VALVE WITH FREEZE-PROOF HEATED VALVE SEAT

摘要

A valve (10) comprises a valve body (11) having a fluid inlet (12) and fluid outlet (13), a valve seat (15) located in the valve body between the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve member (17) movable towards and away from the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a PTC heater (28) in thermal contact with the valve seat for heating the valve seat. The heater is integrated in the valve in a manner where the valve seat is used as an electrical conductor to facilitate operation and assembly of the valve, and a unique valve construction is provided for enabling self-draining to avoid accumulation of water or other liquid in the valve that might negatively impact performance of the valve.