Use of a Hydrostatic Balance Principle in a New Class of Sliding Valves

Abstract

A new class of sliding valves is described. These valves use a hydrostatic balance principle to obtain much lower seal wear and operating torque than is found in previous sliding valves; moreover, a means of automatically compensating for residual wear and for manufacturing tolerances is incorporated. The valves would be simple to mould in thermoplastics. Results are given of extensive tests of prototypes of the new devices; the seal lifetimes for cold-water use, and the percussion (water-hammer) performance, are particularly remarkable. Finally, various refinements to the basic ideas are proposed.