressure
Reducing Valves.
I. ALEXANDER HORNE, of Walton Villa, Cathcart, Renfrewshire, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of my invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to and co.nprises improvements in the construction
or arrangement and combination of the parts of steam or other fluid pressure
reducing valves and their controlling mechanism for use in marine and other engines
or purposes, and which will enable high pressure steam to be taken direct from the
boiler or generator and supplied at any desired reduced regulated pressure, in a
more simple and efficient manner than by the reducing valves heretofore in use.
Under one vertical arrangement the new or improved pressure reducing valve
would be constructed with high pressure steam inlet and low pressure steam outlet
chambers or casings all in one casting with the high pressure main regulating valve
fitted on a seat between them, and having a separate top cover chamber, and
lower bolted on bottom plate. The main inlet high pressure steam valve would
consist of a vertical acting preferably feather valve mounted on the lower part of a
vertical spindle to open or close ou a cylindrical brass liner seat part in the web
hetween the high and low pressure steam chambers, and a piston of greater area
than the main valve would be mounted on the top part of this spindle working
within a cylindrical preferably brass liner seat part of the upper low pressure
chamber. A steam port or passage would be formed at one side of the lower and
cover.castings, and lead from the high pressure chamber to the top surface of the
piston on the upper part of the vertical spindle in the low pressure chamber, and a
vertical acting steam controlling valve, preferably a double beat valve would be
fitted over a valve seat in a duct or vertical passage leading the high pressure
steam from this port to the top surface of the piston in upper part of low pressure
chamber. A pipe would lead from a screw coupling tube in low pressure chamber,
preferably through a coil or coils to the lower end of a close pressure chamber,
preferably of an inverted conoidal or cylindrical tapering shape, mounted by a
lower vertical hollow screwed stemn and coupling to said pipe in a projecting part
of the valve cover. This close chamber which would be always under the same
pressure as that in the low pressure chamber of main valve chest, is fitted with an
india-rubber or flexible diaphragm or a piston working at its outer circumference
between a close outwardly projecting part on the chamber and a cylindrical top
cover, and having a hollow cup or other shaped moving rod, disc, or member in the
centre pressing down against the top surface of the flexible diaphragm or piston.
A spring pressure beam lever would be mounted over the top casing of the valve,
preferably fulcrumed on a vertical stem or rod screwed to the top of the cast
metal valve cover. The one or short arm of this beam lever would be jointed or
connected to the top end of a vertical rod passing down through a stuffing box in
the valve cover and jointed to the upper end of the double beat steam controlling
valve. While the end of the other or long arm of this lever would have the upper
stop end of a vertical rod working through a slot in it. A vertical pressure divided
scale plate projects up from a bracket stem screwed to the lower part of valve
casing, and has a lower horizontal extension plate through which works the lower
screwed end of the vertical rod. A projecting fixed ring piece is fitted round the
vertical rod at the upper part of the close diaphragm chamber, while a movable
corresponding cup shaped ring piece is mounted round the lower screwed end part
of rod above the bottom projecting plate. An annular helical pressure spring is
mounted round the vertical rod having its upper end bearing under the top fixed.

page_text: ring piece projecting from diaphragm chamber, and its lower end bearing on the
annular movable ring piece mounted round the screwed part of rod opposite pressure
indicating plate. This lower movable ring piece can be turned and screwed up or
down on vertical rod to press or release helical spring to any desired regulated
pressure which would be indicated by a pointer coming in line with the pressures
marked on the divided plate. A vertical double pointed central pin or stem
is mounted between the upper surface of the moving disc on diaphragm chamber
and the lower surface of the long armn of beam lever, so that the pressure exerted
on the lever by the helical spring and vertical rod is communicated to the top outer
surface of the diaphragm close low pressure steam chamber, and from this
the controlling valve is regulated. The action of the improved reducing valve is
as follows:--High pressure steam being admitted from the boiler to the inlet
chamber of the regulating valve chest, it passes up the vertical port and through
the double beat controlling valve and acts on the upper surface of the piston fitted
on the same spindle as and of greater area than the main valve which it opens and
admits the steam to the low pressure chamber up to the desired regulated pressure
which through the connecting pipes and diaphragm chamber acts on the spring
lever to close the double beat controlling valve. After this valve closes when the
desired loaded steam pressure on low pressure side has been attained, the high
pressure steam on top side of piston passes to low pressure side, by the piston not
being fitted perfectly steam tight, and equalizes the pressure on both sides to put
piston in equilibrium. The lowering of the pressure in the low pressure chamber
this immediately opens the controlling valve as before stated and lets high pressure
steam act on the top of the piston and pass up through the main-valve.
A helical spring is fitted between stems on the bottom cover and under side of
main valve when fitted vertically to carry up the weight of valve spindle and
piston so that when the steam arrives at equilibrium by being of the same pressure
on both sides of valve it has a closing power, but not necessary at any other range
of pressures. The main high pressure steam valve may be made in the form of a
duplex annular valve, the smaller valve being connected to the vertical spindle of
upper piston, and the outer valve working freely within cylindrical seat part. On
the descent of the inner valve a lug or projection on it would bring down the large
valve and thus admit steam through both valves, while the increased steam pressure
would close both valves.
Instead of a double beat valve a single slide or piston valve may be used as the
steam controlling valve.
.
Instead of the piston being placed directly over valve a lever arrangement may
be used so as to reduce the area of piston or diaphragm.
Instead of making main valve to open downwards it may be fitted on spindle to
open upwards above its seat in which case the piston or diaphragm would be made
perfectly steam tight, and controlled in the same manner as in the before mentioned
arrangement, except that the high pressure steam supply to the top side of piston
or diaphragm will be continuous and of a much smaller area than that of the
controlling valve.
In adapting this reducing valve to act as a bye pass valve say for to pass steam
from donkey boiler to engine room, to prevent steam from passing through con-
trolling valve, a stop projection would be fitted above diaphragm to come into
contact with underside of lever, which would close controlling valve and prevent
any steam passing through it from reduced side to high pressure side and thus allow
the large valve to open. Or alternatively a cock or stop valve may be fitted in
passage leading from controlling valve to high pressure side which would allow
large valve to open and act as a bye pass.
This valve would act equally well as a reducing valve if its action was reversed,
by making the large valve to open upwards instead of downwards and bringing the
high pressure steam from the ordinary low pressure casing to act on the top side of
valve.
The valve may be fitted horizontally as well as. vertically.

page_text: For smaller sizes of reducing valves say up to about inch and quarter diameter,
the main valve and piston may be dispensed with.
Dated the 17th December 1891.
W. R. M. THOMSON & Co.,
96, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Steam or other Fluid-pressure
Reducing Valves.
I, ALEXANDER HORNE, of Walton Villa, Cathcart, Renfrewshire, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
This invention relates to an improved steam or other fluid pressure-reducing
valve for use in marine and other engines, for enabling high-pressure steam to be
taken direct from the boiler or generator and supplied to the engine at any desired
reduced pressure, the improved reducing valve being easily adjusted to suit any
pressure required, automatic in its action when once set, and usable, if required, as
a bye-pass valve to pass steam reversely through it.
In the improved reducing valve, there are combined the following instru-
mentalities co-operating as described :-A main valve-chest formed with high and
low-pressure chambers, an interposed main valve and connected loosely fitting
piston of greater area, and with opposite openings for the introduction and removal
of the valve and piston, and with ports respectively leading from the high-pressure
chamber to above the piston, and from the low-pressure chamber to a water-
charged chamber :-a valve connected with a lever and controlling the port leading
from the high-pressure chamber to above the piston :-a spring device adjustable
according to the pressure required in the low-pressure chamber, and tending to
keep the controlling valve open :-a water-charged chamber in communication with
and under the same pressure as the low-pressure chamber, and tending to close the
controlling valve when the pressure required in the low-pressure chamber is
exceeded a removable cover-casting closing the opening through which the
piston is inserted and removed, and serving to carry the controlling valve and its
controlling devices and a removable bottom plate closing the opening through
which the valve is inserted and withdrawn.
:-
On the accompanying drawings:-
Fig. 1, represents a plan view.
Fig. 2, represents a longitudinal sectional elevation on the planes a, b, c,—d,
Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrow,
e.
Fig. 3, represents a transverse sectional elevation on the plane f,-y, Fig. 1
looking in the direction of the arrow h.
Fig. 4, is a plan, partly in section, the right-hand half being a sectional plan on
the plane i, j, Fig. 3, and the left-hand half a plan of the parts below the top
cover.
The improved reducing valve is constructed with a main valve chest 5, flanged
and adapted for connection with the piping respectively leading from the boiler and
to the engine, and divided by an inclined partition 6, so as to form a high-pressure
steam-inlet chamber 7, a low-pressure steam-outlet chamber 8, and an intermediate
seating 9, for the main regulating valve 10.
The valve-chest is also formed with an opening 11, concentric with the valve 10,
and serving for the introduction and removal thereof and of its accessories, and
with an opposite opening 12, serving for the introduction and removal of the
piston 13, and of the means for connecting it with the valve.
The valve-chest is also formed with a port 14, communicating (under the
control of a valve 15,) between the high-pressure chamber and an enclosed space 16,

page_text: above the piston, and with a port 17, communicating between the low-pressure
chamber and a water-charged chamber 18.
The valve 15, and chamber 18, and their connecting and co-acting parts, herein-
after described, are all carried by a detachable cover-casting 19, which is adapted
to close the opening 12, in the valve-chest, and is bolted to the latter at 41, the
opening 11, therein being closed by a detachable plate 20, which is bolted to the
valve-chest at 23.
The seating 9, is fitted with a cylindrical liner 21, against which the valve 10,
is normally supported by a spring 22, which bears against the platė 20.
The valve 10, is connected with the piston 13, by a spindle 24, and screw nut 25,
so as to co-act therewith.
The piston is of a greater area than the valve 10, and works loosely within a
cylindrical liner 26, fitted to the opening 12.
The port 14, is formed partly in the valve-chest, and partly in the cover 19, and
leads from the chamber 7, to a chamber 28, which surrounds the valve 15, and
communicates with an enclosed space 29, above such valve, and with the space 16.
The valve 15, is hollow and has upper and lower seatings on a liner 30, fitted in
a recess 31, in the cover 19, the upper seating being of larger area than the lower
seating so that the valve will be raised when subjected to pressure in the chamber 28,
and steam from the chamber 7, will obtain access through both seatings and also
through the valve to the space 16.
The valve 15, is connected by a box 32, and screw-nut 33, to a spindle 34, which
passes through a stuffing box 35, (which screws into and closes the recess 31,) and
is pivotally attached to a lever 36, by which the valve is brought under the action
of an adjustable pressure-spring 37, which constantly tends to keep the valve open,
and of the chamber 18, which tends (when the pressure in the chamber 8, exceeds
the limit to which the spring 37, is adjusted) to overcome the spring and close
the valve.
The lever 36, is centred in a standard 38, (which is screwed into the cover 19,
and secured by a set-nut 39,) and is weighted, according to the required reduced
pressure in the chamber 8, by the spring 37, which bears against an annular
guide 40, projecting from the casing of the chamber 18, and against an adjustable
annular guide 42, which can be set in any desired position on a rod 43, (according
to the load required to be put on the lever) by a set-nut 44.
The rod 43, is guided by the part 40, and by an extension 45, from a slotted
index-plate 46, and is enlarged at its top end which engages with a through
hole 47, in the lever 36, so as to tend to depress the same and open the valve 15.
The index plate 46, is made with a stem 48, (which screws into a boss 49, on
the valve-chest 5, and is secured by a set-nut 50,) and is slotted at 66, to accom-
modate a pointer 51, projecting from the guide 42, and its face may be marked
with any desired graduations acting as guides in adjusting the pressure of the
spring 37.
The casing of the chamber 18, is preferably made of an inverted conoidal forin
(vide Fig. 3.) its inlet end 54, screwing into the cover 19, and being secured by a
set-nut 55.
The top part of the casing is enlarged and flanged at 59, and peripherally supports
a flexible diaphragm 60, and a flanged ring 61, which screws within the rim 59,
and serves to secure the diaphragm 60, and to guide a cylindrical cup 62, which
rests on the central unsupported part of the diaphragm.
The chamber 18, is placed in connection with the port 17, leading from the low-
pressure chamber 8, (so as to be, at all times, under the same pressure as such
chamber) by a tubular coiled syphon connection 56, secured by couplings 57, 58,
and is kept charged with water to prevent steam from obtaining access to or
escaping at the diaphragm. The diaphragm imparts the pressure it receives to
the lever 36, by means of a conically ended pin 63, which engages with a seating 64,
in the cup 62, and with a seating in the underside of the lever 36 and by the like
means (the pin 63, and cup 62,) the pressure exerted on the lever 36, by the

page_text: pring 37, and rod 43, is communicated to the outer surface of the diaphragın, the
arts co-acting to control the valve 15.
The action of the improved reducing valve is as follows:-Upon high-pressure
team being admitted to the chamber 7, it passes up the port 14, through the
valve 15, into the chamber 16, and depresses the piston 13, overcoming the
spring 22, and causing the valve 10, to open and admit the steam to the chamber 8,
up to the pressure determined by the adjustment of the spring 37.
Upon any increase of pressure in the chamber 8, the increased pressure becomes
operative through the port 17, connection 56, and chamber 18, upon the
diaphragm 60, and its co-acting parts 62, 63, and through such parts upon the
lever 36, in overcoming the spring 37, forcing up the lever 36, and closing
the valve 15. Thereupon, as the steam is shut off from above the piston 13, the
valve 10, is closed by its spring 22, and by the high-pressure steam.
Upon the
pressure in the chamber 8, again becoming reduced to the limit determined by
the adjustment of the spring 37, the latter again lifts the valve 15, whereupon, the
high-pressure steam again depresses the piston and passes up through the main
valve. The valve 10, during such times, is maintained in equilibrium by the
opposing pressure over the piston and at the valve. Any steam which passes from
above the loosely fitting piston obtains immediate access to the chamber 8.
Such action is continuous and automatic, as when the spring 37, is once adjusted,
no alteration of any part is required until a different reduced pressure is required
in the chamber 8.
Should the boiler pressure not equal the pressure required in the chamber 8,
the full pressure of steam which enters the chamber 7, will, nevertheless, pass the
valve 10, to the chamber 8.
The main high-pressure steam valve may be made in the form of a duplex
annular. valve, the smaller valve being connected to the vertical spindle of upper
piston, and outer valve working freely within cylindrical seat part. On the descent
of the inner valve a lug or projection on it would bring down the large valve and
thus admit steam through both valves, while the increased steam pressure would'
close both valves.
Instead of a double beat valve the single slide or piston valve may be used as a
steam controlling valve.
Instead of the piston being placed a lever arrangement may be used so, as.
reduce the area of piston or diaphragm.
to
Instead of making main valve to open downwards it may be fitted on spindle to
open upwards above its seat, in which case the piston or diaphragm would be made
perfectly steam tight, and controlled in the same manner as in the before mentioned
arrangement, except that the high pressure steam supply to the top side of piston.
diaphragm will be continuous and of a much smaller area than that of the
controlling valve.
"
The piston 13, is also fitted with a valve 27, opening upwards, and the lever 36,
is also provided with an adjustable screw 52, and set-nut 53, the former of
which can be screwed down so as to force up the lever and hold the valve 15,
on its seating, to prevent steam passing through the port 14, when the
reducing valve is required to be used as a bye-pass valve (say) to pass steam from
a donkey boiler to the engine-room, backwards through the valve from the
chamber 8, to the chamber 7;-steam from the chamber 8, obtaining access
through the valve 27, to above the piston, thus balancing the same and allowing
the valve to open and act as a bye-pass from the donkey boiler. Or, alternatively,
a cock or stop valve may be fitted in passage leading from controlling valve to
high pressure side which would allow large valve to open and act as a bye-pass.
This valve would act equally well as a reducing valve if its action was reversed
by making the large valve to open upwards instead of downwards, and bringing
the high pressure steam from the ordinary low-pressure casing to act on the top
side of valve.
The valve may be fitted horizontally as well as vertically.

page_text: For smaller sizes of reducing valves say up to about 14" diameter, the main valve
and piston may be dispensed with.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A reducing valve wherein are combined a valve-chest 5, formed with
chambers 7, 8, openings 11, 12, and ports 14, 17, and fitted with a valve 10, and
piston 13-a valve 15, pivotally attached to a lever 36-adjustable spring-
operating devices 37, 42, 43, tending to open the valve 15;-a water-charged
chamber 18, connection 56, and devices 60, 62, 63, tending to close the valve 15:-
a cover casting 19, and bottom plate 20; as set forth.
2. A reducing valve, wherein are combined a valve chest 5, formed with
chambers 7, 8, openings 11, 12, and ports 14, 17 and fitted with a valve 10, and
piston 13, fitted with a valve 27-a valve 15, pivotally attached to a lever 36,
fitted with a stopping device 52, adjustable spring operating devices 37, 42, 43,
tending to open the valve 15a water charged chamber 18-connection 56, and
devices 60, 62, 63, tending to close the valve 15: a cover casting 19; and bottom
plate 20; as set forth:
3. In a reducing valve, in combination, a main valve controlling the mainway
between the high- and low-pressure chambers, a piston of larger area connected
to the valve, a valve controlling a port leading from the high-pressure chamber
to above the piston, adjustable spring-operating devices tending to open such
valve, and a water-charged chamber in connection with the low-pressure chamber
and devices tending to close such valve, when such parts are adapted to co-operate
substantially as herein before described.
4. In a reducing valve, in combination, a main valve controlling the mainway
between the high- and low-pressure chambers, a piston of larger area connected to
the valve and fitted with a valve adapted to open from the low-pressure chamber to
above the piston, a valve controlling a port leading from the high-pressure chamber
to above the piston, adjustable spring-operating devices tending to open such valve,
and a water-charged chamber in connection with the low-pressure chamber and
devices tending, and a stopping device adapted, to close such valve, when such
parts are adapted to co-operate substantially as hereinbefore described.
5. In a reducing valve, in combination, a valve (15) controlling a port leading
from the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber, adjustable spring
operating devices tending to open the valve, and a water-charged chamber in
connection with the low-pressure chamber and devices tending to close the valve,
when such parts are adapted to co-operate substantially as hereinbefore described.,
6. The several modifications herein before referred to.
Dated this 18th day of October 1899
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321; High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.