Fueling system

Abstract

Tank system for storing a fluid that can be drawn off by pumps or gravity, comprising a tank with a tank outlet and a fluid discharge pipe connected thereto, wherein the tank system includes a vortex breaker which counteracts vortex formation in the area of ​​the tank outlet when fluid is drawn off from the tank, wherein said vortex breaker is completely housed within the fluid discharge pipe.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tank system for storing a fluid that can be drawn off by pumping or gravity according to the preamble of claim 1 and to the use of a vortex breaker according to the preamble of claim 8. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] To remove a fluid stored in a tank, it is drained or pumped out through a designated tank opening. The flow toward the tank opening is generated either by gravity or with the aid of a suitable pump. Depending on the position of the tank opening and the type of flow generation, flow effects can occur that can lead to the formation of a vortex or whirlpool in the area of ​​the tank opening.

[0003] At a certain fill level, a funnel-shaped gas column forms, extending from the tank opening to the gas (e.g., air) located above the fluid in the tank. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced when a centrifugal pump is used.

[0004] The formation of such a vortex or whirlpool can be detrimental because, depending on the type of fluid in the tank, the mixing of the fluid with the gas in the vortex area can be undesirable. The gas entrained by the fluid into the downstream pump can cause the pump to partially run dry, resulting in increased wear. In some cases, it is also detrimental if the pumped fluid has unnecessarily intensive contact with the gas in the vortex, which can, for example, lead to increased oxidation of the pumped fluid.

[0005] Furthermore, in the area where the funnel-shaped gas column has formed, no fluid can flow through the tank opening, reducing the flow rate through the tank opening. The funnel-shaped vortex therefore acts as a partial blockage, which is also referred to below as a "thrombus."

[0006] It is therefore desirable to counteract the formation of such whirlpools when emptying the tank. STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Although devices already exist to counteract the formation of such vortexes, these devices are also referred to as vortex breakers. However, existing vortex breakers have several disadvantages.

[0008] The tanks are often under high pressure and must therefore undergo a special pressure test before use to ensure sufficient pressure resistance. If a tank is modified by installing a whirlpool breaker to prevent the formation of a vortex, this may require a new pressure test, depending on the type of installation. This is especially true if the structure of the tank is modified (e.g., through welding) to install the whirlpool breaker.

[0009] There are also whirlpool breakers that can be attached to the tank in such a way that a repeat pressure test is not necessary. In this case, the device is typically not attached to the tank itself, but rather to a section of pipe adjacent to the tank opening.

[0010] However, such vortex breakers typically extend into the interior of the tank. This can be disadvantageous if the fluid or suspension stored in the tank needs to be evenly mixed / stirred during storage. A vortex breaker extending into the interior of the tank can, under certain circumstances, impair uniform mixing. Furthermore, a vortex breaker extending into the interior of the tank can, under certain circumstances, disrupt the tank filling process by obstructing the flow into the tank. THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0011] In view of the above, the object of the invention is to provide a device with which the formation of vortices when a fluid is drawn off from a tank can be counteracted without any mixing of the fluid during storage or the filling process of the tank being disturbed by the device. THE INVENTIVE SOLUTION

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved with the features of the main claim directed to the tank system.

[0013] Accordingly, the problem is solved with a tank system for storing a fluid that can be withdrawn by pump or gravity. The tank system consists of a tank with at least one tank outlet and a connected fluid discharge pipe. The tank system includes a vortex breaker that counteracts the vortex formation in the area of ​​the tank outlet when fluid is withdrawn from the tank. This tank system is characterized by the fact that the vortex breaker is housed entirely within the fluid discharge pipe.

[0014] As described above, during the discharge of fluid from the tank, similar to the discharge of bathwater from a bathtub, a vortex can form in the tank above the tank outlet, i.e., upstream of the tank outlet in terms of flow. The vortex breaker counteracts the formation of this vortex. By preventing the formation or at least reducing the intensity of such a vortex, the fluid exiting the tank through the tank outlet is less strongly impeded from escaping. The throughput of the fluid exiting through the tank outlet is thus increased.

[0015] Any mixing of the fluid with the gas located above the fluid in the tank as a result of vortex formation is also prevented or reduced by the vortex breaker.

[0016] The vortex breaker is mounted entirely within the fluid discharge pipe so that it does not protrude into the interior of the tank - and surprisingly, it still achieves the desired effectiveness.

[0017] As a result, the vortex breaker does not interfere with the mixing of the fluid in the tank. Even during the filling process, the vortex breaker does not significantly impede the flow.

[0018] The tank system comprises a tank with at least one tank outlet and a connected fluid discharge pipe, which houses a vortex breaker. However, the tank system can also comprise additional elements, such as additional tanks, additional fluid discharge pipes, and additional lines.

[0019] The tank outlet is the opening in the tank wall through which the fluid is drawn off.

[0020] The fluid drain pipe is a line directly connected to the tank outlet through which the fluid drains from the tank. The fluid drain pipe can also be made up of several parts.

[0021] Instead of the term “whirlpool”, the term “eddy” or “tumbler” or “vortex” may also be used within the scope of the invention. ANOTHER PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0022] Furthermore, the task is to create a possibility to use a known vortex breaker more advantageously. THE FURTHER INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0023] The solution to the aforementioned problem is achieved by using a vortex breaker, which preferably consists of several radial fins that form fluid discharge channels between them and meet radially in the center of the pipe. Ideally, the fins widen radially outward in the circumferential direction. The vortex breaker is fully integrated into a fluid discharge pipe of a tank system.

[0024] Preferably, the vortex breaker is installed in the section of the fluid discharge pipe that ends at a maximum distance of 20 cm, ideally at a maximum distance of 10 cm, from the tank outlet.

[0025] The use of such a vortex breaker counteracts the vortex that forms at the tank outlet when fluid is drawn from a tank. Since the vortex breaker does not protrude into the interior of the tank, it does not impede any mixing of the fluid in the tank that occurs at a time when the fluid is not yet being drained from the tank. Even during the filling process, the vortex breaker does not significantly impede the inflow. Furthermore, internal fittings in the tank / container can continue to function as intended, since the vortex breaker does not protrude into the tank / container.

[0026] Without the vortex breaker, the fluid flowing through the tank outlet would move both parallel to the tank outlet's longitudinal axis and rotate around the tank outlet's longitudinal axis. These two overlapping flow directions would lead to the formation of the vortex described above. The radial fins of the vortex breaker therefore serve to stop or at least slow down the fluid's rotational movement around the tank outlet's longitudinal axis.

[0027] For this purpose, the radial fins form the fluid discharge channels between them. These are separated from each other circumferentially by the fins, creating several chambers through which flow can occur in the longitudinal axis direction, but not in the circumferential direction. As soon as the fluid flowing out of the tank through the tank outlet has flowed into the area of ​​the fluid discharge channels, the rotational movement of the fluid in the fluid discharge channels around the longitudinal axis of the tank outlet is stopped by the fins. This prevents a vortex from forming in the first place.

[0028] The fins become wider "outwards in the circumferential direction." This means that each fin has a smaller thickness in the area where it meets the other fins, viewed circumferentially, than in the area facing away from it in the radial direction. The width preferably increases continuously.

[0029] A “fin” is therefore a section of the vortex breaker that has at least two parallel flow guide surfaces along which the fluid can flow but not through.

[0030] The term "radial" fins describes the orientation of the fins. Radial fins are arranged in the vortex breaker in such a way that the fluid flows along the flow guide surfaces of a fin in the longitudinal direction of the axis, while the flow guide surfaces block circumferential flow, i.e., a circular flow around the longitudinal axis. PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS

[0031] There are a number of ways to design the invention in such a way that its effectiveness or usefulness is further improved.

[0032] Thus, it is particularly preferred that the vortex breaker is accommodated partially or completely downstream of the tank outlet in a section of the fluid discharge pipe which forms an integral part of the tank at the factory, is molded onto the tank or is welded to the tank.

[0033] This has the advantage that the tank manufacturer can specify a sufficiently large installation space for a turbulence breaker at the factory, which may be compatible with a turbulence breaker supplied by the tank manufacturer and installed as needed. The tank manufacturer can then conduct any necessary pressure tests to determine the pressure resistance of the tank after the fluid discharge pipe section has been welded or molded onto the tank. The turbulence breaker can thus be installed as needed without the need for a new pressure test of the tank.

[0034] The term “factory” in this context means that the section of the fluid discharge pipe has already been welded or formed onto the tank before the tank is handed over to the end customer.

[0035] The term “downstream of the tank outlet” describes a position that is located after the tank outlet in the flow direction of the fluid leaving the tank.

[0036] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the vortex breaker is accommodated in the region of a pipe connection of the fluid discharge pipe and is held in position by the pipe connections.

[0037] This allows the vortex breaker to be easily removed from the fluid discharge pipe, for example, for cleaning. Due to the resulting ease of installation, various specially adapted vortex breakers can be installed as needed for different types of fluids, ensuring ideal results every time.

[0038] Ideally, the whirlpool breaker is connected to a pipe joint seal that seals the two adjacent pipe joints.

[0039] This makes the installation of the swirl breaker much easier, as no additional seal needs to be installed and the swirl breaker is held in position by the seal.

[0040] The swirl breaker can be equipped with a separate seal between the two pipe connections before installation. Alternatively, it is conceivable to manufacture the swirl breaker, at least in sections, from a single sealing material, so that the swirl breaker merges seamlessly into the pipe connection seal.

[0041] In other cases, the vortex breaker is preferably located completely downstream of the tank outlet in a part of the fluid discharge line that is completely separate from the tank and can be removed from it.

[0042] The section of the fluid discharge line in which the swirl breaker is installed is therefore not a permanent part of the tank, but is detachably connected to it only when the tank is in use. In this case, the tank system can easily be retrofitted with a swirl breaker as needed, without the tank having to undergo another pressure test.

[0043] The term “fluid discharge line” is used synonymously with the term “fluid discharge pipe”.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the vortex breaker is housed within a section of the fluid discharge pipe which is not more than 20 cm, more preferably not more than 10 cm, from the tank outlet.

[0045] This ensures that the effect of the vortex breaker extends intensively enough into the interior of the tank and effectively prevents the formation of vortexes inside the tank.

[0046] Ideally, the swirl breaker is preferably located completely outside the tank between the tank outlet and a valve controlling the tank outlet.

[0047] The valve is preferably a continuously adjustable throttle valve. The valve "controls" the tank outlet in the sense that only when the valve is opened does the line adjacent to the tank outlet become free to flow in the direction of flow for the fluid in the tank. Until the valve is opened, the fluid can therefore only flow through the tank outlet toward the valve until the space between the closed valve and the tank outlet is completely filled with fluid. This shifts the point of origin of the vortex toward the valve, allowing a vortex breaker provided between the valve and the tank outlet to achieve optimal effectiveness.

[0048] Preferably, the vortex breaker is held in a seal or integrally connected to it. The seal is used to connect two pipe joints of the multi-part fluid discharge pipe.

[0049] This makes the installation of the swirl breaker in the fluid discharge pipe considerably easier, since no additional seal needs to be provided around the swirl breaker and the swirl breaker is also held positively and / or non-positively by the pipe connections.

[0050] A “one-piece connection” is given when the swirl breaker merges into the seal in a material-to-material manner or the seal forms a section of the swirl breaker that is made of a corresponding sealing material.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the swirl breaker is used to retrofit existing tank systems that are already in regular operation with a swirl breaker.

[0052] Depending on the type of fluid stored in the tank system, a vortex breaker adapted to the respective requirements can be retrofitted as needed. This allows a tank system to be used to store various fluids or suspensions without causing unwanted vortex formation.

[0053] Ideally, the whirlpool breaker is made of plastic.

[0054] In this case, the swirl breaker can be manufactured using various manufacturing processes, such as injection molding or 3D printing. This offers a wide range of design possibilities. Furthermore, the swirl breaker can also be made from a sealing material, allowing it to serve as a seal between the fluid discharge pipe and the tank, or between two sections of the fluid discharge pipe.

[0055] The following should be noted regarding the term pipe connections: Pipe connections in question here can be designed as follows, namely as: Pipe fitting DIN 11851 (dairy pipe fitting), Aseptic connections DIN 11864, Hygienic connections DIN 11853, Clamp connections DIN 32676, Clamp connections according to ASME BPE, IDF screw connection for pipes according to DIN EN 10357, RJT screw connection, SMS screw connection, Flange connections according to DIN EN 1092-1. LIST OF FIGURES Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a tank system according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a vortex breaker according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows in a schematic partial sectional view how the whirlpool breaker is mounted between the pipe connections EXAMPLE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0056] The functioning of the invention is exemplified by the Fig. 1-3 explained.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a tank system 1 according to the invention. The tank system 1 comprises a tank 2 in which a fluid can be stored. A first section 16 of the fluid discharge pipe 4, composed of several detachably connected sections 16, 17, is mounted at the outlet 3 of the tank 2.

[0058] The type of connection can either be designed in such a way that the fluid discharge pipe 4 is detachably connected to a connecting element permanently provided on the tank 2, such as a thread.

[0059] Alternatively, the first section 16 of the fluid discharge pipe 4 itself can be permanently connected to the tank 2, for example by welding it to the tank 2. In the second case, the fluid discharge pipe is already attached to the tank 2 before any pressure test is carried out to determine the pressure resistance of the tank 2.

[0060] The two sections 16 and 17 of the fluid discharge pipe 4 are connected to each other via pipe connections 5, which are preferably designed as flange connections, ideally in the form of two flat flanges.

[0061] A throttle valve 13 is provided in the second section 17 of the fluid discharge pipe 4. As long as the throttle valve 13 is closed, the fluid in the tank 2 can only flow out of the tank 2 up to the valve 13. As soon as the fluid discharge pipe 4 is completely filled with fluid in the area between the valve 13 and the tank outlet 3, no further fluid can flow out through the tank outlet 3 toward the valve 13. If the valve 13 is opened, the fluid 2 flows out of the tank 2 via the tank outlet 3 and the fluid discharge pipe 4.

[0062] In addition, the tank system 1 has a pump 14, which can be used to create a vacuum on the line 15, which is a continuation of the fluid discharge pipe 4. When the valve 13 is open, the fluid in the tank 2 can thus be pumped out of the tank 2. However, it is also conceivable to operate the tank system 1 without the pump 14 and to use only gravity to generate flow toward the tank outlet 3.

[0063] In order to prevent the formation of a vortex in the area of ​​the outlet 3 when draining or pumping out the fluid in the tank 2, the tank system 1 is equipped with a vortex breaker 9. The function of the vortex breaker 9 as well as a possible type of installation of the vortex breaker 9 in the tank system 1 is explained with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained. In Fig. 3, the tank 2 and the section of the fluid discharge pipe 4 shown are shown in section, while the vortex breaker is not shown in section.

[0064] In the following, the structure and assembly of the whirlpool breaker 9 is explained.

[0065] As shown by Fig. 2, the vortex breaker 9 consists of a sealing section 12, which simultaneously represents a flat or pipe connection seal 8. In addition, the vortex breaker 9 has three fins 10. The three fins 10 meet in the region of the longitudinal axis of the sealing section 12 (or of the vortex breaker 9) and merge into one another as a single piece. The extent of the three fins 10 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vortex breaker 9 is significantly greater than the thickness of the sealing section 12 measured in the longitudinal axis direction. Each of the three fins 10 has two surfaces 18 which run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vortex breaker 9 and are also referred to as flow guide surfaces 18. Each flow guide surface 18 of a first fin 10 encloses a triangular (clear) cross-section with the flow guide surface 18 of the adjacent fin 10 facing it.When the vortex breaker 9 is assembled, the space thus created between each two adjacent flow guide surfaces 18 of two adjacent fins 10 forms a fluid discharge channel 11. Each fin 10 merges integrally into the sealing section 12 at its end facing away from the longitudinal axis of the vortex breaker 9. Furthermore, the fins 10 are thinner in the area of ​​the longitudinal axis of the vortex breaker 9 where they merge into the other fins 10 than in the area where they merge into the sealing section 12. The "thickness" of the respective fin is understood to mean the distance measured between the two flow guide surfaces 18 of a fin 10.

[0066] The Trombenbrecher 9 is mounted as Fig. 3. The sealing section 12 of the vortex breaker 9 is clamped between the two pipe connections 6 and 7 of the sections 16 and 17 of the fluid discharge pipe 4. The sealing section 12 thus also serves as a pipe connection seal 8. The fins 10 of the vortex breaker 9 extend from the pipe connections 6 and 7 in the direction of the tank opening 3. However, the fins 10 do not protrude into the interior of the tank 2. Fig. 3 also shows that the surfaces orthogonal to the flow guide surfaces 18 of the individual fins 10 have a slight inclination, so that the vortex breaker 9 forms a point in the side view.

[0067] The operation of the swirl breaker 9 is explained below.

[0068] When valve 13 is opened, the fluid in tank 2 flows through outlet 3 toward fluid discharge pipe 4. In doing so, the fluid passes through the vortex breaker 9. Without the vortex breaker 9, the fluid would flow not only parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank outlet 3, but also in a circular flow around it due to various fluid mechanics phenomena, creating a vortex. However, with the help of the vortex breaker 9, the circular flow of the fluid around the longitudinal axis of the outlet 3 is slowed down or largely stopped. As soon as the fluid reaches the area of ​​the fluid discharge pipe 4 or the outlet 3, in which two opposing flow guide surfaces 18 of two adjacent fins 10 of the mounted vortex breaker 9 together with the inner wall of the outlet 3 or the fluid discharge pipe 4 each form a fluid discharge channel 11, the fluid can no longer flow completely around the longitudinal axis of the outlet 3.The fins 10 thus block the circular flow movement. The formation of a vortex is thus prevented from the outset. MISCELLANEOUS

[0069] The vortex breaker according to the invention can not only be installed in tank outlets, it can also be used beneficially in any other pipe connection, especially if it is (optionally) a clamp or clamp connection. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 tank system 2 tanks 3 Tank outlet 4 Fluid discharge pipe / fluid discharge line 5 pipe connections 6 Pipe connection 7 Pipe connection 8 Pipe connection seal 9 Trombone breakers 10 Finn 11 Fluid discharge channels of the whirlpool breaker 12 Sealing section of the swirl breaker 13 Valve 14 Pump 15 Pipeline 16 First section of the fluid discharge pipe 17 Second section of the fluid discharge pipe 18 Flow guide surface

Claims

[1] Tank system (1) for storing a fluid that can be withdrawn by pumping or gravity, consisting of a tank (2) with a tank outlet (3) and a fluid discharge pipe (4) connected thereto, wherein the tank system (1) comprises a vortex breaker (9) which counteracts the formation of vortices in the region of the tank outlet (3) when fluid is withdrawn from the tank (2), characterized by that said vortex breaker (9) is completely housed within the fluid discharge pipe (4). [2] Tank system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the vortex breaker (9) is partially or completely accommodated downstream of the tank outlet (3) in a section of the fluid discharge pipe (4) forming an integral part of the tank (2). [3] Tank system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the vortex breaker (9) is accommodated in the region of a pipe connection (5) of the fluid discharge pipe (4) and is held in position by the pipe connections (6,7). [4] Tank system (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the vortex breaker (9) is connected to a pipe connection seal (8) which seals the two pipe connections (6,7) that are adjacent to one another. [5] Tank system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the vortex breaker (9) is accommodated completely downstream of the tank outlet (3) in a part of the fluid discharge line (4) which is completely separate from the tank (2) and can be removed from it. [6] Tank system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vortex breaker (9) is accommodated within a section of the fluid discharge pipe (4) which ends no more than 20 cm, preferably no more than 10 cm, from the tank outlet (3). [7] Tank system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the swirl breaker (9) is preferably located completely outside the tank (2) between the tank outlet (3) and a valve (13) controlling the tank outlet (3). [8] Use of a vortex breaker (9), which preferably consists of several radial fins (10) which form fluid discharge channels (11) between them and meet radially in the middle of the pipe and ideally become wider radially outwards in the circumferential direction, for complete installation in a fluid discharge pipe (4), ideally of a tank system (1) and preferably in its area which ends at a maximum distance of 20 cm, ideally at a maximum distance of 10 cm, from the tank outlet (3). [9] Use of a whirlpool breaker (9) according to claim 8, characterized bythat the vortex breaker (9) is held in or integrally connected to a seal (8, 12) which is used to connect two pipe connections (6, 7) of the multi-part fluid discharge pipe (4) to one another. [10] Use of a swirl breaker (9) according to claim 8 or 9 for retrofitting existing tank systems (1) already in regular operation with a swirl breaker (9). [11] Use of a whirlpool breaker (9) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the vortex breaker (9) is made of plastic. [12] Use of a whirlpool breaker (9) according to claim 8 or 9 for retrofitting existing pipelines already in regular operation with a whirlpool breaker (9).

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