SE2350497A1

SE2350497A1 - A regulating valve and a fluid-based system

Info

Publication number: SE2350497A1
Application number: SE2350497A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Tobias Ragnvid
Original assignee: Lk Armatur Ab
Priority date: 2023-04-26
Filing date: 2023-04-26
Publication date: 2024-10-27
Also published as: SE546806C2; WO2024223196A1

Abstract

An obturator (100) to be used in a valve is provided. The obturator is configured to be rotated about a central rotation axis L-L The obturator (100) comprises an envelope wall (102) defining a first flow chamber (106) having a first fluid opening (107) and a second fluid opening (108). The first fluid opening (107) is axially aligned with the central rotation axis and the second fluid opening (108) is arranged in a wall portion of the envelope wall (102), thereby allowing an angular fluid flow between the first and the second fluid openings (107, 108). The obturator (100) further comprises a second flow chamber (110) being defined by a tube (111) extending between a third fluid opening (112) and a fourth fluid opening (113) arranged in the envelope wall (102). The tube (111) is arranged to extend inside said first fluid flow chamber (106). Further, a valve (200) using such obturator, and a fluid-based system using such valve is provided.

Description

AN OBTURATOR, A VALVE USING SUCH OBTURATOR AND A FLUID-BASED SYSTEM USING SUCH VALVE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an obturator, a valve using such obturator, and a fluid-based system using such valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A valve is typically designed and chosen to provide a certain valve flow coefficient. The valve flow coefficient is a measurement that pipefitters, engineers and manufacturers use to find the right-sized valve for the amount of fluid that is intended to pass through the valve at a desired pressure. The valve flow coefficient (Cv) is defined as the volunae (in US gailons) of water at 5G "F (16 °C) that will flow per rtainute through a valve with a pressure cärop of 1 psi (59 kiia) across the valve. ln practice, a system does however typically contain two or more components that are connected via a common valve, and where the individual components have different Cv requirements to work optimally and also are operating during different times. This requires the system designer to make a trade-off when designing the system and when choosing valve dimension.

One typical example is a domestic heating system that comprises one sub-system in the form of a floor heating system that is fed with a heated fluid from a heat pump. The floor heating system contains a long piping, often more than 100 meters long, with a narrow cross-sectional diameter. The piping of the floor heating system is connected to the heat pump via a regulating valve. The heat pump is often connected within a few meters from the regulating valve and by using a pipe having a cross-sectional diameter exceeding the cross-sectional diameter of the piping of the floor heating system. The heat pump is often also connected to a domestic hot water tank via the same regulating valve. The hot water tank is thereby part of another sub-system of the heating system. Hence, depending on how the common regulating valve is set, either sub-system will be served by the heat pump.

When designing a system that comprises components having different optimal flow coefficients, Cv, a regulating valve is chosen that is dimensioned to meet the requirements of the component requiring the highest Cv. Also, any pump that is connected to the system must be dimensioned to meet the requirements of the component requiring the highest Cv. The pump in turn requires a motor with a certain effect to be powered. There is also in many cases an unbalance in efficient operation time. ln a typical floor heating system, the efficient operation time of the sub-system comprising the hot water tank is about 5-10 % of the efficient operation time of the sub-system comprising the floor heating system. ln other words, the regu|ating valve is set to serve the floor heating system during about 90-95% of the time. This means that there is an undue power consumption when operating such system which makes it expensive to the end user in terms of energy costs. There is hence a need for a regu|ating valve that allows the design of a more energy efficient system. This need applies, no matter type of system.

Summary of the |nvention lt is an object of the invention to at least partly overcome the above problems. lt is another object of the invention to provide an obturator and a regu|ating valve using such obturator that can be used in a system to operatively interconnect at least two components that might be configured to operate with different flows, and hence are designed to operate with different valve flow coefficients. lt is yet another object to provide an obturator and a valve that allows the provision of a more energy efficient system operation.

These and other objects of the invention may at least partly be met by means of the invention as defined by the independent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an obturator to be used in a valve is provided. The obturator that is configured to be rotated about a central rotation axis comprises an envelope wall defining a first flow chamber having a first fluid opening and a second fluid opening, the first fluid opening being axially aligned with the central rotation axis and the second fluid opening being arranged in a wall portion of the envelope wall, thereby allowing an angular fluid flow between the first and the second fluid openings; and wherein the obturator further comprises a second flow chamber being defined by a tube extending between a third and a fourth fluid opening arranged in the envelope wall, and wherein the tube is arranged to extend inside said first fluid flow chamber. The fluid inside the first flow chamber will accordingly pass around an outer envelope wall of the tube and hence around the second flow chamber when passing between the first and second openings.

An obturator is accordingly provided which comprises a first and a second flow chamber, each flow chamber having two openings. The second flow chamber is arranged inside the first flow chamber and is provided by a tube with two open ends forming two fluid openings. By the thus formed two flow chambers, each having a separate set of fluid openings, the first flow chamber and its two openings may be tailormade to provide a valve flow coefficient that meets the requirements of a first component/sub-system of a system, whereas the second flow chamber and its two openings may be tailormade to provide a valve flow coefficient that meets the requirements of a second component/sub-system of the system. Thus, a regulating valve containing such obturator may be dimensioned to allow an improved energy utilization of a complete system that contains two sub-systems.

The first opening of the obturator, may as seen in a condition when the obturator is arranged in a valve housing, be configured to be arranged axially aligned with a so-called AB- port of the valve housing, which AB-port is axially aligned with the central rotation axis of the obturator. Each and one of the second, third and fourth openings of the obturator may, as seen in a condition when the obturator is arranged in a valve housing, be configured to be selectively set to be axially aligned with one or both of the so-called A or B-ports of the valve housing. Thereby the obturator may be used to control a fluid flow through the valve between the AB-port and one of the A and B-ports, or between the A and B-ports only. ln the first setting, the fluid flow is made via the first flow chamber. ln the second, setting, the fluid flow is made via the second flow chamber.

By arranging the tube, and hence the second flow chamber, inside the first flow chamber, the outer dimensions of the obturator will not be affected. This allows a modular thinking in manufacturing and stock keeping, where one and the same valve housing may be fitted with a unique obturator to provide a desired combination of two valve flow coefficients to thereby meet a client's needs for a certain installation.

A valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber may be larger than a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber. The valve flow coefficient of the fluid flow through the first flow chamber may by way of example be 5- 400% larger than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber, and more preferred 10-250% larger than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber.

Alternatively, a flow resistance coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber may be lower than a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber. The valve flow coefficient of the fluid flow through the first flow chamber may by way of example be 5-400% lower than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber, and more preferred 10-250% lower than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber.

As a practical non-limiting example in the event the obturator is used in a regulating valve forming part of a heating system for domestic use comprising a hot water tank configured to be served with fluid via the first flow chamber and a floor heating fluid loop configured to be served with fluid via the second flow chamber, the first flow chamber may have a Cv of 8 m3/h whereas the second flow chamber may have a Cv of 13 m3/h. ln yet another embodiment, the flow resistance coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber may be the same as the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber.

The cross-sectional area of the first opening may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the second opening. The cross-sectional geometry of the first opening may correspond to the cross-sectional geometry of the second opening. The openings may by way of example be circular or oval.

The cross-sectional area of the third opening may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the fourth opening. The cross-sectional geometry of the third opening may correspond to the cross-sectional geometry of the fourth opening. The openings may by way of example be circular or oval.

A longitudinal centreline of the second fluid opening and a longitudinal centreline of the third fluid opening may be angularly displaced in view of each other as seen about the central rotation axis of the obturator. The angular displacement may, as a non-limiting example, by way of example be 90 degrees or 120 degrees.

A longitudinal centreline of the second fluid opening and a longitudinal centreline of the third fluid opening and the fourth fluid line respectively may be arranged in a common virtual plane that extends orthogonally to the central rotation axis of the obturator.

The obturator may in one embodiment have a hollow cylindrical shape having a closed end supporting a shaft configured to connect the obturator to a setting arrangement, and an open end, and wherein the first fluid opening is arranged in the open end such that the central rotation axis of the obturator extends through said first fluid opening.

The obturator may in an alternative embodiment have the shape of a hollow sphere having a first surface portion supporting a shaft configured to connect the obturator to a setting arrangement, and wherein the first fluid opening is arranged in a second surface portion opposite the first surface portion, such that the central rotation axis of the obturator extends through said first fluid opening.

According to another aspect, a regulating valve comprising a valve housing and an obturator according to any of claims 1-8 is provided. The advantages and operation of such valve have been described above when discussing the obturator as such. To avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the discussions above. The valve may by way of example be a 2-way regulating valve.

According to another aspect, a fluid-based system is provided, said system comprising a first sub-system, a second sub-system, and a regulating valve comprising an obturator according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the obturator of the regulating valve is configured to be selectively set between a first position allowing a fluid flow from a fluid supply to the first sub-system by fluid passing from the first opening of the obturator to the second opening of the obturator, and a second position allowing a fluid flow from the fluid supply to the second sub-system by fluid passing from the third opening of the obturator to the fourth opening of the obturator.

The first sub-system may in one embodiment comprise a domestic hot water tank, and the second sub-system may be a floor heating system comprising a floor heating fluid loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an obturator according to the invention.

Fig. 2 discloses the obturator according to Fig. 1 divided into two sub-parts.

Figs. 3A-3C disclose three different views of the first flow chamber of the obturator.

Figs. 4A-4B disclose two different views of the second flow chamber of the obturator.

Figs. 5A-5C schematically disclose a valve with the obturator set to allow a fluid flow through the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber, respectively.

Fig. 6 is a highly schematical overview of a system using a valve according to the invention to interconnect a first and a second sub-system.

Fig. 7 is a highly schematical cross section of an obturator according to the invention having a spherical shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Turning to Fig. 1, a perspective view of one embodiment of an obturator 100 according to the present invention is disclosed. The obturator 100 is configured to be rotated about a central rotation axis L-L. The disclosed embodiment of the obturator 100 comprises a straight-cylindrical hollow member 101 having an envelope wall 102. The obturator 100 has a first, closed end 103 that supports a shaft 104 configured to connect the obturator 100 to a setting arrangement, such as a motor (not illustrated). Further, the obturator 100 has a second, open end 105.

The obturator 100 may be formed by a metallic material or by a polymer material.

The envelope wall 102 defines a first flow chamber 106 having a first fluid opening 107 and a second fluid opening 108. The first fluid opening 107 is arranged in the open end 105 of the obturator 100 and is axially aligned with the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100. Thus, the central rotation axis L-L extends through said first fluid opening 107. The second fluid opening 108 is arranged in a wall portion 109 of the envelope wall 102. Thereby an angular fluid flow is allowed between the first fluid opening 107 and the second fluid opening 108 in a condition when the obturator 100 is used in a valve, as will be described below.

The cross-sectional area of the first fluid opening 107 may correspond to the cross- sectional area of the second fluid opening 108. The cross-sectional geometry of the first fluid opening 107 may correspond to the cross-sectional geometry of the second fluid opening 108. The openings are disclosed as being oval. The openings may have other geometries, such as circular.

The skilled person realises that the cross-sectional areas and/or the geometries of the first and second fluid openings 107, 108 may be the same or be different from each other. What is essential is that the first and second fluid openings in combination provide a first flow chamber 106 that allows a valve using such obturator to provide a valve flow coefficient of a certain value.

The obturator 100 further comprises a second flow chamber 110. The second flow chamber 110, best seen in Fig 4B is defined by a tube 111 that extends between a third fluid opening 112 and a fourth fluid opening 113. These openings are both arranged in the envelope wall 102. The tube 111 is arranged to extend inside the first fluid flow chamber 106.

As will be described below, in a condition when the obturator 100 is arranged in a valve housing and the valve is connected to a fluid system, the fluid inside the first flow chamber 106 will pass around an outer envelope surface of the tube 111 and hence outside the second flow chamber 110 when passing between the first and second fluid openings 107, 108.

The cross-sectional area of the third opening 112 may correspond to the cross- sectional area of the fourth opening 113. The cross-sectional geometry of the third opening 112 may correspond to the cross-sectional geometry of the fourth opening 113. The openings 112, 113 are disclosed as being oval. The openings 112, 113 may have other geometries, such as circular. The first and second openings 107, 108 may have different cross-sectional geometries than the third and fourth openings 112, 113.

The skilled person realises that the cross-sectional areas and/or the geometries of the third and fourth fluid openings 112, 113 may be the same or be different from each other. What is essential is that the third and fourth fluid openings 112, 113 in combination provide a second flow chamber 110 that allows a valve using such obturator to provide a valve flow coefficient of a certain value. Especially, by the invention, the obturator 100 comprises two separate flow chambers that may provide two different valve flow coefficients. The skilled person does however realise that the same principle is equally applicable to provide an obturator with two separate flow chambers having the same valve flow coefficient.

The tube 111 making up the second flow chamber 110 may be welded to, or be adhesively bonded to the envelope wall 102 of the obturator 100. The skilled person realises that the tube 111 alternatively may be integrally formed with the envelope wall 102.

Now turning to Fig. 2. The obturator 100 may be formed by two parts that are configured to mounted to each other, e.g., by welding or adhesive bonding. This is provided for in the embodiment of Fig. 2, by a radially extending wall portion 114 that is configured to close off one end 115 of the cylindrical envelope wall 102 and thereby form the closed end 103 of the obturator.

The shaft 104 is disclosed as being integrally formed with the radially extending wall portion 114. The shaft may, with remained function be formed as a separate part that in turn is mounted to the radially extending wall portion 114, e.g., by welding or adhesive bonding.

The free end 116 of the shaft 104, best seen in Fig. 1, has a non-rotation cylindrical cross section. Thereby it is ensured that a setting means, such as a motor (not illustrated) can be mounted in one way only in view of the obturator 100. This ensures that the second, third and fourth openings 108, 112, 113 of the obturator 100 are correctly oriented in view of the respective ports of the housing during operation of the valve.

The shaft 104, see Figs. 1 and 2, is provided with at least one circumferentially extending groove 117 to allow support of a non-disclosed sealing ring.

Fig. 3A is a plan view of the obturator 100 as seen from the second fluid opening 108. Also, Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view as taken in a plane, see arrows in Fig. 3A, extending along the central rotation axis L-L and across the second fluid opening 108 with the purpose to better show the first flow chamber 106.

As is best seen in Fig. 3B, the first flow chamber 106 is defined by an inner wall portion 118 of the envelope wall 102, a lower surface of the radially extending wall portion 114 that closes-off one end 115 of the cylindrical envelope wall 102, and an exterior wall portion 119 of the tube 111 that extends inside and through the first flow chamber 106. The tube 111 thereby forms the second flow chamber 110 which is separate from the first flow chamber 106.

The first flow chamber 106 has the first opening 107 that is formed in the bottom end of the obturator 100 and that is axially aligned with the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100. The first opening 107 is disclosed as having a surface extension across the full cross section of the obturator 100. The first flow chamber 106 has the second opening 108 that is formed in the envelope wall 102 of the obturator 100.

Now turning to Figs. 3B and 3C, a longitudinal centreline A-A of the second fluid opening 108 and a longitudinal centreline B-B of the third fluid opening 112 and the fourth fluid opening 113 respectively are disclosed as being arranged in a common virtual plane that extends orthogonally to the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100. The skilled person realizes that the longitudinal centreline A-A of the second fluid opening 108 and the longitudinal centreline B-B of the third and fourth fluid openings 112, 113 in other embodiments may be mutually displaced along the central rotation axis L-L.

The longitudinal centreline A-A of the second fluid opening 108 and the longitudinal centreline B-B of the third fluid opening 112 are angularly displaced in view of each other as seen about the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100. This is best illustrated in Fig. 3C. The angular displacement ot is disclosed as being 90 degrees. This angular displacement is to be seen as a non-limiting example. The angular displacement may by way of example be 120 degrees.

Now turning to Fig. 4A, a plan view of the obturator 100 is disclosed as seen from the third opening 112. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view as taken in a plane, see arrows in Fig. 4A, extending along the central rotation axis L-L and across the third and fourth openings 112, 113 to thereby better show the second flow chamber 110. From Fig. 4B it can be seen how the second flow chamber 110 extends inside the first flow chamber 106.

Now turning to Figs 5A-5C, the operation of a valve 200 using an obturator 100 of the type described above is disclosed. Fig. 5A is a plan view of the valve 200 and its valve housing 201. The valve housing 201 is of a type well known in the art and is not further described.

The valve 200 is disclosed as a 2-way regulating valve where a fluid flow is allowed to be set in two different directions. To allow this, the valve housing 201 comprises three ports - an AB-port, an A-port and a B-port. As is best seen in Fig. 5B, the AB-port and the first fluid opening 107 of the obturator 100 are both axially aligned with the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100.

Each and one of the second 108, third 112 and fourth openings 113 of the obturator 100 may, as seen in a condition when the obturator 100 is set by a rotation of the same, be configured to be selectively set to be axially aligned with one or both of the so-called A- or B-ports of the valve housing 201. Thereby the obturator 100 may be used to control a fluid flow through the valve 200 between the AB-port and one of the A and B-ports, or between the A and B-ports only. ln the first setting, the fluid flow is made via the first flow chamber 106. ln the second, setting, the fluid flow is made via the second flow chamber 110.

Now specifically turning to Fig. 5B, the obturator 100 is illustrated as being set to the first setting where a fluid flow is allowed between the AB-port and the B-port and hence through the first flow chamber 106. The fluid flow is illustrated by the arrow. This means that the fluid passes about, i.e., around the exterior wall portion of the tube 111 that defines the second flow chamber 110 in the obturator 100. As is clearly seen in the cross- sectional view of the Fig. 5B, the A-port is closed off by the envelope wall 102 of the obturator 100.

When the obturator 100 is set to this first setting, the valve provides a valve flow coefficient of a first value.

The same principle is applicable to allow a flow between the AB-port and the A-port.

Now turning to Fig. 5C. The obturator 100 is set to its second setting where a fluid flow is allowed between the A-port and the B-port and hence through the second flow chamber 110. The fluid flow is illustrated by the arrow. This means that the fluid passes through the tube 111 that defines the second flow chamber 110. When the obturator 100 is set to this setting, the valve provides a valve flow coefficient of a second value.

The valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber 106 may be larger than a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber 110. The valve flow coefficient of the fluid flow through the first flow chamber 106 may by way of example be 5-400% larger than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber 110, and more preferred 10-250% larger than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber 110.

Alternatively, a flow resistance coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber 106 may be lower than a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber 110. The valve flow coefficient of the fluid flow through the first flow chamber 106 may be 5-400% lower than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber 110, and more preferred 10-250% lower than the valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber 110. ln yet another embodiment, the first and second flow chambers 106, 110 may have the same valve flow coefficients.

As a practical non-limiting example in the event the obturator is used in a regulating valve forming part of a heating system for domestic use comprising a hot water tank configured to be served with fluid via the first flow chamber and a floor heating fluid loop configured to be served with fluid via the second flow chamber, the first flow chamber may have a Cv of 8 m3/h whereas the second flow chamber may have a Cv of 13 m3/h.

By providing the openings 107, 108 in the first flow chamber 106 with a cross sectional area that is different from that of the openings 112, 113 in the second flow chamber 110, one and the same obturator 100 may be used to provide two different valve flow coefficients to thereby serve a system that contains two different sub-systems. By the thus formed two flow chambers 106, 110, each having a separate set of fluid openings, the first flow chamber 106 and its two openings 107, 108 may be tailormade to provide a valve flow coefficient that meets the requirements of a first component/sub-system of a system, whereas the second flow chamber 110 and its two openings 112, 113 may be tailormade to provide a valve flow coefficient that meets the requirements of a second component/sub- system of the system. Thus, a regulating valve 200 containing such obturator 100 may be dimensioned to allow an improved energy utilization of a complete system that contains two sub-systems.

Fig. 6 discloses one example of a system 1 with a regulating valve 200 with an obturator 100 of the type discussed above. The system 1 additionally comprises a heat pump 3, a pump 4, a domestic hot water tank 5 and a floor heating fluid loop 6. The heat pump 3 and the pump 4 are connected to the A port of the valve 200. An inlet of the hot water tank 5 is connected to the AB port of the valve 200 and an outlet of the water tank 5 is connected to the heat pump 3. Thereby a first sub-system 1A is formed. Further, an inlet of the floor heating fluid loop 6 is connected to the B-port of the valve 200 and an outlet of the floor heating fluid loop 6 is connected to the heat pump 3. Thereby a second sub- system 1B is formed. Both sub-systems 1A, 1B are connected to one and the same valve 200. The obturator 10 of the valve 200 is configured to be selectively set between a first setting and a second setting. ln the first setting, the valve 200 allows a fluid flow in the first sub-system 1A. ln the second setting, the valve allows a fluid flown in the second sub- system 1B.

More precisely, in the first setting, a fluid flow is allowed between the ports A and AB to thereby operate the hot water tank 5. One typical example for the first setting is to ensure a supply of hot water when a person in a household takes a shower. ln this first setting, the fluid flow will pass from the first opening of the obturator to the second opening of the obturator, i.e., via the first flow chamber of the valve 200. ln the second setting, a fluid flow is allowed between ports A and B to thereby allow a circulating fluid flow in the second sub-system 1B comprising the floor heating fluid loop 6. ln this second setting, the fluid will pass from the third opening of the obturator to the fourth opening of the obturator, i.e. via the second flow chamber of the valve 200. The second setting may be seen as a default setting since the floor heating fluid loop 6 typically is part of the heating system of the building. ln this practical example, the obturator 100 may be designed so that the first flow chamber exhibits a first valve flow coefficient and the second flow chamber exhibits a second valve flow coefficient different from the first valve flow coefficient. By different valve flow coefficients in one and the same valve, the water heater 5 in the first sub-system 1A, like the floor heating fluid loop 6 in the second sub- system 1B may each be optimally served. This allows a good potential of energy savings since the choice of pump(s) may be optimized to meet the different system components' needs. ln a typical system for domestic use, the water heater tank 5 is supplied with water during about 5 % of the total operation time of the system, whereas during the rest of the time, water is circulated in the floor heating fluid loop 6. Thus, by using a valve according to 11 the present invention, the system may during 5% of the time be operated with a valve setting having a low valve flow coefficient, whereas during 95% of the time, the system may be operated with a valve setting having a high valve flow coefficient. Thus, by the invention, the pump and motor that operates the system can during 95% of its time operate with a lower power than what is allowed in a system according to prior art where a valve is provided with one valve flow coefficient only.

The very same principle is equally applicable to systems involving other system components and other flow requirements. Thus, in some applications the first fluid flow chamber may exhibit a valve flow coefficient that is smaller than the valve flow coefficient of the second fluid flow chamber. ln other applications, the first fluid flow chamber may exhibit a valve flow coefficient that is larger than the valve flow coefficient of the second fluid flow chamber. lt yet other applications, the first and the second fluid flow chambers may exhibit the same valve flow coefficients.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the obturator 100 has been described above as having a hollow cylindrical shape. The same principle is equally applicable to other obturator geometries. The obturator 100 may in an alternative embodiment, see Fig. 7, have the shape of a hollow sphere having a first surface portion 120 supporting a shaft 104 configured to connect the obturator 100 to a setting arrangement (not illustrated), and wherein the first fluid opening 107 is arranged in a second surface portion 121 opposite the first surface portion, such that the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100 extends through said first fluid opening 107. Just like the first embodiment, the obturator has a first fluid chamber 106 that extends between the first fluid opening 107 and a second fluid opening in the envelope wall 102, and a second fluid chamber 110 that is formed by a tube 111 that extends between a third and a fourth fluid opening 112, 113 in the envelope wall.

The valve has been exemplified as a 2-way regulating valve where the obturator 100 is configured to be rotated 90 degrees to thereby be set between two different flow modes. The skilled person realises that the same principle is equally applicable to a 3-way regulating valve where the obturator 100 is configured to be rotated 120 degrees to thereby be set between three different flow modes. Such obturator 100 may be provided with a third flow chamber, which third flow chamber is of the same type as the second flow chamber, i.e., a tube that extends inside the first flow chamber and with two openings in the envelope wall of the obturator.

The tube defining the second fluid chamber may have a straight extension between the third and fourth openings or have any other extension.

Claims

1. Obturator to be used in a valve, the obturator (100) being configured to be rotated about a central rotation axis L-L, and wherein the obturator (100) comprises an envelope wall (102) defining a first flow chamber (106) having a first fluid opening (107) and a second fluid opening (108), the first fluid opening (107) being axially aligned with the central rotation axis and the second fluid opening (108) being arranged in a wall portion of the envelope wall (102), thereby allowing an angular fluid flow between the first and the second fluid openings (107, 108); and wherein the obturator (100) further comprises a second flow chamber (110) being defined by a tube (111) extending between a third fluid opening (112) and a fourth fluid opening (113) arranged in the envelope wall (102), and wherein the tube (111) is arranged to extend inside said first fluid flow chamber (106).

2. The obturator according to claim 1, wherein a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber (106) is larger than a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber (110); or wherein a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the first flow chamber (106) is smaller than a valve flow coefficient of a fluid flow through the second flow chamber (110).

3. The obturator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cross- sectional area of the first opening (107) corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the second opening (108); and/or wherein the cross-sectional geometry of the first opening (107) corresponds to the cross-sectional geometry of the second opening (108).

4. The obturator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cross- sectional area of the third opening (112) corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the fourth opening (113); and/or wherein the cross-sectional geometry of the third opening (112) corresponds to the cross-sectional geometry of the fourth opening (113).

5. The obturator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal centreline L-L of the second fluid opening (108) and a longitudinal centreline of the third fluid opening (112) are angularly displaced in view of each other as seen about the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator (100).

6. The obturator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinalcentreline of the second fluid opening (108) and a longitudinal centreline of the third fluid opening (112) and the fourth fluid opening (113) respectively are arranged in a common virtual p|ane extending orthogonally to the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator (100).

7. The obturator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the obturator (100) has a hollow cylindrical shape having a closed end (103) supporting a shaft (104) configured to connect the obturator (100) to a setting arrangement, and an open end (105), and wherein the first fluid opening (107) is arranged in the open end such that the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator (100) extends through said first fluid opening (107).

8. The obturator according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the obturator (100) has a hollow spherical shape having a first surface portion (114) supporting a shaft (104) configured to connect the obturator (100) to a setting arrangement, and wherein the first fluid opening (107) is arranged in a second surface portion opposite the first surface portion, such that the central rotation axis L-L of the obturator 100 extends through said first fluid opening (107).

9. A regulating valve comprising a valve housing (201) and an obturator (100) according to any of claims 1-

10. A fluid-based system, said system comprising a first sub-system (1A), a second sub-system (1B), and a regulating valve (200) comprising an obturator (100) according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the obturator (100) of the valve (200) is configured to be selectively set between a first position allowing a fluid flow from a fluid supply (3) to the first sub-system (1A) by fluid passing from the first opening (107) of the obturator (100) to the second opening (108) of the obturator (100), and a second position allowing a fluid flow from the fluid supply (3) to the second sub-system (1B) by fluid passing from the third opening (112) of the obturator (100) to the fourth opening (113) of the obturator (100).

11. The fluid-based system according to claim 10, wherein the first sub-system (1A) comprises a domestic hot water tank (5), and the second sub-system (1B) is a floor heating system comprising a floor heating fluid loop (6).