FR2728029A1 - Soundless hydraulic air compressor - Google Patents

Abstract

The system for producing compressed air utilising hydrostatic pressure of water comprises a sealed container (9) initially filled with air. Water under pressure is passed into the container and compresses the air which passes into a tank (8). A float (2) fixed to an outlet valve (5) opens it when the water in the container reaches a certain level, thereby allowing introduction of a new volume of air and start a new compression cycle. The top of the sealed container has an opening with a valve (6) for the introduction of fresh air. The top of the container also has an opening (7) with a valve for transferring compressed air to the reservoir.

Description

 The primary object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of mechanical compressors and the disturbances which they bring to the environment: excessive crude oil, emissions of burnt gases, spillage and untimely soiling due to the supply, cooling or lubrication liquids. (water, petrol, oil, diesel etc ...).

 The second object of the invention is to simplify the mechanisms and to eliminate any moving part other than valves, valves, or floats; therefore reduce any risk of breakdowns, wear and simplify maintenance, while reducing manufacturing costs.

 This invention is based on the use of water from the urban sector or any other pressurized water pipe to obtain compressed air.

 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention.

 If a water line is connected to a back container, the air contained in this container will increase in pressure until the water pressure is balanced.

 The base of this container is pierced with a large-diameter orifice (for example 2 cm) blocked by a valve capable of going up to open the evacuation or going down to plug it.

 This valve is directed in its movement by vertical guides; it is also secured to a float located at rest a few centimeters from the top of the container.

 The water intake gets fat by a small diameter nozzle (for example: 3mm).

 At the top of this container there is on the one hand, an air intake valve or valve (6), which puts the container in communication with the outside air as soon as it is under vacuum. But it closes and opposes the exit of air as soon as the pressure rises in the container following the arrival of water. On the other hand, an outlet valve or valve (7) places the container in communication with a compressed air tank (8).

 Various nozzles can be attached to the compressed air tank for the possible use of a blow gun, a pressure gauge, a flexible hose with pressure gauge and manual control for inflating tires, balloons, inflatable boats, etc. ...; an air intake for a jackhammer or any other compressed air device.

 When the water stop valve (1) is opened, it enters the pressurization container (9), the discharge valve (5) is closed under the weight of the float (2) . When rising, the water compresses the air in the container, which closes the suction valve (6) and opens the discharge valve (7).

 Air enters the compressed air tank (8).

 When the water reaches level A it raises the float (2) which opens the discharge valve (5). The water in the container (under pressure P) is quickly evacuated to the sewer until its level has returned to B; however, the water supply is not interrupted, but as it is carried out by a nozzle of very small diameter, it does not manage to compensate for the significant discharge flow and the container empties up to level B .

 The discharge valve (5) then closes and a second cyde begins again compressing a new amount of air in the tank.

 During emptying, air enters the container (9) through the suction valve (6). When the compressed air tank is at pressure P, the water supply stops.

 According to another embodiment represented by FIG. 2, the rigid connection between the discharge valve (5) and the float (2), is replaced by a flexible connection (14) such as a chain, in which case the float (2) must be able to land on a circular block (10) when the container is emptying.

 Similarly, in this embodiment, the valve of density less than 1 will remain blocked at the top of its position during the evacuation of the water by a flange (15).

 Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, such as the filling of siphons, calibrated discharge valves for possible adjustment of the pressure in the compressed air tank.

 FIG. 3 represents the use of a camshaft valve and multiplier lever on and on a siphon. This device comprises a float (2) acting at the end of a lever (11) whose fixed point (12) is close to the valve (5) so as to more easily open the siphon (13).

Claims (6)

 1) Device intended to provide compressed air using the hydrostatic pressure of a water pipe, characterized in that it comprises a sealed container (9) initially filled with air, in which a water inlet under pressure compresses this volume of air towards a reservoir (8) a float (2) then opens a discharge valve (5) thus allowing the introduction of a new volume of air and the carrying out of a new cycle compression.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the float (2) integral with the valve (5) opens the discharge only when the water in the container (9) has reached a level provided.  3) Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection between the float (2) and the valve (5) is provided by a wire or a chain (14).  4) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the connection between the float (2) and the valve (5) is provided by a lever (11) movable around a fixed axis (12), multiplying the opening foroe and closing the float (2) on the valve (5).  5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper bottom of the sealed container (9) has an opening with a valve (6) for the introduction of fresh air.  6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper bottom of the sealed container (9) has an opening with a valve (7) for the transfer of compressed air to the tank (8).