APPARATUS FOR REGULATING THE FLOW RATE OF A FLUID

摘要

An apparatus for regulating the flow rate of a fluid, comprising a casing having an annular or cone-shaped fluid passage, for radial flow (inwardly or outwardly) between an inlet and outlet which are spaced radially and form unobstructed flow paths to the whole of the fluid passage. The geometry of the fluid passage is defined for a compressible and incompressible fluid so that laminar flow is achieved in the fluid passage. The apparatus further provides a very rapid dynamic response, essentially free of hysteresis, and substantially no internal generation of fluid flow turbulence resulting in a minimum of noise and freedom from cavitation. In an adjustable configuration the apparatus provides a proportional fluid valving function. In a nonadjustable configuration the apparatus provides a laminar flow restriction.