US3083728A - Four-stage automatic valve for a water softener or conditioner - Google Patents

Four-stage automatic valve for a water softener or conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
US3083728A
US3083728A US29478A US2947860A US3083728A US 3083728 A US3083728 A US 3083728A US 29478 A US29478 A US 29478A US 2947860 A US2947860 A US 2947860A US 3083728 A US3083728 A US 3083728A
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United States
Prior art keywords
valve
chamber
passage
port
drain
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US29478A
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English (en)
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Robert E Schulze
Edwin A Morrison
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Culligan Inc
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Culligan Inc
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Priority to US29478A priority Critical patent/US3083728A/en
Priority to DE19611517386 priority patent/DE1517386A1/de
Priority to CH570661A priority patent/CH378798A/fr
Priority to BE603842A priority patent/BE603842A/fr
Priority to FR862170A priority patent/FR1423610A/fr
Priority to GB17880/61A priority patent/GB984041A/en
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Publication of US3083728A publication Critical patent/US3083728A/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
    • F16K31/365—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor the fluid acting on a diaphragm
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/2496—Self-proportioning or correlating systems
    • Y10T137/2559—Self-controlled branched flow systems
    • Y10T137/2564—Plural inflows
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/86389—Programmer or timer
    • Y10T137/86445—Plural, sequential, valve actuations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87265—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
    • Y10T137/87338—Flow passage with bypass
    • Y10T137/87346—Including mixing feature
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87265—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
    • Y10T137/87338—Flow passage with bypass
    • Y10T137/87362—Including cleaning, treating, or heat transfer feature
    • Y10T137/8737—Water treatment feature
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87571—Multiple inlet with single outlet
    • Y10T137/87587—Combining by aspiration
    • Y10T137/87643—With condition responsive valve

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a novel automatic water softener or conditioner and more particularly to a novel valve combination and assembly for controlling the direction of liquid flow in automatic water softeners or conditioners during normal service, backwash and reactivation or regeneration.
  • a directional valve having two parts or haives, one of which is connected to the inlet and the other to the outlet of a tank.
  • One valve includes a pair of diaphragms with a port leading to a drain and a solenoid operated port.
  • the other valve contains the eductor required to feed the salt brine to the tank for regeneration.
  • the regeneration cycle for the tank does not provide the most efficient and effective regeneration of the water softening or conditioning material.
  • this automatic softener gives a downflow service and an upfiow backwash, regeneration and rinse.
  • a hard water rinse after regeneration is up how, some of the water softening material at the bottom of the tank becomes exhausted before the rinsing step is completed. Then, when the tank is placed in service, there is an initial hardness leakage due to the exhausted bottom layers.
  • the brine and rinse steps should be in a downfiow direction so that the hard water rinse will tend to partially exhaust a top layer of the water conditioning material during completion of the rinsing step.
  • the downflow brine and hard water rinse is the most procedure for regeneration.
  • the valve assembly is composed of two parts or halves, one being connected to the inlet and the other to the outlet.
  • a conduit joins the two valves.
  • the structure of the conduit in the present application includes a. second passage connecting the drain lines coming from both valve units and terminating in a single drain.
  • a valve assembly is inserted in the drain conduit to control the flow of liquid issuing from each of the two drain lines.
  • Another important feature of the present invention is the utilization of a separate eductor system which feeds the brine for regeneration and the rinse water into the tank through a separate inlet in the top of the tank. In this way, be valve assemblies for the inlet and outlet of the tank remain in a less complicated and more troublefree condition.
  • a further important object of the present invention is the provision of a novel valve assembly combination which will effect the desired operational stages of downfiow service, upfiow backwash and downflow regeneration and rinse.
  • the valve assembly is simplified in that the two parts or halves of the assembly are substantially identical, thus greatly simplifying replacement or repair of the assembly.
  • Another important object of the present invention is the provision of a drain conduit in the by-pass unit which communicates with the drain ports of both valves and nited States Patent ice terminates in a single drain passage.
  • a flow control member is present in the by-pass conduit to regulate the backwash flow rate.
  • the present invention further comprehends a novel valve assembly in the bypass drain conduit to control the iquid flow through the two drain lines.
  • the backwash water will force the valve in one direction to allow the backwash water to escape through the drain passage.
  • the valve member tends to keep the drain port used for backwashing closed and allows the brine and rinse water to exit through the other drain port, thus effecting a downflow brine and rinse.
  • the present invention also comprehends a novel eductor assembly which is separate from both valve units and has a separate inlet leading into the tank.
  • This eductor assembly is normally supported on the valve unit to which it is connected for the water supply required to operate the eductor.
  • a flow controller in the eductor controls the dew rates for brine and rinse operations.
  • FiGURE 1 is a view, part in front elevation and part in vertical cross section, of a four-stage automatic water conditioning system embodying the present novel automatic control valve assembly shown in front elevation above the service tank for the automatic control of this system.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged View in vertical cross section taken longitudinally and centrally through one of the valve control units shown in front elevation in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the valve assembly combination including the eductor system and the by-pass and drain system showing the flow pattern for liquid during normal service operation.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the valve assembly combination showing the positions of the valve and the how pattern for liquid during backwash.
  • PEG. 5 is an exploded view of the valve assembly combination showing the positions of the valve and the flow pattern of the liquid during the brine and rinse stages of operation.
  • H8. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drain unit to more fully show the structure of the novel check valve.
  • FIG. 1 an illustrative embodiment of the present invention of a directional valve assembly for controlling the operation of automatic water conditioners of the type shown in FIG. 1, including a portable service tank 7.6 containing a loose and relatively deep bed of treating minerals or material 11 disposed upon and above a gravel or filter bed 12 in the bottom of the tank and extending to the desired level or height but shown as spaced a suitable distance below the top of the tank to provide a free board space 13 thereabove.
  • a portable service tank 7.6 containing a loose and relatively deep bed of treating minerals or material 11 disposed upon and above a gravel or filter bed 12 in the bottom of the tank and extending to the desired level or height but shown as spaced a suitable distance below the top of the tank to provide a free board space 13 thereabove.
  • the bed of treating minerals or material in the tank may be a resinous or siliceous ion exchange material or filter material which during the water softening or conditioning stage removes undesirable constituents or substitutes a sodium ion for the calcium or magnesium ions found in hard water until the material becomes exhausted resulting in a decrease in the quality of the effluent.
  • ion exchange when the eflluent is substantially hard relative to the hard water entering the tank, the ion exchange material requires regeneration to replenish the sodium ions on the material.
  • the service tank employed is of the general portable type provided with a coupling or fitting 14 whereby the tank may be quickly installed, removed or' replaced, when necessary.
  • the coupling or fitting 14 is connected to an inlet tube or manifold -16 and an outlet tube or manifold 17, respectively.
  • Each tube or manifold depends from the connector or fitting into the tank 10, the inlet manifold 16 extending into the tank only a few inches while the outlet manifold 17 extends into and through the ion exchange material and/or into the fi ter bed 12 terminating adjacent the bottom of the tank 10.
  • the inlet manifold 16 is closed at the bottom and is provided with relatively wide slots 18 to permit uninterrupted flow of untreated water therethrough.
  • the outlet manifold 17 is also closed at its lower end and provided with a finely slotted strainer section 19.
  • the tank 10 differs from the normal service unit only in that an opening 21 is provided intermediate the inlet and outlet openings for the eductor 22.
  • valve assembly of the type here disclosed will accomplish the regeneration steps automatically and at frequent intervals, such as during a predetermined period in the night when. treated or softened water is not required in the service. line.
  • a two circuit adjustable timer is utilized which will not only initiate the regeneration cycle at a set time period during the night, but will also provide separate adjustment for the. backwash brine operations, depending on the amount. of sediment in the Water, the amount of salt used, the size of the tank and the volume of the content of ion, exchange material.
  • the present automatic water conditioning system contemplates a float valve and brine tank assembly of the type shown anddescribed in the pending application of Robert B, Schnlze and Edmund J., Heartstedt, Serial No. 643-,G43, filed;March 25, 1957-, now Patent-No. 2,920,644. It includes, a brine tank; 23. having a removable cover 24 for access to the salt chamber 25.
  • a float chamber 26 is separated from the salt chamber by a partition or vertical wall 27.
  • the float chamber contains a float valve assembly including a valve body 28.
  • a float rod 29 having an adjustably mounted float ball 31 intermediate its ends and, above the valve body 28, Upper and lower ball retainers or positioners 32 and 33, respectively, for maintaining thejball in adjusted position are mounted on the float rod 29. above and below the ball. 7
  • a vertical conduit or pipe 34 communicates with a port 35 in the lower end of; the valve body 28 with its opposite end connected to a legnth of flexible tubing 36 leading to the central portion of the eductor 22.
  • a substantially V-shaped guide member 37 having its diverging legs, anchored onto the pipe 34 guides. the vertical movementof the float ball 31 and its float rod .29.
  • the valve body 28 consists of a cylindrical member 38 externally threaded at both. ends to accommodate a threaded cap or cover- 39 atitsupper end and an internally threaded base 41 atthe opposite end.
  • the cap or cover 39 contains an; opening 42 through whichloosely extends the float rod 29.
  • Gaskets or annular sealing rings 4 43 and 44 are provided at each end to seal the cap 39 and base 41 to the cylindrical body 38.
  • the float rod 29 carries a conical valve 45 at its lower end, which valve when elevated seals the upper port or opening 42 by contacting the gasket 43.
  • a transverse partition 46 tapering 0r dished toward the center and having a centrally disposed opening 47 communicating etween an upper chamber 48 and a lower chamber 49.
  • a restricted passage 51 offset from the central opening 4-7 forms a by-pass between the chambers for flow when the central opening is closed.
  • the valve member 45 has a conical upper surface and a flat lower surface, said lower surface being diametrically slotted at 52 so that when the valve member 45 is lowered onto the partition 46, liquid will be permitted to flow from the upper chamber 48 to the lower chamber 49 by-passing through the slots 52.
  • a ball valve 53 made of plastic or other suitable buoyant composition unaflected by brine is located so that the ball valve will seal off the central opening 46 when in its elevated position and will sealoil passage 54 in the base 41 when in its lowered position.
  • the passage 54 communicates with the conduit or pipe 34 which is suspended inoperative positionin the float chamber 26 by suitable connecting means 55.
  • a depending tall or projection 56 is provided for the ball valve, with the depending tail extending through the gasket. 44 and into the bore orpassage 54;
  • the salt chamber 25 has a substantial capacity for receiving a large quantity of dry rock salt or saltpellets and' storing the salt along with a sterilizing agent to supply the brine requirements for a substantial period of time.
  • the wall or partition 27 is provided with an opening 57 communicating between the twochambers.
  • the positioners 32 and 33 onlthe float rod 29* are adjustable to vary the quantity of brine used in any one regenerationcycle. By adjusting the height of the float 3 1 on the float rod 29, the quantity of water admitted through valve 28 for dissolving salt in chamber 25' to produce brine. is varied.
  • a gravel bed 58 is disposed in the bottom of chamber 25 to filter the brine prior to the exit of the brine into the float chamber 26 and into the service tank 10.
  • the novel valve assembly of the present invention for directing flow of water through the water conditioning system is more fully shown. in FIGS. '2 to 6.
  • the assembly involves two substantially identical valve units, an eductor system and a by-pass unit having provision for the drain line coming from each valve unit. Sincethe valve units are substantially identical, only one will be describedwith likereference numerals having a superscript a showing like parts on the second valve.
  • the valve unit 61 (FIG. 2) has a valve body 62 and a. connector 63 mating with. the fitting or coupling 14 on the service tank.
  • the valve body 62 includes a main port 64, a. communicating passage 65, a central chamber 66, and a. by-pass port 67.
  • a passage 68 communicates between the central chamber 66 and the connector 63.
  • a hollow diaphragm cap. 69 is mounted on top of the valve body 62 and provides spaced chambers 71 and 72' joined by a connectingchannel 73. r
  • a valve stem 74 extends through a substantial length of the central chamber 66 and terminates in a threaded upper end 75 in the chamber 71.
  • a resilient or rubber diaphragm 76 has a central portion 77 of. a substantial thic'knesswhich is secured to the valve :stem betweenupper andlower dished diaphragm plates 78- and 79.
  • the lower diaphragm plate 79* is seated on an enlargement or shoulder 81 on the valve stem'74. and the upper diaphragm plate '79 bears against the central portion 77 of thediaphragm. 76and is held in placeby a lock nut 82v and lock washer 33 on the threaded upper end 75.
  • the V outer periphery of the diaphragm 76 is clamped between the flanged periphery of the cap 69 and the valve body 62.
  • the valve stem 74 is substantially completely surrounded by a plunger tube 84.
  • a second diaphragm 85 is secured to the plunger tube 34 by means of a sleeve 86 having an inwardly opening channel 87 and an annular shoulder for receiving the central part of the diaphragm 85.
  • a collar 38 above the diaphragm 85 clamps the central portion of the diaphragm onto the shoulder.
  • a snap ring 89 anchored to the plunger tube 84 abuts an annular flange on the sleeve 86, said flange locking the sleeve and collar 63 together due to the flange being formed over the adjacent edge of the collar.
  • An O-ring 91 within the channel 87 provides for sealing contact with the exterior of the plunger tube 84.
  • the outer periphery of the diaphragm 85- is secured to the valve body 62 between a shoulder 92 formed on the inner surface of the valve body and a retainer ring 93.
  • An externally threaded lock nut 94 is threadedly engaged with inner threads formed on the internal surface of the valve body 62 adjacent the shoulder 92 and bears against and retains the retainer ring 93.
  • An expansion or coil spring 95 is seated at its lower end against the snap ring 559 adjacent the collar 88 with its upper end seated against the lower diaphragm plate 79.
  • the valve assembly in the valve body 62 includes the valve stem 74 having a conical valve 96 at its lower end and the plunger tube 84 encompassing but spaced from the valve stem to provide an annular passage therebetween.
  • the plunger tube is longitudinally slotted at 97 at its upper end to provide space for the flow of liquid when the lower diaphragm plate 79 abuts the top of the tube.
  • the plunger tube has an enlargement 9? which is covered with an elastic or sealing covering forming a valve member 59 adapted to be lowered into contact with an annular valve seat 101 at the upper end of the connector 63 or raised into contact with an annular valve seat 162 in the valve body.
  • the chamber 72 communicating with chamber 71 through the passage 73 also communicates with the drain port 103 through an elastic flow control Hi4, an aligned opening in the upper diaphragm 76 and a passage 1115- opening into the drain port 163.
  • the drain port 193 also communicates with the chamber formed between the upper diaphragm 76 and the lower diaphragm 85 through a passage 1%.
  • the chamber 121 formed below the diaphragm $5 and above the valve seat 102 communicates with the by-pass port 67 in valve 61. In the valve 61 however, the by-pass port Til communicates with the chamber formed below the valve seat 102 and above the connector 63 This difference in construction between the two valves will become evident later.
  • the main port 64 (shown more clearly in FIGS.
  • a plunger or valve member 113 of a solenoid valve 114 Into the junction of port 112 with the chamber 71 projects a plunger or valve member 113 of a solenoid valve 114, the operation of which is controlled by one circuit of a timer 115 (FIG. 1).
  • the plunger 113 opens and closes the port 116 (PEG-S. 3, 4 and 5) at the junction of .e port 112 and chamber 71.
  • the outlet port 67 found in the valve member 61 communicates with the chamber 121) formed below the lower diaphragm 85 and above the valve seat 192 and connects the valve 61 to the eductor 22 through a passage 118.
  • the eductor 22 includes a cylindrical body member 119 having a central passage 121 closed at the top end by a plug 122 threadedly engaging the body member 119.
  • An O-ring 12 3 below the flange on the plug 122 seals the junction between the plug and the eductor body.
  • the plug 122 also has a recess 125 in its lower end to accommodate the upper end of a filter screen 126, with the lower end of the screen resting upon a resilient flow regulator 127 having a constriction 128.
  • the flow regulator 127 rests on a shoulder 129 formed on the surface of the central passage 121.
  • a tubular part 133 containing a throat or passage 134 for the eductor is mounted within the body member 119 by a flange 1'35 on the tubular part 133 engaging a second shoulder 136 on the surface of central passage 121.
  • the tubular part 133 extends below the lower end of the eductor body member 119 and into the service tank.
  • the by-pass unit includes a by-pass part 137 and a drain part 138 shown thereabove in FIGS. 3 to 6, inclusive.
  • the by-pass part 137 has a by-pass 139 connected at its opposite ends to the by-pass ports 67 and 70 in the valve units 61 and 61 respectively.
  • the drain part 138 is connected at its opposite ends to the drain ports 163 and 103 of the valve units and contains a drain passage 14-1 housing a slidable check valve assembly 142.
  • One end of the drain passage 141 is closed off by a plug 143 carrying a sealing O-ring 144.
  • the connection from valve 61 enters through a side port 145 adjacent the end closed by the plug 143 and the other end of the drain part is shown terminating in an elbow 146.
  • the check valve assembly 142 includes a tubular body 147 open at the end adjacent the elbow 146 and terminates in an enlarged resilient conical head 148.
  • the conical head 148 is adapted to seat against a washer 149 which is press-fitted into the passage 141 beyond one of its tapered reductions and seated against a shoulder 15%.
  • a flow regulator 151 abuts the washer 149 on the side opposite the shoulder 150, the flow regulator being held in operative position by a snap or look ring 152 seated in a groove 158.
  • Slots 153 are formed in the wall of the tubular body 147 adjacent the head 148 to allow liquid entering the tubular valve body to escape through a communicating port 154 arranged intermediate the ends of the drain part 138.
  • An expansion or coil spring 155 is mounted in the passage 141 rearwardly of the valve head 148 with one end seated against a shoulder 156 formed adjacent the outlet port 154 and the opposite end seated against the shoulder 157 formed on the enlarged conical head 148.
  • the valve closes the passage from the port 145 until the pressure of the liquid passing through the flow controller or regulator 151 exceeds the pressure exerted by the coil spring 155.
  • water also passes up through the port or opening 21 mounting the eductor, the tubular part 133 of the eductor, through the port 131 into the flexible tube 86 and downwardly through the vertical pipe 34 to the float valve body 28.
  • Water can also pass through the flow regulater 127 of the eductor, through the filter screenv 126' and the passage 118 into the port 67 and valve 61 However, flow is stopped at that point by the lower diaphragm 85 and the enlargement -98 seated against valve seat 102. 7
  • the solenoid plungers 113 and 113 are closed to stop any flow of water. through the' at line pressure, hereinafter designated (LP), from the. main port 64 to the tank 10 while the soft or. treated water emerging from the tank is under line pressure minus the pressure drop through the tank which is. the operating pressure, hereinafter designated (OP);
  • LP line pressure
  • OP operating pressure
  • -LP line pressure
  • the operating pressure (OP) also exists in the passage 107 chamber 108*, by-pass passage 139,. eductor 22, passage lls, flexible tubing" 36 and the brine tank” valve body 28.
  • atmospheric pressure exists in these portions.
  • atmospheric pressure exists inthe chambers between diaphragms 76 and 85' and diaphragrns 76 and 85 in.
  • one circuit of the timer 11-5 energizes the solenoid 114, thus retracting the solenoid plunger or valve member 113.
  • Hard water enters the port 108 through the passage 107, passes through the filter screen 169, the aligned opening 111 in diaphragm 76,.port 112,
  • the backwash water coming up through the connector 63 passes into the annular passage formed between the valve stem 74 and the plunger tube 84, through the slots 97 and through the drain port 103 into the drain passage 141.
  • the flow regulator 151 controls the rate of flow of water during the backwashing stage.
  • the backwash water is under sufficient pressure to overcome the force of the expansion spring 155 and forces the check valve 142 rearwardly to open and allow the backwash water to exit through the port 154.
  • valve stem 74 and plunger tube 84 are in their upper positions to seal off the upper portion of valve 61 from the line pressure.
  • the hard water is allowed to by-pass through the passage 65 and main port 64 to supply hard water for household demands.
  • the untreated water at line pressure. (LP) enters the main port 64 and exits in the passage 107 and chamber 198.
  • Line pressure is found in the chamber 71 exerting a downward force on the diaphragm 76;
  • Line pressure also exists in by-pass ports 67 and '70 and in the by-pass 139.
  • Line pressure enters. the tank through the connector 63* and remains.
  • the backwash water emerging from the tank through the connector 63 is at line pressure minus the pressure drop in the tank or operating pressure (OP).
  • Operating pressure now exists in the annular passage in the plunger tube 84, the drain port 163 and the drain passage 141 ahead of the flow regulator 151.
  • Operating pressure still exists in eductor 22, outlet port 67 and passage 118, flexible tubing 36 and the brine tank valve body 28.
  • the regeneration stage of the unit is initiated when the second circuit of the timer 115 energizes the solenoid 114 causing the Withdrawal of the solenoid plunger 113*.
  • Hard water coming from the by-pass 139 will enter passage 107* from passage p through the port 188", the filter screen 105,
  • both solenoids are activated to open position and both valve stems 74 and 74 and plunger I water line during regeneration except for the eductor 22.
  • hard Water enters the valve 61 through the main port 64-and passes through the passage 65, by-pass port 67, by-pass 139, and the -by-pass port 76 toenter the central chamber 66 of the valve 61
  • the hard Water passes through the annular space between the plunger tube 84 and the annular valve seat 102 40 enter 9 the eductor 22 through the outlet port 67 and the passage 118.
  • the hard water passes through the filter screen 126 and the flow regulator 127 to enter the depending tubular part 133.
  • the flow regulator 127 controls the rate of flow of brine during the regeneration stage.
  • the valve 45 on the float rod 29 is depressed to seat on the central partition 46 and the brine entering the upper chamber 43 passes through the slots 52 in the fiat lower surface of the valve 45, the central opening 47, the lower chamber 49 to the passage 54 in the base 41 leading to the vertical pipe 34, the flexible tubing 36, and the eductor 22.
  • the brine entering the eductor 22 mixes with the hard water passing through the flow regulator 127 with the mixture entering the service tank through the opening 21.
  • the brine flows downwardly through the mineral bed with the sodium ions in the brine being exchanged for the calcium and magnesium ions held by the ion exchange material 11, and the waste liquid or effluent enters the outlet manifold 17 through the strainer 19.
  • the waste liquid exiting from the outlet manifold 17 passes through the connectors 14 and 63 the annular passage between the valve stem 74* and the plunger tube 84 the slots 97 the drain port 103 and enters the drain passage 141 through the elbow 1%.
  • the waste liquid flowing through the tubular check valve body 147 passes through the radial slots 153 therein and exits through the communicating port 154.
  • the pressure of the liquid in the check valve body member 147 supplements the pressure exerted by the coil spring 155 to retain the resilient valve head 143 closed on its seat 149.
  • the waste liquid will also have a tendency to enter the valve 61 through the inlet manifold 16 and to enter the drain passage 141 through drain port 133.
  • the pressure of the liquid passing through the drain port 103 cannot overcome the combined pressures of the coil spring 155 plus the waste liquid passing through drain port 193 so that the check valve 142 remains closed. It should be noted that during the regeneration stage, hard water is always available from the main port 64* of the outlet valve 61 to fulfill any household or other requirements.
  • line pressure continues in the chamber 108 and 71 and in the by-pass 139'. Line pressure is also present at the main port 64 Further, line pressure (LP) is now found in the port 163 and the chamber 71 as well as in the passage 118 and the filter assembly of the eductor 22,. Operating pressure (OP) is found in the eductor 22] in the tubular part 133, the service tank 1%) and in the passages leading to drain port 193 Operating pressure is also found in the drain passage 141.
  • a vacuum hereinafter designated (S), exists in the flexible tubing 36, vertical pipe 34 and passage 54'.
  • fourth or rinse stage of the cycle occurs when the brine flow from brine tank 23 has ceased. All valve parts remain in their same positions with only hard water issuing from the eductor 22 to rinse away any excess brine in the service tank. The flow path of the waste liquid is the same as that found in the regeneration stage. The rinse stage continues until water from the connector 63 is soft. The line pressure (LP), operating pressure (OP) and vacuum (S) are found in the same passages and other elements as in the regeneration stage. When filter material alone is used in the tank 10, the brine stage will be omitted and the cycle will go directly to the rinse stage from the regeneration stage. The rinse stage is used for a filter material to flush untreated backwash water from the filter bed into the drain system.
  • LP line pressure
  • OP operating pressure
  • S vacuum
  • the timer 115 simultaneously deactivates both solenoids 114 and 114 allowing the solenoid plungers 113 and 113 to advance to close off the ports 11d and 116.
  • the pressure in chambers 71 and 71 decreases by relieving fluid through the passages 1G4 and 164 respectively, such that the water pressure acting on the diaphragms and 85 forces the plunger tubes 84 and 84 upward closing ofi the by-pass 139.
  • the coil springs and 95 force the valve stems 74 and 74* upward, closing off the drain ports 1G3 and 103
  • water is fed to the brine tank 23 through the eductor 22 to produce suflicient brine for the next regeneration cycle.
  • a directional valve assembly for controlling the direction and flow of liquid therethrough, comprising first and second valve bodies, a reciprocable valve member in each valve body, an upper, a lower, and an intermediate chamber in each valve body, sealing means surrounding each valve member and separating the upper chamber from the intermediate chamber, a valve seat between the intermediate and lower chambers cooperating with said valve member, an enlargement on the lower end of said valve member seating on said valve seat in one of the two valve positions, an outlet leading from said lower chamber of each valve body, a second valve seat cooperating with the enlargement on the valve member and separating the lower chamber from said outlet, a passage within said valve member which is closed when the valve is in normal position and is open when the valve enlargement seats on said second valve seat to provide communication between said outlet and said upper chamber, a drain port communicating with the upper chamber in each valve body, an inlet communicating with the lower chamber in the first valve body, a service outlet communicating with the lower chamber in the second valve body, a by-pass passage communicating between the intermediate chamber in said first valve body and the lower
  • said reciprocable check valve includes a valve seat in said drain passage from said first valve body, a tubular valve body longitudinally movable in said drain passage and open at one end communicating with said second valve body, a sealing head on the opposite end of said tubular valve body and cooperating with said last mentioned valve seat, and resilient means normally biasing said sealing head against said valve seat.
  • a directional valve assembly as set forth in claim 1, in which said reciprocable valve member in each valve body comprises a plunger tube movable relative to said valve body and terminating at its lower end in said valve enlargement, and a valve stem within said plunger tube and spaced therefrom to form said passage in the valve member, and a valve at the lower end'of said valve stem normally closing said passage, said valve stem being movable relative to said valve body and to said plunger tube when the valve member is moved to its actuated position.
  • a directional valve assembly for controlling the direction and flow of liquid therethrough, comprising first and second valve bodies, a longitudinal chamber in each valve body and formed into upper, lower and intermediate valve chambers, a reciprocable valve member movable within said chambers, a diaphragm sealing member secured to the valve member and the valve'body and separating said upper and intermediate chambers, a valve seat for said valve member and separating said intermediate and lower chambers, said valve member including a valve stem movable relative to its valve body, a valve at the lower end of the valve stem, and a plunger tube encompassing but spaced from the valve stem to provide an annular passage therebetween and movable relative to its'valve body, an elongated'plunger valve on the lower end of the plunger tube and in normal position seated against said valve seat, said valve on said valve stemnormally closing the annular passage, a second valve seat formed at the lower side of'said lower chamber and receiving said plunger valve when in actuated position, a main inlet in said first valve body entering said lower
  • an actuating diaphragm is secured to the upper end of the valve stem and to the valve body and extends across the upper chamber.
  • a directional valve assembly for controlling the direction and flow of liquid therethrough, comprising first and second valve bodies each having an upper, lower and intermediate valve chamber, a reciprocable valve member movable within said chambers, a diaphragm sealing memher in each valve body secured to the valve member and its valve body and separating said upper and intermediate chambers, a valve seat for said valve member and separating said intermediate and lower chambers, said valve member including a valve stem movable relative to its valve body, a valve at the lower end of the valve stem, and a plunger tube encompassing but spaced from the valve stem to provide an annular passage therebetween and movable relative to its valve body, an elongated plunger Valve on the lower end of the plunger tube and in normal position seated against said valve seat, said valve on said valve'stem normally closing the annular passage, a second valve seat formed at the lower side of said lower chamber and receiving said plunger valve when in actuated position, a diaphragm actuating member spaced from said diaphragm sealing

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Multiple-Way Valves (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
US29478A 1960-05-16 1960-05-16 Four-stage automatic valve for a water softener or conditioner Expired - Lifetime US3083728A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US29478A US3083728A (en) 1960-05-16 1960-05-16 Four-stage automatic valve for a water softener or conditioner
DE19611517386 DE1517386A1 (de) 1960-05-16 1961-05-15 Automatisches Vier-Stufen-Ventil fuer Wasserenthaerter oder Wasserbehandlungsgeraete
CH570661A CH378798A (fr) 1960-05-16 1961-05-16 Appareil pour l'adoucissement de l'eau
BE603842A BE603842A (fr) 1960-05-16 1961-05-16 Soupape automatique à quatre étages pour un appareil d'adoucissement ou de conditionnement d'eau
FR862170A FR1423610A (fr) 1960-05-16 1961-05-16 Soupape automatique à quatre étages pour un appareil d'adoucissement ou de conditionnement d'eau
GB17880/61A GB984041A (en) 1960-05-16 1961-05-16 Improvements relating to water softener control valves

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US29478A US3083728A (en) 1960-05-16 1960-05-16 Four-stage automatic valve for a water softener or conditioner

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3083728A true US3083728A (en) 1963-04-02

Family

ID=21849212

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US29478A Expired - Lifetime US3083728A (en) 1960-05-16 1960-05-16 Four-stage automatic valve for a water softener or conditioner

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3083728A (fr)
BE (1) BE603842A (fr)
CH (1) CH378798A (fr)
DE (1) DE1517386A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB984041A (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3185302A (en) * 1965-05-25 Regenerant supply system for liquid treatment apparatus
US3215273A (en) * 1962-04-30 1965-11-02 Union Tank Car Co Multiple flow valve control for liquid treatment apparatus
US3216450A (en) * 1962-11-09 1965-11-09 John W Timmons Valving system for water softeners
US3217885A (en) * 1962-05-24 1965-11-16 Richard D Johnson Automatic water treatment system
US3374891A (en) * 1964-05-18 1968-03-26 Aquionics Corp Automatic water softening apparatus
US3441047A (en) * 1963-02-13 1969-04-29 Culligan Inc Mounting bracket for water conditioning tank
US3797523A (en) * 1972-09-11 1974-03-19 D Brane Low pressure drop water softener valve assembly with dual pistons
US6206042B1 (en) 1998-03-06 2001-03-27 Chemical Engineering Corporation Modular control apparatus for water treatment system
US6293298B1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2001-09-25 Inetwater Llc Water softener valve
US20120228145A1 (en) * 2011-03-04 2012-09-13 Tennant Company Cleaning solution generator

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2034690A (en) * 1933-10-14 1936-03-24 Hooker Electrochemical Co Emergency shut-off valve
US2265225A (en) * 1938-05-18 1941-12-09 Milner Corp Means and method for purifying liquids
US2335814A (en) * 1943-05-08 1943-11-30 Merit Engineering Inc Check valve
US2638121A (en) * 1948-05-11 1953-05-12 Detroit Controls Corp Control device
FR1044952A (fr) * 1950-12-12 1953-11-23 Dispositif de commande pour filtres-presses
US2768950A (en) * 1952-08-01 1956-10-30 Lindsay Company Controls for water softeners
US2993508A (en) * 1958-12-05 1961-07-25 Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co Control valve for water softening apparatus

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2034690A (en) * 1933-10-14 1936-03-24 Hooker Electrochemical Co Emergency shut-off valve
US2265225A (en) * 1938-05-18 1941-12-09 Milner Corp Means and method for purifying liquids
US2335814A (en) * 1943-05-08 1943-11-30 Merit Engineering Inc Check valve
US2638121A (en) * 1948-05-11 1953-05-12 Detroit Controls Corp Control device
FR1044952A (fr) * 1950-12-12 1953-11-23 Dispositif de commande pour filtres-presses
US2768950A (en) * 1952-08-01 1956-10-30 Lindsay Company Controls for water softeners
US2993508A (en) * 1958-12-05 1961-07-25 Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co Control valve for water softening apparatus

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3185302A (en) * 1965-05-25 Regenerant supply system for liquid treatment apparatus
US3215273A (en) * 1962-04-30 1965-11-02 Union Tank Car Co Multiple flow valve control for liquid treatment apparatus
US3217885A (en) * 1962-05-24 1965-11-16 Richard D Johnson Automatic water treatment system
US3216450A (en) * 1962-11-09 1965-11-09 John W Timmons Valving system for water softeners
US3441047A (en) * 1963-02-13 1969-04-29 Culligan Inc Mounting bracket for water conditioning tank
US3374891A (en) * 1964-05-18 1968-03-26 Aquionics Corp Automatic water softening apparatus
US3797523A (en) * 1972-09-11 1974-03-19 D Brane Low pressure drop water softener valve assembly with dual pistons
US6206042B1 (en) 1998-03-06 2001-03-27 Chemical Engineering Corporation Modular control apparatus for water treatment system
US6293298B1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2001-09-25 Inetwater Llc Water softener valve
US20120228145A1 (en) * 2011-03-04 2012-09-13 Tennant Company Cleaning solution generator
US9162904B2 (en) * 2011-03-04 2015-10-20 Tennant Company Cleaning solution generator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH378798A (fr) 1964-06-15
BE603842A (fr) 1961-09-18
DE1517386A1 (de) 1969-07-31
GB984041A (en) 1965-02-24

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