Pressure Independent Control Valve for Small Diameter Flow, Energy Use and/or Transfer

摘要

A pressure independent control valve for small diameter applications for the purpose of regulating or maintaining a predetermined flow rate and/or energy usage/transfer within a pipe system is disclosed. A needle valve is inserted into a flow path where the flow path travels through the needle valve when the needle valve is in an open position. An actuator connects with the needle valve where the actuator is configured to move the needle valve between the open position and a closed position. The flow rate is determined from an ultrasonic sensor positioned in an inner wall of the pipe system or via differential pressure readings. The pipe system has a small diameter.

主权项

1. An apparatus for maintaining a desired flow rate in a flow path within a pipe system, comprising:
a needle valve inserted into the flow path, wherein the flow path travels through the needle valve when the needle valve is in an open position; an actuator in connection with the needle valve, wherein the actuator is configured to move the needle valve between the open position and a closed position; a sensor selected from the group of sensors consisting of an ultrasonic sensor positioned in an inner wall of the pipe system wherein the ultrasonic sensor is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal, and an inlet pressure senor positioned proximate an inlet end of the pipe system and an outlet pressure sensor positioned downstream from the inlet pressure sensor; and wherein the pipe system has a small diameter.