CA2790754A1 - Liquid flow balancer - Google Patents
Liquid flow balancer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2790754A1 CA2790754A1 CA 2790754 CA2790754A CA2790754A1 CA 2790754 A1 CA2790754 A1 CA 2790754A1 CA 2790754 CA2790754 CA 2790754 CA 2790754 A CA2790754 A CA 2790754A CA 2790754 A1 CA2790754 A1 CA 2790754A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- balls
- ball
- liquid flow
- housing unit
- tubing
- Prior art date
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/127—Froth control
- B67D1/1272—Froth control preventing froth
Landscapes
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Liquid flow balancer, with a ball/ balls and wedges, by placing one or series of same size or different sizes balls inside a tubing/ housing unit.
This specific volume of the ball/ balls will reduce the volume and speed of the medium that will flow through this housing unit. The flow rate cannot be changed since the amount of balls control the mass flow rate, hence it is a fixed flow rate balancer.
The housing unit (2) which houses the ball/ balls (4) is designed to reduce the volume and mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the tubing/ housing (2). Wedges (3) are designed to prevent the ball/ balls (4) from blocking the opening of the splicer (1), which maintains the inside diameter of the tubing/
housing (2). The splicer (1) also aids in extension of the tubing/ housing (2).
Another option of using hose nipple* (5), to connect the flow balancer to a specific piece of equipment used called keg coupler.
This specific volume of the ball/ balls will reduce the volume and speed of the medium that will flow through this housing unit. The flow rate cannot be changed since the amount of balls control the mass flow rate, hence it is a fixed flow rate balancer.
The housing unit (2) which houses the ball/ balls (4) is designed to reduce the volume and mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the tubing/ housing (2). Wedges (3) are designed to prevent the ball/ balls (4) from blocking the opening of the splicer (1), which maintains the inside diameter of the tubing/
housing (2). The splicer (1) also aids in extension of the tubing/ housing (2).
Another option of using hose nipple* (5), to connect the flow balancer to a specific piece of equipment used called keg coupler.
Description
Liquid Flow Balancer Inventor: MEHRA Rakesh J.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to devices, systems and methods that maintain required flow rates and pressures in dispensing systems used in the draught industry. This invention also relates to controlling turbulences, transient pressures and flow rates of a fluid in a tube.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
At present in the draught beer industry, in order to dispense beer via draught, pressure is applied to the keg, which is filled with beer. The applied pressure could be in the range of 12psi to 24psi or upward. This applied pressure pushes the beer from inside the keg to the faucet via beer lines or simple food grade vinyl tubings. Thus the flow of the beer in tubings/ beer lines have to be restricted or controlled or else it would result in foam when dispensed at the faucet with high a flow. rate. At present in order to control or restrict the beer flow rate in the tubings, various internal diameter tubings are used and which are also in 30-50 feet in length. Hence longer the lines, the more product inside them.
In the event of cleaning beer lines/ tubings or any leaks, accidents, there is complete loss of the product within the tubings. Also longer tubing means extra material costs and more energy required to cool the tubings and hence more expenses.
THE PRESENT SITUATION
At present to control the flow of any medium, a liquid or gas, various flow control devices are used. They use of some kind of form, either a ball or screw at the site of the opening of the tubing where the medium flows out.
Thus by controlling the size of the opening one can control the flow of the medium rushing out. This has its advantages that one can control the flow rate as needed during the operation being performed. At times uses of devices which break down the inside walls of the device into various compartments through which the medium is channeled and restricted. But since the medium has to pass through out the complete device, comprising of various other components, either different shapes and sizes or a screw, it creates turbulences. Which can result in agitated medium at the receiving end of the tube. This phenomenon is more evident in mixed mediums, example carbonated drinks (liquid and carbon dioxide gas). The only way to control flow rate or balance the flow, without any turbulence is via a smooth transition between the high flow rate to low flow rate.
Hence very much needed a smooth transition to balance the flow would require a very simple device that has less number of parts as possible, with little or no sharp edges those would contribute to the turbulence and still be cost effective.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to devices, systems and methods that maintain required flow rates and pressures in dispensing systems used in the draught industry. This invention also relates to controlling turbulences, transient pressures and flow rates of a fluid in a tube.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
At present in the draught beer industry, in order to dispense beer via draught, pressure is applied to the keg, which is filled with beer. The applied pressure could be in the range of 12psi to 24psi or upward. This applied pressure pushes the beer from inside the keg to the faucet via beer lines or simple food grade vinyl tubings. Thus the flow of the beer in tubings/ beer lines have to be restricted or controlled or else it would result in foam when dispensed at the faucet with high a flow. rate. At present in order to control or restrict the beer flow rate in the tubings, various internal diameter tubings are used and which are also in 30-50 feet in length. Hence longer the lines, the more product inside them.
In the event of cleaning beer lines/ tubings or any leaks, accidents, there is complete loss of the product within the tubings. Also longer tubing means extra material costs and more energy required to cool the tubings and hence more expenses.
THE PRESENT SITUATION
At present to control the flow of any medium, a liquid or gas, various flow control devices are used. They use of some kind of form, either a ball or screw at the site of the opening of the tubing where the medium flows out.
Thus by controlling the size of the opening one can control the flow of the medium rushing out. This has its advantages that one can control the flow rate as needed during the operation being performed. At times uses of devices which break down the inside walls of the device into various compartments through which the medium is channeled and restricted. But since the medium has to pass through out the complete device, comprising of various other components, either different shapes and sizes or a screw, it creates turbulences. Which can result in agitated medium at the receiving end of the tube. This phenomenon is more evident in mixed mediums, example carbonated drinks (liquid and carbon dioxide gas). The only way to control flow rate or balance the flow, without any turbulence is via a smooth transition between the high flow rate to low flow rate.
Hence very much needed a smooth transition to balance the flow would require a very simple device that has less number of parts as possible, with little or no sharp edges those would contribute to the turbulence and still be cost effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 and 2. Illustrates, The Liquid Flow Balancer, a very simple device with minimum number of parts in contact with the medium which would flow through it. It comprises of a ball/ balls and wedges, by placing one or series of same size or different sizes balls inside a tubing/ housing unit. The specific volume of the ball/ balls will reduce the volume and speed of the medium that will flow through this housing unit. The housing unit (2) which houses the ball/
balls (4) is designed to reduce the volume and mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the tubing/ housing (2). The rectangular wedges (3) are designed to prevent the ball/ balls (4) from blocking the opening of the splicer (1). The splicer (1) maintains the inside diameter of the tubing/ housing (2). The splicer (1) also aids in extension of the tubing/ housing (2). Another option of using hose nipple*
(5), to connect the flow balancer to a specific piece of equipment used called keg coupler, which engages with the keg and allows one to tap the keg of its contents.
* Requires rubber washer for air or liquid tight seal and fits standard 7/8-14 Hex nut.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
As seen in figure 3.
1. Splicer/ Barbed fitting:
Usually made of stainless steel or chrome or nickel plated brass or made of materials depending on the medium in use and must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. Designed to maintain the inside diameter of the hose and aid in extension of the tubing/ housing unit. It is characterized by the presence of angled barbs that grab and hold on the ID of a hose. In order to tightly secure the splicer to the tubing, it is recommended to use screw clamps, tab clamps or tie rods.
2. Tubing/ Housing unit:
Cylindrical shaped, usually made of stainless steel, vinyl or nylon or made of materials depending on the medium in use and must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. Designed to remain durable at recommended temperatures and pressures of the material used. It should not.
rot, swell, or dry out and is unaffected by normal cleaning compounds.
3. Wedqe:
Made of materials depending on the medium in use. It must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. A rectangle piece of material, with variable length, though a shorter length would provide more strength, rigidity, and durability. The width should be smaller than the housing unit but larger than the opening of the splicer. This in turn would prevent the wedge to slide out of the hosing unit but effectively prevent the ball/ balls blocking the openings and allow the medium to flow through out the tubing. Properties needed are, include strength and durability at recommended temperatures and pressures of the material used. It should not rot, swell, or dry out and is unaffected by normal cleaning compounds.
Figure 1 and 2. Illustrates, The Liquid Flow Balancer, a very simple device with minimum number of parts in contact with the medium which would flow through it. It comprises of a ball/ balls and wedges, by placing one or series of same size or different sizes balls inside a tubing/ housing unit. The specific volume of the ball/ balls will reduce the volume and speed of the medium that will flow through this housing unit. The housing unit (2) which houses the ball/
balls (4) is designed to reduce the volume and mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the tubing/ housing (2). The rectangular wedges (3) are designed to prevent the ball/ balls (4) from blocking the opening of the splicer (1). The splicer (1) maintains the inside diameter of the tubing/ housing (2). The splicer (1) also aids in extension of the tubing/ housing (2). Another option of using hose nipple*
(5), to connect the flow balancer to a specific piece of equipment used called keg coupler, which engages with the keg and allows one to tap the keg of its contents.
* Requires rubber washer for air or liquid tight seal and fits standard 7/8-14 Hex nut.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
As seen in figure 3.
1. Splicer/ Barbed fitting:
Usually made of stainless steel or chrome or nickel plated brass or made of materials depending on the medium in use and must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. Designed to maintain the inside diameter of the hose and aid in extension of the tubing/ housing unit. It is characterized by the presence of angled barbs that grab and hold on the ID of a hose. In order to tightly secure the splicer to the tubing, it is recommended to use screw clamps, tab clamps or tie rods.
2. Tubing/ Housing unit:
Cylindrical shaped, usually made of stainless steel, vinyl or nylon or made of materials depending on the medium in use and must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. Designed to remain durable at recommended temperatures and pressures of the material used. It should not.
rot, swell, or dry out and is unaffected by normal cleaning compounds.
3. Wedqe:
Made of materials depending on the medium in use. It must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. A rectangle piece of material, with variable length, though a shorter length would provide more strength, rigidity, and durability. The width should be smaller than the housing unit but larger than the opening of the splicer. This in turn would prevent the wedge to slide out of the hosing unit but effectively prevent the ball/ balls blocking the openings and allow the medium to flow through out the tubing. Properties needed are, include strength and durability at recommended temperatures and pressures of the material used. It should not rot, swell, or dry out and is unaffected by normal cleaning compounds.
4. Ball:
Made of materials depending on the medium in use. It must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. Designed to reduce the volume and mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the tubing/ housing.
Properties needed are, strength and durability at recommended temperatures and pressures of the material used. It should not rot, swell, or dry out and is unaffected by normal cleaning compounds.
Made of materials depending on the medium in use. It must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. Designed to reduce the volume and mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the tubing/ housing.
Properties needed are, strength and durability at recommended temperatures and pressures of the material used. It should not rot, swell, or dry out and is unaffected by normal cleaning compounds.
5. Hose Nipple*
Usually made of stainless steel or chrome or nickel plated brass. or made of materials depending on the medium in use and must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. It is a small section of pipe with angled barbs that grab and hold on the ID of a hose and the other end designed to connect fluid components. Figure 3. Illustrates a design used to connect the tubing to necessary equipment, called keg coupler required to dispense liquids from Kegs (stainless steel or plastic). In order to tightly secure the hose nipple to the tubing, it is recommended to use screw clamps, tab clamps or tie rods.
* Requires rubber washer for air or liquid tight seal and fits standard 7/8-14 Hex nut.
DETAILS ON THE INVENTION
Liquid and Gas flow balancer, by placing one or series of same size or different sizes balls inside a housing unit of uniform shape, size and volume.
The placed ball/ balls and wedges which could be made of any material that is inert to the medium (liquid/ gases) that it will be in contact during the process and provided the placed balls are not deformed or deconstructed in any other form the process, then these placed balls will occupy a specific volume as per their dimensions inside this housing unit. This specific volume of the ball/ balls will reduce the volume of the medium that flow through the housing unit.
In fluid dynamics and hydrometry, the volumetric flow rate, (also known as volume flow rate, rate of fluid flow or volume velocity) is the volume of fluid which passes through a given surface per unit time. The SI unit is m3/ s (cubic meters per second). Volumetric flow rate is really just part of mass flow rate, since mass relates to volume via density. The mass flow rate of a system is a measure of the mass of fluid passing a point in the (m/s) system per unit time.
The mass flow rate is related to the volumetric flow rate as shown below where "d" is the density of the fluid, "m" is the mass and "V" is the volume, d= mN, and Mass flow rate= Density x Velocity x Area. Therefore by placing ball/ balls within the housing unit, reduced density of medium will flow through and in turn reduced mass flow rate (mass/sec).
By using the Flow Balancer one can eliminate the need of longer beer lines in order to control or restrict the beer flow rate. The length of the beer lines can be cut down to just 10-15 feet in length. There will be no loss in excess product during cleaning or in the case of any mishaps. An establishment could profit in hundreds of dollars in savings by using the flow balancer.
The only drawback this flow balancer has over other flow control devices is that, it is a fixed control balancer. There is no way to change the flow rate when in use. In order to change the flow rate one has to play with the number of balls placed within the housing unit, until the desired flow balance is achieved.
Usually made of stainless steel or chrome or nickel plated brass. or made of materials depending on the medium in use and must comply within the working parameters of the operation performed. It is a small section of pipe with angled barbs that grab and hold on the ID of a hose and the other end designed to connect fluid components. Figure 3. Illustrates a design used to connect the tubing to necessary equipment, called keg coupler required to dispense liquids from Kegs (stainless steel or plastic). In order to tightly secure the hose nipple to the tubing, it is recommended to use screw clamps, tab clamps or tie rods.
* Requires rubber washer for air or liquid tight seal and fits standard 7/8-14 Hex nut.
DETAILS ON THE INVENTION
Liquid and Gas flow balancer, by placing one or series of same size or different sizes balls inside a housing unit of uniform shape, size and volume.
The placed ball/ balls and wedges which could be made of any material that is inert to the medium (liquid/ gases) that it will be in contact during the process and provided the placed balls are not deformed or deconstructed in any other form the process, then these placed balls will occupy a specific volume as per their dimensions inside this housing unit. This specific volume of the ball/ balls will reduce the volume of the medium that flow through the housing unit.
In fluid dynamics and hydrometry, the volumetric flow rate, (also known as volume flow rate, rate of fluid flow or volume velocity) is the volume of fluid which passes through a given surface per unit time. The SI unit is m3/ s (cubic meters per second). Volumetric flow rate is really just part of mass flow rate, since mass relates to volume via density. The mass flow rate of a system is a measure of the mass of fluid passing a point in the (m/s) system per unit time.
The mass flow rate is related to the volumetric flow rate as shown below where "d" is the density of the fluid, "m" is the mass and "V" is the volume, d= mN, and Mass flow rate= Density x Velocity x Area. Therefore by placing ball/ balls within the housing unit, reduced density of medium will flow through and in turn reduced mass flow rate (mass/sec).
By using the Flow Balancer one can eliminate the need of longer beer lines in order to control or restrict the beer flow rate. The length of the beer lines can be cut down to just 10-15 feet in length. There will be no loss in excess product during cleaning or in the case of any mishaps. An establishment could profit in hundreds of dollars in savings by using the flow balancer.
The only drawback this flow balancer has over other flow control devices is that, it is a fixed control balancer. There is no way to change the flow rate when in use. In order to change the flow rate one has to play with the number of balls placed within the housing unit, until the desired flow balance is achieved.
The flow balancer due to its thin, sleek design and structure is very easy to place it between tight areas within any working environment. Another very important feature of this flow balancer is that, it creates less turbulence, due to the use of smooth surfaces of the ball/ balls.
The strength and durability of the flow balancer depends on the medium in use and the materials used to build the flow balancer in conjunction within the working parameters of the operation performed. When construction materials used for the flow balancer are inert to the medium that it will balance or the cleaning solutions used to clean the device, there are no limitations to the extend of its uses.
The strength and durability of the flow balancer depends on the medium in use and the materials used to build the flow balancer in conjunction within the working parameters of the operation performed. When construction materials used for the flow balancer are inert to the medium that it will balance or the cleaning solutions used to clean the device, there are no limitations to the extend of its uses.
Claims (8)
1. A liquid flow balancer device comprises of a cylindrical shaped housing unit (2) with two openings, both the openings may have a splicer/ barbed fittings (1) or a combination of a splicer/ barbed fitting (1) and a hose nipple (5).
2. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises of a ball/
balls (4) placed within the housing unit (2).
balls (4) placed within the housing unit (2).
3. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1 and 2 comprises of wedges (3) placed at the opposite sides, between the ball/ balls (4) and the splicer/
barbed fitting (1) or the hose nipple (5).
barbed fitting (1) or the hose nipple (5).
4. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1, 2 and 3 comprises of a ball/ balls (4) of uniform or variable diameters used in any combinations.
5. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 and 4 comprises of a spacing device placed between the ball/ balls (4) and the splicer/ barbed fitting (1) or the hose nipple (5).
6. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 comprises of a spacing device placed between the ball/ balls (4) and the opening of the cylindrical housing unit.
7. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 comprises of recommended use of screw clamps, tab clamps or tie rods, in order to tightly secure the splicer to the tubing/ housing unit.
8. A liquid flow balancer device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 comprises of any material that is placed within a cylindrical housing unit and it results in reduced flow rate.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2790754 CA2790754A1 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2012-09-24 | Liquid flow balancer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2790754 CA2790754A1 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2012-09-24 | Liquid flow balancer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2790754A1 true CA2790754A1 (en) | 2014-03-24 |
Family
ID=50382794
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2790754 Abandoned CA2790754A1 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2012-09-24 | Liquid flow balancer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2790754A1 (en) |
-
2012
- 2012-09-24 CA CA 2790754 patent/CA2790754A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20150924 |