GB2473081A

GB2473081A - Apparatus or method of dispensing a corrosion inhibitor / chemicals into a central heating system

Info

Publication number: GB2473081A
Application number: GB1006558A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Anthony Cowley; Darren Lee Wilkinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-20
Filing date: 2010-04-20
Publication date: 2011-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-20
Also published as: WO2011131930A9; EP2561283B9; GB2473081B; GB201006558D0; EP2561283B1; EP2561283A2; WO2011131930A3; WO2011131930A2

Abstract

An apparatus or method of dispensing a corrosion inhibitor / chemicals into a central heating system comprises screwing a dosing device 1 into an inlet of a radiator and attaching a container 25 containing the inhibitor / chemicals to the dosing device and dispensing under pressure the inhibitor / chemicals into the radiator of the central heating system. The device comprises a male thread (2, fig 1) screwed into the radiator inlet and an o-ring (3) providing a sealed connection. The chemicals container comprises a male thread 22 screwed into a female thread 6 of the device so that a diaphragm seal 21 of the container is pierced by puncture point pins 15 on a spring 16 biased central seal pin 10. Continued screwing of the container compresses the spring and forces the central seal pin to open an end cap 12 enabling the inhibitor / chemicals to be introduced into the radiator (fig 9). The same dosing device is used for removing radiator system water enabling testing of the concentration of the chemicals in the radiator system water (figs 11 and 12). Therefore, the apparatus comprises a combined chemical dosing and testing valve of a central heating system.

Description

Radiator Dosin2 and Testilu! Valve System.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus suitable for inserting chemicals into a radiator system e.g. a central heating system, which would facilitate the maintenance and cleaning of the system on a regular basis.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method and apparatus suitable for removing radiator system water so testing of the radiator system water can take place.

These tests are required to facilitate the requirement and measurements of alkalinity and acidity levels within the radiator system water, therefore the need to add water treatment chemicals can also be determined if required.

[0003] While dispensing arrangements and apparatus arrangements are known for such purposes, they are disadvantageously limited insofar as they represent unnecessarily complicated, possibly inefficient, bulky and slow means for achieving the required dispensing of the product.

[0004] Also such known arrangements do not include for the facility for the removal of the system water for testing of the alkalinity and acidity levels of the system water prior to the introduction of the correct amount of product into the system water.

[0005] The testing of the system water prior to the introduction of the product can be critical to the maintenance of the system as a whole and also the energy efficiency of the system. Therefore it is important the correct dosing requirements are adhered too.

[0006] Any system constructed of metals and containing water will, to some degree, suffer from the effects of corrosion, hardness scale formation and microbial growth in the water, depending on the quality of the water used in that system and the temperature to which the water is subjected.

[0007] Systems will normally fall into two groups, open systems using cold water feed and expansion tanks, which are normally found within the loft space of a dwelling and are open to the atmosphere; or a closed system, which is sealed to the atmosphere and pressurised by the mains cold water supply before isolation, with the expansion and contraction of the system controlled by the use of an expansion vessel.

[0008] The effects of corrosion are seen through system failure and the build up of corrosion debris, whereas the effects of water hardness scale formation will cause a reduction in system performance, a build up of sludge within the system will again cause a reduction in system performance or even total system failure.

[00091 When water is used or retained in an open or closed system it is also subjected to contamination by micro organisms. Microbiological organisms ranging from simple bacteria to fungal and yeast spores can cause problems when they enter a system.

[0010] The effects of microbiological organisms are they attack the base materials of the system as well as using the corrosion and scale debris as a nutrient source, this results in the water becoming more acidic, the system becomes more open to corrosion and as a by-product forms gas within the system (known as air'). The air within the system radiators substantially reduces the efficiency of the system as a whole.

[0011] Therefore a build up of corrosion debris, water hardness scale formation and a build up of sludge will all add to making the general energy efficiency of the whole system decrease substantially.

[00121 To minimise the effects of corrosion, hardness scale formation and microbiological organisms, chemicals usually termed inhibitors', are required to be added to these systems at regular intervals and at an appropriate concentration specific to that chemical.

[0013] The introduction of the appropriate level of inhibitor and maintenance of that level are paramount, in maintaining that systems are as free as possible from corrosion, hardness scale formation and microbiological organisms.

[0014] The objectives of water treatment may be summarized as follows: a) to minimize corrosion of the system metals; b) to inhibit the formation of scale and sludge; c) to iithibit the growth of microbiological organisms; d) to maintain the engineering design specifications and energy efficiency of the system; e) to restore energy efficiency of the system where appropriate.

[0015] The addition of inhibitor or cleaning chemicals to open and closed systems can be problematic. It can be difficult to add the chemicals to the systems and time consuming. Often draining systems down to release pressure is required before addition can take place. This is followed by adding either liquids or slurries to a point within the system. This operation is messy and spillages are often. After the chemical addition, the system is refilled and the system vented to remove air. All of the aforementioned operations are time consuming and disruptive. It is for these reasons that the majority of open and closed systems remain untreated with water treatment chemicals.

[0016] While newly built water boilers can be provided with appropriate dosing points, such features are generally not found in existing open or closed systems. It would also be potentially dangerous for home owners to work on a new water boiler when not trained to do so. Such systems may have standard fifing valves or only a threaded cap at the top of the radiator as a possible access point for the introduction of water treatment chemicals to the system or removal of system water for testing purposes. It is this application that this present invention is directed to.

[0017] A Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve is required and inserted into the radiator threaded cap at the top of the system radiator.

[0018] The water treatment chemicals will be introduced into the system via a suitable container with a male matching connector, this inserts and connects to the female matching connector located within the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

[0019] The present invention also seeks to provide a system for the removal of system water for testing purposes and for a dispensing device and a dispensing adaptor, which offer greater benefits for inserting water treatment chemicals into the system without the need for draining down the system, refilling, venting and causing mess.

[0020] The Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve, apparatus and method offer advantages over known such devices.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention the apparatus, is suitable for retro-fitting to most types of commonly used radiators.

[0022] The first benefit of this is, the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve will be fixed within the body of the system radiator and therefore it gives access to the system water without the need to drain the whole or part of the radiator system.

[0023] The second benefit of this is, the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve will be fixed within the body of the system radiator and therefore it gives access to the system water without the loss of pressure within the closed system.

[0024] The third benefit of this is, the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve will be left within the body of the system radiator and therefore it gives access to the system water for testing of the system water for water treatment chemical levels and if required new water treatment chemicals can be easily added in future if required.

[0025] According to another aspect, the Radiator Dosing Valve can be completed and installed at the initial installation of the system.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product dispensing device (water treatment chemical container), comprising a container having a flexible compartment containing the said water treatment chemical product and arranged to be in communication with an outlet which is sealed with a diaphram seal through which said product can be dispensed once the diaphram seal is broken. Wherein the outlet includes an engagement formation arranged to engage with an engagement formation of an inlet associated with a target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve) into which the water treatment chemical product is to be dispensed, as the container outlet is engaged into the target engagement the puncture point pins on the central seal pin within the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve) engages the diaphram seal and pierces the seal, therefore releasing the product into the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve) and into the system radiator and system water.

[00271 As the container outlet is fully engaged into the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve), the flanged collar and 0' ring located on the neck of the container (water treatment chemical container), forms an air and water tight seal against the body of the target arrangement.

[0028] As the container outlet is fully engaged into the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve), the flanged collar and 0' ring located on the neck of the container (water treatment chemical container), forms a stable and rigid seal against the body of the target arrangement.

[0029J In particular, the engagement can be advantageously achieved in a sealed manner to the outside atmosphere.

S

[0030] As the container outlet is fully engaged into the target arrangement, the outlet connects with the shoulder of the central seal pin, pushing the central seal pin into the direction of the system radiator. This compresses the main spring.

This moves the end cap and 0' ring located on the end cap into the system water, the 0' ring located on the end cap forms a resilient air / water tight seal and once opened, this exposes the product to the system water.

[0031] When the product dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) is fully mated with the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve).

The product can be manually dispensed from the dispensing device, around the central seal pin and through the target arrangement by manually compressing the product dispensing device flexible container and gently forcing the product by positive pressure through the target arrangement and into the system water.

[0032] During the transfer of the product from the dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) around the central seal pin and through the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve), the flexible container is compressed until fully compressed and all the product is now within the system water within the system radiator.

[0033] The dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) can now be disengaged from the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve). As the dispensing device is disengaged the main spring on the central seal pin is now uncompressed and as the central seal pin is moved away from the direction of the system radiator the 0' ring which is located on the end cap is relocated on the end cap to the body of the target arrangement and forms an resilient air / water tight seal.

[0034] The dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) is advantageously in the form of a flexible plastic or similar container or bottle.

[0035] The dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) has proved particularly advantageous since it can be readily mounted to an appropriate inlet of a target arrangement into which the product can be dispensed.

[0036] The dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) has advantageously included a diaphram seal over the end of the outlet, this prevents the product from evacuating the dispensing device prior to engagement into the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve).

[0037] The target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve) has advantageously included a puncture point located on the central seal pin, this breaks the diaphram seal located on the end of the outlet on the dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) as the dispensing device is engaged with a target arrangement, the puncture point breaks the diaphram seal located on the end of the outlet and therefore opens the product to the target arrangement.

[0038] The puncture point located on the central seal pin has advantageously been located off the centre line of the central seal pin in order to break the diaphram seal over the end of the outlet and as the dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) is rotating on it's screwed thread and mating into the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve) the puncture point tears the diaphram seal in order to maintain an opening for the transfer of the product around the central seal pin.

[0039] Advantageously, the engagement formation is arranged to pierce a frangible seal associated over the end of the outlet of the dispensing device (water treatment chemical container).

[0040] The puncture point located on the central seal pin has advantageously been located off the centre line of the central seal pin in order to facilitate the installation of a water testing tub container adaptor and air bleed type valve adaptor.

[0041] The dispensing device (water treatment chemical container) has advantageously included a flanged collar and 0' ring located on the neck of the dispensing device which forms an air and water tight seal against the body of the target arrangement.

[0042] With regard to the engagement formation, this can be advantageously to include a screw thread which can be male or female variety.

[0043] The sealed engagement between the engagement formation can thereby be achieved through the mutually co-operable threaded members and the flanged collar and 0' ring located on the neck of the dispensing device.

[0044] The outlet is arranged advantageously such that the making of the engagement between the respective engagement formations serves to open the openable closure.

[0045] Advantageously, all the making of the engagements can be formed by way of a frangible seal member which, can comprise a metal or plastic seal or seal formed of some other appropriate material as required.

[0046] In one particular embodiment, the product comprises a treatment chemical which, in particular, can be arranged to be dosed to a closed system such as water heating system and, in particular, to a domestic central heating system.

[0047] In one particular embodiment, the product comprises a treatment chemical which, in particular, can be arranged to be dosed to a open system such as water heating system and, in particular, to a domestic central heating system.

[0048] Of course, the product can comprise any appropriate product that requires dispensing.

[0049] The apparatus can advantageously include a closure, cap or plug member arranged to engage with the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve) with the female thread thereof so to assist with closure of at least one of the passages thereof.

[0050] Advantageously, the closure cap or plug member can advantageously include an engagement formation arranged to engage with the said Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

[0051] It is advantageous the respective axes of the said screw threads are common, or at least parallel.

[0052] Of course, it should be appreciated that the present invention can also comprise an adaptor, apparatus or device including the above-mentioned Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve arrangement and the said engagement formation arranged to engage with selectively openable closure member and such as defmed above.

[0053] The present invention provides for a particularly advantageous arrangement for dispensing product to a wide variety of target devices I systems as required and which allows for such dispensing in particularly easy and efficient and, if required a readily sealed, manner.

[0054] The present invention provides for a particularly advantageous arrangement for installation of a water testing tub container adaptor to the target device I systems as required.

S

[00551 The present invention provides for a particularly advantageous arrangement for installation of an air bleed type valve adaptor to a the target device / systems as required.

[0056] The invention is disclosed further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0057] Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of the main body of the target arrangement (Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve).

[00581 Figure 1 -item 1, main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 2, male screw thread engagement which mates the system radiator.

item 3, 0' Ring, this seals the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve to the system radiator.

item 4, hexagonal nut formed within the body of the Radiator Dosing Valve..

item 5, orifice through the Radiator Dosing Valve.

item 6, female screwed thread engagement, this mates with the water treatment chemical delivery container.

item 7, chamfered opening at the bottom of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 8, internal step No. 1.

item 9, internal step No. 2.

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates the internal central seal pin. (This is located inside the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve).

[00601 Figure 2-item 10, central seal pin.

item Il, 0' Ring, this seals the central seal pin end cap with the Radiator Dosing Valve.

item 12, end cap.

item 13, central shaft.

item 14, shoulder.

item 15, puncture point pin.

[00611 Figure 3 illustrates the main spring.

[0062] Figure 3 item 16, main spring.

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve fully assembled.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve and the connection to a system radiator prior to installation.

(0065] Figure 5 -item 17, section through a connection of the system radiator.

item 18, female screw thread engagement.

Item 19, shows the turning moments and direction of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as it is to be installed into the body of the system radiator.

[00661 Figure 6 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as installed within the body of a system radiator.

[0067] Figure 7 illustrates a section through the water treatment chemical container.

[0068] Figure 7 -item 20, water treatment product.

item 21, diaphrain seal.

item 22, male screwed thread engagement, this mates with the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 23, flanged collar 0' ring.

item 24, flanged collar.

item 25, water treatment chemical container.

item 26, container outlet.

[00691 Figure 8 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as already installed within a system radiator as Fig.6 prior to the installation within the water treatment chemical container.

[0070] Figure 8 -item 1, shows the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as installed within the body of a system radiator.

item 9, internal step No.2.

item 11, 0' Ring, this seals the central seal pin end cap with the Radiator Dosing Valve.

item 12, end cap.

item 15, puncture point pins.

item 17, section through the body of the system radiator.

item 21, diaphram seal.

item 23, flanged collar 0' ring.

item 24, flanged collar.

item 25, shows the water treatment chemical container.

Item 27, shows the turning moments and direction of the water treatment chemical container as it is to be installed into the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as already installed within a system radiator and the installation of the water treatment chemical container into the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

[0072] Figure 9 -item 1, shows the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as installed within the body of a system radiator.

item 10, central seal pin.

Item 11, 0' Ring, this seals the central seal pin end cap with the Radiator Dosing Valve, this shows the seal is now open.

item 12, end cap.

item 13, central shaft.

item 16, shows the main spring in the compressed position.

item 17, section through the body of the system radiator.

item 23, flanged collar 0' ring.

item 24, flanged collar.

item 25, shows the water treatment chemical container.

100731 Figure 10 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as already installed within a system radiator and a closure cap prior to installation.

[0074] Figure 10 -item 1, main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 28, shows the turning moments and direction of the closure cap as it is to be installed into the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 17, section through the body of the system radiator.

Item 29, closure cap 0' ring.

item 30, male screwed thread engagement, this mates with the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

Item 31, closure cap.

item 32, hexagonal nut.

[0075] Figure 11 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as already installed within a system radiator and a water testing tub container adaptor prior to installation.

[0076] Figure 11 -item 1, main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 17, section through the body of the system radiator.

item 33, shows the turning moments and direction of the water testing tub container adaptor as it is to be installed into the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

Item 34, water testing tub container adaptor 0' ring.

item 35, male screwed thread engagement, this mates with the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 36, removable plastic cap.

item 37, hexagonal nut.

item 38, water testing tub container adaptor.

[0077] Figure 12 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as already installed within a system radiator and a water testing tub container adaptor.

[0078] Figure 12-item 1, main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 10, central seal pin.

item 12, end cap.

item 13, central shaft.

item 17, section through a connection of the system radiator.

item 34, water testing tub container adaptor 0' ring.

item 36, removable plastic cap.

item 37, hexagonal nut.

item 38, water testing tub container adaptor.

[O079j KEY.

item 1 * main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.

item 2, male screw thread engagement which mates the system radiator.

item 4, hexagonal nut formed within the body of the Radiator Dosing Valve.

item 5, orifice through the Radiator Dosing Valve.

itemS, internal step No. 1.

item 9, internal step No.2.

item 10, central seal pin.

item 12, end cap.

item 13, central shaft.

item 14, shoulder.

item 15, puncture point pin.

item 16, main spring.

item 17, section through a connection of the system radiator.

item 18, female screw thread engagement located on the body of the system radiator.

item 20, water treatment product.

item 21, diapbram seal.

item 23, flanged collar 0' ring.

item 24, flanged collar.

item 25, water treatment chemical container.

item 26, container outlet.

item 29, closure cap 0' ring.

Item 31, hexagonal nut formed within the body of the closure cap.

item 32, closure cap.

item 34, water testing tub container adaptor 0' ring.

item 36, removable plastic cap.

item 37, hexagonal nut.

item 38, water testing tub container adaptor.

[0080] Turning first to the main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve device (1) of Fig.1, there is illustrated a device which can be fitted to, for example, an inlet point of a radiator. Item (5) is a space or orifice between the walls of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve in which the internal components are located and also the product can pass there-through. A male threaded engagement (2) is provided and designed to mate to connections to a system radiator shown later in Fig 5. An 0' ring seal (3) is provided to form a sealed connection between the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve and the system radiator. At the head of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve there is a hexagonal nut (4) formed within the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve, this is provided for engagement by use with a spanner or wrench. Located on the inside of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve body there is a female screwed threaded engagement (6), this mates with the water treatment chemical delivery container shown later in Fig.7. Item (7) is a chamfered opening at the foot of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve body, this is required to complete the water and air tight seal shown later in Fig.4. Item (8) is a formed internal step No. 1 and is located within the body of the valve (1), this is required to form as a stop for the central seal pin shown later in Figs. 2 and 9. Item (9) is a formed internal step No. 2, this is located within the body of the valve (1), this is required to support the main spring (16) as shown later in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. This item can be manufactured from metals or plastics.

[0081] In Fig.2 there is illustrated the central seal pin (10), this is located within the body of Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) as shown in Fig.l. The following, 0' ring (1 1), is located on the end cap (12) of the central seal pin. When the 0' ring (11) is fixed in position on the end cap (12) this forms a water / air tight seal against the chamfered opening at the foot of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve body (7) and as shown later in Figs.4 and 9. The central shaft (13) has been designed to be made of ridged and thin material so to let the product pass around the central shaft (13) and through the orifice (5) as in Fig.1, which is within the inner wall of the main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1), this has been designed to supply the product with the least amount of pressure drop to ease with the flow of the product into the radiator system water. The shoulder (14) located near to the top of the central seal pin (10) and is provided to stop against the internal step (8) as shown on Fig.1 The shoulder (14) connects with the internal step No. 1 (8) and locates with the shoulder (14) has been designed for strength and stability and is further required to keep the central seal pin centrally located within the body of Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1). Advantageously included are puncture point pins (15), according to this invention, and in particular the embodiment of the puncture point pins (15) have been designed to firstly pierce and then tear the diaphram seal (21) as shown later on Fig.7. The location of the puncture point pins (15) have been designed in a way to firstly pierce through the diaphram seal (21) as shown later on Fig.7 and then tear or rip the diaphram seal (21) on the water treatment chemical container outlet (26) as shown later on Fig.7. This item can be manufactured from metals or plastics.

[0082] In Fig.3 there is illustrated the main spring (16). The main spring is located firstly over the central seal pin (10), the top of the main spring is against the underside of the shoulder (14) as shown in Fig.4. the bottom of the main spring is positioned so it sits on the internal step No. 2 (9). This assembly is located within the body of Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) as shown in Fig.4.

[0083] In Fig.4 there is illustrated a section through the assembled Radiator Dosing and Testing as previously described above.

[0084] In Fig.5 there is illustrated a section through a connection to a system radiator (17) this has a female screw thread engagement (18), this locates with male threaded engagement (2) located on the assembled Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve as Fig. 4 when the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve is engaged into the connection to a system radiator (17) and installed as item (19) by the use of a wrench or spanner on the hexagonal nut (4) this draws the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve into the system radiator (17) until the 0' ring (3) forms a frangible seal against the system radiator (17).

[0085] In Fig.6 the illustration shows a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve fully installed into the system radiator.

[0086] In Fig.7 there is illustrated a section through the water treatment chemical container (25). This has water treatment product (20) within the water treatment chemical container (25). At the top of the water treatment chemical container (25) there is a container outlet (26) and located at the end of the container outlet (26) there is a diaphram seal (21), this forms a breakable seal to stop the water treatment product (20) from escaping from the water treatment chemical container (25) prematurely. Located on the container outlet there is a male screwed thread engagement (22), this mates with the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve female screwed thread engagement (6) as shown in Fig.1. Also located on the container outlet (26) there is an flanged collar 0' ring (23) this is provided to form a sealed connection between the body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve and the flanged collar (24). The flanged collar (24) has been advantageously designed to give stability between the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve and the flanged collar 0' ring (23) which in turn allows for a stable and frangible seal between the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve and the treatment chemical container (25). This item can be manufactured from plastics or an alternative soft material suitable for containing a chemical substance.

[0087] In Fig.8 there is illustrated a section through a water treatment chemical container (25) and a Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve which is fully installed into the system radiator as Fig.6. The water treatment chemical container (25) is installed as item (27) by rotating the water treatment chemical container (25) by manual means. The male screwed thread engagement (22) mates with the female screwed thread engagement (6), this mates the water treatment chemical delivery container (25) with the Dosing and Testing Valve (1). As the water treatment chemical container (25) is mating with the Dosing and Testing Valve (1) the diaphram seal (21) is connected onto the puncture point pins (15) and by doing so pierces the diaphram seal (21). As the water treatment chemical container (25) is rotated further as (27) into the Dosing and Testing Valve (1) the puncture point pins (15) tear the diaphram seal (21) until an orifice opening is formed. As the water treatment chemical container (25) is continually inserted as item (27) this forces the central seal pin (10) into the system water so compressing the main spring (16) this opens the end cap (12) and opens the water / air tight seal between the central seal pin 0' ring (11) and the internal step No.2 (9). This means procedure continues until the flanged collar 0' ring (23) forms a frangible seal against the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) and against the flanged collar (24).

[0088] Fig.9 illustrates the water treatment chemical container (25) which is now fully mated with the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) which is also fully installed into the system radiator as Fig.6. It clearly illustrates the central seal pin (10) which is in the fully open position. It also illustrates the frangible seals with the 0' ring (3) between the body of the system radiator (17) and the main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1). Again it also illustrates the frangible seals with the flanged collar 0' ring (23) and the flanged collar (24) located on the water treatment chemical container (25). This clearly identifies that the water treatment product has a clear internal sealed path from the water treatment chemical container (25) through the orifice within the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (5) and around the central shaft (13) and into the closed system water Within the radiator. The water treatment chemical container (25) containing the water treatment product (20) can now be compressed by manual means, the result is the water treatment product (20) flows from the water treatment chemical container (25) through the orifice in the Radiator Dosing Valve (5) and into the system radiator which in turn introduces the water treatment product (20) to the system water. When the water treatment product (20) has been fully dispensed into the system water, the water treatment chemical container (25) can then be retracted by reversing the earlier descriptions as above.

This will leave the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (5) in the closed position and the system water sealed from the atmosphere.

[0089] Fig.10 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) which is also fully installed into the system radiator (17) as Fig.6. and also illustrates a section through the closure cap (32). The closure cap (32) is required to close the end of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve from dust and dirt in the atmosphere when the installation of the water treatment product (20) has been discharged into the system water and the treatment chemical container (25) has been removed as described in Fig.9 above. The closure cap (32) is installed as item (28) by rotating the closure cap (32) by the use of a wrench or spanner on the hexagonal nut (31) this draws the closure cap (32) into the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) until the 0' ring (29) forms a frangible seal against the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1).

[00901 Fig.l 1 illustrates a section through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) which is also fully installed into the system radiator (17) as Fig.6. and also illustrates a section through the water testing tub container adaptor (38). The Water testing tub container adaptor (38) is required in order to remove system water without the requirement to drain or shut down the closed or open radiator system whilst the system is operational and to test a sample system water to determine the requirement that, if water treatment product (20) is to be added to the water system dependant upon water tests of the system water. The water testing tub container adaptor (38) is installed as item (33) by rotating the water testing tub container adaptor (38) by the use of a wrench or spanner on the hexagonal nut (37) this draws the water testing tub container adaptor (38) into the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) until the 0' ring (34) forms a frangible seal against the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1).

[0091] Fig.12 illustrates the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1) which is now fully mated with the system radiator as Fig.6. It clearly illustrates the central seal pin (10) which is in the fully open position. It also illustrates the frangible seals with the 0' ring (3) between the body of the system radiator (17) and the main body of the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (1). Again it also illustrates the frangible seals with the water testing tub container adaptor 0' ring (34) and the hexagonal nut (37) located on the water testing tub container adaptor 0' ring (34). This clearly identifies that the system water has a clear sealed path from within the system radiator (17) through the orifice through the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (5) and around the central shaft (13) and into the water testing tub container adaptor (38). When the water testing tub container adaptor (38) has been filled with system water, the water testing tub container adaptor (38) can be retracted by reversing the earlier descriptions as above. This will leave the Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve (5) in the closed position and the system water sealed from the atmosphere and the water testing tub container adaptor (38) filled with system water were testing can take place.

Claims

CLAIMS.1. A product dispensing device comprising a container having a compartment containing the said product and arranged to be in communication with an outlet through which said product is to be dispensed, wherein the outlet includes an engagement formation arranged to engage with an engagement formation of an inlet associated with a target arrangement into which the product is to be dispensed, and further includes a selectively openable and closure means which, when opened, allows product to be dispensed through the outlet and into the said target arrangement under the pressure exerted manually.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement formation of the outlet is arranged to provide for sealed engagement to the engagement formation of the said inlet.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises the form of a flexible plastic or similar container or bottle.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the product comprises fluid or viscous liquid.
5. A device as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the openable closure means is formed by way of a frangible seal member.
6. A device as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the openable closure means is arranged to be selectively re-closed.
7. A device as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 4 or 6, and comprising a valve member.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the valve arrangement includes a resiliently mounted closure member.
9. A device as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 toS, and comprising a puncture point.
10. A device as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the said engagement formation of the outlet comprises a screw thread.
11. A device as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is arranged such that the making of the engagement between the respective engagement formations serves to open the openable closure member.
12. A device as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims and arranged for dispensing product into a pressurised target arrangement.
13. A device as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims and comprising a central heating Radiator Dosing and Testing Valve.
14. An adaptor device arranged for the dispensing of product from a dispensing device to a target arrangement, the adaptor device having a body including a first portion presenting a first screw thread, a second portion presenting a second screw thread, a passage associated with the said first and second portions respectively and arranged to be in communication for the passage of product therebetween, the passage including a two way valve member.
15. An adaptor device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the two way valve member is arranged to present a surface to be engaged by an engagement formation to achieve the selective opening thereof.
16. A dispensing adaptor device arranged for the dispensing of product from a dispensing device to a target arrangement, the adaptor device having a body including a first portion presenting a first screw thread, a second portion presenting a second screw thread., first and second passages associated with the said first and second portions respectively and arranged to be in communication for the passage of product therebetween, and including an engagement formation arranged to engage with a selectively openable closure member of a product dispensing device for the dispensing of product theretbrough.
17. A device as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the engagement formation is arranged to pierce an openable member of the product dispensing device.
18. A device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the engagement formation includes a puncture point pin portion.
19. A device as claimed in Claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the engagement formation comprises an elongate member arranged to activate a diapbrani seal member of the product dispensing device.
20. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the said elongate member comprises a puncture point pin.
21. A device as claimed in any one or more of Claims 16 to 20, wherein the engagement formation has a passage formed therein.
22. A device as claimed in any one or more of Claims 19,20 or 21 wherein the engagement formation is arranged to cooperate with an openable closure means of a product closing device as claimed in any one or more of Claims ito 13.
23. A device as claimed in any one or more of Claims 14 to 23 and including a closure or plug member arranged to engage with one of the screw threads thereof so as to assist with the closure of at least one of the said passages thereof.
24. A water testing tub adaptor device arranged for the collection of system water from a target arrangement, the adaptor device having a body including a first portion presenting a first screw thread, a second portion presenting a water testing tub container, first and second passages associated with the said first and second portions respectively and arranged to be in communication for the collection of system water therebetween, and including an engagement formation arranged to engage with a selectively openable closure member for the collection of system water therethmugh.
25. A device as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the engagement formation is arranged to open an openable member of the target arrangement device.
26. A device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the engagement formation includes a water testing tub container portion.
27. A device as claimed in Claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the engagement formation comprises a collecting member arranged to collect system water through the target arrangement device.
28. A device as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the said collecting member comprises a water testing tub.
29. A device as claimed in any one or more of Claims 24 to 28, wherein the engagement formation has a passage formed therein.
30.A device as claimed in any one or more of Claims 14 to 29 wherein the axes of the said screw threads are common.
31. A device as claimed in any one or more of Claims 14 to 30 wherein the axes of the said screw threads are of an angle.
32. A device as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the axes are orthogonal.
33. A device as claimed in Claims 13 to 20 and 24 to 28 and any one or more Claims.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. Apparatus for facilitating maintenance of radiator system water of a radiator comprising a radiator access inlet, comprising: a product dispensing container comprising a compartment for containing product to be dispensed, and an outlet defining an outlet passage arranged in communication with said compartment to allow contained product to be dispensed through said outlet; said outlet presents an outlet engagement formation for engaging with a target arrangement engagement formation of a target arrangement configured to be received within said radiator access inlet in an installed condition and defining a target arrangement passage; whereby when said target arrangement is installed within said radiator access inlet and said outlet engagement formation and said target arrangement engagement formation are in an engaged condition, said outlet passage and said target arrangement passage are in communication to allow a contained product to be dispensed through said radiator access inlet into said radiator system water; said outlet is provided with an openable closure means; said compartment is flexible; and said container is configured to present said compartment to receive a manually applied compressive force thereto, said container configured to dispense contained product in response to the manual application of a compressive force to said compartment.*.: 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compartment is fabricated from a flexible plastics material. 25 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said openable closure means comprises a frangible seal member. **.. * * **.**: * 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said openable closure means is reclosable.5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said outlet engagement formation of said product dispensing container comprises a screw thread.6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said product dispensing container contains a product to be dispensed.7. Apparatus for facilitating maintenance of radiator system water of a radiator comprising a radiator access inlet, comprising: a target arrangement configured to be received within said radiator access inlet in an installed condition and defining a target arrangement passage; said target arrangement presents a target arrangement engagement formation for engaging with an outlet engagement formation of a product dispensing container comprising a compartment for containing product to be dispensed, and an outlet defining an outlet passage arranged in communication with said compartment to allow contained product to be dispensed through said outlet; whereby when said target arrangement is installed within said radiator access inlet and said outlet engagement formation and said target arrangement engagement formation are in an engaged condition, said outlet passage and said target arrangement passage are in communication to allow a contained product to be dispensed through said radiator access inlet into said radiator system water; said target arrangement comprises a radiator access inlet engagement formation for use in installing said target arrangement within said radiator access inlet, and * said target arrangement comprises a two way valve member within said target *: * arrangement passage.* 25 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said two way valve member is movable between a closed position in which said target arrangement passageway is in a * ** * closed condition and an open position in which said target arrangement passageway is in **** *. an open condition.9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said two way valve member is biased towards said closed condition of said target arrangement passageway by a resilient closure member.10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein said target arrangement engagement formation of said target arrangement comprises a screw thread.11. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein said radiator access inlet engagement formation of said target arrangement comprises a screw thread.12. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a target arrangement closure member presenting a closure member engagement formation for engaging with said target arrangement engagement formation of said target arrangement, whereby when said target arrangement is installed within said radiator access inlet and said closure member engagement formation and said target arrangement engagement formation are in an engaged condition, said closure member inhibits ingress of atmosphere into said target arrangement passageway.13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 and claim 9, configured such that said outlet of said product dispensing container is insertable into said target arrangement passageway of said target arrangement to bring said outlet engagement formation of said outlet and said target arrangement engagement formation of said target arrangement into an engaged condition.:: 25 14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, configured such that said outlet of said product dispensing container is insertable into said target arrangement passageway of said target arrangement into a position in which said outlet acts to move said two way valve member of said target arrangement away from said closed position towards said open position.15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said two way valve member comprises a puncture point pin portion and said apparatus is configured such that said outlet is insertable into said target arrangement passageway of said target arrangement into a position in which said puncture point pin portion of said two way valve member of said target arrangement acts to open said frangible seal member of said product dispensing container.16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said two way valve member comprises a central pin presenting said puncture point pin portion at an end thereof.17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said resilient closure member is a spring located about said central pin.18. Apparatus for facilitating maintenance of radiator system water of a radiator comprising a radiator access inlet, comprising: a water testing tub container adaptor comprising a compartment for receiving radiator system water to be tested from said radiator, and an inlet defining an inlet passage arranged in communication with said compartment to allow radiator system water to be received through said inlet, said inlet presents an inlet engagement formation for engaging with a target arrangement engagement formation of a target arrangement configured to be received within said radiator access inlet in an installed condition and defining a target arrangement * passage; whereby when said target arrangement is installed within said radiator access * * inlet and said inlet engagement formation and said target arrangement engagement * 25 formation are in an engaged condition, said inlet passage and said target arrangement passage are in communication to allow radiator system water to be collected from said s. radiator through said radiator access inlet. ** * * * I.19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said inlet engagement formation of said water testing tub container adaptor comprises a screw thread.20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 and claim 18, configured such that said inlet of said water testing tub container adaptor is irisertable into said target arrangement passageway of said target arrangement to bring said inlet engagement formation of said water testing tub container adaptor and said target arrangement engagement formation of said target arrangement into an engaged condition.21 Apparatus for facilitating maintenance of radiator system water of a radiator comprising a radiator access inlet, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying Figures.**.. *0 * * * *I I. * S S... * S *..S * S * S.