Quick response float valve for use in vapor return lines

Claim 1

A float valve, for use in an environment having hydrocarbon fluid in both a liquid and a vapor state, at a location which experiences hydrocarbon liquid flow and high velocity vapor flow, said float valve designed to close when liquid enters the valve and to remain open at all other times including periods of high velocity vapor flow, and comprising: a. a float comprising: i. a floating section having a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface, ii. a solid disc mounted on the upper surface of the float and having a smooth and regularly shaped circumference, and iii. means for improving the response time of the floating section moving from its open position to its closed position, and including a disc having a plurality of slots located around its circumference, mounted on the bottom of said floating section; b. means for preventing said float from being forced upward by the flow of hydrocarbon vapors, and including a float housing having a bottom and side closure covering the bottom and substantially all of the side of said float when the valve is open; c. a valve seat formed around the inside of said float housing and directly above the top of said float; and d. means defining apertures spaced around said float housing between the valve seat and the top of said float.