Abstract: A pilot valve (2) for controlling operation of a hydraulically-actuated pressure reducing valve, the pilot valve including a housing (4), and a first valve member (15) mounted in the housing for longitudinal movement along an axis relative to the housing and to a second valve member (22) in response to the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve. The first valve member is provided with an aperture (20) and the second valve member comprises a closure portion which varies the effective flow cross section of the aperture in accordance with relative longitudinal movement between the first and second valve members. An adjuster (26) controls the relative rotational position of the first and second valve members, the closure portion having a profile such that relative rotation between the first and second valve members causes the closure portion to vary the effective flow cross section of the aperture (20).

Abstract: A pilot valve (2) for controlling operation of a hydraulically-actuated pressure reducing valve, the pilot valve including a housing (4), and a first valve member (15) mounted in the housing for longitudinal movement along an axis relative to the housing and to a second valve member (22) in response to the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve. The first valve member is provided with an aperture (20) and the second valve member comprises a closure portion which varies the effective flow cross section of the aperture in accordance with relative longitudinal movement between the first and second valve members. An adjuster (26) controls the relative rotational position of the first and second valve members, the closure portion having a profile such that relative rotation between the first and second valve members causes the closure portion to vary the effective flow cross section of the aperture (20).

Abstract: In a liquid flow system including conduit through which liquid is pumped and including an apparatus for determining the level of particulate contamination within the liquid the apparatus includes a valve in communication with the conduit having a valve member moveable relative to a valve housing in which the valve member can be set relative to the housing to define a narrow clearance through which flow takes place. A mechanism is provided for interrupting the normal pumped flow of liquid through the system and, when it is so interrupted, for causing liquid to flow through the valve clearance instead. A monitor is provided for monitoring the volume of liquid so passed, and for deriving a measure of the degree of contamination of the liquid in the system. The flow through the narrow clearance is in direction substantially at right angles to that of the relative movement of the valve member and valve housing.

Abstract: Abrasive fluid, which includes abrasive material and a carrier fluid, is transported through a conduit with minimum wear by directing the abrasive material along the center of the flow channel within the conduit, accelerating the carrier fluid and entraining the abrasive material within the accelerated carrier fluid. A conduit for performing this method includes a flow channel, means (9) adjacent its upstream section (1) for directing abrasive material along the center of the flow channel, a section (2) of reduced cross-section for accelerating carrier fluid in the flow channel and a down-stream section (3) for accelerating the abrasive material at the center of the flow channel due to entrainment with the accelerated carrier fluid.

Abstract: A high pressure jetting apparatus has an abrasive cutting nozzle, a hopper supplying abrasive material, a container for mixing abrasive and a carrier liquid at a point remote from the nozzle, and a closeable conduit for conducting the mixture at high pressure from the container to the nozzle. When the closeable conduit is closed an endless circulating path is formed between the container and the hopper to charge the container with abrasive from the hopper and carrier mixture. The mixture is conveyed under pressure from the container to the nozzle when the inlet and outlet conduits from the hopper to the container are disconnected and the closeable conduit is open.

Abstract: Liquid flow through a passage (9) in a body member (7) is controlled by a relatively movable poppet valve member (8). A frusto-conical first guide surface (11) on the poppet valve (8) merges smoothly with a second guide surface (12 and 13) which, in cross-section, has part-circulr portion (12) and an outlet end (13). Liquid passing through an aperture (10) between the body member (7) and the poppet valve member (8) flows along the first guide surface (11) and the second guide surface (12 and 13) and adopts a toroidal vortex flow pattern and this controls the collapse of those bubbles which form as a result of cavitation so as to diminish audible and inaudible vibrations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the level of particulate contamination within the fluid of a hydraulic system. System fluid is introduced through a non-return valve into a space where it is contained by a piston. The structure of the piston includes relatively-movable parts defining a restricted orifice to which fluid, having passed through a drilling in the piston, may escape to drain. When the piston is moved so as to tend to reduce the trapped volume, fluid is expelled from the volume through the drilling and clearance until the clearance becomes blocked by contaminants. The degree of contamination may then be derived from the distance that the piston has moved. The separate parts of piston structure are then relatively-moved to clear the orifice and allow the rest of the trapped fluid to escape, after which the orifice is reset and another volume of fluid introduced to be tested. The piston may be driven by reaction with the system fluid, or alternatively by means independent of that fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the level of particulate contamination within the fluid of a hydraulic system. System fluid is introduced through a non-return valve into a space where it is contained by a piston. The structure of the piston includes relatively-movable parts defining a restricted orifice to which fluid, having passed through a drilling in the piston, may escape to drain. When the piston is moved so as to tend to reduce the trapped volume, fluid is expelled from the volume through the drilling and clearance until the clearance becomes blocked by contaminants. The degree of contamination may then be derived from the distance that the piston has moved. The separate parts of piston structure are then relatively-moved to clear the orifice and allow the rest of the trapped fluid to escape, after which the orifice is reset and another volume of fluid introduced to be tested. The piston may be driven by reaction with the system fluid, or alternatively by means independent of that fluid.

Abstract: A device for determining the level of particulate contamination in a hydraulic system. Between the inlet and outlet of the device the fluid passes through the narrow clearance between a piston and a surrounding bore. As the clearance becomes obstructed by contaminant, pressure rises in a chamber upstream of the piston. Rise of this pressure above a certain level is detected by a detector which both triggers a counter and operates a solenoid to withdraw the piston and release trapped contaminant, after which the piston returns and another cycle of contaminant build-up begins. The frequency of the release of the piston indicates the degree of contamination of the fluid. Instead of pressure build-up, parameters related to fluid flow may be used to trigger the counter and the release of contaminants from clearance, and means may be provided to meter individual, fixed-volume charges from the general body of fluid and discharge them through a clearance.