WO2025072999A1

WO2025072999A1 - Pressure reducer

Info

Publication number: WO2025072999A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/051035
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcus Eric Ullrot
Original assignee: Australian Valve Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Australian Valve Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-06
Filing date: 2024-10-01
Publication date: 2025-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-06

Abstract

In various aspects the disclosure relates to a pressure reducer with a body having an inlet and an outlet, a first pressure reducing valve and a second pressure reducing valve. A chamber is provided in the body disposed between the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, with the body defining a flow path for liquid to flow in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet when the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are in a respective open condition. The first pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a first set pressure and the second pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a second set pressure, where the first set pressure (of the first pressure reducing valve) is higher than the second set pressure (of the second pressure reducing valve).

Description

Pressure Reducer

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises", "comprising" and "comprised" are to be understood to imply the presence of the stated element or group of elements but not the exclusion of any other element or group of elements.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" and variations such as "includes", "including" and "included" are to be understood to imply the presence of a stated element or group of elements but not the exclusion of any other element or group of elements. The headings and subheadings in this specification are provided for convenience to assist the reader, and they are not to be interpreted so as to narrow or limit the scope of the disclosure in the description, claims, abstract or drawings.

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a pressure reducer.

Background of the Disclosure

Any discussion of the background, any reference to a document and any reference to information that is known or is well known, which is contained in this specification, is provided only for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background to the present disclosure, and is not itself an acknowledgement or admission that any of that material forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country at the priority date of the application in relation to which this specification has been filed.

Buildings with multiple floors (e.g. commercial and residential building) typically have a water reservoir on the roof and/or booster pumps to supply water to the outlets (i.e. taps or faucets) in the building. In such buildings, the water pressure at the lower floors is relatively higher than the water pressure at the upper floors and steps must be taken to ensure that the water pressure at all floors is at a suitable level; in particular, that the water pressure at the lower floors is reduced.

Pressure reducing valves (also referred to as a "pressure limiting valves" in the art) are used in plumbing installations to reduce or limit the pressure of a liquid that is able to flow through the pressure reducing valve, to the downstream side of the valve, to a (maximum) set pressure. However, in multi— floor buildings, the level of pressure reduction that is required can be significant and a pressure reducing valve may be required to reduce the pressure to be a quarter of the incoming pressure. However, this level of reduction is significantly more than the generally recommended level, which is reduction of the incoming pressure by one half.

Summary of the Disclosure

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure , there is provided a pressure reducer comprising a body having an inlet and an outlet, a first pressure reducing valve (PR.V1) including a first valve seat and a first piston having a first piston head, wherein the first piston head seats on the first valve seat in a closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve and the first piston head is spaced from the first valve seat in an open condition of the first pressure reducing valve, a second pressure reducing valve (PR.V2) including a second valve seat and a second piston having a second piston head, wherein the second piston head seats on the second valve seat in a closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve and the second piston head is spaced from the second valve seat in an open condition of the second pressure reducing valve, a chamber in the body, the chamber being disposed between the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, a flow path in the body for liquid to flow in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet when the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are in a respective open condition, wherein the first pressure reducing valve is disposed downstream of the inlet and the second pressure reducing valve is disposed downstream of the first pressure reducing valve, and wherein the first piston and the second piston are adapted to move in the flow direction of the liquid to open the first pressure reducing valve and the reducing valve, respectively, and the first piston and the second piston are adapted to move in a counter flow direction, against the flow direction of the liquid, to close the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, respectively, and wherein the first pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a first set pressure and the second pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a second set pressure, and wherein the first set pressure (of the first pressure reducing valve) is higher than the second set pressure (of the second pressure reducing valve).

In one or more embodiments, the chamber is disposed between the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve and the upstream side of the second pressure reducing valve.

In one or more embodiments, the chamber is between the downstream side of the valve seat of the first pressure reducing valve and the upstream side of the valve seat of the second pressure reducing valve.

In one or more embodiments, in the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve, at least a portion of the piston head of the first pressure reducing valve is positioned in the chamber.

In one or more embodiments, in the fully open condition of the first pressure reducing valve, the piston head of the first pressure reducing valve is positioned in the chamber.

In one or more embodiments, an end of the respective piston of the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve terminates at the respective piston head.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second pressure reducing valves each have a single spring.

In one or more embodiments, the pressure reducer provides two-stage pressure reduction of the pressure at the inlet. In one or more embodiments, the first pressure reducing valve is a fixed pressure valve and the second pressure reducing valve is an adjustable pressure valve.

Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are adjustable pressure valves.

In a further alternative embodiment, in one or more embodiments, both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are fixed pressure valves.

In one or more embodiments, the body is provided as a single unit.

In one or more embodiments, the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are both provided in the body.

In one or more embodiments, the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being arranged to receive the first pressure reducing valve and the second portion being arranged to receive the second portion.

In one or more embodiments, the body has a main body section having a first axial line, the first portion has a second axial line and the second portion has a third axial line, and the first, second and third axial lines are in the same plane.

Brief description of the drawings

The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example embodiments only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a first cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a pressure reducer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, showing the first pressure reducing valve in a closed condition and the second pressure reducing valve in a closed condition; Figure 2 is a second cross sectional view of the pressure reducer shown in Figure 1, showing the first pressure reducing valve in an open condition and the second pressure reducing valve in an open condition;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the main section of the body of the pressure reducer shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first pressure reducing valve of the pressure reducer shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second pressure reducing valve of the pressure reducer shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a pressure reducer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the pressure reducer shown in Figure 6, showing the first pressure reducing valve in an open condition and the second pressure reducing valve in an open condition;

Figure 8 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a pressure reducer in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; and

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the pressure reducer shown in Figure 8, showing the first pressure reducing valve in an open condition and the second pressure reducing valve in an open condition.

Description of Embodiments

The same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts in the embodiments described herein. Such parts that are described with reference to one or more embodiments are not again described with reference to the other embodiments described herein. It is to be understood that the description of such parts and their use and operation with reference to such one or more embodiment/s also applies to the other embodiment/s.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

In Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a first embodiment of a pressure reducer 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. The pressure reducer 1 comprises a body 10, a first pressure reducing valve 12, a second pressure reducing valve 14, a chamber 16 and a flow path, shown generally by reference numeral 18 in Figure 3. The body 10 has an inlet 20 and an outlet 22. The inlet 20 and outlet 22 form the inlet and outlet, respectively, of the pressure reducer 1. The outlet 22 is disposed downstream of the inlet 20.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 has many parts that functionally correspond to, or are equivalent to, parts of the first pressure reducing valve 12, although they have a different structure. Such parts of the second pressure reducing valve 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals as used for the corresponding or equivalent parts of the first pressure reducing valve 12, except that they are followed by the letter "s" (i.e. "s" denotes the part of the second pressure reducing valve 14. Such parts and their functions will not be described herein in detail, except for materially different features. It is to be understood that the description of such parts and their use and operation with reference to first pressure reducing valve 12 also applies to the second pressure reducing valve 14.

The first pressure reducing valve 12 includes a valve seat 24 (also referred to herein as the first valve seat 24) and a piston 26 (also referred to herein as the first piston 26). The first piston 26 has a piston head 28 (also referred to herein as the first piston head 28). The first piston head 28 seats on the first valve seat 24 in a closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12. The first piston head 28 is spaced from the first valve seat 24 in an open condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 includes a valve seat 24s (also referred to herein as the second valve seat 24s) and a piston 26s (also referred to herein as the second piston 26s). The second piston 26s has a piston head 28s (referred to herein as the second piston head 28s). The second piston head 28s seats on the second valve seat 24s in a closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14. The second piston head 28s is spaced from the second valve seat 24s an open condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14.

The chamber 16 is provided in the body 10. The chamber 16 is disposed between the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14.

The flow path 18 is provided in the body 10 for liquid to flow in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet when the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14 are in a respective open condition.

The flow path 18 extends from the inlet 20, through the interior of the body 12, to the outlet 22. The chamber 16 is part of the flow path 18 in the interior of the body 10. After flowing through the open first pressure reducing valve 12, the liquid flows through the chamber 16 and then through the open second pressure reducing valve 14.

The flow path 18 extends from the inlet 20, through the chamber 16, to the outlet 22. Liquid (that is directed to the inlet 20 of the pressure reducer 1) is able to flow in the flow direction, from the inlet 20 to the outlet 22, when the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14 are in a respective open condition. The liquid is able to flow from the outlet 22 to the exterior of the body 10 of the pressure reducer 1.

The first pressure reducing valve 12 is disposed downstream of the inlet 20 and the second pressure reducing valve 14 is disposed downstream of the first pressure reducing valve 12.

The first piston 26 and the second piston 26s are adapted to move in the flow direction of the liquid to open the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14, respectively. The first piston 26 and the second piston 26s are adapted to move in a counter flow direction, against (i.e. opposed to) the flow direction of the liquid, to close the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14, respectively. The flow direction is the direction from the inlet 20 to the outlet 22. The counter flow direction is the direction from the outlet 22 to the inlet 20.

The first pressure reducing valve 12 is adapted to be set to a first set pressure. The second pressure reducing valve 14 is adapted to be set to a second set pressure. The first set pressure (of the first pressure reducing valve 12) is higher than the second set pressure (of the second pressure reducing valve 14). The first pressure reducing valve 12 has an upstream side and a downstream side. The upstream side is the side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 before liquid flows through the first pressure reducing valve 12. The downstream side is the side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 after liquid flows through the first pressure reducing valve 12.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 has an upstream side and a downstream side. The upstream side is the side of the second pressure reducing valve 14 before liquid flows through the first pressure reducing valve 12. The downstream side is the side of the second pressure reducing valve 14 after liquid flows through the second pressure reducing valve 14.

The chamber 16 is disposed between the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the upstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14. The chamber 16 is at the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12. The chamber is at the upstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14.

In the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12 (best seen in Figure 1), the upstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is in fluid communication with the inlet 20. In the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12, the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is not in fluid communication with the inlet 20. In the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12, the upstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is not in fluid communication with the chamber 16.

In the closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14 (best seen in Figure 1) the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14 is in fluid communication with the outlet 22. In the closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14, the upstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14 is not in fluid communication with the outlet 22. In the closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14, the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14 is not in fluid communication with the chamber 16.

The demarcation between the upstream side and the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is at the first valve seat 24. In particular, the demarcation is at the contact site of the first piston head 28 with the first valve seat 24 in the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12. This contact site thereby defines the demarcation between the upstream side and the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve 12.

The demarcation between the upstream side and the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14 is at the second valve seat 24s. In particular, the demarcation is at the contact site 30 of the second piston head 28s with the second valve seat 24s in the closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14. This contact site thereby defines the demarcation between the upstream side and the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14.

The chamber 16 is disposed between the downstream side of the first valve seat 24 of the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the upstream side of the second valve seat 24s of the second pressure reducing valve 14.

In the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12, at least a portion of the piston head 28 of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is positioned in the chamber 16. This is best seen in Figure 1.

In the fully open condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12, the piston head 28 of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is positioned in the chamber 16. This is best seen in Figure 2.

Body of the First Embodiment

The body 10 comprises a first section (also referred to herein as a first body section) 10a, a second section (also referred to herein as a second body section) 10b and a third section (also referred to herein as a third body section) 10c. The first section 10a forms a main section of the body 10. The first, second and third sections 10a, 10b and 10c have respective internal voids that accommodate the first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14. The second section 10b is connected with the first section 10a to retain the first pressure reducing valve 12 in position in the body 10. The third section 10c is connected with the first section 10a to retain the second pressure reducing valve 14 in position in the body 10. The second section 10b and the third section 10c may be detachably connected with the first section 10a. The body 10 is a single unit, i.e. a single unitary part. The first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14 are both provided in the (same) body 10.

The first section 10a is provided with the inlet 20 and outlet 22. The chamber 16 is provided in the first section 10a. The first section 10a is provided with a respective first connector adjacent to the inlet 20 and the outlet 22. The first connectors are used to connect the pressure reducer 1 into a plumbing installation. The first connectors may be of any suitable type. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the first connectors are shown as respective screw threads 36 and 38 in the internal wall of the main section 10a adjacent to the inlet 20 and outlet 22, respectively.

The first section 10a has a first portion 44 and a second portion 46. The first portion 44 receives the first pressure reducing valve 12. The second portion 46 receives the second pressure reducing valve 14. The first portion 44 has an opening (also referred to herein as the first portion opening) 48. The first portion 44 receives the first pressure reducing valve 12 via opening 48. The second portion 46 has an opening (also referred to herein as the second portion opening) 50. The second portion 46 receives the second pressure reducing valve 14 via opening 50.

The first section 10a of the body 10 and the second section 10b of the body 10 are provided with a respective second connector to detachably connect the first section 10a and the second section 10b. The first portion 44 of the first section 10a is provided with the second connector of the first section 10a. The second connectors may be of any suitable type. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the second connectors are shown as screw threads 52 and 54 on the first section 10a and the second section 10b, respectively. The screw threads 52 and 54 are engageable to detachably connect the first section 10a and the second 10b of the body 10.

The first section 10a of the body 10 and the third section 10c of the body 10 are provided with a respective third connector to detachably connect the first section 10a and the third section 10c. The second portion 46 of the first section 10a is provided with the third connector of the first section 10a. The third connectors may be of any suitable type. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the third connectors are shown as screw threads 56 and 58 on the first section 10a and the third section 10c, respectively. The screw threads 56 and 58 are engageable to detachably connect the first section 10a and the third section 10c of the body 10.

The inlet 20 and outlet 22 are disposed at respective ends 60 and 62 of the first section 10a.

A first axial line Al extends through the first section 10a from the inlet 20 to the outlet 22. The inlet 20 and outlet 22 are axially opposed to each other relative to the axial line Al. A second axial line A2 extends through the first portion 44 of the first section 10a. A third axial line A3 extends through the second portion 46 of the first section 10a.

The first and second portions 44 and 46 of the first section 10a are disposed such that they are spaced by 180 degrees (180°) radially around the first axial line Al. Consequently, the three axial lines Al, A2 and A3 are in the same plane. As viewed in Figure 3, that plane is the plane of the drawing sheet, with the first portion 44 being lowermost and the second portion 46 being uppermost.

The first and second axial lines Al and A2 (shown in Figure 3) intersect to form an acute angle a (alpha). The angle a is the angle formed at the upstream side of intersection of the first and second axial lines Al and A2. The first and third axial lines Al and A3 intersect to form an acute angle 0 (beta). The angle 0 is the angle formed at the upstream side of intersection of the first and third axial lines Al and A3.

The sizes of the angles a and 0 are determined by limitations imposed by the geometry of the body 10. The angles a and 0 do not need to be identical. By way of example, typically the angles a and 0 may each be in the range of substantially 30° to 90°. In that regard, by way of example, Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a pressure reducer 2 (to be further described herein) in which each of the angles a and 0 is 90°.

Axial lines A2 and A3 also form the axial lines of the first pressure reducing valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 14 in the longitudinal/lengthwise direction of the respective first pressure reducing valve 12 and second pressure reducing valve 14.

The body 10 is provided with a further opening 66. The opening 66 is provided at the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14. The opening 66 may be used to accommodate a pressure gauge (not shown). The pressure gauge may be detachably connected (e.g. by screw threaded connectors) with the body 10 at the opening 66. The pressure gauge detects and displays the pressure at the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 14. If a pressure gauge is not used, the opening 66 may be closed off with a suitable closure, e.g. a cap 68 with a seal 70, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The body 10 may be made of any suitable material, e.g. metal or plastic. In the case of the body 10 being made of metal, the body 10 may be manufactured by casting. In the case of the body 10 being made of plastic, the body 10 may be made by injection moulding.

First Pressure Reducing Valve

The parts of the first pressure reducing valve 12 are best seen in Figure 4.

The first pressure reducing valve 12 further includes a spring 72. The spring 72 acts to bias the first piston 26 to an open condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12 (shown in Figure 2). The first pressure reducing valve 12 has only one spring 72.

The first piston 26 has a piston shaft 74. The first piston head 28 is provided adjacent to a first end 76 of the piston shaft 74. An opening is provided at a second end 78 of the piston shaft 74. The piston shaft 74 has a first portion 80 and a second portion 82. The first portion 80 is narrower than the second portion 82, which is enlarged. The piston shaft 74 is provided with a shoulder 83. The shoulder 83 is provided at the second portion 80. The shoulder 83 is spaced from the second end 78 of the piston shaft 74. The piston shaft 74 is provided with a cavity 84. The cavity 84 is provided in the second portion 82 of the piston shaft 74. The opening at the second end 78 of the piston shaft 74 forms the opening to the cavity 84. A portion of the spring JI is received in the cavity 84. The portion of the spring 72 is received in the cavity 84 via the opening at the second end 78 of the piston shaft 74. The spring 72 has a first end 86 and a second end 88. The first end 86 abuts with the internal wall of the second end 78 of the piston shaft 74 inside the cavity 84. The second end 88 of the spring 72 abuts with an end wall 89 inside the second body section 10b.

The second portion 82 of the piston shaft 74 is provided with one or more seals 90.

A seal 92 is provided at the first piston head 28. The first piston head 28 comprises the seal 92, a shoulder 94 of the piston shaft 74, and a screw 96. The shoulder 94 is provided at the first end 76 of the piston shaft 74. The seal 92 is disposed between the shoulder 94 and the head of screw 96. The screw 96 engages with a screw thread 98 in the piston shaft 74, at the first end 76 of the piston shaft 74. The seal 92 is clamped, or sandwiched, between the shoulder 94 and the head of the screw 96.

The first pressure reducing valve 12 further comprises a piston support 100. The first piston 26 is received inside the piston support 100. The piston support 100 has a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 comprises a ring 106 and spacers 108. The spacers 108 extend from the ring 106 to the second portion 104. The spacers 108 space the ring 106 from the second portion 104. The spacers 108 join the ring 106 to the second portion 104. Liquid is able to flow through the first portion 102 when the first pressure reducing valve 12 is in an open condition. The second portion 104 of the piston support 100 has a bore 110 extending there through. The first portion 80 of the piston shaft 74 of the first piston 26 is disposed in the first portion 102 of the piston support 100 in the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12. This is best seen in Figure 1. The second portion 82 of the piston shaft 74 is disposed in the second portion 104 of the piston support 100 in the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12. This is best seen in Figure 1. The seals 90 of the piston shaft 74 seal against the inside surface of the second portion 104 of the piston support 100. In the fully open condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12, the shoulder 83 of the piston shaft 74 abuts with a stop. The stop limits the travel of the first piston 26 in the flow direction to open the first pressure reducing valve 12. The stop may comprise a ring 112 that narrows the diameter of the bore 110 at an end 114 of the second portion 104 that is joined with the first portion 102 of the piston support 100. The second portion 104 is provided with a seal 116. The seal 116 seals against the inside surface of the first body section 10a to prevent liquid passing there between. The second portion 104 is provided with a connector to detachably connect the piston support 100 with the first body section 10a.

The first body section 10a is provided with a complementary connector. These connectors, for example, may be screw threads 118 and 120 provided on the second portion 104 of the piston support 100 and the first body section 10a, respectively. The second portion 104 is provided with surfaces, e.g. flats 122, that are engageable by a suitable tool. The tool is used to engage the flats 122 to then connect the first pressure reducing valve 12 with the first body portion 10a via the screw threads 118 and 120.

The first pressure reducing valve 12 further may further comprise a strainer 124. The strainer 124 filters liquid entering via the inlet 20. The strainer 124 prevents particulate debris, which may be entrained in the liquid, from flowing through the first pressure reducing valve 12 and interfering with the internals of the pressure reducer 1. The strainer 124 may comprise cylindrical mesh material.

Valve seat 24 is substantially annular. The valve seat 24 has a central opening 126. Liquid is able to pass through the opening 126 when the piston head 28 is spaced from the valve seat 24. The valve seat 24 is provided with a seal 128. The seal 128 seals against the inside surface of the first body section 10a to prevent liquid passing there between. The valve seat 24 is provided with a shoulder 130. The shoulder 130 abuts a shoulder 132 of the wall of the first body section 10a.

Respective ends 134 and 136 of the strainer 124 abut with the valve seat 24 and the second portion 104 of the piston support 100 to retain the strainer 124 in position. Liquid is able to pass through the strainer 124 into the first portion 102 of the piston support 100. The first pressure reducing valve 12 is retained in position in the body 10 by the connection of the piston support 100 and first body section 10a (via the screw threads 118 120), the shoulder 83 of the valve seat 24 abutting with the shoulder 132 of the first body section 10a and the connection of the first and second body sections 10a and 10b (via the screw threads 52 and 54).

The first pressure reducing valve 12 shown in the drawings is a fixed pressure valve. Thus, the set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is fixed at the time of manufacture of the first pressure reducing valve 12. This is done by selecting a spring 36 of the appropriate force, i.e. spring force. The set pressure of a pressure reducing valve refers to the maximum pressure that liquid (after passing through the pressure reducing valve) can have on the downstream side of the valve; that is, regardless of the pressure of the liquid on the upstream side of the valve, a pressure reducing valve limits the downstream pressure to the set pressure of the pressure limiting valve, such that the downstream pressure of the liquid cannot exceed the set pressure.

Second Pressure Reducing Valve

The parts of the second pressure reducing valve 14 are best seen in Figure 5.

Whilst the first pressure reducing valve 12 shown in the drawings is a fixed pressure valve, the second pressure reducing valve 14 shown in the drawings is an adjustable pressure valve. Thus, the set pressure of this second pressure reducing valve 14 is adjustable. The set pressure may be adjusted after the second pressure reducing valve is in position in the body 10.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 further includes a spring 72s. The spring 72s acts to bias the second piston 26s to an open condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14 (shown in Figure 2). The second pressure reducing valve 14 has only one spring 72s.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 further comprises an adjuster to adjust the spring force with which the spring 72s biases the second piston 26s to the open condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14; this, in turn, adjusts the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14, as will be further described herein.

The second piston 26s has a piston shaft 74s. The second piston head 28s is provided adjacent to a first end 76s of the piston shaft 74s. An opening is provided at a second end 78s of the piston shaft 74s. The piston shaft 74s has a first portion 80s and a second portion 82s. The first portion 80s is narrower than the second portion 82s, which is enlarged. The piston shaft 74s is provided with a shoulder 83s. The shoulder 83s is provided at the second portion 80s. The shoulder 83s is spaced from the second end 78s of the piston shaft 74s. The piston shaft 74s is provided with a cavity 84s. The cavity 84s is provided in the second portion 82s of the piston shaft 74s. The opening at the second end 78s of the piston shaft 74 forms the opening to the cavity 84s.

The second portion 82s of the piston shaft 74s is provided with one or more seals 90s.

A seal 92s is provided at the second piston head 28s. The second piston head 28s comprises the seal 92s, a shoulder 94s of the piston shaft 74s, a screw 96s and a retainer 138. The shoulder 94s is provided at the first end 76s of the piston shaft 74s. The seal 92s is disposed between the shoulder 94s and the retainer 138. The screw 96s engages with a screw thread 98s in the piston shaft 74s, at the first end 76s of the piston shaft 74s. The retainer 138 retains the seal 92s in position, i.e. the retainer 138 acts as a seal retainer. The seal 92s is clamped, or sandwiched, between the shoulder 94s and the screw retainer 138. Alternatively, the screw 96s and the retainer 138 may be formed as single piece, i.e. similar to the screw 96 of the first pressure reducing valve 12.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 further comprises a piston support 100s. The second piston 26s is received inside the piston support 100s. The piston support 100s has a first portion 102s and a second portion 104s. The first portion 102s comprises a ring 106s and spacers 108s. The spacers 108s extend from the ring 106s to the second portion 104s. The spacers 108s space the ring 106s from the second portion 104s. The spacers 108s join the ring 106s to the second portion 104s. The ring 106s forms the valve seat 24s of the second pressure reducing valve 14. Liquid is able to flow through the first portion 102s when the second pressure reducing valve 14 is in an open condition. The second portion 104s of the piston support 100s has a bore 110s extending there through. The first portion 80s of the piston shaft 74s of the second piston 26s is disposed in the first portion 102s of the piston support 100s in the closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14. This is best seen in Figure 1. A portion of the second portion 82s of the piston shaft 74s is disposed in the second portion 104s of the piston support 100s in the closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve 14. This is best seen in Figure 1.

Valve seat 24s is substantially annular. The valve seat 24s has a central opening 126s. Liquid is able to pass through the opening 126s when the piston head 28s is spaced from the valve seat 24s. The valve seat 24s is provided with a seal 128s. The seal 128s seals against the inside surface of the first body section 10a to prevent liquid passing there between.

The seals 90s of the piston shaft 74s seal against the inside surface of the second portion 104s of the piston support 100s.

The second portion 104s of the piston support 100s abuts a shoulder 142 of the wall of the first body section 10a.

The second pressure reducing valve 14 comprises further components as now herein described.

A portion of a screw 140 is received in the cavity 84s. The portion of the screw 140 is received in the cavity 84s via the opening at the second end 78s of the piston shaft 74s. The screw 140 engages with a screw thread on the wall of the cavity 84s. A seal 142 is provided at the second end 78s of the piston 26s. The seal 142 abuts the second end 78s of the piston 26s and the end of the piston support 100s that is spaced form the valve seat 24s. A projecting portion 144 of the seal 142 is received in the cavity 84s. The seal 142 is in the form of a disc with a central opening 146. The screw 140 passes through the opening 146. A washer 148 is provided between the head of the screw 140 and the seal 142. The washer 148 distributes the tightening force of the screw 140 across the surface of the piston 26s at the second end 78s thereof, with a portion of the seal 142 between the washer 148 and the second end 78s of the piston 26s. The portion of the seal 142 between the washer 148 and the second end 78s of the piston 26s is tightly clamped there between by the tightening force of the screw 140. A retainer 150 is provided to retain the outer edge of the seal 142 in position, i.e. the retainer 150 acts as a seal retainer. The retainer 150 has a peripheral flange 152 that abuts the seal 142 adjacent to its periphery. The first and third body sections 10a and 10c are detachably connected via the respective screw threads 56 and 58. The end surface 154 of the third body section 10c abuts the peripheral flange 152. Consequently, the peripheral portion of the seal 142 is clamped between the peripheral flange 152 and the end of the piston support 100s that is spaced from the valve seat 24s. This is best seen in Figures 1 and 2.

As herein before described, the second pressure reducing valve 14 further comprises an adjuster to adjust the spring force of the spring 72s. The adjuster adjusts the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14. The adjuster is identified generally by reference numeral 160 in the drawings. In addition to the spring 72s, the adjuster 160 comprises a screw 162 and a screw thread 164 in the third body section 10c. The screw 162 engages with the screw thread 16. The spring 72s is disposed in the third body section 10c. The spring 72s is disposed between the washer 148 and the screw 162. The first end 86s of the spring 72s abuts the washer 148 and the second end 88s of the spring 72s abuts the screw 162. An aperture 166 is provided in the end of the third body section 10c that is spaced from the end surface 154. A suitable tool (e.g. a screwdriver) is insertable into the third body section 10c, via the aperture 166, to engage with the head of the screw 162. Rotating the screw 162 in a first direction moves the screw in the direction away from the aperture 166 (i.e. further into the third body section 10c). Rotating the screw 162 in the first direction compresses the spring 72s. Compressing the spring 72s increases the spring force of the spring 72s. Compressing the spring 72s increases the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14. Rotating the screw 162 in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) moves the screw in the direction toward the aperture 166. Rotating the screw 162 in the second direction expands the spring 72s. Expanding the spring 72s decreases the spring force of the spring 72s. Expanding the spring 72s decreases the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14. Seal 142 prevents liquid entering the third body section 10c.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

In Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a second embodiment of a pressure reducer 2 in accordance with the present disclosure. The pressure reducer 2 of the second embodiment is substantially similar to the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment. In particular, the pressure reducer 2 comprises the same first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14 as the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment. However, in the pressure reducer 2, the first and second portions 44 and 46 of the first section 10a are disposed at different orientations from the orientations of the first and second portions 44 and 46 of the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment. In particular, angle a and the angle 0 are both 90° in the pressure reducer 2. Accordingly, the second and third axial lines A2 and A3 are in the same plane and parallel. The three axial lines Al, A2 and A3 are in the same plane.

In other respects the pressure reducer 2 and its use and operation are similar to the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

In Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a third embodiment of a pressure reducer 3 in accordance with the present disclosure. The pressure reducer 3 of the third embodiment is substantially similar to the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment. In particular, the pressure reducer 3 comprises the same first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14 as the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment. However, in the pressure reducer 3, the first portion 44 of the first section 10a is disposed at a different orientation from the orientation of the first portion 44 of the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment. As hereinbefore described, in the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment, the first and second portions 44 and 46 of the first section 10a are disposed such that they are spaced by 180 degrees (180°) radially around the first axial line Al. However, in the pressure reducer 2, the first and second portions 44 and 46 of the first section 10a are disposed such that they are not spaced apart radially around the first axial line Al (i.e. the radial spacing between the first and second portions 44 and 46 is 0°). Accordingly, the second and third axial lines A2 and A3 are in the same plane and parallel. The three axial lines Al, A2 and A3 are in the same plane.

In other respects the pressure reducer 3 and its use and operation are similar to the pressure reducer 1 of the first embodiment.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Alternative embodiments are described in this section.

Fixed Pressure Valve and Adjustable Pressure Valve

In the embodiments of the pressure reducer herein before described, the first pressure reducing valve is a fixed pressure valve (i.e. the first pressure reducing valve 12 hereinbefore described and shown in the drawings) and the second pressure reducing valve is an adjustable pressure valve (i.e. the second pressure reducing valve 14 hereinbefore described and shown in the drawings). However, other suitable selections may be made for the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve for the embodiments of the pressure reducer herein described.

In that regard, in a first alternative embodiment, both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve may be adjustable pressure valves. Thus, in this first alternative embodiment, both the first and second pressure reducing valves are of the type of the second pressure reducing valve 14 hereinbefore described and shown in the drawings. This allows the set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve and the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve to be adjusted. The respective set pressures of the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are adjustable independently of each other. In this alternative, the set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve is set to be higher than the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve.

In a second alternative embodiment, both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve may be fixed pressure valves. Thus, in this second alternative embodiment, both the first and second pressure reducing valves are of the type of the first pressure reducing valve 12 hereinbefore described and shown in the drawings. Thus, the set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve and the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve are fixed (i.e. not adjustable). In this alternative, the first pressure reducing valve is selected to have a higher set pressure than the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve.

Orientations of the First and Second Portions 44/46

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second portions 44 and 46 of the first body portion 10a may be oriented such that that they are not spaced apart radially around the first axial line Al (i.e. the radial spacing between the first and second portions 44 and 46 is 0°) and the angles a and 0 are both 90°. Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second portions 44 and 46 are side-by-side and at disposed at 90° to the first axial line Al.

A pressure reducer having a suitable orientation of first and second portions 44 and 46 of the first body section 10a may be selected depending upon the required installation site of the pressure reducer, e.g. to fit the space available for the pressure reducer in installations where the space may be limited or confined.

USE AND OPERATION

The manner of use and operation of the pressure reducer in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with particular reference to the pressure reducer 1.

A pressure reducer 1 may be installed in a plumbing installation in situations where the supply line pressure (Pressure supply) of the liquid (typically, water) significantly exceeds the desired outlet pressure. The pressure reducer 1 allows the pressure to be reduced in two stages, rather than in a single stage using a single pressure reducing valve which may be difficult (or not possible) to achieve if the required pressure reduction is beyond the operational capability of the single pressure reducing valve. Typically, two— stage pressure reduction is desirable when the supply line pressure is 1,000 kPa, or greater, or when the desired outlet pressure reduction ration is greater than about 3: 1 (e.g. from 1,000 kPa to about 333 kPa, or less). The first pressure reducing valve 12 provides a first stage reduction in the pressure of the liquid, i.e. pressure reduction to the set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve 12 (Set PressurepRvi). The second pressure reducing valve 14 provides a second stage reduction in the pressure of the liquid, i.e. pressure reduction to the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 114 (Set PressurepRv2). Thus,

Pressuresupply > Set PressurepRvi > Set PressurepR_V2

Typically, the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14 is the desired outlet pressure (on the downstream side of the pressure reducer 1), i.e. Set PressurepRv2 = Pressure_outiet

The pressure reducer 1 is connected into the liquid supply line by way of the screw threads 36 and 36. Liquid that flows in the supply line enters the pressure reducer 1 via the inlet 20 and exits via the outlet 22. The pressure of the liquid, at the outlet 22, which has passed through the pressure reducer 1, cannot exceed the set pressure to which the pressure reducing valve 14 has been set via the adjuster 160.

In a typical installation, if the first pressure reducing valve 12 is a fixed pressure valve, it is selected to have a set pressure in a range of, for example, 700 kPa to 900 kPa. If the first pressure reducing valve 12 is an adjustable pressure valve, the set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve 12 may be adjusted using the adjuster 160 of the first pressure reducing valve 12. The set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve 12 may be adjusted to be in a range, for example, of 700 kPa to 900 kPa. The set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14 (being an adjustable pressure valve) may be adjusted using the adjuster 160. The set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14 may be adjusted to be in a range, for example, of 250 kPa to 500 kPa. The set pressure to which the pressure reducing valve 14 is adjusted, indicates the maximum pressure, as measured at the outlet 22, at which liquid is able to pass through the pressure reducer 1. A pressure gauge at the opening 66 may be used to indicate the liquid pressure adjacent the outlet 22. The set pressure of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is higher than the set pressure of the second pressure reducing valve 14.

In the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12 (shown in Figure 1), at least a portion of the piston head 28 of the first pressure reducing valve 12 is positioned in the chamber 12. In use, once flow of liquid commences through the supply line (in which the pressure reducer 1 is installed), fluid flows into the pressure reducer 1 via the inlet 20. The pressure reducer 1 shifts to the open condition (shown in Figure 2). In the fully open condition of the first pressure reducing valve 12, the piston head 28 of the first pressure reducing valve 14 is positioned in the chamber 16. Flow of liquid through the supply line may be commenced, for example, by opening an outlet device (such as a tap or faucet) downstream of the pressure reducer 1. Liquid is then able to flow via the flow path 18 through the pressure reducer 1. Once the outlet device on the downstream side of the pressure reducer 1 is opened, the higher supply line pressure on the upstream side of the pressure reducer will cause liquid to flow through the pressure reducer 1. Liquid enters the body 10 of the pressure reducer 1 via the inlet 20 and unseats the first piston head 28 and the second piston head 28s from their respective first and second valve seats 24 and 24s. Thus, the pistons 26 and 26s of the first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14 move, in the flow direction of the liquid, from their closed positions (shown in Figure 1) to their open positions (shown in Figure 2). The liquid flows from the inlet, through the open first pressure reducing valve 12 (passing through the opening 126 in the valve seat 24), through the chamber 16, through the open second pressure reducing valve 14 (passing through the opening 126s in the valve seat 24s) and exits the pressure reducer via the outlet 22. The liquid then flows to the opened outlet device from which it is discharged.

When the fluid outlet device is closed, flow of liquid through the pressure reducer 1 will stop. When this occurs, the back pressure of the liquid on the downstream side of the pressure reducer 1 acts in the counter flow direction (i.e. in the upstream direction) against the biasing action of the springs 72 and 72s of the first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14. This downstream pressure acts on the piston heads 28 and 28s to move the pistons 26 and 26s in the counter flow direction until the piston heads 28 and 28s seat on the respective valve seats 24 and 24s. The seals 92 and 92s seal against the respective valve seats 24 and 24s of the first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14. The first and second pressure reducing valves 12 and 14 are thereby returned to their respective closed conditions. In the closed condition of the pressure reducer 1, the downstream pressure continues to act to counter the spring force of the spring 72s that acts to bias the piston 26s to unseat the piston head 28s from the valve seat 24s. In addition, in the closed condition of the pressure reducer 1, this downstream pressure acts only on the piston head 28s of the second pressure reducing valve 1. The transverse cross-sectional area of the surface of the piston head 28s, on which the downstream pressure acts, extends from the centre line of the piston head 28s to the outer edge of the piston head 28s.

FEATURES

The following paragraphs contain various features disclosed herein. Any of these features may be combined.

1. A pressure reducer comprising a body having an inlet and an outlet, a first pressure reducing valve (PRV1) including a first valve seat and a first piston having a first piston head, wherein the first piston head seats on the first valve seat in a closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve and the first piston head is spaced from the first valve seat in an open condition of the first pressure reducing valve, a second pressure reducing valve (PRV2) including a second valve seat and a second piston having a second piston head, wherein the second piston head seats on the second valve seat in a closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve and the second piston head is spaced from the second valve seat in an open condition of the second pressure reducing valve, a chamber in the body, the chamber being disposed between the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, a flow path in the body for liquid to flow in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet when the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are in a respective open condition, wherein the first pressure reducing valve is disposed downstream of the inlet and the second pressure reducing valve is disposed downstream of the first pressure reducing valve, and wherein the first piston and the second piston are adapted to move in the flow direction of the liquid to open the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, respectively, and the first piston and the second piston are adapted to move in a counter flow direction, against the flow direction of the liquid, to close the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, respectively, and wherein the first pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a first set pressure and the second pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a second set pressure, and wherein the first set pressure (of the first pressure reducing valve) is higher than the second set pressure (of the second pressure reducing valve).

2. The chamber is disposed between the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve and the upstream side of the second pressure reducing valve.

3. The chamber is between the downstream side of the valve seat of the first pressure reducing valve and the upstream side of the valve seat of the second pressure reducing valve.

4. In the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve, at least a portion of the piston head of the first pressure reducing valve is positioned in the chamber.

5. In the fully open condition of the first pressure reducing valve, the piston head of the first pressure reducing valve is positioned in the chamber.

6. An end of the respective piston of the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve terminates at the respective piston head.

7. The first and second pressure reducing valves each have a single spring.

8. The pressure reducer provides two-stage pressure reduction of the pressure at the inlet.

9. The first pressure reducing valve is a fixed pressure valve and the second pressure reducing valve is an adjustable pressure valve.

10. Both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are adjustable pressure valves.

11. Both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are fixed pressure valves.

12. The body is provided as a single unit. 13. The first pressure valve and the second pressure reducing valve are both provided in the body.

14. The body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion to receive the first pressure reducing valve and the second portion to receive the second portion.

15. The body has a main body section having a first axial line, the first portion has a second axial line and the second portion has a third axial line, and the first, second and third axial lines are in the same plane.

Whilst one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been hereinbefore described, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to those specific embodiments, and may be embodied in other ways, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The individual features of each aspect or embodiment disclosed herein may each be combined with any or all features of the other embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure .

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A pressure reducer comprising a body having an inlet and an outlet, a first pressure reducing valve including a first valve seat and a first piston having a first piston head, wherein the first piston head seats on the first valve seat in a closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve and the first piston head is spaced from the first valve seat in an open condition of the first pressure reducing valve, a second pressure reducing valve including a second valve seat and a second piston having a second piston head, wherein the second piston head seats on the second valve seat in a closed condition of the second pressure reducing valve and the second piston head is spaced from the second valve seat in an open condition of the second pressure reducing valve, a chamber in the body, the chamber being disposed between the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, a flow path in the body for liquid to flow in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet when the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are in a respective open condition, wherein the first pressure reducing valve is disposed downstream of the inlet and the second pressure reducing valve is disposed downstream of the first pressure reducing valve, and wherein the first piston and the second piston are adapted to move in the flow direction of the liquid to open the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, respectively, and the first piston and the second piston are adapted to move in a counter flow direction, against the flow direction of the liquid, to close the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve, respectively, and wherein the first pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a first set pressure and the second pressure reducing valve is adapted to be set to a second set pressure, and wherein the first set pressure (of the first pressure reducing valve) is higher than the second set pressure (of the second pressure reducing valve).

2. A pressure reducer according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is disposed between the downstream side of the first pressure reducing valve and the upstream side of the second pressure reducing valve.

3. A pressure reducer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein chamber is between the downstream side of the valve seat of the first pressure reducing valve and the upstream side of the valve seat of the second pressure reducing valve.

4. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed condition of the first pressure reducing valve, at least a portion of the piston head of the first pressure reducing valve is positioned in the chamber.

5. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the fully open condition of the first pressure reducing valve, the piston head of the first pressure reducing valve is positioned in the chamber.

6. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end of the respective piston of the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve terminates at the respective piston head.

7. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second pressure reducing valves each have a single spring.

8. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure reducer provide two-stage pressure reduction of the pressure at the inlet.

9. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pressure reducing valve is a fixed pressure valve and the second pressure reducing valve is an adjustable pressure valve.

10. A pressure reducer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are adjustable pressure valves.

11. A pressure reducer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein both the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are fixed pressure valves.

12. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is provided as a single unit.

13. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve are both provided in the body.

14. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion to receive the first pressure reducing valve and the second portion to receive the second portion.

15. A pressure reducer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a main body section having a first axial line, the first portion has a second axial line and the second portion has a third axial line, and the first, second and third axial lines are in the same plane.