Valve system for oxygen enrichment of a flow of pressurized combustion

Abstract

A valve system is provided for enriching a flow of one gas with flow of another gas, with the mixing of the gas flows being conducted so as to maintain a constant ratio of the two gases in the resultant flow. The system of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in enriching a flow of pressurized combustion air with a flow of oxygen. A mixing valve is utilized that has a body which extends into a supply line through which combustion air is ducted under pressure to a burner. The mixing valve provides an injection location at the center of the combustion air supply line where relatively movable valving components are positioned for introducing oxygen into the flow of combustion air. The introduction of oxygen into the combustion air flow is regulated in accordance with the flow rate of the combustion air as it is sensed at the location of the mixing valve. The body of the mixing valve defines a chamber that is divided into segregated portions by a flexible diaphragm. Movement of the diaphragm within the chamber causes corresponding seating and opening movements of valve components. A feature of the present invention resides in its use of a diaphragm operated mixing valve that does not expose the diaphragm to the flow of oxygen that is to be regulated, and that provides a means for cutting off oxygen flow if the diaphragm should rupture.