GB888660A - Improvements in or relating to methods of uniquely identifying any channel of a multi-channel fluid flow system - Google Patents

Abstract

888,660. Valves. PLESSEY CO. Ltd. March 17, 1960 [Dec.18, 1958], No. 40953/58. Class 135. [Also in Group XL (a)] A channel selection system for use with a multi-channel fluid-flow arrangement, which system is arranged to feed at least part of the fluid flowing in any selected channel to detector means, includes a changeover device having a first state in which all the channels are interconnected into a plurality of first groups and a second state in which all the channels are interconnected to a plurality of second groups of channels, the groups being connected to associated detector means which may be common to both sets of groups or may be different. The system is applicable to monitoring the coolant of a nuclear reactor and in one arrangement, Fig. 4, the feed pipes 2 leading from the coolant channels are arranged in a square array and are connected to bores 2a in a selector valve. With the valve in the position shown the pipes 2 are connected together in columns to outlet bores 8; with the plate valve 5 displaced upwards from the position shown the pipes 2 are connected together in rows to outlet bores 11. Each bore 8 is connected to a detector and each bore 11 is connected to a detector, so that a signal in two of the detectors uniquely identifies the faulty channel. The same detectors may be used for bores 8 and 11 by providing further bores (not shown) interconnecting bores 8 and 11. The plate valve 5 may be moved by manual operation or by a power-driven actuator, and may be moved to a third position when it blocks off the inner ends of bores 2a. Removable plugs 15 allow access to each of the pipes 2 for example to clear obstructions in the pipes. In another arrangement, Fig. 5, the selector valve is cylindrical and in the position shown the inlet pipes are connected together and to outlet pipes by circumferential grooves 27; in the alternative position, the pipes are connected axially by bores 29. The valve may be operated by high-pressure air applied to inlets 21, 22. A single set of detectors may be used connected axially or circumferentially by switching means.