Mixing valve
A mixing valve for mixing steam and water comprising an inlet chamber for steam, an inlet chamber for water, and a mixing chamber for mixing the steam and the water. The mixing chamber has at least one outlet connected thereto. A valve member arranged in the steam inlet chamber is coupled to a diaphragm. The valve is responsive to pressure differentials in the water inlet chamber, and is utilized to control steam flow from the steam inlet chamber to the mixing chamber. The mixing valve includes an internal partition between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber. The internal partition includes a thermal break that minimizes the contact between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber, thus minimizing the heat transfer therebetween.
1. A mixing valve for mixing steam and water comprising:
an inlet chamber for steam;
an inlet chamber for water;
a mixing chamber for mixing steam and water;
at least one outlet connected to the mixing chamber;
an internal partition between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber, wherein the internal partition includes a thermal break between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber for minimizing the heat transfer therebetween;
valve means responsive to water flow for controlling steam flow from the steam inlet chamber to the mixing chamber, the valve means comprising a valve member arranged in the steam inlet chamber and coupled to a diaphragm responsive to pressure differentials arising in the water inlet chamber; and
a control chamber for moving the valve member relative to a valve seating.
2. A mixing valve according to claim 1 wherein the thermal break comprises a ceramic material disposed between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber.
3. A mixing valve according to claim 1 wherein the thermal break comprises an open space formed by the internal partition that is disposed between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber.
4. The mixing valve of claim 3 wherein the thermal break includes a casting ligament disposed therein.
5. The mixing valve of claim 4 wherein the casting ligament comprises a rigid support member that is disposed within the thermal break so as to support the steam inlet chamber.
6. A mixing valve for mixing steam and water comprising:
an inlet chamber for steam;
an inlet chamber for water;
a mixing chamber for mixing steam and water;
an internal partition between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber, wherein the internal partition includes a thermal break, the thermal break comprising an open space formed by the internal partition having a casting ligament disposed therein, and wherein the thermal break is disposed between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber so as to minimize the heat transfer therebetween;
valve means responsive to water flow for controlling steam flow from the steam inlet chamber to the mixing chamber, the valve means comprising a valve member arranged in the steam inlet chamber and coupled to a diaphragm responsive to pressure differentials arising in the water inlet chamber;
a control chamber for moving the valve member relative to a valve seating in the partition; and
at least one outlet connected to the mixing chamber.
7. The mixing valve of claim 6 wherein the casting ligament comprises a rigid support member that is disposed within the thermal break so as to support the steam inlet chamber.
8. A mixing valve for mixing steam and water comprising:
an inlet chamber for steam;
an inlet chamber for water;
a mixing chamber for mixing steam and water;
a permanently open fluid connection between the water inlet chamber and the mixing chamber;
an internal partition between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber, wherein the internal partition includes a thermal break, the thermal break comprising an open space formed by the internal partition having a casting ligament disposed therein, and wherein the thermal break is disposed between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber so as to minimize the heat transfer therebetween;
valve means responsive to water flow for controlling steam flow from the steam inlet chamber to the mixing chamber, the valve means comprising a valve member arranged in the steam inlet chamber and coupled to a diaphragm responsive to pressure differentials arising in the water inlet chamber;
a control chamber for moving the valve member relative to a valve seating in the partition; and
at least one outlet connected to the mixing chamber.
9. The mixing valve of claim 8 wherein the casting ligament comprises a rigid support member that is disposed within the thermal break so as to support the steam inlet chamber.