초록 ▼

A rotary control valve is provided. The valve includes a valve body having a first valve member with a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying diameter or a single flow channel having a generally smooth gradient from large to sma

A rotary control valve is provided. The valve includes a valve body having a first valve member with a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying diameter or a single flow channel having a generally smooth gradient from large to small diameter; and a second valve member in close proximity to or in direct contact with the first valve member with a second volute formed therein, wherein the second volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying diameter or a single flow channel having a generally smooth gradient from large to small diameter. The first and second volutes cooperate with one another to form an orifice between the first and second valve members, and the diameter of the orifice is variable based on the positions of the individual flow channels relative to one another. Also included are means for axially rotating the first and second valve members in opposite directions relative to one another for varying the size of the orifice formed between the valve members.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed: 1. A rotary control valve system, comprising: a housing; a valve body enclosed within the housing, wherein the valve body further comprises: a first valve member having a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying

What is claimed: 1. A rotary control valve system, comprising: a housing; a valve body enclosed within the housing, wherein the valve body further comprises: a first valve member having a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying dimensions; a second valve member in close proximity to the first valve member having a second volute formed therein, wherein the second volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying dimensions; and wherein the first and second volutes cooperate with one another to form a continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice between the first and second valve members, wherein the continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice is configured to predictably regulate a flow of fluid therethrough, and wherein the dimensions of the continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice are continuously variable based on the positions of the individual flow channels relative to one another; and a drive mechanism for axially rotating the first and second valve members in opposite directions relative to one another for varying the dimensions of the orifice formed between the valve members; a source of power in communication with the drive mechanism; and a system controller for controlling the drive mechanism. 2. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, further comprising: at least two flow lines in communication with the housing. 3. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, further comprising a source of gas in communication with at least one of the housing and valve body. 4. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, further comprising a source of liquid in communication with at least one of the housing and valve body. 5. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, where in the housing further includes a plurality of bores formed therein, and wherein the bores are in-line with one another on opposite sides of the housing. 6. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, where in the housing further includes a plurality of bores formed therein, and wherein the bores are perpendicular to one another on adjacent sides of the housing. 7. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, wherein the first and second valve members are substantially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the first and second valve members are oriented parallel to one another within the housing. 8. The rotary control valve system of claim 7, wherein the first and second valve members are tangentially mounted within the housing in a lengthwise orientation. 9. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, wherein the centerline of the first volute runs circumferentially across the surface of the first valve member, and wherein the centerline of the second volute runs circumferentially across the surface of the second valve member. 10. The rotary control valve system of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a stepper motor, separate actuator, and threaded rod and motor combination. 11. A rotary control valve, comprising: a valve body, wherein the valve body further includes: a first valve member having at least a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying dimensions; a second valve member in close proximity to the first valve member having a at least a second volute formed therein, wherein the second volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying dimensions; and wherein the first and second volutes cooperate with one another to form a continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice between the first and second valve members, wherein the continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice is configured to predictably regulate a flow of fluid therethrough, and wherein the dimensions of the continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice are continuously variable based on the dimensions of the individual flow channels forming the orifice; and a drive mechanism for rotating the first and second valve members relative to one another for varying the size of the orifice formed between the valve members. 12. The rotary control valve of claim 11, further comprising a housing in which the valve body is at least partially enclosed. 13. The rotary control valve of claim 11, wherein the housing further includes a plurality of bores formed therein, and wherein the bores are in-line with one another on opposite sides of the housing. 14. The rotary control valve of claim 11, wherein the housing further includes a plurality of bores formed therein, and wherein the bores are perpendicular to one another on adjacent sides of the housing. 15. The rotary control valve of claim 11, wherein the first and second valve members are substantially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the first and second valve members are oriented parallel to one another within the housing. 16. The rotary control valve of claim 15, wherein the first and second valve members are tangentially mounted within the housing in a lengthwise orientation. 17. The rotary control valve of claim 11, wherein the centerline of the first volute runs circumferentially across the surface of the first valve member, and wherein the centerline of the second volute runs circumferentially across the surface of the second valve member. 18. The rotary control valve of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a stepper motor, separate actuator, and threaded rod and motor combination. 19. A method for making a rotary valve system, comprising: manufacturing a valve body, wherein manufacturing the valve body further includes: forming a first valve member having a first volute formed therein, wherein the first volute further includes of a plurality of flow channels of varying dimensions; forming a second valve member in close proximity to the first valve member and having a second volute formed therein, wherein the second volute further includes a plurality of flow channels of varying dimensions; and wherein the first and second volutes cooperate with one another to form a continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice between the first and second valve members, wherein the continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice is configured to predictably regulate a flow of fluid therethrough and wherein the dimensions of the continuously variable concentric, tapered circular orifice are continuously variable based on the positions of the individual flow channels forming the orifice; and connecting the valve body to means for rotating the first and second valve members relative to one another for varying the size of the orifice formed between the valve members. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising enclosing the valve body within a housing. 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching at least one of the valve body or the housing to at least one input line and at least one output line. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the first and second valve members are substantially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the first and second valve members are oriented parallel to one another within the housing. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first and second valve members are tangentially mounted within the housing in a lengthwise orientation. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the centerline of the first volute runs circumferentially across the surface of the first valve member, and wherein the centerline of the second volute runs circumferentially across the surface of the second valve member. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the means for rotating the first and second valve members relative to one another further comprises a drive mechanism selected from the group consisting of a stepper motor, separate actuator, and threaded rod and motor combination.