JP6711557B2 - Refillable material transfer system - Google Patents

Description

This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/558,691 filed March 31, 2004, abandoned, and from US patent application 11/096,356 filed March 31, 2005. Continuation of US patent application 13/209,277 filed August 12, 2011, which is a continuation application claiming priority, US patent application 14/ filed January 29, 2014, which is a partial continuation of US patent application 13/209,277 167,882, the respective contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to the field of material management, and more particularly to systems designed for containing, transporting, delivering and dispensing various materials. The material management system of the present invention delivers a stream free of contamination from a container that can be repeatedly emptied and refilled, without the need for premature cleaning of the container or its components. There is.

Known material management systems handle certain viscous, viscous fluids, liquids and other types of materials, i.e. materials that can resist pumping, which can damage pumping equipment. Difficulties have been encountered in transferring from the container. As used herein, a fluid is a flowable body and a substance that changes its shape at a constant rate when a force is applied to change its shape. Certain materials can also be made to flow under certain circumstances, even those that are not normally considered fluids, such as soft solids and semi-solids. Huge volumes of fluids are used in transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and industry. Viscous fluids, viscous fluids, semi-solid fluids, viscoelastic products, pastes, gels and other fluid materials that are not easy to dispense from fluid sources (eg pressure vessels, open vessels, supply lines, etc.) are utilized. It makes up a significant portion of the fluid. These fluids include viscous and/or viscous chemicals and other such materials such as lubricating greases, adhesives, sealants and mastics. In the food processing industry, cheese, creams, food pastes, etc. must be moved from one to the next without compromising food quality and freshness. Viscous and/or viscous, difficult to move fluids are commonly used in the manufacture and use of industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical products. The ability to transport these materials from one location to another, such as from a container to a manufacturing or processing site, while preserving the quality of the materials, is extremely important.

Transporting, handling, delivering and dispensing viscous and/or viscous materials presents challenges as they resist flow and are not easily dispensed or transferred from their containers. Is. Known viscous fluid delivery methods have focused on establishing and maintaining a liquid tight seal between the pushing piston or follower plate and the side wall of the container of viscous material. However, these devices are very susceptible to breakage when the side wall of the viscous material container is not a perfect circle or is dented. Furthermore, some systems require high precision in all of their parts, making them relatively bulky and expensive equipment. Furthermore, most known systems for transporting fluid materials require the use of external pumps, with the container having a follower plate. Further, the pump and driven plate are connected or otherwise coupled to increase the cost and mechanical sophistication of such material transfer systems.

The known vessels and containers are basic medium and high pressure vessels, the properties of which were not sufficient for the transfer of difficult-to-transfer materials. For example, such vessels were often relatively heavy modified steel modified air tanks. Other such vessels were simply modified propane tanks made of thin wall special alloy steel. Therefore, the containers were manufactured under the Department of Transportation regulations and required recertification relatively often. Such a container is also liable to be rusted inside, and in many cases, it is in a closed state, which makes cleaning it difficult. Furthermore, the container does not support two modes (for liquids and/or for viscous fluids). In addition, in the past the interior of the vessel consisted of only one internal subsystem, a follower with a single function, to prevent bypass of high pressure gas. These followers were difficult to manufacture, were relatively expensive, were prone to rust, and were unable to wipe the walls of the container even when the user so desired. Many such systems contain heavy "ballasts" that cannot be modified after manufacture and can easily tip over when the container is placed on its side.

One disclosed reusable viscous material dispenser system includes a follower boat having a ballast-weighted lower hull portion. The diameter of the boat is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder so that the boat floats in the cylinder filled with a viscous material such as viscous lubricating grease. When using the system, the cylinder is filled with viscous material through its inlet and outlet openings. When compressed gas is introduced into the boat from the top, the boat attempts to push viscous material out of the container through a common inlet and outlet opening until the bottom of the boat sits in and shields the opening. However, the disclosed container is configured as a vertical closed pressure container which can be difficult to clean. Further, the disclosed boat is a single function (preventing gas bypass), heavy and difficult to manufacture device.

Therefore, there is a need for a refillable material transfer system that has been previously unavailable and that is capable of transferring a highly viscous fluid from a container to the point of use. Similarly, there is a need for a material transfer system that dispenses only the amount that is needed without waste, which means that chemicals are not easily handled and that they cannot be easily or safely manually removed from the container. Especially important. Preferably, such material transfer systems reduce or eliminate the material waste associated with most existing systems as well as the costs and expense associated with using drums, casks, and buckets. Certain chemicals are sensitive to some form of contamination, so they are hermetically sealed to protect product quality, allow sampling without opening containers for contamination, and are the source of product quality problems. Or there is a further need for a material transfer system that can be properly attributed to either of the users. Similarly, it uses low-cost components for dispensing and transporting viscous fluids and other such materials, and provides a non-mechanical (no moving parts), non-pulsating solution. There is a need for a fillable material transfer system. The present invention meets the above and other needs.

Briefly and schematically, the present invention is directed to a refillable material transfer system for dispensing a variety of materials, which resists viscous fluids, viscous fluids, and pumping , And/or other types of fluids that can damage the pumping device. The present invention further provides a material management system adapted to deliver a stream of fluid product without contamination, which can be repeatedly emptied and refilled without intermediate device cleaning. In another aspect, the present invention provides a flow resistant, viscous material, a kneading material, which does not require a separate pump or the need to connect the pump to a driven plate in the container. Further provided is a material management system adapted to dispense viscous material. In a further aspect, the invention provides a material management system adapted to provide a user with information about how much fluid remains in the container. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a fluid management system adapted to deliver fluid at high flow rates within a wider operating temperature range.

The present invention is a reusable, refillable, and recyclable system useful for packaging, storing, transferring, and dispensing viscous materials such as fluids and liquids. The system includes a material containment vessel that incorporates the propulsive force in the top region and the inlet and outlet openings for material in the bottom region. Alternatively, the material inlet and outlet may be configured as a manifold or other structure located at the top of the container. A level instrumented thrust transmitting device having a shape with two cones or other shapes is arranged in the material receiving area. The thrust transmission device can be weighted in an amount depending on the application. The diameter and height of the tangential elements of the thrust transmitting device form a cylindrical interface area. The diameter of this cylindrical interface region is smaller than the inner diameter of the material container and forms an annulus adapted to the viscous fluid or liquid and the operating conditions of the system.

The thrust transmission device becomes an energy converter when the material container is filled with a high-viscosity material such as an adhesive, a sealing material, a mastic or a lubricating grease. The thrust transfer device can serve as an integral part of the level meter for both viscous fluids and low viscosity liquids. The viscous material itself forms a seal between the interface area of the thrust transmitting device and the inner wall of the fluid container. A vertical stabilizing element may extend outwardly from the thrust transmitting device. These stabilizing elements prevent the interface region from scraping viscous material from the sidewalls of the fluid containment. When using the system, the container is filled with a material such as a viscous fluid or liquid through its inlet and outlet openings. The filling operation raises the thrust transmission device and forms a viscous seal. When pressure is applied to the thrust transmitting device from above, the thrust transmitting device pushes the viscous material out of the container through the material inlet/outlet opening until the thrust transmitting device sits on and shields the inlet/outlet opening. In the present invention, energy may be supplied to the thrust transmission device in the form of high pressure inert gas. As the invention further contemplates, energy may be obtained from a combination of pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electronic or electromechanical means. Here, no sealing device is used between the thrust transmitting device and the wall of the container.

The present invention provides a crown and a tangential member attached to the crown, wherein the tangential member comprises an outer surface that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis; A thruster attached to a tangential member, the thruster including a thruster, the thruster comprising a portion for penetrating the material, and a device for transferring the material from the container. The thrust transmitting device is a conical shape including a vertex whose thruster is directed away from the tangential member, a crown is a cone having a vertex directed away from the tangential member, and the tangential member Can be configured to include one or more cylindrical discs or plates. Alternatively, the thrust transmission device may be constructed in a semi-elliptical shape with a cylindrical protrusion. The thrust transmitting device may further comprise stabilizing fins connected to the outer surface of the tangential member or to the outer surface of the crown. In addition, the thrust transmitting device may include a level indicating device incorporating a stem having a plurality of magnetic reed switches, the stem slidably disposed within the crown, tangential member and thruster, and the magnetic actuator. Are disposed inside the bottom of the thruster.

The wetted surface of the system, i.e. the inner surface in contact with the viscous fluid, may be treated to improve the efficiency of fluid transfer operations. That is, fluid movement in and out of the system can be improved by selectively treating the interior surface and/or the fluid itself. The interface between the moving fluid and the surface forms a boundary layer, which is more noticeable in high viscosity fluids than in low viscosity fluids. At the wall, the velocity of the fluid is zero and the temperature of the fluid is assumed to be the same as the wall temperature, but at some point away from the wall the fluid is at the bulk fluid temperature and is assumed to move at the bulk fluid velocity. .. A boundary layer exists between these two conditions, which affects the energy required to move the fluid. Viscous fluids have a larger boundary layer and are therefore more influenced by the properties of that boundary layer. In this system, a cylindrical (or other shaped) container that moves a viscous fluid axially is subject to conditions at the walls of the container.

One condition that significantly affects the boundary layer and thus the fluid flow is the surface roughness of the wall. Roughness is a major factor in boundary layer analysis, where the rougher the surface, the more the boundary layer increases and the more energy it takes to move the same amount of fluid, but the smoother the surface. If so, the boundary layer is reduced, reducing the amount of energy required to move the fluid within the container. The present invention takes advantage of this phenomenon to adjust the surface roughness of the surface of the wall by treating the wall with a material selected to reduce the surface roughness and to provide an interface between the viscous fluid and the wall surface. To generate. Material may be applied to any and all wetted surfaces within the container, including thrust transmission devices, to allow fluid to move more efficiently through the system. Alternatively, the surface (and thrust transfer device) of the inner wall of the container may be modified to manipulate the boundary layer that forms at the fluid-surface interface. Polishing, abrading, pitting, and microfinishing are all means by which they can modify or control the boundary layer in the container to improve fluid transfer operations. ..

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a refillable material transfer system of the present invention having a thrust transfer device with two cones. It is a partial sectional view. It is a side view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. It is a top view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the refillable material transfer system of the present invention having a thrust transfer device with two cones that include stabilizer fins. It is a partial sectional view. It is a side view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. It is a top view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the thrust transmission device of FIG. 5 further including an annulus management device. It is a top view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the refillable material transfer system of the present invention having an openable lid that includes a lift mechanism. FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a thrust transmission device of the present invention having an upper stabilizer fin. FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing components of the thrust transmission device of FIG. 10. FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a thrust transmission device of the present invention configured for use with a level indicating device. It is a top view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. It is a bottom view which shows the thrust transmission device of FIG. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the thrust transmission device of FIG. 12 further including an annular management device. FIG. 16 is a top view showing the thrust transmission device of FIG. 15. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a level indicating device for use with the thrust transmitting device of FIG. 12. 18 is a side view of a positioner subassembly for use with the thrust transmitting device of FIG. 12 and the level indicating device of FIG. 17. FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the refillable material transfer system of the present invention, wherein a boundary layer inhibiting material is applied to the wetted interior surface. It is a partial sectional view. It is an enlarged view which shows the tapered conical structure in the wall of an inner surface.

As shown for purposes of illustration, the present invention is directed to a refillable material transfer system for dispensing a variety of materials, including viscous fluids, viscous fluids, and pumping materials. Included are other types of liquids that may resist and/or damage the pump. The system includes a material containment vessel that incorporates the propulsive force in the top region and the inlet and outlet openings for material in the bottom region. A liquid level instrumented thrust transmitting device having a shape with two cones or other shapes is disposed within the material containment area. The thrust transmission device can be weighted in an amount depending on the application. The diameter and height of the tangential elements of the thrust transmitting device form a cylindrical interface area. The diameter of this cylindrical interface region is smaller than the inner diameter of the material container and forms an annulus adapted to the viscous fluid or liquid and the operating conditions of the system.

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding aspects in the drawings. Also, with particular reference to FIG. 1, the refillable material transfer system 10 includes a pressure vessel 20 and a thrust transmission device 60 having a crown (upper portion) 68 and a thruster (lower portion) 71. The pressure vessel includes a top portion (first end portion) 22, a side wall 24, and a bottom portion (second end portion) 26. The pressure vessel may be in the form of a cylindrical vessel, or any other suitable shape for containing material in and out of the pressure vessel. For example, the vessel can be a vertical or horizontal high pressure vessel, a single pipe, a collection of pipes, or a pipe spool. Furthermore, the container does not necessarily have to be configured for or as a pressure container, as the material transferred into and out of the container is moved by gravity or other energy or force loaded on the transmission. obtain. Suitable materials for constructing the material container and its components include metals (aluminum, copper, iron, nickel and titanium) and alloys (alloy 20, Inconel, Monel, steel and stainless steel). In addition, polymers, plastics, composites and other synthetic materials (fiber reinforced plastics, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, etc.) can be used to construct the container and its components. Although the present invention contemplates vertical containers, horizontal containers and tilted containers, reference to the drawings herein is generally made to vertical containers. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that terms such as top, bottom, top and bottom can be easily read for lateral and tilted structures of the refillable material transfer system.

The top 22 of the container 20 may be affixed to a side wall, may be an openable lid, or may be removable in some way from the side wall portion 24 of the container. The top of the container can be a flat surface, a semi-elliptical surface, or a hemispherical surface. The top may be configured as an openable lid to facilitate removal of the thrust transmission device 60, modification of material supply, maintenance of the system interior and regular cleaning. The lid of the container may include an access manifold 36 extending outwardly from the top of the container and extending into the lid. The access manifold is preferably centrally located, for example along the longitudinal axis of the container. The access manifold may include an overflow arm 32 or other device to allow excess material to exit the container during the fill operation. The overflow arm may include a manually operated valve or pressure relief valve. The access manifold may be further configured to house a stabilizer pipe or other rod disposed within the container along its longitudinal axis. The access flange 34 may be provided at the outer end of the access pipe (outside the container) to constrain a stabilizer rod (pipe) 62 that may extend from the top of the container to near the bottom 26 of the container. The top of the container may be further configured with valves and fittings 38 to introduce and/or release pressurized gas in and out of the container. A gas such as air, nitrogen or other chemically generated (inert or active) gas may be utilized to pressurize the container and load the crown 68. In addition, the lid may be configured with a pressure relief valve (not shown) or other device to relieve the overpressure of gas in the container. The access flange can also be used to release pressurized gas from the container.

The top 22 of the container 20 may be further configured with a retainer 61 to prevent the thrust transmission device 60 from reaching the top of the container. Retainers serve at least two purposes. That is, by preventing overflow during the refill operation, and by draining some optional material, especially semi-solid material, that accumulates on the upper surface of the conical crown 68 during the fill cycle. It is to facilitate the removal. The retainer may be formed to conform to the shape of the crown of the thrust transmitting device. The retainer may be made of the same or different metal, alloy or polymer as the material container, depending on the composition of the container, the thrust transmitting device and the material to be supplied. In addition, the top of the container and the side wall portion of the container may be configured with flanges that fit together to form a seal when the container is configured with an openable top. A first flange 27 can be secured to the top of the container and a second flange 28 can be secured to the sidewall of the container. A fastening mechanism (not shown) may be used to secure the top and side wall flanges during use of the container.

The sidewall 24 of the container 20 defines a gas space 30 within the container. Similarly, when the container is filled with material 42, a portion of the container includes material space 40. The container further includes a raised bottom portion 50 defined by an arrester 73 configured to conform to the shape of thruster thruster 71. The bottom of the container can be a flat surface, a semi-elliptical surface, a hemispherical surface or any other suitable shape depending on the role of the container. The arrester is configured to prevent gas diverting and to ensure little material remains when the container is empty. The arrester may be further configured with an exhaust flow path 55 across the bottom 26 of the container and in fluid communication with the material manifold 45. Preferably, the exhaust flow path is of sufficient length to prevent gas from flowing into the material manifold by sealing the outlet with a large amount of material. In addition, the exhaust flow path is of sufficient length to define a heat transfer area 54 such that the heat transfer element 52 surrounds the exhaust flow path to heat or cool the material discharged from the container. And so that it can be placed underneath the arrester. Alternatively, the exhaust flow path and material outlet manifold may be located at the top of the container, in which case the arrester, retainer and other parts of the container are appropriately configured.

The discharge passage 55 of the arrester 73 in the raised bottom 50 of the material container 20 communicates with the material manifold 45. The material manifold may include a material inlet 48 and a material outlet 46 as a T-shape. When formed in a T-shape, the flange 44 can be used to cover the bottom of the material manifold. Alternatively, the material can enter and exit the manifold through the same port, in which case the manifold is formed in an L shape. One or more valves (not shown) may be added to the material inlet and material outlet. Similarly, an easily removable (cam and groove) fitting or other set to connect to conventional equipment for introducing (filling) material into and removing (emptying) material from the container. Solids can be added to the material inlet and material outlet.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, thrust transmission device 60 includes a crown portion (upper portion) 68, a tangential member (intermediate portion) 69, and a thruster (lower portion) 71. In one embodiment, the crown is configured in a cone or frustum shape with a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. The conical crown includes an access port (opening) 64 for access to the hollow interior of the thrust transmitting device. The aperture can be used to insert ballast or other weighted material into the thruster. A ballast plug (cap) 65 can be used to close the access port on the crown. One or more holes (gas ports) 66 are drilled or otherwise formed in the crown and tangential members to allow gas to pressurize the interior space of the thrust transmitting device. .. The thrust transfer device receives the main thrust and/or energy applied to the crown and transforms the force applied through the thrusters so that the material manifold 42 is evenly pressurized. If the transfer system 10 includes a stabilizing pipe or rod 62, or other central member, the crown also includes a hole or bore 75 at the apex of the cone within which the stabilizing rod slides. It can be arranged freely. Similarly, the thruster can be provided with an opening 77 at the apex of the cone, inside which the stabilizing rod can be slidably arranged.

The thruster 71 may be formed in a conical or frustum shape having a substantially triangular cross section, and may be hollow inside. The tangential member 69 may be disposed between the conical crown 68 and the conical thruster. The tangential member may be configured as a disc or plate having a circular or cylindrical shape and a rectangular cross section. The tangential member helps provide stability to the thrust transmitting device such that the outer wall of the tangential member is substantially parallel to the side wall 24 of the container 20 and the longitudinal axis of the crown and the longitudinal axis of the thruster. Should be substantially parallel to.

As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of thrust transmitting device 60 resembles a child's spinning top in cross section, with both crown 68 and thruster 71 being conical in shape, thereby creating two cones. Forming a thrust transmission device having. In one embodiment, the crown is hollow and pointed upwardly conical, the main purpose of which is to prevent overfilling when the closed space of the container 20 is filled with the material 42. Secondly important is that the crown moves any material that may be deposited on the thrust transmission device during the refilling process. The conical thruster transfers the thrust applied to the device to penetrate the material and move it through the material outlet 55 of the container and into the material manifold 45. The conical portion of the thruster is configured to penetrate the material within the container. Suitable materials for constructing the thrust transmitting device and its components include metals (aluminum, copper, iron, nickel and titanium) and alloys (alloy 20, Inconel, Monel, steel and stainless steel). In addition, polymers, plastics, composites and other synthetic materials can be used to form thrust transmitting devices. Such materials include fiber reinforced plastics, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). included.

Referring again to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the refillable material transfer system 10 comprises a material container 20 in a vertical position, the bottom 26 of the container being adjacent to a floor or ground, a leg or otherwise. Can stand upright on a pedestal (not shown). Thus, the side wall 24 of the container holds the top 22 of the container in place. The thrust transmission device 60 is configured to move the container up and down as the material enters and leaves the container. When a stabilizer rod or other device 62 is disposed within the container, the transmission moves the rod up and down, but the rod may be provided with a cap 63 at the end of the rod near the bottom of the container. it can. The movement of the thrust transmission device is constrained by a retainer 61 at the top of the container and arrester 73 at the bottom of the container. In one aspect of the invention, the outer diameter of the tangential member 69 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the container. Thus, as the transfer device moves up and down the container, a portion of the material 42 remains along the sidewall forming a gas seal 49 between the container sidewall and the tangential member. In a vertical configuration of such a transfer system, the outlet 55 is constructed with a sufficient length in the vertical direction so that when the material exits the container and the transmission device approaches the arrestor, Prevent gas from migrating through the outlet into the bottom material manifold.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the refillable material transfer system 10 may be configured with a form of force other than high pressure pressurized gas. For example, the drive shaft 93 may be arranged in a manifold 86 provided inside the top portion 22 of the material container (container) 20. The drive shaft is configured to provide a drive force for moving the thrust transmission device 90 from the top of the container to the bottom 26. The drive shaft first end 87 extends from the top of the container to the outside of the manifold. Flange 84 is located at the end of the manifold extending outwardly from the top of the container to provide a hermetic seal around the outer portion of the drive shaft. The second end 88 of the drive shaft is disposed inside an opening 102 provided at the apex of the conical crown 94 of the thrust transmitting device. Therefore, movement of the drive shaft from the top of the container to the bottom drives the thrust transmitting device towards the bottom of the container. Similarly, movement of the drive shaft from the bottom of the container to the top drives the thrust transmitting device toward the top of the container.

In use, as the material 42 enters the material manifold 45 located adjacent the bottom 26 of the container 20, the thrust transfer device 90 is expected to rise towards the top 22 of the container. Alternatively, the drive shaft 93 may be configured to move the thrust transmission device to the top of the container adjacent the retainer 91 provided on the top of the container or inside the lid. Further, a limit switch 92 is provided on the retainer and is electronically connected to the force configuration for the drive shaft so that the thrust transmission device is adjacent the retainer when the thrust transmission device approaches the top of the container. It can be stopped. Similarly, limit switch 101 may be located at or near arrester 99. In this way, when the drive shaft moves the transmission towards the bottom of the container, the limit switch acts to stop the form of force on the drive shaft and position the transmission adjacent the arrester. To allow essentially all of the material to be removed from the container. Alternatively, material manifolds, switches, retainers, arresters and other container components may be configured such that material is introduced and removed from the top of the container.

A gas purge line and valve 89 is provided through the retainer 91 inside the top of the container 20 or inside the lid 22 to provide air or an inert gas into the container when the material 42 is removed from the container and Can be configured to allow such gas to be vented when it is filled with material. In addition, a material overfill arm 82 may be included in the manifold 86 to vent excess material, air and other gases during the fill cycle. The gas inlets and valves allow gas or air to enter the container when air space 80 increases in the container and material space 40 decreases in the container due to material moving out of the container. Can be used as Alternatively, the excess material discharge tube 82 may allow air to enter and exit the container as the transfer device pushes material out of the container or as material entering the container moves the transfer device toward the top of the container. Can be configured as follows.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a thrust transmitting device 90 having two cones includes a crown portion (upper portion) 94, a tangential member (middle portion) 95, and a thruster (lower portion) 97. Including. The crown and thruster are constructed in the shape of a cone or frustum, having a substantially triangular cross section with the tip or apex truncated. The annular tangential member has a substantially longitudinal outer surface and is disposed between the crown and the thruster. Crowns, tangential members, and thrusters can be machined, die cast or otherwise manufactured as a single unit, or can be manufactured as separate parts and welded, bolted or otherwise permanently or detached. It may be fixed freely to form a thrust transmission device.

The thrust transfer device 90 may further comprise one or more stabilizers 96 disposed along the outer surface of the tangential member 95 of the transfer device. A stabilizer is a thin blade-like member that can be made from the same materials as the transmission device, such as metals and their alloys, polymers, plastics, composites or other natural and synthetic materials. Multiple stabilizers (eg, four stabilizers) may be attached to the transmission device at equal intervals along the outer surface of the tangential member by welding, mechanical fasteners or other suitable devices and techniques. The top and bottom edges of the stabilizer can be rounded to limit scratches and other damage to the sidewalls 24 of the material container 20. One purpose of the stabilizer is to help prevent tilting of the thrust device as the tangential member moves along the side wall of the container. The stabilizer also provides a material space 49 adjacent the side wall of the container to provide a gas seal between the thrust transmission device and the side wall of the container. In such a configuration, the refillable material transfer system 10 may be used in a vertical position or a horizontal position, and may be arranged at an angle depending on the user's requirements.

The performance of thrust transmission device 90 may be enhanced by the addition of penetrating tips or protrusions 98. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shape of the penetrating tip can be conical or frustoconical with the same or different inherent angles as the conical thruster portion 97 of the thrust transmitting device (see FIG. 11). The penetrating tip may be made from the same or alternative materials as the other parts of the thrust transmission device. Further, the conical thruster tip configuration need not be triangular in cross-section and can be rounded, square or any other suitable configuration, with material discharge channels 55 and material outlets. It assists in moving the material as the thrust transmitting device moves toward the portion of the container that contains the manifold 45. The conical thruster may be provided at its bottom end (the portion furthest from the crown 94 and the tangential member 95) with a truncated portion 104 configured to receive a conical thruster tip. .. The wide end 106 of the conical thruster tip may be configured with a threaded flange or other device to secure it to the truncated portion of the thruster. Alternatively, the conical thruster tip may be permanently fixed to the conical thruster by welding or other methods. Empirical data support the premise that the largest diameter of the thruster tip should be approximately the same as the diameter of the outlet channel 55. Both the conical portion and the protrusion of the thruster are configured to penetrate the material.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, thrust transmission device 90 may be further configured with an annular management device 103 disposed adjacent to and/or around tangential member 95 of the thrust transmission device. For example, the annular management device may include a circular, donut-shaped member that includes a notch or notch (not shown) for a secure fit over the stabilizer fins 96. Alternatively, the notch or notch may be made in the stabilizer fin to accommodate the annular management device. The annular management device may also be configured to be retained within an annular notch inside the tangential member of the thrust transmission device. The annular management device may be removably or permanently attached to the thrust transmission device (see also FIGS. 15 and 16). The inner diameter of the annular management device should be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tangential member of the transmission device. The outer diameter of the annulus management device should be larger than the inner diameter of the material container 20 in order to fit closely to the side wall 24 of the container. Thus, as the thrust transmitting device moves along the side wall of the container, any material 49 (FIG. 4) that has accumulated along the side wall of the container is moved toward the bottom 26 of the container and through the discharge flow path 55. And preferably exit material manifold 45. Suitable materials for the annular management device include the same materials as the thrust transmission device, as well as leather, natural or synthetic rubber and other elastomers such as beech N (nitrile), fluoroelastomer, neoprene and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Is included.

Referring now to FIG. 9, one embodiment of the refillable material transfer system 110 includes configuring the material container 120 in a vertical configuration. The material container includes a body 150, a top 122, and one or more legs or extensions 170. The body of the material container is cylindrically configured and has a lower portion 152 connected to the legs 170 and an upper portion 154 connected to the top 122. The upper annular flange 124 is connected to the top lower portion 156. The lower annular flange 126 is connected to the upper portion 154 of the body of the container. The annular flange is essentially cylindrical in shape and has a donut-like structure whose diameter is much larger than its thickness. Tightening screw 128 is secured to the bottom flange and is configured to reside within a notch or slot 127 formed in the top flange. The top and bottom flanges and the locking lock are configured to maintain a liquid tight seal between the top and body of the material container when the locking lock is in place. If the role of the material container includes high pressure or other requirements for a liquid tight seal, an O-ring (not shown) may be used to connect the upper and lower flanges to facilitate the liquid tight seal. Rubber or other polymer coating may be applied to the upper and lower flanges. Other mechanisms such as latches, clamps, lifting lugs and davits can be used to secure the top of the container to the body of the container.

The top portion 122 of the material container 120 is hemispherical and may be circular in cross section. Alternatively, the top of the pressure vessel may be configured as flat, square or any other shape suitable for the role that the vessel is tasked with. A hole, notch or other access port may be provided at the top of the container to facilitate placement of the gas inlet end valve 180, overflow or pressure relief valve 190, and gauge mechanism 160. To facilitate insertion and removal of the gauge 160 with the indicator 164, a threaded joint 162 may be placed inside the center of the top of the container. Alternatively, the top fitting may be used to hold the stabilizer rod or pipe 62 shown in FIG. 1 or the drive shaft 93 shown in FIG.

A lifting mechanism 130 may be provided adjacent to the body 150 of the material container to facilitate removal of the top 122 from the container 120. In one embodiment, a hydraulic jack 132 available from Rosedale Products, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA is used to drive a piston or rod 134 to lift an annular flange 124 on the top of the container. An actuator mechanism 136 may be used to hydraulically, mechanically or electromechanically move the drive shaft 134 to position the top of the container. Further, the lifting mechanism may be configured to allow the lid to be lifted and moved horizontally without being fully disengaged from the lower flange 126. For stabilization purposes, a support flange 138 may be secured to the body 150 of the material container and the actuator 132 of the lifting mechanism 130.

The refillable material transfer system 110 may be further configured with a material inlet and outlet manifold 140 below the body 150 of the material container 120 and adjacent the container bottom 152. For example, the pipe 144 may be connected to the bottom of the container and may include a T-shaped (T-joint) portion 146. The T-shaped (T-joint) portion 146 is closed at one end 146 and is connected to the ejection mechanism 148 at the second portion of the T-joint. The exhaust portion of the material manifold may further include a ball valve and actuator mechanism 142. Cam and groove couplers or other industry-specific features can be provided at the outlet of the material manifold for connection to hoses and pipes for filling and emptying containers. To further protect the material discharge manifold, a shield (not shown) of plastic, metal or other suitable material is provided around the leg 170 or other extension supporting the material container 120. it can. Similarly, a protective shield (not shown) may be formed around the top portion of the top 122 of the container to protect the indicator mechanism 160, the gas inlet 180 and the pressure relief or material ejection device 190. The protective mechanism surrounding the top can be provided with notches for access to the indicator 164 and the gas valve 180.

The refillable material transfer system 110 may be configured to hold varying amounts of material 42 and varying pressures of the high pressure gas 31. For example (see also FIGS. 1 and 4), the top 122 and body 150 of the container 120 are dimensioned and the retainers 61, 91 and arresters 73, 99 are configured so that the internal material space 40 is, for example, 55, 150. , 300 or 600 gallons (2.3 cubic meters) of fluid or other material. In a constant gas pressure mode of operation, one of ordinary skill in the art can determine the volume of vessel needed to contain the high pressure gas without undue experimentation. The operating mode, which involves prefilling the container with a specific gas volume, proceeds as follows.
(A) Determine the absolute final pressure (P) required to dispense material when empty.
(B) This absolute pressure (P) is multiplied by the full liquid volume (V) of the container to obtain a value referred to herein as the PV constant.
(C) Determine the absolute pressure value when all containers are filled in advance.
(D) The PV constant is divided by the absolute pressure when it is filled in advance to determine the volume of the container required to contain the high pressure gas.

When a thrust transmission device 60, 90 having two cones is used in the material container 20, 120, the outer diameter of the tangential members 69, 95 (the maximum diameter of the crowns 68, 94 and the thrusters 71, 97) is It is constructed to be somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall 24 of the container. The refillable material transfer system can be scaled up or down depending on its intended role. Roles can range from small portable systems to systems that are mounted on large freight trucks or trailers. It is envisioned that the present invention is applicable to very small (micro, nano-sized) to very large material transfer systems that move material in quantities of less than 1 microliter and at least tens of thousands of materials. One of ordinary skill in the container art can determine the appropriate container geometry, materials, and other characteristics without undue experimentation. Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the material transfer arts can determine the appropriate thrust transfer device geometry, materials, and other features without undue experimentation. If the refillable material transfer system is filled with a finite volume of gas and is not connected to a gas source, one skilled in the material transfer art can determine an appropriate minimum gas pressure without undue experimentation. .. Further, one of ordinary skill in the gas handling arts can determine the appropriate initial gas pressure and gas volume without undue experimentation. The following are dimensions in some examples of refillable raw material transfer systems.

Example 1-Distributor of Automotive Body Sealant Distributing Volume: 1.9 gallons (432 cubic inches, 7.1 liters)
Container top: Flat bottom: Flat inner diameter: 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)
Inner height: 14.5 inches (36.8 cm)
Full volume: 2.1 gallons (481 cubic inches, 7.9 liters)
Material: Aluminum Thrust Transmission Top: Flat Bottom: 120 Degree Cone Bottom Protrusion: None Tangent Diameter: 6.25 inches (15.9 cm)
Tangential height: 1.0 inch (2.5 cm)
Material: Aluminum

Example 2-Distributor of sound deadening material for automobile body Distributing volume: 21.7 gallons (5,013 cubic inches, 82.1 liters)
Container top: 2:1 semi-ellipsoid Bottom: 2:1 semi-ellipsoid Inner diameter: 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
Straight shell height: 32.1 inches (81.5 cm)
Full volume: 34.3 gallons (7,929 cubic inches, 129.9 liters)
Material: Stainless Steel Thrust Transmission Top: 2:1 Semi-Ellipsoid Bottom: 2:1 Semi-Ellipsoid Bottom Projection: Diameter 3.0 inches (7.6 cm), Height 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
Tangential Diameter: 14.0 inches (35.6 cm)
Tangential height: 5.0 inches (12.7 cm)
Material: stainless steel

The proximity of the tangential members 69, 95, 230, 232, 234, 236, 330, 332, 334, 346, 348 of the thrust transmission devices 60, 90, 200 and 300 to the sidewall 24 of the material container 20, 120 is: Above all, it depends on the properties of the material 42. The proximity range is 0.2 to 1.0 inches (0.5 to 2.5 cm). The height of the tangential members 69, 95, 230, 232, 234, 236, 330, 332, 334, 346, 348 depends, among other things, on the nature of the material and the dimensions of the container 20,120. The height range is 0 to 12 inches (30.5 cm). The conical crowns 68, 94 have, among other things, a defined angle that depends on the nature of the material. The range of this angle may be 90 to 180 degrees. The fulcrum of the thrusters 71, 97, 210, 212, 214, 215 has, inter alia, a defined angle 215 depending on the nature of the material, which range may be 90 to 180 degrees. Thruster chips 98, 220 have, among other things, a defined angle 225 depending on the nature of the material, which range may be 30 to less than 180 degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, thrust transfer device 200 may be adapted for use with various fluids having different viscosities. The thruster portion 210 of the transmission device can be configured as a conical or frustum-shaped hollow device. The plurality of tangential members 230 may be configured to be located adjacent the thruster portion of the transmission device. For example, the tangential members 232, 234, 236 can be disc-shaped or cylindrical in shape with an aspect ratio whose height (thickness) is significantly smaller than their diameter. The tangential members may be stacked on top of each other and secured to the thruster portion using a securing rod 250 or other suitable mechanism. The fixation rod may be removably attached to the plate using a top fitting 254 and may be fixed at its second (bottom) end 252 to the bottom 214 of the conical thruster 210. In one embodiment, the fixation rods are disposed in holes or holes 256 in the tangential members and in pipes or conduits 258 in the thrusters.

Penetration of the transmission device 200 into a viscous or viscous fluid may be aided by the addition of a penetrating tip 220 attached to the lower portion 214 of the thruster 210. As explained above, the thruster tip can be conical (triangular in cross section), blunt, square or any other suitable shape. The thruster tip may include an adapter 222 for attaching the tip to the thruster by welding, a screw mechanism, or for attaching the tip to the fixed rod 250. Conical thruster port 264 and tangential member lumen or hole 262 may be used to provide access to the hollow portion of the conical thruster for adding ballast. A cap 260 may be disposed on the outermost tangential member to cover the port for ballast filling and removal. When the thrust transfer device is used in a pressurized refillable material transfer system, a hole or hole 280 is drilled or otherwise in the tangential element to allow the material transfer device to be pressurized. Can be formed.

The thrust transmission device 200 may also include a stabilizer mechanism 240. For example, three stabilizing fins 242, 244, 246 are secured to the outermost tangential member 232 to prevent thruster thruster 210 from tilting as it moves within material container 20, 120. And can be stabilized in some way. The stabilizer fins may be welded, bolted, screwed and permanently or removably secured to the tangential member 232 at the top of the thruster by adding one or more flanges 243, 245, 247. The stabilizer fins are configured to extend outside the perimeter of the tangential member such that the outermost portion of the stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall inside the material container. Alternatively, the stabilizer fins may be attached to one or more of the tangential members, as shown in Figures 4-6.

Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, thrust transmission device 300 can be made in a variety of structures other than the two-cone shape shown in FIGS. For example, the transmitter thruster portion 310 and the transmitter crown portion 315 can be hemispherical or semi-elliptical in shape. Such hemispherical or elliptical shapes can be more easily manufactured by cold working, heat modifying or casting. Similarly, injection molding processes using various alloys and metals may be performed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the transfer device 300 may have a substantially tangential portion 330 because it is parallel to the sidewalls inside the material container. Thus, the transmitter thruster or lower portion 310 may include a tangential portion 332 and the transmitter upper portion 315 may include a tangential portion 334. Both halves of the transmission device may be joined at weld 340, or may utilize other techniques for permanently or releasably fastening the halves together. As described above, the vertical stabilizer fins 342, 344, 346, 348 may be circumferentially spaced about the tangent portion of the transmission device. Although four stabilizer fins are shown in the referenced figures, two, three, six or seven or more stabilizer fins may be used as appropriate, depending on the diameter and other configurations of the container and transmitter. ..

When the thrust transfer device 300 is used in a gas-pressurized environment, the transfer device top portion or top (crown) 315 includes one or more holes or holes 380 and is pressurized. Allow gas to enter inside the transmission. In addition, an access port 360 for positioning the ballast inside the delivery device may be provided on the top surface of the delivery device crown. As previously described, the ballast access port can be configured to receive a plug or cap for removable insertion into the access port. The crown of the transmission device may also consist of a fitting, flange or other member 350 for insertion of the stabilizer pipe 62 (Fig. 1) or drive shaft 93 (Fig. 4). A pipe or other tube may be configured to extend from the crown joint near the bottom surface of the thruster portion 310 to configure a thrust transmitting device that houses a level indicating device (FIGS. 17, 18). As shown in FIG. 12, the thruster portion may also consist of a cylindrical protrusion or flange 320, which receives a retaining mechanism 322 that may be used to house the positioner subassembly 600 (FIG. 18). Configured as a joint for. The thruster joint may also serve as a penetration tip for facilitating penetration of the material and for the very viscous fluid to move through the outlet channel 55 of the container 20, 120 and the material manifold 45, 140. .. Therefore, the diameter of the thruster tip (projection 320) should be approximately the same as the diameter of the outlet channel 55.

Holes 352 or similar features may be formed in the top fitting 350 on the crown 315 to aid in the insertion and removal of the material transfer device 300 within the material container. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, two holes 352 may be provided in a straight line across the fitting such that a chain or wire may be passed through the holes to pull the thrust transmission device out of the pressure vessel. obtain. As explained above, the transmission device may be made of any suitable metal, alloy, plastic or other polymer that is compatible with the materials used in the transfer system.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a hemispherical (semi-elliptical) transmission device 300 (FIG. 11) is configured with an annular management device 400 to remove material accumulated on sidewalls inside the material container. Can help. The annular management device includes an annular member 410 formed of natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomeric polymer, or other suitable material that is compatible with the material being transferred in and out of the container. The annular management device may further include one or more horizontal flanges 420 secured to the annular member. The horizontal flange includes ports 452, 454, 456, 458 for accommodating stopcocks 442, 444, 446, 448 or other degassing mechanism so that the transmission device may be from the top to the bottom (first end) of the material container. The gas or air trapped under the transfer device may be released as it travels from the section to the second end). The horizontal flange may be secured to the annular member by bolts and nuts 470 or other suitable fastening means. Alternatively, the annular member may be glued or otherwise joined to the flange or directly to the crown of the transmission device. The vertical portion of the flange may be welded or otherwise formed with the horizontal flange and then attached to the transmission by bolts and nuts 460 or other suitable fastening means. The annular management device can be fixedly or removably fixed to the thrust transmission device.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the refillable material transfer system may include a level indicating device 500. Many types of level gauges, such as contact and non-contact level devices, can be incorporated into the material transfer system. Contact and non-contact liquid level devices include, for example, container weight type devices (scales), container gas pressure type devices (pressure gauges), linear and rotary encoder devices (tape gauges), wave type devices (lasers, magnetostriction, High frequency and ultrasonic), magnetically coupled devices (indicator rods and tapes), displacement devices (limit and proximity switches), material flow devices (flow integrators), optical devices (optical fiber, photoelectric and visual) ), gas-material interface devices (buoyancy, capacitance, conductivity, differential pressure, and differential temperature) and nuclear devices (radioisotopes). One suitable system for use with the thrust transmission devices described herein is GEMS Sensors, Inc. of Plainville, Conn., USA. Available from. Such a device includes a stem 520 that may be disposed within an adapter pipe or central lumen of a thrust transmission device (see Figure 12). The stem may include a magnetic reed switch or other level indicator connected to a microprocessor within the housing 560 visible from the outside of the material container. A threaded joint 540 or other fastening device may be used to attach the level indicating system to the upper flange 350 of the thrust transmission device 300 shown in FIG. The housing may include a programmable microprocessor (not shown) and other electronics such as a digital display 564 that may be configured for use with a particular size material container. The system housing 560 may be a polymer, composite, or other synthetic material, or from Moore Industries International, Inc. of North Hill, California. Can be made from stronger metal or alloy structures available from

Referring now to FIG. 18, a positioner subassembly 600 may be configured for positioning within the thrust transfer device 300 shown in FIG. 11 to activate a magnetic sensor within the stem 520. The subassembly includes an outer housing 620 for housing a magnetic positioning device (magnetic actuator) 640, which can be cylindrical or oval. A threaded cap or other fitting 660 is configured on one side of the housing to secure to an adapter 322 or other mechanism on the thrust transmitting device. The housing cap may include a hole or lumen 680 to allow the stem 520 to pass through the positioner subassembly. Similarly, the positioner is configured within the central lumen 690 to allow the stem to be slidably disposed inside the positioner. In addition, the positioner subassembly may include a cleaning mechanism (not shown) for removing material deposits from the stem. In use, as the material level in the container increases, the transmitter holding the positioner subassembly (magnetic actuator) lifts the stem and activates the sensor contained within the stem. When the positioner (magnetic actuator) approaches the highest position on the stem, the display 564 on the device is calibrated to show 100 percent or some other indication that the container is full. The level indicator 500 can be calibrated to indicate material height, weight or volume as appropriate. Similarly, as the material is ejected from the container, the transmission device approaches the bottom of the container, causing the magnetic actuator to approach the lowest position on the stem, so that the level meter causes the material height, weight or Display the decrease in volume.

FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the material transfer system of FIG. 4 in which a boundary layer control material 701 is applied to selected wetted surfaces in the container. It should be understood that the illustration of the boundary layer constraining material 701 is not to scale and is rather greatly enlarged for purposes of describing the present invention. The wetted surface on the inner surface of the material transfer system may include sidewalls 24, arresters 73, thrusters 71, drainage channels 55, tangential members 69, and penetrating tips 98. Other surfaces and elements that contact the fluid 42 may also be considered wetted surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, all wetted surfaces have a boundary layer between the moving fluid and the stationary inner surface of the material transfer system (as well as the thrust transfer device, collectively the "boundary layer interface"). Coated with suppressive material. The present invention acts on the boundary layer between the refillable material transfer system boundary layer interface and the fluid to improve system performance. Since suppressing the boundary layer affects the relatively large geometric surface area between the interior surface of the material transfer system and the fluid, the present invention significantly improves overall energy efficiency and improves fluid flow to the system. Reduces the energy required to move in and out of.

Included in the list of numerous components with internal surfaces that are often used in various systems are access flanges, access manifolds, access pipes, access ports, adapters, annular members, annular management devices, arresters, assemblies, ballast plugs. (Caps), valve and actuator mechanisms, holes or holes, holes or lumens, bottoms, bottom ends, bottom parts, bottom regions, caps, cleaning mechanisms, parts, cones Thrusters, conical thruster parts, vessels, fittings, flanges or other members, crowns, crown parts, two cone shaped or other shaped thrust transmission devices, discharge mechanisms, excess material discharge lines, outlet channels, Raised bottom part, fitting, flange, gas space, heat transfer area, heat transfer element, hole or hole, inner material space, inside, lid, level indicator, level instrument, lower part Annular flange, lower part, lumen, lumens or holes, body, manifold, manually operated release valve or pressure release valve, material container, material storage container, material outlet manifold, material inlet and Outlet opening, material inlet, material inlet/outlet manifold, material inlet manifold, material manifold, material outlet, material discharge flow path, material outlet manifold, material space, material transfer device, material container, method end manifold, one end , Openings, O-rings, outermost tangential members, outer housings, outlets, discharge channels, overflow arms, overflow relief or pressure relief valves, penetration tips or protrusions, penetration tips, pipes or conduits, ports, positioning devices Subassemblies, Pressure Relief or Material Ejectors, Pressure Vessels, Removable (Cam and Groove) Fittings, Refillable Material Transfer Systems, Retainers, Retention Mechanisms, Rods, Fixed Rods, Seals, Sidewalls, Stabilizer Fins, Stabilizers Mechanism, stabilizer rod or pipe, stabilizer rod (pipe), stabilizer pipe, stabilizer, stabilizing fin, stabilizing pipe or rod, stem, stopcock, tangential member, tangential part, thruster, thruster part, thruster tip, top part , Transfer device, transfer system, truncated part, T-shaped (T-joint) part, upper annular flange, upper joint, upper or top part Minutes (crowns), upper parts, upper regions, valves, vents, vents or holes, vertical stabilizing elements, vessels, walls, wide ends.

Each inner surface is treated or coated to create a new boundary layer between the wall surface and the bulk fluid. Treatment involves altering the surface roughness of these surfaces (ie, the degree of average vertical deviation of the surfaces from the ideal surface). As surface roughness decreases due to sanding, polishing, etc., the viscosity of the fluid on these surfaces also decreases, reducing friction and moving viscous fluids. That is, the original interior surfaces of the containers are polished to make them more smooth, which reduces the energy required to move the fluid flowing over these surfaces and increases the flow rate of fluids in and out of the container. obtain. Alternatively, epoxy coatings are applied to the natural interior surfaces to make them smoother and reduce the average roughness of the walls in contact with the bulk fluid, thus suppressing the boundary layer. Another way to suppress the boundary layer is to apply a silicone-based release agent to the inner surface. The release agent may be applied to the inner surface alone, or an epoxy coating impregnated with the release agent may be applied to the original inner surface.

On the other hand, the surface roughness can also be increased to increase the viscosity of the fluid on these surfaces. For example, the inner surface of the container may be sandblasted to make them rougher and increase the energy required to move the fluid within the container. This increases the boundary layer, which helps hydraulically prime the system. Alternatively, an abrasive-containing coating may be applied to the native interior surfaces to make them rougher, which also serves to aid priming of the system. To hydraulically prime the system, a binder/adhesive may be applied to the inner surface to increase the boundary layer of fluid on these surfaces. The binder/adhesive may be applied to the inner surface alone, or an epoxy coating impregnated with the binder/adhesive may be applied to the original inner surface.

Another method for suppressing the boundary layer on the wetted surface of the container and its parts is to contour (roughen, i.e. increase the surface roughness) the original or coated surface, The release agent is applied to the surface, which may be present in the valleys of the surface to improve the retention of the release agent on the surface. For example, a metal RMTS container may be sandblasted and coated with vegetable oil in a manner similar to how an internal combustion engine cylinder may be honed to retain lubricating oil in the valleys. Another way to suppress the boundary layer is to take advantage of the porosity of certain solid materials, where the release agent may be present in the pores of the solid material and its surface, or due to capillary action. Can be retained inside. The release agent is trapped in the pores to improve the retention of the release agent on the solid material and its surface. Porous solid material refers to the parts of the system (such as the inner wall of the vessel, arrestor, thruster, first end with material inlet and outlet manifolds) and the porous solid material applied to the parts of the system (coating). , Liners, cladding, etc.). For example, a metal RMTS container can be lined with a self-lubricating oil-impregnated nylon sheet.

An example of a solid material that is porous and has a mold release agent in its pores and on their surface is a cast iron frying pan soaked in cooking oil, Oilite® self. Includes lubricious oil-immersed bronze, and self-lubricating oil-immersed nylon. Other examples can be found where the porous material includes a release agent in the pores and on their surface to improve the performance or wear properties of the object.

Surfaces can also be modified to alter the electrical, thermal, and wave resistance of these surfaces. For example, silicone-based conductive grease may be applied to the inside surface of the container to reduce the energy required to transfer electrical energy to the fluid. When it is desired to heat or cool the fluid in the container, a silicone-based radiating grease is applied to the inside surface of the container to reduce the energy required to transfer thermal energy to and from the fluid for better cooling and cooling. Can be heated. In the case of acoustically manipulated materials or fluids, a glycerin/glycerin-based acoustic coupling medium may be applied to the inner surface of the container to reduce the energy required to transfer sonic energy to the material or fluid, It can be stirred better.

Silicone-based insulating grease can also be applied to the inner surface to increase the energy required to transfer electrical energy to the fluid in the container, and better insulate the fluid from being affected by static electricity or other electrostatic charges. .. Alternatively, an insulating material may be applied to the inner surface to increase the energy required to transfer thermal energy to the fluid to better shield the fluid from cooling and heating. In the case of acoustically agitated materials, an acousto-viscoelastic polymeric material may be applied to the inner surface to increase the energy required to interact with the sonic energy to better shield the material from agitation.

The inner surface of the refillable material transfer system can be supplemented with other materials to change the physical properties of these surfaces. For example, certain additives inhibit the release and entry of materials and fluids into and out of the container. A barrier coating can be applied to the inner plastic surface to reduce gas permeation through the plastic surface and thus prevent the ingress of air and gas into the container, which can shorten the shelf life of materials and fluids in the container. Or suppress.

The present invention improves energy efficiency and other performance aspects in the material and fluid handling of refillable material transfer systems. By focusing on the boundary layers between the inner surface and the materials and fluids, the present invention takes advantage of the relatively large geometric surface area between them, and the invention provides for boundary layers at these surfaces. It takes full advantage of exponential (surface area) effects and effects.

To achieve the various purposes described above, selected materials are applied to the liquid-contacting surface inside the system to affect the boundary layer of the moving fluid. There are numerous types of coatings that can be used to influence the flow of viscous fluids through the system, including non-stick cooking sprays, insulating gels, silicone mold release agents, thermally conductive greases, Teflon( (Registered trademark) (polytetrafluoroethylene) with anti-adhesion coating, anti-slip coating, conductive grease, release agent coating, insulating grease, gas barrier coating, viscoelastic polymer acoustic material, ultrasonic couplant, coating material, airgel insulation material Includes coatings, liquid repellent coatings, silicone impregnated (release agents) epoxy coatings, and adhesive products. This list is for illustration only and not for limitation.

The three independent elements of the boundary layer (the inner surface of the container, the adjacent (“skin layer”) surface of the material and fluid to be moved and stored within the container, and any material that affects the material between these two surfaces). Affecting more than one of the selected boundary layers) can affect the performance of the refillable material transfer system. For example, by applying an epoxy coating impregnated with a silicone release agent, the release agent is smoothed on the inner surface of the RMTS and is released well. The present invention emphasizes the effect of affecting the boundary layer (inner surface, adjacent material and fluid (“skin layer”) surface, and any material between these two surfaces) to improve performance. However, the present invention may also be applied to the gas and vapor spaces of a system, where gases and vapors may be present.

Two examples are given to illustrate this. In the first case, a clear plastic portable 50 ml RMTS container was tested with creamy peanut butter. This sticky peanut butter adhered to the untreated RMTS inner surface, slowing the filling and dispensing of peanut butter in the RMTS. A release agent was applied to the inner surface of RMTS. The results of the tests demonstrated that the release agent was applied to the inside of the RMTS, with all other conditions being the same, to increase the flow rate of peanut butter by 10% to 20%. In the second case, a 22 gallon RMTS made of stainless steel was tested with the heatset printer ink. The sticky ink adhered to the inner surface of the untreated RMTS, making ink filling and dispensing in the RMTS inconsistent. The release agent impregnated coating was then applied to the RMTS inner surface. Testing showed that all other conditions were the same, and the RMTS inner surface was coated with this release agent-impregnated coating, resulting in a more consistent ink flow and no It was demonstrated that there was a 5%-10% increase over the treatment case. Thus, from the above example, it can be seen that by selectively treating the wetted surface of an RMTS system, a 5-20% increase in system performance over untreated surfaces can be achieved.

If the inner wall of the container is smoothed to suppress the boundary layer, polishing and sandblasting are two options to achieve this change. For example, the inner surface of the original metal, which is a rough "rolled finish" (from a metal mill), can be mechanically polished to a smoother "super-mirror finish" condition. Standards for smoothing are ASME B46.1, surface roughness, waviness and texture (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), ISO 4287 Product Geometrical Property Specification (GPS)-Surface Texture: Contour Curve Method-Terms, Definitions and Surface Texture Parameters. , And ISO 4288 product geometric property specification (GPS)-surface texture: contour curve method-surface texture evaluation method and procedure (International Organization for Standardization).

To reduce the surface roughness, the initial surface finish can be "#1 rolling finish" and "grain size 60", "ISO N9", Ra (average roughness) = 6.3 μm (micrometer) = It is 250 μin (micro inches). A 500 media (or finer) abrasive media, a polishing media, was used to polish the original surface, and then a final surface finish of "#8 super-mirror finish" and "grain size". 500" and "ISO N3" are obtained, and Ra (average roughness)=0.10 μm (micrometer)=4 μin (microinch).

In the case of sandblasting, the smooth original metal RMTS inner surface can be sandblasted to "near white" with abrasive media so that it is rougher, thereby allowing the following standard: "Sa 2 1/". 2", ISO 8501-1 Adjustment of steel coated object before coating paint and related products-Visual evaluation of surface cleanliness-Part 1: Unrusted steel material and rust degree of steel material after exfoliation of entire old coating film And adjustment grade, and/or SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2 Near-White Blast Cleaning (The Society of Protective Coatings and National Association of Associations of Associations of Energies of the Society)

Another way to suppress the boundary layer is to form a fluid repellent structure on the wetted surface of the system. These structures can be hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, omniphobic, and superomniphobic. An explanation of super omniphobic is described by Antonio Checco et al., "Robust Superhydrophobicity In Large-Area Nanostructured Surfaces Defined By Block-Copolymers Affixed Self." Mater. It can be found in the 2013 article. To obtain the desired effect, block copolymer-based thin film patterning is used to form a large area superhydrophobic surface with surface texture having features approaching 10 nanometers. Tuning the shape and aspect ratio of the nanostructures significantly affects the wettability of the surface. In particular, superhydrophobicity is obtained with the tapered cone 302 geometry, but inferior to the cylindrical geometry (see FIG. 20).

Yet another way to suppress the boundary layer is to apply a fluid repellent coating or film to the wetted surface of the system. These coatings can be hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, omniphobic, and superomniphobic. Examples of these coatings include Rust-Oleum(R) NeverWet(TM) superhydrophobic coating, http://www. rustoleum. com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/neverwet/neverwet-kit/, http://www. neverwet. com/, and Integrated Surface Technologies Repellix superhydrophobic ceramic coating, http://www. insurftech. com/ is available.

While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described with respect to certain embodiments of a material transfer system, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. More particularly, it should be clear that the invention is not limited to any particular method of forming the disclosed device. Although certain aspects of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein in terms of utilizing them with fluids and other specific materials, refillable material transfer systems and thrust transfer devices are embodied herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it may be used with many materials not specifically discussed. Moreover, although specific sizes and dimensions, materials used, etc. have been described herein, they are provided by way of example only. Other modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited except by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

A refillable system for transferring material, the system comprising:
A container having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall, an arrester, and a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold;
A thrust transmitting device arranged in the container, wherein the thrust transmitting device is
(A) A crown,
(B) A cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the cylindrical member having an outer wall parallel to the inner wall of the container. Including a cylindrical member,
(C) including a conical thruster attached to the cylindrical member,
A thrust transmitting device, wherein the arrester of the container is arranged at the first end of the container and is configured to conform to the shape of the thruster;
A treatment applied to the inner wall and the arrester of the container to change the friction of the fluid moving through the inner wall and the arrester,
A refillable system for transferring material, wherein the treatment is a sandblasting finish to increase the surface roughness of the inner wall and arrester. The treatment is application of an agent between the inner wall and a bulk fluid therein, and application of the agent between the arrester and the bulk fluid therein. A refillable system for transferring the material according to. The refillable system for transferring material of claim 2 , wherein the agent is a lubricant. The refillable system for transferring materials of claim 2 , wherein the agent is a silicone-based release agent. The refillable system for transferring materials of claim 2 , wherein the agent is an epoxy coating. A refillable system for transferring materials according to claim 2 wherein said agent is a binder/adhesive. A refillable system for transferring material, the system comprising:
A container having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall, an arrester, and a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold;
A thrust transmitting device arranged in the container, wherein the thrust transmitting device is
(A) A crown,
(B) A cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the cylindrical member having an outer wall parallel to the inner wall of the container. Including a cylindrical member,
(C) including a conical thruster attached to the cylindrical member,
A thrust transmitting device, wherein the arrester of the container is arranged at the first end of the container and is configured to conform to the shape of the thruster;
A refillable system for transferring material, the process comprising: applying to an inner wall of the container and an arrester to change a thermal conductivity of a fluid moving through the inner wall and the arrester. 8. The refillable system for transferring material of claim 7 , wherein the treatment is the application of thermal grease. A refillable system for transferring material, the system comprising:
A container having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall, an arrester, and a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold;
A thrust transmitting device arranged in the container, wherein the thrust transmitting device is
(A) A crown,
(B) A cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the cylindrical member having an outer wall parallel to the inner wall of the container. Including a cylindrical member,
(C) including a conical thruster attached to the cylindrical member,
A thrust transmitting device, wherein the arrester of the container is arranged at the first end of the container and is configured to conform to the shape of the thruster;
A refillable system for transferring material, the process comprising: applying an inner wall of the container and an arrester to alter an acoustic response to energy directed into the container. 10. The refillable system for transferring material of claim 9 , wherein the treatment is a glycerin-based acoustic coupling medium. A refillable system for transferring material, the system comprising:
A container having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall, an arrester, and a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold;
A thrust transmitting device arranged in the container, wherein the thrust transmitting device is
(A) A crown,
(B) A cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the cylindrical member having an outer wall parallel to the inner wall of the container. Including a cylindrical member,
(C) including a conical thruster attached to the cylindrical member,
A thrust transmitting device, wherein the arrester of the container is arranged at the first end of the container and is configured to conform to the shape of the thruster;
A refillable system for transferring material, comprising: a process applied to an inner wall of the container and an arrester to change the conductivity between the container and a fluid moving through the inner wall and the arrester. 12. The refillable system for transferring material according to claim 11 , wherein the treatment is the application of insulating grease. A refillable system for transferring material, the system comprising:
A container having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall, an arrester, and a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold;
A thrust transmitting device arranged in the container, wherein the thrust transmitting device is
(A) A crown,
(B) A cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the cylindrical member having an outer wall parallel to the inner wall of the container. Including a cylindrical member,
(C) including a conical thruster attached to the cylindrical member,
A thrust transmitting device, wherein the arrester of the container is arranged at the first end of the container and is configured to match the shape of the thruster;
A refillable system for transferring material, wherein the inner wall of the container and the arrester comprises a fluid repellent structure. 14. The refillable system for transferring material of claim 13 , wherein the fluid repellent structure has a tapered conical geometry. 14. The refillable system for transferring material of claim 13 , wherein the fluid repellent structure is omniphobic. A refillable system for transferring material, the system comprising:
A container having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall, an arrester and a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold;
A thrust transmitting device arranged in the container, wherein the thrust transmitting device is
(A) A crown,
(B) A cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, wherein the cylindrical member comprises an outer wall parallel to the inner wall of the container. Including a cylindrical member,
(C) including a conical thruster attached to the cylindrical member,
A thrust transmitting device, wherein the arrester of the container is arranged at the first end of the container and is configured to conform to the shape of the thruster;
A refillable system for transferring material, wherein the inner wall of the container and the arrester comprises an omniphobic film.

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