Importance

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Abstract

A valve mechanism is used in combination with a fluid treatment device of the type having a tank defining a treatment bed, particulate treatment material contained within the treatment bed, and a central distribution tube mounted in the bed and terminating in a plurality of distributors which provide fluid communication between the bed and the distribution tube. The valve mechanism consists of a plurality of ball valves, each connected to a different one of the distributors and having unidirectional flow restriction assemblies such that fluid flow in a first direction from the bed to the distributor tube is relatively unrestricted, and fluid flow in a second direction from the distribution tube to the treatment bed is relatively restricted. By providing a substantial flow restriction resistance in each of the distributors conduits, fluid flow through the distributors during a backwashing cycle remains relatively balanced regardless of the variation in resistance due to dirt concentration around each distributor so that the treatment material surrounding each distributor is sufficiently agitated.

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First Claim