Fluid valve

FLUID VALVE

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The matter described herein falls within the field of fluid flow valves, and more particularly deals with gas purge valves.

BACKGROUND OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

References that are considered relevant as background with the subject matter described here are listed below:

- US patent no. 4,770,201

- Publication of US patent application no. 2010/0108156

The recognition in this description of the previous references should not be inferred as meaning that they are in some way relevant to the patentability of the matter described herein.

BACKGROUND

A plurality of valves are known in the state of the art, configured to govern the flow of fluid through the fluid systems.

For example, the US patent no. 4,770,201 describes a fluid flow valve such as an air or tap purge valve comprising a housing having a fluid flow opening defined therein with a valve seat formed in the housing and delimiting said opening. A flexible closing membrane is secured to one end of the housing and is adapted to be pushed, under the pressure of the fluid in the housing, against the valve seat in order to seal the opening. Membrane displacement means 30 are secured to an opposite end of the membrane such that the displacement of the displacement means in a first direction progressively separates the successive transverse portions of the membrane from the seat in order to open the opening while

-2 that the displacement of the displacement means in an opposite direction allows the membrane to be pushed tightly against the seat.

U.S. Patent Application Publication no. 2010/0108156 of the same applicant as the present application describes a 5 gas purge valve that includes a housing formed with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid outlet is delimited by a kinetic valve seat and a seal assembly, which includes a float member coaxially within the housing, and a seal cap coupled to said float member. The sealing cap is axially movable with respect to the float member io between a first position in which it joins the float and a second position in which it departs from the float. The sealing cap is formed on an outer face thereof with a kinetic seal adjusted for the sealing coupling of the kinetic valve seat, and an automatic valve opening formed in the sealing cap and delimited by an automatic valve seat. An articulated automatic seal member 15 is at an upper end of the float member for the automatic valve seat seal coupling.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the subject matter described herein, a gas purge valve is presented comprising a housing configured with a float chamber that extends between a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, said float chamber houses a set of valve activated by axially movable float inside the float chamber, said valve assembly comprises at least one axially movable kinetic sealing component within the housing between at least one closed position for tightly coupling a sealing seat of the fluid outlet port and an open position in which said sealing seat is disengaged ; wherein the fluid inlet port is in fluid communication with the float chamber through a fluid inlet path configured with a fluid flow regulator configured with a fluid discharge flow path; The arrangement is such that the minimum diameter of the fluid discharge flow path is greater than the diameter of at least a lower portion of the valve assembly.

The fluid flow regulator disposed within the fluid inlet path is configured to control the premature closing performance of the valve, that is, to substantially eliminate or reduce shock waves to a fluid line or system equipped with a or more flow valves according to the description, due to the rapid displacement of the float member and its impact against the sealing seat of the housing.

The configuration of the fluid discharge flow path that is larger in diameter than the diameter of at least a lower portion of the valve assembly results in the control of the pressure differential ΔΡ required to move the valve assembly into position. closed, where ΔΡ is the difference between atmospheric pressure P_atm and the pressure inside the Pune line [ΔΡ =

Patm P | ¡ne] ·

The arrangement of the fluid flow regulator does not result in slowing the displacement of the valve assembly to its closed position, but acts 15 to control and postpone the spontaneous displacement of the valve assembly until the sufficient pressure differential ΔΡ accumulates, it is that is, to regulate the premature closing pressure that causes the valve assembly to move towards its closed position.

In practice, the fluid flow regulator generates a flow shading, that is, the flow of the flow path and causes a flow obstacle as well as to regulate said premature closing pressure. The diverted flow will also not strike directly on a lower face of the valve assembly.

The fluid flow regulator is configured with flow openings that constitute the fluid discharge flow path, said flow openings 25 have a minimum diameter D_min and a maximum diameter D_max, where D_max»D_minthus results in a significant section of current. In addition, the arrangement is such that D_mn> Dfioat, where D_F|_Oat is the diameter of at least the lower portion of the valve assembly.

According to a particular embodiment of the description, the valve assembly comprises a single float sealing unit, which acts as a kinetic discharge valve, and in accordance with another embodiment, the valve assembly is a valve assembly. combined type configured with a kinetic component and an automatic component.

-4The term kinetic component (sometimes also referred to as a gas / vacuum component) as used in the present description and claims denotes a valve component designed to discharge or admit large volumes of gas during filling or emptying of a pipe or 5 pipe system. This valve will open to relieve negative pressures every time the separation of the water column occurs.

The term automatic component (sometimes also referred to as an automatic / gas release component) as used in the present description and claims denotes a valve component designed to automatically release small gas pockets into the atmosphere as it is They accumulate at local high points along a pipe when the pipe or pipe system is full and operates under pressure.

A combined type valve assembly operates in such a way that while under pressure, only the automatic component operates, while the kinetic component remains sealed.

The kinetic component comprises an axially movable automatic float member within the float chamber and comprising a sealing member configured for sealing coupling with a sealing seat of the outlet port when the float member is pushed into a sealing position / Close them.

According to a particular example, the kinetic float member is configured in an upper portion thereof with a sealing ring configured for sealing engagement with a corresponding shoulder that constitutes the sealing seat of the outlet port.

One or more of the following characteristics, designs and configurations can be implemented with the valve object of the matter described herein, individually or in combinations thereof;

• A lower face of the fluid flow regulator, facing the inlet port of the housing, can be configured with a hydrodynamic shape. For example, the Lower face may be convex, dome-shaped;

• The fluid flow regulator can be configured as a joint within the housing by a thread coupling, a snap fit, an elastic retaining ring and the like;

-5 • The fluid flow regulator can be adjusted axially within the fluid inlet path in order to control the premature closing performance of the valve;

• The fluid flow regulator can be configured with one or more openings to increase the fluid flow section area through the fluid flow regulator. However, where the diameter D_top_ert of the one or more openings is significantly smaller than the minimum diameter D_m¡_n of the fluid discharge flow path. Respectively, the cross-sectional area of ​​the one or more openings is significantly smaller than the fluid discharge flow path;

• According to a configuration, the maximum diameter D_max is substantially similar to a nominal diameter D_nom of the valve, thereby increasing the area of ​​the effective flow cross section of the fluid discharge flow path;

• According to a particular example D_m¡_n it is in the range of 0.9 0.98 Dnom, and more particularly D_m¡_n= 0.94 D_nom;

• The fluid flow regulator is configured to operate at different range values, depending on the nominal size of the valve. For example, for valves that have a nominal diameter in the range of approximately Γ * 4, the pressure differential ΔΡ is in the range of approximately 4 7 meters (water column), and for valves that have a nominal diameter greater than approximately 4, the pressure differential ΔΡ is in the range of about 2-4 meters (water column);

• The valve assembly can be configured with one or more assemblies to increase drag to increase the thrust of the valve assembly during its travel to the closed position. This results in an improved spontaneous displacement of the valve assembly to the closed position and further eliminates or substantially reduces the likelihood of the so-called drowning of the valve assembly under a strong flow of fluid flow that exceeds the valve assembly and acts in one direction. opposite, that is, in the direction to move it to its open position;

-6 • According to some configurations, the lower portion of the one or more assemblies to increase drag can be fins and / or cavities formed in the side walls and / or in a lower face of the valve assembly;

• The flow openings of the fluid flow regulator can be extended along a segmented annular path having an inside diameter D_mnand an external diameter D_max;

• The fluid flow regulator can be configured with reinforcements, such as ribs, to stiffen the structure of the fluid flow regulator, so that it can also withstand impacts when a heavy valve assembly impacts it after travel to the open position;

• The fluid flow regulator can be configured with a projection configured to engage within a corresponding opening formed in a lower face of the valve member, to direct the axial displacement thereof;

• The diameter of the float member (which constitutes the kinetic component) corresponds substantially to the nominal diameter of the valve;

• The float member may be a single uniform body or be composed of two or more body elements articulated with each other;

• When the float member is composed of two (or more) body elements articulated with each other, the diameter D_flOat of a first (lower) body element is greater than the diameter Df |_Oat2of a second articulated body element on the first body element, and where Df_ioat It is substantially similar to the nominal diameter D_nomfrom valvule;

• According to a particular proportion, D_float = 0.97 D_Fi_oat2;

• The float forces of the float can be balanced by adding weight to the float or by setting open or closed holes in it;

• The valve assembly may comprise an articulated automatic component configured on an upper portion of the kinetic component;

-7 • The valve assembly may comprise an articulated automatic component configured within an upper portion of the kinetic component;

• The fluid flow regulator can be configured with one or more bolts that project upwards to support the float member when it comes to rest on them, in its fully open position. According to a particular arrangement, the one or more upwardly projecting bolts are arranged in conjunction with the corresponding receiving locations configured on a lower surface of the float member;

• One of the fluid flow regulator and an inner face of the housing can be configured with one or more lateral projections, and the other of the fluid flow regulator and an inner face of the housing can be configured with one or more corresponding side recesses with the location and geometry of the one or more lateral projections, for a precise positioning of the fluid flow regulator inside the housing, that is, in a particular orientation in relation to it and the float member, respectively;

• The fluid flow regulator can be configured with a coupling portion of the housing that has a diameter D_maxand the flow openings constitute the fluid discharge flow path, said flow openings have a minimum diameter D_m¡_n, wherein the coupling portion of the housing moves axially with respect to the flow openings. According to a particular configuration, the coupling portion of the housing extends behind the flow openings, with a plurality of legs supporting a dome-shaped disk portion;

• The automatic component is called the “detachment” valve component.

• The automatic component comprises an automatic fluid outlet configured with a substantially elongated groove outlet opening; a valve seat that delimits said automatic fluid outlet opening; an automatic float member located in said

-8 accommodation above or within the kinetic and axially movable float within said housing and corresponding to the kinetic float member; an elongate flexible closure membrane strip anchored at least at one end thereof to one end of said automatic float member adjacent to said automatic fluid outlet and in a portion thereof displaced with respect to said outlet;

• The arrangement is such that the buoyant forces acting on said automatic float member tend to press said membrane strip in airtight engagement with said automatic outlet opening, while the gravity forces acting on said automatic float member tend to displace said float member away from said outlet so as to gradually detach said strip in tight engagement with said automatic exit opening;

• The automatic component can be mounted on the kinetic float member and can be moved axially with respect to the other;

• The automatic component can be configured within a receptacle configured within the kinetic float member and can be displaced axially with respect to the other, usually the automatic component is configured within an upper portion of the kinetic component;

• The valve may be of the so-called "nominal valve", that is, where an outlet diameter of the valve is substantially similar to an inlet diameter thereof. This configuration can offer several advantages, such as a minimum flow loss, a housing manufactured as a monobloc, a single piece, etc .;

• The valve can be configured in an upper portion of the housing, above the fluid outlet port, with a drain port configured for the emptying of residual liquids that could otherwise accumulate in an outlet chamber (normally extends to an outlet tube or an outflow diverter);

-9 • The housing float chamber can be configured with a measuring port, or a preparation for a measuring port, to articulate a pressure gauge itself;

• An external surface of the housing can be configured with 5 conformations to improve the handle, such as ribs and the like, to fix the housing on a coupler;

• The housing can be configured, on an input side of it, with a flanged portion to join a corresponding coupler.

According to a modification of the description, the valve can be easily converted from a combined type valve into a single type valve, according to one of the following options:

a) The automatic component can be removed from the housing, so that the upper opening is sealed by a fixed cap. In doing so, the valve now acts only as a kinetic valve;

b) The kinetic component can be pushed to its highest position (for example, by means of a push spring, a ring / piston adapter, etc.), whereby the valve now acts only as an automatic valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter disclosed in the present description and to exemplify how it can be carried out in practice, the modalities will now be described, only by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which:

Figure 1A corresponds to a top perspective view of a valve in accordance with a first design of the present description;

Figure 1B corresponds to a front view of the valve of Figure 1 A;

Figure 2A corresponds to a longitudinal section of the valve of Figure 1, taken along the line BB of Figure IB, the valve in a fully open position thereof;

Figure 2B corresponds to a perspective view in approach of the marked portion III of Figure 4;

-10 Figure 2C corresponds to an approach of the portion marked IV of Figure 4;

Figure 3A corresponds to a bottom perspective view of a fluid flow regulator for use in conjunction with a valve in accordance with the present description;

Figure 3B corresponds to a top perspective view of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 corresponds to a longitudinal section of the valve of Figure 1, the valve is illustrated with the kinetic valve in a closed state and an automatic valve in an open position;

Figure 5 corresponds to a longitudinal section of the valve of Figure 1, the valve in a fully closed position thereof;

Figure 6A corresponds to a top perspective view of a valve in accordance with another design of the present description;

Figure 6B corresponds to a rear view of the valve of Figure 6A;

Figure 7A corresponds to a longitudinal section of the valve of Figure 6A, taken along the CC line of Figure 6B, the valve in a fully open position thereof;

Figure 7B corresponds to an approach view of the portion 20 marked V of Figure 7A; and

Figure 8 corresponds to an isometric view of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

The attention is first directed to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, which illustrate a valve in accordance with a first embodiment of the matter described herein, the valve is generally designated 20.

The valve comprises an elongated cylindrical housing 22 configured at a lower end thereof with a flanged base equipped with a plurality of openings 26 to secure the valve to a fluid line (not shown). Installed at an upper end of the housing 22 there is an extension tube 33, which serves for coupling thereto of a device for

- 11 liquid handling, such as a diverter tube 22 (eg, as seen for example in the example of figures 6 to 8).

The housing 22 is configured with a fluid inlet port 36 in a lower portion thereof and a fluid outlet port 38 in an upper portion thereof, with a float chamber 40 extending between them. The float chamber is configured with several longitudinally extending ribs 44 (four in the present example), which act as float guides to ensure correct insertion and smooth linear displacement of a float member into the housing, that is, to prevent rotation or tilt inside the float chamber 40. In an upper portion of the housing 22 there is an annular valve sealing seat 48, which also serves to restrict the axial displacement of the float member 54 in its uppermost sealing position, as will be explained below.

There is a float-activated valve assembly generally designated as 50 that is axially movable within the float chamber 40, which as will be explained later in greater detail, said valve assembly 50 is a combined type valve assembly configured with a Kinetic component in the form of a kinetic float member 54 and an automatic component designated 58.

Float member 54 is installed in an upper portion thereof with a ring-shaped sealing arrangement 60, configured for sealing engagement with the annular valve sealing seat 48. However, it is appreciated that other sealing solutions also Possible such as providing a sealing ring in the sealing seat 48, etc.

As best seen in Fig. 2B, the automatic component 58 is fully housed within the kinetic float member 54 and comprises an automatic fluid outlet 66 extending through a plug 68 screwed in 69 to an upper portion of the kinetic float member 54, in a sealed manner by virtue of a sealing O-ring 67. The automatic fluid outlet 66 is configured with an outlet opening 70 in the form of a substantially elongated groove with a valve seat 72 that delimits said automatic fluid outlet opening 70. An automatic float member 76 is located within the kinetic float member 54 and moves axially

-12 within it. An elongate flexible closure membrane strip 80 is anchored at both ends 82 and 83 thereof to an upper portion of said automatic float member 76 adjacent to said automatic fluid outlet 70 and in a portion thereof displaced with respect to that of said outlet, that is, above an inclined support surface 84.

It is appreciated that the plug 68 (screw-coupled in 69 to an upper portion of the kinetic float member 54), in fact, results in a sub-chamber of small volume, sealed within the kinetic float member, necessary for the operation of the component of automatic valve.

However, it will be appreciated that according to another configuration (not shown), the elongate flexible closure membrane strip 80 can be secured only at one end thereof to said automatic float member 76.

As can be seen in the figures, the fluid inlet port 36 is in fluid communication with the float chamber 40 through a fluid inlet path 90 (Figures 4 and 5), configured with a flow regulator of fluid 100 configured with a fluid discharge flow path 102 extending flow openings 104, the arrangement is such that the minimum diameter D_m¡_n of the fluid discharge flow path 102 (ie, the minimum diameter of the openings 104) is larger than the diameter D_float of at least a lower portion of the kinetic float assembly54.

As can be seen in the figures, the fluid inlet port 36 is in fluid communication with the float chamber 40 through a fluid inlet path 90 (Figures 4 and 5), configured with a fluid flow regulator 100 configured with a fluid discharge flow path 25 102 extending flow openings 104, the arrangement is such that the minimum diameter Dm¡_n of the fluid discharge flow path 102 (ie, the minimum diameter of the openings 104) is larger than the diameter D_m¡_n of at least a lower portion of the kinetic float assembly 54.

The flow openings 104 of the fluid flow regulator 100 constitute the fluid discharge flow path 102, said flow openings 104 have a minimum diameter D_m¡_nand a maximum diameter D_max, where D_mn^>>D_rnaxThis results in a significant section of current. In addition, the provision

-13 is so D_m¡_n> Dfioat, where D_Fi_ORat is the diameter of at least the lower portion of the valve assembly.

According to the particular configuration, the maximum diameter D_max it is substantially similar to a nominal diameter D_nomof the valve, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​effective flow of the fluid discharge flow path.

According to a particular example D_m¡_n is in the range of 0.9 + 0.98 D_nom and more particularly D_m¡_n = 0.94 D_nom.

The fluid flow regulator 100 is configured with a housing coupling ring 116 having an inner diameter D_max and the flow openings 104 extend between the ring 116 and the minimum diameter, the flow openings 104 have a minimum diameter D_min, wherein the housing coupling portion 116 moves axially below the flow openings. The housing coupling ring 116 extends behind 15 of the flow openings, with a plurality of legs 120 supporting the inverted dome-shaped disc portion 115 (convex). The legs 120 and the dome-shaped disc portion 115 are reinforced by support ribs 122, to make the fluid flow regulator structure more rigid, so it can also withstand impacts when a heavy valve assembly impacts the same after moving to the open position.

As seen in Figures 3A and 3B, the fluid flow regulator 100 is configured with a plurality of bolts that project upwardly 110 to support the float member 54 when trying to rest on it, in its fully open position. (figure 2A). The bolts projecting 25 upwards 110 are arranged in conjunction with the corresponding receiving locations configured on a lower surface of the float member.

The fluid flow regulator is configured to operate at different range values, depending on the nominal size of the valve. For example, for valves that have a nominal diameter in the range of approximately

1+ 4, the pressure differential ΔΡ is in the range of approximately 4 + 7 meters of water column and for valves that have a nominal diameter greater than about 4, the pressure differential ΔΡ is in the range of approximately 2 + 4 meters of water column.

-14 In the particular example, the fluid flow regulator 100 is secured at the entrance of the housing 22 by a spring-type retaining ring 130, elastically secured within an annular groove 132 of the housing 22. According to other configurations, the fluid flow regulator 100 may be axially displaced within the inlet port of the housing, in order to control different flow parameters, namely, for the control of a flow shading "generated by the fluid flow regulator 100, namely by diverting the fluid flow and causing a flow obstacle in order to control said premature closing pressure.

io The fluid flow regulator 100 disposed within the fluid inlet path 36 is configured to control the premature closing performance of the valve, that is, to eliminate or substantially reduce the shock waves to a fluid line or system equipped with one or more flow valves according to the description, caused by the rapid displacement of the float member 54 and its impact against the sealing seat 48 of the housing 22.

The valve 20 can be configured between several operating positions. In a fully open position (Figure 2A) the float chamber 40 is emptied of liquid by which both the kinetic component and the automatic component are open, namely the float 54 moves down and rests on the flow regulator of fluid 100, such that the sealing in the sealing ring 60 is disengaged from the valve seat 48 and the outlet port 38 is wide open and facilitates a high fluid flow rate (e.g., air or other gas) through the exit of the line (in case of recharging a line) or in the line (in case of rapid emptying of a line). Similarly, the automatic float 76 moves downward towards its open position.

In the position of Fig. 4, the float chamber 40 is filled with liquid through which the kinetic component is open, namely the float 54 moves up in sealing coupling of the sealing ring 60 against the sealing seat 30 Valve 48, preventing liquid from flowing out through outlet port 38. However, the automatic valve component 58 is free to move between an open and a closed position (illustrated open in Figure 4), thereby automatically facilitating the release into the atmosphere of

-15 small air / gas bags as they accumulate at local high points along a pipe when the pipe or pipe system is full and operates under pressure.

In Figure 5, both the kinetic valve component 54 and the automatic valve component 58 are illustrated in their closed position, respectively, which prevents any flow of fluid through the valve 20.

As can also be seen in the drawings, the fluid flow regulator 100 is configured with a central opening 103 to increase the fluid flow section area through the fluid flow regulator. However, in io where the diameter D_apert of the opening 103 is significantly smaller than the minimum diameter D_min of the fluid discharge flow path.

In accordance with Figures 6 to 8 of the drawings, a flow valve according to a modification of the description is illustrated, the valve generally designated 220 and where similar elements are designated with similar reference numbers as in Figures 1 to 5, but displaced by 200.

In the example of Figures 6 to 8 the valve is configured with an elongated cylindrical housing 222 configured at a lower end thereof with an internal threaded coupling 225 to couple the valve to a fluid line (not shown). Installed at an upper end of the housing 22 there is an inverted extension tube 33, which acts as a diverter tube so that during its operation any liquid splashed from the valve is directed sideways instead of dripping on the valve and the equipment down.

The housing 222 is configured with a fluid inlet port 236 in a lower portion thereof and a fluid outlet port 238 in an upper portion thereof, with a float chamber 240 extending between them. In an upper portion of the housing 22 there is an annular valve sealing seat 248, which also serves to restrict the axial displacement of the float member 254 to its uppermost sealing position.

There is a float-activated valve assembly generally designated 30 as 250 that is axially movable within the float chamber 240, a combined type valve assembly configured with a kinetic component in the form of a kinetic float member 254 and an automatic component designated like 258 mounted on it.

-16EI float member 254 is mounted on an upper portion thereof with a ring-shaped seal arrangement 260 (which in fact mounts on a portion of the automatic valve component) and is configured for sealing engagement with the annular seal seat 248. However, it will be appreciated that other sealing solutions are also possible such as providing a sealing ring in the sealing seat 248, etc.

Unlike the previous example, the automatic valve component 258 is mounted on the kinetic float member 254 and comprises an automatic fluid outlet 266 that extends through an upper member 268 which is supported on a support 271, in a portion upper of the kinetic float member 254. The automatic fluid outlet 266 is configured with an outlet opening 270 in the form of a substantially elongated groove with a valve seat 722 that delimits said automatic fluid outlet opening 270. An automatic float member 276 is located on the kinetic float member 54 and it can move axially up there. An elongate flexible closure membrane strip 280 is anchored at both ends 282 and 283 thereof to an upper portion of said automatic float member 276 adjacent to said automatic fluid outlet 270 and in a portion thereof displaced with respect to said outlet , that is, above an inclined support surface 284.

Similar to the description of the previous example, the fluid inlet port 236 is in fluid communication with the float chamber 240 through a fluid inlet path 290 configured with a fluid flow regulator 300 configured with a flow path of fluid discharge 302 extending through openings 304. The fluid flow regulator 300 is similar to element 100 in the previous example and reference is made thereto.

The arrangement is such that the minimum diameter D_mn of the fluid discharge flow path 302 (ie, the minimum diameter of the openings 304) is larger than the diameter Dfi_ort of the lower portion of the kinetic float assembly so 254 which in turn is larger than the diameter D_F|_Oattwo of the automatic float member

276.

The flow openings 304 of the fluid flow regulator 300 constitute the fluid discharge flow path 102, said flow openings 104

- 17 has a minimum diameter D_m¡_n and a maximum diameter D_max, where D_max»D_minThis results in a significant section of current. In addition, the arrangement is such that D_m¡_n> Df |_oat, where D_F|_Oat is the diameter of at least the lower portion of the valve assembly.

According to a particular example D_min is in the range of 0.9 +

0.98 Dnom and more particularly D_min = 0.94 D_nom.

In the example of Figures 6 to 8, the float member is composed of two body elements namely, the kinetic float member 254 and the dynamic float member 271 which mounts thereon, where the diameter Dfi_ort io a first body element (lower) is larger than the diameter D_F|_ORat2 of a second articulated body element on the first body element and where Dfi_oatIt is substantially similar to the nominal diameter D_nomfrom valvule. According to a particular proportion, Dn_ort = 0-97 D_F|_Oat2.

It will also be appreciated that the fluid flow regulator 300 is retained 15 within the fluid inlet port 236 of the housing 222 by the screw coupling on the internal threading coupling 225, thereby facilitating the axial adjustment of the flow regulator of fluid 300 with respect to the displacement of the float member, in order to control the parameters of the flow path towards the float chamber 240.

The valve 220 is configured in an upper portion of the housing

222, above the fluid outlet port, with a drain port 227 articulated to a drain tube 229, configured to discharge residual liquids that might otherwise accumulate in an outlet chamber. This is especially important when the valve is configured for use with drinking water, to prevent water from prolonged stagnation, and possibly contaminated, (with the potential risk of flowing back towards the valve through the outlet port).

Moreover, the housing 222 is configured with a measuring port 331 that extends in the float chamber 240 to articulate a pressure gauge and the like thereto (not shown). The measurement port 331 can be canceled by the provision of a sealing plug. However, it will be appreciated that the valve housing can be equipped with one or more of

-18 such measurement ports, in different places of the housing, or can be rid of any measurement ports.

It is also notable that the outer surface of the housing 222 is configured with a plurality of longitudinal ribs 333, which serve as handles for fixing the housing on a coupler (not shown).

It can be seen that the operation of the valve illustrated in the example of Figures 6 to 8 is substantially similar to that described in connection with the example discussed in relation to Figures 1 to 5, and to which reference is made, Figures 7A, 7B and 8, the valve 220 is illustrated in its fully closed position, which corresponds to the position of Figure 4 of the previous example, i.e. both with the kinetic valve component and with the automatic valve component in its closed and sealed position, respectively.

According to a modification of the description, the valve can easily be converted from a combined type valve into a simple type valve, by simple manipulation.

According to a first example, the automatic component (for example, the automatic float member 58 of Figure 1) can be removed from the kinetic float member 54 by unscrewing and replacing it with a closure cap (not shown), by what the upper opening is sealed now. In doing so, the valve now acts as a kinetic valve only.

According to a second example, the kinetic component (float member 54 of Figure 1) can be pushed permanently towards its highest position, as in Figure 4. Such thrust can take place, for example, 25 by means of a thrust spring (not shown) extending between a lower portion of the float member 54 and an upper face of the flow regulating disk 100, or by the projections extending upwards (not shown) suitable extending from the flow regulating disk 100 towards the float member, etc.), whereby the valve now acts as an automatic valve only.