Device for storing a liquid with a floating lid and use of such a device

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of the invention relates to the technical field of storage equipment for liquids which must be preserved in contact with air so that they do not lose their properties or characteristics.

[0002] The subject of the invention finds a particularly advantageous application for the storage of volatile and / or oxidation-sensitive liquid products such as wine, but the subject of the invention can also be applied to other liquid products such as oil, (volatile) spirits or fruit juices, for example. Prior art

[0003] In the technical field of wine storage, it is known that it is advisable to store it away from oxygen to prevent oxidation. A first category of techniques consists of introducing an inert gas into the top of the storage tank as proposed for example by patent GB 2 330 761. Such techniques are relatively complex and expensive to implement, and risk modifying the organoleptic properties of the wine.

[0004] A second category of techniques consists of placing a cap or roof floating on the liquid in the storage tank. For example, patent FR 1 541 092 proposes a floating cover provided at its periphery with an inflatable seal. This solution, which is particularly suitable when the liquid level is fixed, does not allow variations in the liquid level in the tank to be monitored. Variations in the liquid level in the tank occur in particular when the storage tank supplies liquid to a container filling or drawing machine.

[0005] For a variable-level storage tank, patent FR 2 627 467 discloses a floating lid provided with a vent and designed to adhere to the liquid thanks to a suction effect. The gap between the lid and the tank is lined with a layer of oil or a solid seal. The implementation of a sealing oil is delicate and is not one of the inputs authorized in wine in French regulations. In addition, cleaning the tank and the lid is a delicate operation to carry out. Document WO 96 / 18559 describes a sealed tank comprising a tank for receiving a liquid on the surface of which floats a lid provided with a skirt dipping into a sealing chamber surrounding the tank. Such a tank has a relatively complex design and cannot be cleaned easily. Document JP 2002321791 describes a tank having a sloping bottom and a floating lid.Here again, the gap between the lid and the tank is filled with oil. A washing nozzle is positioned on the bottom of the tank, under a means of attachment, which does not allow easy and effective cleaning of the tank and the floating lid. Document CN 104709624 describes a tank with a floating lid provided at its periphery with a leather seal. Statement of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing new equipment for storing liquid, adapted to limit the contact of air with the liquid, while adapting to variations in the liquid level without any particular intervention.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide new equipment for storing liquids having a simple design and being easily cleaned.

[0008] To achieve such objectives, the subject of the invention relates to equipment for storing a liquid according to claim 1, it comprises among other things a storage tank for the liquid having a bottom from which rises a cylindrical wall closed by a ceiling, the tank being provided with washing nozzles and at least one liquid supply inlet and at least one liquid outlet; a cover having a lower face and an upper face, mounted inside the tank and arranged to float on the liquid present in the tank, the cover being mounted in the tank to delimit with the cylindrical wall, a communication space on either side of the cover, configured to allow the vertical movement of the cover when the level of the liquid changes in the tank; a system for supporting the cover on the bottom of the tank keeping the lower face of the cover at a distance from the bottom of the tank.

[0009] The storage equipment according to the invention advantageously has one or other of the following characteristics, or a combination of two or more of the following characteristics: the cover has a conical upper face; the cover has a conical lower face; the cover support system comprises feet carried by the cover to come to bear on the bottom of the tank when the cover stops floating; the cover has at its periphery, pins for cooperating with the cylindrical wall of the tank to ensure the centering of the cover during its vertical movement; the tank is made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0010] Another object of the invention relates to the use of equipment in accordance with the invention according to claim 7 in a phase of supplying said equipment during which the cover floats on the liquid while moving vertically to follow the level of liquid evolving in the tank according to the arrival and / or the exit of liquid towards a filling machine.

[0011] The use of the equipment according to the invention advantageously has one or other of the following characteristics, or a combination of two or more of the following characteristics: a tank cleaning phase precedes or follows a liquid supply phase of the filling machine, and during which the tank washing nozzles deliver a cleaning liquid spraying the upper face of the cover and flowing through the space delimited between the cover and the cylindrical wall; a tank cleaning phase precedes or follows a liquid supply phase of the filling machine, and during which the tank supply inlet(s) and / or the outlets deliver(s) a washing liquid to immerse the cover so that by floating, the cover comes to bear on the cleaning nozzles and is completely immersed in the washing liquid present in the tank. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] [ Fig. 1A ] There Figure 1A is a schematic sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of liquid storage equipment according to the invention, empty. Fig. 1B ] There Figure 1B is a schematic sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of liquid storage equipment according to the invention partially filled with liquid. Fig. 2A ] There Figure 2A is a schematic sectional view showing the storage equipment according to the invention during its cleaning by nozzles. Fig. 2B ] There Figure 2B is a schematic sectional view showing the storage equipment according to the invention during its cleaning by immersion. Description of the embodiments

[0013] The invention relates to storage equipment 1 for a liquid L. The invention finds a particular application in the storage of air-sensitive liquids, i.e. liquids which degrade on contact with air, for example by oxidation, such as oil, milk or wine.

[0014] As illustrated in the Figures, the storage equipment 1 according to the invention comprises a storage tank 2 and a floating cover 3.

[0015] In the context of the invention, the storage tank 1 is cylindrical in shape. It is composed of a bottom 4 and a ceiling 5 connected to each other by a wall 6. The bottom 4 and the ceiling 5 are both circular in shape, of substantially identical size. The wall 6 is cylindrical in shape and is hermetically sealed at its two ends by the bottom 4 on the one hand and the ceiling 5 on the other hand. Of course, the sealed assembly of the wall 6 with the bottom 4 and the ceiling 5 is achieved in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 6 is perpendicular to the ceiling 5 but it is clear that the ceiling 5 may have a shape other than a flat plate. Advantageously, the bottom 4 has a shape adapted to avoid the retention or stagnation of liquid. As is apparent from the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the bottom 4 has a conical shape whose apex is directed towards the inside of the tank.

[0016] The storage tank 2 may be made of any material compatible with the liquid L and resistant to repeated cleaning, advantageously also resistant to temperature variations, and preferably having low surface adhesion. For example, the storage tank 2 is made of stainless steel. Advantageously, the storage tank 2 or a part of the storage tank 2 and in particular its wall 6, is preferably made of a translucent, or even transparent, material, for example glass or the like, which makes it possible to view the level of liquid L in the storage tank and also to view its proper cleaning.

[0017] The storage tank 2 further comprises at least one liquid supply inlet 8 and at least one liquid outlet 9, and preferably one liquid supply inlet 8 and several liquid outlets 9. Advantageously, the liquid outlet(s) 9 L are positioned in the lower part of the storage tank 2, so that the liquid L can flow completely out of the storage tank 2, without having retention zones for the liquid 2. Preferably, the liquid supply inlet 8 is located in the bottom 4 of the storage tank 2 at its central part corresponding to the top of the bottom 4. According to a particular embodiment, the storage tank 2 comprises several liquid outlets 9, located in the bottom 4 of the storage tank 2, on the periphery of the bottom 4 to be located in the lower part of the bottom.In the case where the storage tank 2 has two liquid outlets 9, then these two outlets are arranged diametrically opposite each other. In the case of a greater number of liquid outlets 9, then these outlets 9 are distributed regularly around the periphery of the bottom 4.

[0018] The supply inlet(s) 8 for liquid L and the outlet(s) 9 for liquid L may be of identical or different shapes, and are circular in shape in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A . Although not illustrated, various other geometries for the supply inlets 8 and the outlets 9 of liquid L can be envisaged within the framework of the invention. The supply inlets 8 and the outlets 9 of liquid are intended to be provided with a pipe for example to convey the liquid entering or leaving the storage tank, and possibly with a valve to allow the liquid L to enter or exit the storage tank 2, or on the contrary to close the flow of liquid.

[0019] The storage tank 2 according to the invention also comprises washing nozzles 10, and preferably three washing nozzles 10 advantageously arranged in a triangle so that the floating cover 3 can take a centered support thereon in the event of immersion of the floating cover. The washing nozzles 10 may be of any type known per se. In particular, they may be fixed or rotating, of any shape, and spraying a mist or, preferably, a jet of washing liquid in all directions inside the storage tank. The washing liquids that can be used within the scope of the invention may be of any type known per se, such as water for example.

[0020] The washing nozzles 10 are positioned projecting from the ceiling 5 of the storage tank 2, and distributed regularly or irregularly. Advantageously, the equipment 1 according to the invention preferably comprises three washing nozzles 10 which project from the ceiling 5 of the storage tank 2, distributed regularly in order to allow better washing of the equipment according to the invention. The washing nozzles 10 are prominent relative to the ceiling 5 to act as a stop for the cover 3, as will be detailed later.

[0021] The equipment 1 according to the invention further comprises a cover 3, having a lower face 3a, an upper face 3b and a peripheral area 3c, mounted inside the tank 2. The cover 3 is mounted inside the storage tank between the bottom 4 and the ceiling 5.

[0022] The cover 3 can be of various shapes, it being understood that it delimits with the wall 6 a communication space 11 on either side of the cover 3. In other words, a communication space 11 is present between the cover 3, and more precisely its peripheral area 3c and the wall 6. The cover 3 does not cooperate in a sealed manner with the wall 6. The communication space 11 allows movement of the cover according to the height of the wall 6 of the storage tank 2 when the liquid level L in the tank 2 changes.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1B , the peripheral area 3c of the cover 3 is circular in shape, with a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical wall 6 of the storage tank 2. The communication space 11 is in this case ring-shaped.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 3 comprises at its periphery pins 3t for cooperation with the wall 6 of the storage tank 2, which allows the centering of the cover 3 during its vertical displacement caused by a change in the liquid level L in the storage tank 2. Advantageously, several pins 3t are arranged projecting from the peripheral area 3c of the cover, and in particular at least three each having a half-sphere shape for example. The pins 3t then serve as guides in vertical translation for the cover 3. The protrusion of the pins 3t delimits the width of the communication space 11 between the peripheral area 3c of the cover and the wall 6 of the storage tank 2.

[0025] The lower face 3a and the upper face 3b of the cover 3 can be of various geometries independently of one another. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the lower face 3a and upper face 3b of the cover 3 are of identical shape and preferably of conical shape with the convexity facing towards the outside of the cover 3. The conical shape of the upper face 3b makes it possible to avoid areas of retention of liquid L on the cover while facilitating its cleaning. In addition, a lower face 3a of conical shape prevents the formation of air bubbles when filling the storage tank 2, in particular when the supply inlet 8 for liquid L is located on the bottom 4 of the storage tank 2.

[0026] The cover 3 is configured to float on the liquid L present in the storage tank 2 while remaining more or less immersed in the liquid while keeping at least its upper face 3b non-immersed. For this, the cover 3 may have a more or less hollow interior structure in order to obtain a buoyancy adapted according to the density of the liquid. According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 3 is hollow. Thus, the cover 3 can remain on the surface of the liquid L present in the tank, and follow its vertical movements depending on the filling or emptying of the storage tank 2, which thus makes it possible to isolate the liquid L from the air and thus limit, or even preserve it, from any risk of degradation and / or evaporation. The surface of unprotected liquid L limited to the peripheral area 3c of the cover is negligible and the cover 3 follows the level of liquid L in the tank 2.The cover 3 is preferably made of stainless steel to facilitate its cleaning and for its resistance to heat and cleaning chemicals.

[0027] The cover 3 comprises a support system 12 for supporting the cover 3 on the bottom of the tank 2. This support system 12 can be of different shapes and can extend projecting either from the bottom 4, or, preferably, from the lower face 3a of the cover 3. According to a preferred embodiment, the support system 12 is in the form of feet, and in particular comprises at least three feet, extending projecting from the lower face 3a of the cover 3, being distributed regularly or not on the latter. According to this embodiment, the feet preferably have their free end rounded in order to have a minimal grip and thus allow better cleaning. Whatever the shape of the support system 12, it is important that its positioning does not hinder the arrival and exit of the liquid L in the tank 2.

[0028] This support system 12 makes it possible to keep the lower face 3a of the cover 3 at a distance from the bottom 4 of the tank when the liquid level in the tank is low or even zero: the cover 3 then stops floating and comes into abutment on the bottom 4 thanks to the support system 12. For this, the height of the support system 12 is neither too high so that the liquid L is protected even if a small volume is present in the tank 2, nor too low so that the cleaning under the cover 3, and in particular of the bottom 4 and the lower face 3a of the cover 3, is effective.

[0029] Similarly, the upper face 3b of the cover 3 is kept at a distance from the ceiling 5 when the cover 3 occupies its maximum high position inside the storage tank 2. Indeed, the storage tank 2 comes into abutment in the example illustrated, on the washing nozzles 10 extending in projection from the ceiling 5 of the storage tank 2. Thus, the upper face 3b of the cover 3 is kept at a distance from the ceiling 5 even when the tank 2 is completely filled with liquid L. It should be noted that the cover 3 is in central support on the washing nozzles thanks to the triangular distribution of the washing nozzles 10.

[0030] When the storage tank 2 is empty of liquid, the cover 3 is in abutment by the support system 12 on the bottom of the storage tank 2 while leaving the supply inlet 8, the two outlets 9 of liquid L and the bottom 4 of the tank 2 clear, as shown in Figure 1A .

[0031] On the Figure 1B vertical arrows are shown showing the vertical displacement of the liquid L in the feed inlet 8 and the two outlets 9. Depending on the flow rate in the feed inlet 8 and the two outlets 9, the level of liquid L in the tank 2 varies. The cover 3 which floats on the liquid, rises or falls depending on the variation in the level of the liquid L.

[0032] The invention also relates to the use of equipment according to the invention, in a feeding phase of a filling machine. The filling machine (not shown in the Figures) is a machine for introducing a determined volume of liquid L into containers, such as bottles or flasks for example. The filling machine is connected to the outlets 9 of the equipment 1. Thus, the equipment 1 makes it possible to store the liquid L protected from air, while waiting for it to be introduced into the containers.

[0033] Within the scope of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1A et 1B , the liquid L enters the storage tank 2 via the liquid supply inlet 8 and leaves via the outlets 9. When the level of liquid L in the tank is zero or very low, the cover 3 rests on the support system 12, as illustrated in Figure 1A .

[0034] Depending on the flow rate of liquid L entering and leaving tank 2, the liquid level varies (i.e. rises or falls). As shown in Figure 1B , when the volume of liquid L in the tank 2 increases or decreases, the cover 3 floats on the liquid, following its vertical movements. The upper face 3b of the cover 3 is then not in contact with the liquid L. On the other hand, depending on the nature of the cover (nature of the material constituting the cover and hollow cover or not) and the nature of the liquid (in particular its density), the peripheral area 3c of the cover 3 can be totally or partially immersed in the liquid L. In general, its lower face 3a is totally immersed in the liquid L. Advantageously, the design of the cover 3 does not allow the liquid to pass above the peripheral area 3c.

[0035] As soon as liquid L is present in tank 2, it is possible to supply a liquid filling machine.

[0036] According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the equipment 1 is easily and efficiently cleaned. This cleaning can be carried out before and / or after a phase of feeding a filling machine. This cleaning is preferably carried out when the tank 2 has been completely emptied, in particular to feed a filling machine.

[0037] According to a first embodiment, the cleaning of the equipment 1 is carried out by spraying or projecting a washing liquid N using the washing nozzles 10, as illustrated in Figure 2A . The washing liquid N coming out of the washing nozzles 10 is projected in all directions so that the ceiling 5, the wall 6 and the upper face 3b of the cover 3 are sprayed and cleaned by this washing liquid. This washing liquid then flows via the communication space 11, between the nipples 3t, to ensure the cleaning of the lower part of the tank located below the cover 3. The washing liquid is discharged from the storage tank via the liquid supply inlet 8 and / or the liquid outlets 9.

[0038] Advantageously, the upper face 3b of the cover 3 is conical in shape, which allows good flow of the washing liquid over the cover without any retention thereon.

[0039] Advantageously, the lower face 3a of the cover 3 is conical in shape, which allows the washing liquid to run off and thus clean the lower face 3a of the cover 3.

[0040] According to a second embodiment, the equipment 1 is cleaned by completely filling the tank 2 with washing liquid, as illustrated in Figure 2B .

[0041] For this, the tank 2 is filled with washing liquid N by supplying the washing liquid via the feed 8 and / or the outlets 9. Of course, the feed 8 and / or the outlets 9 not used for supplying the washing liquid are then closed, for example by a valve. The washing liquid N is introduced inside the storage tank 6 to immerse the cover 3 and cause it, by floating, to come to bear on the washing nozzles 10. Thanks to the triangular distribution of the washing nozzles 10, the cover 3 is in centered support on the washing nozzles. Advantageously, the tank 2 is completely filled with washing liquid N to allow the total immersion of the cover 3 by the washing liquid. The cover 3, the bottom 4, the ceiling 5 and the wall 6 are then in contact with the washing liquid, which ensures their good cleaning.

[0042] Advantageously, the washing product is discharged through the washing nozzles 10 allowing circulation of the washing liquid to be maintained inside the storage tank. The washing liquid can then circulate freely from the lower part to the upper part of the tank 2, and vice versa, via the communication space 11, through the nipples 3t. The shape of the nipples, as well as the preferred conical shape of the lower face 3a and the upper face 3b of the cover 3, allows easy and efficient cleaning without accumulation and stagnation of air bubbles.

[0043] Cleaning can be advantageously carried out by first spraying the washing liquid through the washing nozzles 10 as illustrated in Figure 2A , then, in a second step, by completely filling the tank 2 with washing liquid as illustrated in Figure 2B. Consecutive cleaning according to the two embodiments described allows optimal cleaning of the tank.

[0044] At the end of cleaning, the storage tank 2 is emptied of all washing liquid via the outlets 9 and / or the supply 8 and is possibly dried.

Claims

1. An equipment (1) for storing a liquid (L) comprising: - a storage tank (2) for the liquid (L) having a bottom (4) from which a cylindrical wall (6) closed by a ceiling (5) rises, the tank (2) being provided with at least one liquid (L) supply inlet (8) and at least one liquid (L) outlet (9); - a cover (3) having a lower face (3a) and an upper face (3b), mounted inside the tank (2) and arranged to float on the liquid (L) present in the tank (2); the cover (3) being mounted in the tank (2) to delimit with the cylindrical wall (6), a communication space (11) on either side of the cover (3), configured to allow the vertical displacement of the cover (3) when the level of the liquid (L) changes in the tank (2); and a system for bearing (12) the cover (3) on the bottom (4) of the tank (2) protruding either from the bottom (4) of the tank or from the lower face (3a) of the cover (3); characterized in that the tank (2) is provided with washing nozzles (10) projecting from the ceiling (5) of the tank (2).

2. The equipment (1) according to claim 1, according to which the cover (3) includes an upper face (3b) of conical shape.

3. The equipment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, according to which the cover (3) includes a lower face (3a) of conical shape.

4. The equipment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, according to which the system for bearing (12) the cover (3) comprises feet carried by the cover (3) to bear on the bottom (4) of the tank (2) when the cover (3) stops floating.

5. The equipment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, according to which the cover (3) includes, at its periphery, studs for cooperation (3t) with the cylindrical wall (6) of the tank (2) to ensure the centering of the cover (3) during its vertical displacement.

6. The equipment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, according to which the tank (2) is made of a transparent or translucent material.

7. A use of equipment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, in a phase of supplying with liquid (L) a filling machine during which the cover (3) floats on the liquid (L) by moving vertically to follow the liquid (L) level changing in the tank (2) depending on the arrival of liquid (L) and the exit of liquid (L) towards / from the filling machine.

8. The use according to claim 7, according to which a phase of cleaning the tank (2) precedes or follows a phase of supplying with liquid the filling machine, and during which the washing nozzles (10) of the tank (2) deliver a cleaning liquid spraying the upper face (3b) of the cover (3) and flowing through the space delimited between the cover (3) and the cylindrical wall (6).

9. The use according to claim 7 or 8, according to which a phase of cleaning the tank (2) precedes or follows a phase of supplying with liquid the filling machine, and during which the at least one liquid supply inlet (8) of the tank (2) and / or the at least one liquid (L) outlet (9) delivers(s) a washing liquid to immerse the cover (3) so that, by flotation, the cover bears on the washing nozzles (10) and is completely immersed in the washing liquid present in the tank.