Flow regulator device

Abstract

A fluid flow regulator of the present invention comprises in combination a stationary hollow duct housing having a first end and a second end through which fluid flows. The device also incorporates a movable member aligned concentric with the duct having an end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the housing. The member may be spaced apart from the duct so that fluid can enter the duct housing through an opening defined by the space between the end of the member and the first end of the duct, with the movement of the member serving to change the size of opening. The movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct. The position of the float can be preset by the operator of the invention so that when fluid flow into the duct is at a predetermined amount the float will remain stationary, and when the fluid flow increases above such predetermined level the float will be moved in the direction of the fluid flow and when fluid flow into the duct is below said predetermined amount, the float will move the member opposite the direction of fluid flow.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for regulating fluid flow comprising
 (a) a stationary duct having a first end and a second end, said duct defining a path for fluid flow therethrough from said first end to said second end;   (b) a movable having an forward end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the duct, said forward end being spaced apart from said first end to form an opening through which fluid can enter the duct, with the member being movable relative to the duct between a fully retracted position where the opening is at a maximum size and a forward position at which the forward end is adjacent to said first end and the opening is at a minimum size or is closed, and all positions intermediate;   (c) wherein the movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct which is impacted by the flow of fluid through the duct.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the duct has a cross sectional area that is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A combustion system comprising (a) a source of combustion air; (b) a heating apparatus and (c) a flow regulator for delivering said combustion air from said source to said heating apparatus, said flow regulator comprising
 (i) a stationary duct having a first end and a second end, said duct defining a path for fluid flow therethrough from said first end to said second end;   (ii) a movable member having an forward end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the duct, said forward end being spaced apart from said first end to form a opening through which fluid can enter the duct, with the member being movable relative to the duct between a first retracted position where the opening is at a maximum size and a second forward position where the forward end is adjacent said first end and the opening is at a minimum size or is closed, and all positions intermediate;   (iii) wherein the movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct wherein, in response to a predetermined operational parameter, the float will remain stationary or move toward either the forward or retracted position.   
     
     
         12 . The combustion system of  claim 11  wherein the heating apparatus is a stoker furnace. 
     
     
         13 . The combustion system of  claim 11  wherein the heating apparatus is a precalciner. 
     
     
         14 . The combustion system of  claim 11  wherein the heating apparatus is a pulverized solid fuel furnace. 
     
     
         15 . The combustion system of  claim 11  wherein the heating apparatus is a fluidized bed. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for cooling a bed of particulate material, the apparatus comprising a gas distribution means comprising one or more ducts for supplying cooling air from one or several underlying compartments into the material bed; each duct having a flow regulator therein having a first end into which cooling gas enters the flow regulator via a opening and a second end underneath and adjacent to the material bed from which gas exits the flow regulator, said flow regulator further comprising
 (a) a stationary duct defining a path for cooling gas therethrough from said first end to said second end;   (b) a movable member having an forward end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the duct, said forward end being spaced apart from said first end to form the opening, with the member being movable relative to the duct between a first retracted position where the opening is at a maximum size and a second forward position where the forward end is adjacent said first end and the opening is at a minimum size or is closed, and all positions intermediate;   (c) wherein the movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct wherein, when gas flow into the duct is above a predetermined amount, the float will move toward the forward position and, when gas flow into the duct is below said predetermined amount, the float will move toward the retracted position.