Tank installation with swirl breaker

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tank system for storing a fluid that can be drawn off by pumps or gravity according to the preamble of claim 1 and to the use of a flow 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 towards the tank opening is generated either by gravity alone or with the aid of a pump. Depending on the position of the tank opening and the method of flow generation, flow effects can occur that may 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 column of gas 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, as, depending on the type of fluid in the tank, the mixing of the fluid with the gas occurring in the vortex area may be undesirable. The gas carried along by the fluid upstream to the pump can cause the pump to run partially dry, leading to increased wear. In some cases, it is also detrimental if the pumped fluid comes into unnecessarily intensive contact with the gas in the vortex, resulting, for example, in increased oxidation of the pumped fluid. Furthermore, in the area where the funnel-shaped gas column has formed, no fluid can flow through the tank opening, thus reducing the flow rate. The funnel-shaped vortex therefore acts like a partial blockage, which is also referred to as a "trombus" in the following text.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to counteract the formation of such whirlpools when emptying the tank. STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Devices already exist to counteract the formation of such whirlpools. These devices will be referred to as whirlpool breakers in the following. However, the existing whirlpool breakers have several disadvantages.

[0007] Tanks are often under high pressure and therefore must undergo a special pressure test before use to ensure sufficient pressure resistance. If a tank is modified by installing a vortex breaker to prevent vortex formation, this may necessitate a further pressure test, depending on the installation method. This is particularly true if the tank's structure is altered (for example, by welding) to install the vortex breaker.

[0008] While there are also flow breakers that can be attached to the tank in such a way that a further pressure test is not required, the device is typically not attached to the tank itself, but to a section of pipe adjacent to the tank opening.

[0009] However, such flow breakers typically protrude into the interior of the tank. This can be a disadvantage if the fluid or suspension stored in the tank needs to be uniformly mixed / stirred during storage. A flow breaker protruding into the interior of the tank can potentially impair this uniform mixing. Furthermore, a flow breaker protruding into the interior of the tank can potentially disrupt the tank filling process by obstructing the flow into the tank. A tank system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 4 082 643 A1. THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide a device with which the formation of vortices when a fluid is withdrawn from a tank can be counteracted without disturbing any mixing of the fluid during storage or the filling process of the tank by the device. THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0011] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of main claims 1 and 9, which relate to the tank system.

[0012] Accordingly, the problem is solved with a tank system for storing a fluid that can be drawn off by pumps or gravity. The tank system consists of a tank with at least one outlet and a connected fluid discharge pipe. The tank system includes a vortex breaker, which counteracts the vortex formation that typically extends from the outlet into the tank when fluid is drawn off. The tank system is characterized by the fact that the vortex breaker is completely housed within the fluid discharge pipe.

[0013] As described earlier, during the discharge of fluid from the tank, a vortex can form upstream of the tank outlet, similar to what happens when draining bathwater from a bathtub. The vortex breaker counteracts the formation of this vortex. By preventing its formation or at least reducing its intensity, the flow of fluid exiting the tank through the outlet is less restricted. The throughput of the fluid exiting the tank is thus increased.

[0014] The vortex breaker also prevents or reduces any mixing of the fluid with the gas located above the fluid in the tank as a result of whirlpool formation.

[0015] The turbidity breaker is installed completely inside the fluid discharge pipe, so that it does not protrude into the interior of the tank - and surprisingly still achieves the desired effectiveness.

[0016] Therefore, the vortex breaker does not disrupt the mixing of the fluid in the tank. Even during the filling process, the vortex breaker does not significantly impede the flow.

[0017] The tank system comprises at least one tank with a tank outlet and a connected fluid discharge pipe containing a flow breaker. However, the tank system may also include additional elements, such as further tanks, additional fluid discharge pipes, and additional lines.

[0018] The tank outlet is the opening in the tank wall through which the fluid is drawn off.

[0019] The fluid drain pipe is a line directly connected to the tank outlet, through which the fluid flows out of the tank. The fluid drain pipe can also consist of multiple sections.

[0020] Instead of the term "whirlpool", the term "vortex" or "whirlpool" can also be used within the scope of the invention. ANOTHER PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0021] Furthermore, the task is to create a way to use a trumpet breaker, known as such, more advantageously. THE FURTHER INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0022] The aforementioned problem is solved by using a splash guard, preferably consisting 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 outwards in the circumferential direction. The splash guard is fully integrated into a fluid discharge pipe of a tank system.

[0023] Preferably, the turbidity breaker is installed in the area 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.

[0024] The use of such a vortex breaker counteracts the whirlpool that forms at the tank outlet when fluid is drawn from the tank. Since the vortex breaker does not protrude into the interior of the tank, it does not impede any mixing of the fluid within the tank that occurs before it is to be drained. The vortex breaker also does not significantly impede the flow during the filling process. Furthermore, internal components within the tank / container can continue to function as intended, since the vortex breaker does not extend into the tank / container.

[0025] Without the vortex breaker, the fluid flowing through the tank outlet would move both parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank outlet and rotate around its longitudinal axis. These two overlapping flow directions would create the vortex described earlier. The radial fins of the vortex breaker therefore serve to stop or at least slow down the rotation of the fluid around the longitudinal axis of the tank outlet.

[0026] For this purpose, the radial fins form fluid extraction channels between them. These channels are separated circumferentially by the fins, creating several chambers through which flow can occur longitudinally but not circumferentially. As soon as the fluid exiting the tank through the outlet has flowed into the fluid extraction channels, the rotational movement of the fluid within these channels around the longitudinal axis of the outlet is stopped by the fins. This prevents a vortex from forming in the first place.

[0027] The fins become wider "towards the outside in the circumferential direction." This means that each fin, in the area where it meets the other fins, has a smaller thickness in the circumferential direction than in the area radially away from it. The width preferably increases continuously.

[0028] A "fin" is therefore understood to be a section of the turbulence breaker that has at least two parallel flow guide surfaces along which the fluid can flow, but not through.

[0029] The term "radial" fins describes the orientation of the fins. Radial fins are arranged in the waterspout such that the fluid flows along the flow guide surfaces of a fin in the longitudinal direction, and the flow guide surfaces block a circumferential flow, i.e., a circular flow around the longitudinal axis. PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS

[0030] There are a number of possibilities to design the invention in such a way as to further improve its effectiveness or usability.

[0031] It is therefore particularly preferred that the turbulence breaker is located partially or completely downstream of the tank outlet in a section of the fluid discharge pipe that forms a fixed part of the tank at the factory, is molded onto the tank or welded onto the tank.

[0032] This has the advantage that the tank manufacturer can specify a sufficiently large installation space for a swirl breaker at the factory, which may be compatible with a swirl breaker supplied by the tank manufacturer and which can be installed as needed. The tank manufacturer can then perform any necessary pressure test to determine the tank's pressure resistance after the section of the fluid discharge pipe has been welded or molded onto the tank. The swirl breaker can thus be installed as needed without requiring a further pressure test of the tank.

[0033] In this context, the term "factory-fitted" means that the section of the fluid discharge pipe has already been welded or molded onto the tank before the tank is handed over to the end customer.

[0034] The term "downstream of the tank outlet" describes a position that is located after the tank outlet in the direction of flow of the fluid exiting the tank.

[0035] According to the invention, the swirl breaker is housed within the fluid discharge pipe at a pipe connection and is held in position by the pipe connection components. This allows the swirl breaker to be easily removed from the fluid discharge pipe, for example, for cleaning. Furthermore, the resulting ease of installation allows for the use of different, specially adapted swirl breakers for various types of fluids, ensuring optimal results every time.

[0036] Ideally, the flow breaker is connected to a pipe joint seal that seals the two adjacent parts of the pipe joint.

[0037] This makes the installation of the water breaker considerably easier, as no additional seal needs to be installed and the water breaker is held in position by means of the seal.

[0038] The water eliminator can be fitted with a separate seal between the two parts of the pipe connection before assembly. Alternatively, it is conceivable to manufacture at least sections of the water eliminator from a sealing material, so that the water eliminator merges seamlessly into the pipe connection seal.

[0039] Preferably, in other cases, the turbulence breaker is located completely downstream of the tank outlet in a section of the fluid discharge line that is completely separate from the tank and can be removed from it.

[0040] The section of the fluid discharge line where the flow breaker is installed is therefore not a permanent part of the tank, but is only detachably connected to it for use. In this case, retrofitting the tank system with a flow breaker as needed is easily possible without requiring the tank to undergo another pressure test.

[0041] The term "fluid extraction line" is used synonymously with the term "fluid extraction pipe".

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the turbulence breaker is located within a section of the fluid discharge pipe that is no more than 20 cm, or preferably no more than 10 cm, away from the tank outlet.

[0043] This ensures that the effect of the eddy current breaker extends intensively enough into the interior of the tank and effectively prevents the formation of eddies inside the tank.

[0044] Ideally, the turbidity breaker is preferably located completely outside the tank, between the tank outlet and a valve controlling the tank outlet.

[0045] The valve is preferably a continuously adjustable throttle valve. The valve "controls" the tank outlet in that the line adjacent to the tank outlet is only opened to allow the fluid in the tank to flow freely in the direction of flow once the valve is open. Until the valve opens, the fluid can only flow through the tank outlet towards the valve until the space between the closed valve and the tank outlet is completely filled with fluid. This shifts the point of vortex formation towards the valve, allowing a vortex breaker located between the valve and the tank outlet to function optimally.

[0046] Preferably, the turbulence breaker is held in a seal or integrally connected to it as a single piece. The seal is used to connect two pipe connections of the multi-section fluid discharge pipe.

[0047] This significantly simplifies the installation of the swirl breaker in the fluid discharge pipe, as no additional seal needs to be provided around the swirl breaker and the swirl breaker is also held in place by the pipe connections in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

[0048] A "one-piece connection" exists when the flow breaker transitions seamlessly into the seal or the seal forms a section of the flow breaker made of a suitable sealing material.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the sputter breaker is used to retrofit existing tank systems that are already in regular operation with a sputter breaker.

[0050] Depending on the type of fluid stored in the tank system, a vortex breaker adapted to the specific requirements can be retrofitted as needed. This allows a single tank system to be used for storing various fluids or suspensions without causing unwanted vortex formation.

[0051] Ideally, the trumpet breaker is made of plastic.

[0052] In this case, the turbulence breaker can be manufactured using various processes such as injection molding or 3D printing. This offers a wide range of design possibilities. Furthermore, the turbulence breaker can also be made from a sealing material, allowing it to simultaneously function as a seal between the fluid discharge pipe and the tank, or between two sections of the fluid discharge pipe.

[0053] Regarding the term pipe connections, the following should be noted: Pipe connections that could be considered 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 fitting for pipes according to DIN EN 10357, RJT fitting, SMS fitting, Flange connections according to DIN EN 1092-1. LIST OF FIGURES

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a tank system according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a water disperser according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows in a schematic partial section view how the flow breaker is installed between the pipe connections. EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION

[0055] The functionality of the invention will be demonstrated by way of example: Figs. 1-3 explained.

[0056] In Fig. 1A tank system 1 according to the invention is shown schematically. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Alternatively, the first section 16 of the fluid discharge pipe 4 can itself 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 attached to the tank 2 before any pressure test is carried out to determine the pressure resistance of the tank 2.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 tank 2 can only flow out of tank 2 as far as the valve 13. Once 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 towards the valve 13. When the valve 13 is opened, the fluid 2 flows out of tank 2 via the tank outlet 3 and the fluid discharge pipe 4.

[0061] Furthermore, tank system 1 has a pump 14, which can create a vacuum at line 15, an extension of the fluid discharge pipe 4. With valve 13 open, the fluid in tank 2 can thus be pumped out of tank 2. However, it is also conceivable to operate tank system 1 without pump 14 and to use only gravity to generate the flow towards the tank outlet 3.

[0062] To prevent a whirlpool from forming in the area of ​​the outlet 3 when draining or pumping out the fluid contained in tank 2, the tank system 1 is equipped with a whirlpool breaker 9. The operation of the whirlpool breaker 9 and a possible way of mounting it in the tank system 1 are described below. Fig. 2 and 3 explained. In Fig. 3Tank 2 and the section of fluid discharge pipe 4 shown are shown in sectional view, while the turbidity breaker is not shown in sectional view.

[0063] The following section explains the construction and assembly of the Trombenbrecher 9.

[0064] As demonstrated by Fig. 2As can be seen, the swirl breaker 9 consists of a sealing section 12, which also serves as a flat or pipe connection seal 8. The swirl breaker 9 also has three fins 10. The three fins 10 meet in the region of the longitudinal axis of the sealing section 12 (or of the swirl breaker 9) and merge seamlessly into one another. The extent of the three fins 10 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the swirl breaker 9 is significantly greater than the thickness of the sealing section 12 measured in the longitudinal direction. Each of the three fins 10 has two surfaces 18 that run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the swirl 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 between itself and the flow guide surface 18 of the adjacent fin 10 facing it.In the assembled state of the swirl breaker 9, the space thus formed between each pair of adjacent flow guide surfaces 18 of two adjacent fins 10 constitutes a fluid discharge channel 11. Each fin 10 merges seamlessly into the sealing section 12 at its end furthest from the longitudinal axis of the swirl breaker 9. Furthermore, the fins 10 are thinner in the region along the longitudinal axis of the swirl breaker 9 where they merge into the other fins 10 than in the region where they merge into the sealing section 12. The "thickness" of each fin is understood to be the distance measured between the two flow guide surfaces 18 of a fin 10.

[0065] The Trombenbrecher 9 is assembled as described by Fig. 3The sealing section 12 of the turbulence breaker 9 is clamped between the two parts 6 and 7 of the pipe connection 5 of sections 16 and 17 of the fluid discharge pipe 4. The sealing section 12 thus also serves as the pipe connection seal 8. The fins 10 of the turbulence breaker 9 extend from parts 6 and 7 of the pipe connection 5 towards the tank opening 3. However, the fins 10 do not protrude into the interior of the tank 2. Based on Fig. 3 It can also be seen that the surfaces running orthogonally to the flow guide surfaces 18 of the individual fins 10 have a slight inclination, so that the whirlpool breaker 9 forms a point in the side view.

[0066] The operation of the trombone breaker 9 is explained below.

[0067] When valve 13 is opened, the fluid in tank 2 flows through outlet 3 towards fluid discharge pipe 4. In doing so, the fluid passes through the vortex breaker 9. Without the vortex breaker 9, due to various fluid dynamic phenomena, the fluid would flow not only parallel to the longitudinal axis of tank outlet 3, but also in a circular pattern around it, creating a vortex. However, the vortex breaker 9 slows down or largely stops this circular flow of fluid around the longitudinal axis of outlet 3. As soon as the fluid enters 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 turbulence 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 effectively block the circular flow pattern. This prevents the formation of a whirlpool from the outset. MISCELLANEOUS

[0068] The flow breaker according to the invention can not only be installed in tank outlets, it can also be used to advantage in any other pipe connection, especially if it is (optionally) a clamp connection. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0069] 1 Fuel tank system 2 Tank 3 Tank outlet 4 Fluid drain pipe / fluid drain line 5 Pipe connection 6th part of the pipe connection 7th part of the pipe connection 8 Pipe connection seal 9 Water breaker 10 Fin 11 Water breaker fluid discharge channels 12 Water breaker sealing section 13 Valve 14 Pump 15 Pipeline 16 First section of fluid discharge pipe 17 Second section of fluid discharge pipe 18 Flow guide surface

Claims

1. Tank system (1) for storing a fluid that can be extracted by pumping or gravity, consisting of a tank (2) with a tank outlet (3) and a fluid extraction pipe (4) connected thereto, wherein the tank system (1) comprises a vortex breaker (9) which counteracts the formation of vortices in the area of the tank outlet (3) when fluid is drawn off from the tank (2), wherein said vortex breaker (9) is housed completely within the fluid extraction pipe (4), characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is accommodated in the fluid discharge pipe (4) in the area of a multi-part pipe connection (5) and is held in position by the parts (6, 7) of the pipe connection (5), the vortex breaker (9) being designed in such a way that it prevents rotational movement of the fluid around the longitudinal axis of the tank outlet (3) and thereby prevents the formation of a vortex.

2. Tank system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is connected to a pipe connection seal (8) which seals the two parts (6, 7) of the pipe connection (5) that lean against each other.

3. Tank system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is located completely downstream of the tank outlet (3) in a part of the fluid outlet pipe (4) that is completely separate from the tank (2) and can be dismantled from it.

4. Tank system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is housed within a section of the fluid discharge pipe (4) that ends no more than 20 cm, preferably no more than 10 cm, from the tank outlet (3).

5. Tank system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is housed completely outside the tank (2) between the tank outlet (3) and a valve (13) of the tank system (1) controlling the tank outlet (3).

6. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fins (10) of the vortex breaker (9) are arranged radially and widen outwards in the circumferential direction, forming fluid discharge channels (11) that block flow in the circumferential direction.

7. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is designed as a modular insert that can be removed and replaced from the fluid discharge pipe (4) without tools.

8. Tank system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is made of a chemical-resistant plastic, which is manufactured by injection moulding or 3D printing and also functions as a sealing element.

9. Use of a vortex breaker (9), preferably consisting of several radial fins (10) that form fluid discharge channels (11) between them and meet radially in the center 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), characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is completely accommodated in the area of a pipe connection (5) of the fluid discharge pipe (4) and is held in position by the parts (6, 7) of the pipe connection (5), wherein the vortex breaker (9) is designed in such a way that it prevents rotational movement of the fluid around the longitudinal axis of the tank outlet (3) and thereby prevents the formation of a vortex.

10. Use of a vortex breaker (9) according to claim 9, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is held in a seal (8, 12) or is integrally as one part connected to it, which is used to connect two parts (6, 7) of the pipe connection (5) of the multi-part fluid drain pipe (4) to each other.

11. Use of a vortex breaker (9) according to claim 9 or 10 for retrofitting existing tank systems (1) already in regular operation with a vortex breaker (9).

12. Use of a vortex breaker (9) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the vortex breaker (9) is made of plastic.

13. Use of a vortex breaker (9) according to claim 9 or 10 for retrofitting existing pipelines already in regular operation with a vortex breaker (9).

14. Use of a vortex breaker (9) according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the vortex breaker (9) is made of a chemical-resistant plastic, which is manufactured by injection moulding or 3D printing and also functions as a sealing element.

15. Use of a vortex breaker (9) according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the vortex breaker (9) is integrated into a pipe connection according to DIN 11851, DIN 11864, DIN 32676, ASME BPE or comparable standards.