Abstract:
A pressure swirl atomizer includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and a plurality of tangential swirl channels and a pintle that is movable within a pintle bearing between a closed position that closes the exit orifice and an open position that opens the exit orifice. The atomizer also has a pole piece having a channel, and the pole piece and the pintle are separated by an air gap when the pintle is in the closed position. A space between the pintle and the pintle bearing, and the air gap form at least a part of a return path. Fluid from the tangential swirl channels drains through the return path when the pintle is in the closed position. To open the atomizer, a solenoid generates a magnetic force, attracting the pintle toward the pole piece into the open position. A check valve is disposed in the return path.
Abstract:
A pressure swirl atomizer has a swirl chamber with an exit orifice and a plurality of tangential swirl channels disposed around the circumference of the swirl chamber. A pintle bearing surrounds a pintle. The pintle has a body portion and a nose portion that is narrower than the body portion. The nose portion has a tip that opens and closes the exit orifice and a side that is movable in the pintle bearing. In one embodiment, a return path formed between the nose portion of the pintle and the pintle bearing drains fluid from the swirl chamber when the exit orifice is closed. The nose portion positions the return path closer to a centerline of the atomizer, forcing fluid to swirl in the swirl chamber before draining. Since the fluid does not remain static in the chamber, less energy is needed to increase the fluid velocity and quickly form a desired spray pattern when the exit orifice is opened.
Abstract:
A pressure swirl atomizer has a swirl chamber with an exit orifice and a plurality of tangential swirl channels disposed around the circumference of the swirl chamber. A pintle bearing surrounds a pintle. The pintle has a body portion and a nose portion that is narrower than the body portion. The nose portion has a tip that opens and closes the exit orifice and a side that is movable in the pintle bearing. In one embodiment, a return path formed between the nose portion of the pintle and the pintle bearing drains fluid from the swirl chamber when the exit orifice is closed. The nose portion positions the return path closer to a centerline of the atomizer, forcing fluid to swirl in the swirl chamber before draining. Since the fluid does not remain static in the chamber, less energy is needed to increase the fluid velocity and quickly form a desired spray pattern when the exit orifice is opened.
Abstract:
A valve assembly is provided that has a valve body (30) defining first and second valve seats (34,36) and a fluid chamber (32) between the valve seats. The valve assembly includes a first valve (18) that has an extension portion (58) and a plug portion (54). The plug portion (54) is configured to be selectively seated at the first valve seat (34). The extension portion (58) is configured to extend within the fluid chamber (32) past the second valve seat (36) when the plug portion (54) is seated at the first valve seat (34). A second valve (20) is configured to interfit with the extension portion (58) to connect to the first valve (18) for common movement therewith. The second valve (20) is configured to be selectively seated at the second valve seat (31). Fluid flow through the fluid chamber (32) past the valve seats (34,36) is controlled by the common movement of the connected first and second valves (18,20).
Abstract:
An assembly (10) comprises a manifold (24) and a valve (12). The manifold (24) has a portion defining a bore (50) having a first end and a second end. The valve (12) is at least partially disposed within the manifold (24) and includes a coil (20) configured to generate a magnetic field; a bobbin (18) configured to house the coil (20); a pole piece (38) located near the bobbin (18); and a housing (22). The pole piece (38) includes a first end configured for insertion into the bore (50) of the manifold (24); a circumferentially extending groove (51) located near the first end of the pole piece (38); an o-ring (52) disposed in the circumferentially extending groove (51); and a radially outwardly extending flange (54) located near the circumferentially extending groove (51) that is configured to engage both the portion of the manifold (24) defining the first end of the bore (50) and the bobbin (18). The housing (22) includes a tab (56) configured to fasten the valve (12) to the manifold (24).
Abstract:
A pressure swirl atomizer includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and a plurality of tangential swirl channels and a pintle that is movable within a pintle bearing between a closed position that closes the exit orifice and an open position that opens the exit orifice. The atomizer also has a pole piece having a channel, and the pole piece and the pintle are separated by an air gap when the pintle is in the closed position. A space between the pintle and the pintle bearing, the air gap, and the channel together form at least a part of a return path. Fluid from the tangential swirl channels drains through the return path when the pintle is in the closed position. To open the atomizer, a solenoid generates a magnetic force when energized, attracting the pintle toward the pole piece into the open position. A check valve disposed in the return path generates a fluid back pressure when the solenoid is de-energized to push the pintle toward the closed position. The fluid back pressure helps prevent the pintle from getting stuck in the open position.
Abstract:
A pressure swirl atomizer includes a swirl chamber having an exit orifice, a first section with a first volume, and a second section with a second volume. The second volume is smaller than the first volume, and the exit orifice disposed in the second section. The atomizer also includes a pintle movable to open and close the exit orifice and a plurality of tangential swirl channels disposed about a circumference of the swirl chamber. The reduced volume of the second section reduces the amount of static fluid to be accelerated into a flow pattern, thereby improving spray quality when the exit orifice is initially opened.