GB627846A - Improvements in air separators - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0627846/III/1> Apparatus for separating air from liquids comprises a container having an inlet 3 and an outlet 4, a plurality of vertically - spaced superimposed diaphragms 11 between said inlet and outlet, each diaphragm having one or more air vents 12 each of which, except that in the uppermost diaphragm, registers with an air vent in the diaphragm above it, and an air vent valve above the nest of diaphragms actuated by the liquid level in the container, the arrangement being such that separated air is discharged successively upwards through the air vents and ultimately passes through the air vent valve. In operation, liquid enters through the inlet 3, then through a pair of ducts 6, thence through strainer 7, a perforate plate 18, along the diaphragms and finally leaves through an outlet duct 10 and the opening 4. The air vent valve mechanism is enclosed in a dome 22 and comprises a hollow ferrule 24 screwed into the top of the dome, a valve seat 26, a <PICT:0627846/III/2> tube 27 slidable upon a shank 25 of the ferrule 24 and a valve seat washer 29 held in position by a plug 28 which is screwed into the tube 27. The tube 27 has a number of ports 27A therein. A cross-bar 30 forms part of a float and is attached to the slotted bottom end of the plug 28. Lugs 32 serve as guides for the float. Air separated from the liquid passes up through the air vents 12 and collects above the nest of diaphragms, and this depresses the float and so opens the valve whence the air passes through the ports 27A and thence through the hollow ferrule 24. When the air is discharged, the float rises and closes the valve mechanism. In a modification (Fig. 6, not shown), the container is cylindrical and the liquid flows radially from the centre of the container or separator outwardly.