GB852125A - Apparatus for the mixing and distribution of liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

852,125. Mixing liquids in flow. WESTERN ELECTRIC CO. Inc. April 3, 1958 [April 10, 1957], No. 10813/58. Class 86 [Also in Group XVIII] A liquid mixing and distributing apparatus for continuously supplying a mixture (e.g. water and a dye) to a utilizing device (e.g. pulp insulating apparatus for insulating wires) comprises a tank 12. Fig. 1, for the mixture, or source 29 of concentrated liquid (dye), a source 28 of diluting liquid (water), means 27 for premixing the liquids from the sources, means 34 responsive to a predetermined level of the mixture in the tank for supplying the liquids from the sources through the means 27 to the tank, and means 38 effective at the end of the liquid supplying operation for preparing the concentrated liquid for the next supplying operation. The tank 12 is filled to a level 37 and the level falls to 22 before refilling commences. Water is supplied from a pipe 28 through a heater 35 and solenoid operated valve 31 to the premixing pipe 27 whilst concentrated liquid dye is supplied to the pipe 27 from the tank 29 through a solenoid-operated valve 32 and pipe 33. Water is also supplied via a branch pipe, a solenoid-operated valve 42 and a heater 43 to the tank 29, the heater 43 being merely a mixing valve for water and steam from a solenoid-operated valve 44. Associated with the tank 29 is an agitator 56 driven by an electric motor 57; a float operated electric switch 38 (closed in the position shown) and a measuring device 40 for solid powdered dye supplied from a hopper 47 by means of a screw feed mechanism 46 driven by a motor 45. The end 36 of the pipe 27 discharges over a perforated pipe 23 supplied with steam through a valve 25 under the control of a thermostat 25, the maximum amount of steam being supplied when the thermostat is uncovered. Liquid mixture is supplied to a manifold 14 through a pipe 13 by a motor driven pump 11 and thence through pipes 15 or valves 17 to wire insulating lines (not shown). The manifold has a recirculation path 16 through a pressure sensitive valve 18 back to the tank, the valve 18 ensuring that the pressure in the lines is substantially constant. The recirculation and agitation of the mixture in the tank prevents settling out of the dye and thus the formation of sludge. The tank 12 is provided with a float to operate a switch 34 which closes when the level falls to the line 22. When this occurs the switch 34 energizes a relay which operates to close contacts in a circuit for the solenoids of the valves 31, 32 which thus open to supply water and the tank full of dye from the tank 29. Previous to this operation a press button is operated to energize and " hold " a relay to operate contacts in the circuit of the motor of the pump 11. When the dye tank 29 has emptied, its float switch 38 operates a relay which in turn ensures the operation of further relays and timer devices controlling switches whereby the valves 42, 44 are opened. the motors 57, 45 are energized and the screw 46 operated so that a concentrated solution of dye is prepared in the tank 29. Clearly, whilst this is occurring the valves 31, 32 are reclosed. The circuit of the relays, switches, motors and timer devices is described with reference to Fig. 3 (not shown). Referring to Fig. 2, the measuring device 40 comprises a receptacle or cup member 48 on the end of a pivoted member 52 provided with an adjustable counterweight 60. When a predetermined weight of dye has been supplied to the cup 48 the member 52 is depressed to operate contacts 53 which cause the energization of a solenoid 54 and thus open the hinged bottom 55 of the cup against a spring 59. Once the cup is empty the contacts 53 are broken and the parts restored to the positions shown.