IT202100014816A1 - DEVICE FOR INSTALLING SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS IN LIQUID STORAGE TANKS. - Google Patents

Description

DEVICE FOR INSTALLING SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS IN LIQUID STORAGE TANKS

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a device for installing submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks.

As ? known, in various sectors ? storage of liquids of various kinds in large tanks, usually resting on the ground and generally made of plastic, inside which? inserted a submersible pump for the extraction of the liquid from the tank.

In particular, in refueling stations for motor vehicles, storage tanks are typically used, with a capacity, generally, of 3000-4000 l, in which refueling liquids are stored, such as, in particular, the additive liquid for the reduction of polluted emissions from vehicles equipped with Diesel engines known under the ?AdBlue? brand.

These storage tanks can have a filler neck for their filling which is normally provided in the top wall or roof of the tank itself.

This union is preferably left free to allow maintenance operations in the storage tank.

Consequently, currently, in order to install the submersible pump in the storage tank, the operators, after having lowered the submersible pump into the storage tank itself through the filler neck, are forced to obtain, again in the roof of the storage tank, a series of holes through which the delivery duct and the electric power cables of the submersible pump are passed as well as? the electrical cables coming from accessory devices for the submersible pump or for the storage tank, such as for example liquid level sensors inside the tank, temperature or pressure sensors, flow sensors and so on? away, or wires connected to other electrical consumers, such as mains or control equipment.

Evidently, these installation operations are rather laborious, as they require the realization of several? holes, as well as of a certain danger, as performed on the roof of the storage tank and therefore at a considerable height from the ground.

Furthermore, the wiring of the submersible pump and of the various sensors is currently carried out by the operators by means of free connections or by using commercial type electric boxes, the choice of which? left to the installer, resulting, therefore, often improvised and, consequently, unreliable and safe.

The task of this invention? that of realizing a device for the installation of submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks which is capable of improving the prior art in one or more? of the above aspects.

Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is that of providing a device which allows the installation operations of submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks to be considerably facilitated from a practical and safety point of view, in particular in tanks made of plastic material for aqueous liquids such as AdBlue.

Another purpose of the invention? that of developing a device for the installation of submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks which allows an easy and quick installation of the submersible pump using or making a single hole in the storage tank.

Another object of the present invention ? that of providing a device for the installation of submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks which allows for the creation of a reliable and safe wiring of the submersible pump and any accessory devices.

Another purpose of the invention? that of providing a device for the installation of submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks which can be highly versatile so as to be validly used for the installation of any submersible pump on the market.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art in an alternative way to any existing solutions.

Not the last purpose of the invention ? that of realizing a device for the installation of submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks which, in addition to being highly reliable, can be relatively easy to manufacture so as to be competitive even from a purely economic point of view.

This task, as well as these and other aims which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more? of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the device according to the invention, illustrated, by way of example and not as a limitation, in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view and partially cut away of a storage tank with a submersible pump installed by means of the device according to the invention;

figure 2 ? a view similar to that of figure 1 but with the submersible pump in a raised condition from the bottom of the storage tank;

figure 3 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention;

figure 4 ? a perspective view from a different angle of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a sectional view along the line VI-VI of Figure 5 of the device according to the invention coupled to the storage tank;

figure 7 ? an exploded perspective view of the device according to the invention connected to some cables;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the electrical connection of the device according to the invention to some accessory devices;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the assembly of the device according to the invention to a submersible pump;

Figure 10 illustrates the assembly of the device to the submersible pump in side view;

Figure 11 is a sectional view and on an enlarged scale of a detail of the device according to the invention.

With reference to the cited figures, the device for installing submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks according to the invention, globally indicated with the reference number 1, comprises a support body 2, which can be coupled to a storage tank 3 substantially in correspondence with an opening 4 defined in the storage tank 3.

Opening 4 could? be already present, in which case it could, for example, be constituted by the filler typically provided in the storage tanks for their filling, or, alternatively, could be specially obtained by the operator, using special drilling tools, in the storage tank 3, preferably in the roof of the storage tank itself.

The support body 2 has at least one passage area 5 for the delivery duct 6 of a submersible pump 7 which is inserted inside the storage tank 3.

Always according to the invention, the support body 2 supports electrical connection means 8 which allow the operator to carry out the electrical connection or the wiring of the submersible pump 7, for its electrical power supply.

Advantageously, the electrical connection means 8 can also be structured to allow the possibility to also carry out the electrical connection of at least one accessory device 9, which can possibly be used to control the storage tank 3 and/or the submersible pump 7.

Conveniently, the support body 2 ? structured so as to close the opening 4 and, for this purpose, it is suitably provided with a sealing gasket 10, which can be engaged against the edge area of the opening 4.

Preferably, as shown in figure 6, the support body 2 is equipped with locking means with respect to the storage tank 3, consisting, for example, of a retaining bracket 11, which can be inserted inside the storage tank 3 and connected to the support body 2 by means of operating screws 12, accessible from the outside of the storage tank 3.

In practice, the operator, acting on the operating screws 12, can? bring the retaining bracket 12 to rest, with its ends, against an internal area of the storage tank 3, located around the edge of the opening 4, so to be clamped the edge of the opening 4 between the support body 2 and the same retaining bracket 11.

Conveniently, the passage area 5 for the delivery duct of the submersible pump 7 comprises a first connecting element 13a, constituted, for example, by a first threaded nipple, which is defined on a face of the support body 2 facing towards the inside the storage tank 3 and which can be coupled to a first section or internal section 6a of the delivery duct 6 of the submersible pump 7, intended to be positioned inside the storage tank 3.

The passage area 5 furthermore comprises a second connecting element 13b, in turn constituted, for example, by a second threaded nipple, which results in communication with the connecting element 13a and which ? defined on a face of the support body 2 facing the outside of the storage tank 3, in order to be connected to a second section or external section 6b of the delivery pipe 6 of the submersible pump 7 intended to be positioned outside the tank storage 3.

It should be noted that the second connecting element 13 is suitably configured in such a way as to allow the possibility to couple to it an accessory device 9, such as, for example, a flowmeter or flowmeter 14, which will be? connected, at its outlet, with the external section 6b of the delivery duct 6, how can one? see, for example, in figure 10.

Advantageously, the support body 2 is also provided with at least one box-shaped portion 15, inside which? at least one compartment 16 is defined for housing at least one terminal block 17 which implements the electrical connection means 8.

Conveniently, the box-shaped portion 15 has a lid 15a, removably coupled to the remaining part of the support body 2, by means of connecting screws 15b, to allow access to the compartment 16 from the outside.

In order to guarantee the protection of the terminal board 17 from humidity? or water infiltrations, sealing means can be provided for sealing the compartment 16 or, alternatively, the support body 2 can at least one water drainage area 18 connected to the compartment 16 must be defined.

Pi? preferably, are provided more? terminal blocks 17, each dedicated to the wiring of a respective accessory device 9 or of the submersible pump 7, while in the box-shaped portion more? compartments 16, each intended to house a respective terminal block 17.

In particular, ? at least one first terminal block is provided, indicated with 17a, of the high voltage type, which is intended for carrying out the wiring of the submersible pump 7, and which is housed in a first compartment, indicated in the figures with 16a, which is advantageously protected , against water infiltrations, by the sealing means suitably constituted by a perimetral sealing gasket 19, acting between the cover 15a and the remaining part of the support body 2.

As illustrated, at least a second terminal block 17b and at least a third terminal block 17c, of the low voltage type, can also be provided, housed in respective compartments 16b and 16c, suitably located laterally, on opposite sides from each other, with respect to the first compartment 16a, and equipped with a respective drainage area 18.

Conveniently, in the support body 2 ? at least a first cable gland element 20 is provided for the passage of at least one electric cable between the inside and the outside of the storage tank 3, while at least a second cable gland element 21 is advantageously provided for the passage of at least one electric cable between the inside and outside of the box-like portion 15.

The cable gland elements 20 and 21 are suitably equipped with a respective tightening ring nut 22, which can be screwed into the body of the relative cable gland element 20, 21 to block the electric cables passing through the cable gland elements 20, 21, so as to known.

With reference to the illustrated example, at least two first through elements 20 can be provided, one, indicated with 20a, intended to be crossed by a first electric cable 23 connected, at one end, to the submersible pump 7 for its electric power supply, and, at least another, indicated with 20b, intended to be crossed by a second electric cable 24 connected to an accessory device 9 located inside the storage tank 3 and constituted, for example, by a level sensor 25 or by a temperature or pressure sensor.

At the box portion 15 and more? particularly of the cover 15a, more? second cable gland elements 21. In particular, on each of the areas of the cover 15a located in correspondence with the compartments 16a, 16b, 16c, at least two second cable gland elements are provided, indicated respectively by 21a and 21b, which each allow the passage of a respective electric cable between the outside of the box-shaped portion 15 and a relative compartment 16a, 16b, 16c.

Pi? in particular, a second cable passage element 21a positioned on an area of the lid 15a located in correspondence with the first compartment 16a can be used to pass the first electric cable 23 between the outside of the box-shaped portion 15 and the first compartment 16a, so that it can be connected to the first terminal block 17a with its end? opposite to that connected to the submersible pump 7, while the other second cable gland 21b located again in the same area of the cover 15a in correspondence with the first compartment 16a allows the passage of a third electric cable 25 which is connected, with one end? to the first terminal board 17a and, with the other end?, to the electric network 26, so? to make the electrical connection between the submersible pump 7 and the electrical network 26 through the first terminal block 17a.

With reference to the illustrated example, on the area of the lid 15a located in correspondence with the second compartment 16b, ? present a second cable gland 21a that can? be used for the passage of the second electric cable 24, which, in this way, can be connected to the second terminal block 17b, while another second cable gland element 21b in the same area of the cover 15a located in correspondence with the second compartment 16b, allows the passage of a fourth electric cable 27, which can be cos? connected, with one end?, to the second terminal block 17b and, with its other end, to an external control device 100, such as a user interface device, for example of the panel, screen or similar type, intended to receive the signals coming from the accessory device 9 connected to the second electric cable 24, through the connection made through the second terminal block 17b and the fourth electric cable 27.

Again with reference to the illustrated example, also in the area of the lid 15 located in correspondence with the third compartment 16c at least two second cable-lead elements 21a, 21b are provided, one of which, for example the one indicated by 21a, can be used to pass between the outside of the box-shaped portion 15 and the third compartment 16c a fifth electric cable 28, connected at one end? to another accessory device 9, for example the flowmeter 14, so as to be able to connect its end? opposite the third terminal block 17c, while the other, i.e. the one indicated with 21b, allows the passage, between the third compartment 16c and the outside of the box-shaped portion 15, of a sixth electric cable 29, which is, in turn, connected at one end? to the third terminal block 17c and to its extremity? opposite to an external control device 100, for example the same to which ? also connected the fourth electric cable 27, so as to complete the connection of the latter with the flowmeter 14.

It should be added that the support body 2 is advantageously also equipped with means 30 for varying the distance of the submersible pump 7 with respect to the bottom of the storage tank 3, preferably in an adjustable manner.

Conveniently, these means 30 comprise at least one elongated traction element 31, such as, for example, a rope, a metal wire or the like, which is connected, at one end?, to the submersible pump 7 and ? axially sliding through at least one eyelet or through opening 32, defined in the support body 2 or on a portion integral with it.

Pi? particularly, to the support body 2 ? connected an adjustment element 33, through which ? defined the through eyelet 32.

Stop means 34 are associated with the adjustment element 33 which allow the elongated traction element 31 to be locked with respect to the adjustment element 33, preventing it from sliding with respect to the through eyelet(s) 32.

Preferably, these locking means 34 comprise a locking head 35, facing a locking portion 36 of the adjustment element 33 and movable in the direction of the locking portion 36, thus to be able to clamp the elongated traction element 31 between the locking head 35 and the locking portion 36, locking it with respect to the adjustment element 33.

Is the tightening of the locking head 35 against the elongated traction element 31 ? feasible by means of a threaded pin 37, connected to the locking head 35 and passing through the block portion 36, on which ? screwable a tightening nut 38, acting in support on the face of the locking portion 36 opposite to that facing the locking head 35.

To perform fine adjustment of the position of the submersible pump 7 relative to the bottom of the storage tank 3 ? provided that the adjustment element 33 can be moved with respect to the support body 2 by means of an adjustment screw 39, consequently moving the submersible pump 7, fixed to the adjustment element 33 by means of the stop means 34, with respect to the bottom of the tank storage 3.

It should be noted that in the support body 2 it will be possible also be suitably provided with an integrated vent valve.

The use of the device according to the invention ? the following.

The operator, working comfortably on the ground or on a work table, initially proceeds to perform a pre-assembly of the device to the submersible pump 7, connecting the internal section 6a of the delivery pipe 6 of the submersible pump to the first connecting element 13a 7 and connecting the second connecting element 13b to the inlet of the flowmeter 14 and the outlet of the flowmeter 14 to the external section 6b of the delivery duct 6.

At this point, still standing on the ground or on a work table, the operator will be able to carry out an initial at least partial wiring of the submersible pump 7 and of the various accessory devices 9 that are to be used.

In particular, do pass through one of the first cable gland elements, for example the one indicated with 20a, the first electric cable 23 connected to the submersible pump 7, and through the other first cable gland element 20b the second electric cable 24 connected, for example, to the level sensor 25 .

Subsequently, after having previously removed the cover 15a, will he insert? the first electric cable 23 in one of the second cable gland elements located in the area of the cover 15a located in correspondence with the first compartment 16a, for example the one indicated with 21a, and it will proceed to connect the first cable 23 to the first terminal block 17a, while, on the other hand, inserter? the second cable 24 through one of the second cable gland elements, for example the one indicated with 21a, located in the area of the cover 15a which is located, for example, in correspondence with the second compartment 16b, subsequently connecting the second cable 24 to the second terminal block 17b .

Finally, can insert the fifth electric cable 28 coming from the flowmeter 14 through one of the second cable gland elements, for example the one indicated with 21a, of the area of the cover 15 placed in correspondence with the third compartment 16c to then connect the other end thereof? to the third terminal block 17c.

At this point, with the device cos? preassembled, the operator will be able? climb onto the roof of the storage tank 3 and insert the submersible pump through the opening 4, possibly specially prepared previously.

Subsequently, the operator will provide? to close the opening 4 through the support body 2 of the device and to lock the support body 2 to the storage tank 3, acting on the operating screws 12, so as to bring the retaining bracket 11 against the edge of the opening 4 .

After deactivating the stop means 34, by loosening the tightening nut 38 the operator will then be able to act on the elongated traction element 31, so as to be able to adjust the position of the submersible pump 7 with respect to the bottom of the storage tank 3, by sliding the elongated traction element 31 through the through eye 32.

To make a finer adjustment? precise position of the submersible pump 7 with respect to the bottom of the storage tank 3, the operator, after activating the stop means 34, by screwing the tightening nut 38 against the block portion 36 of the adjustment element 33, will be able ? act on the adjustment screw 39 so as to vary, with minimal movements, the position of the adjustment element 33 with respect to the support body 2 of the device and consequently also that of the submersible pump 7 with respect to the bottom of the storage tank 3 .

At this point, the operator will be able to proceed to complete the wiring of the submersible pump 7 and the various accessory devices 9.

To do this, the operator will be able to simply bring the third electric cable 25 to the roof of the storage tank 3, to make it pass through the second cable gland 21b located in the area of the cover 15a located in correspondence with the first compartment 16a and therefore be able to connect it to the first terminal block 17a, thus realizing the electrical connection between the submersible pump 7 and the electrical network 26, the fourth electrical cable 27, to make it pass through the second cable gland element 21b of the area of the cover 15a in correspondence with the second compartment 16b and to be able to connect it to the second terminal block 17b, thus perfecting ? the connection between the level sensor 25 and the external control device 100, as well as? the fifth electric cable 28, to in turn pass it through the second cable gland element 21b located in the area of the cover 15 located in correspondence with the third compartment 16c and to be able to connect it to the third terminal block 17c, thus placing in connection the flowmeter 14, the external control device 100.

What? once the wiring is completed, the submersible pump 7 and all the accessory devices 9 that may be used will be perfectly installed and ready for operation.

Yes ? in practice it has been observed that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a device which allows easy and quick installation of the submersible pump in the storage tank by installing it from a single hole and allowing the cables of the submersible pump and those of accessory devices, such as a level sensor and a flowmeter, with obvious advantages in terms of practicality, reliability? and installation security.

It should also be emphasized that the device according to the invention allows the installer to assemble the entire submersible pump assembly and its accessory devices with the device itself, with the various pipes and cables, in a convenient area, in order to then be able to lower the pump submarine, right? pre-assembled to the device, from the top of the storage tank into the only opening to be prepared, contrary to the prior art, in which the installer must make several? holes and work awkwardly from above the storage tank.

Other advantages of the device according to the invention are that of being an integrated and compact device which has all the interface connections necessary for the installer, who is compatible with the installation of a level sensor and a flowmeter and that ? equipped with an AdBlue vapor-tight wiring system.

The found, what? conceived, ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, provided? compatible with the specific use, as well as? the contingent dimensions and shapes may be any according to the requirements and to the state of the art.

Where features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, have those marks been affixed for the sole purpose of enhancing intelligibility? of the claims and consequently such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

Claims (10)

1. Device for installing submersible pumps in liquid storage tanks characterized in that it comprises a support body (2) which can be coupled to a storage tank (3) substantially in correspondence with an opening (4) defined in said tank storage tank (3), said support body (2) having at least one passage area (5) for the delivery duct (6) of a submersible pump (7) inserted inside said storage tank (3) and supporting electrical connection means (8) for realizing the electrical connection of said submersible pump (7). 2. Device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said electrical connection means (8) are able to also allow the electrical connection of at least one accessory device (9). 3. Device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support body (2) is adapted to block said opening (4). 4. Device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said passage area (5) comprises a first connecting element (13a) defined on a face of said support body (2) facing the inside of said storage tank (3) and which can be coupled to a first section (6a) of the delivery pipe (6) of said submersible pump (7) intended to be positioned inside said storage tank (3), and a second connection element (13b), communicating with said first connecting element (13a) and defined on a face of said support body (2) facing towards the outside of said storage tank (3), said second connecting element (13b) being connectable to a second section of the delivery duct (6b) of said submersible pump (7) intended to be positioned outside said storage tank (3). 5. Device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support body (2) comprises at least one box-shaped portion (15), said electrical connection means (8) comprising at least one terminal board (17) housed in at least one compartment (16) defined in said box portion (15). 6. Device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support body (2) has at least a first cable gland element (20) for the passage of at least one electric cable (23, 24) between the inside and the outside of said storage tank (3) 7. Device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support body (2) has at least a second cable gland element (21) for the passage of at least one electric cable (23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29) between the inside and the outside of said box-like portion (15) 8. Device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support body (2) is equipped with means (30) for varying the distance of said submersible pump (7) with respect to the bottom of said storage tank (3). 9. Device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for hermetically sealing said at least one compartment (16, 16a). 10. Device, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that on said support body ? defined at least one drainage area (18) connected to said at least one compartment (16, 16b, 16c).