Liquid-passage device for use in sucking up liquid from a liquid tank

Abstract

In the field of sucking up liquid from a liquid tank, provision is made of a liquid-passage device comprising an elongate suction lance. The suction lance comprises a liquid- passage line for transport of sucked-up liquid through the suction lance, and a tubular outer housing in which the liquid-passage line extends, wherein the liquid-passage line is at least partially flexible, wherein the outer housing is telescopic with at least two housing parts which are movable in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance in relation to one another, and wherein the liquid-passage line is coupled to each of the housing parts such that the housing parts are preloaded into a base position in relation to one another at least by the liquid-passage line. Under the influence of striking against the suction lance, the outer housing can retract counter to the preload, whereby damage to a bottom of the liquid tank can be prevented.

Description

[0001] Liquid-passage device for use in sucking up liquid from a liquid tank

[0002] The invention relates to a liquid-passage device for use in sucking up liquid from a liquid tank, comprising an elongate suction lance which is configured to be introduced at least partially into a liquid tank and comprises a suction mouth for intake of liquid.

[0003] The invention also relates to an assembly of a liquid tank and the liquidpassage device, and to an air-scrubber installation for use in treating air coming from a livestock shed, comprising at least one such assembly.

[0004] A liquid-passage device which is configured to be used for sucking up liquid from a liquid tank and comprises an elongate suction lance is known per se. EP-3933193- Al discloses a liquid-supply system comprising a suction lance which is configured to be introduced into a liquid tank. The liquid-supply system further comprises at least one liquid-level sensor which is mounted fixedly on the suction lance. The length of the suction lance is matched to the height of the liquid tank such that a free end of the suction lance, where the suction mouth of the suction lance is situated, is positioned close to a bottom of the liquid tank when the suction lance is introduced into the liquid tank. The liquid-level sensor has a data connection to a control unit and, during operation, transmits to the control unit a signal that represents the present level of the liquid in the liquid tank. The signal may be used in particular to determine whether there is still sufficient liquid in the liquid tank and, consequently, whether or not there is a reason to fill the liquid tank or to exchange it for a full liquid tank.

[0005] A practical application of a liquid-passage device with suction lance is an application in the field of air-scrubber installations for use in treating air coming from a livestock shed. Such air-scrubber installations comprise for example an air scrubber which is coupled to a device for extracting air from the livestock shed by suction and which is configured to remove ammonia from the air. The air scrubber may be a chemical air scrubber in which a liquid with high acidity is used, such as a solution with nitric acid or sulphuric acid. Said liquid is suitable for reacting with the ammonia and thus for forming a liquid fertilizer. The acidic liquid is delivered in containers. In this respect, it is known to make use of so-called IBC containers comprising a liquid tank of for example 1000 litres, with IBC standing for “intermediate bulk container”. It is common for such IBC containers to be transported with the liquid-passage device installed therein, so that, when the destination has been reached, the liquid-passage device merely has to be connected in the correct manner before the liquid can be extracted at the IBC container. The liquid tank of an IBC container is a thin-walled plastic tank, wherein a wall of the liquid tank is not more than a number of millimetres thick, and, in practice, there are cases in which, under the influence of ferees acting on the IBC container during transport, for example as a result of unevennesses along the route, the liquid tank is punctured by that end of the suction lance which is situated close to the bottom of the liquid tank. It goes without saying that puncturing of a liquid tank containing liquid with high acidity is particularly undesirable. It is an object of the invention to minimize the chance of this without the need to adapt common routines or the design of the liquid tank.

[0006] The invention achieves the object set by making provision for a new design of a liquid-passage device for use in sucking up liquid from a liquid tank. The suction lance of the liquid-passage device according to the invention comprises a suction mouth for intake of the liquid, and also a liquid-passage line for transport of sucked-up liquid through the suction lance, and a tubular outer housing in which the liquid-passage line extends. The liquid-passage line is at least partially flexible, while the outer housing is telescopic with at least two housing parts which are movable in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance in relation to one another, wherein the liquid-passage line is coupled at least to each housing part forming an end of the outer housing, such that the at least two housing parts are preloaded into a base position in relation to one another at least by the liquid-passage line if the suction lance is not loaded, and such that the outer housing retracts telescopically under application of a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance that is applied via the suction mouth.

[0007] It is an insight of the invention that the suction lance can be designed with a liquid-passage line which is at least partially flexible and therefore can be used to absorb external forces, in particular external compressive forces, by bending outwards. By designing the outer housing in a telescopic manner with at least two housing parts, and fitting the liquid-passage line therein and connecting it to each housing part forming an end of the outer housing such that the at least two housing parts are preloaded into a base position in relation to one another at least by the liquid-passage line, it is achieved that, under normal conditions, the suction lance may have a predetermined length. It is eminently possible to form the liquid-passage line in such a way that, on the one hand, it is sufficiently stiff to keep the housing parts in the base position in relation to one another if the suction lance is not loaded, so that the suction lance has the predetermined length, and, on the other hand, it is sufficiently flexible to allow telescopic retraction of the outer housing when a compressive force is applied to the suction lance through coming into contact with the bottom of a liquid tank at the location of the suction mouth, so that, under compressive force, the suction lance has a length which is shorter than the predetermined length. The invention therefore provides for a suction lance which, under normal conditions, has a defined length and which, in situations where the suction lance and the bottom of a liquid tank strike against one another, such as can occur during transport, prevents puncturing of the liquid tank by retracting telescopically to a length which is shorter than the defined length. Thus, the liquid-passage line extends through the outer housing and is connected at least to each respective end of the outer housing. Preferably, the connection of the liquid-passage line is realized at or close to an end thereof.

[0008] In a practical embodiment of the liquid-passage device according to the invention, at least a portion of the liquid-passage line is accommodated in the outer housing so as to have space around it. If the suction lance strikes against the bottom of a liquid tank and, as a consequence thereof, the housing parts move towards one another counter to the preload of the liquid-passage line, the liquid-passage line can bend outwards without hindrance as a consequence of the presence of the space around it.

[0009] As is known per se, the suction lance may comprise a measuring arrangement which is configured to detect a liquid level in a liquid tank. It is possible for the measuring arrangement to comprise a measurement line which extends next to the liquid-passage line in the outer housing. The measuring arrangement is for example of the type which comprises a liquid-level sensor with float, wherein it is practical for the float to be situated at the location of the suction mouth.

[0010] The optional measurement line may be formed in a manner comparable to that for the liquid-passage line. Thus, the measurement line may also be at least partially flexible, and the measurement line may also be coupled to each of the housing parts such that the housing parts are also preloaded into the base position in relation to one another by the measurement line. Furthermore, for the same reason as that in the case of the liquid-passage line, it is expedient for at least a portion of the measurement line to be accommodated in the outer housing so as to have space around it.

[0011] Besides the suction lance, the liquid-passage device according to the invention may comprise a connection piece which is coupled to the suction lance at a position opposite the position of the suction mouth and which comprises a negativepressure connection element which is configured to make it possible for the liquidpassage device to be connected to a pump device. Preferably, the outer housing extends between the suction mouth and the liquid-passage device. The outer housing ensures that the suction mouth is situated at a substantially fixed angle in relation to the connection piece, whereby the liquid-passage device is connectable to a liquid tank. Consequently, the suction mouth can be easily and repeatedly brought to and kept at a predetermined position in the tank, generally the lowest point of the tank.

[0012] If the suction lance comprises the aforementioned measuring arrangement with liquid-level sensor, it is practical for the connection piece to further comprise a sensor connection element which is configured to make it possible for the liquid-level sensor to be connected to an arrangement for reading the liquid-level sensor. Such a sensor connection element may comprise for example an electrical connector. Furthermore, it is possible for the connection piece to comprise a controller which is configured to pass on actuation signals, such as for example to the pump device, on the basis of certain liquid- level-sensor signals. In this regard, it is possible for the pump device to be switched off automatically if the liquid level comes below a predetermined value, such as if the tank is (almost) empty.

[0013] In order for widespread use of the liquid-passage device according to the invention to be made possible, it is expedient if, in the design of the liquid-passage device, account is taken of a possible use for sucking-up and passage of liquid having high acidity. Conceivable in this regard is an embodiment of the liquid-passage device in which at least materials of the liquid-passage device that come into contact with sucked-up liquid during the use of the liquid-passage device are resistant to liquid with at least 53% nitric acid and / or liquid with at least 96% sulphuric acid.

[0014] Preferably, an embodiment of the liquid-passage device having a connection piece with controller is configured in such a way as to be suitable for use with different liquids, preferably for use with nitric acid and with sulphuric acid, that is to say the controller comprises software for sensor measurements of different liquids. This means that a single type of suction lance can be produced for use with different liquids. For certain liquids, it is desirable to use a specific liquid-passage device, thus to prevent a specific suction lance from being used with different liquids during its lifetime. This can be solved by the controller being configured in such a way that the sensor measurement is carried out in dependence on a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-fit component in the connection piece, such as the electric connector of the sensor connection element. The dependence may amount to a certain type of component, and / or a certain connection method of the same component, whereby the controller receives signals which correspond to settings for a certain liquid.

[0015] The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of a liquid tank and the liquid-passage device defined and described above, wherein the suction lance of the liquid-passage device extends at least partially in the liquid tank, and wherein the suction mouth of the suction lance is situated on or close to a bottom of the liquid tank. As is common in the relevant field, it may be the case that the suction lance extends through an opening in the liquid tank. It is then expedient for the opening to be closed off by the suction lance, so that there is no need to use separate sealing components. The liquid tank may be any desired type within the scope of the invention. A practical example of the liquid tank is a thin-walled plastic tank which is part of an IBC container, wherein approximately 5 or 6 mm are practical examples of a wall thickness of the liquid tank, and the wall thickness is generally less than 10 mm, including at the location of the bottom of the liquid tank.

[0016] There are many possible uses for the invention. For instance, an airscrubber installation which is intended for use in treating air coming from a livestock shed and which is equipped with at least one assembly as defined and described above falls within the scope of the invention. It is at any rate interesting to use the invention in situations where damage to the bottom of the liquid tank by the suction lance, and to the extent that liquid can leak out of the liquid tank, can occur differently.

[0017] The invention will be explained below on the basis of the figures which are generally schematic and relate to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a liquidpassage device with a suction lance and of a liquid tank at which liquid needs to be extracted using the liquid-passage device, with identical reference numerals denoting identical or similar components, and in which:

[0018] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a liquid-passage device with a suction lance;

[0019] Figure 2 schematically shows a longitudinal section of two portions of the liquid-passage device;

[0020] Figure 3 schematically shows a detail of Figure 1 ; and

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a use of the liquid-passage device for extracting liquid at a liquid tank of an IBC container.

[0022] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a liquid-passage device 1 with a suction lance 10, and Figure 2 schematically shows a longitudinal section of two portions of the liquid-passage device 1. The liquid-passage device 1 shown is an example of a liquid-passage device according to the invention, which is intended for use in sucking up liquid 2 from a liquid tank 3, as is illustrated in Figure 4.

[0023] The suction lance 10 has a generally elongate shape and is configured to be introduced at least partially into the liquid tank 3. The suction lance 10 comprises a suction mouth 11 for intake of the liquid 2. An appropriate position of the suction lance 10 in relation to the liquid tank 3 is a position in which the suction mouth 11 is situated on or close to a bottom 4 of the liquid tank 3. In that position, the suction lance 10 is able to empty the liquid tank 3 as much as possible.

[0024] The use of the liquid-passage device 1 is not limited to a certain type of liquid tank 3. The liquid tank 3 may have any suitable shape and size and may, for example, be part of a larger unit, such as an IBC container 5, as is shown schematically in Figure 4. It is practical for a dimension of the suction lance 10 in the longitudinal direction to be matched to a height dimension of the liquid tank 3 such that the aforementioned appropriate position of the suction lance 10 in relation to the liquid tank 3 can actually be realized. The liquid-passage device 1 is generally combined with a liquid tank 3 in such a way that the suction lance 10 is oriented substantially vertically in a normal operational setup of the liquid tank 3.

[0025] During the design phase of the liquid-passage device 1 , materials for the various components of the liquid-passage device 1 may be selected according to possibilities concerning the use of the liquid-passage device 1. If, for example, the intention is for the liquid-passage device 1 to be suitable for sucking-up and passage of acidic liquid, then use will have to be made in the liquid-passage device 1 of materials which are known to be resistant to such a liquid.

[0026] Besides the suction lance 10, the liquid-passage device 1 comprises a connection piece 20 which is coupled to the suction lance 10 at a position which is opposite the position of the suction mouth 11. A portion of the liquid-passage device 1 having the connection piece 20 is shown enlarged in Figure 3. An appropriate position of the liquid-passage device 1 in relation to the liquid tank 3 is a position in which only the suction lance 10 extends, at least partially, in the liquid tank 3 and the connection piece 20 is situated completely outside the liquid tank 3.

[0027] The connection piece 20 comprises a negative-pressure connection element 21 which is configured to make it possible for the liquid-passage device 1 to be connected to a pump device 6, as is indicated schematically in Figure 4 by an arrow. The pump device 6 serves for creating negative pressure by way of which displacement of liquid 2 from the liquid tank 3 in the direction of the pump device 6 and beyond, through the liquid-passage device 1 , is made possible, wherein the liquid 2 flows into the liquidpassage device 1 at the location of the suction mouth 11 and flows out of the liquidpassage device 1 at the location of the negative-pressure connection element 21. The flow direction of the liquid 2 through the liquid-passage device 1 is indicated in Figure 4 by means of an arrow. It is possible in practice for the liquid tank 3 to be provided with a single opening in a top wall thereof and for a diameter of the suction lance 10 to be matched to the dimensions of the opening in such a way that, in the appropriate position in relation to the liquid tank 3, the suction lance 10 acts to seal off the opening.

[0028] Preferably, the suction lance 10 is designed not only for being able to transport liquid 2 but also for providing information about a level of the liquid 2 in the liquid tank 3, so that a warning signal can be output if the liquid tank 3 starts to empty and the liquid tank 3 can be filled or replaced in a timely manner. In view of this, the suction lance 10 shown is equipped with a measuring arrangement 30 which comprises a liquid-level sensor 31 with float 32. The float 32 is situated at the location of the suction mouth 11. If there is insufficient liquid 2 in the liquid tank 3 in order for the float 32 to be positioned at a normal level in the suction lance 10, the float 32 sinks to a lower level and that piece of information may be used to output an (electronic) signal. The connection piece 20 comprises a sensor connection element 22 which is configured to make it possible for the liquid-level sensor 31 to be connected to an arrangement 7 for reading the liquid-level sensor 31 , as is indicated schematically in Figure 4 by a dashed arrow. Such an arrangement 7 may also be configured to output the warning signal in the case in which the liquid-level sensor 31 indicates that the liquid level in the liquid tank 3 has become too low. A practical example of the sensor connection element 22 is an electrical connector. In response to the (electronic) signal, the pump device 6 may be switched off, whereby the negative pressure in the liquid line 12 is eliminated. This may be controlled manually or, depending on the embodiment of the connection piece 20, automatically. Any liquid still present in the liquid line 12 runs back into the tank as soon as the negative pressure is eliminated. Preferably, the liquid line 12 has a relatively small diameter, such as between 5 and 10 mm, whereby the amount of liquid running back is so small that the position of the float 32 remains virtually unchanged. This is an advantage in comparison with suction lances having a relatively large passage diameter, where the backflow can give rise to a spurious full measurement.

[0029] The suction lance 10 shown comprises two lines, specifically a liquidpassage line 12 for passage of liquid 2 and a measurement line 33 for passage of a data cable or the like for connecting the sensor connection element 22 to the liquid-level sensor 31. The lines 12, 33 extend next to one another in a tubular outer housing 13 of the suction lance 10, which connects the suction mouth 11 to the connection piece 20 in a semi-rigid manner. The semi-rigid outer housing ensures that the suction mouth 11 is at all times situated at a predetermined angle in relation to the connection piece 20, so that the suction mouth 11 can, in a relatively simple and reliable manner, be placed, and substantially kept, at a predetermined position in the liquid tank 3. According to the invention, the length of the outer housing 13 may be varied within limits. To this end, the outer housing 13 is of telescopic design, wherein the outer housing 13 comprises two housing parts 14, 15 which are movable in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance 10 in relation to one another. Each of the lines 12, 33 is coupled to a respective end of both housing parts 14, 15. Said respective ends of both housing parts 14, 15 form ends of the outer housing 13 such that, under normal conditions, the housing parts 14, 15 are kept in a base position in relation to one another by way of the lines 12, 33. The lines 12, 33 have a certain stiffness in the longitudinal direction that makes this possible. On the other hand, the stiffness of the lines 12, 33 is sufficiently low to make possible telescopic retraction of the outer housing 13 if pressure is applied to the suction lance 10 in the longitudinal direction. This can occur in particular during transport of an assembly 8 of the liquid-passage device 1 and the liquid tank 3, specifically if the suction mouth 11 and the bottom 4 of the liquid tank 3 strike against one another. On the basis of an appropriate limited stiffness of the lines 12, 33 and the telescopic design of the outer housing 13, it is then achieved that the outer housing 13 retracts before the suction lance 10 damages the bottom 4 of the liquid tank 3. In this way, it is possible to use the liquid-passage device 1 in combination with liquid tanks that have a relatively thin wall. It goes without saying that the same effect can be achieved by means of a telescopic outer housing which consists of more than two housing parts which are movable in relation to one another. Although each of the more than two housing parts movable in relation to one another may be connected to one or both of the lines 12, 33 in order to achieve the telescopic effect with preloading, it is also possible for the housing parts to be provided among themselves with a sliding connection such that the lines merely have to be connected to the outermost housing parts, that is to say the housing parts which form the ends of the telescopic outer housing.

[0030] The lines 12, 33 may for example be made from material which gives the lines 12, 33 flexibility to a certain extent. Generally speaking, the lines 12, 33 are at least partially flexible. There is space 16 available around the lines 12, 33 at places close to the coupling of the lines 12, 33 to the housing parts 14, 15, such that the lines 12, 33 can bend outwards without hindrance if the outer housing 13 is retracted.

[0031] It follows from the above that the liquid-passage device 1 is suitable for being used in combination with a liquid tank 3, wherein the liquid tank 3 need not be particularly robust and may be made for example from plastic. A practical example of the material of the liquid tank 3 is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), as is common for IBC containers 5. The design of the suction lance 10 with the telescopic housing 13, which in normal conditions is held under preload by way of lines 12, 33 of the suction lance 10 and which can retract counter to the preload if the suction lance 10 is struck against from the edge of the suction mouth 11 , has the advantage that puncturing of the liquid tank 3 by the suction lance 10 is prevented without the need for adaptations to the liquid tank 3, such as local reinforcements. The design of the suction lance 10 makes it possible for an assembly 8 of the liquid-passage device 1 and the liquid tank 3 to be transported without any problems, that is to say transported practically without any risk of the liquid tank 3 being punctured, so that, at the destination, there is no need for any action to be carried out at places of the liquid-passage device 1 and instead an assembly 8 can immediately be connected and used further.

[0032] The invention may be summarized as follows. In the field of sucking up liquid

[0033] 2 from a liquid tank 3, provision is made of a liquid-passage device 1 comprising an elongate suction lance 10. The suction lance 10 is configured to be introduced at least partially into a liquid tank 3 and comprises a liquid-passage line 12 fortransport of sucked- up liquid through the suction lance 10, and a tubular outer housing 13 in which the liquidpassage line 12 extends, wherein the liquid-passage line 12 is at least partially flexible, wherein the outer housing 13 is telescopic with at least two housing parts 14, 15 which are movable in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance 10 in relation to one another, and wherein the liquid-passage line 12 is coupled to each of the housing parts 14, 15 such that the housing parts 14, 15 are preloaded into a base position in relation to one another at least by the liquid-passage line 12. Under the influence of striking against the suction lance 10, the outer housing 13 can retract counter to the preload, whereby damage to a bottom 4 of the liquid tank 3 and consequently puncturing of the liquid tank

[0034] 3 can be prevented.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Liquid-passage device (1) for use in sucking up liquid (2) from a liquid tank (3), comprising an elongate suction lance (10) which is configured to be introduced at least partially into a liquid tank (3) and comprises a suction mouth (11) for intake of liquid (2), a liquid-passage line (12) for transport of sucked-up liquid (2) through the suction lance (10), and a tubular outer housing (13) in which the liquid-passage line (12) extends, wherein the liquid-passage line (12) is at least partially flexible, wherein the outer housing (13) is telescopic with at least two housing parts (14, 15) which are movable in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance (10) in relation to one another, and wherein the liquid-passage line (12) is coupled at least to each housing part (14, 15) forming an end of the outer housing, such that the at least two housing parts (14, 15) are preloaded into a base position in relation to one another at least by the liquid-passage line (12) if the suction lance is not loaded, and such that the outer housing retracts telescopically under application of a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the suction lance that is applied via the suction mouth.

2. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the liquid-passage line (12) is accommodated in the outer housing (13) so as to have space (16) around it.

3. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction lance (10) comprises a measuring arrangement (30) which is configured to detect a liquid level in a liquid tank (3) and which comprises a measurement line (33) which extends next to the liquid-passage line (12) in the outer housing (13).

4. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the measurement line (33) is at least partially flexible, and wherein the measurement line (33) is coupled to each of the housing parts (14, 15) such that the housing parts (14, 15) are also preloaded into the base position in relation to one another by the measurement line (33).

5. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the measurement line (33) is accommodated in the outer housing (13) so as to have space (16) around it.

6. Liquid-passage device (1) according to one of claims 3-5, wherein the measuring arrangement (30) further comprises a liquid-level sensor (31) with float (32), and wherein the float (32) is situated at the location of the suction mouth (11).

7. Liquid-passage device (1) according to one of claims 1-6, further comprisinga connection piece (20) which is coupled to the suction lance (10) at a position opposite the position of the suction mouth (11) and which comprises a negative-pressure connection element (21) which is configured to make it possible for the liquid-passage device (1) to be connected to a pump device (6).

8. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the outer housing extends between the suction mouth (11) and the connection piece (20).

9. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, where dependent on Claim 6, wherein the connection piece (20) comprises a sensor connection element (22) which is configured to make it possible for the liquid-level sensor (31) to be connected to an arrangement (7) for reading the liquid-level sensor (31).

10. Liquid-passage device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the sensor connection element (22) of the connection piece (20) comprises an electrical connector.

11. Liquid-passage device (1) according to one of claims 1-10, wherein at least materials of the liquid-passage device (1) that come into contact with sucked-up liquid during the use of the liquid-passage device (1) are resistant to liquid with at least 53% nitric acid and / or liquid with at least 96% sulphuric acid.

12. Assembly (8) of a liquid tank (3) and a liquid-passage device (1) according to one of claims 1-11, wherein the suction lance (10) of the liquid-passage device (1) extends at least partially in the liquid tank (3), and wherein the suction mouth (11) of the suction lance (10) is situated on or close to a bottom (4) of the liquid tank (3).

13. Assembly (8) according to claim 12, wherein the suction lance (10) extends through an opening in the liquid tank (3), and wherein the opening is closed off by the suction lance (10).

14. Assembly (8) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the liquid tank (3) is a thin-walled plastic tank which is part of an IBC container (5).

15. Air-scrubber installation for use in treating air coming from a livestock shed, comprising at least one assembly (8) according to one of claims 12-14.

Images