EP0684429A1 - Closed expansion tank for fluid-filled installations - Google Patents

Closed expansion tank for fluid-filled installations Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0684429A1
EP0684429A1 EP95810268A EP95810268A EP0684429A1 EP 0684429 A1 EP0684429 A1 EP 0684429A1 EP 95810268 A EP95810268 A EP 95810268A EP 95810268 A EP95810268 A EP 95810268A EP 0684429 A1 EP0684429 A1 EP 0684429A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
expansion vessel
container
gas space
liquid
vessel according
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Granted
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EP95810268A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0684429B1 (en
Inventor
Helmut Steffan
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Pneumatex AG
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Stuecklin & Cie AG
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
    • F24D3/10—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system
    • F24D3/1008—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system expansion tanks
    • F24D3/1016—Tanks having a bladder
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
    • F24D3/10—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system
    • F24D3/1008—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system expansion tanks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a closed expansion vessel for liquid-filled systems according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Expansion vessels of this type are mainly used to compensate for volume changes in the liquid occurring in drinking water and heating systems or to maintain a minimum pressure in the system.
  • the expansion vessel has a flexible membrane which separates its interior into a liquid space, which is connected to the system in question, and an air or gas space, in which a certain form is generally present.
  • the air or gas cushion is compressed, and the associated increase in pressure ensures that the liquid taken up is returned to the system in the event of a drop in pressure or a decrease in volume.
  • Separation membranes are used in a wide variety of designs and installation methods. Examples include the so-called inverted membranes, which are installed as the actual partition in the expansion tank, and the bladder membranes, which form a flexible hollow body within the expansion tank.
  • a container which is visible from the outside is arranged on the outside of the expansion vessel, the interior of which is connected to the gas space via a passage.
  • the gas space is provided with an extension that can be seen from the outside. If the separating membrane should now leak, then the liquid, if it penetrates into the gas space, will also run into the container and can be immediately recognized from the outside. With a simple visual inspection, it can thus be determined at any time whether the separating membrane is still intact or possibly has a defect.
  • the passage is preferably provided in the lower third of the gas space, particularly preferably at its lowest point.
  • a float can be contained in the interior of the container, the exterior of which expediently has a clearly visible rontrast color.
  • the solution according to the invention enables any penetration of liquid into the gas space from the outside to be determined in a simple and safe manner.
  • the associated additional costs in the production of expansion vessels are very low, which is of crucial importance in view of the fact that such vessels are nowadays offered at very low prices.
  • the invention only requires a single additional opening in the vessel wall, the diameter of which can also be kept comparatively small.
  • points that entail the risk of increased pressure loss should be avoided as far as possible, and experience has shown that such points are more effectively sealed the shorter and simpler their circumferential line is.
  • conceivable measuring devices with electrodes arranged in the gas space are disadvantageous, since for this purpose conductor leadthroughs have to be inserted in the vessel wall, which can only be sealed satisfactorily with considerable effort because of the necessary insulation.
  • the expansion vessel generally designated 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2, has a vessel wall 4, which is generally made of steel. This encloses a gas space 6. In the gas space 6 a bubble separating membrane 8 is mounted, the interior of which forms a liquid space 10.
  • the liquid chamber 10 is connected to a via a connection 12 - Not shown here - connected liquid-filled system.
  • a container Arranged on the lower wall section 4.1 of the expansion vessel 2 is a container, designated in its entirety by 14, the construction of which is described in more detail below.
  • the interior of the container 14 can be seen from the outside and is connected to the gas space 6 of the expansion vessel via a passage 16.
  • FIG. 2 it is indicated in an illustrative manner how liquid 18 penetrates from a possibly leaky point 20 of the separating membrane 8 into the gas space 6 and subsequently runs through the passage 16 into the container 14 and can be determined there.
  • the container 14 is formed by a tube 22 which is closed on one side and which is pushed with its open side onto a connection fitting 24 in a press fit.
  • the tube is transparent and preferably made of plastic and conveniently has a diameter of about 0.5 to 2 centimeters.
  • the fit of the tube on the fitting and their mutual sealing can optionally be secured with a suitable adhesive.
  • connection fitting 24 is screwed into the lower vessel wall section 4.1, an interposed sealing ring 26 additionally sealing the connection point.
  • the connection fitting could also be attached to the Weld on the wall or form one piece with the wall.
  • the longitudinal axis of the container 14 expediently runs vertically. However, it could just as well be oriented obliquely to the vertical, a certain inclination to the horizontal, preferably by an angle of at least 30 degrees, being maintained in order to allow the ingress of liquid or the escape of the gas present in the container in the event of a membrane defect .
  • a float 28 in the interior of the tube 22, which in the present case has the shape of a ball.
  • the float 28 lies on the bottom of the tube (position drawn in solid lines).
  • the float 28 is raised in the direction of arrow A (position shown in dashed lines) and thus indicates a defect in the separating membrane, which is clearly recognizable from the outside.
  • the possible displacement distance of the float 28 is preferably limited so that it can be seen from the outside in any case.
  • the lower edge 30 of the connection fitting 24 forms an upper stop for the float 28, since the float diameter is chosen to be larger than the inside diameter of the connection fitting.
  • any other limiting means could also be considered for this purpose, such as additionally inserted stop elements or a corresponding narrowing of the container cross section.
  • the container that is visible from the outside does not necessarily have to be tubular, but could also be spherical or cuboid, for example, or have any other suitable shape. It would also be sufficient if the container were only partially visible.

Abstract

The expansion tank (2) has a partition membrane (8) for dividing a liquid compartment (10) and a gas compartment (6). The outside of the expansion tank has a tubular, transparent receptacle (14) at least partly visible from outside and sealed off from the surrounding atmosphere. The receptacle's interior is connected by a passage (16) with the gas compartment and positioned in the bottom third part of the gas compartment. The lengthwise axis of the receptacle is at least 30 degrees from the horizontal. The receptacle consists of a tube closed on one side. The open side is mounted in the wall (4) of the expansion tank on a connecting fitment. A float is contained inside the receptacle. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein geschlossenes Ausdehnungsgefäss für flüssigkeitsgefüllte Anlagen gemäss Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a closed expansion vessel for liquid-filled systems according to the preamble of claim 1.

Derartige Ausdehnungsgefässe werden hauptsächlich dazu eingesetzt, in Trinkwasser- und Heizungsanlagen auftretende Volumenänderungen der Flüssigkeit auszugleichen bzw. einen Mindestdruck in der Anlage aufrechtzuerhalten. Hierzu weist das Ausdehnungsgefäss eine flexible Membrane auf, die seinen Innenraum trennt in einen Flüssigkeitsraum, der mit der betreffenden Anlage in Verbindung steht, und einen Luft- oder Gasraum, in dem in der Regel ein gewisser Vordruck vorhanden ist. Bei Flüssigkeitsaufnahme wird das Luft- oder Gaspolster komprimiert, und der damit verbundene Druckanstieg sorgt für die Rückführung der aufgenommenen Flüssigkeit an die Anlage bei Druckabfall bzw. Volumenabnahme.Expansion vessels of this type are mainly used to compensate for volume changes in the liquid occurring in drinking water and heating systems or to maintain a minimum pressure in the system. For this purpose, the expansion vessel has a flexible membrane which separates its interior into a liquid space, which is connected to the system in question, and an air or gas space, in which a certain form is generally present. When liquid is absorbed, the air or gas cushion is compressed, and the associated increase in pressure ensures that the liquid taken up is returned to the system in the event of a drop in pressure or a decrease in volume.

Trennmembranen werden in den unterschiedlichsten Ausführungen und Einbauweisen verwendet. Als Beispiele seien hier zum einen die sogenannten Umstülp-Membranen, welche als eigentliche Trennwand im Ausdehnungsgefäss montiert sind, und zum anderen die Blasen-Membranen, welche innerhalb des Ausdehnungsgefässes einen flexiblen Hohlkörper bilden, angeführt.Separation membranes are used in a wide variety of designs and installation methods. Examples include the so-called inverted membranes, which are installed as the actual partition in the expansion tank, and the bladder membranes, which form a flexible hollow body within the expansion tank.

Da Ausdehnungsgefässe eine lange Standzeit haben müssen, werden die Trennmembranen mit höchster Qualität und für lange Lebensdauer hergestellt. Dennoch ist im Einzelfall ein Defekt einer Trennmembrane, eine undichte Stelle oder ein Bruch, nicht völlig auszuschliessen. Tritt ein solcher Defekt auf, so dringt Flüssigkeit in den Gasraum ein und das Ausdehnungsgefäss wird funktionsuntüchtig. Überdies kann es durch den nicht vorgesehenen Kontakt zwischen der Flüssigkeit und der Gefässwand des Gasraums zu Korrosionsbildung und demzufolge zu einer Verunreinigung der Flüssigkeit kommen, was sich insbesondere bei Ausdehnungsgefässen für Trinkwasser ungünstig auswirkt.Since expansion vessels must have a long service life, the separating membranes are manufactured with the highest quality and for a long service life. Nevertheless, in In individual cases, a defect in a separating membrane, a leak or a break cannot be completely ruled out. If such a defect occurs, liquid penetrates the gas space and the expansion vessel becomes inoperable. In addition, the non-intended contact between the liquid and the vessel wall of the gas space can lead to the formation of corrosion and, consequently, contamination of the liquid, which has an unfavorable effect, in particular, on expansion vessels for drinking water.

Aus diesen Gründen ist es bei den bekannten Ausdehnungsgefässen nachteilig, dass ein Membrandefekt kaum oder nur sehr schwierig festgestellt werden kann, weil es nicht möglich ist, den Innenraum des Gefässes einzusehen, und eine Fehlfunktion des Ausdehnungsgefässes auf sonstige Weise für die Benützer der Anlage nicht ohne weiteres erkennbar ist.For these reasons, it is disadvantageous in the known expansion vessels that a membrane defect can hardly be found, or only with great difficulty, because it is not possible to see the interior of the vessel, and a malfunction of the expansion vessel in some other way for the users of the system further is recognizable.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein geschlossenes Ausdehnungsgefäss der eingangs beschriebenen Art vorzuschlagen, bei welchem sich ein allfälliges Eindringen von Flüssigkeit in den Gasraum auf einfache Weise feststellen lässt.It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a closed expansion vessel of the type described in the introduction, in which a possible penetration of liquid into the gas space can be determined in a simple manner.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im kennzeichnenden Teil von Patentanspruch 1 definierten Merkmale gelöst; bevorzugte Ausführungsformen ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Patentansprüchen.This object is achieved by the features defined in the characterizing part of claim 1; preferred embodiments result from the dependent claims.

Demgemäss ist auf der Aussenseite des Ausdehnungsgefässes ein von aussen einsehbarer Behälter angeordnet, dessen Innenraum über einen Durchlass mit dem Gasraum in Verbindung steht.Accordingly, a container which is visible from the outside is arranged on the outside of the expansion vessel, the interior of which is connected to the gas space via a passage.

Der Gasraum wird so gewissermassen mit einem von aussen einsehbaren Fortsatz versehen. Sollte nun die Trennmembrane undicht werden, dann wird die Flüssigkeit, wenn sie in den Gasraum eindringt, auch in den Behälter laufen und kann dort von aussen sofort erkannt werden. Mit einer einfachen optischen Überprüfung lässt sich somit jederzeit feststellen, ob die Trennmembrane noch intakt ist oder gegebenenfalls einen Defekt aufweist.To a certain extent, the gas space is provided with an extension that can be seen from the outside. If the separating membrane should now leak, then the liquid, if it penetrates into the gas space, will also run into the container and can be immediately recognized from the outside. With a simple visual inspection, it can thus be determined at any time whether the separating membrane is still intact or possibly has a defect.

Vorzugsweise wird der Durchlass im unteren Drittel des Gasraums vorgesehen, besonders bevorzugt an dessen unterster Stelle.The passage is preferably provided in the lower third of the gas space, particularly preferably at its lowest point.

Um das Erkennen allfällig vorhandener Flüssigkeit im Behälter zusätzlich zu unterstützen, kann gemäss einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform im Innenraum des Behälters ein Schwimmer enthalten sein, dessen Äusseres zweckmässig eine gut sichtbare Rontrastfarbe aufweist.In order to additionally support the detection of any liquid present in the container, according to a preferred embodiment, a float can be contained in the interior of the container, the exterior of which expediently has a clearly visible rontrast color.

Die erfindungsgemässe Lösung ermöglicht mit einer überraschend einfachen konstruktiven Massnahme, ein allfälliges Eindringen von Flüssigkeit in den Gasraum von aussen auf einfache und sichere Weise festzustellen. Die damit verbundenen Zusatzkosten bei der Herstellung von Ausdehnungsgefässen sind sehr gering, was im Hinblick darauf, dass solche Gefässe heutzutage äusserst preiswert angeboten werden, von entscheidender Bedeutung ist.With a surprisingly simple constructive measure, the solution according to the invention enables any penetration of liquid into the gas space from the outside to be determined in a simple and safe manner. The associated additional costs in the production of expansion vessels are very low, which is of crucial importance in view of the fact that such vessels are nowadays offered at very low prices.

Ferner erweist es sich in bezug auf die Luft- bzw. Gasdichtheit des Ausdehnungsgefässes als sehr vorteilhaft, dass die Erfindung nur eine einzige zusätzliche Öffnung in der Gefässwandung benötigt, deren Durchmesser zudem vergleichsweise klein gehalten werden kann. Da der Vordruck in einem Ausdehnungsgefäss über lange Zeit aufrechterhalten bleiben muss, sind Stellen, die das Risiko eines erhöhten Vordruckverlustes mit sich bringen, möglichst zu vermeiden, und erfahrungsgemäss sind derartige Stellen um so wirkungsvoller abzudichten, je kürzer und einfacher ihre Umfangslinie ist. Aus demselben Grund sind auch an sich denkbare Messvorrichtungen mit im Gasraum angeordneten Elektroden nachteilig, da hierzu Leiterdurchführungen in der Gefässwand eingefügt werden müssen, die sich wegen der notwendigen Isolierung nur mit erheblichem Aufwand befriedigend abdichten lassen.Furthermore, with regard to the air or gas tightness of the expansion vessel, it proves to be very advantageous that the invention only requires a single additional opening in the vessel wall, the diameter of which can also be kept comparatively small. As the form in If an expansion vessel has to be maintained for a long time, points that entail the risk of increased pressure loss should be avoided as far as possible, and experience has shown that such points are more effectively sealed the shorter and simpler their circumferential line is. For the same reason, conceivable measuring devices with electrodes arranged in the gas space are disadvantageous, since for this purpose conductor leadthroughs have to be inserted in the vessel wall, which can only be sealed satisfactorily with considerable effort because of the necessary insulation.

Zur näheren Erläuterung der Erfindung wird im folgenden unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegenden Zeichnungen ein Ausführungsbeispiel beschrieben. In den Zeichnungen zeigen

  • Fig. 1 und 2 ein erfindungsgemässes Ausdehnungsgefäss im Schnitt mit an seiner unteren Wand angeordnetem, von aussen einsehbarem Behälter zur Anzeige eines funktionswidrigen Flüssigkeitsaustritts, wobei in Figur 2 schematisch eine undichte Stelle der Trennmembrane und dort austretende Flüssigkeit angedeutet ist, und
  • Fig. 3 den Behälter in vergrösserter Perspektiv-darstellung.
To further explain the invention, an embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show in the drawings
  • 1 and 2 an expansion vessel according to the invention in section with a container arranged on its lower wall and visible from the outside to indicate a malfunctioning liquid outlet, a leakage point of the separating membrane and liquid escaping there being indicated schematically in FIG. 2, and
  • Fig. 3 shows the container in an enlarged perspective view.

Das in den Figuren 1 und 2 gesamthaft mit 2 bezeichnete Ausdehnungsgefäss weist eine, in der Regel aus Stahl gefertigte, Gefässwandung 4 auf. Diese umschliesst einen Gasraum 6. Im Gasraum 6 ist eine Blasen-Trennmembrane 8 montiert, deren Inneres einen Flüssigkeitsraum 10 bildet. Der Flüssigkeitsraum 10 ist über einen Anschluss 12 an eine - hier nicht dargestellte - flüssigkeitsgefüllte Anlage angeschlossen.The expansion vessel, generally designated 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2, has a vessel wall 4, which is generally made of steel. This encloses a gas space 6. In the gas space 6 a bubble separating membrane 8 is mounted, the interior of which forms a liquid space 10. The liquid chamber 10 is connected to a via a connection 12 - Not shown here - connected liquid-filled system.

Am unteren Wandungsabschnitt 4.1 des Ausdehnungsgefässes 2 ist ein in seiner Gesamtheit mit 14 bezeichneter Behälter angeordnet, dessen Aufbau weiter unten näher beschrieben wird. Der Innenraum des Behälters 14 ist von aussen einsehbar und über einen Durchlass 16 mit dem Gasraum 6 des Ausdehnungsgefässes verbunden. In Figur 2 ist illustrativ angedeutet, wie Flüssigkeit 18 aus einer allfällig undichten Stelle 20 der Trennmembrane 8 in den Gasraum 6 eindringt und in der Folge durch den Durchlass 16 in den Behälter 14 läuft und dort festgestellt werden kann.Arranged on the lower wall section 4.1 of the expansion vessel 2 is a container, designated in its entirety by 14, the construction of which is described in more detail below. The interior of the container 14 can be seen from the outside and is connected to the gas space 6 of the expansion vessel via a passage 16. In FIG. 2 it is indicated in an illustrative manner how liquid 18 penetrates from a possibly leaky point 20 of the separating membrane 8 into the gas space 6 and subsequently runs through the passage 16 into the container 14 and can be determined there.

Wie in Figur 3 zu sehen, wird der Behälter 14 durch ein einseitig geschlossenes Röhrchen 22 gebildet, welches mit seiner offenen Seite im Presssitz auf einen Anschlussfitting 24 aufgeschoben ist. Das Röhrchen ist durchsichtig und vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff und hat zweckmässig einen Durchmesser von etwa 0,5 bis 2 Zentimeter. Der Sitz des Röhrchens auf dem Fitting und deren gegenseitige Abdichtung kann gegebenenfalls mit einem geeigneten Klebstoff abgesichert sein. Bei anderweitigen Ausführungsformen wäre es dem Fachmann selbstverständlich auch möglich, das Röhrchen in anderer Weise mit dem Fitting zu verbinden, beispielsweise durch Verschrauben und Abdichten mittels Dichtring.As can be seen in FIG. 3, the container 14 is formed by a tube 22 which is closed on one side and which is pushed with its open side onto a connection fitting 24 in a press fit. The tube is transparent and preferably made of plastic and conveniently has a diameter of about 0.5 to 2 centimeters. The fit of the tube on the fitting and their mutual sealing can optionally be secured with a suitable adhesive. In other embodiments, it would of course also be possible for the person skilled in the art to connect the tube to the fitting in a different way, for example by screwing and sealing by means of a sealing ring.

Der Anschlussfitting 24 ist beim vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel im unteren Gefässwandungsabschnitt 4.1 eingeschraubt, wobei ein zwischengelegter Dichtring 26 die Verbindungsstelle zusätzlich abdichtet. Alternativ dazu liesse sich der Anschlussfitting beispielsweise auch an der Wandung anschweissen oder einstückig mit der Wandung ausformen.In the present exemplary embodiment, the connection fitting 24 is screwed into the lower vessel wall section 4.1, an interposed sealing ring 26 additionally sealing the connection point. Alternatively, the connection fitting could also be attached to the Weld on the wall or form one piece with the wall.

Die Längsachse des Behälters 14 verläuft zweckmässig vertikal. Sie könnte jedoch ebensogut schräg zur Vertikalen ausgerichtet sein, wobei eine gewisse Neigung zur Horizontalen, vorzugsweise um einen Winkel von mindestens 30 Grad, eingehalten werden sollte, um bei einem allfälligen Membrandefekt das Einlaufen von Flüssigkeit bzw. das Entweichen des im Behälter vorhandenen Gases zu ermöglichen.The longitudinal axis of the container 14 expediently runs vertically. However, it could just as well be oriented obliquely to the vertical, a certain inclination to the horizontal, preferably by an angle of at least 30 degrees, being maintained in order to allow the ingress of liquid or the escape of the gas present in the container in the event of a membrane defect .

Gemäss einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform befindet sich im Innenraum des Röhrchens 22 ein Schwimmer 28, welcher vorliegend die Form einer Kugel hat. Solange keine Flüssigkeit im Röhrchen vorhanden ist, liegt der Schwimmer 28 auf dem Boden des Röhrchens auf (in ausgezogenen Strichen gezeichnete Stellung). Dringt jedoch Flüssigkeit ein, so wird der Schwimmer 28 in Pfeilrichtung A angehoben (gestrichelt gezeichnete Stellung) und zeigt damit - von aussen klar erkennbar - einen Defekt der Trennmembrane an.According to a preferred embodiment, there is a float 28 in the interior of the tube 22, which in the present case has the shape of a ball. As long as there is no liquid in the tube, the float 28 lies on the bottom of the tube (position drawn in solid lines). However, if liquid penetrates, the float 28 is raised in the direction of arrow A (position shown in dashed lines) and thus indicates a defect in the separating membrane, which is clearly recognizable from the outside.

Für eine jederzeit klare Ablesesicherheit ist die mögliche Verlagerungsstrecke des Schwimmers 28 vorzugsweise so begrenzt, dass er in jedem Fall von aussen gesehen werden kann. Hierzu bildet im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel die Unterkante 30 des Anschlussfittings 24 einen oberen Anschlag für den Schwimmer 28, da der Schwimmer-Durchmesser grösser gewählt ist als der Innendurchmesser des Anschlussfittings. Selbstverständlich kämen zu diesem Zweck auch irgendwelche andere Begrenzungsmittel in Frage, etwa zusätzlich eingefügte Anschlagelemente oder eine entsprechende Verengung des Behälterquerschnitts.For a clear reading security at all times, the possible displacement distance of the float 28 is preferably limited so that it can be seen from the outside in any case. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the lower edge 30 of the connection fitting 24 forms an upper stop for the float 28, since the float diameter is chosen to be larger than the inside diameter of the connection fitting. Of course, any other limiting means could also be considered for this purpose, such as additionally inserted stop elements or a corresponding narrowing of the container cross section.

Abschliessend sei ausdrücklich erwähnt, dass das dargestellte und beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel vom Fachmann im Rahmen des im unabhängigen Patentanspruch definierten Erfindungsgedankens in vielfacher Hinsicht abgewandelt werden kann. So muss etwa der von aussen einsehbare Behälter keinesfalls zwingend rohrförmig sein, sondern könnte beispielsweise auch kugel- oder quaderförmig sein oder irgendeine andere geeignete Form aufweisen. Ferner würde es auch ausreichen, wenn der Behälter nur teilweise einsehbar wäre. Es wäre zum Beispiel möglich, die Behälterrückseite undurchsichtig zu gestalten, was je nach Umständen das Erkennen eingedrungener Flüssigkeit erleichtern könnte, oder den Behälter mit einer undurchsichtigen Hülse zu umgeben, die nur gerade ein Ablesefenster frei liesse. Und nicht zuletzt sei auf die Möglichkeit hingewiesen, nebst einer Überprüfung von Auge auch eine automatische Kontrolle vorzusehen, etwa mittels einer Lichtschranke oder anderen geeigneten Sensoren.Finally, it should be expressly mentioned that the exemplary embodiment shown and described can be modified in many ways by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the independent claim. For example, the container that is visible from the outside does not necessarily have to be tubular, but could also be spherical or cuboid, for example, or have any other suitable shape. It would also be sufficient if the container were only partially visible. For example, it would be possible to design the rear of the container to be opaque, which, depending on the circumstances, could make it easier to detect the penetration of liquid, or to surround the container with an opaque sleeve that only left a reading window exposed. And last but not least, we would like to point out the possibility of providing an automatic check in addition to an eye check, for example by means of a light barrier or other suitable sensors.

Claims (8)

Geschlossenes Ausdehnungsgefäss (2) für flüssigkeitsgefüllte Anlagen, insbesondere Trinkwasser- und Heizungsanlagen, mit einer Trennmembrane (8) zur Trennung von Flüssigkeitsraum (10) und Gasraum (6), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass auf der Aussenseite des Ausdehnungsgefässes (2) ein gegenüber der umgebenden Atmosphäre abgeschlossener, jedoch zumindest teilweise von aussen einsehbarer Behälter (14) angeordnet ist, dessen Innenraum über einen Durchlass (16) mit dem Gasraum (6) verbunden ist.Closed expansion vessel (2) for liquid-filled systems, in particular drinking water and heating systems, with a separating membrane (8) for separating the liquid space (10) and the gas space (6), characterized in that on the outside of the expansion vessel (2) is opposite the surrounding one Atmosphere closed, but at least partially visible from the outside container (14) is arranged, the interior of which is connected via a passage (16) to the gas space (6). Ausdehnungsgefäss nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchlass (16) sich bei montierter Ausrichtung des Ausdehnungsgefässes im unteren Drittel des Gasraums (6) befindet.Expansion vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage (16) is in the lower third of the gas space (6) when the expansion vessel is aligned. Ausdehnungsgefäss nach Patentanspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchlass (16) an der im wesentlichen untersten Stelle des Gasraums (6) angeordnet ist.Expansion vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that the passage (16) is arranged at the substantially lowest point of the gas space (6). Ausdehnungsgefäss nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (14) rohrförmig ist und seine Längsachse sich in einer um mindestens 30 Grad von der Horizontalen abweichenden Ausrichtung erstreckt.Expansion vessel according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container (14) is tubular and its longitudinal axis extends in an orientation which deviates from the horizontal by at least 30 degrees. Ausdehnungsgefäss nach Patentanspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (14) aus einem einseitig geschlossenen Röhrchen (22) besteht, welches mit seiner offenen Seite auf einen in der Wandung (4) des Ausdehnungsgefässes vorgesehenen Anschlussfitting (24) montiert ist.Expansion vessel according to claim 4, characterized in that the container (14) consists of a tube (22) closed on one side, the open side of which is mounted on a connection fitting (24) provided in the wall (4) of the expansion vessel. Ausdehnungsgefäss nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (14) aus einem durchsichtigen Kunststoff gefertigt ist.Expansion vessel according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the container (14) is made of a transparent plastic. Ausdehnungsgefäss nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im Innenraum des Behälters (14) ein Schwimmer (28) vorhanden ist.Expansion vessel according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a float (28) is present in the interior of the container (14). Ausdehnungsgefäss nach Patentanspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mögliche Verlagerungsstrecke des Schwimmers (28) derart begrenzt ist, dass er in jedem Fall im von aussen einsehbaren Bereich des Behälters (14) verbleibt.Expansion vessel according to claim 7, characterized in that the possible displacement distance of the float (28) is limited in such a way that it always remains in the area of the container (14) which is visible from the outside.
EP95810268A 1994-04-27 1995-04-24 Closed expansion tank for fluid-filled installations Expired - Lifetime EP0684429B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1304/94 1994-04-27
CH130494 1994-04-27

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EP0684429A1 true EP0684429A1 (en) 1995-11-29
EP0684429B1 EP0684429B1 (en) 1998-11-04

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EP95810268A Expired - Lifetime EP0684429B1 (en) 1994-04-27 1995-04-24 Closed expansion tank for fluid-filled installations

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EP (1) EP0684429B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE173077T1 (en)
DE (1) DE59504105D1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1011612C2 (en) * 1999-03-19 2000-09-20 Frans Van Zaal B V Expansion tank integral with main heat storage tank for use in horticultural warehouse
ITUB20152441A1 (en) * 2015-07-23 2017-01-23 Zilio Ind Srl HANGING EXPANSION VESSEL
JP2017523352A (en) * 2014-05-30 2017-08-17 アムトロール ライセンシング インコーポレーテッド Moisture sensing air cap indicator for expansion tank failure
WO2020007776A1 (en) * 2018-07-02 2020-01-09 Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG Frost protection apparatus for water supply apparatus in recreational vehicles
IT201900016181A1 (en) * 2019-09-12 2021-03-12 Dab Pumps Spa EXPANSION VESSEL WITH MEMBRANE AND PUMP INCLUDING THIS EXPANSION VESSEL

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2905887A1 (en) * 1979-02-16 1980-08-21 Otto Geb Kg Diaphragm type expansion vessel - has metal foil sealed to interior of vessel acting as diaphragm
DE2911303A1 (en) * 1979-03-22 1980-09-25 Otto Geb Kg Heating system pressure vessel - has leaking water collection point at which sight glass is inserted
DE7907661U1 (en) * 1979-03-19 1981-01-22 Winkelmann & Pannhoff Gmbh, 4730 Ahlen COMPRESSOR-CONTROLLED EXPANSION VESSEL
DE3021829A1 (en) * 1980-06-11 1981-12-24 Manfred 5300 Bonn Schulz Expansion vessel for hot water circuit - is divided by two diaphragms into gas filled buffer chamber between two water chambers

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2905887A1 (en) * 1979-02-16 1980-08-21 Otto Geb Kg Diaphragm type expansion vessel - has metal foil sealed to interior of vessel acting as diaphragm
DE7907661U1 (en) * 1979-03-19 1981-01-22 Winkelmann & Pannhoff Gmbh, 4730 Ahlen COMPRESSOR-CONTROLLED EXPANSION VESSEL
DE2911303A1 (en) * 1979-03-22 1980-09-25 Otto Geb Kg Heating system pressure vessel - has leaking water collection point at which sight glass is inserted
DE3021829A1 (en) * 1980-06-11 1981-12-24 Manfred 5300 Bonn Schulz Expansion vessel for hot water circuit - is divided by two diaphragms into gas filled buffer chamber between two water chambers

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1011612C2 (en) * 1999-03-19 2000-09-20 Frans Van Zaal B V Expansion tank integral with main heat storage tank for use in horticultural warehouse
JP2021046942A (en) * 2014-05-30 2021-03-25 アムトロール ライセンシング インコーポレーテッド Moisture detecting air cap indicator for failure of expansion tank
JP2017523352A (en) * 2014-05-30 2017-08-17 アムトロール ライセンシング インコーポレーテッド Moisture sensing air cap indicator for expansion tank failure
US10323848B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2019-06-18 Amtrol Licensing Inc. Moisture detecting air cap indicator for expansion tank failure
US11156369B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2021-10-26 Amtrol Licensing Inc. Moisture detecting air cap indicator for expansion tank failure
ITUB20152441A1 (en) * 2015-07-23 2017-01-23 Zilio Ind Srl HANGING EXPANSION VESSEL
US11773572B2 (en) 2018-07-02 2023-10-03 Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG Frost protection apparatus for water supply apparatus in recreational vehicles
WO2020007776A1 (en) * 2018-07-02 2020-01-09 Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG Frost protection apparatus for water supply apparatus in recreational vehicles
EP4242530A3 (en) * 2018-07-02 2023-11-15 Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG Frost protection device for water supply apparatus in recreational vehicles
EP4242531A3 (en) * 2018-07-02 2023-11-15 Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG Frost protection device for water supply apparatus in recreational vehicles
EP4242529A3 (en) * 2018-07-02 2023-11-15 Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG Frost protection device for water supply apparatus in recreational vehicles
EP3792555A1 (en) * 2019-09-12 2021-03-17 Dab Pumps S.p.A. Expansion vessel with membrane and pump comprising such expansion vessel
IT201900016181A1 (en) * 2019-09-12 2021-03-12 Dab Pumps Spa EXPANSION VESSEL WITH MEMBRANE AND PUMP INCLUDING THIS EXPANSION VESSEL

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0684429B1 (en) 1998-11-04
DE59504105D1 (en) 1998-12-10
ATE173077T1 (en) 1998-11-15

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