Adjustable dual cone spray pattern valve apparatus and related methods

摘要

The invented spray valve DEFINES two orifices that generate respective spray patterns. Preferably, the spray patterns are each conical in shape and coaxially configured so that the inside spray pattern is enveloped by the outside spray pattern. The spray valve includes two bias units that urge respective orifices to close, in a direction contrary to pressure exerted by a pressurized fluid supplied to the spray valve, that urges the orifices to open. The bias units are independently adjustable to control the amount by which each orifice is urged to close so that the proportional variation of the orifice opening size to a given variation in the fluid flow rate through the orifice, or equivalently, the fluid pressure differential across each orifice, maintains the continuity of the spray patterns over a broad range of fluid flow rates. The bias units thus allow adjustment so that the spray patterns can be maintained relatively thin or film-like with a uniform, continuous, and uninterrupted surface area so that the spray pattern surface area is maximized. The relatively large surface area of the spray pattern is useful in a variety of technologies, including fluid deaeration and purification. Advantageously, the spray valve defines the first and second orifices with relatively few parts to economize on the amount of material needed to manufacture the spray valve. The invention also includes related methods.