Dosing Assembly with Removable Basket for Solid Chemical Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for heating and cooling systems are not suitable for introducing solid chemicals, as they are designed for liquid chemicals only, and do not effectively address contamination issues such as limescale, corrosion products, and biological growths, which can lead to system impairment and require frequent flushing and component replacement.
Innovation Solution
A dosing assembly that allows for the introduction of both liquid and solid chemicals, featuring a dosing vessel with a removable lid for safe pressure release, a basket for holding solid chemicals, a micro-bubble coalescing device for air venting, and pressure sensors for monitoring and warning of system faults, enabling filtration and chemical distribution without system depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dosing pot with a narrow threaded tube is used for liquid chemicals, then the dosing port can be connected to liquid supply, but solid chemicals cannot be introduced due to the narrow opening
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing pot is divided into separate functional components: a removable lid assembly with a wide opening for solid chemical introduction, and a separate dosing port assembly for liquid chemical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the lid for solid handling and the dosing port for liquid dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides a dual-access approach by adding a vertical dimension (removable lid at the top) for solid chemical introduction, while maintaining the horizontal dosing port connection for liquid chemicals. This multi-dimensional access strategy resolves the contradiction between narrow dosing port requirements and solid chemical introduction needs.
2Stress or pressure
If the dosing pot lid is bolted securely to withstand pressure, then pressure containment is improved, but safe removal for chemical filling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism that provides strong pressure containment during operation but allows for controlled, safe removal when needed. The seal engages firmly under pressure to maintain containment integrity, but can be disengaged through a defined procedure that ensures safe pressure release before removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pressure relief mechanisms and procedural safeguards that are activated before lid removal. Pressure sensors and relief valves ensure that pressure is reduced to safe levels before the lid can be removed, preventing dangerous pressure release while maintaining strong containment during normal operation.
3Productivity
If chemicals are introduced into a pressurized system, then system operation is maintained, but contamination control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing pot assembly serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the external chemical supply and the pressurized closed loop system. It includes filtration mechanisms and controlled introduction pathways that prevent contaminants from entering the system while allowing effective chemical dosing to occur under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual opening and chemical pouring methods with a pressurized dosing system that introduces chemicals through controlled mechanical or automated mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need to open the system to atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining operational continuity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is added to capture contaminants, then system performance is improved, but pressure drop across the filter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter incorporates porous filtering media that provides effective contaminant capture while maintaining adequate flow characteristics. The porous structure offers multiple flow pathways that reduce pressure drop compared to denser filtering materials, balancing contamination removal with pressure loss minimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering system is designed with extended surface area in the flow direction, creating a longer but narrower filtration path. This dimensional approach increases the effective filtering surface without significantly increasing pressure drop, as the flow is distributed across multiple pathways rather than constrained in a single dimension.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dosing assembly effectively introduces and dissolves chemicals, filters the system fluid, vents air, and monitors pressure, reducing contamination and the need for frequent system maintenance, while allowing for the use of solid chemicals and providing safety features to prevent accidents.
Implementation Method 1
bubble coalescing device causing air bubbles in a fluid flowing through the dosing chamber to coalesce and rise to an automatic air vent
Implementation Method 2
provision for sensing pressure within the dosing chamber and providing a warning signal if the pressure deviates from an acceptable range
Implementation Method 3
soluble chemicals introduced into the dosing chamber to dissolve in system fluid passing through the dosing chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a dosing assembly (100) for connection to a heating or cooling system. The dosing assembly comprises a dosing vessel(102)which defines a dosing chamber (104) and which is provided with a fluid inlet port (114) communicating with the dosing chamber and connectable to a higher pressure part of the system, and a fluid outlet port(110)communicating with the dosing chamber and connectable to a lower pressure part of the system. The dosing vessel has an upwardly facing opening communicating with the dosing chamber, and a removable lid (106) for closing and sealing the said opening.The assembly further comprises a basket (118) which is insertable in and removable from the dosing chamber (104) though the said opening, the basket being configured to receive and retain fluid treatment chemicals in solid form. When disposed in the dosing chamber (104) the basket serves to maintain the said solid form chemicals in a flow path through the dosing chamber from the fluid inlet port to the fluid outlet port. The basket is permeable to fluid flowing along the flow path and so enables the solid form chemicals to be exposed to fluid flow and to be dissolved in the fluid and carried through the system.