Importance

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Abstract

An automatic flow control valve according to the instant invention maintains a constant flow rate despite varying fluid pressure, and employs a dual outer and inner cup construction through which a range of flow rates can be accommodated via a change in the orientation between the outer and the inner cup. Two modes of implementation are disclosed. In one mode, the adjustment of the orientation between the cups to correspond to a desired flow rate is made prior to assembly and installation. In the other mode, an external adjustment means is provided for altering the relative orientation between the outer and the inner cup at field and after assembly and installation. In a third mode, the flow rate can be adjusted on a fully assembled valve at any time other than when said valve in installed in a process line. Additionally, a means for adjusting the preload of a range spring balancing the cups is also provided. In a further embodiment, a corrosive resistent split ring member is included as a valve component which is firmly held in a inwardly raised section of the pipe housing in which the valve is inserted and which wraps around the outer cup as an intermediate member between the outer cup and the inside surface of the pipe housing. In this manner, corrosion of the pipe housing will not obstruct motion of the outer and inner cups.

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First Claim