Multi-function pressure vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer fluid systems require separate devices for expansion, deaeration, and dirt separation, leading to increased space requirements and installation time, as well as higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function pressure vessel that integrates the functions of an expansion tank, deaerator, and dirt separator into a single unit, featuring a bladder with a pressurized gas chamber and a perforated internal pipe for accommodating fluid expansion, air venting, and dirt removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices (expansion tank, deaerator, dirt separator) are installed in the heat transfer fluid system, then each function is reliably performed, but the space requirement increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate devices (expansion tank, deaerator, and dirt separator) into a single integrated pressure vessel. The tank houses a bladder for expansion fluid accommodation, a perforated internal pipe for deaeration, and a collection space at the bottom for dirt separation, all within one unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate installations while maintaining all three functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure vessel is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs expansion accommodation, air removal, and dirt separation. The single device replaces three specialized devices, making the system more compact and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable performance of all three functions.
2Reliability
If separate devices (expansion tank, deaerator, dirt separator) are installed in the heat transfer fluid system, then each function is reliably performed, but the installation time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate devices (expansion tank, deaerator, and dirt separator) into a single integrated pressure vessel. The tank houses a bladder for expansion fluid accommodation, a perforated internal pipe for deaeration, and a collection space at the bottom for dirt separation, all within one unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate installations while maintaining all three functions.
3Reliability
If separate devices (expansion tank, deaerator, dirt separator) are installed in the heat transfer fluid system, then each function is reliably performed, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate devices (expansion tank, deaerator, and dirt separator) into a single integrated pressure vessel. The tank houses a bladder for expansion fluid accommodation, a perforated internal pipe for deaeration, and a collection space at the bottom for dirt separation, all within one unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate installations while maintaining all three functions.
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 integrated solution reduces the number of devices needed, thereby decreasing installation time and costs while effectively managing fluid expansion, air removal, and dirt separation within a heat transfer fluid system.
Implementation Method 1
to accommodate increases in volume resulting from the temperature rise of non-compressible heating fluids
Implementation Method 2
a pressurized gas chamber surrounding the bladder inside the tank, the bladder defining a variable internal volume for accommodating expansion fluid
Implementation Method 3
an air vent at an upper end of the tank... the bladder having a vent opening connected to the tank about an air vent at an upper end of the tank
Implementation Method 4
an internal pipe extending from the heat transfer fluid inlet to the heat transfer fluid outlet through the bladder, the internal pipe including a plurality of perforations
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function pressure vessel suited for installation in a heat transfer fluid system. The multi-function pressure vessel comprises: a tank defining an internal volume, a bladder dividing the internal volume into a heat transfer fluid chamber for ac commodating expansion fluid and a pressurized gas chamber adapted to be filled with a pressurized gas. The tank has a heat transfer fluid inlet for receiving an incoming flow of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid system and a heat transfer fluid outlet connected in fluid flow communication with the heat transfer fluid inlet by an internal pipe mounted in the heat transfer fluid chamber. The internal pipe has perforations defined therein. An air vent at an upper end of the heat transfer fluid chamber is provided for venting any air bubbles passing through the perforations in the internal pipe. A drain valve may be provided at a bottom end of the heat transfer fluid chamber for removing dirt particles flowing through the perforations in the internal pipe.