VALVE ASSEMBLY

摘要

A valve assembly 200 including a housing 202 with an internally projecting lip 226 that seals against an outer surface of a valve stem 220 inserted through it. A gas inlet 234a is provided above the lip 226 and a liquid inlet 212 is provided below the lip. The lip 226 thus ensures that a gas flow path and a liquid flow path are kept separate until the valve stem 220 is moved to an open position, at which point a liquid inlet hole 284 in the stem is brought into communication with the liquid inlet 212 in the housing and a gas inlet hole 286 in the stem is brought into communication with the gas inlet 234a in the housing for the fluids mix in an outlet conduit 280 in the stem. The arrangement means that there is no contact between the liquid and a sealing gasket 260, thereby avoiding swelling of the gasket that can cause the stem 220 to stick.