GB2416002A

GB2416002A - An adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a pump housing

Info

Publication number: GB2416002A
Application number: GB0415270A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Fleming; Terry White
Original assignee: Alpha Fry Ltd
Current assignee: Fernox Ltd
Priority date: 2004-07-07
Filing date: 2004-07-07
Publication date: 2006-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-07
Also published as: GB2416002B; GB0415270D0

Abstract

An adaptor 1 for connecting a flushing machine to a pump housing of a central heating system pump includes a first member 3 for mounting on the pump housing in place of the pump, first and second tubular members 5, 7 defining flow paths through the first member 3 and a seal 23 provided on the first tubular member 5 for forming a seal with the pump housing. The position of the seal 23 relative to the first member 3 is adjustable, and the adjustment may be enabled by a mechanism which includes a spring 25. A fixing member 9 may also be provided for fixing the adaptor in place on the pump housing. The fixing member 9 may include elongated holes for fixing screws, such that the member 9 may be attached to more than one type of pump housing.

Description

24 1 6002 - 1

ADAPTOR FOR FLUSHING A CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM

The present application relates to an adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a heating system.

It is known to connect a power-flushing pump to a central heating system by removing a radiator from the system. A cleaning fluid may then be circulated through the system to effect cleaning. However, due to the relatively small size of the connections to the radiator, the flow rate through the system may be limited.

Alternatively, the central heating system's pump and the pump mount (i.e. the assembly or unit on which the pump is mounted) may be removed to facilitate connection of a flushing device to the system. However this is time consuming and may be difficult if access to the pump and the pump mount is limited.

Viewed from a first aspect, the present application relates to an adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a central heating system, the adaptor being suitable for mounting on a pump mount in place of the central heating system's pump, the adaptor comprising a first member for mating with said pump mount, a first tubular member defining a first fluid pathway through said first member and a second tubular member defining a second fluid pathway through said first member, wherein a sealing member for forming a seal with the pump mount is provided on the first tubular member, the position of the sealing member relative to the first member being adjustable. - 2

The adjustability of the sealing member allows the adaptor to be installed on a range of different pump mounts.

Spring means are preferably provided to allow the position of the sealing member to be self-adjusting. The spring means may also help maintain a seal between the sealing member and the pump mount. Alternatively, the sealing member may be located on a threaded member (or a threaded portion of the first tubular member) to allow it to be manually adjusted.

The adaptor allows the central heating system's pump to be removed from its mount and a flushing pump to be attached to the central heating system via the adaptor. Fluid may be introduced into the system through the first tubular member and expelled through the second tubular member. The fluid may readily be circulated through the system. As the fluid is introduced through the pump mount, the flow-rate may be greater than that of prior art methods. Moreover, secondary heat exchangers in combination boilers may be cleaned by operating the Domestic Hot Water (DHW) tap to engage the boilers diverter valve.

The sealing member preferably forms a seal around an inlet or outlet formed in the pump mount for fluid communication with the pump (when installed). The pump mount typically has a recess formed therein and a central port. The sealing member is preferably suitable for forming a seal around the central port. The first fluid pathway is preferably maintained in fluid communication with said central port. The provision of spring means allows the adaptor to be used in combination with pump mounts of different sizes. - 3

The sealing member and the spring means may be formed integrally. For example, the sealing member may be formed from a resilient material, such as rubber, and the resilience of the material may be suitable for maintaining the seal with said pump mount. Preferably, however, a separate spring means is provided.

Preferably the spring means comprises a coil spring, which is located around the first tubular member between the sealing means and the first member. The sealing member is preferably provided with a protrusion for abutment with said coil spring.

The protrusion most preferably comprises a circumferential flange.

The sealing member is preferably formed from a resilient material. Most preferably the sealing member comprises a rubber washer.

The first member may be fixed directly to the pump mount, for example using screws. However, the adaptor preferably further comprises a fixing member for fixing the adaptor to the pump mount. The fixing member is preferably provided with holes to facilitate mounting of the first member on the pump mount. The holes are preferably arranged so as to align with the holes in the pump mount used to retain the pump in position. To accommodate different pumps and pump mounts, the holes in the fixing member are preferably elongated in plan form to facilitate mounting of the adaptor on a range of different pump mounts.

The first member preferably comprises a circular plate.

The adaptor is preferably provided with a gasket for location between the first member and the pump mount to form a seal.

The adaptor may further comprise an adaptor plate larger in plan form than said first member to allow the adaptor to be used for pump mounts having a larger diameter.

The adaptor plate is preferably located between the first member and the spring means and is suitable for forming a seal with the pump mount. A second gasket may be provided between the first member.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present application relates to an adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a central heating system, the adaptor being suitable for mounting on a pump mount in place of the central heating system's pump, the adaptor comprising a first member for mating with said pump mount, a sealing member, a first connector for connecting a first hose to the adaptor and a second connector for connecting a second hose to the adaptor, the first connector being in fluid communication with a first fluid pathway through said adaptor and the second connector being in fluid communication with a second fluid pathway through said adaptor, the sealing member being suitable for forming a seal with the pump mount substantially to prevent fluid communication between said first and second fluid pathways, the position of the sealing member relative to the first member being adjustable. - 5

The sealing member may be mounted on a threaded member (or indeed on a threaded portion of the first connector) to facilitate said adjustability. Preferably, however, the sealing member is slidably mounted. A spring means is preferably provided for biasing the sealing member away from the first member. The spring means may also help ensure that a good seal is maintained while the adaptor is in use.

Viewed from a still further aspect, the present application relates to an adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a central heating system, the adaptor comprising a fixing member for mounting the adaptor on a pump mount in place of the central heating system's pump, a first tubular member defining a first fluid pathway and a second tubular member defining a second fluid pathway; wherein holes are formed in the fixing member for mounting the fixing member on the pump mount, the holes being elongated in plan form to facilitate mounting of the adaptor on a range of different pump mounts.

The present application further relates to a kit of parts for making an adaptor as described herein.

The present application still further relates to a method of flushing a central heating system having a circulation pump mounted on a pump mount, the method comprising the steps of: (a) removing the circulation pump from the pump mount; (b) fitting an adaptor as described herein to the pump mount in place of said pump; (c) connecting a flushing machine to the central heating system via said adaptor; and then - 6 (d) operating the flushing machine to flush the central heating system.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a domestic heating system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the circular plate and first and second tubes of the adaptor shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the adaptor plate and fixing plate of the adaptor of Figure 1 in plan view; Figure 4 shows threaded connectors fitted to the first and second hoses to allow the adaptor shown in Figure 1 to be connected to a flushing machine; Figure 5 shows a pump body with the pump removed ready for installation of an adaptor in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 shows the adaptor of the present invention installed on a pump body; and Figure 7 shows an adaptor in accordance with the present invention assembled with the adaptor plate shown in Figure 3. - 7 -

An adaptor 1 for connecting a flushing machine to a pump housing of a central heating system in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The adaptor 1 comprises a circular plate 3, a first tube 5 and a second tube 7. The first and second tubes 5, 7 have a diameter of 22mm and extend through holes in the circular plate 3, as shown in Figure 2. The first and second tubes 5, 7 are brazed to the circular plate 3.

The adaptor 1 further comprises a square fixing plate 9 having first and second holes 11, 13 formed therein, as shown in Figure 3. The first and second holes 11, 13 are arranged to allow the fixing plate to slide over the first and second tubes 5, 7 to abut a first side of the circular plate 3. The fixing plate 9 is also provided with elongated holes 15-21 for fixing the adaptor 1 in position.

A rubber sealing member 23 is provided on the first tube 5 along with a coil spring 25. The coil spring 25 biases the sealing member 23 away from the circular plate 3.

The sealing member 23 is circular in cross section and has a circular flange 27 to give a top hat cross section. The coil spring 25 engages the circular flange 27 to bias the sealing member 23 away from the circular plate 3.

A first gasket 29 is provided for locating on a second side of the circular plate 3, opposite to the first side which the fixing plate 9 abuts, to create a seal between the adaptor and the pump housing.

First and second hoses 31, 33 are connected to first and second tubes 5, 7 respectively. The first and second hoses 31, 33 are secured in place using first and second jubilee clips 35, 37.

As shown in Figure 4, a first threaded connector 39 is attached to the end of the first hose 31 distal from the first tube 5. Similarly, a second threaded connector 41 is attached to the end of the second hose 33 distal from the second tube 7. The first and second threaded connectors 39, 41 are secured in place using third and fourth jubilee clips 43, 45. Of course, any suitable mechanical fastener may be used to attach the first and second hoses 31, 33.

The use of the adaptor 1 to connect a flushing pump to a central heating system will now be described. As shown in Figure 4, the central heating system comprises a circulation pump which is mounted on a pump mount 47. A central port 49 is provided in a recess in the pump mount 47.

The electricity supply to the central heating system is isolated and the isolation valves on the existing circulation pump are shut.

The four alien screws holding the pump motor are then removed and the first gasket 29 is inserted into the recess 2 5 in the pump mount 47, as shown in Figure 5. The sealing member 23 is then pulled down on the first tube 5 to ensure that the face of the sealing member 23 engages the interior of the pump mount 47 and forms a seal around the centre port of the pump mount 47. The alien screws are then used to secure the adaptor 1 in place on the pump mount 47, as shown in Figure 6. The alien screws are tightened evenly to 9 ensure that a seal is formed between the circular plate 3 and the pump mount 47.

If there is limited space available for connecting the first and second hoses 31, 33 to the adaptor a 22mm cuprofit push fit elbow may be connected directly to each of the first and second hoses 5, 7 of the adaptor 1 along with a short piece of copper tube. The cuprofit elbow allows the angle at which the hoses 31, 33 are connected to the adaptor 1 to be varied.

A power-flush machine is then connected to the central heating system using the first and second hoses 31, 33.

The isolation valves on the pump housing are opened to let water back into the system and leaks are checked for.

When the system is full, the power flush pump is pulsed and again a check is made for leaks. If there are no leaks, the power-flush machine may be operated as normal.

In the case of combination boilers, the secondary heat exchangers can be cleaned by turning on the hot tap and allowing the boiler diverter valve to divert the (chemical) cleaning liquid to the heat exchangers.

If the boiler is to be fired to heat chemicals, it is necessary to ensure that the power lead to the pump has been disconnected and made safe.

After completion of the cleaning cycle, the power-flush machine is switched off and fluid allowed to drain back to the power-flush machine and the isolation valves (if fitted) closed.

The adaptor 1 is then removed along with the first gasket 29 and the pump is re-fitted and the wiring reconnected.

The isolation valves are then opened and a check made for leakage. The central heating system should then be vented and tested as normal.

The circular plate 3 is typically sized to match pump housings for Grunfos (UPS 15-50/60), Myson (CP range), Wilo (New Gold 50-60), Circulating Pumps (CP range/SE range) and Terrier (TC5/TC6) pumps. However, certain pumps, such as those produced by DAB, have a larger pump body.

To accommodate pump housings which are larger than the circular plate 3, the adaptor may be fitted with an adapter plate 51 which is larger than the circular plate 3. The adaptor plate 51 in this embodiment is circular and has a larger diameter than the circular plate 3. As shown in Figure 3, the adaptor plate 51 is provided with first and second circular holes 53, 55 matching the first and second tubes 5, 7 to allow the adaptor plate to be located on the second side of the circular plate 3. As shown in Figure 7, a second gasket 57 is provided between the adaptor plate 51 and the circular plate 3 to create a seal in use. The coil spring 25 and the sealing member 23 are then fitted to the first tube 5. The adaptor 1 is then installed and used in the same way as described above. - 11

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a central

heating system, the adaptor being suitable for mounting on a pump mount in place of the central heating system's pump, the adaptor comprising a first member for mating with said pump mount, a first tubular member defining a first fluid pathway through said first member and a second tubular member defining a second fluid pathway through said first member, wherein a sealing member for forming a seal with the pump mount is provided on the first tubular member, the position of the sealing member relative to the first member being adjustable.
2. An adaptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing member is slidably mounted and spring means are provided to allow the position of the sealing member to be adjusted.
3. An adaptor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spring means comprises a coil spring provided around the outside of the first tubular member.
4. An adaptor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing member is provided with a protrusion for abutment with said coil spring.
5. An adaptor as claimed in claim 4, wherein said protrusion comprises a circumferential flange.
6. An adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sealing member comprises a rubber washer. - 12
7. An adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first member comprises a circular plate.
8. An adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a fixing member for fixing the adaptor in place on the pump mount.
9. An adaptor as claimed in claim 8, wherein holes are formed in the fixing member to facilitate mounting of the first member on the pump mount.
10. An adaptor as claimed in claim 9, wherein said holes in the fixing member are located to allow screws to be introduced into holes in the pump mount used to mount the pump.
11. An adaptor as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said holes are elongated in plan form to facilitate mounting of the adaptor on a range of different pump mounts.
12. An adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a gasket for location between the first member and the pump mount to form a seal between the adaptor and the pump mount when the adaptor is mounted in position.
13. An adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an adaptor plate, said adaptor plate having a larger plan form than said first member.
14. An adaptor as claimed in claim 13, wherein a gasket is provided between said first member and said adaptor plate. - 13
15. An adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a central heating system, the adaptor being suitable for mounting on a pump mount in place of the central heating system's pump, the adaptor comprising a first member for mating with said pump mount, a sealing member, a first connector for connecting a first hose to the adaptor and a second connector for connecting a second hose to the adaptor, the first connector being in fluid communication with a first fluid pathway through said adaptor and the second connector being in fluid communication with a second fluid pathway through said adaptor, the sealing member being suitable for forming a seal with the pump mount substantially to prevent fluid communication between said first and second fluid pathways, the position of the sealing member relative to the first member being adjustable.
16. An adaptor as claimed in claim 15 further comprising spring means for biasing the sealing member towards the pump mount.
17. An adaptor for connecting a flushing machine to a central heating system, the adaptor comprising a fixing member for mounting the adaptor on a pump mount in place of the central heating system's pump, a first tubular member defining a first fluid pathway and a second tubular member defining a second fluid pathway, wherein holes are formed in the fixing member for mounting the fixing member on the pump mount, the holes being elongated in plan form to facilitate mounting of the adaptor on a range of different pump mounts.
18. A kit of parts for forming an adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim.
19. A method of flushing a central heating system having a circulation pump mounted on a pump mount, the method comprising the steps of: (a) removing the circulation pump from the pump mount; (b) fitting an adaptor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 to the pump mount in place of said pump; (c) connecting a flushing machine to the central heating system via said adaptor; and then (d) operating the flushing machine to flush the central heating system.
20. An adaptor substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. A method of cleaning a heating system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

560735 RPS, RPS