GB2572824A - Improvements relating to drain valves for domestic radiators - Google Patents

Improvements relating to drain valves for domestic radiators Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2572824A
GB2572824A GB1806108.5A GB201806108A GB2572824A GB 2572824 A GB2572824 A GB 2572824A GB 201806108 A GB201806108 A GB 201806108A GB 2572824 A GB2572824 A GB 2572824A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
heat exchanger
drain
valve
opening
drain valve
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Withdrawn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
GB1806108.5A
Other versions
GB201806108D0 (en
Inventor
Beverly Lucas Nigel
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1806108.5A priority Critical patent/GB2572824A/en
Publication of GB201806108D0 publication Critical patent/GB201806108D0/en
Publication of GB2572824A publication Critical patent/GB2572824A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/08—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating
    • F24D19/082—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating for water heating systems
    • F24D19/083—Venting arrangements
    • F24D19/085—Arrangement of venting valves for central heating radiators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/08—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating
    • F24D19/082—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating for water heating systems
    • F24D19/083—Venting arrangements
    • F24D19/085—Arrangement of venting valves for central heating radiators
    • F24D19/086—Arrangement of venting valves for central heating radiators hand-operated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/008—Details related to central heating radiators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/08—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating
    • F24D19/082—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating for water heating systems
    • F24D19/088—Draining arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/16—Arrangements for water drainage 
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F2220/00—Closure means, e.g. end caps on header boxes or plugs on conduits

Abstract

A drain valve 180 for heat exchanger (100, fig 3), such as a radiator, the valve having a fitting end 181 to attach to the drain opening 130 of the heat exchanger, a drain spout 182 for conveying fluid out of the valve, and a main channel 1841 that connects the fitting end to the drain spout. The valve has a tapering sealing plug 1871 located within the main channel, and is arranged to engage with an aperture 1891 in a seat portion 189 to prevent fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain outlet whilst a valve controller 183 is used to open or close the valve. The drain valve may feature a connector (190, fig 2) that is adapted to engage with a hose. A heat exchanger which may comprise said drain valve and a bleed valve 140 is also disclosed, as well a method of removing a heat transfer fluid by using the drain valve and bleed valve.

Description

Improvements Relating to Drain Valves for Domestic Radiators
Field
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular to domestic radiators for use in central heating systems. The present invention also relates to a drain valve suitable for use with said heat exchangers.
Background
Heat exchangers may be used in many different situations to transfer thermal energy from a first fluid to a second fluid in order to heat the second fluid and/or to cool the first fluid. For example, the first fluid may be a heat transfer fluid, such as an aqueous liquid, which has been heated by a boiler and pumped to the heat exchanger. The second fluid may be the ambient air surrounding the heat exchanger, for example in a room to be heated. The heat exchanger may then function by providing a means for the thermal energy from the heat transfer fluid to pass to the ambient air surrounding the heat exchanger by convection. Such heat exchangers may be known as radiators.
Radiators may be used in domestic central heating systems to allow thermal energy in a heat transfer fluid flowing through the system and the radiators to warm the air surrounding the radiators, and thereby heat the rooms in which the radiators are situated. A domestic central heating system typically comprises a boiler, a pump, a plurality of radiators and pipework connecting the radiators. The boiler is arranged to heat a heat transfer fluid which is then pumped under pressure through the pipework to the radiators by the pump.
Domestic central heating systems comprise sealed systems and open-vented systems. Sealed systems are operated under pressure and comprise a pressurisation unit and an expansion vessel. Open-vented systems are open to the atmosphere and comprise a feed/expansion tank.
Typically, radiators used in domestic central heating systems comprise internal pipework adapted for receiving heat transfer fluid; an inlet pipe opening and an outlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework for connection of the heat exchanger to a central heating system, the inlet and outlet pipe openings typically located in a lower part of the radiator; and a bleed valve located in an upper part of the heat exchanger.
Summary of the Invention
During the maintenance or replacement of a heat exchanger, such as a domestic radiator, it may be necessary to remove a heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger. A conventional method of removing a heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger is to use a draining port arranged in pipework of a central heating system to which the heat exchanger is attached, the draining port typically arranged in a lower part of said pipework, typically near a boiler. Such a draining port can be opened to drain heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger. This also drains heat transfer fluid from other parts of the central heating system, for example from other heat exchangers arranged in the central heating system, possibly draining heat transfer fluid from the entire central heating system. Therefore, this method affects parts of the central heating system other than the heat exchanger which needs to be drained, making the operation more arduous than if a single heat exchanger could be drained.
An alternative method of removing a heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger which is part of a central heating system is to isolate the heat exchanger from the central heating system, detach at least an outlet pipe or an inlet pipe from the heat exchanger and allow the heat transfer fluid to drain out through an outlet or inlet opening. Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be completely removed from the central heating system and then manipulated to pour the heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger. These operations can be cumbersome and often lead to spillage of heat transfer fluid due to the uncontrolled manner in which the heat transfer fluid may flow out of the heat exchanger. This problem may be particularly acute where the heat exchanger is fitted in a location having flooring, for example carpet, which may be stained or otherwise damaged by spilt heat transfer fluid.
Therefore there is a need for improved methods of removing heat transfer fluid from heat exchangers, such as domestic radiators.
It is one aim of the present invention, amongst others, to provide a heat exchanger and/or method that addresses at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified here or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative to existing heat exchangers and methods. For instance, it may be an aim of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger and/or method which enables a user to remove heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger with improved convenience in relation to the prior art.
According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a heat exchanger, and related methods and uses, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a drain valve for use with a heat exchanger, and related methods and uses, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat exchanger for use in a central heating system, the heat exchanger comprising:
internal pipework adapted for receiving a heat transfer fluid in use;
an inlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use;
an outlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use;
a drain opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework, wherein the drain opening is located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, and wherein the drain opening is adapted to receive a drain valve.
The drain opening suitably allows said heat transfer fluid, when present in the heat exchanger in use, to drain out of the heat exchanger.
By “heat exchanger”, we mean a device for transferring thermal energy from a first fluid to a second fluid, without the first and second fluids coming into direct contact with one another. The heat exchanger of this first aspect may be any of a wide range of heat exchangers. Suitably, the heat exchanger of this first aspect is a radiator, for example a domestic radiator.
By “heat transfer fluid”, we mean a gas or a liquid which flows through a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy to or from a second fluid, for example ambient air. The heat exchanger of this first aspect may be used with a wide range of heat transfer fluids, suitably heat transfer liquids, for example an aqueous heat transfer liquid. The aqueous heat transfer liquid may comprise additives, for example anti-corrosion additives. For the avoidance of doubt, the heat transfer fluid is not intended to be air.
The internal pipework is suitably the pipework forming the channel inside the heat exchanger through which heat transfer fluid flows in use. The term may be taken as encompassing all of the pipework between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. Therefore the drain opening is suitably located along the channel inside the heat exchanger formed by the internal pipework, at a point between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.
The drain opening is suitably an aperture in an outer wall of the heat exchanger passing from the inside of the internal pipework of the heat exchanger to the outside of the heat exchanger. Suitably the outer wall through which the drain opening passes is a part of a wall of the internal pipework of the heat exchanger.
The drain opening being in fluid communication with the internal pipework and located in a lower region of the heat exchanger allows heat transfer fluid, when present in the heat exchanger in use, to flow under gravity out of the heat exchanger through the drain opening. It will be appreciated that in order to use the heat exchanger, for example as part of a domestic central heating system, the drain opening would need to be closed during normal operation, for example by using a closable drain valve or a blanking cap.
Known domestic radiators may comprise four openings. Two of said openings are located in a lower region of said domestic radiators and provide the inlet pipe opening and the outlet pipe opening. Two of said four openings are located in an upper region of said domestic radiators, one of which is typically used for receiving a bleed valve and the other is suitably closed with a blanking cap. The drain opening of the heat exchanger of this first aspect is an additional opening to these common openings found in domestic radiators. Therefore in some embodiments, the heat exchanger of this first aspect comprises at least five openings - four openings as described above and the drain opening. Suitably the heat exchanger of this first aspect comprises five openings - four openings as described above and the drain opening.
Suitably the first aspect provides a heat exchanger for use in a central heating system, the heat exchanger comprising:
internal pipework adapted for receiving a heat transfer fluid in use;
two openings located in an upper region of the heat exchanger adapted for receiving a bleed valve or a blanking cap;
an inlet pipe opening located in a lower region of the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use;
an outlet pipe opening located in a lower region of the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use;
a drain opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework, wherein the drain opening is located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, and wherein the drain opening is adapted to receive a drain valve.
Suitably the drain opening has a diameter of at least 5 mm, suitably at least 7 mm. The drain opening suitably has a diameter of up to 20 mm, suitably up to 15 mm, suitably up to 10 mm. Suitably the drain opening has a diameter of from 5 to 20 mm, suitably from 5 to 15 mm.
References to “lower” and “upper” regions and parts of the heat exchanger are with respect to the normal, intended orientation of the heat exchanger in use. Domestic radiators are typically arranged so that the inlet and outlet openings are at a bottom or lower region of the radiator and any bleed valve present is at a top or upper region of the radiator. The skilled person would understand these terms in the context of the present invention.
Suitably the heat exchanger of this first aspect comprises a bleed valve located in an upper region of the heat exchanger in use.
Bleed valves are suitably fitted to heat exchangers, in particular to domestic radiators. Such bleed valves, when opened, provide an outlet in an upper part of the heat exchanger for fluids, such as air or heat transfer fluid. Opening such a bleed valve may therefore allow air in the heat exchanger to be removed and replaced with heat transfer fluid when a heat transfer fluid enters the heat exchanger under pressure. Also, opening such a bleed valve may allow air to enter the heat exchanger to replace heat transfer fluid which is draining from the heat exchanger through the drain opening.
Suitably the drain opening faces downwards away from the heat exchanger in use. Suitably the drain opening faces substantially vertically downwards from the heat exchanger in use. Suitably the drain opening faces vertically downwards from the heat exchanger in use.
Suitably the drain opening is located in a lowest point on the heat exchanger in use. Suitably the drain opening provides fluid communication between the lowest point in the internal pipework of the heat exchanger, in use, and the outside of the heat exchanger. When located in the lowest point on the heat exchanger in use, the drain opening may function to drain substantially all of a heat transfer fluid present in the heat exchanger, under gravity, providing an efficient emptying process.
Suitably the heat exchanger comprises a threaded connector within or surrounding the drain opening, the threaded connector adapted for engaging with a drain valve.
Such a threaded connector may facilitate the connection of a drain valve to the drain opening in order to allow the drain opening to perform its advantageous function.
Suitably the inlet pipe opening and the outlet pipe opening are arranged in the lower region of the heat exchanger in use.
Suitably the drain opening is located adjacent to the inlet pipe opening or the outlet pipe opening. The internal pipework of typical heat exchangers, such as domestic radiators, is wider and more accessible near to the inlet and/or outlet pipe than at other parts of the internal pipework and therefore provides a favourable location for the drain opening and subsequent attachment of a drain valve.
Suitably the heat exchanger comprises a removable blanking cap located in the drain opening, wherein the removable blanking cap closes and seals the drain opening to prevent the passage of said heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger through the drain opening, in use.
Suitably the blanking cap comprises a plug, for example a rubber plug, for closing and sealing the drain opening in use.
Suitably the blanking cap comprises a plug attached to the blanking cap with a retainer.
The retainer may advantageously retain the plug on the blanking cap when the blanking cap is removed from the drain opening, in use. If a blanking cap of the prior art, which is used with rubber plug fitted onto a stem, is left for a long period of time in an opening, such as the drain opening, then removing the blanking cap may leave behind the plug in the opening. The plug may then be very difficult to remove from the opening. The retainer fitted to the blanking cap of the present invention may ensure that when the blanking cap is removed from the drain opening, the plug is also removed and the drain opening unblocked. A drain valve may then be arranged in the drain opening.
Suitably the heat exchanger comprises a drain valve located in the drain opening, the drain valve adapted to selectively allow or prevent the passage of said heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger through the drain opening, in use.
Suitably the drain valve comprises an attachment fitting suitable for engaging with the drain opening, for example a threaded attachment fitting suitable for engagement with a threaded connector within or surrounding the drain opening.
Suitably the drain valve comprises a connector adapted for engagement with a hose.
Suitably the drain valve comprises a drain spout for allowing said heat transfer fluid to flow out of and away from the heat exchanger. Suitably the drain spout comprises a connection fitting for use with a hose.
In some embodiments, the drain valve comprises a plug, for example a rubber plug, for closing and sealing the drain valve in use. Suitably the drain valve comprises a plug attached to the blanking cap with a retainer, as described above in relation to the blanking cap. .
In some embodiments, the drain valve comprises a valve formed of a sealing plug and a seat for the sealing plug, the sealing plug having a tapered end which is engageable with the seat when the drain valve is closed to prevent fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout. Suitably the sealing plug is substantially cylindrical. Suitably the tapered end of the sealing plug is frusto-conical. Suitably the tapered end narrows towards a tip of the sealing plug and therefore has a smaller diameter at the tip of the tapered end than at the main body of the sealing plug. Suitably the seat comprises an aperture to mutually engage with the tapered end of the sealing plug when the drain valve is closed to prevent fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout. Suitably the seat comprises a flange having a circular aperture of an appropriate diameter for receiving the tapered end of the sealing plug and forming a tight seal onto the tapered end of the sealing plug where the diameter of the tapered end of the sealing plug and the circular aperture are equal. Suitably the drain valve does not comprise a sealing washer.
The inventor has found such a valve mechanism may overcome the common problem of the sealing washer of known drain valves becoming fixed to a seat in the drain valve which either prevents the drain valve from opening or causes the sealing washer to break off from the its stem during opening, preventing the normal operation of the drain valve, causing either a blockage of the drain valve or uncontrolled spillage of heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger.
In some embodiments, the heat exchanger of this first aspect is provided as a kit comprising the heat exchanger and a drain valve as described above. Suitably the kit comprises the heat exchanger, the drain valve and a blanking cap as described above. Providing the heat exchanger as part of this kit gives the user the option of arranging the blanking cap in the drain opening to seal the drain opening in use, or arranging the drain valve in the drain opening to selectively allow or prevent the passage of a heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger through the drain opening, in use, depending on the requirements of the user.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drain valve comprising:
a fitting end adapted for attachment of the drain valve to an opening;
a drain spout for conveying fluid out of the drain valve;
a main channel which provides fluid communication between the fitting end and the drain spout;
a valve for selectively allowing and preventing fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout, the valve comprising a sealing plug located in the main channel and a seat for the sealing plug arranged in the main channel; and a valve controller;
wherein the sealing plug comprises a tapered end and the seat comprises an aperture to mutually engage with the tapered end of the sealing plug when the drain valve is closed to prevent fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout; and wherein the valve controller is adapted to open and close the drain valve by selectively engaging and disengaging the tapered end of the sealing plug with the aperture of the seat.
Suitably the fitting end is in direct communication with the drain spout, through the main channel, when the drain valve is open. Therefore the drain valve does not comprise any further valves or other hindrances to fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout, apart from the sealing plug. Suitably the drain valve does not comprise an isolation valve, in particular in the main channel. The drain valve suitably comprises a single valve, as described above.
Suitably the tapered seat is arranged between the fitting end and the drain spout, suitably adjacent to the drain spout.
Suitably the valve controller is located in a bonnet attached to the drain valve. Suitably the valve controller is a valve control nut attached to the sealing plug through a stem.
Suitably the sealing plug is provided with a thread which is mutually engageable with a thread in the main channel of the drain valve to allow the sealing plug to rotate inside the main channel towards or away from the seat, by manipulation of the valve controller.
Suitably the fitting end of the drain valve comprises a thread for mutual engagement with a complementary thread in a drain opening of a heat exchanger.
The drain valve may have any of the suitable features and advantages of the drain valve described in relation to the first aspect, where appropriate.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger according to the first aspect, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a heat exchanger comprising:
internal pipework adapted for receiving a heat transfer fluid in use;
an inlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use; and an outlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use; and
b) providing a drain opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework, wherein the drain opening is located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, and wherein the drain opening is adapted to receive a drain valve.
Suitably step b) involves drilling into the heat exchanger to provide the drain opening.
Suitably step b) involves inserting a threaded connector into the drain opening.
Suitably step b) involves attaching a threaded connector onto the heat exchanger and around the drain opening.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising a bleed valve and a drain valve, the drain valve located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, the method comprising the steps of:
a) opening the bleed valve to allow air to enter the heat exchanger through the bleed valve; and
b) with the bleed valve open, opening the drain valve to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass out of the heat exchanger through the drain valve.
Suitably the drain valve is adapted to selectively allow or prevent the passage of said heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger through the drain valve.
The method of this third aspect may be carried out on a heat exchanger according to the first aspect.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the first aspect of the present invention, viewed from underneath.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a drain valve for use with the heat exchanger of Figure 1.
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the drain valve of Figure 2 for use with the heat exchanger of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an orthogonal view of the side of the heat exchanger of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of a heat exchanger according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising a drain valve, viewed from underneath.
Figure 5 is perspective view of a blanking cap for use with the heat exchanger of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of the Example Embodiments
Figure 1 shows a heat exchanger (100) which is a domestic radiator, viewed from underneath. The heat exchanger (100) comprises an inlet pipe opening (110), an outlet pipe opening (120) and a drain opening (130). The heat exchanger also comprises a bleed valve (140 - not shown). The heat exchanger (100) comprises panel (150) and fins (160). The heat exchanger (100) comprises internal pipework (101), a major part of which is contained within panel (150). The internal pipework (101) receives, in use, a heat transfer fluid and allows thermal energy of the heat transfer fluid to be transferred by conduction to the air surrounding the heat exchanger (100), with the aid of the fins (160), thereby heating the room in which the heat exchanger is situated by convection.
The inlet pipe opening (110), the outlet pipe opening (120), the drain opening (130) and the bleed valve (140) are all in fluid communication with the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100). The inlet pipe opening (110) and the outlet pipe opening (120) are identical and allow the heat exchanger (100) to be connected to a domestic central heating system (not shown). The inlet pipe opening (110) and the outlet pipe opening (120) provide two ends (termini) of the internal pipework (101) of the heat exchanger (100). During operation of the domestic central heating system, a heat transfer fluid is pumped from a boiler (where it is heated) to the heat exchanger (100) through inlet opening (110) and out of the heat exchanger (100) through outlet opening (120). Whilst in the heat exchanger (100), thermal energy of the heat transfer fluid is transferred by conduction to the air surrounding the heat exchanger (100), thereby heating the room in which the heat exchanger is situated by convection.
The inlet pipe opening (110), the outlet pipe opening (120) and the drain opening (130) are located in a lower region of the heat exchanger (100). In normal use of the heat exchanger (100), the lower region would be the region nearest the floor of the room in which the heat exchanger (100) is situated. Suitably the inlet pipe opening (110), the outlet pipe opening (120) and the drain opening (130) are located in pipework arranged at the bottom of the heat exchanger so that in use the majority of the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100) is above the inlet pipe opening (110), the outlet pipe opening (120) and the drain opening (130).
The drain opening (130) is located in the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100) adjacent to and inward of the inlet opening (110) and outward of the panel (150) along the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100). The drain opening (130) is a drilled hole with an 11.9 mm diameter.
Alternatively, the drain opening (130) may be located in the bulge region (170) of the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100) which is also inward of the inlet opening (110) and outward of the panel (150) along the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100). Both the location of the drain opening (130) shown and the bulge region (170) are where the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100) is relatively wide compared to the internal pipework in the panel (150), making these positions for the drain opening (130) particularly suitable.
The drain opening (130) is orientated to face outwards from the bottom of the heat exchanger (100), in use, to allow heat transfer fluid to flow out of the internal pipework of the heat exchanger (100) under gravity.
The drain opening (130) is surrounded by a collar (131) comprising an internal thread (132) for engagement with a drain valve. The collar (131) has a diameter of 20 mm, a depth of 9 mm and the internal thread (132) is a 1/4 inch BSP thread suitable for receiving a drain valve having a 1/4 inch BSPT sized fitting thread.
Figure 2 shows a drain valve (180) suitable for use with the heat exchanger (100) of Figure 1. Drain valve (180) comprises a fitting end (181) having a fitting thread, a drain spout (182) and a valve control nut (183). The fitting thread is suitable for engagement with the internal thread (132) of drain opening (130) to from a seal with drain opening (130). The fitting end (181) is attached to a main body (184) of the drain valve (180) with an octagonal portion (185) to facilitate fitting of the drain valve (180), using a spanner for example. Alternatively, a socket sized to engage with the octagonal portion (185) having a cut-out portion to accommodate drain spout (182) may be used to fit the drain valve (180) to the drain opening (130) of the heat exchanger (100). The fitting thread may have a suitable diameter and thread size for engaging with the thread (132) of the drain opening (130). For example, the fitting thread may be a 1/4 inch BSPT sized fitting thread for engaging with the internal thread (132) of the collar (131) of drain opening (130). Alternatively, the fitting thread may be a 1/2 inch BSPT sized fitting thread for engaging with a complementary internal thread (132) of the collar (131) of drain opening (130). The drain valve control nut (183) selectively allows or prevents the flow of fluid out of the drain spout (182) by rotation of the drain valve control nut (183) between an on and off position, for example using a suitable tool or key.
The drain valve (180) may comprise, within the main body (184), a plug (not shown) which is operated by the valve control nut (183) to selectively allow or prevent the flow of fluid out of the drain spout (182) as described above.
In a specific embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the drain valve (180) comprises main channel (1841) which is in fluid communication with the drain opening (130) of the heat exchanger (100), in use. The drain valve (180) also comprises drain channel (186) which is in fluid communication with the main channel (1841) and the opening of the drain spout (1811) when the drain valve is in an open state.
The drain valve (180) comprises a sealing plug (187) located within a main channel (1841). The sealing plug (187) comprises tapered end (1871), threaded collar (1872) and stem (1873).
Stem (1873) is attached to the valve control nut (183). The sealing plug (187) is moveable along and within the main channel (1841) of the drain valve (180) by operation of the valve control nut (183) to selectively allow or prevent the flow of fluid out of the drain spout (182) as described above. The valve control nut (183) is located in and is rotatable relative to bonnet (188) which closes and seals the lower end of the drain valve (180). The bonnet (188) and the drain valve (180) comprise mutually engageable threads to allow the bonnet (188) to be screwed onto the drain valve (180). A first o-ring (1874) provides a seal between the valve control nut (183) and the bonnet (188). A second o-ring (1881) provides a seal between the main body (184) of the drain valve (180) and the bonnet (188).
The main channel (1841) comprises threaded portion (1851). The threaded collar (1872) and the threaded portion (1851) comprise mutually engagable threads which allow relative rotation of the sealing plug (187) within the main body (184) of the drain valve (180) to move the sealing plug (187) along and within the main channel (1841) to selectively allow or prevent the flow of fluid out of the drain spout (182). Tapered end (1871) of the sealing plug (187) is engageable with a circular aperture (1891) in seat portion (189) to close off the drain channel (186) to fluid flow from the main channel (1841) and therefore to fluid flow from the heat exchanger (100), in use.
In order to open the drain valve (180), the valve control nut (183) is rotated to move the sealing plug (187) along the main channel (1841) away from the seat portion (189) to disengage the tapered end (1871) of the sealing plug (187) from the seat portion (189) and open the drain channel (186) to fluid flow from the main channel (1841), through aperture (1891), and therefore to allow fluid to drain out of the drain valve (180) from the heat exchanger (100) through the drain channel (186) in the drain spout (182), in use.
Drain spout (182) may be adapted to facilitate attachment of a hose for receiving said heat transfer fluid and directing said heat transfer fluid into a suitable vessel. For example, the drain spout (182) has been drilled and tapped to allow connection fitting (190) to be screwed into the drain spout. Connection fitting (190) comprises a male connecting portion (191) for engaging with a complementary female connection fitting on a suitable hose.
In some embodiments, the drain spout may be provided with ribs around the circumference of the drain spout to engage with a hose of a common diameter.
Figure 3 shows the heat exchanger (100) of Figure 1 fitted with a drain valve (180) of Figure 2. The heat exchanger (100) is connected to a central heating system via connection of inlet pipe opening (110) to inlet pipe (111) through inlet valve (112) and via connection of outlet pipe opening (120) to outlet pipe (121) through outlet valve (122).
The drain spout (182) has a suitable diameter, length and downward orientation, in use, to facilitate the flow of heat transfer fluid out of and away from the heat exchanger (100), through the drain valve (180),
Figure 4 shows a close-up view of the drain valve (180) of Figure 2 arranged in a drain opening (430 - not visible) of a heat exchanger (400), the drain opening comprising collar (431) and internal thread (432),. The heat exchanger (400) only differs from the heat exchanger (100) of Figures 1 and 3 in that the drain opening (430) is located in the bulge region (470) rather than adjacent to and inward of the inlet opening (410).
Figure 5 shows blanking cap (200) for use with heat exchanger (100) to close and seal the drain opening (130) when a user chooses not to fit a drain valve (180). Blanking cap (200) comprises head (201), thread (202), plug (203), washer (204) and retaining bolt (205). The blanking cap is arranged so that when screwed into drain opening (130) using thread (202), plug (203) is pressed against and seals the drain opening (130). The rubber plug (203) is suitably made of rubber and is retained on blanking cap (200) by retaining bolt (205) and washer (204), the retaining bolt (205) being screwed into a suitable hole in the head (201) to urge washer (204) into contact with plug (203) to prevent the plug (203) from separating away from the blanking cap (200) in use. As discussed above, such plugs on prior art blanking caps may become separated from the blanking cap and block the drain opening, preventing the insertion of a drain valve (180), and may be very difficult to remove, particularly if the blanking cap has been left in place for a long time.
The heat exchanger (100) or (400) may be manufactured by first providing a standard known heat exchanger comprising internal pipework, an inlet pipe opening and an outlet pipe opening; and then providing a drain opening (130) in a lower region of the heat exchanger, wherein the drain opening is adapted to receive a drain valve. The drain opening (130) may be provided by drilling into the internal pipework of the heat exchanger at the suitable locations discussed above. The drain opening (130) may be adapted to receive a drain valve by providing a threaded collar, such as threaded collar (131) around or inside the drain opening (130), for example by welding. Therefore, the heat exchanger (100) may be manufactured by modifying a standard known heat exchanger. Alternatively, the drain opening (130) may be incorporated into the manufacture of the heat exchanger at an earlier stage, for example by forming the internal pipework of the heat exchanger with the drain opening (130) pre-made, for example in a casting process.
In order to empty the heat exchanger (100) of heat transfer fluid (not shown), in a method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the following procedure may be carried out in reference to Figure 4. With the inlet valve (112) and the outlet valve (122) closed, bleed valve (140) is opened, suitably with the domestic central heating system to which the heat exchanger is connected switched off. A suitable vessel may be positioned underneath the drain valve (180) or a hose may be connected to the drain spout (182), as discussed above. The hose may be connected to a suitable vessel. The drain valve (180) is then opened by actuating the drain valve control nut (183). The heat transfer fluid will then flow out of the heat exchanger (100) and may be collected in the vessel for later re-use or disposal.
If the emptying of the heat exchanger (100) is part of a procedure of replacing the heat exchanger (100), once the heat exchanger (100) is empty it may be disconnected from the inlet pipe opening (110) and the outlet pipe opening (120) and removed from the central heating system. A replacement heat exchanger (analogous to heat exchanger 100), which is empty of heat transfer fluid and therefore filled with air, may then be connected to the inlet pipe opening (110) and the outlet pipe opening (120) using standard plumbing techniques.
Draining a heat exchanger with this method using a drain valve (180) fitted to a drain opening (130) of the heat exchanger, as described above, may avoid spillages which may occur when draining heat exchangers of the prior art which do not comprise such drain openings (130). This method may also conveniently retain the removed heat transfer fluid for later use, for example to fill a replacement heat exchanger.
Furthermore, by isolating and draining a single heat exchanger (100) in a central heating system comprising a plurality of such heat exchangers, temporary removal, replacement or maintenance of said heat exchanger can be carried out without unbalancing the central heating system, without reducing the amount of heat transfer fluid in the system and without incorporating air pockets into the system; any of which may adversely affect the performance of the domestic central heating system and necessitate further work to rectify.
Therefore the heat exchanger and methods of the present invention may improve the efficiency of the plumbing operations discussed above.
In summary, the present invention provides a heat exchanger for use in a central heating system and a drain valve for use with said heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises internal pipework adapted for receiving a heat transfer fluid in use and inlet and outlet pipe openings in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system. The heat exchanger also comprises a drain opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework, the drain opening adapted to allow said heat transfer fluid, when present in the heat exchanger in use, to drain out of the heat exchanger, for example through a drain valve located in or over the drain opening. The invention relates in particular to domestic radiators for use in central heating systems and may facilitate the removal of a heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger. A method of removing heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger is also provided.
Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components. The term “consisting essentially of’ or “consists essentially of” means including the components specified but excluding other components except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of processes used to provide the components, and components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effect of the invention.
The term “consisting of” or “consists of’ means including the components specified but excluding addition of other components.
Whenever appropriate, depending upon the context, the use of the term “comprises” or “comprising” may also be taken to encompass or include the meaning “consists essentially of’ or “consisting essentially of,” and may also be taken to include the meaning “consists of’ or “consisting of.”
The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention as set out herein are also to be read as applicable to any other aspect or exemplary embodiments of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each exemplary embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different exemplary embodiments.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (22)

1. A drain valve comprising:
a fitting end adapted for attachment of the drain valve to an opening;
a drain spout for conveying fluid out of the drain valve;
a main channel which provides fluid communication between the fitting end and the drain spout;
a valve for selectively allowing and preventing fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout, the valve comprising a sealing plug located in the main channel and a seat for the sealing plug arranged in the main channel; and a valve controller;
wherein the sealing plug comprises a tapered end and the seat comprises an aperture to mutually engage with the tapered end of the sealing plug when the drain valve is closed to prevent fluid flow between the fitting end and the drain spout; and wherein the valve controller is adapted to open and close the drain valve by selectively engaging and disengaging the tapered end of the sealing plug with the tapered profile of the seat.
2. The drain valve according to claim 1, wherein the fitting end is in direct communication with the drain spout, through the main channel, when the drain valve is open.
3. The drain valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the valve controller is located in a bonnet attached to the drain valve.
4. The drain valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controller is a valve control nut attached to the sealing plug through a stem.
5. The drain valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the drain valve comprises a connector adapted for engagement with a hose.
6. The drain valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the fitting end comprises a thread for mutual engagement with a complementary thread in a drain opening of a heat exchanger.
7. A heat exchanger for use in a central heating system, the heat exchanger comprising: internal pipework adapted for receiving a heat transfer fluid in use; an inlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use;
an outlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use;
a drain opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework, wherein the drain opening is located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, and wherein the drain opening is adapted to receive a drain valve.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, comprising a bleed valve located in an upper region of the heat exchanger in use.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the drain opening faces substantially vertically downwards from the heat exchanger in use.
10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the drain opening is located in a lowest point on the heat exchanger in use.
11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a threaded connector within or surrounding the drain opening, the threaded connector adapted for engaging with a drain valve.
12. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the inlet pipe opening and the outlet pipe opening are arranged in the lower region of the heat exchanger in use.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the drain opening is located adjacent to the inlet pipe opening or the outlet pipe opening.
14. The heat exchanger according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising two openings located in an upper region of the heat exchanger adapted for receiving a bleed valve or a blanking cap; the inlet pipe opening located in a lower region of the heat exchanger, in use; the outlet pipe opening located in a lower region of the heat exchanger, in use; and the drain opening located in a lower region of the heat exchanger, in use.
15. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 8 to 14, comprising a removable blanking cap located in the drain opening, wherein the removable blanking cap closes and seals the drain opening to prevent the passage of said heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger through the drain opening, in use.
16. The heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein the blanking cap comprises a plug attached to the blanking cap with a retainer.
17. The heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, comprising a drain valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6 located in the drain opening, the drain valve adapted to selectively allow or prevent the passage of said heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchanger through the drain opening, in use.
18. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 7 to 17, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a heat exchanger comprising:
internal pipework adapted for receiving a heat transfer fluid in use;
an inlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use; and an outlet pipe opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework and adapted for connection to said central heating system in use; and
b) providing a drain opening in fluid communication with the internal pipework, wherein the drain opening is located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, and wherein the drain opening is adapted to receive a drain valve.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein step b) involves inserting a threaded connector into the drain opening.
20. The method according to claim 18, wherein step b) involves attaching a threaded connector onto the heat exchanger and around the drain opening.
21. A method of removing a heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising a bleed valve and a drain valve, the drain valve located in a lower region of the heat exchanger in use, the method comprising the steps of:
a) opening the bleed valve to allow air to enter the heat exchanger through the bleed valve; and
b) with the bleed valve open, opening the drain valve to allow the heat transfer fluid to pass out of the heat exchanger through the drain valve.
22. The heat exchanger or method of any one of claims 7 to 17, wherein the heat exchanger is a domestic radiator.
GB1806108.5A 2018-04-13 2018-04-13 Improvements relating to drain valves for domestic radiators Withdrawn GB2572824A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1806108.5A GB2572824A (en) 2018-04-13 2018-04-13 Improvements relating to drain valves for domestic radiators

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1806108.5A GB2572824A (en) 2018-04-13 2018-04-13 Improvements relating to drain valves for domestic radiators

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GB201806108D0 GB201806108D0 (en) 2018-05-30
GB2572824A true GB2572824A (en) 2019-10-16

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Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190912212A (en) * 1909-05-24 1909-07-22 Charles James Watts Improvements in Plugs for Hot Water Radiators.
GB191318549A (en) * 1913-08-15 1913-12-24 Samuel Saunders Improvements in Air Valves for Heat Radiators and such like.
GB610938A (en) * 1946-04-11 1948-10-22 Crane Ltd Improvements in and relating to vented bushings for hot water radiators
CH319487A (en) * 1954-04-30 1957-02-28 Trippel Otto Ventilation device on a central heating body
CH631531A5 (en) * 1978-02-01 1982-08-13 Rolf Keller Valve for bleeding radiators
DE3104355A1 (en) * 1981-02-07 1982-08-19 Horst 5650 Solingen Linder VENTILATION PLUG, ESPECIALLY FOR RADIATORS
GB2436687A (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-10-03 Dennis Rick A vent pin and plug assembly for venting air from a central heating radiator
GB2464835A (en) * 2008-11-03 2010-05-05 Kevin Hester Bleed valve
GB2537611A (en) * 2015-04-20 2016-10-26 Sach Martin A drain valve and drain valve insert

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190912212A (en) * 1909-05-24 1909-07-22 Charles James Watts Improvements in Plugs for Hot Water Radiators.
GB191318549A (en) * 1913-08-15 1913-12-24 Samuel Saunders Improvements in Air Valves for Heat Radiators and such like.
GB610938A (en) * 1946-04-11 1948-10-22 Crane Ltd Improvements in and relating to vented bushings for hot water radiators
CH319487A (en) * 1954-04-30 1957-02-28 Trippel Otto Ventilation device on a central heating body
CH631531A5 (en) * 1978-02-01 1982-08-13 Rolf Keller Valve for bleeding radiators
DE3104355A1 (en) * 1981-02-07 1982-08-19 Horst 5650 Solingen Linder VENTILATION PLUG, ESPECIALLY FOR RADIATORS
GB2436687A (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-10-03 Dennis Rick A vent pin and plug assembly for venting air from a central heating radiator
GB2464835A (en) * 2008-11-03 2010-05-05 Kevin Hester Bleed valve
GB2537611A (en) * 2015-04-20 2016-10-26 Sach Martin A drain valve and drain valve insert

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