Pressure vessel including a movable separator

Abstract

A device for pressurizing a first fluid, is disclosed. The device may comprise an enclosed vessel comprising a top plate, and a base plate; at least one rod extending inside the enclosed vessel between the top plate and the base plate; and a movable separator comprising at least one opening receiving the at least one rod, the movable separator disposed inside the enclosed vessel and being slidably movable along the at least one rod and dividing the enclosed vessel into two discrete portions. Two discrete portions may comprise a first portion defined between the movable separator and the base plate, the first portion comprising the first fluid; and a second portion defined between the movable separator and the top plate, the second portion comprising a second fluid.

Description

PRESSURE VESSEL INCLUDING A MOVABLE SEPARATORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from I.R. Patent Application Ser. No. 140250140003008028, filed on February 14, 2024, entitled “PRESSURIZED WATER TANK (CLOSED EXPANSION TANKS) INCLUDING A MOVABLE OR RECIPROCATING DIAPHRAGM” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to pressure vessels for fluid pressure regulation, and more particularly to pressure tanks utilized for supplying pressurized water.BACKGROUND

[0003] Building water supply systems typically rely on three conventional methods, all utilizing pressure tanks or vessels. Conventionally, two of these methods incorporate a bladder, usually manufactured from elastic materials, while the third one uses a combination of water and air pressure as a single compartment. The use of pressure tanks helps to maintain consistent water pressure and ensures the efficient delivery of water to end users such as houses, industrial constructions, etc.

[0004] Three types of pressurized water tanks include the ones utilizing bladders, diaphragm tanks, and those without a bladder or diaphragm (i.e., single compartment tanks). Conventional bladder tanks usually use a bladder inside the tank to store water and employ air pressure that is accumulated inside the tank and around the bladder to pressurize water. In other words, the first type may employ a nearly spherical tank with an internal bladder into which the water is introduced, while air is injected between the bladder and the tank's inner wall. Asthe bladder fills with water, it expands, creating pressure against the trapped air, thus facilitating the water supply process. These tanks, usually have a smaller volumetric capacity and a shorter lifespan, due to potential bladder punctures which requires regular maintenance. In response to the rapid deterioration of bladders in the first type of tanks, the second type introduces a diaphragm bladder connected centrally inside the tank. The second type of tanks utilize a rubber diaphragm to separate compressed air from water to increase water pressure. These tanks typically last longer than bladder tanks but are more challenging to repair. This configuration keeps air at the top of water, reducing the contact surface between the diaphragm and the tank to extend the lifespan of the diaphragm. The second type of tanks usually have a greater volumetric capacity than the bladder ones, enhance the quantity and efficiency of water supply. Lastly, the third type eliminates the need for air injection as it does not use a rubber bladder or diaphragm. Single compartment tanks (i.e., tanks without any bladder or diaphragm where air and water are in direct in contact) generally can’t maintain a steady pressure over time, as some amount of air mixes with the water, causing the pressure to decrease, but they can be manufactured in various sizes, providing flexibility for various applications.

[0005] Despite their effectiveness, each type of tanks has its own drawbacks. The first method's limited lifespan and high maintenance costs, particularly for larger tanks, make it less economically viable. While the second method improves bladder lifespan, it necessitates replacing the entire tank if the diaphragm fails. Both methods require air injection or the use of a compressor, which can be impractical for larger tanks. Although the third type eliminates the need for rubber bladders and offers longer lifespans, demands regular air purging every one to two months. The direct contact between water and air reduces air volume over time, necessitating frequent manual intervention and leading to significant water wastage during the purging process. This method also requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance, which canbe labor-intensive and inefficient. Therefore, there is need for pressure vessels capable of consistently providing desired water pressure, maintaining various volumetric capacities, requiring less maintenance, and offering a longer lifespan.SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of one or more exemplary embodiments, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The proper scope of one or more exemplary embodiments may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.

[0007] In one general aspect, the present disclosure may describe an exemplary device for pressurizing an exemplary first fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary device may comprise an exemplary enclosed vessel, at least one exemplary rod, and an exemplary movable separator. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary enclosed vessel may comprise an exemplary top plate, and an exemplary base plate. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary enclosed vessel may comprise an exemplary cylindrical body extending between an exemplary top plate and an exemplary base plate.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one exemplary rod may extend inside an exemplary enclosed vessel between an exemplary top plate and an exemplary base plate. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary movable separator may comprise at least one exemplary opening receiving at least one exemplary rod. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary movable separator may be disposed inside an exemplary enclosed vessel. In an exemplaryembodiment, an exemplary movable separator may be slidably movable along at least one exemplary rod. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary movable separator may divide an exemplary enclosed vessel into two exemplary discrete portions. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary movable separator may comprise an exemplary circular plate having a complementary radius to an inside of an exemplary cylindrical body of an exemplary enclosed vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one exemplary opening may be disposed at a center of an exemplary circular plate. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one exemplary opening may comprise a plurality of exemplary openings equally spaced from one another along a circumference of an exemplary circular plate.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, two exemplary discrete portions may comprise an exemplary first portion defined between an exemplary movable separator and an exemplary base plate. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary first portion may comprise an exemplary first fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, two exemplary discrete portions may comprise an exemplary second portion defined between an exemplary movable separator and an exemplary top plate. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary second portion may comprise an exemplary second fluid.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary base plate of an exemplary enclosed vessel may comprise an exemplary first valve configured to conduct an exemplary first fluid into or out of an exemplary first portion. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary top plate of an exemplary enclosed vessel may comprise an exemplary second valve configured to conduct an exemplary second fluid into or out of an exemplary second portion.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary device may comprise an exemplary pump. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary pump may be connected to an exemplary first valve. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary pump may be configured to conductan exemplary first fluid from an exemplary storage into an exemplary first portion. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary pump may be configured to conduct an exemplary first fluid from an exemplary enclosed vessel towards an exemplary consumer.

[0012] This Summary may introduce a number of concepts in a simplified format; the concepts are further disclosed within the “Detailed Description” section. This Summary is not intended to configure essential / key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary pressure vessel, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cross-sectioned view of an exemplary pressure vessel along plane A-A depicted in FIG. 1, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary movable separator, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary pressure vessel along plane B-B depicted in FIG. 1, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic arrangement of an exemplary pressure vessel utilized to supply pressurized water for exemplary consumers, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings related to the exemplary embodiments. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0020] The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be plain to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0021] Building water supply systems generally depend on three conventional methods involving the use of pressure tanks or vessels. Typically, two of these methods incorporate a bladder made from elastic materials, while the third method employs a combination of water and air pressure in a single compartment. The first method utilizes a spherical tank with an internal bladder, which expands under water pressure to facilitate water supply. The second method addresses the quick degradation of bladders by using a centrally connected diaphragm bladder to separate air and water, thus extending the bladder's lifespan. The third method, which eliminates the need for rubber bladders, regulates ambient air pressure through an air valve at the top of the tank, making the process simpler and more durable.

[0022] Despite their effectiveness, each type of tank has inherent drawbacks. The first method's limited lifespan and high maintenance costs, especially for larger tanks, make it less economically viable. While the second method improves bladder lifespan, it requires replacing the entire tank if the diaphragm bladder fails, and both methods necessitate air injection, which can be impractical for larger tanks. Although the third method offers longer lifespans and eliminates the need for rubber bladders, it demands regular air purging to maintain pressure levels. The direct contact between water and air reduces air volume over time, necessitating frequent manual intervention and leading to significant water wastage. Thus, there is a need for pressure vessels that can consistently provide the desired water pressure, maintain various volumetric capacities, require less maintenance, and offer a longer lifespan.

[0023] Disclosed herein is an exemplary device utilized for pressurizing an exemplary first fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary device may comprise an exemplary enclosed vessel, at least one exemplary rod, and an exemplary movable separator. In anexemplary embodiment, an exemplary movable separator may be disposed inside an exemplary enclosed vessel and may comprise at least one opening through which at least one exemplary rod passes. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary movable separator may separate an exemplary enclosed vessel into an exemplary first portion and an exemplary second portion which are discrete from one another. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary first portion may comprise an exemplary first fluid and an exemplary second portion may comprise an exemplary an exemplary second fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary second fluid may have a compressibility greater than an exemplary first fluid.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, to employ an exemplary device for pressurizing an exemplary first fluid, an exemplary second portion may be filled with an exemplary second fluid and an exemplary pump may conduct the exemplary first fluid from an exemplary storage into an exemplary first portion while an exemplary movable separator compressing an exemplary second fluid as it moves along at least one exemplary rod because of the entrance of the exemplary first fluid.

[0025] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view 100 of an exemplary pressure vessel 112, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary device or pressure vessel 112 may comprise an exemplary enclosed vessel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, enclosed vessel 114 may comprise an exemplary top plate 116, and an exemplary base plate 118. In an exemplary embodiment, enclosed vessel 114 may comprise an exemplary cylindrical body 115 extending between top plate 116 and base plate 118, as shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, enclosed vessel may be manufactured from materials such as steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, etc.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 1, device or pressure vessel 112 may further comprise an exemplary first valve 120 connected in fluid communication with enclosed vessel 114 at base plate 118 thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, first valve 120 may comprise an exemplary two-way valve 120a and an exemplary drain valve 120b. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary first fluid may be conducted into or out of enclosed vessel 114 through two-way valve 120a. In an exemplary embodiment, two-way valve 120a may conduct an exemplary first fluid from enclosed vessel 114 towards an exemplary consumer. In an exemplary embodiment, drain valve 120b may be configured to discharge an exemplary first fluid out of enclosed vessel 114 during a maintenance process or in order to cleaning enclosed vessel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, device or pressure vessel 112 may further comprise an exemplary second valve 122 connected in fluid communication with enclosed vessel 114 at top plate 116 thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, second valve 122 may be configured to conduct an exemplary second fluid into or out of enclosed vessel 114.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cross-sectioned view 200 of an exemplary pressure vessel 112 along plane A-A depicted in FIG. 1, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure vessel 112 may further comprise at least one exemplary rod 212. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one rod 212 may extend inside of enclosed vessel 114 between top plate 116 and base plate 118. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one rod may be connected to top plate 116 and base plate 118 via exemplary connectors 214 and 216, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, connectors 214 and 216 may be similar to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, connectors 214 and 216 may connect at least one rod 212 to respectively top plate 116 and base plate 118 permanently or temporarily utilizing welding, soldering, adhering, bolting, pivoting, or any other suitablemethods. In an exemplary embodiment, rods 212 may be manufactured from materials such as brass, steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, etc.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 2, at least one rod 212 may be disposed along an exemplary center line, C, of enclosed vessel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, center line C may extend longitudinally between top plate 116 and base plate 118. In an exemplary embodiment, center line C may be an exemplary line of symmetry of enclosed vessel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure vessel 112 may comprise a plurality of exemplary rods 212 which are arranged equally spaced around center line C and at a distance thereof, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 2, pressure vessel 112 may further comprise an exemplary movable separator 218. In an exemplary embodiment, movable separator 218 may comprise an exemplary circular plate having a complementary radius to an inside of cylindrical body 115 of enclosed vessel 114 such that movable separator 218 can reciprocate freely inside enclosed vessel 114 between top plate 116 and base plate 118, e.g., as shown with an exemplary dotted-line shape 218b which represents movable separator 218 moving towards base plate 118. In an exemplary embodiment, rods 212 may be configured to maintain a horizontal orientation of movable separator 218. In an exemplary embodiment, “horizontal orientation” may refer to an exemplary orientation perpendicular to center line C of enclosed vessel 114.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 2, movable separator 218 may divide enclosed vessel 114 into two exemplary discrete portions. In an exemplary embodiment, two exemplary discrete portions may comprise an exemplary first portion 220 and an exemplary second portion 222. In an exemplary embodiment, first portion220 may be defined between movable separator 218 and base plate 118 inside enclosed vessel114. In an exemplary embodiment, first portion 220 may comprise an exemplary first fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, second portion 222 may be defined between movable separator 218 and top plate 116 inside enclosed vessel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, second portion 222 may comprise an exemplary second fluid.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 2, base plate 118 may comprise an exemplary aperture 224. In an exemplary embodiment, aperture 224 may be connected to first valve 120 to introduce an exemplary first fluid into first portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, top plate 116 may comprise an exemplary aperture 226. In an exemplary embodiment, aperture 226 may be connected to second valve 122 to introduce an exemplary second fluid into second portion 222. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary height 228 of movable separator 218 measured form base plate 118 may depend on a pressure balance between exemplary first and second fluids stored in first and second portions 220 and 222, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary second fluid may be mor compressible than an exemplary first fluid, so when enclosed vessel 114 is empty (i.e., both of first and second portions 220 and 222 is empty of exemplary first and second fluids) movable separator 218 may be disposed over base plate 118. In an exemplary embodiment, to employ pressure vessel 112 for pressurizing an exemplary first fluid, second valve 122 may be opened to introduce an exemplary second fluid into second portion 222, then second valve 122 is closed and two-way valve 120a is opened to fill first portion 220 with an exemplary first fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, as an exemplary first fluid enters first portion 220, it causes movable separator 218 to displace and move towards top plate 116. In an exemplary embodiment, filling first portion 220 may continue until a maximum pressure, Pmax, is reached. In an exemplary embodiment, because an exemplary second fluid is more compressible than first fluid, as firstportion 220 is filling with the exemplary first fluid, the exemplary second fluid is continuously compressed by movable separator 218 until maximum pressure, Pmax, is reached.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view 300 of an exemplary movable separator 218, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, movable separator 218 may comprise at least one exemplary opening 312. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one opening 312 may be capable of receiving at least one rod 212 (shown in FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, movable separator 218 may be slidably movable along at least one rod 212 (as shown in FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, at least one exemplary opening 314 may be disposed at a center of circular plate of movable separator 218. In an exemplary embodiment, movable separator 218 may comprise a plurality of exemplary openings 312 which are equally spaced from one another along a circumference 316 of circular plate of movable separator 218. In an exemplary embodiment, circumference 316 may define an imaginary circle having an exemplary radius, R, in movable separator 218 along which openings 312 are evenly disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, movable separator 218 may further comprise an exemplary first face 318 oriented towards first portion 220, and an exemplary second face 320 oriented towards second portion 222.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view 400 of an exemplary pressure vessel 112 along plane B-B depicted in FIG. 1, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, enclosed vessel 114 may comprise an exemplary flange 412 which connects cylindrical body 115 to top plate 116. In an exemplary embodiment, flange 412 may comprise a plurality of exemplary fasteners 414 including temporary or permanent fastening means such as pivots, bolts and nuts, welding, soldering, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, respective connectors 214 of corresponding rods 212 may be connected to an exemplary inner edge 416 of flange 412.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic arrangement 500 of an exemplary pressure vessel 112 utilized to supply pressurized water for exemplary consumers, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, device or pressure vessel 112 may comprise an exemplary pump 512. In an exemplary embodiment, pump 512 may be connected to two-way valve 120a of first valve 120. In an exemplary embodiment, pump 512 may be configured to conduct an exemplary first fluid from an exemplary storage 514 into first portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, pump 512 may be configured to conduct an exemplary first fluid from enclosed vessel 114 towards an exemplary consumer 516. In an exemplary embodiment, storage 514 may be connected to an exemplary inlet 512a of pump 512 to suction an exemplary fluid from storage 514 into pump 512. In an exemplary embodiment, two-way valve 120a may be connected to an exemplary outlet 512b of pump 512 to conduct an exemplary first fluid from pump 512 into first portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more exemplary valves 518 and 520 may be mounted along exemplary pipes 522 and 524, respectively, to facilitate pressure regulation of an exemplary first fluid which flows through pipes 522 and 524.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 5, device or pressure vessel 112 may further comprise an exemplary pressure gauge 526. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure gauge 526 may be configured to measure a pressure of either an exemplary first fluid or second fluid deposited inside enclosed vessel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure vessel 112 may further comprise an exemplary controller 528. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 528 may be configured to manage exemplary operations of pump 512, valves 518 and 520 based on pressure gauge 526.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, when pressure vessel 112 is empty of both exemplary first and second fluids, second valve 122 may be opened to allow an exemplarysecond fluid fills second portion 222 to an exemplary pressure, Ps, then second valve 122 may be closed. In an exemplary embodiment, because first portion 220 is empty, movable separator 218 may be pushed toward base plate 118 by an exemplary second fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 528 may order to activate pump 512. In an exemplary embodiment, pump 512 may conduct an exemplary first fluid from storage 514 towards first section 220 of pressure vessel 112 to fill second portion 222 to maximum pressure, Pmax. In an exemplary embodiment, filling first portion 220 may cause movable separator 218 to move backward (i.e., towards top plate 116) until a pressure balance is established between first portion 220 and second portion 222. In an exemplary embodiment, each time consumer 516 demands to use an exemplary first fluid, an exemplary first fluid may be discharged from first portion 220 through two-way valve 120a and piping 524. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary force needed to transfer an exemplary first fluid to consumer 516 may be supplied by pressurized second fluid deposited in second portion 222 which exert force to movable separator 218 to discharge an exemplary first fluid out of first portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, when some of first fluid is discharged from first portion 220 and pressure is decreased inside enclosed vessel 114 to a minimum pressure, Pmin, controller 528 may order to activate pump 512 to recharge first portion 220 with an exemplary first fluid from storage 514.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, due to inclusion of movable separator 218 in disclosed pressure vessel 112 instead of conventional bladders or diaphragms, there will be no dimensional constraints on manufactured pressure vessel 112. In an exemplary embodiment, aforementioned features for pressure vessel 112 may be utilized to use air as second fluid accumulated in second portion 222 to pressurize water as first fluid stored in first portion 220.In an exemplary embodiment, movable separator 218 may be manufactured of materialsselected from polyethylene, polypropylene, lightweight synthetic resins, fiberglass, carbon fibers, wood, or cork or a combination thereof.

[0038] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0040] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0041] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0042] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0043] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0044] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it may be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. This is for purposes of streamlining the disclosure, and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0045] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and / or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for pressurizing a first fluid, the device comprising: an enclosed vessel comprising a top plate, and a base plate; at least one rod extending inside the enclosed vessel between the top plate and the base plate; and a movable separator comprising at least one opening receiving the at least one rod, the movable separator disposed inside the enclosed vessel and being slidably movable along the at least one rod and dividing the enclosed vessel into two discrete portions comprising: a first portion defined between the movable separator and the base plate, the first portion comprising the first fluid; and a second portion defined between the movable separator and the top plate, the second portion comprising a second fluid.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the enclosed vessel further comprises a cylindrical body extending between the top plate and the base plate.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the movable separator may further comprise a circular plate having a complementary radius to an inside of the cylindrical body.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the base plate comprises a first valve configured to conduct the first fluid into or out of the first portion.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the top plate comprises a second valve configured to conduct the second fluid into or out of the second portion.

6. The device of claim 5 further comprising a pump connected to the first valve, the pump configured to conduct the first fluid from a storage into the first portion.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the pump is further configured to conduct the first fluid from the enclosed vessel towards a consumer.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the at least one opening is disposed at a center of the circular plate.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings equally spaced from one another along a circumference of the circular plate.

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