Abstract A system is provided for disposing of condensate accumulating as a result of operation of space heating or cooling processes and apparatus. The system includes a conduit in which condensate accumulates, and a fluid pressure operated discharge valve which is modulated between open and closed conditions to maintain a predetermined level of condensate in the conduit. Modulation of the discharge valve is controlled by a fluid pressure operated pilot valve which is actuated to control flow of operating fluid to the discharge valve. The pilot valve is actuated in response to the level of condensate in the accumulator conduit and the control fluid pressure signal for actuating the pilot valve is flashed condensate under pressure from the accumulator conduit and/or head pressure of condensate in the system. Delivery of condensate and flashed condensate from the accumulator conduit for actuating the pilot valve is controlled by means responsive to the level of condensate in the accumulator conduit, and the magnitude of the pressure signal is controlled by flow restricting means together with the level responsive means.
A condensate disposal system comprising an accumulator for condensate under pressure, a diaphragm actuated fluid pressure operated discharge valve connected to said accumulator and operable when open to discharge condensate from said accumulator, said discharge valve including housing means cooperable with said diaphragm to define an actuating fluid chamber for receiving actuating fluid to displace the diaphragm in the direction to close said discharge valve and spring means biasing said diaphragm in the direction to open said discharge valve, a source of discharge valve actuating fluid separate from the fluid of said system, a system fluid pressure operable pilot valve for controlling the flow of said actuating fluid to said actuating fluid chamber, control means connecting said accumulator to said pilot valve, said control means including accumulator level responsive flow control means connected to said accumulator, flow restriction means and a pressure signal chamber therebetween, said flow control means being operable in response to condensate level in said accumulator above a desired level to deliver condensate and/or flashed condensate under pressure into said pressure signal chamber and said restriction means restricting flow of said condensate and/or flashed condensate from said pressure signal chamber, whereby a pressure signal is developed in said pressure signal chamber, and a flow line from said pressure signal chamber to said pilot valve to transmit said pressure signal to said pilot valve, said pilot valve being operable in response to said pressure signal to control the flow of said separate actuating fluid to said actuating fluid chamber to decrease the pressure of actuating fluid in said actuating fluid chamber for the bias of said spring means to displace the diaphragm in the direction to open said discharge valve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
282 words
A condensate disposal system comprising an accumulator for condensate under pressure, a diaphragm actuated fluid pressure operated discharge valve connected to said accumulator and operable when open to discharge condensate from said accumulator, said discharge valve including housing means cooperable with said diaphragm to define an actuating fluid chamber for receiving actuating fluid to displace the diaphragm in the direction to close said discharge valve and spring means biasing said diaphragm in the direction to open said discharge valve, a source of discharge valve actuating fluid separate from the fluid of said system, a system fluid pressure operable pilot valve for controlling the flow of said actuating fluid to said actuating fluid chamber, control means connecting said accumulator to said pilot valve, said control means including accumulator level responsive flow control means connected to said accumulator, flow restriction means and a pressure signal chamber therebetween, said flow control means being operable in response to condensate level in said accumulator above a desired level to deliver condensate and/or flashed condensate under pressure into said pressure signal chamber and said restriction means restricting flow of said condensate and/or flashed condensate from said pressure signal chamber, whereby a pressure signal is developed in said pressure signal chamber, and a flow line from said pressure signal chamber to said pilot valve to transmit said pressure signal to said pilot valve, said pilot valve being operable in response to said pressure signal to control the flow of said separate actuating fluid to said actuating fluid chamber to decrease the pressure of actuating fluid in said actuating fluid chamber for the bias of said spring means to displace the diaphragm in the direction to open said discharge valve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The condensate disposal system of claim 1, wherein said flow control means comprises level responsive valve means having an inlet end connected to said accumulator and an outlet end communicating with said pressure signal chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The condensate disposal system of claim 2, wherein said flow restriction means is adjustable orifice means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The condensate disposal system of claim 3, wHerein said level responsive valve means is float actuated.