摘要 |
A flow control element adapted to be provided within a substantially longitudinal fluid passageway (105) of a valve device, said flow control element comprising:
a substantially longitudinal element (104) having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of said passageway (105);
retaining means to retain said element within said passageway (105) whilst permitting automatic movement of said element relative to said passageway (105); and,
a biasing means, such as a spring (120), which permits said element (104) to alter its position within said passageway (105);
such that, said flow control element enables a consistent low flow-rate of fluid through said passageway (105) whilst said automatic movement of said element (104) relative to said passageway (105) cleans and/or clears said passageway (105) from particulate matter such as dirt and/or deposit whilst preventing the ingress of particles which might otherwise clog said passageway (105) and/or flow paths downstream thereof. |