| CPC F16K 11/0716 (2013.01) [C02F 1/42 (2013.01); F16K 31/001 (2013.01); F16K 31/002 (2013.01); F16K 31/0686 (2013.01); C02F 2201/005 (2013.01); C02F 2303/16 (2013.01)] | 34 Claims |
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1. Apparatus comprising:
at least one valve controller, wherein the at least one valve controller includes circuitry including at least one processor, wherein the at least one valve controller is configured to control a valve used in liquid connection with a liquid treatment tank, wherein the liquid treatment tank is configured to house regeneratable liquid treatment material,
wherein the valve comprises:
a valve body, wherein the valve body includes
a plurality of fluid ports,
wherein the ports include
a liquid inlet port (A), wherein the liquid inlet port is configured to be operatively connected to a source of liquid at elevated pressure,
a treated liquid outlet port (B), wherein the treated liquid outlet port is configured to be operatively connected to at least one treated liquid use device,
a drain port (C), wherein the drain port is configured to be operatively connected to a waste liquid drain,
a first tank port (D), wherein the first tank port is configured to be operatively connected to a first area of the tank disposed on a first side of the liquid treatment material in the tank,
a second tank port (E), wherein the second tank port is configured to be operatively connected to a second area of the tank disposed on a second side of the liquid treatment material in the tank,
a further port (F), wherein the further port is configured to be in operative connection with a further tank that houses regeneration material usable to regenerate the treatment material, wherein the regeneration material is introduced to the further tank as a solid material that is soluble in the liquid,
at least one movable valve element in operative connection with the valve body,
a plurality of flow cavities within the valve body, wherein the at least one valve element is in operative connection with the plurality of flow cavities, wherein selected ports are enabled to be in fluid connection through the flow cavities,
at least one motor in operative connection with the at least one valve controller, wherein the at least one valve controller is operative to cause the at least one motor to selectively move the at least one valve element to a plurality of positions, wherein
in a service position ports A and D, and ports E and B are in fluid flow connection through the valve body, whereby liquid received through the inlet port A is enabled to be treated by passing through the treatment material and delivered from the valve through the treated liquid outlet port B,
in a backwash position ports A and E, and ports D and C are in fluid flow connection through the valve body, whereby liquid received through the inlet port A is enabled to backwash the treatment material and be discharged through the drain port C,
in a rinse position ports A and D, and ports E and C are in fluid flow connection through the valve body, whereby liquid received through the inlet port A is enabled to rinse the treatment material by passing therethrough and be discharged through the drain port C,
in a treated liquid delivery position ports A and D, and ports E, B and F are in fluid flow connection through the valve body,
wherein the at least one valve controller is operative to cause an amount of treated liquid to be delivered through port F to the further tank, and then to cease delivery of treated liquid to the further tank,
wherein the at least one valve controller is configured to be in operative connection with a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is positioned in an interior area of the further tank and below a top liquid level,
wherein the at least one valve controller is operative to cause
responsive at least in part to the pressure sensor, sensed pressure to be determined at a plurality of different times, wherein the plurality of different times include
a first time, wherein the first time has a corresponding relationship to cessation of delivery of treated liquid to the further tank, and
a second time, wherein the second time is subsequent to the first time but prior to further liquid or regeneration material being added to the further tank subsequent to the first time,
evaluation of an increase in sensed pressure between the first time and the second time,
determination of at least one condition responsive at least in part to the increase.
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