A device and method, especially adapted for operating sprinklers, shower heads etc. at low flow, converts low continuous liquid flow to a high intermittent and pulsating flow. The liquid is introduced at a controlled low rate of flow, such as by the use of a pressure-compensated dripper in a liquid supply line. The liquid then flows into a chamber which is somewhat expandable in volume. The pressure increases in the chamber while outflow of the liquid is restricted until pressure created by introduction of the liquid is sufficient to eject the fluid intermittently at a higher flow. This is achieved by utilizing a pressure-responsive valve in the liquid exit of the container. The valve has a preset pressure response designed for quick response to create a water hammer effect. The valve has openings which create a pumping effect to admix air or another liquid with the effluent stream. Sprinklers, shower heads, or any other spraying devices connected to this pulsator will spray liquids to a large designated area with only a very small fluid flow. A drip line connected to such a device may have very large openings, yet the flow through each such dripper can be very large. A preferred form of the pulsator is a pulsating valve in which the receptacle container and the other required elements for such a pulsating device are part of the valve itself.
展开▼
