NL2008106C2

NL2008106C2 - Removal device.

Info

Publication number: NL2008106C2
Application number: NL2008106A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jan Henk Cnossen
Original assignee: Flamco Bv
Priority date: 2012-01-11
Filing date: 2012-01-11
Publication date: 2013-08-08
Also published as: NL2008106A

Description

P31027NL00/WHA Title: Removal device 5 The present invention relates to a removal device for removing dirt particles and gas bubbles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system. The present invention may also be used to separate two liquids, i.e. to remove a second liquid having a greater density or a smaller density from a first liquid.

10 Background and discussion of the prior art

Many conduit systems in which a liquid is conveyed have issues of contaminations in the liquid. This is in particular the case with closed circuits, wherein a liquid may be circulated for a long time period. Such systems are for instance used for heating purposes. Over time, gas bubbles or dirt particles may contaminate the liquid and may deteriorate the 15 functioning of the closed circuit, for instance because the system becomes clogged, or because valves do not function very well. It is also possible that gas bubbles assemble in certain parts of the closed circuit, leading to dead branches, i.e. to parts of the closed circuit where the flow is obstructed. Also noise problems may occur due to gas bubbles in the conduit system.

20 Over time, different devices have been developed for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles and for removing contaminating liquids from a main liquid.

One of these devices has been developed by the present applicant and is published under number WO2011037465.

25 Embodiments of the invention

During research, it was found that a number of improvements to the known system are possible, which improvements lead to a higher degree of removal of gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from the liquid.

In an embodiment, the invention provides a removal device for removing gas bubbles 30 and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing a second liquid from a first liquid in the conduit system, the removal device comprising: - a main channel for a main flow, the main channel having an entry and an exit which are configured to be connected to the conduit system, a housing which defines an inner space, 35 - at least one supply channel extending from the main channel to the inner space, - at least one return channel extending from the inner space back to the main channel, directly or indirectly via a return chamber, -2- a quiet zone in the inner space in which in use the liquid has a substantially smaller velocity than in the main channel, the quiet zone being configured to allow dirt particles or a relatively heavy liquid to settle at a lower end of the housing and/or gas bubbles or a relatively light liquid to rise to an upper end of 5 the housing.

In an embodiment, the at least one supply channel branches off from the main channel at a branch-off location, wherein at the branch-off location a local widening part is provided in the main channel which extends substantially around the main channel, the local widening part being constructed to guide an outer part of the main flow which flows through 10 the main channel into the local widening part and subsequently into the at least one supply channel.

In an embodiment, directly downstream of the local widening part a local narrowing part of the main channel is provided. The local narrowing part may comprise a sharp edge which is directed against the direction of the main flow. The narrowing part is constructed to 15 guide an outer portion of the main flow into the local widening part.

In an embodiment, a wall which defines the local widening part gradually goes over in a wall of the at least one supply channel.

In an embodiment, the removal device comprises two supply channels. IN an embodiment, the local widening part has a substantial C-shape which extends around the 20 main channel, and wherein the respective entries of the respective supply channels are provided at the respective ends of the substantial C-shape.

In an embodiment, the at least one supply channel and the return channel are configured to branch off a supply flow having a discharge which is between 1 and 8 percent of the discharge of the main flow.

25 In an embodiment, the housing is arranged adjacent the main flow channel.

In an embodiment, the at least one return channel merges with the main channel at a merge location which is located upstream of a branch-off location where the at least one supply channel branches off from the main channel.

In an embodiment, the at least one return channel merges with the main channel at a 30 return opening, wherein the return channel is oriented substantially orthogonally to the main channel at the return opening, such that in use the return flow is guided substantially into a center of the main flow, pushing the main flow outwards to an outer region of the main channel and into the local widening part.

In an embodiment, the at least one supply channel gradually widens into the quiet 35 zone.

In an embodiment, the quiet zone comprises energy absorption elements in the form of plates which are spaced apart from one another and form interspaces between the plates, -3- wherein the supply channel is directed toward the interspaces, such that in use a supply flow which enters the quiet zone via the supply channel flows through the interspaces between the plates.

In an embodiment, the supply channel enters the quiet zone in a substantially 5 horizontal direction, and wherein the interspaces have a dead end and an open bottom, such that in use the supply flow is first directed substantially horizontally into the interspaces and subsequently curves downward, through the open bottoms of the interspaces into the quiet zone.

In an embodiment, the quiet zone comprises an upper volume and a lower volume, 10 separated from one another by a separating member having a central opening which connects the upper volume with the lower volume.

In an embodiment, the volume of the quiet zone is elongate and extends substantially vertically.

In an embodiment, an exit of the supply channel into the inner space and an entry of 15 the return channel from the inner space are provided in an upper region of the quiet zone.

In an embodiment, the housing is pivotably connected to the main channel via a pivotable coupling and is pivotable about a pivot axis which extends substantially transverse to the direction of the main channel.

In an embodiment, the housing is pivotable relative to the main channel to at least 20 the following orientations: a first orientation in which the direction of settling is substantially parallel to the direction of the main channel, and a second orientation in which the direction of settling is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the main channel.

25 In an embodiment, the pivot axis is coaxial with at least a part of the supply channel.

In an embodiment, the removal device comprises a return chamber which is provided between the quiet zone and the return channel, the return chamber comprising at least one entrance via which the return flow enters the return chamber from the quiet zone, the return chamber comprising a plurality of exits arranged equidistant from the pivot axis, the return 30 chamber being pivotable about the main channel together with the housing, wherein one or more return channels extend between the return chamber and the main channel, the one or more return channels being fixed relative to the main channel, wherein the plurality of exits are arranged to alternately be positioned at the one or more return channels, in dependence of a pivot angle of the housing about the pivot axis.

35 The present invention further relates to a method of removing dirt particles or gas bubbles from a liquid, the method comprising: providing a removal device according to any of claims 1-19, -4- guiding a flow of liquid through the removal device.

The present invention further relates to a removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing particles of a heavier or lighter liquid from the liquid in the liquid conduit system, the removal device 5 comprising: - an entry , - at least one exit, - a housing which defines an inner space , - a main flow channel extending from the entry to the exit at least in part through the 10 inner space, the main flow channel being defined by at least one tube, - at least one branch flow passage, the branch flow passage allowing fluid communication between the main flow channel and quiet zone outside the tube and within the inner space defined by the housing, - at least one return flow passage the return flow passage allowing fluid 15 communication between the quiet zone outside the tube and the main flow channel, wherein the quiet zone has a greater cross-sectional area than the main channel and wherein the removal device is constructed to branch off only a relatively small portion of the main flow, wherein in use the liquid in the at least one quiet zone has a substantially smaller 20 velocity than the liquid in the main flow channel, allowing dirt or particles of a heavier liquid to settle and/or allowing gas bubbles or particles of a lighter liquid to rise in the quiet zone.

In an embodiment, a plate is provided at a downstream end of the inner space, upstream of the return flow passages.

In an embodiment, the branch flow passage provides direct access from the main 25 flow channel to the quiet zone, i.e. without any intermediate chamber.

In an embodiment, the main flow channel is defined by two coaxial tubes.

Short description of the figures

The previous and other features and advantages of the present invention will be 30 more fully understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the removal device according to the invention.

Figure 2A shows a sectional side view of the removal device according to the invention, taken at the level of one of the supply channels.

35 Figure 2B shows an isometric sectional view of the removal device according to the invention, taken at the level of the return channel.

Figure 3 shows an isometric sectional view taken along the lines A-A in figure 2A.

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Figure 4 shows a sectional side view taken at approximately the center of the main channel.

Figure 5 shows a further detail of figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a detail of the widening section in a sectional side view.

5 Figure 7 shows a top view of the flow volumes defined by the piece.

Figure 8 shows a sectional side view of the removal device in use.

Figure 9 shows an isometric side view of the removal device in use.

Figures 10A, 10B, 10C show different embodiments of the removal device according to the invention.

10 Figure 11 shows a cross-section in top view of another removal device.

Figure 12 shows a cross-section in side view of the removal device of figure 11.

Detailed description of the figures 15 Turning to figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, the device 10 according to the invention is shown.

A pipe 12 defines a main channel 14. The main channel 14 has an entry 16 and an exit 18. The entry and exit may comprise thread for coupling to a conduit system, such as a heating system.

The device 10 comprises a housing 20 which defines an inner space 22. A quiet 20 zone 23 is defined in the inner space 22. The housing is coupled to the main channel via a coupling 24 which allows pivoting of the housing 20 relative to the main channel 14 about a pivot axis 26, i.e. in the direction of arrow 25. In this way, the housing 20 can extend parallel to the main channel 14 or perpendicular to the main channel 14.

In top view, the housing 20 has a substantially circular form. The housing is elongate 25 in the vertical direction, i.e. the housing has a height which is greater than the diameter 33 of the housing.

At a bottom end 27 of the housing, a dirt discharge 28 with an opening and closing mechanism 29 is provided for discharging dirt particles. At an upper end 30, a gas discharge may be provided for discharging gas. The dirt discharge 28 may also be used for removing a 30 second, heavier liquid from a first, main liquid in the conduit system.

Turning to figure 2A, the direction of the main flow is indicated with arrow 35. A local widening part 32 is provided in the main channel 14. The local widening part 32 is formed as a groove which extends substantially around the main channel. Directly downstream of the local widening part 32, a local narrowing part of the main flow channel 14 is provided. The 35 local narrowing part is a sharp edge 34 which is directed against the direction of flow. The edge 34 also extends substantially around the main channel. The local widening part provides access to a supply channel 36A which extends from the main channel 14 to the -6- inner space 22. As will be shown herein below, there are two supply channels 36A, 36B.

The local widening part 32 gradually goes over in the supply channel 36A, 36B.

The local widening part 32, the edge 34 and the supply channels 36A, 36B are formed in a piece 38. The piece 38 is connected to the pipe 14. The supply channels 36A, 5 36B widen within the piece 38 and make a curve 40. From the curve 40, the supply channels 36A, 36B extend away from the main channel 14, substantially at a right angle to the main channel 14.

Turning to figure 2A, the housing 20 is connected to the piece 38 at coupling 24.

Here, the piece 38 comprises a flange 46 with a circular shape. The housing has a circular 10 mating section 48 which mates with the flange 46 and is rotatably connected to the flange 46. The mating section 48 and the flange 46 form the pivoting coupling 24.

The supply channel 36A gradually widens as a trumpet shape 42. At the end 77 of the trumpet shape 42, the supply channel 36 ends and opens into the inner space 22. This is where the quite zone is defined. In the inner space 22, plates 43 are provided which are 15 connected to a wall 44 of the housing. As will be discussed further below, the plates act as energy dissipating devices.

The supply channel 36A extends from the piece 38 into the trumpet shape 42, which is part of the housing 20 and rotatably connected to the piece 38. A tongue 50 is formed in the piece 38 and provides a smooth transition from the piece 38 to the trumpet shape 42.

20 In use, the inner space 22 extends vertically, in order to allow dirt to settle and/or gas bubbles to rise. The coupling 24 allows the inner space to extend vertically, both for a vertical main channel 14 and in a horizontal main channel 14.

The inner space 22 has a diameter 33 which is greater than a diameter 83 of the main channel 14.

25 A separating device 52 in the form of a plate is provided in a lower region of the inner space 22. The separating device has a central hole 54. The separating device divides the inner space in an upper part 56 and a lower part 57. The upper part 56 can be divided in a lower region 101 and an upper region 102.

Turning to figure 2B, more details on the return channel 60 are shown. In the housing 30 20 return holes 62 are provided in a wall 63 which return holes provide access for a return flow into a return chamber 64. The return chamber 64 is formed between a wall 63 and a wall 65 of the housing 20.

Four holes 66 are formed in the wall 65. One hole 66 provides access to the return channel 60 from the return chamber 64. The holes are placed at equal distance from the 35 pivot axis 26. The other holes 66 are idle and can be pivoted before the return channel as will be explained later.

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The return channel 60 extends at a substantially right angle to the main channel from the return chamber 64 to the main channel 14. The return channel connects the inner space 22 with the main channel, indirectly via the return chamber 64. The return channel opens into the main channel at a merge location 68 which is located upstream from a branch-off 5 location 70.

The housing 20 comprises a lower part 72 and an upper part 74. The plates 43 are formed in the upper part 74.

Turning to figure 3, the trumpet shape 42 is shown which is defined by a wall. The trumpet shape 42 ends just before the plates 43. The plates 43 project from the wall 44 of 10 the housing 20 which opposes the trumpet shape. The plates 43 are oriented substantially radially against the direction of flow of the incoming supply channel 36. A small gap 45 is formed between the trumpet shape 42 and the plates 43. Between the plates 43, interspaces 47 are formed. The interspaces have a dead end 181 at the wall 44 and an open bottom at the lower ends 53 of the plates 43.

15 The two supply channels 36A, 36B which are formed in the piece 38 are also visible.

The two supply channels 36A, 36B each have a part which extends over a distance in the direction of flow of the main channel 14 en curves to a more horizontal orientation. The two supply channels merge into a single supply channel 36 at the tongue element 50.

The walls 63, 65 which define the return chamber 64 extend parallel to one another 20 and form an annular return chamber 64 which extends around the supply channel 36.

Turning to figures 4, 5 and 6, the widening section 31 is formed as a cavity in the piece 38 and is defined by wall 39. The piece 38 is mounted between an upstream pipe 12A and a downstream pipe 12B.

The widening section 31 comprises a downstream end 76 which is rounded, when 25 viewed in the direction 35 of flow of the main channel.

The return channel 60 has an opening 78 where it opens into the main channel 14. A groove 80 is formed downstream of the opening 78. The groove extends in the direction 35 of flow of the main channel 14 from the opening 78 to a position downstream of the widening section 31. The groove is formed in an elevated portion 82 of the piece 38. The 30 wall 39 of the widening section gradually goes over in a wall 41 of the supply channels.

Downstream of the sharp edge 32 which forms a narrowing part of the main channel 14, the main channel 14 gradually widens in a tapering section 86 to its original diameter 84.

Turning to figure 7, the widening section 31 is shown to form a C-shape 49 around the main channel 14. The supply channels 36A, 36B start at the ends 88 of the C-shape.

35 The return channel 60 is located between the supply channels 36A, 36B, when viewed in the direction 35 of the main flow.

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Turning to figures 10A, 10B, 10C, different configurations of the removal device 10 are shown. Figure 10A shows an embodiment with a dirt discharge 28, but not a gas discharge. Figure 10B shows an embodiment without a dirt discharge 28, and with a gas discharge 120. The gas discharge may also be configured to remove a second, lighter liquid 5 from a main, first liquid in the conduit system. Figure 10B shows an embodiment having both a dirt discharge 28, and a gas discharge 120.

Operation

Turning to figures 8 and 9, in use, the removal device 10 according to the invention is 10 coupled to a conduit system. The housing 20 is oriented such that the dirt discharge 28 is at the bottom and a gas discharge (if present) is located at the top. To this end, the housing is pivoted relative to the pipe 12 via the coupling 24. If the pipe is vertical, the housing extends parallel to the pipe 12. If the pipe extends horizontally, the housing 20 extends at a right angle to the pipe 12. Depending on the orientation of the housing relative to the pipe 12 one 15 of four holes 66 is located in front of the return channel 60. The other three holes 66 are idle and face a blind wall of the piece 38.

A main flow 100 of liquid, for instance water, flows through the entry 16 into the pipe 12. The flow reaches the opening 78 of the return channel 60. Here, the return flow 102 merges with the main flow 100. The return flow 102 projects from the side 104 of the main 20 channel 14 substantially into a central region 106 of the main channel 14, pushing the main flow more or less to the sides of the main channel 14.

Next, the main flow 100 reaches the widening section 31. A part 108 of the main flow will enter the widening section 31, assisted by the sharp edge 32. The widening section 31 extends as a C-shape around the main channel and a flow 109 will occur through the C-25 shape, substantially around the main channel 14 and to the ends 88 of the C-shape. Two separate supply flows 110 are therefore created.

It is noted that although different numbers for the flow (e.g. 108, 109,110) are used, these numbers may denote a same flow, but at different stages along the trajectory through the removal device.

30 The supply flows are created from substantially the outer portion of the main flow 100 which flows through the main channel 14. This is in particular helpful when the main channel 14 is oriented horizontally. In that case, the concentration of dirt particles will be relatively high near the bottom of the channel. The concentration of gas particles will be relatively high near the top of the main channel 14. By branching off the outer portion of the main flow 100, 35 the bottom and top parts of the main flow are guided into the supply channel, and as a result the removal efficiency, is relatively high. The removal efficiency is defined as the percentage -9- of dirt particles and gas bubbles in the main flow which are removed from the main flow as passes the removal device.

The supply flows 110 are directed into the supply channels 36A, 36B which start at the ends 88 of the C-shape. Next, the supply flows 110 curve horizontally away from the 5 main flow 100 and merge into a single supply flow 110. The supply flow subsequently flows through the widening section 42 and into the quiet zone 23. The velocity of the flow is reduced due to the widening of the cross-section area in the widening section in the trumpet shape, and a further widening in the quiet zone 23.

The at least one supply channel and the return channel are configured to branch off 10 a supply flow 110 having a discharge which is between 1 and 8 percent of the discharge of the main flow 100. There are many ways of varying the ratio of the supply flow to the main flow. One way is to increase or decrease the diameter of the return flow channel 60. Another way is to vary the diameter of the supply channels 36A, 36B, or to vary the shape of the edge 32 or the shape of the widening part 31.

15 Next, the supply flow 110 encounters the energy dissipating devices 43 and enters the spaces 47 between the energy dissipating devices 43. The energy dissipating devices 43 cause friction and a further decrease of the velocity. The flow 112 inside the quiet zone 23 and between the plates 43 is directed downwards by the combination of the plates 43 and the end wall of the housing.

20 The flow of liquid travels further downwards at a very low velocity at 114. In the lower region 101 of the inner space 22, settling of dirt particles occurs and gas bubbles have the opportunity to rise. Dirt particles may travel through the opening 54 in the plate 52 and enter the lower part 57. From the lower part, the dirt particles may later be discharge via the discharge 28.

25 Gas bubble may rise to the upper region 102. In an embodiment, a gas removal device is provided at the top for removal of the gas. In the shown embodiment of figures 1-9, a cap 116 is provided instead of a gas removal device.

Next, the flow 118 travels back upward, still at a low velocity. The flow travels around the supply channel defined by the trumpet shape 42, and toward the return holes 62 which 30 are provided in an upper region 102 of the inner space. The flow 120 travels through the holes 62 and into the return chamber 60. Next, the return flow flows downward, again around the supply channel 36 and toward the holes 66. The return flow subsequently travels through the return channel 60, through the hole 78 and back into the main channel 14.

It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the details and the arrangement of 35 the parts may be varied over considerable range without departing from the scope of the claims.

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Figures 11 and 12

Turning to figures 11 and 12, another embodiment is shown of a removal device 200. The removal device 200 comprises a housing 212. The removal device has an entry 214, and an exit 216. The housing defines an inner space 218. A first tube tube 220A and a 5 second tube 220B are positioned coaxially and define a main flow channel 222. The tubes 220A, 220B extend at least in part within the housing 212. The tubes 220A, 220B extend substantially between the entry 214 and the exit 216. The tube 220 substantially defines a main flow channel 222. At least one branch flow passage 224 is provided along the main flow channel 222. The branch flow passage 224 is between an end 250 of the first tube 10 220A and an end 252 of the second tube220B. The branch flow passage 224 may also be provided as a series of holes in an ongoing tube 220 which is provided in the place of tubes 220A, 220B.

The end 252 of tube 220B has a smaller diameter than the end 250 of tube 220A, and is conical.

15 The branch flow passage 224 allows direct fluid communication between the main flow channel 222 and the inner space 218 in the housing outside the tubes 220A, 220B and within the inner space 218.

A quiet zone 300 is formed within the inner space 218.

A plate 260 is provided in a downstream region of the inner space 218. The plate 260 20 extends vertically and leaves open sections 262 above the upper end 264 and below the lower end 263 of the plate. A single plate is provided.

Two return flow passages 226 are located at a downstream side of the housing 212, downstream of the plate 260. The return flow passages 226 allow fluid communication between the inner space 218 and the main channel 222, in particular between the area 209 25 and the main flow channel 222. The return flow passages 226 are dimensioned to create a branch flow which is relatively small in comparison with the main flow, for instance 1-15 percent of the main flow.

In use, at least one branch flow 203 originating from the at least one branch flow passage 224 enters the at least one quiet zone 300 and flows through the quiet zone 300.

30 The liquid in the at least one quiet zone 300 has a substantially smaller velocity than the liquid in the main flow channel 222, due to the fact that only a relatively small portion of the main flow is branched off and due to the fact that the area of flow (or cross-sectional area) in the housing is much greater than the area of flow (or cross-sectional area) in the main channel 222. In the quiet zone, dirt particles may settle on the bottom of the housing and 35 gas bubbles may rise to the top. A dirt discharge 28 is provided for discharging the dirt particles and possibly heavy contaminating liquids. A gas discharge 120 is provided for discharging gas bubbles and possibly contaminating lighter liquids.

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The branch flow subsequently flows around the plate 264. From the at least one quiet zone 300, a return flow 204 flows through the at least one return flow passage 226.

Claims

Removing device (10) for removing gas bubbles and / or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid pipe system or for removing a second liquid from a first liquid in the pipe system, the removing device comprising: 5. a main channel (14) for a main stream (100) wherein the main channel has an input (16) and an output (18) adapted to be connected to the piping system, a housing (20) defining an interior space (22), at least one supply channel (36A) , 36B) extending from the main channel 10 to the interior, at least one return channel (60) extending from the interior back to the main channel, directly or indirectly via a return chamber (64), - a quiet zone (23) the interior space in which during operation the liquid has a substantially lower speed than in the main channel, the quiet zone being configured to make it possible for dirt particles or a relatively heavy liquid to settle to a lower end (27) of the housing and / or gas particles or a relatively light liquid to rise to an upper end (30) of the housing.

Removal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one supply channel branches off from the main channel at a branch location (70), and wherein at the branch location a local, widening part (31) of the main channel is provided which extends substantially around the main channel extending, the local widening portion being constructed to guide an outer portion of the main stream (100) flowing through the main channel into the local widening portion and then guiding it into the at least one supply channel.

3. Removal device according to claim 2, wherein a locally narrowing portion (31) of the main channel (14) is provided directly downstream of the local widening portion, with a sharp edge that is against the direction (35) of the main flow oriented, the narrowing portion being constructed to guide an outer portion of the main stream into the local, widening portion.

A removal device according to claim 3, wherein a wall (39) defining the local widening portion gradually merges into a wall (41) of the at least one supply channel.

Removal device according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising two supply channels (36a, 36b), wherein the local, widening portion has a substantially C-shape (49) that extends around the main channel, and wherein the respective inputs (51) of the respective supply channels are provided at the respective ends (88) of the substantially C-shape. 10

Removal device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supply channel and the return channel are adapted to branch off a supply flow (110) with a flow rate that is between 1 and 8 percent of the flow rate of the main flow (100). 15

Removal device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) is arranged next to the main flow channel (14).

8. Removal device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least one return channel meets with the main channel at a meeting location (68) which is located upstream of a branch location (70) where the at least one supply channel branches off from the main channel.

9. Removal device according to any of claims 2-8, wherein the at least one return channel at a return opening (78) comes together with the main channel, the return channel (60) being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the main channel (14) at the return opening , such that during operation the return flow is guided substantially to a central part of the main flow, the main flow being pushed outwards to an outer region of the main channel (14), and into the local widening portion (31) led.

Removal device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supply channel gradually expands in the quiet zone (23).

A removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the quiet zone comprises energy absorption elements (43) in the form of plates spaced apart and forming gaps (47) between the plates, the supply channel in the direction of the gaps is oriented such that during operation a feed stream that enters the quiet zone flows through the gaps between the plates through the feed channel.

A removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply channel enters the quiet zone in a substantially horizontal direction, and wherein the gaps have a dead end (181) and an open underside, such that during operation the supply flow initially is oriented substantially horizontally in the interspace and then deflects downwards, through the open undersides of the interspaces and into the quiet sin (23).

13. Removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the quiet zone comprises an upper volume (56) and a lower volume (57) which are separated from one another by a separator (52) with a central opening (54) that the upper connects the volume to the lower volume.

14. Removal device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the quiet zone is elongated and extends substantially vertically.

Removal device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an output of the supply channel (36) in the inner space (23) and an input (62) of the return channel (60, 64) from the inner space are arranged in an upper area (102 ) of the quiet zone.

Removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is pivotally connected to the main channel via a pivot coupling (24) and is pivotable about a pivot axis (26) extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of the main channel (14).

17. Removal device according to claim 16, wherein the housing is pivotable relative to the main channel to at least the following orientations: a first orientation in which the direction of settling is substantially parallel to the direction of the main channel, and - a second orientation in which the direction of settling is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the main channel.

A removal device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the pivot axis is coaxial with at least a portion of the supply channel.

19. Removal device according to any of claims 16-18, comprising a return chamber (64) provided between the quiet zone (23) and the return channel (60), the return chamber comprising at least one entrance (62) via which the return flow enters the return chamber from the quiet zone, the return chamber comprising a plurality of exits (66) arranged at equal distances from the pivot axis (26), the return chamber (64) being pivotable together with the housing 10 about the main channel (14) wherein one or more return channels (60) extend between the return chamber (64) and the main channel, the one or more return channels being fixed relative to the main channel, the multiple outputs (66) being arranged to be alternately connected to the one or more return channels (60), depending on a pivot angle of the housing about the pivot axis.

A method for removing dirt particles or gas particles from a liquid, the method comprising: - providing a removal device (10) according to any of claims 1 - 20, - guiding a liquid flow through the removal device.

21. Removing device (200) for removing gas bubbles and / or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing particles of a heavier or lighter liquid from the liquid in a liquid conduit system, the removing device (200) comprising: - an input (214), - at least one output (216), - a housing (212) defining an interior space (218), 30. a main flow channel (222) extending at least partially through the interior space from the entrance to the exit extending, wherein the main flow channel is defined by at least one tube (220A, 22B; 220), - at least one branch flow passage (224), the branch flow passage (224) allowing fluid communication between the main flow channel 35 (222) and a quiet zone (300) outside the tube (220) and into the inner space (218) defined by the housing (212), - at least one return flow passage (226), the return flow bypass (226) allows fluid communication between the quiescent zone (300) outside the tube (220) and the main flow channel (222), wherein the quiescent zone (300) has a larger cross section than the main channel (222) and wherein the removal device is constructed to branch off only a relatively small portion of the main flow, with the result that during use the fluid in the at least one quiescent zone (300) has a substantially lower velocity than the fluid in the main flow channel (222), so that it possible for dirt particles or particles of a heavier liquid to settle and / or it is possible for gas bubbles or particles of a lighter liquid to rise in the quiet zone.

22. Removal device according to claim 21, wherein a plate (260) is positioned at a downstream end of the inner space, and upstream of the return flow passages (226).

The removal device of claim 21 or 22, wherein the branch flow passage (224) provides direct access from the main flow channel (222) to the quiet zone (300).