GB2517103A

GB2517103A - Coolant separator

Info

Publication number: GB2517103A
Application number: GB1420563.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Nolan; Vivian Page; Stuart Andrew Wagstaff; Jean-Yves Tillier
Original assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
Current assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-27
Filing date: 2012-07-27
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-27
Also published as: GB201420563D0; CN204436567U; GB201213377D0; GB2517103B; GB2504470B; GB2504470A; WO2014016554A1

Abstract

A separator 122 for separating gas and liquid in a coolant, the separator comprises a hollow body 124 having a first end 302 and a second end 304. An inlet 126 having a substantially rectangular cross section is arranged towards the first end and a liquid outlet 130 is arranged towards the second end. The separator includes a gas outlet 128 arranged towards the first end of the hollow body and a conduit 402 mounted in the hollow body and defining a gas flow path at least partway between the first end and the second end. In use a coolant such as distilled water or mixtures of water, antifreeze and additives may enter the inlet and adopt cyclonic flow from the first end to the second end and any gas such as air present in the fluid is separated and may enter the conduit before exiting the separator via the gas outlet. The gas free liquid may exit the separator via the liquid outlet. Advantageously the separator may be included in a cooling system for an engine such as a diesel or gasoline fuelled engine.

Description

COOLANT SEPARATOR

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling system for an engine, and more particularly to a separator for separating gas and liquid in a coolant used in the cooling system.

Background

[0002] Coolant flowing in a cooling system for an engine can become aerated. The aerated coolant may cause a reduction in the efficiency of a pump.

contributing to an overall reduction in the coolant flow in the cooling system.

The reduced coolant flow may in turn result in inadequate cooling of various components present in the system. if unchecked, deterioration in performance of the pump may lead to thermal issues especially in an engine head or other heat exchanger elements present in the system.

[0003] Typically, high performance engines make use of swirl pots to separate air hubbies present in the coolant. Commercial engines use shunt tanks or radiator header tanks to provide an area of low cooiant flow for the dc-aeration of the coolant. However, these solutions are generally ineffective at separating relatively small air bubbles, which have a tendency to be easily re-entrained into the cocAant. Also, these solutions take up considerable space. which may not he available on some machines.

[0004] For example, U.S. Published Application No. 2009/0134 175 relates to a fuel tank that is made of a plastic material. The fuel tank includes, but. is not limited to, an outer tank and a swirl pot arranged in the interior thereof. The edge of the swirl pot and the opening of the luel tank are connected positivdy.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0005] The present disclosure provides a separator for separating gas and liquid in a coolant, the separator comprising a hollow body having a first end and a second end; an inlet arranged towards the first end; a gas outlet arranged towards the first end of the hollow body; a liquid outlet alTanged towards the second end; and a conduit mounted in the hollow body and defining a gas flow path at least partway between the first end am! the second end, wherein the inlet has a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0006] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cooling system for an engine.

including a separator, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [0008] Figure 2 is a schematic view of another cooling system including a separator, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the separator according to the present

disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the separator shown in Figure 3; and [0011] Figure 5 is another cross-sectiona' view of the separator shown in Figure 3.

Detai!ed Description

[0012] Wherever possible, the sanie reference numbers will he used throughout the figures to refer to the same or like parts. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary cooling systems 100. 200 respectively for an engine 102 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. ffi one embodiment, the engine 102 may include for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel powered engine such as a natural gas engine, a combination of known sources of power or any other type of power source apparent to one of skill in the art. Further, as shown in those figures, the engine 102 may include an engine head 104 and an engine hthck 106.

[0013] A heat exchanger or a radiator 108 may be fluidly connected to the engine 102, in order to dissipate heat from a coolant leaving the engine 102. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable coolant known in the art may be used, for example the coolant may include distilled water or amixture of water, antifreeze and other additives. A first passageway 110 may supply a coolant. flow from the engine head 104 to an inlet of the radiator 108.

Further, a second passageway 112 may he connected to an outlet of the radiator 108 to permit flow of the coolant away from the radiator 108.

[00141 A thermostat controlled valve 114 may be disposed in the first passageway 110. The thermostat controfled valve 114 may control the coolant flow into the radiator 108. One of ordinary skill in the art will apprcciatc that the thermostat controlled valve 114 may be configured to re-circulate the coolant flow lhrough a bypass circuit until a temperature of the cocñant reaches a pre-determined threshold. On reaching the pre-determined threshold, the coolant flow may he routed towards the radiator 108. It should he noted that the placement of the thermostat controlled valve 114 depicted in the accompanying figures illustrates an outlet controlled cooling system. An inlet controlled cooling system. wherein the thermostat controlled valve 114 may be placed within the second passageway 112 a'so lies within the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2. a pump 116 may be disposed in the second passageway 112. The pump 116 is fluidly connected to the engine block 106 in order to circulate the coolant within the engine 102. The pump 116 may include a fixcd displaccmcnt or variable displacement pump known in the art.

Further, an expansion tank 118 may be fluidly connected to the radiator 108 via a third passageway 120. The expansion tank 118 may provide volume for the thermal expansion of the coo'ant. The expansion tank 118 may also serve as a coolant reservoir to ensure the presence of coolant despite evaporative losses over time.

[0016] The coolant flowing in the cooling system 100, 200 may contain gas in the form of air bubbles. In the present disdosure, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a separator 122 may be provided in the cooling systems 100, 200, for separating the gas and liquid in the coolant.. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate different locations in the coofing systems 100, 200 where the separator 122 may he disposed. The separator 122 includes a hollow body 124. The separator 122 also includes an inlet 126, a gas outlet 128 and a liquid outlet 130 to connect the separator 122 to various components in the cooling systems 100, 200. In one embodiment, the separator 122 may he made of metal or any other suitable material. The detailed structure of the separator 122 will be explained in connection with Figure 3.

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the separator 122 may he disposed in the first passageway 110, morc specifically betwccn the radiator 108 and the thermostat controlled valve 114. It should be noted that in this arrangement, the separator 122 is disposed in series with respect to the radiator 108 of the cooling system 100. As shown, the inlet 126 ol the separator 122 may he fluidly connected to the thermostat controlled valve 114. Further, the liquid outlet 130 of the separator 122 may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the radiator 108. In this case, the gas outlet 128 of the separator 122 may be connected to the expansion tank 118 via a communication line 132.

[0018] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the separator 122 may be positioned in parallel with respect to the radiator 108. In this case, the separator 122 may he disposed in the bypass branch 202, more specifically between the thermostat controlled valve 114 and the pump 116. The inlet 126 of the scparator 122 may be connected to a fluid junction downstream of the thermostat controlled valve 114 and the liquid outlet. 130 of the separator 122 may he connected to a fluid junction upstream of the thermostat controlled valve 114. Further, the gas outlet 128 ol the separator 122 may he connected to the expansion tank 118 via the communication line 132. In yet another embodiment, the separator 122 may be disposed in both the first passageway 110 as well as in the bypass branch 202.

[0019] Moreover, it should he understood that parameters related to the separator 122 such as size of the inlet 126, the liquid outlet 130 and the gas outlet 128, length of the hollow body 124, material used, and the like. may vary depending on the application. For example, the separator 122 used in the cooling system 200 may have a rdatively shorter hollow body 124 than that used in the cooling system 100. This may be because a smaller portion of the coolant flows through the separator 122 located in the bypass branch 202 as against a full flow arrangement. provided in the cooling system 100. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the positioning of the separator 122 depicted in the accompanying figures is merely exemplary and may vary without any limitation.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the separator 122. The separator 122 includes the hollow hody 124 having a first end 302 and a second end 304. The hollow body 124 may be generally cylindrical so as to define a longitudinal axis AA. Further, the inlet 126 of the separator 122 is arranged towards the first end 302 of the hollow body 124. The inlet 126 has a substantially rectangular cross section. The inlet 126 may he configured to receive at least a portion of the coolant flowing through the cooling systems 100.

200. As shown in the accompanying figures, the inlet 126 may be located substantially tangentially to the hollow body 124. Also, the gas outlet 128 is located towards the first end 302 of the hollow body 124. In one embodiment.

the gas outlet 128 may include an opening 306 provided at the first end 302 of the separator 122.

[0021] The gas outlet 128 may he provided substantially coaxially to the hollow body 124, along the longitudinal axis AA. Further, the liquid oufiet 130 of thc separator 122 is arranged towards the second end 304 of the hollow body 124. As shown in the accompanying figures, the liquid outlet 130 may be arranged latera'ly with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the hollow body 124. In an embodiment, based on the appheation. the liquid outlet 130 may he arranged substantially axially or parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the hollow body 124. Moreover, the hollow body 124 defines an hour glass chamber such that there is a reduction in throat diameter partway along the length of the hollow body 124.

[0022] Figures 4 and 5 depict different cross sectional views of the separator 122, according to an embodiment. of the present disclosure. As shown, the separator 122 includes a conduit 402 mounted in the hollow body 124. The conduit 402 defines a gas flow path at least partway between the first end 302 and the second end 304 of the hollow body 124. In one embodiment, the conduit 402 may include an outlet end 404 proximal to the gas outlet 128 and an inlet end 406 distal to the gas outlet 128. Moreover, the conduit 402 may have a hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow conical shape. Figures 4 and 5 depict two different variations of mounting the conduit 402 in the hollow body 124.

[0023] RefelTing to Figure 4, a plurality of ribs 408 extending radially from an inner surface of the hollow hody 124 may he used to mount the conduit 402 in the hollow body 124. The plurality of nbs 408 may be provided proximal to the first end 302 of the hollow body 124. such that the conduit 402 extends into the gas outlet 128. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5. the outlet end 404 of the conduit 402 may he integral with the first end 302 ol the hollow body 124. In this arrangement, the conduit 402 may he integral with the gas outlet 128 of the hollow body 124. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the variations of mounting the conduit. 402 described herein are merely exemplary and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, in one embodiment, a plurality of perforations in the form of holes or slots (not shown in figures) may be provided on the conduit 402.

[0024] The present disclosure rclates to providing an effective design for the separation of the relatively small air bubbles, having a diameter of approximately microns and above, from thc coolant flowing through thc separator 122. The conduit 402 is configured to provide the gas flow path for the separated air bubbles to rise under the influence of the buoyancy forces and pass out of the separator 122 via the gas outlet 128. A person ol ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the separator 122 may be easily installed into standard cooling systems 100, 200. In some cases, the separator 122 may be used as a replacement for the shunt tank in the system.

Industrial Applicability

[0025] The working of the separator 122 will now he described in detail.

During operation. at least a portion of the coolant may be received by the inlet 126. Due to the substantially tangential positioning of the inlet 126 with respect to the hollow body 124, the coolant flow may adopt a cyclonic or swirl flow from the first end 302 towards the second end 304 of the hollow body 124. It should be understood that typically, the velocity of the swirl flow of the coolant within the hollow body 124 may be relatively high in the core of the separator 122.

[0026] The conduit 402 mounted within the hoflow body 124 may he configured to generate a low velocity region in the core of the separator 122 to facilitate the separation of the gas and liquid in the coolant. It should be noted that the liquid present in the coolant flow is comparatively heavier and may he urged outwardly in the swirl flow. Also, the liquid may fall downwardly towards the second end 304. due to the effect of gravity and the centrifugal force generated within (he hollow body 124. Whereas, the gas may he present inwardly of the swirl flow and may collect in the form of air bubbles at (he ifflet end 406 of the conduit 402. This may result in the separation of the gas and liquid in the coolant. In an embodiment, the separated gas may enter the separator 122 via the plurality of perforations provided along at least a portion of a length of the conduit 402. The air bubbles may then rise within the gas flow path towards the oufiet end 404 of the conduit 402 under effect of buoyancy forces.

[0027] Thereafter, the separated gas may exit the separator 122 via the gas outlet 128 which is connected to the conduit 402. The separated gas may then enter the expansion tank 118 via the communication line 132 which extends from the gas outlet 128 of the separator 122. Moreover, the separated liquid may exit the separator 122 via the liquid outlet 130. The separated liquid may enter the radiator 108 in the cooling system 100 or the pump 116 in the cooling system 2()().

[0028] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the conduit 402 may promote better swirling characteristics in a flow field within the separator 122, thereby leading to improved separation efficiency. Moreover, the centrifugal force generated within the separator 122 may he directly proportional to the velocity of the coolant flowing within the separator 122 and inversely proportional to a radius of the hollow body 124. Thus, a rectangular shaped inlet 126, as shown in the accompanying figures, may provide a reduction in flow area of the inlet 126 and thereby cause an increase in the velocity of the coo'ant flow into the separator 122. Also, the reduction in the throat radius of the hollow body 124 may facilitate higher levels of swirl and therefore provide improved separation efficiency.

[0029] Alihough thc cmhodiments of this disclosure as described herein may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the following claims, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can he made. Other embodiments will he apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the lollowing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is: I. A separator for separating gas and liquid in a coolant, the separator comprising: a hollow body having a first end and a second end; an inlet arranged towards the first end; a gas outlet arranged towards the first end of the hollow body; a liquid outlet. arranged towards the second end; am! a conduit mounted in the hollow body and defining a gas flow path at least partway between the first end and the second end, wherein the inlet has a substantially rectangular cross section.
2. The separator of claim 1, wherein the hollow body delines an hourglass chamber such that there is a reduction in throat diameter partway along the length of the hollow body.
3. The separator of claim 1, wherein the conduit includes an outlet end proximal to the gas outlet and an inlet end distal to the gas outlet.
4. The separator of claim 1, wherein the inlet is arranged substantially tangentially to the hollow body.
5. The separator of claim 1. wherein the gas outlet is arranged substantially axially to the hollow body.
6. The separator of claim 1 further including ribs for niounting the conduit within the hollow body.
7. The separator of claim 1. wherein the conduit is integral with the first end of the hollow body.
8. The separator of claim 1. wherein the conduit is configured to generate a low velocity region in coolant flow for the separation of the gas and the liquid in the coolant.
9. The separator of claim 8. wherein the gas flow path directs the separated gas towards the gas outlet of the hollow body.
10. Thc separator of claim 1. wherein the conduit is configured to have a hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow conical shape.
11. The separator of claim I further including a plurality of holes provided along at least a portion of a length of the conduit.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS: Claims What is claimed is: I. A separator for separating gas and liquid in a coolant, the separator comprising: a hollow body having a first end and a second end; an inlet arranged towards the first end; a gas outlet arranged towards the first end of the hollow body; a liquid outlet. arranged towards the second end; am! a conduit mounted in the hollow body and defining a gas flow path at least partway between the first end and the second end, wherein the inlet has a substantially rectangular cross section.2. The separator of claim 1, wherein the conduit includes an outlet end proximal to the gas outlet and an inlet end distal to the gas outlet.3. The separator of claim 1, wherein (he iffle( is arranged substantially tangentially to the hollow body.4. The separator of claim 1. wherein the gas outlet is arranged substantially axially to the hollow body.5. The separator of claim I further including ribs for mounting the conduit within the hollow body.6. The separator of claim 1, wherein the conduit is integral with the first end of the hoflow body.7. The separator of claim I, wherein (he conduit is configured to genera(e a low velocity region in cooan( flow for the separation of (he gas and (he liquid in the coolant.8. The separator of claim 7. wherein the gas flow path directs the separated gas towards the gas outlet of the hollow body.9. The separator of claim 1, wherein the conduit is configured to have a hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow conical shape.10. The separator of claim I further including a plurality olhcles provided along at least a portion of a length of the conduit. IC) rN