Freeze protection valve with metal to plastic fitting design

Abstract

The freeze protection valve includes a molded plastic valve housing (A) including a peripheral wall (10) which defines an elongated recess (12) therein. The valve housing includes a first seating region (18) surrounding the elongated recess open end, a drain outlet (C) in fluid communication with the elongated recess, and at least one side fluid passage defining configuration (30). The side fluid passage defining configuration defines a first recess (32) having a wall portion (34) which is adapted to be cut through to provide one or more fluid passages (170) into the elongated recess. A first fitting assembly (60) includes a metal nipple (62) having a flange (64) peripherally therearound, a hold down plate (68), and a plurality of screws (70) for pressing the hold down plate and nipple flange in a fluid sealing relationship with the first or second seating region. The hold down plate and the upper end of the valve housing define a peripheral wrench receiving surface from which wrenching torques are transmitted by the hold down plate to the nipple. A freeze drain outlet valve (D) selectively opens and closes the freeze drain outlet. A thermal sensing assembly (E) is connected with the freeze drain outlet valve and with the valve housing for selectively causing the freeze drain outlet valve to open and close the freeze drain outlet in response to the temperature of fluid within the valve housing.