Diaphragm valve for multiple vessel cascade gas enrichment system

Abstract

A multiple vessel cascade gas enrichment diaphragm valve/hollow gas-conducting tube combination is provided to control the flow of gas, which combination is particularly useful in an adsorber. The combination includes a capped hollow core connected at only one area to the hollow, gas-conducting tube, the capped, hollow core being provided with one or more perforations through the wall thereof and with a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart annular protrusions, one on each longitudinal side of the perforations. A molded cylindrical tubular elastomeric diaphragm is secured concentrically to the hollow core at the annular protrusions. The diaphragm has walls adjacent the secured ends thereof which are thicker internally than the walls at the region of the perforations, so as to maintain the outer cylindrical tubular shape of the diaphragm. The thicker internal walls each are provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart abutments. The diaphragm thereby provides an annular flow path for gas between the outside walls of the diaphragm and the inner walls of the hollow, gas-conducting tube to permit the flow of gas therethrough. An annular encircling band surrounds the diaphragm at the annular protrusions, with each pair of longitudinally spaced-apart abutments being disposed on either side of an associated protrusion, the band being radially spaced from the inner walls of the gas-conducting tube. This urges the diaphragm against the protrusions. Gaseous pressure is supplied to the interior of the capped hollow core. When the gaseous pressure is applied, this serves to expand the diaphragm radially outwardly so that its outside walls are urged into sealing engagement with the inner walls of the hollow gas conducting tube, to stop the flow of gas therethrough.