GB2384287A

GB2384287A - Flow reversal valve and conduit arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2384287A
Application number: GB0229479A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Tak Ming Tsui
Original assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2001-12-21
Filing date: 2002-12-18
Publication date: 2003-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-18
Also published as: TW565645B; CN1237284C; GB0229479D0; GB0130737D0; HK1053859A1; GB2384287B; CN1427111A

Abstract

A device 100, such as for reversing the flow of fluid through a yarn dyeing machine, comprises a cross pipe 1, a valve 2, an outer pipe 6 and a housing 7. Cross pipe 1 comprises intersecting pipes 32 and 34 perpendicular to pipe 30. Pipe 6 is arranged concentrically around pipe 30 and has a heat exchanger 50 interposed between them. In a first valve position (fig 2a), fluid is sucked by a centrifugal pump 5 from inside to outside of yarn packages through perforations 18 in the housing 7 through a port 11 and into pipe 30, the fluid is then discharged through heat exchanger 50 into an annular passageway 14 and into a turning chamber 15 and is deflected by a butterfly valve member 2 into a package carrier of the dyeing machine and flows through perforated cores of each package. In a second valve position (fig 2b) pump 5 sucks fluid from the outside to the inside of the yarn packages into passage 14 which enters chamber 15 and is deflected by valve 2 out of port 11 into the housing 7 and into the dyeing machine.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FLUID VALVES The present invention relates to a fluid valve, in particular, although not exclusively to a fluid valve for a textile processing machine.

Yam for textile manufacture is commonly wound on a perforated tubular or fluted bobbin, to form a permeable package through which dye liquor can be circulated during a dyeing process.

During the dyeing process, the permeable packages are mounted on a perforated spindle in a package carrier, which package carrier is submerged in dye liquor during the dyeing process. In practice, eight or nine packages are commonly stacked on each of a plurality of spindles. A sealing disc is then placed on top of each column of packages and locked onto the spindle to render the top of the column watertight.

The package dyeing process involves passing dye or other treatment liquor through the permeable packages. In order to achieve even colouring throughout the thickness of the yam package, it is common to pass the dye liquor through the packages in two opposing directions; namely, inside-out flow and outside-in flow.

Inside-out flow means the liquor flows from the perforated core of the package, through the yam, to exterior of the package. Whereas, outside-in flow means the liquor flows from the exterior of the package, through the yam to the perforated core of the package.

Package dyeing machines generally comprise a pump and a reverse valve in order to facilitate the reversible flow of treatment liquor. The pump often comprises a centrifugal pump, because such a pump provides the high pressure and high flow rate flow required to overcome the high resistance to the flow of the dye liquor exhibited by the yam packages. However, a centrifugal pump can generally only operate in one direction. Therefore, a valve is used to facilitate reversal of the flow direction.

Typical flow reversal valves require an excessive amount of external piping in order to facilitate the reversal of fluid flow. Such valve designs are disadvantageous because they require a larger amount of treatment liquor to fill the extra piping. Also, the material costs of making the valve are high.

It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved pump.

The present invention provides a fluid flow reversal device comprising a first conduit, the first conduit having a first arm and a second arm, the first arm intersecting with the second arm, such that the interior of the first arm is fluid flow communicable with the interior of the second arm, the first arm and the second arm both having an opening at each end, a second conduit, arranged concentrically about the full circumference of the first arm of the first conduit, a first end of the second conduit being connectable to an impeller and a second end of the second conduit being closed, a first end of the first arm of the first conduit being connectable to the impeller and a second end of the first arm of the first conduit stopping short of the closed second end of the second conduit, the second arm of the first conduit being arranged to extend through opposing sides of the second conduit, and a valve, located at the point of intersection of the first and second arms of the first conduit, designed to control the direction of fluid flow through the second arm of the first conduit, in use.

Suitably, the first arm of the first conduit comprises a first pipe having a first end and a second end. Suitably, the second arm of the first conduit is provided by first and second pipe sections extending from opposing sides of the first arm. The first and second pipe sections are suitably axially aligned with one another. Suitably, the first and second pipe sections each extend substantially perpendicular of the first arm. The first pipe preferably has first and second openings in the wall thereof, the first opening corresponding with the location of the first pipe section and the second opening corresponding with the location of the second pipe section.

Suitably, the first and second pipe sections are located closer to the second end of the first pipe than the first end of the first pipe.

The second conduit suitably comprises a second pipe. The second pipe is preferably a substantially straight pipe, having a first end and a second end. The diameter of the second pipe is greater than the diameter of the first pipe. An annular passage is provided between the exterior of the first conduit and the interior of the second conduit.

Preferably, the second conduit extends substantially parallel to the first arm of the first conduit. Suitably, the centre longitudinal axis of the second conduit coincides with the centre longitudinal axis of the first arm of the first conduit.

The second conduit suitably comprises a first opening and a second opening in a side wall thereof, through which first and second openings the second arm of the first conduit extends. Suitably, the first pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit extends through the first opening in the second conduit. Suitably, the second pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit extends through the second opening in the second conduit.

The first pipe, the second pipe and the first and second pipe sections may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example, square, rectangular polygonal or, preferably, substantially circular.

The first conduit may have any suitable conformation, for example, T-shaped.

The first conduit suitably has a substantially cross-shaped conformation.

In use of a device according to the present invention, each end of the second arm of the first conduit is suitably connectable to a processing machine, for example, a textile processing machine.

The valve is suitably operable to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position the second end of the second conduit is in fluid flow communication with the first pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit. In the second position the second end of the first conduit is in fluid flow communication with the second pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit.

The valve may comprise a closure member rotatably mounted on an axle.

Suitably, the axle provides an axis of rotation about which the closure member rotates. The axle is suitably located at substantially the centre point of intersection of the first arm and the second arm of the first conduit.

The axle may be connected to any suitable actuation means, for example, a motor, which motor controls the movement of the rotatable closure member.

The closure member may comprise a separation plate. The separation plate may have any suitable shape, but preferably has a substantially circular or elliptical conformation. Preferably, the separation plate has a shape that corresponds with the interior profile of the first conduit in a manner such as to effect a substantially fluid

tight fit with the interior of the first conduit in either the first position or the second position.

The axis of rotation of the separation plate may extend across the width of the plate, such that rotation of the separation plate about the axis effects a change in the angle of inclination of the plate relative to the first conduit. Preferably, the axis of rotation intersects the centre of the separation plate.

The closure member is suitably rotatable between the first position and the second position. Preferably, there is a fluid tight fit between the closure member and the interior of the first conduit when the closure member is in the first position.

Preferably, there is a fluid tight fit between the closure member and the interior of the first conduit when the closure member is in the second position.

The angle of rotation of the closure member between the first position and the second position is greater than 0 , suitably greater than 250, preferably greater than 45 and more preferably greater than 60 . The angle of rotation of the closure member between the first position and the second position is less than 180 , suitably less than 165 , preferably less than 135 and more preferably less than 120 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the angle of rotation of the closure member between the first position and the second position is about 90 .

A fluid flow reversal device according to the present invention suitably

comprises a connector, which connector places the second arm of the first conduit in fluid flow communication with a processing machine.

The connector may be a housing containing at least the second arm of the first conduit. The housing may be of any suitable shape, but is preferably cylindrical. The housing is suitably provided by a high pressure vessel.

The housing may comprise a first end connectable to a processing machine.

The housing may comprise a second end. The second end is substantially opposite the first end. The second end of the housing is suitably closed. The end of the second pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit suitably stops short of the closed second end of the housing. The processing machine is suitably a textile yam processing machine such as a yam dyeing machine.

The first end of the housing suitably comprises one or more perforations therein suitable to place the interior of the housing in fluid flow communication with the exterior of the housing. The first end of the housing may further comprise a first opening arranged to place the interior of the second arm of the first conduit in fluid flow communication with the exterior of the housing. Suitably, a distal end of the first pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit extends to the first opening in the housing.

The second end of the first conduit is suitably spaced apart from the wall of the housing. The second end of the second conduit is suitably connected to the wall of the housing. The wall of the housing inside the second conduit may be curved. The curved section of housing wall suitably has a toroid profile.

A fluid flow reversal device according to the present invention is suitably connectable to an impeller. A suitable impeller is a centrifugal pump. The centrifugal pump may comprise any suitable centrifugal pump.

The housing of a fluid flow reversal device according to the present invention may comprise a second opening suitable for placing the fluid flow reversal device in fluid flow communication with the impeller. The second opening in the housing may be located in a side wall thereof. In use of a fluid flow reversal device with an impeller, the first end of the first conduit is suitably in fluid flow communication with the impeller. In use of a fluid flow reversal device with an impeller, the first end of the second conduit is suitably in fluid flow communication with the impeller.

In this case, the first end of the first arm of the first conduit is suitably connected, in use, to a fluid inlet of the centrifugal pump. The first end of the second conduit is suitably connected, in use, to the fluid outlet of the centrifugal pump. The first end of the first arm of the first conduit and/or the second conduit may be connected indirectly to the fluid outlet of the centrifugal pump.

The device according to the present invention may further comprise a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be located in the annular passage between the first arm of the first conduit and the second conduit. Alternatively, or in addition, the heat exchanger may be a separate element located between the first end of the first arm of the first conduit, the first end of the second conduit and the impeller.

Suitably, the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the centrifugal pump.

The first end of the first conduit may extend through the second opening in the housing. Alternatively, the first end of the first conduit may be contained within the housing. The first end of the second conduit may extend through the second opening in the housing. Alternatively, the first end of the second conduit may be contained within the housing.

Suitably, the impeller is located externally of the housing. However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the impeller may be located within the housing.

The impeller is suitably powered by a motor attached either directly or indirectly thereto. Preferably, the motor for the impeller is located externally of the housing.

Preferably, the motor of the axle is located externally of the housing.

The fluid flow reversal device according to the present invention may be a yam processing machine fluid flow reversal device.

In use of fluid flow reversal device according to the present invention, with a yarn processing machine, such as a yam dyeing machine, the fluid flow reversal device is connected to the fluid vessel of the yarn processing machine, and to an impeller, provided, for example, by a centrifugal pump.

Fluid is metered into the system and is circulated around by means of the impeller. The direction of flow of the fluid is controlled by the valve in the fluid flow reversal device. Suitably, the suction flow direction of the impeller is substantially parallel to the discharge flow direction thereof.

When the valve is in the first position, the fluid is sucked through the first end of the first arm of the first conduit by means of the impeller. The fluid is discharged from the impeller to flow into heat exchange pipes in a heat exchanger and into the annular passageway provided between the exterior of the first arm of the first conduit and the interior of the second conduit. The fluid flows along the passage to a chamber provided between the second end of the first arm of the first conduit and the wall of the housing. In the chamber between the second end of the first conduit and the housing wall, the fluid turns and enters the second end of the first arm of the first conduit.

With the valve in the first position, the fluid is directed into the first pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit. The fluid flows up through the first pipe

section and out of the housing into a package carrier of the yam processing machine to which the fluid flow reversal device is connected.

The fluid then flows through the perforated cores of the yam packages housed in the package carrier and out through the yam. The fluid then flows into a collection vessel surrounding the package carrier.

Fluid exits the package carrier via perforations in the housing of the fluid flow reversal device and flows towards the base of the housing. The circulating fluid enters the second pipe extension of the second arm of the first conduit and flows into the first arm of the first conduit back towards the impeller for re-circulation.

With the valve in the second position, fluid is again sucked from the first arm of the first conduit by means of the impeller and discharged from the impeller into heat exchange pipes in a heat exchanger and into the annular passage provided between the first conduit and the second conduit. The fluid flows along the passage into the chamber between the second end of the first arm of the first conduit and the housing wall. In this chamber the fluid turns and enters the second end of the first arm of the first conduit.

The valve then deflects the fluid into the second pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit and out into the interior of the housing. The fluid flows through the housing to exit therefrom through the perforations in the first end thereof.

The fluid flows from the perforations into the fluid collection vessel of the yam processing machine and into the packages through the yam towards the perforated core. On passing through the perforated core of the packages, the fluid flows into the package carrier and back into the first conduit via the first pipe section of the second arm thereof. The impeller sucks the fluid back along the first arm of the first conduit for re-circulation.

A fluid flow reversal device in accordance with the present invention advantageously comprises a reduced amount of external piping between the centrifugal pump and the valve, which reduces the cost of manufacture and the amount of treatment fluid required.

Moreover, in embodiments of the present invention, the rotatable closure member of the valve may be the only moving part within the fluid flow reversal device thereby reducing the maintenance requirements of the device.

Furthermore, a fluid flow reversal device in accordance with the present invention advantageously comprises a heat exchanger connected between the centrifugal pump and the annular passage to heat up or cool down the fluid, for example the dye liquor. The present of the heat exchanger can improve the liquor ratio.

In embodiments of the present invention, only the axle for supporting the rotatable closure member of the valve pierces the housing. Therefore, less material is required for reinforcement of the high pressure vessel around the openings in the walls thereof.

The annular flow discharge arrangement of the fluid flow reversal device creates reduced flow resistance therefore requiring less power to drive the fluid flow.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which :- Figure 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow reversal device arranged for use; Figure 2a shows the apparatus of figure 1 in use with a package carrier of a yam treatment machine, with the valve located. in the first position, and Figure 2b shows the apparatus of figure 1 in use with a package carrier of a yarn treatment machine, with the valve located in the second position.

Figures 1,2a and 2b show a fluid flow reversal device 100 comprising a cross pipe 1, a rotatable closure member 2, mounted on an axle 3, an outer pipe 6 and a housing 7.

The cross pipe 1 comprises a first pipe 30, and first and second pipe sections 32,34 extending substantially perpendicular from the first pipe 30. The first and second pipe sections 32,34 extend from opposite sides of the first pipe 30 and are axially aligned. A first opening 36 and a second opening 38 in the side wall of the first pipe 30 ensures that the first pipe section 32 and the second pipe section 34, respectively, is in fluid flow communication with the first pipe 30. The cross pipe 1 has four ports 11,12, 16 and 17.

Port 16 of the first pipe 30 extends into the interior of the outer pipe 6, such that the cross pipe 1 is in fluid flow communication with the outer pipe 6 via the port 16.

Port 12 of the cross pipe 1 is connected to the fluid inlet of a centrifugal pump 5. The centrifugal pump 5 houses an impeller 4. The centrifugal pump 5 is driven by an external motor 10.

The outer pipe 6 has an interior diameter that is greater than the exterior diameter of the first pipe 30. The outer pipe 6 is arranged concentrically with the first pipe 30 of the cross pipe 1. A first end 46 of the outer pipe 6 is connected to one end to heat exchange pipes 51 in a heat exchanger 50. The other end of the heat exchanger pipes 51 is connected to the fluid outlet of the centrifugal pump 5. A second end 48 of the outer pipe 6 is welded to the housing 7. The wall of the housing 7 has a curved profile 23 in the region at which the outer pipe 6 is welded thereto.

The distal ends of the first pipe section 32 and the second pipe section 34 each extend through opposing sides of the outer pipe 6.

The housing 7 has a generally cylindrical shape. One end of the housing 7 is closed and provides a base 44. The other end of the housing 7 is provided with a plurality of perforations 18 to allow fluid flow between the exterior and the interior of the housing 7, when in use. The first pipe section 32 of the cross pipe 1 extends through the full height of the housing 7 to the pierce the perforated end of the housing 7, thus allowing for fluid flow between the interior of the first pipe section 32 and the exterior of the housing 7.

The axle 3 of the closure member 2 is controlled by a motor (not shown), which motor is located externally of the housing. The closure member 2 can rotate between first position (shown in Figure 1) and a second position (as illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 1).

Figure 2a and 2b illustrates the fluid flow reversal device 100 in use connected to a dyeing vessel 19 of a yam dyeing machine (not shown). The arrows indicate the direction of flow of the fluid.

When the closure member 2 is in the first position, as illustrated in figure 2a, fluid flows from the inside to the outside of the yam packages 22 in the dye vessel 19.

The centrifugal pump 5 creates a suction force to draw fluid through the first pipe 30 of the cross-pipe 1 and through port 12. The fluid is discharged from the centrifugal pump 5 through the heat exchange pipes 51 in the heat exchanger 50 and then into the annular passage 14 provided between the first pipe 30 and the outer pipe 6. As can be

seen from figures 2a and 2b, the suction flow direction is substantially parallel to the discharge flow direction.

The fluid enters the turning chamber 15 provided between the housing wall and the port 16 of the first pipe 30. The curved shape 23 of the housing wall at this location smooths the flow of fluid from the annular passage 14 into the port 16.

The fluid is deflected by the closure member 2 to flow upwards through port 17 of the cross pipe 1 and out of the housing 7 into the package carrier 20 of the yam dyeing machine. The fluid flows into the perforated core 21 of each package 22, our through the yarn wound on the core 22 and into the dyeing vessel 19.

The fluid then passes through the perforations 18 in the housing 7 to flow towards the base 44 of the housing 7 and up into the cross pipe 1 via port 11, to return to port 12 thereof.

When the closure member 2 in the second position, as illustrated in figure 2b, fluid flows from the outside to the inside of the yam packages 22. The centrifugal pump 5 sucks fluid from the cross pipe 1 via port 12 and then discharges the fluid into the annular passage 14.

The fluid then enters the turning chamber 15 and enters the cross pipe 1 via port 16. The closure member 2 deflects the fluid to exit the cross pipe 1 via port 11.

The fluid thus passes from the cross pipe 1 into the interior of the housing 7.

The fluid flows upwards through the housing to exit therefrom via perforations 18 into the dye vessel 19. The fluid then passes through the yam on the packages 22 into the perforated cores 21 thereof. The fluid passes therefrom into the package carrier 20 and back into the cross pipe 1 via port 17 to return to the centrifugal pump 5 via port 12.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A fluid flow reversal device comprising a first conduit, the first conduit

having a first arm and a second arm, the first arm intersecting with the second arm, such that the interior of the first arms is fluid flow communicable with the interior of the second arm, the first arm and the second arm both having an opening at each end, a second conduit arranged concentrically about the full circumference of the first arm of the first conduit, a first end of the second conduit being connectable to an impeller and a second end of the second conduit being closed, a first end of the first arm of the first conduit being connectable to the impeller and a second end of the first arm of the first conduit stopping short of the closed second end of the second conduit, the second arm of the first conduit being arranged to extend through opposing sides of the second conduit, and a valve, located at the point of intersection of the first and second arms of the first conduit, designed to control the direction of fluid flow through the second arm of the first conduit, in use.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second arm of the first conduit comprises first and second pipe sections extending from opposite sides of the first arm.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first pipe has first and second openings in the wall thereof, the first opening corresponding with the location of the first pipe section and the second opening corresponding with the location of the second pipe section.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the second conduit is greater than the diameter of the first arm of the first conduit.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein an annular passage is provided between the exterior of the first conduit and the interior of the second conduit.

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6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second conduit comprises first and second openings in a wall thereof, through which first and second openings the second arm of the first conduit extends.
7. A device according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein the valve is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second end of the first arm of the first conduit is in fluid communication with the first pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit and in the second position the second end of the first arm of the first conduit is in fluid flow communication with the second pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit.
8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve comprises a closure member rotatably mounted on an axle.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the closure member is a separation plate.
10. A device according to claim 9, wherein rotation of the separation plate about the axle effects a change in the angle of inclination of the plate relative to the first conduit.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the angle of inclination of the closure member between the first position and the second position is greater than 0 and less than 180 .
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the angle of inclination of the closure member between the first position and the second position is greater than 45 .
13. A device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the angle of inclination of the closure member between the first position and the second position is less than 135 .
14. A device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the angle of inclination of the closure member between the first position and the second position is substantially 90 .
15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conduit has a substantially cross-shaped configuration.

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16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each end of the second arm of the first conduit is connectable to a processing machine.
17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the processing machine is a textile processing machine.
18. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a connector which connector places the second arm of the first conduit in fluid flow communication with a processing machine.
19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the connector is a housing containing the second arm of the first conduit.
20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the housing has a first end connectable to the processing machine and a second end which is closed, the end of the second pipe section of the second arm of the first conduit stopping short of the second end of the housing.
21. A device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first end of the housing comprises one or more perforations suitable to place the interior of the housing in fluid flow communication with the exterior of the housing.
22. A device according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein the first end of the housing comprises a first opening arranged to place the exterior of the housing in fluid flow communication with the interior of the second arm of the first conduit.
23. A device according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein the second end of the second conduit is connected to the housing wall.
24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the housing wall is curved inside the second conduit.
25. A device according to claim 24, wherein the wall comprises a toroid curve inside the second conduit.
26. A device according to any one of claims 19-25, wherein the housing comprises a second opening located in a side wall thereof, through which the first end of the first arm of the first conduit extends.
27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the first end of the second conduit extends through the second opening in the housing.

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28. A device according to any one of claims 19-25, wherein the first end of the first arm of the first conduit is contained within the housing.
29. A device according to claim 28, wherein the first end of the second conduit is contained within the housing.
30. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the first arm of the first conduit is connected to the fluid inlet of an impeller.
31. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the second conduit is connected to the fluid outlet of an impeller.
32. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, which is a yam processing machine fluid flow reversal device.
33. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an impeller.
34. A device according to Claim 33 wherein the impeller has a discharge and a suction flow direction that are substantially parallel to each other.
35. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heat exchanger located in an annular passage, provided between the exterior of the first arm of the first conduit and the interior of the second conduit.
36. A device according to claim 35, wherein the heat exchanger extends through the annular passage from the impeller towards the intersection of the first and second arms of the first conduit.
37. A device according to claim 36, wherein the heat exchanger stops short of the point of intersection of the first and second arms of the first conduit.
38. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impeller is provided by a centrifugal pump.
39. A textile yam processing machine comprising a fluid flow reversal device according to any one of the preceding claims.
40. A textile yam processing machine according to claim 39, comprising a textile yam dyeing machine.
41. A fluid flow reversal device substantially as described herein and with reference to the drawings hereof.