Abstract: A spray desuperheater maintaining a desired homogeneous spray pattern throughout the full range of operation, including relatively low rates of flow. Water flows to a spray orifice through a variable-geometry control which constricts at flow rates below the minimum flow required to maintain pressure control across the spray nozzle. This constricted flow increases the velocity of the water tangentially entering a spin chamber leading to the spray nozzle. The increased velocity of water at the lower rates of flow, combined with the spin imparted to the water, maintains the desired homogeneous spray pattern at the lower flow rates. The variable geometry control is fully open at flow rates sufficient to sustain pressure control at the spray nozzle, and a fixed-geometry control adjusts a higher range of flow rates.

Abstract: A valve which conditions steam from a relatively high pressure source, by simultaneously reducing the steam pressure and temperature to the level desired for a particular steam utilizing application. The steam conditioning valve allows the amount of steam flow to be adjusted over a wide range, and simultaneously adjusts the amount of desuperheating liquid in direct proportion to the selected steam flow. Steam flow control is accomplished by passing the steam through an array of orifices in a fixed sleeve mounted in a valve body. A piston is movable within the sleeve to selectably cover or uncover the orifices as desired to regulate the amount of steam flowing therethrough. Steam flowing through the uncovered orifices enters a throat region where the steam accelerates and is subjected to a flow of desuperheating liquid; this liquid flows through a passage concentric with the steam flow control piston, and the amount of liquid flow is controlled by the reciprocal position of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A valve for controlling or diverting the flow of relatively viscous flowable materials such as polymers or the like. The valve includes a valve plug mounted for longitudinal movement within a valve chamber which receives the flowable material. A pair of antechambers flank the valve chamber, and a pair of portals connect the valve chamber with each antechamber. The valve plug selectably blocks one or the other of these portals, depending on the longitudinal position of the valve plug. A wall of each antechamber is angled to divert incoming flowable material toward the outflow passages individually leading away from the antechambers.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a selectably variable flow of water to a steam line so as to reduce the superheat of the steam. The apparatus provides two separate water valve elements for controlling the flow of desuperheating water at relatively low and high volumes of water. These minor and major valve elements are concentric with each other and with the desuperheater housing, and are progressively operated by a single linear operating rod. A whirling motion is imparted to the major and minor water sprays, maximizing the surface area of each water spray and thereby providing more efficient desuperheating.