NZ230618A - Method and apparatus for treating the coolant and cooling system of an ic engine - Google Patents

Description

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C<•i'r i: PuMicaiion P.O. Journal, ifo: r....,....^.Kff. \ t N / Vv >SV < °X • -4 i Patents Fen No. 5 Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION "Engine Coolant Flush-Filtering Using External Gas Pressure and Blocked Radiator Fill Port" HE, -iynn Oil Company, a California Corporation, of 2600 Nutwood A.enue, Fullerton, California 92631, United States of America hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, arj the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in ?.nd by the following statement: SJG/383P 2 3 0 6 18 BACKGROUND ..OF...IHELIMOiULON This Invention relates generally to cleaning of an Internal combustion engine cooling system, more particularly to treatment of used coolant exteriorly of such a system for subsequent return to the system. 5 Studies show that over-heating is a major cause of vehic'e breakdown on highways. Engine cooling systems must operate efficiently at all times to avoid costly repairs that result from excessive temperature. In this regard, cooling systems contaminated by rust, scale build-up and sludge cannot provide adequate heat transfer and cooling system efficiency; in 10 addition, thermostats fail to open, hoses deteriorate, impelle-s bind or oreak-off, and engine blocks can become distorted or crack. Accordingly, there is a need for efficient engine cooling system flushing methods and aDparatus; however, flushing of such systems in the past required draining :f the removed liquid to sewer or waste lines, which was environmentally 15 ;ojectionable. Accordingly, need has developed for apparatus and method to r'ean engine coolant systems without such drainage. No way was known for a:comp11shing this objective in the unusually advantageous man-er as is now :rovided by this invention.

SUMMAR Y_0F_THE. INVENJIQN ZO It is a major object of the invention to provide procedires and r-nparatus characterised as overcoming the above objections anc as meeting :ne above needs, whereby efficient, rapid cleaning of the eng'-e coolant system can be accomplished in an environmentally non-objectiora:le manner. Basically, the method of the invention embodies the stec3: 25 a) forcing the liquid coolant from the cooling system the e'.terior of that system, b) treating the coolant liquid in a zone or zones outs':e the ccoling system, said treating including removing contaminant f--m the coolant 1 iquid, c) returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system, d) said forcing step Including supplying a pressurized gas to the cooling system to drive coolant liquid therefrom, e) the cooling system including a heat radiator including a container having a coolant liquid fill opening, and/or a valve controlled discharge port proximate the bottom of the radiator, and said forcing step includes employing said gas to drive coolant liquid from the radiator via said fill opening or said discharge port.

In the event fluid, including gas, is driven from said container via said fill opening, when the treated liquid coolant is returned to the 8JG/252P cooling system, the fluid is controllably vented during the return of :n« treated coolant liquid to the cooling system.

By way of example only, certain embodiments of this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of apparatus employing the invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged section showing details of a radiator fill-oort closure, a by-pass valve, and drain valve of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of a control console of the apparatus of F:,c. 1.

In Fig. i, there is schematically shown as internal combustion engine 20 10 having a block 11 defining coolant passages through which liquid coo"ant (such as water, and anti-freeze additive including polyethylene glycol, etc.) is adapted to pass; a radiator 12; and a coolant pump 13 connected to pump coolant between the block and radiator, as via lines or ducts 14 and K5. Also shown is a heater 15 connected at 17 with the block, as for use 25 in a vehicle tc be heated. From the heater, coolant may pass at 18 to the engine block 11. During continued operation of the engine, the coolant tends to become contaminated with particulate such as rust particles anc precipitate (calcium salts, etc.), and the additive degenerates. In the past, the coolant was drained from the system as to sewer lines, and the 30 system flushed with liquid which was also drained. The present invention eliminates such environmentally objectionable draining, and also protects the operator.

In accordance with the invention, apparatus generally designated at 20 is provided, and comprises: A) first means for forcing the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, b) second means in communication with said first means for receiving the coolant liquid at the exterior of the cooling system, -3- "22 AUG 199! treatment thereof, and B0G/362P e■—'* •o 230 6 18 c) third means In communication with said second means for returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system.

While specific means are shown within the overall block. 20, it will be understood that other, or equivalent means are usable to perform the 5 following steps: a) forcing the liquid coolant from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, o) treating the coolant liquid in a zone or zones outside the cooling system, said treating including removing contaminant from the 10 coolant liquid, and c) returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system. In this regard. 1t will be noted that the method and apparatus makes possib:e the re-use of the coolant by withdrawing it from the coolant system, treating it externally of that system, and re-circulating the 15 rejuvenated coolant back into the system so as to avoid need for disposal of the coolant as by drainage to the environment.

The specific means illustrated incorporates multiple and unusual advantages in terms of simplicity, effectiveness and rapidity of employment and operation; for example, the first means for forcing the liquid coolant 20 from tre coolant system may advantageously include a coolant discharge port 110 a: the bottom of the radiator, in series with a valve 111, manually controlled at 112, for return of air pressurized coolant from the lower inter5or or extent of the radiator, i.e. for passage from the radiator as via acr 123, and return to tank 27, such a valve temporarily replacing the 25 original equipment valve.

Means 24 is provided for maintaining the usual radiator fill opening 23a otherwise closed during removal of coolant from the radiator. Such means may comprise a screw-on cap 24§ which is located above the upper interior 12k of the radiator, above finned tubes 104. Cap 24& is screwed 30 onto t'ne neck of the radiator fill-opening, as at screw connection 93, 94. Valve iU at the bottom wall 109 of the radiator container communicates with the bottom interior 12a of the container so that substantially all pressurized coolant liquid may be removed, extracted or drained from the radiator, to the line 123. As will appear, liquid in the heater and engine 35 block flows to the radiator for such removal.

Modified cap 24_a for fill port 23a has a domed wall 90 with a central through opening 91 usable for example to induce a vacuum at the upper interior 12tj of the radiator. See siphon bulb 294 in series with bypass valve 98 in Fig. 2. A seal 92 carried by the cap seals off when a threaded BJG/362P 230618 fitting 152 Is tightened in threaded bore 151, to close the cap 24a. The cap has a lower lip 93 that tightens on the annular lip 94 of the radiator container, as shown, at which time an annular extension 149 fits in radiator bore 153, sealing at 154.

An offset through port 95 In wall 90 has a by-pass duct 96 connected therewith, at 97, and a manually controllable by-pass valve 98 in duct 96 controls escape of pressurized fluid from the radiator upper interior 12tj to an over-flow tank 100. Valve 98 is opened, as during air pressurized and induced return of treated coolant fluid to the system, that fluid 10 normally allowed to rise in the radiator to level 101 above radiator core 104. Any excess fluid (air to coolant, or both) rising In the radiator exists via the by-pass duct and valve 98 to tank 100. Thus hot fluid under pressure cannot freely discharge in direction 102 outside, since the radiator fill port 23a is closed by cap 24ft, with fitting 152 Installed in 15 bore 151. By-pass valve 98 is also used with a siphon-vacuum bulb 294, to induce vacuum at 12b, as when original equipment fitting is removed from bottom of radiator and special coolant discharge port or duct 110 is installed into bottom of radiator at 109, in series with valve 111.

Coolant collected in tank 100 can be siphoned out and returned to 20 tank 27, as by a siphon which includes hose 107 and bulb 106. Radiator shell or container 109 contains core 104. Alternatively, the first means for forcing the liquid coolant from the coolant system may advantageously Include an elongated tube or tubular probe 21 insertible endwise into the outer container or shell 22 incorporated by the radiator, and via the port 25 151 in cap 24^, to extract coolant from the lower interior or extent of the radiator, for passage from the radiator as via return duct 23.

The second means for treating the removed coolant may advantageously comprise a liquid receiver, such as for example a holding tank 27 to which liauid flows via line 23, filter 28 connected in series with that line, and 30 valve 29 in the line. Particulate and congealed substances in the flowing liquid are removed by the filter 28, which may be replaced at intervals; the used-up filter then being disposed of in accordance with environmentally acceptably safe procedures. The normally aqueous liquid received into the holding tank, interior zone 31, as via inlet 30 may then 35 be treated. Chemicals to be added to the radiator, after return of treated coolant to the radiator include corrosion inhibitor i.e. anti-rust compound, pH adjustment chemicals, and fresh anti-freeze compound (glycol, for example). If any sludge develops in tank 27 after prolonged use, it may be removed to a container 34 and disposed of, environmentally safe.

BJG/362P See Hne 35 and va 1ve 36.

The third means for returning the treated coolant to the engine cooling system includes a line or duct 37 extending from tank 27 to a connection 38 with the cooling system. Connection 38 is advantageously 5 located in the line 17 from the block 11 to the heater. A clamp 39 may be located on or at that line for stopping liquid passing from 38 to the block, via line 17. A control valve 40 and a filter 41 are connected ir, series with line 37, valve 40 being opened when return of coolant to the system is desired. Filter 41 removes any further contaminant. 10 An important feature of the apparatus Is the provision, in association with the first means referred to above, of a pressurised gar (as for example air pressure) source 43 connective via a main vaive in duct 45 and a control valve 46, connected via duct 47 with the coolant system, for forcing coolant from the system and t: tank 27 (as via line 15 23). Line 47 may be connected to duct 17, at 4C, as shown. Air pressure then drives coolant from the heater to the radiate'*, as via line 18, anc the pump 13, coolant also flowing from the block to the radiator lower interior extent, for removal. Such lower extent aooears at 12$.

Valve 46 is advantageously a three-way valve, and is thus 20 controllable to alternatively supply air under pressure via line 52 to the holding tank interior for application to treated liquid 31 in the tank fo** return supply under pressure to the engine coolinc system, along the flo*. path described above.

Prior to initial operation of the system, the engine is operated to 25 heat the coolant in the system, and as a result a thermostat controlled valve in that system, indicated at 60, is opened when the coolant reaches a predetermined temperature. Rust loosening or cleaning chemical additive (such as detergent solution) may be initially added to the coolant in tne radiator to circulate during warm-up. Operation of the apparatus is 30 begun. Note that the apparatus is quickly connectible to the cooling system, as via hoses or lines 23, 37 and 47.

Finally, a pressure gauge 63 is connected to air line 45 to indicate the pressure in that line. After air pressure has returned the treated coolant to the system, the radiator fill opening 23a is closed as by 35 returning the radiator cap to neck 25, and tightening it to seal the opening 23&. Thereafter air pressure from supply 43 pressurizes the entire coolant system, and gauge 63 is observed to note the pressure. Air pressure regulator 453 in line 45 regulates the pressure to a safe levek-. ^ Valve 44 is then closed, and the gauge 63 is again observed to note carty BJG'362P "5 A2AU61991I 23 0 6 relatively rapid fall-off of pressure. If that does not occur, the pressure test indicates a non-leaking system; however, If the pressure falls-off. the test Indicates that a leak gas developed in the coolant system, and should be attended to. For example, a STOP-LEAK solution may 5 be added to the contents of tne radiator in an effort to arrest the pressure leak.

SUMMARY OF OPERATION The following 1s a summary of steps that may be carried out during performance of the method of the invention: 1) Add cleaning or flushing chemicals to engine coolant system after preliminarily testing the system for leaks; 2) Connect apparatus 20 and cap 24a to the cooling system as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and as described above; 3) Operate engine for about 10 minutes to circulate the chemicals 15 for loosening dirt, rust, sludge, etc.. and also to warm up coolant solution so that thermostat controlled valve 60 opens, at about 190 -205°F; 4) Make sure that cao Tieans 24a is connected to the lip 94, the cap port 151 plugged by plug 152; 5) Open valve 44 and adjust valve 46 to direct air pressure to connection 48, which causes a;:- pressure to derive coolant from the system to holding tank 27, via port '10, valve 111, filter 28, and valve 29, which is OPEN; 6) Close valve 44. 7) Leave fill-opening 23a closed by cap 24a.

Open by-pass valve 98. Close valve 111; 8) Open valve 44 and adjust valve 46 to direct air pressure to tank 27, via line 52. Inlet 32 should be closed. This drives coolant from the tank, through filter 41, and to the coolant system at line 17. Coolant rises to level 101 in the radiator. Excess air or coolant fluid vents via by-pass valve 98; and to tank 100. 9) When all coolant has been returned to the system, the by-pass valve 98 is closed.

) Relieve pressure in the system as by slowly opening the valve 98 35 at the side of cap 24a,. Any flow via transparent line 96 can be viewed. 11) Remove cap 24a. from radiator neck. 12) Disconnect the hoses or lines from the line 17; 13) Add treating chemical and anti-freeze (if necessary) to radiator, via open port 23a; BJG/362 P jOC 14) a standard radiator cap can then be attached to t H I cut a uv t neck; The connections to line 17 may take the form of those described in U.S. Patent 4, 109.703, Fig. 12.

Fig. 3 shows valve controls on a console panel 105, along with gauge 63. A flow indicator (spinner) connected into line 17, appears at 106.

SUMMARY OF OPERATION The following is a summary of steps that may be carried out during performance of the method of the invention: after preliminarily testing the system for leaks; 2) Connect apparatus 20 to the cooling system as shown In Fig- 1, and as described above; 3) Operate engine for about ten minutes to circulate the chemicals 15 for loosening dirt, rust, sludge, etc., and also to warm up coolant solution so that thermostat controlled valve 60 opens, at about 190 - 4) Insert probe 21 into radiator and tighten its cap means 24<> to the lip 94; 5) Open valve 4a and adjust valve 46 to direct air pressure to connection 43, which causes air pressure to drive cooiant from the system to holding tank 27, via probe 21, filter 2-3, and valve 2S, which is OPEN; ) Close valve 44; 7) Leave probe 21 in the radiator, and leave fii1-opening 23a 25 closed by cap 24^. Open by-pass valve S8; 8) Open valve 44 and adjust valve 46 to direct air pressure to tank 27. via line 52. Inlet 32 should be closed. This drives coolant from tne tank, through filter 4], and to the coolant system at line 17. Excess air or fluid vents via valve 98; 9) When all coolant has beer, returned to the system (as can be viewed via line 37 which is transoarent), tne by-pass valve 98 is clc-sec; ) Pressurise the coolant system, and close valve 4d; 11) Observe gauge 53 for any pressure leaks; 12) Relieve pressure in the system as by slowly opening the overflow 35 valve attached to the cap at the radiator neck 25; 13) Disconnect the hoses or lines from the line 17; and replace tne standard radiator cap to neck 25, after withdrawing orcbe 21. 1) Ada cleaning or flushing chemicals to engine coolant system BJG/362P U.S. Patent 4.109,703, Fig. 12.

The connections to line 17 may take the form of t~0' 3 C 6 i 8

Claims (29)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Tor use with an internal combustion engine cooling system, the combination comprising: a) first means for forcing the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, b) second means in communication with said first means for receiving the coolant liquid at the exterior of the cooling system, for treatment thereof, and c) third means in communication with said second means for returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system, d) the cooling system including a heat radiator including a container having a coolant liquid fill opening, the container having an associated discharge port to controllably pass coolant liquid from within the radiator, and means for maintaining the fill opening otherwise closed during said passage of coolant from the radiator.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said discharge port is valve controlled and is proximate the bottom of the radiator, and the means for maintaining the fill opening otherwise closed during said passage of coolant from the radiator includes a closure for said fill opening and a manually operable shut-off valve controlled by-pass opening associated with said closure, to pass pressurized fluid from the container interior to the exterior.

3. The combination of claim 2 including an overflow tank outside the container, and ducting extending from said by-pass opening to said overflow tank 9

4. The combination of claim 2 including a duct communicating with the container via said closure and said fill opening to extract coolant liquid from the cooling system.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said closure is a metallic cap defining a through opening for said duct, the by-pass opening also located in the cap.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said third means includes a filter connected to pass coolant liquid being returned from a holding zone to the cooling system.

7. The combination of claim 5 including an elongated tube extending downwardly into the radiator interior via said through opening in the cap.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein the cooling system includes cooling passages in an engine block and in a heater, there being a coolant flow connection passage between said coolant passages in the block and heater, and wherein said third means includes a coolant return flow duct in communication with said flow connection passage.

9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said third means includes a valve and ducting in communication with a holding tank, and -•> pressurized gas source connectable via said valve and ducting with said tank for driving liquid from the tank to return the liquid to the cooling system. 10

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the cooling system includes cooling passages in an engine block and in a heater, there being a coolant flow connection passage between said coolant passages in the block and heater, and wherein said third means includes a coolant return flow duct in communication with said flow connection passage.

11. The combination of claim 1 wherein the fill opening is maintained open during said return of treated coolant to the cooling system, and wherein said third means includes a source of pressurized gas connected to drive treated coolant back into the coolant system, at a location spaced from the radiator, spent gas leaving the system via said open fill opening.

12. The combination of claim 1 wherein: e) said first means includes an elongated tube insertible into the container via said fill opening to extract coolant liquid from within the lower extent of the radiator for passage from the radiator, and f) said means for maintaining the fill opening otherwise closed comprises a closure having a through opening in communication with said elongated tube, the closure attachable to the container proximate the fill opening.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said closure defines a valve controlled discharge port in the form of a by-pass opening to pass pressurized fluid from the container interior outside the tube and proximate the fill opening. - 11 J / 5 0 6 i 8

14. The combination of claim 11 including an overflow tank outside the container, and ducting extending from said by-pass opening to said overflow tank.

15. The combination of claim 13 wherein said closure is a metallic cap which has a dome shaped wall defining said through opening at the centre of said wall, the by-pass opening located in said wall, in off-set relation to said through opening.

16. The combination of claim 12 wherein said elongated tube extends through said through opening, and said elongated tube is a plastic tube that extends through said through opening and there being means carried by the cap for sealing off about the elongated plastic tube.

17. The combination of claim 13 wherein said second means includes a holding tank for collecting a coolant liquid in said holding zone.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein said second means includes a filter connected to pass coolant liquid flowing to said holding zone.

19. The combination of claim 17 wherein said third means includes a filter connected to pass coolant liquid being returned from the holding zone to the cooling system.

20. The combination of claim 17 wherein the cooling system includes cooling passages in an engine block and in a heater, there being a coolant flow connection passage between said coolant passages in the block and heater, and wherein said third means includes a coolant -'306 i 8 return flow duct in communication with said flow connection passage.

21. In the method of treating coolant liquid in an internal combustion engine cooling system, the steps that include: a) forcing the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, b) treating the coolant liquid in a zone or zones outside the cooling system, said treating including removing contaminant from the coolant liquid, and c) returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system, d) said forcing step includes supplying a pressurized gas to the cooling system to drive coolant liquid therefrom, e) the cooling system including a heat radiator including a container having a coolant liquid fill opening, and said forcing step including employing said gas to drive coolant liquid from the radiator, f) and including the step of controllably venting fluid including gas from said container via a closure at said fill opening, during said step of returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system.

22. The method of claim 21 including providing an elongated tube and inserting the tube into the radiator via said fill opening to extract said coolant liquid from the lower extent of the radiator 3,3id passage from the radiator, and maintaining said fill opening otherwise closed during said passage of coolant liquid from the radiator. c" ■. - r \ - 13 - i 14 j*, . <"• •; •• » ; .}"> 7 } ,t\ % r •» v»* ^ „•'

23. The method of claim 21 wherein an overflow tank is provided in association with the radiator, and including discharging into said tank fluid vented via a by-pass valve associated with said closure and controlling said valve to control said venting.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein said cooling system includes a valve controlled discharge port proximate the bottom of the radiator, and said forcing step includes employing said gas to drive coolant liquid from the radiator via said discharge port.

25. The method of claim 24 including the step of maintaining said fill opening closed during said forcing step.

26. The method of claim 24 including controllably venting fluid including gas from said container via said fill opening, during said step of returning the treated coolant to the cooling system.

27. The method of claim 21 including applying said closure to said fill opening, there being a by-pass valve connected with said closure, and carrying out said venting via said by-pass valve.

28. Apparatus for cleaning an internal combustion engine cooling system when employed substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. A method of treating a coolant liquid in an internal combustion EXT- /V engine system said method being performed substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. \\^ 14 •- DATFD THIS \ * DAY OF V A.J. PARK £■. SON r.1 •<" • F' ' 'WT- — >v :f. - 14 - A..L.H7S FOR THE APPLICANTS- -