Fig. 55.

Kinghorn's Metallic Valve.—The action of this valve is the same as that of an india-rubber valve, but a thin sheet of metal (phosphor bronze) takes the place of the india-rubber.

This valve is now largely used in the pumps of marine engines, and is shown in fig. 55 as applied to an air-pump bucket. Three valves like the one shown are arranged round the bucket.

Exercise 57: Kinghorn's Metallic Valve.—Fig. 55 shows an elevation and plan of one form of this valve. In the plan one-half of the guard and metal sheet are supposed to be removed, so as to show the grating, which in this case is part of an air-pump bucket. Draw the views shown, and also a vertical section of the guard through the centres of the bolts. All the parts are of brass except the valve proper, which is of phosphor bronze. Scale 6 inches to a foot.

Conical Disc Valves.—A very common form of valve is that shown in figs. 56 and 57. This form of valve consists of a disc, the edge of which (called the face) is conical. The conical edge of this disc fits accurately on a corresponding seat. The angle which the valve face makes with its axis is generally 45°. If the disc is raised, either by the action of the fluid as in the india-rubber valve, or by other means, an opening is formed around the disc through which the fluid can pass. The valve is guided in rising and falling either by three feathers underneath it, as in fig. 56, or by a central spindle which moves freely through a hole in the centre of a bridge which stretches across the seat, as in fig. 57. The lift of the valve is limited by a stop above it, which forms part of the casing containing the valve. The lift should in no case exceed one-fourth of the diameter of the valve, and it is generally much less than this. The guiding feathers (fig. 56) are notched immediately under the disc for the purpose of making available the full circumferential opening of the valve for the passage of the fluid. These notches also prevent the feathers from interfering with the turning or scraping of the valve face.

Conical disc valves and their seats are nearly always made of brass.

Exercise 58: Conical Disc Valves.—Draw, half size, the plans and elevations shown in figs. 56 and 57. In fig. 57 the valve is shown open in the elevation, and in the plan it is removed altogether in order to show the seat with its guide bridge.