US20110247572A1 - Water heater including a dip tube - Google Patents
Water heater including a dip tube Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110247572A1 US20110247572A1 US13/081,676 US201113081676A US2011247572A1 US 20110247572 A1 US20110247572 A1 US 20110247572A1 US 201113081676 A US201113081676 A US 201113081676A US 2011247572 A1 US2011247572 A1 US 2011247572A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- restriction
- dip tube
- water heater
- diameter
- storage tank
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
- F24H1/20—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
- F24H1/205—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes with furnace tubes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/12—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes
- F24H9/13—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes for water heaters
- F24H9/133—Storage heaters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to water heaters. More specifically, the present invention relates to dip tubes for water heaters. A dip tube is used to provide cold water to the storage tank of the water heater.
- the present invention provides, in one aspect, a water heater including a storage tank, a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank, and a dip tube extending into the tank.
- the dip tube includes upper and lower ends, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to a lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.
- the present invention provides, in another aspect, a dip tube for use with a water heater including a storage tank with a lower portion and an upper portion and a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank.
- the dip tube including an upper end, a lower end, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to the lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a water heater including a dip tube.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dip tube of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 2 along line 3 - 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert of the dip tube of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the dip tube of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a water heater including a dip tube.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dip tube of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 7 along line 8 - 8 .
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 7 along line 9 - 9 .
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 7 along line 10 - 10 .
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 7 along line 11 - 11 .
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a dip tube.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a water heater 100 including a tank 110 containing water, a jacket 115 surrounding the tank 110 , and a heat source or burner 120 .
- the tank includes an upper portion 125 and a lower portion 130 .
- the upper portion 125 is the upper half of the tank 110 and the lower portion 130 is the lower half of the tank 110 .
- Insulation 135 is provided between the tank 110 and the jacket 115 .
- a flammable fuel is provided to the burner 120 by a fuel line inlet 140 connected to a fuel valve 145 .
- the burner 120 is positioned in a combustion chamber 150 beneath the tank 110 .
- the fuel valve 145 is connected to a fuel supply.
- the fuel can be, for example, natural gas or propane.
- the combustion chamber 150 is connected to an air supply, for example, the atmosphere around the water heater 100 .
- a flue tube 155 extends from the combustion chamber 150 through the tank 110 .
- the products of combustion or exhaust gases created by the burner 120 flow through the flue tube 155 to heat the water stored in the tank 110 .
- a cold water inlet pipe 160 is connected by a spud 165 to a dip tube 170 to supply cold water to the tank 110 .
- a hot water supply pipe 175 connected to a spud 180 supplies hot water to an end-use location, for example, a faucet.
- a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve 185 permits water to be released from the tank 110 in the event of high pressure or high temperature within the tank 110 .
- the water heater 100 as described above is a conventional gas-fired water heater.
- the water heater 100 is a conventional electric water heater and the heat source is at least one electrical heating element extending into the tank, rather than a burner 120 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the dip tube 170 .
- the dip tube is formed by a tubular wall 190 that extends from an upper end 195 to a lower end 200 .
- the lower end 200 is positioned in the lower portion 130 of the tank 110 .
- the dip tube 170 can have various overall lengths and diameters as is known in the art. In the illustrated construction, the dip tube 170 has a length of approximately 44 inches, an outside diameter of approximately 0.65 inch, and a wall thickness of approximately 0.035 inch.
- An insert 205 is located inside the dip tube 170 .
- the insert 205 is shown in detail in FIGS. 3-4 .
- the insert 205 provides a restriction 210 in the dip tube 170 .
- the restriction 210 is located in the upper portion 125 of the tank 110 .
- the top of the insert 205 is approximately 6.5 inches below the upper end 195 of the dip tube 170 .
- the wall 190 has therein a hole or opening 215 .
- the opening 215 is positioned above the restriction 210 .
- the opening 215 is located approximately six inches below the upper end 195 and the diameter of the opening 215 is approximately 0.31 inch.
- multiple openings located above the restriction are provided in the wall of the dip tube.
- the insert 205 is preferably made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and has a tubular side wall 220 defining a central passageway 225 .
- the outside of the side wall 220 has thereon a plurality of circumferential barbs 230 that provide a friction fit with the inside of the dip tube 170 .
- the insert 205 can be secured within the dip tube 170 by a variety of appropriate methods, including a threaded connection, adhesive, or a friction fit without barbs, for example.
- the lower end of the insert 205 includes an annular hub 235 with a central opening 240 .
- the hub 235 is connected to the side wall 220 by a plurality of spokes 245 extending downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of the side wall 220 . Water flowing through the insert 205 can exit through the openings 247 between the spokes 245 or through the hub opening 240 .
- the insert 205 effectively reduces the inside diameter of the dip tube 170 , creating above the restriction 210 a back pressure that forces cold water out of the dip tube 170 through the opening 215 .
- the cold water exiting through the opening 215 into the upper portion 125 of the tank 110 helps to keep the temperature in the upper portion 125 within the preferred operating temperatures, thereby avoiding triggering the T&P valve 185 due to high temperature.
- the dip tube 170 addresses a problem where water flows of approximately one gallon per minute (or lower) can cause overheating at the upper portion 125 of the tank 100 , which would trip the T&P valve 185 due to high temperature.
- the dip tube 170 inhibits stacking within the tank 110 , which helps improve the Energy Factor (EF) of the water heater 100 by preventing unnecessary cycling of the heat source 120 .
- EF Energy Factor
- a diffuser 250 is inserted in the lower end 200 of the dip tube 170 .
- the diffuser is preferably made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and is similar in construction to the insert 205 .
- the diffuser 250 includes a tubular side wall 255 defining a central passageway 260 .
- the outside of the side wall 255 has thereon a plurality of circumferential barbs 265 that provide a friction fit with the inside of the dip tube 170 .
- the diffuser 250 can be secured to the dip tube 170 by a variety of appropriate methods, including a threaded connection, adhesive, or a friction fit without barbs, for example.
- a lower portion 270 of the side wall 260 has an increased thickness and has therein three openings 275 spaced one hundred twenty degrees apart. Alternatively, more or fewer openings 275 are formed in the lower portion 270 .
- the lower end of the diffuser 250 includes an annular hub 280 with a central opening 285 .
- the hub 280 is connected to the side wall 255 by a plurality of spokes 290 extending downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of the side wall 255 .
- Cold water exits the dip tube 170 into the lower portion 130 of the tank 110 through the diffuser 250 . Water exits the diffuser through the side wall openings 275 , through the openings 295 between the spokes 290 , or through the hub opening 285 .
- the total area of the side wall openings 275 , the hub opening 285 , and the openings 295 of the diffuser 250 is greater than the total area of the hub opening 240 and the openings 247 of the insert 205 .
- the dip tube 170 does not include the diffuser 250 so that cold water exits the dip tube 170 into the lower portion 130 of the tank 110 through the lower end 200 of the dip tube 170 .
- FIGS. 6-11 An alternative dip tube 370 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-11 . Components similar to those of the dip tube 170 described above are numbered in a similar fashion plus two hundred.
- a restriction 410 is formed in the dip tube 370 .
- the restriction 410 is located in the upper portion 125 of the tank 110 .
- the inner diameter of the dip tube 370 is reduced at the restriction 410 .
- Three openings 415 are formed through the wall 390 and are positioned above the restriction 410 .
- the openings 415 are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the dip tube 370 . Alternatively, more or fewer openings 415 can be formed through the wall 390 .
- the restriction 410 creates a back pressure that forces cold water out of the dip tube 370 through the openings 415 and into the tank 110 .
- the center points of the openings 415 are included in a plane 417 (shown in FIG. 8 and also as the cutting plane of FIG. 9 ) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 372 of the dip tube 370 .
- the openings 415 are of equal diameter. Alternatively, the diameter of the openings 415 can vary.
- a second restriction 510 and associated openings 515 are formed in the dip tube 370 below the restriction 410 .
- the restriction 510 and openings 515 are similar to the restriction 410 and openings 415 described above.
- the openings 515 are offset from the openings 415 so that none of the openings 515 are aligned with any of the openings 415 .
- the restriction 510 creates a back pressure that forces cold water out of the dip tube 370 through the openings 515 and into the tank 110 .
- the center points of the openings 515 are included in a plane (the cutting plane of FIG. 10 ) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 372 of the dip tube 370 .
- a third restriction 610 and associated openings 615 are formed in the dip tube 370 below the restriction 510 .
- the restriction 610 and openings 615 are similar to the restriction 410 and openings 415 described above.
- the openings 615 are offset from the openings 515 so that none of the openings 615 are aligned with any of the openings 515 .
- the restriction 610 creates a back pressure that forces cold water out of the dip tube 370 through the openings 615 and into the tank 110 .
- the center points of the openings 615 are included in a plane (the cutting plane of FIG. 11 ) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 372 of the dip tube 370 .
- the restrictions 410 , 510 , and 610 are integrally formed in the dip tube 370 .
- the dip tube 370 can include more or fewer restrictions.
- the spacing between the restrictions can be constant or can vary.
- the restrictions 410 , 510 , and 610 can be created by multiple inserts 205 located in the dip tube 370 .
- the openings 415 , 515 , and 615 all have the same diameter.
- the openings 415 have a different diameter than the openings 515 , which have a different diameter than the openings 615 .
- the dip tube 670 includes an insert 675 , an upper tube 680 , and a lower tube 685 .
- the insert 675 has a tubular side wall 690 that defines a central passageway 695 .
- the insert 675 includes an upper portion 700 , a central portion 705 , and a lower portion 710 .
- the outside of the upper portion 700 has thereon a plurality of circumferential barbs 715 that provide a friction fit with the inside of the upper tube 680 .
- the central portion 705 includes a restriction 720 so that the diameter of the central passageway 695 at the central portion 705 is smaller than the diameter of the central passageway 695 at either the upper portion 700 or the lower portion 710 .
- the outside of the lower portion 710 has thereon a plurality of circumferential barbs 715 that provide a friction fit with the inside of the lower tube 685 .
- the insert 675 can be secured to the upper tube 680 and the lower tube 685 by a variety of appropriate methods, including a threaded connection, adhesive, or a friction fit without barbs, for example.
- the upper tube 680 is formed by a tubular wall 725 and includes a lower end 730 .
- the wall 725 has therein a hole or opening 735 .
- multiple openings 735 are provided in the wall 725 .
- the lower tube 685 is formed by a tubular wall 740 and includes an upper end 745 .
- the dip tube 670 is constructed by inserting the upper portion 700 of the insert 675 into the lower end 730 of the upper tube 680 and by inserting the lower portion 710 of the insert 675 into the upper end 745 of the lower tube 685 so that the insert 675 connects the upper tube 680 to the lower tube 685 .
- the central portion 705 of the insert 675 effectively reduces the inside diameter of the dip tube 670 , creating above the restriction 720 a back pressure that forces cold water out of the dip tube 670 through the opening 735 .
- a dip tube with multiple restrictions similar to the dip tube 670 can be constructed by using additional inserts 675 and additional tubes so that when the additional inserts 675 and tubes are attached to one another, a back pressure is created above the restriction 720 of each insert that 675 forces cold water out of the dip tube through an opening 735 in the tube above that insert 675 .
Abstract
A water heater includes a storage tank, a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank, and a dip tube extending into the tank. The dip tube includes upper and lower ends, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to a lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.
Description
- This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/322,387 filed on Apr. 9, 2010, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to water heaters. More specifically, the present invention relates to dip tubes for water heaters. A dip tube is used to provide cold water to the storage tank of the water heater.
- The present invention provides, in one aspect, a water heater including a storage tank, a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank, and a dip tube extending into the tank. The dip tube includes upper and lower ends, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to a lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.
- The present invention provides, in another aspect, a dip tube for use with a water heater including a storage tank with a lower portion and an upper portion and a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank. The dip tube including an upper end, a lower end, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to the lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.
- Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a water heater including a dip tube. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dip tube ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the dip tube ofFIG. 2 along line 3-3. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert of the dip tube ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the dip tube ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a water heater including a dip tube. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dip tube ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the dip tube ofFIG. 7 along line 8-8. -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the dip tube ofFIG. 7 along line 9-9. -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the dip tube ofFIG. 7 along line 10-10. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the dip tube ofFIG. 7 along line 11-11. -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a dip tube. - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates awater heater 100 including atank 110 containing water, ajacket 115 surrounding thetank 110, and a heat source orburner 120. The tank includes anupper portion 125 and alower portion 130. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper portion 125 is the upper half of thetank 110 and thelower portion 130 is the lower half of thetank 110.Insulation 135 is provided between thetank 110 and thejacket 115. A flammable fuel is provided to theburner 120 by afuel line inlet 140 connected to afuel valve 145. Theburner 120 is positioned in acombustion chamber 150 beneath thetank 110. Thefuel valve 145 is connected to a fuel supply. The fuel can be, for example, natural gas or propane. Thecombustion chamber 150 is connected to an air supply, for example, the atmosphere around thewater heater 100. Aflue tube 155 extends from thecombustion chamber 150 through thetank 110. The products of combustion or exhaust gases created by theburner 120 flow through theflue tube 155 to heat the water stored in thetank 110. A coldwater inlet pipe 160 is connected by aspud 165 to adip tube 170 to supply cold water to thetank 110. A hotwater supply pipe 175 connected to aspud 180 supplies hot water to an end-use location, for example, a faucet. A temperature and pressure (T&P)valve 185 permits water to be released from thetank 110 in the event of high pressure or high temperature within thetank 110. Thewater heater 100 as described above is a conventional gas-fired water heater. Alternatively, thewater heater 100 is a conventional electric water heater and the heat source is at least one electrical heating element extending into the tank, rather than aburner 120. -
FIG. 2 illustrates thedip tube 170. The dip tube is formed by atubular wall 190 that extends from anupper end 195 to alower end 200. Thelower end 200 is positioned in thelower portion 130 of thetank 110. Thedip tube 170 can have various overall lengths and diameters as is known in the art. In the illustrated construction, thedip tube 170 has a length of approximately 44 inches, an outside diameter of approximately 0.65 inch, and a wall thickness of approximately 0.035 inch. - An
insert 205 is located inside thedip tube 170. Theinsert 205 is shown in detail inFIGS. 3-4 . Theinsert 205 provides arestriction 210 in thedip tube 170. Therestriction 210 is located in theupper portion 125 of thetank 110. Preferably, the top of theinsert 205 is approximately 6.5 inches below theupper end 195 of thedip tube 170. Thewall 190 has therein a hole or opening 215. Theopening 215 is positioned above therestriction 210. Preferably, theopening 215 is located approximately six inches below theupper end 195 and the diameter of theopening 215 is approximately 0.31 inch. Alternatively, multiple openings located above the restriction are provided in the wall of the dip tube. - The
insert 205 is preferably made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and has a tubular side wall 220 defining acentral passageway 225. The outside of the side wall 220 has thereon a plurality ofcircumferential barbs 230 that provide a friction fit with the inside of thedip tube 170. Alternatively, theinsert 205 can be secured within thedip tube 170 by a variety of appropriate methods, including a threaded connection, adhesive, or a friction fit without barbs, for example. The lower end of theinsert 205 includes anannular hub 235 with acentral opening 240. Thehub 235 is connected to the side wall 220 by a plurality ofspokes 245 extending downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of the side wall 220. Water flowing through theinsert 205 can exit through theopenings 247 between thespokes 245 or through the hub opening 240. - The
insert 205 effectively reduces the inside diameter of thedip tube 170, creating above the restriction 210 a back pressure that forces cold water out of thedip tube 170 through theopening 215. The cold water exiting through theopening 215 into theupper portion 125 of thetank 110 helps to keep the temperature in theupper portion 125 within the preferred operating temperatures, thereby avoiding triggering theT&P valve 185 due to high temperature. In this way, thedip tube 170 addresses a problem where water flows of approximately one gallon per minute (or lower) can cause overheating at theupper portion 125 of thetank 100, which would trip theT&P valve 185 due to high temperature. Additionally, thedip tube 170 inhibits stacking within thetank 110, which helps improve the Energy Factor (EF) of thewater heater 100 by preventing unnecessary cycling of theheat source 120. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , adiffuser 250 is inserted in thelower end 200 of thedip tube 170. The diffuser is preferably made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and is similar in construction to theinsert 205. Thediffuser 250 includes atubular side wall 255 defining acentral passageway 260. The outside of theside wall 255 has thereon a plurality ofcircumferential barbs 265 that provide a friction fit with the inside of thedip tube 170. Alternatively, thediffuser 250 can be secured to thedip tube 170 by a variety of appropriate methods, including a threaded connection, adhesive, or a friction fit without barbs, for example. Alower portion 270 of theside wall 260 has an increased thickness and has therein threeopenings 275 spaced one hundred twenty degrees apart. Alternatively, more orfewer openings 275 are formed in thelower portion 270. The lower end of thediffuser 250 includes an annular hub 280 with acentral opening 285. The hub 280 is connected to theside wall 255 by a plurality ofspokes 290 extending downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of theside wall 255. Cold water exits thedip tube 170 into thelower portion 130 of thetank 110 through thediffuser 250. Water exits the diffuser through theside wall openings 275, through theopenings 295 between thespokes 290, or through thehub opening 285. The total area of theside wall openings 275, thehub opening 285, and theopenings 295 of thediffuser 250 is greater than the total area of thehub opening 240 and theopenings 247 of theinsert 205. Alternatively, thedip tube 170 does not include thediffuser 250 so that cold water exits thedip tube 170 into thelower portion 130 of thetank 110 through thelower end 200 of thedip tube 170. - An
alternative dip tube 370 is illustrated inFIGS. 6-11 . Components similar to those of thedip tube 170 described above are numbered in a similar fashion plus two hundred. - As shown in
FIGS. 7-9 , arestriction 410 is formed in thedip tube 370. Therestriction 410 is located in theupper portion 125 of thetank 110. The inner diameter of thedip tube 370 is reduced at therestriction 410. Threeopenings 415 are formed through thewall 390 and are positioned above therestriction 410. Theopenings 415 are uniformly distributed around the circumference of thedip tube 370. Alternatively, more orfewer openings 415 can be formed through thewall 390. Therestriction 410 creates a back pressure that forces cold water out of thedip tube 370 through theopenings 415 and into thetank 110. Preferably, the center points of theopenings 415 are included in a plane 417 (shown inFIG. 8 and also as the cutting plane ofFIG. 9 ) that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 372 of thedip tube 370. Preferably, theopenings 415 are of equal diameter. Alternatively, the diameter of theopenings 415 can vary. - As shown in
FIGS. 7 and 10 , asecond restriction 510 and associatedopenings 515 are formed in thedip tube 370 below therestriction 410. Therestriction 510 andopenings 515 are similar to therestriction 410 andopenings 415 described above. Theopenings 515 are offset from theopenings 415 so that none of theopenings 515 are aligned with any of theopenings 415. Therestriction 510 creates a back pressure that forces cold water out of thedip tube 370 through theopenings 515 and into thetank 110. Preferably, the center points of theopenings 515 are included in a plane (the cutting plane ofFIG. 10 ) that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 372 of thedip tube 370. - As shown in
FIGS. 7 and 11 , athird restriction 610 and associatedopenings 615 are formed in thedip tube 370 below therestriction 510. Therestriction 610 andopenings 615 are similar to therestriction 410 andopenings 415 described above. Theopenings 615 are offset from theopenings 515 so that none of theopenings 615 are aligned with any of theopenings 515. Therestriction 610 creates a back pressure that forces cold water out of thedip tube 370 through theopenings 615 and into thetank 110. Preferably, the center points of theopenings 615 are included in a plane (the cutting plane ofFIG. 11 ) that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 372 of thedip tube 370. - The
restrictions dip tube 370. Alternatively, thedip tube 370 can include more or fewer restrictions. The spacing between the restrictions can be constant or can vary. Alternatively, therestrictions multiple inserts 205 located in thedip tube 370. Preferably, theopenings openings 415 have a different diameter than theopenings 515, which have a different diameter than theopenings 615. - An
alternative dip tube 670 is illustrated inFIG. 12 . Thedip tube 670 includes aninsert 675, anupper tube 680, and alower tube 685. Theinsert 675 has atubular side wall 690 that defines acentral passageway 695. Theinsert 675 includes anupper portion 700, acentral portion 705, and alower portion 710. The outside of theupper portion 700 has thereon a plurality ofcircumferential barbs 715 that provide a friction fit with the inside of theupper tube 680. Thecentral portion 705 includes arestriction 720 so that the diameter of thecentral passageway 695 at thecentral portion 705 is smaller than the diameter of thecentral passageway 695 at either theupper portion 700 or thelower portion 710. The outside of thelower portion 710 has thereon a plurality ofcircumferential barbs 715 that provide a friction fit with the inside of thelower tube 685. Alternatively, theinsert 675 can be secured to theupper tube 680 and thelower tube 685 by a variety of appropriate methods, including a threaded connection, adhesive, or a friction fit without barbs, for example. - The
upper tube 680 is formed by atubular wall 725 and includes alower end 730. Thewall 725 has therein a hole oropening 735. Alternatively,multiple openings 735 are provided in thewall 725. Thelower tube 685 is formed by atubular wall 740 and includes anupper end 745. - The
dip tube 670 is constructed by inserting theupper portion 700 of theinsert 675 into thelower end 730 of theupper tube 680 and by inserting thelower portion 710 of theinsert 675 into theupper end 745 of thelower tube 685 so that theinsert 675 connects theupper tube 680 to thelower tube 685. Thecentral portion 705 of theinsert 675 effectively reduces the inside diameter of thedip tube 670, creating above the restriction 720 a back pressure that forces cold water out of thedip tube 670 through theopening 735. A dip tube with multiple restrictions similar to thedip tube 670 can be constructed by usingadditional inserts 675 and additional tubes so that when theadditional inserts 675 and tubes are attached to one another, a back pressure is created above therestriction 720 of each insert that 675 forces cold water out of the dip tube through anopening 735 in the tube above thatinsert 675. - Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A water heater comprising:
a storage tank;
a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank;
a dip tube extending into the tank, the dip tube having upper and lower ends, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to a lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the restriction.
2. The water heater of claim 1 , wherein the upper opening is one of a plurality of upper openings above the restriction and uniformly distributed around the circumference of the dip tube.
3. The water heater of claim 2 , wherein the dip tube further includes a second restriction between the upper end and the lower end so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the second restriction, and a plurality of second upper openings uniformly distributed around the circumference of the dip tube, the second upper openings positioned above the second restriction for providing water to the storage tank due to the second restriction.
4. The water heater of claim 3 , wherein the upper openings each have a first diameter and the second upper openings each have a second diameter different than the first diameter.
5. The water heater of claim 3 , wherein the dip tube further includes a longitudinal axis, and wherein center points of the first-mentioned upper openings define a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and center points of the second upper openings define a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
6. The water heater of claim 5 , wherein the first-mentioned upper openings each have a first diameter and the second upper openings each have a second diameter different than the first diameter.
7. The water heater of claim 5 , wherein the second upper openings are offset from the first-mentioned upper openings.
8. The water heater of claim 7 , wherein the first-mentioned upper openings each have a first diameter and the second upper openings each have a second diameter different than the first diameter.
9. The water heater of claim 3 , wherein the dip tube further includes a third restriction between the upper end and the lower end so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the third restriction and a plurality of third upper openings uniformly distributed around the circumference of the dip tube, the third upper openings positioned above the third restriction for providing water to the storage tank due to the third restriction.
10. The water heater of claim 9 , wherein the first-mentioned upper openings each have a first diameter, the second upper openings each have a second diameter different than the first diameter, and the third upper openings each have a third diameter different than the first diameter and the second diameter.
11. The water heater of claim 9 , wherein the dip tube further includes a longitudinal axis; and wherein center points of the first-mentioned upper openings define a first plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, center points of the second upper openings define a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and center points of the third upper openings define a third plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
12. The water heater of claim 11 , wherein the first-mentioned upper openings each have a first diameter, the second upper openings each have a second diameter different than the first diameter, and the third upper openings each have a third diameter different than the first diameter and the second diameter.
13. The water heater of claim 11 , wherein the second upper openings are offset from the first-mentioned upper openings and the third upper openings are offset from the second upper openings.
14. The water heater of claim 1 , wherein the restriction is formed as an insert that is positioned within the dip tube.
15. The water heater of claim 1 , wherein the restriction is integrally formed with the dip tube.
16. The water heater of claim 1 , wherein the dip tube further includes an insert, an upper tube, and a lower tube, the insert connecting the upper tube to the lower tube; wherein the restriction is formed in the insert; and wherein the upper opening is formed in the upper tube.
17. The water heater of claim 1 , wherein the dip tube further includes a second restriction between the upper end and the lower end so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the second restriction and a second upper opening above the second restriction for providing water to the storage tank due to the second restriction.
18. The water heater of claim 17 , wherein the first-mentioned restriction and the second restriction are integrally formed with the dip tube.
19. The water heater of claim 17 , wherein the dip tube further includes a third restriction between the upper end and the lower end so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the third restriction, and a third upper opening above the third restriction for providing water to the storage tank due to the third restriction.
20. A dip tube for use with a water heater including a storage tank with a lower portion and an upper portion and a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank, the dip tube comprising:
an upper end;
a lower end;
a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank;
a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to the lower portion of the storage tank; and
an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/081,676 US20110247572A1 (en) | 2010-04-09 | 2011-04-07 | Water heater including a dip tube |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US32238710P | 2010-04-09 | 2010-04-09 | |
US13/081,676 US20110247572A1 (en) | 2010-04-09 | 2011-04-07 | Water heater including a dip tube |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110247572A1 true US20110247572A1 (en) | 2011-10-13 |
Family
ID=44760004
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/081,676 Abandoned US20110247572A1 (en) | 2010-04-09 | 2011-04-07 | Water heater including a dip tube |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110247572A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8936020B1 (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2015-01-20 | Fricaeco America Sapi De C.V. | Solar fluids preheating system with low thermal losses |
US20150192326A1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-07-09 | General Electric Company | Water heater appliance |
US9534811B2 (en) | 2014-12-31 | 2017-01-03 | Fricaeco America, SAPI de C.V. | Solar fluid preheating system having a thermosiphonic aperture and concentrating and accelerating convective nanolenses |
US9557078B2 (en) | 2011-02-11 | 2017-01-31 | Fricaeco America Sapi De C.V. | Solar heater for liquids |
US20170115030A1 (en) * | 2015-10-26 | 2017-04-27 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Water heater with thermal break |
US20190003740A1 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-01-03 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Heat trap assembly |
US10288316B1 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2019-05-14 | Mercury Plastics Llc | Dip tube |
US20220136735A1 (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2022-05-05 | Ut-Battelle, Llc | Hydraulically opened cone vertical tube diffuser with slanted anti-siphon hole |
US11493238B2 (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2022-11-08 | Gary Scott Peele | Geothermal heat exchange reservoirs and related methods and systems |
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US20020066419A1 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2002-06-06 | Bradenbaugh Kenneth A. | Water mixing system for water heaters |
US7302968B2 (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2007-12-04 | Risbridger Limited | Fill tube diffuser for fuel storage tanks |
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US3285241A (en) * | 1960-12-05 | 1966-11-15 | Robertshaw Controls Co | Water heater dip tube construction |
US4898150A (en) * | 1989-03-10 | 1990-02-06 | Gsw Inc. | Pressure balancing water heater dip tube turbulator attachment |
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Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9557078B2 (en) | 2011-02-11 | 2017-01-31 | Fricaeco America Sapi De C.V. | Solar heater for liquids |
US10288316B1 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2019-05-14 | Mercury Plastics Llc | Dip tube |
US20150192326A1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-07-09 | General Electric Company | Water heater appliance |
US9206996B2 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-12-08 | General Electric Company | Water heater appliance |
US8936020B1 (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2015-01-20 | Fricaeco America Sapi De C.V. | Solar fluids preheating system with low thermal losses |
US9534811B2 (en) | 2014-12-31 | 2017-01-03 | Fricaeco America, SAPI de C.V. | Solar fluid preheating system having a thermosiphonic aperture and concentrating and accelerating convective nanolenses |
US20170115030A1 (en) * | 2015-10-26 | 2017-04-27 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Water heater with thermal break |
US10094592B2 (en) * | 2015-10-26 | 2018-10-09 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Water heater with thermal break |
US20190003740A1 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-01-03 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Heat trap assembly |
US11493238B2 (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2022-11-08 | Gary Scott Peele | Geothermal heat exchange reservoirs and related methods and systems |
US20220136735A1 (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2022-05-05 | Ut-Battelle, Llc | Hydraulically opened cone vertical tube diffuser with slanted anti-siphon hole |
US11768012B2 (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2023-09-26 | Ut-Battelle, Llc | Hydraulically opened cone vertical tube diffuser with slanted anti-siphon hole |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SMITH, TIMOTHY MITCHELL;ARNOLD, J. ERIC;RAHMANI, RAMIN K.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:026092/0656 Effective date: 20110405 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |