GB2565150A - Manifold device for liquids - Google Patents

Manifold device for liquids Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2565150A
GB2565150A GB1712593.1A GB201712593A GB2565150A GB 2565150 A GB2565150 A GB 2565150A GB 201712593 A GB201712593 A GB 201712593A GB 2565150 A GB2565150 A GB 2565150A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
outlet
inlet
chamber
liquid
manifold device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1712593.1A
Other versions
GB201712593D0 (en
Inventor
John James Michael
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fuel Active Ltd
Original Assignee
Fuel Active Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fuel Active Ltd filed Critical Fuel Active Ltd
Priority to GB1712593.1A priority Critical patent/GB2565150A/en
Publication of GB201712593D0 publication Critical patent/GB201712593D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2018/052235 priority patent/WO2019025818A1/en
Publication of GB2565150A publication Critical patent/GB2565150A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/0076—Details of the fuel feeding system related to the fuel tank
    • F02M37/0082—Devices inside the fuel tank other than fuel pumps or filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D17/00—Separation of liquids, not provided for elsewhere, e.g. by thermal diffusion
    • B01D17/02—Separation of non-miscible liquids
    • B01D17/0208—Separation of non-miscible liquids by sedimentation
    • B01D17/0211—Separation of non-miscible liquids by sedimentation with baffles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/0011—Constructional details; Manufacturing or assembly of elements of fuel systems; Materials therefor
    • F02M37/0017—Constructional details; Manufacturing or assembly of elements of fuel systems; Materials therefor related to fuel pipes or their connections, e.g. joints or sealings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/22—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • B60K2015/0775—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation for reducing movement or slash noise of fuel

Abstract

A manifold device 10 for liquids, comprising a sealed hollow body which defines an inlet chamber 14 and an outlet chamber 15, an inlet port 16 connected to the inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet ports 17a, 17b connected to the outlet chamber. The inlet and outlet chambers are separated by an upstanding baffle wall 18, over which liquid must flow from the inlet port to the outlet ports. The manifold device is designed to prevent a pump that is drawing liquid from one of the outlet ports from being starved of liquid in the event that another pump is drawing liquid from another outlet port at a higher rate. Preferably, a depending baffle 14 is included in the inlet chamber. The cross-sectional area of the liquid path may increase from the inlet port to the outlet ports. The outlet chamber could extend partially around the inlet chamber, such that the liquid flows radially. Also described is a device for drawing fuel from a tank, comprising a head fitted to a side wall of a tank, a fuel pick-up, and the manifold device.

Description

This invention relates to a manifold device for liquids.
Hitherto, manifolds have been widely used, for example in applications where a single inlet duct carrying liquid from a source is connected to two or more outlet ducts. Often the liquid flowing along the inlet duct is drawn from the source by pumps connected to the outlet ducts.
A problem of this arrangement occurs when one of the pumps is drawing liquid at a rate greater than another because it will have the potential effect of starving the other pump of liquid. Such a problem occurs, for example, in a situation where a plurality of generators are being fed with fuel from a single tank and one of the generators is of a more powerful type or is under more load or consuming more fuel. In such circumstances, there is a risk that another generator that is connected to the tank may be starved of fuel and stop.
With the foregoing in mind, we have now devised an improved manifold device for liquids.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a manifold device for liquids comprising a sealed hollow body which defines an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, an inlet port connected to the inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet ports connected to the outlet chamber, wherein the inlet and outlet chambers are separated by an upstanding baffle, over which liquid must flow from the inlet port to the outlet ports.
In use, liquid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet ports flows over the baffle into the outlet chamber, where a body of liquid is formed from which each of the outlet ports can freely draw without affecting the flow of liquid to the other outlet port(s). In the event that more liquid is being drawn at a greater rate through one outlet port than the other outlet port(s), more liquid simply flows over the upstanding baffle into the outlet chamber to replenish the liquid and prevent a restricted supply to the other outlet port(s).
The inlet chamber may be divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion by a depending baffle. In use, liquid has to flow under the depending baffle before flowing over the upstanding baffle, thereby trapping any heavier solid or liquid contaminants in the inner chamber and preventing them from flowing directly over the upstanding baffle, particularly under conditions where there is a high flow rate of liquid through the device.
The cross-sectional area of the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet ports may increase, so as to reduce the flow velocity of the liquid and promote settling of any heavier solid wall of liquid contaminants in the device.
The device may be arranged such that liquid flows linearly from the inlet port to the outlet ports. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet chamber may extend at least partially around the inlet chamber, such that the liquid flows radially from the inlet to the outlet chamber.
The outlet ports may comprise depending tubular projections which extend into the outlet chamber.
The inlet port may comprise an upstanding projection which extends into the inlet port. The projection may be tubular or part-tubular.
GB2350337 and GB2446011 each disclose devices for drawing fuel from a tank. A manifold device in accordance with the present invention may be provided in the head of such devices for drawing fuel from a tank, so that a plurality of generators or other machines can be conveniently connected to the device.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for drawing fuel from a tank, the device comprising a head fitted to a side wall of the tank and a pick-up extending from the head into the tank, wherein the head incorporates a manifold as hereinbefore defined, the pick-up extending from the inlet port of the manifold.
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of manifold device for liquids in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of manifold device for liquid in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a fuel pick-up device in accordance with the present invention fitted to the top wall of a fuel tank.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a manifold device 10 in accordance with the present invention comprising a sealed hollow body having a bottom wall 11, a top wall 12 and an annular side wall 13 which define an inlet chamber 14 and an outlet chamber 15. An inlet port 16 is connected to the inlet chamber 14 and a plurality of outlet ports 17a, 17b are connected to the outlet chamber 15. The inlet port 16 and the outlet ports 17a, 17b are respectively provided in the bottom and top walls 11, 12 of the device 10.
The inlet and outlet chambers 14, 15 are separated by an upstanding baffle wall 18 over which liquid can flow. The inlet chamber 14 is divided into an upstream portion 14a and a downstream portion 14b by a depending wall baffle 19 under which liquid can flow.
In use, the inlet port 16 is connected to an inlet duct (not shown) and the outlet port 17a, 17b are connected to respective outlet ducts (not shown). When liquid is drawn by a device (not shown) connected to one of the outlet ducts, liquid is drawn into the upstream portion 14a of the inlet chamber 14 through the inlet port 16. The inlet port 16 comprises a part-tubular baffle wall 20 which extends into the inlet chamber 14 from the bottom wall 11 of the device. Liquid from the inlet port 16 then flows downwardly under the depending baffle wall 19 and any heavier solid or liquid contaminants in the liquid settle at the bottom of the inlet chamber 14. The liquid then flows upwardly over the upstanding baffle wall 18 into the outlet chamber 15. The liquid is then drawn out of the outlet chamber 15 through one or both outlet ports 17a, 17b. The outlet ports 17a, 17b comprise tubular portions 21 which depend into the outlet chamber 15.
It will be appreciated that the outlet chamber 15 is always full of liquid and that the liquid in the outlet chamber 15 will always be replenished from the inlet port 16 when liquid is drawn from the outlet chamber 15 through one or both outlet ports 17a, 17b. In this manner, neither of the devices connected to the respective outlet ports 17a, 17b will be starved of liquid even if the other is drawing a liquid at a substantial rate.
Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown an alternative manifold device 30 in accordance with the present invention, which is similar to the device 10 of Figure 1 and like parts are given like reference numerals. In this embodiment, the inlet port 16 is provided in the centre of the bottom wall 11 and enters a circular inlet chamber 14, which is surrounded by an annular outlet chamber 15. The outlet ports 17a, 17b, 17c are circumferentially spaced around the annular outlet chamber 15.
In use, liquid flows radially outwardly from the inlet port 16 to the annular outlet chamber 15. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional area of the liquid path from the inlet port 16 to the outlet ports 17a, 17b, 17c increases, so that the flow velocity of the liquid is reduced, thereby promoting settlement of any heavier solid or liquid contaminants inside the device 30.
Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the manifold device 30 forms the head of a device 40 for drawing fuel from a fuel tank 41. The radially outer part of the device 30 forms a flange 23 which is sealingly bolted to the upper surface of a top wall of the fuel tank 41.
An inlet duct 42 extends from the inlet port 16 of the device 30 through an aperture 44 formed in the top wall of the tank 41. The outlet ports 17a, 17b, 17c are respectively connected to outlet ducts 43a, 43b, 43c, which extend to respective generators or other fuel-powered apparatus. The manifold device 30 prevents any apparatus that is drawing fuel from one of the outlet ports e.g. 17a from being starved of fuel in the event that another apparatus is drawing fuel from another outlet port e.g. 17c at a higher rate.
It will be appreciated that the device 10 of Figure 1 can also be mounted to the tank in a similar manner. Any kind of fuel or pick-up arrangement can depend from the device into the tank, such as arrangements of the kind disclosed in GB2350337 and
GB2446011.

Claims (10)

1. A manifold device for liquids, the device comprising a sealed hollow body which defines an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, an inlet port connected to the inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet ports connected to the outlet chamber, wherein the inlet and outlet chambers are separated by an upstanding baffle, over which liquid must flow from the inlet port to the outlet ports.
2. A manifold device as claimed in claim 1, in which the inlet chamber is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion by a depending baffle.
3. A manifold device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the cross-sectional area of the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet ports increases.
4. A manifold device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is arranged such that liquid flows linearly from the inlet port to the outlet ports.
5. A manifold device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the outlet chamber extends at least partially around the inlet chamber, such that the liquid flows radially from the inlet to the outlet chamber.
6. A manifold device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outlet ports comprise depending tubular projections which extend into the outlet chamber.
7. A manifold device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inlet port comprises an upstanding projection which extends into the inlet port.
8. A manifold device as claimed in claim 1, in which the upstanding projection is tubular or part-tubular.
9. A manifold device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inlet is adapted to connect to a device for drawing fuel from a tank.
10. A device for drawing fuel from a tank, the device comprising a head fitted to a side wall of the tank and a fuel pick-up extending from the head into the tank, wherein the head incorporates a manifold device as claimed in any preceding claim, the pick-up extending from the inlet port of the manifold device.
Intellectual Property Office
GB1712593.1A 2017-08-04 2017-08-04 Manifold device for liquids Withdrawn GB2565150A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1712593.1A GB2565150A (en) 2017-08-04 2017-08-04 Manifold device for liquids
PCT/GB2018/052235 WO2019025818A1 (en) 2017-08-04 2018-08-03 Manifold device for liquids

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1712593.1A GB2565150A (en) 2017-08-04 2017-08-04 Manifold device for liquids

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201712593D0 GB201712593D0 (en) 2017-09-20
GB2565150A true GB2565150A (en) 2019-02-06

Family

ID=59894894

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1712593.1A Withdrawn GB2565150A (en) 2017-08-04 2017-08-04 Manifold device for liquids

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2565150A (en)
WO (1) WO2019025818A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013202756A1 (en) * 2013-02-20 2014-08-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Fuel tank for an arrangement of a rail vehicle, has inlet port for fuel flow in direction of combustion engine, where return port is provided for fuel flow in fuel tank

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6895989B2 (en) * 2003-04-15 2005-05-24 Raval-Agriculture Cooperative Societies, Ltd. Dynamic liquid fuel trap
US20060137663A1 (en) * 2004-12-29 2006-06-29 Shawn Vaught Apparatus for separating entrained air from a liquid
US7981182B2 (en) * 2007-12-31 2011-07-19 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Labyrinth box structure and method
DE102009005826A1 (en) * 2009-01-22 2010-07-29 Magna Steyr Fuel Systems Gmbh Fuel tank with built-in additional tank
EP2650526B1 (en) * 2012-03-14 2017-02-15 Kubota Corporation Device for supplying fuel to engine

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013202756A1 (en) * 2013-02-20 2014-08-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Fuel tank for an arrangement of a rail vehicle, has inlet port for fuel flow in direction of combustion engine, where return port is provided for fuel flow in fuel tank

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201712593D0 (en) 2017-09-20
WO2019025818A1 (en) 2019-02-07

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