초록 ▼

An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first

An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway. The valve is therefore moved to a first position to allow a volume of pumpable substance to be forced into the pressure vessel, the valve is moved to a second position to seal the passageway while the pumpable substance is pressurized to a selected pressure for a selected period of time to achieve a desired result, and the valve is then moved to a third position to allow the treated, pumpable substance to be discharged from the pressure vessel. The inlet port and the outlet port are provided with low-pressure seals, and high-pressure seals are provided in the valve such that when the valve is in the second position, the passageway is sealed by the high-pressure seals. By separating the low-pressure and high-pressure regions and functions of the valve, high-pressure containment is simplified, and it is possible to use relatively large passageways, thereby increasing the flow rate and variety of substances that may be processed. In an alternative embodiment, the pumpable substance is pressurized and simultaneously discharged from the pressure vessel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] Apparatus for pressured processing a pumpable substance, comprising:a source of a pumpable substance;a pressure vessel;means for pressurizing and depressurizing the pumpable substance while it is in the pressure vessel;a valve having an inlet port coupled to the source of the pumpa

[ We claim:] [1.] Apparatus for pressured processing a pumpable substance, comprising:a source of a pumpable substance;a pressure vessel;means for pressurizing and depressurizing the pumpable substance while it is in the pressure vessel;a valve having an inlet port coupled to the source of the pumpable substance, an outlet port, and said valve being movable to a first, second, and third position; whereinsaid first position having said inlet port aligned with a passageway opening to the pressure vessel and enabling a volume of the pumpable substance to flow into the pressure vessel via the inlet port and the passageway;said second position having said passageway sealed and said means for pressurizing and depressurizing the pumpable substance being pressurized to a selected pressure for a period of time after which the pumpable substance is depressurized; andsaid third position having said outlet port aligned with the passageway, thereby allowing the pumpable substance to be discharged from the pressure vessel.