Liquid injection lance and reservoir with at least one such lance

Abstract

Liquid injection lance and reservoir with at least one such lance. The invention relates to a liquid injection lance (1) intended to be mounted through the wall of a reservoir and to extend partially into the internal volume of said reservoir, said lance (1) comprising a tubular body (3) which is open at one end (4) and closed at its opposite end (4'), and which has at least one lateral opening (5, 5') in an invasive portion of the tubular body (3) intended to be located in the reservoir. The lance (1) is characterized in that the tubular body (3) has two openings (5 and 5') in the form of two slits extending over a fraction of the length of the invasive portion (3') of the tubular body (3) and along the longitudinal axis of this invasive portion (3'), and where applicable, of the tubular body (3). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Liquid injection lance and reservoir with at least one such lance

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid storage equipment, in particular hot water storage tanks or so-called "buffer" tanks, and has as its object a liquid injection lance and a tank comprising at least one such lance.

[0002] Many realizations of injection rods are already known, for example from documents FR 2976348, DE 10 2009 002 712 and EP 0 881 438.

[0003] In the context of a domestic hot water tank or buffer tank, it is desirable to provide and maintain water temperature stratification for optimal user comfort. Since water is drawn for user needs from the upper part of the tank, such stratification allows for the preservation of a significant reserve (relative to the tank's volume) of the hottest water in this section, for domestic hot water and / or heating needs.

[0004] However, in the case of a tank of this type supplied by an external hot water source, the injection of heated water tends to disrupt this stratification, and therefore reduce the associated user comfort. Furthermore, maintaining this stratification increases the performance and efficiency of the entire hot water supply system.

[0005] This problem is particularly acute when the external hot water source is a heat pump, which generally has a high injection flow rate combined with a small temperature differential in the injected water. It is therefore important and desirable to be able to reduce the hot water injection velocity, break the inertial force of the flow along its injection direction, and distribute the injected flow as evenly as possible within the tank, avoiding the creation of significant turbulence and mixing, all without substantially limiting the maximum permissible injection flow rate.

[0006] However, the known injection lances mentioned above do not allow for a satisfactory response to this complex problem, with a concern for achieving and preserving thermal stratification of the liquid in the reservoir concerned.

[0007] Thus, the main objective of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of these known achievements and to meet the demand expressed, in particular in an application context related to a hot water storage tank or a so-called "buffer" tank, and in particular in relation to the implementation of a heat pump or a similar heat generator with high flow rate and low temperature delta.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a liquid injection pipe for a tank, in particular an injection pipe for a domestic hot water tank or buffer tank, intended to be mounted through the wall of said tank and to extend partially into the internal volume of said tank, said pipe comprising a tubular body which is open at one end and closed at its opposite end, and which has at least one lateral opening in an invasive part of the tubular body intended to be located in the tank,

[0009] cane characterized in that the tubular body has two openings in the form of two slits extending over a fraction of the length of the invasive part of the tubular body and along the longitudinal axis of this invasive part, and where applicable of the tubular body.

[0010] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0011] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an injection cane according to the invention;

[0012] [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B] are respectively lateral elevation and top elevation views of the cane shown [Fig.1];

[0013] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view along AA (and therefore along plane PP) of the rod represented [Fig.2A];

[0014] [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] are views at a different scale of details B and C of [Fig.3];

[0015] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view along DD of the cane shown [Fig.2A];

[0016] [Fig.6] is a partial view (upper part only) and in section along a plane vertical of a reservoir comprising an injection lance according to the invention;

[0017] [Fig.5] is a view at a different scale of detail E of [Fig.6].

[0018] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate, by way of example and in accordance with the invention, a cane (1) liquid injection for a tank (2), in particular injection pipe for domestic hot water tank or buffer tank, intended to be mounted through the wall (2') of said tank (2) and to extend partially into the internal volume of said tank (2), said pipe (1) comprising a tubular body (3) which is open at one end (4) and closed at its opposite end (4'), and which has at least one lateral opening (5, 5') in an invasive part (3') of the tubular body (3) intended to be located in the tank (2).

[0019] According to the invention, this cane (1) is characterized in that the tubular body (3) has two openings (5 and 5') in the form of two slits extending over a fraction of the length of the invasive part (3') of the tubular body (3) and along the longitudinal axis (AL) of this invasive part (3'), and where applicable of the tubular body (3).

[0020] The two slots (5 and 5') are preferably identical in terms of dimensions and shapes.

[0021] Thanks to these provisions, the invention provides an injection lance (1) enabling the intended objective to be achieved. Indeed, the inventors have observed that the implementation of an injection lance (1) having two continuous slots (5 and 5') as injection openings results in a reduction of the inertial forces of the injected flows and a structuring of these flows into two laminar / stratified flows delivered in bands or layers, inserting themselves relatively continuously into the resident stratified fluidic structure. Thus, the solution proposed by the invention does not significantly disturb the stratified distribution, along a vertical thermal gradient, of the liquid in a reservoir (2) comprising such an injection lance (1).

[0022] Advantageously, and as shown in the aforementioned figures, the tubular body (3) has a straight structure along its entire length and a circular or elliptical section.

[0023] In order to be able to direct the flows towards the bottom of the tank, while breaking the kinetic energy of the liquid flows injected into the internal volume of the tank (by making them impact the wall of the tank before reaching the lowest part of the tank), it can advantageously be provided that the two slots (5 and 5') are both located i) on either side and at the same distance from a plane of symmetry (PS) of the tubular body (3) containing the longitudinal axis (AL) of the latter and ii) on the same side and at the same distance from a plane (PP) perpendicular to said plane of symmetry (PS) and also containing the longitudinal axis (AL) (see figure 4 in particular).

[0024] In accordance with a highly favorable design variant, the normals (N5, N5') respectively to the planes (PLS) of the passage sections of the two slots (5 and 5') both form an identical angle (A) with a plane of symmetry (PS) of the tubular body (3) containing the longitudinal axis (AL) of the latter, the value of said angle being between 75° and 55°, advantageously between 70° and 65°, preferably in the order of approximately 70°. Most preferably, the two slots (5 and 5') are located on the same side and at the same distance from a plane (PP) perpendicular to said plane of symmetry (PS).

[0025] To allow easy identification of the orientation around the axis (AL) of the cane (1) during its assembly, and as shown in [Fig.2B], the tubular body (3) advantageously includes at its open end (4), located opposite its invasive part (3'), a visual index (6) for identifying the position in rotation around the longitudinal axis (AL) of said tubular body (3).

[0026] By way of example, the visual index (6) may consist of a local modification of the wall of the tubular body (3), for example a deformation or a cut of this wall, such as a hole or a lug, or even a simple marking.

[0027] To facilitate its assembly and locking in position, the tubular body (3) may also include, at its open end (4), a mounting collar or flange (7), for example in the form of a washer fixed by welding, and is closed at its opposite end (4') by an added plate (7'), and for example secured by welding, the mounting collar or flange (7) possibly including a visual index (6) for locating the position in rotation around the longitudinal axis (AL).

[0028] In accordance with a first variant of an embodiment not shown, the two slots (5 and 5') have a constant width over their entire length.

[0029] In accordance with a second preferred embodiment and shown in the attached figures, the two slots (5 and 5') have a width which decreases continuously and progressively towards the closed end of the tubular body (3), preferably in a straight line.

[0030] This characteristic allows the inertia of the injected fluid to be distributed proportionally over the entire longitudinal extension length of the slots, between the portions of the slots close to the open end (4) of the tubular body (3) and the portions of the slots (5,5') close to the closed end (4').

[0031] In order to promote ejection at a reduced speed but with a still substantial flow rate, the combined cross-sectional area of ​​the two openings (5 and 5') is between 3 and 9 times, advantageously between 4 and 7 times, and preferably between 5 and 6 times, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular body (3). This cross-sectional area ratio prevents an excessively small cross-section at the point where the nozzle passes through the internal volume of the reservoir from causing an increase in the injection speed and therefore in the kinetic energy of the liquid upon its arrival in the resident liquid mass.

[0032] In addition, and still with the aim of limiting the disturbances and destratifications that may be created by the injection, the two slit-shaped openings (5 and 5') may be provided to extend over approximately 85% to 99%, preferably over approximately 90% to 95%, of the length of the invasive portion (3') of the tubular body (3). Such a distribution of flows over a large outlet width (or outlet length along the AL axis) further facilitates a smooth introduction of the injected fluid into the stratified distribution of the resident fluid volume.

[0033] As a practical embodiment, and for an injection cannula (1) having an internal diameter of approximately 42 mm and a length of the invasive part (3') of approximately 570 mm, each of the slits (5, 5') has a length of approximately 550 mm and a width that decreases continuously and straight down from 5 mm at its widest end to 1.5 mm at its narrowest end (preferably, and as As shown in particular in figures 1 and 2A, the slots are pointed cutouts with a symmetrical structure and rounded ends).

[0034] The invention also relates, as shown by way of example in Figures 6 and 7, to a tank (2), in particular a domestic hot water tank or buffer tank, which includes at least one liquid injection pipe (1), this pipe (1) being mounted through the wall (2') of said tank (2) and extending partially into the internal volume of said tank (2), with its longitudinal axis (AL) located in a horizontal plane (PH) and directed towards the center of said internal volume.

[0035] According to the invention, this reservoir is characterized in that said at least one injection lance is an injection lance (1) as described above. Preferably, said or each lance (1) is advantageously arranged such that the plane of symmetry (PS) of the tubular body (3), containing the longitudinal axis (AL) and equidistant from the two slots (5 and 5') of the lance (1) considered, is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (PH) and that the two slots (5 and 5') are directed towards the bottom of the reservoir (2).

[0036] The longitudinal axis (AL) of the injection lance(s) (1) advantageously passes through the center of the reservoir (2) and intersects the vertical axis of symmetry of the latter (particularly when it has a circular cylindrical shape). Advantageously, the slots (5 and 5') extend substantially from the wall of the reservoir to at least the center of the reservoir.

[0037] In accordance with a constructive variant of the invention, illustrated more precisely in [Fig.7], the injection lance or each injection lance (1) is mounted, preferably in a substantially adjusted manner and with shimming, in a tubular nozzle or sleeve (8) forming a sealed passage through the wall (2') of said reservoir (2) and integral with this wall and integral with this wall.

[0038] The invasive portion (3') in contact with the internal volume is defined by this sleeve (8) which advantageously receives the tubular body with minimal play and over a sufficient length to ensure rigid retention. This invasive portion (3') may or may not extend to the center of the reservoir, or even beyond.

[0039] According to an optional feature in this variant, the nozzle or sleeve (8) is provided at its outer end (8') with a means (9) for blocking the translation of the injection lance (1) along the longitudinal axis (AL), this means (9) simultaneously achieving a leak-proof coupling of said lance (1), at its open end (4) provided with a mounting collar or flange (7), with, on the one hand, the nozzle or sleeve (8), advantageously also provided with a collar or flange, and, on the other hand, with an external conduit (9') (of which only an end portion is shown in [Fig.7]).

[0040] The locking and coupling means (9) may, for example, comprise, as shown in [Fig. 7], a nut mounted on the end of the conduit (9') to be connected and intended to cooperate with an external thread on the end (8') of the fitting or sleeve (8). Sealing at the two connecting interfaces of the rod (1) / fitting (8) / conduit (9') may, for example, be achieved by flat gaskets compressed by tightening the nut.

[0041] According to a first embodiment, the reservoir (2) is provided to have a single injection lance (1) disposed at a variable height in the reservoir (2) depending on the desired fractionation of the internal volume of said reservoir (2), for example substantially at mid-height.

[0042] According to a second embodiment, the reservoir (2) is provided to have at least two injection rods (1) arranged at different heights in said reservoir (2), the longitudinal axes (AL) of these rods being preferably located in the same vertical plane.

[0043] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Liquid injection lance (1) for a tank (2), in particular injection lance for a domestic hot water tank or buffer tank, intended to be mounted through the wall (2') of said tank (2) and to extend partially into the internal volume of said tank (2), said lance (1) comprising a tubular body (3) which is open at one end (4) and closed at its opposite end (4'), and which has at least one lateral opening (5, 5') in an invasive part (3') of the tubular body (3) intended to be located in the tank (2), lance (1) characterized in that the tubular body (3) has two openings (5 and 5') in the form of two slits extending over a fraction of the length of the invasive part (3') of the tubular body (3) and along the longitudinal axis (AL) of this invasive part (3'), and where appropriate of the tubular body (3).

2. Cane (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular body (3) has a straight structure along its entire length and a circular or elliptical cross-section.

3. Rod (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two slots (5 and 5') are both located i) on either side and at the same distance from a plane of symmetry (PS) of the tubular body (3) containing the longitudinal axis (AL) of the latter and ii) on the same side and at the same distance from a plane (PP) perpendicular to said plane of symmetry (PS) and also containing the longitudinal axis (AL).

4. Cane according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the normals (N5, N5') respectively to the planes (PLS) of the passage sections of the two slots (5 and 5') both form an identical angle (A) with a plane of symmetry (PS) of the tubular body (3) containing the longitudinal axis (AL) of the latter, the value of said angle being between 75° and 55°, advantageously between 70° and 65°, preferably of the order of about 70°, the two slots (5 and 5') being located on the same side and at the same distance from a plane (PP) perpendicular to said plane of symmetry (PS).

5. A cane according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tubular body (3) comprises, at its open end (4), located opposite its invasive part (3'), an index visual (6) for locating the position in rotation around the longitudinal axis (AL) of said tubular body (3).

6. Cane (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the visual index (6) consists of a local modification of the wall of the tubular body (3), for example a deformation or a cut of this wall, such as a hole or a lug.

7. Cane according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tubular body (3) has, at its open end (4), a mounting collar or flange (7), for example in the form of a washer fixed by welding, and is closed at its opposite end (4') by an attached plate (7'), and for example secured by welding, the mounting collar or flange (7) possibly having a visual index (6) for locating the position in rotation around the longitudinal axis (AL).

8. Cane according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two slots (5 and 5') have a constant width over their entire length.

9. Cane according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two slots (5 and 5') have a width which decreases continuously and progressively towards the closed end of the tubular body (3).

10. Rod according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the value of the cumulative passage cross-section of the two openings (5 and 5') represents between 3 and 9 times, advantageously between 4 and 7 times, preferably between 5 and 6 times, the value of the passage cross-section of the tubular body (3).

11. Cane according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the two slotted openings (5 and 5') extend over about 85% to 99%, preferably over about 90% to 95% of the length of the invasive part (3') of the tubular body (3).

12. Tank (2), in particular a domestic hot water tank or buffer tank, which includes at least one liquid injection pipe (1), such pipe (1) being mounted through the wall (2') of said tank (2) and extending partially into the internal volume of said tank (2), with its longitudinal axis (AL) situated in a horizontal plane (PH) and directed towards the center of said internal volume, reservoir (12) characterized in that said at least one injection lance (1) is an injection lance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said or each lance (1) being advantageously arranged such that the plane of symmetry (PS) of the tubular body (3), containing the longitudinal axis (AL) and equidistant from the two slots (5 and 5') of the lance (1) considered, is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (PH) and that the two slots (5 and 5') are directed towards the bottom of the reservoir (2).

13. Reservoir (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the injection lance or each injection lance (1) is mounted, preferably in a substantially fitted manner and with shimming, in a tubular nozzle or sleeve (8) forming a sealed passage through the wall (2') of said reservoir (2) and integral with this wall and integral with this wall.

14. Reservoir (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the nozzle or sleeve (8) is provided at its outer end (8') with a means (9) for blocking the translation of the injection lance (1) along the longitudinal axis (AL), this means (9) simultaneously achieving a leak-proof coupling of said lance (1), at its open end (4) provided with a mounting collar or flange (7), with, on the one hand, the nozzle or sleeve (8), advantageously also provided with a collar or flange, and, on the other hand, with an external conduit (9').

15. Reservoir (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a single injection lance (1) disposed at a variable height in the reservoir (2) according to the desired fractionation of the internal volume of said reservoir (2), for example substantially at mid-height.

16. Reservoir (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises at least two injection rods (1) arranged at different heights in said reservoir (2), the longitudinal axes (AL) of these rods being preferably located in the same vertical plane.

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