The Solver's novel backpressure regulator that opens or "cracks" at low pressures in acidic chemical environments is the "Magnetic Backpressure Regulator".
The novel Magnetic Backpressure Regulator keeps a constant pressure on items upstream of it. It is a normally-closed valve that opens when the pressure goes above a threshold value, thus maintaining a constant backpressure.
The novel Magnetic Backpressure Regulator comprises a conduit for channelling a fluid under pressure, a regulator for exhausting the fluid when pressure setting is exceeded, a valve for opening and closing flow of the fluid in the regulator, and a screw for variably setting force of repulsion by rotation.
The upper portion of the valve comprises an embedded permanent magnet. The lower portion of the screw comprises an embedded permanent magnet. The permanent magnet of the valve has opposite orientation to the permanent magnet of the screw so that the outlet of the regulator is normally closed by bias due to magnetic repulsion. The valve slidably opens the outlet of the regulator when internal pressure of the conduit exceeds the force of repulsion set by the screw.
Please refer to the detailed drawings of the Magnetic Backpressure Regulator.
Each of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties is addressed as follows.
The body of the Magnetic Backpressure Regulator will be made of PVDF (Polyvinylidene Difluoride). PVDF withstands an acidic chemical environment of air and CO2 which contains up to 100 ppm NOx and up to 1 % vaporous HNO3. The body will be produced by injection moulding or insert moulding for mass production. The volume of the valve will be < 2 ml.
The Magnetic Backpressure Regulator can be set to maintain a constant backpressure of 0.5 psi +/- 5 % at nominal gas-flow rates between 100 and 1 000 ml/min. It will be leak-free up to 10 psi.
The outlet of the Magnetic Backpressure Regulator will maintain a gas-tight seal when closed, or when a reverse pressure up to 10 psi is applied.
The Magnetic Backpressure Regulator will last > 2 000 hours or 1 000 cycles in the acidic chemical environment. It will have a > 1 year shelf life.
References and Notes
Patent application "Backpressure Regulator using Magnetic Repulsion" has been drafted by the Solver for potential licensing to the Seeker. Please find attached the partial text of the patent application for your review.
Conclusion
The Solver believes that the novel Magnetic Backpressure Regulator will meet all of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties.
