Apparatus and method for selectively channeling a fluid
| DWPI Title: Valve e.g. butterfly valve, for e.g. controlling flow of coolant fluid to automobile radiator, has actuator switching preloaded membrane alternately between closed and open positions in responsive to actuation voltage |
| Abstract: An apparatus for selectively channeling a high temperature fluid without chemically reacting with the fluid. The apparatus includes an inlet and a membrane positioned adjacent to the inlet, each composed of a chemically inert material. The membrane is formed by compressive preloading techniques. The apparatus further includes a seat disposed on the inlet adjacent to the membrane. The seat is composed of a heat resistant and chemically inert material. Operation of the apparatus requires that the temperature of the fluid remains below the chemical characteristic melting point of the seat. The apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the membrane for rendering the membrane in an open and a closed position with respect to the seat. Specifically, the actuator supplies a load in the normal direction to the membrane to selectively engage the membrane in a plurality of predetermined configurations. Operatively, the apparatus receives the fluid at the inlet. The fluid is received at a high temperature and is directed from the inlet to the membrane. In the closed position, the actuator engages the membrane to prevent the fluid from flowing from the inlet between the membrane and the seat. Alternatively, in the open position, the actuator engages the membrane to permit fluid flow from the inlet between the membrane and the seat to at least one outlet provided by the apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid may be discharged from the at least one outlet to a sensor in fluid communication with the at least one outlet. Accordingly, the sensor may measure the fluid channeled through the heat resistant and chemically inert environment provided by the apparatus. |
| Use: Valve e.g. ball valve, butterfly valve, and membrane or diaphragm valve, for controlling flow of a coolant fluid to an automobile radiator, controlling flow of intravenous fluids to a hospital patient, and for controlling fluid flow in and out of a storage tank. |
| Advantage: The utilization of the fluid control assembly enables continuous operation of the valve to selectively channel a high temperature fluid through the valve. |
| Novelty: The valve (5) has a fluid control assembly (10) with a valve inlet (15) for admitting a fluid. A bi-stable actuator (40) is operatively connected to a compressively preloaded membrane (25). The actuator switches the membrane alternately between closed and open positions in responsive to an electrical actuation voltage. The membrane blocks flow at the valve inlet in the closed position and channels the fluid flow from the valve inlet in the open position. The membrane comprises layers of silicon and silicon dioxide bonded together. |
| Filed: 9/30/2004 |
| Application Number: US2004955123A |
| Tech ID: SD 7704.0 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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