| 摘要 |
A fluid flow regulator (10) has a housing with a cylindrical chamber (16). A member in the form of a ball (26) having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the chamber (16) can move within the chamber. In one embodiment, a bypass channel (34) in the chamber (16) extends around the ball (26). Fluid flow in the inlet (18) passes through the orifice (36) created between the ball (26) and the channel (34), creating a pressure drop so that the fluid on the inlet side (18) of the ball (26) is at a higher pressure than the fluid on the other side. The resultant pressure force urges the ball (26) against a spring (44). Fluid on the other side (30) of the ball (26) exits the chamber (16) through a radial outlet slot (42) positioned near the ball (26). When the inlet pressure and flow increases, the ball (26) moves toward the outlet slot (42) to cover a greater percentage of the outlet slot (42), which raises the pressure drop into the outlet, thereby compensating for the increased inlet pressure. A second longitudinal channel (38) terminates on the downstream side of the ball (26). Inlet flow can use the second slot (38) to bypass the ball (26), but movement of the ball can open or close the second channel (38) to varying degrees. The second channel (38) provides a way of changing the degree of regulation of the flow controller. |
