NZ724956B2 - Connection assembly - Google Patents
Connection assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ724956B2 NZ724956B2 NZ724956A NZ72495615A NZ724956B2 NZ 724956 B2 NZ724956 B2 NZ 724956B2 NZ 724956 A NZ724956 A NZ 724956A NZ 72495615 A NZ72495615 A NZ 72495615A NZ 724956 B2 NZ724956 B2 NZ 724956B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- fitment
- sleeve
- threaded connector
- separator
- connection assembly
- Prior art date
Links
- 210000002832 Shoulder Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000006148 magnetic separator Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000006249 magnetic particle Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007885 magnetic separation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003247 radioactive fallout Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/0003—Making of sedimentation devices, structural details thereof, e.g. prefabricated parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/0009—Settling tanks making use of electricity or magnetism
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/24—Feed or discharge mechanisms for settling tanks
- B01D21/245—Discharge mechanisms for the sediments
- B01D21/2483—Means or provisions for manually removing the sediments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
- B01D21/26—Separation of sediment aided by centrifugal force or centripetal force
- B01D21/267—Separation of sediment aided by centrifugal force or centripetal force by using a cyclone
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C1/00—Magnetic separation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C1/00—Magnetic separation
- B03C1/02—Magnetic separation acting directly on the substance being separated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C1/00—Magnetic separation
- B03C1/02—Magnetic separation acting directly on the substance being separated
- B03C1/025—High gradient magnetic separators
- B03C1/031—Component parts; Auxiliary operations
- B03C1/033—Component parts; Auxiliary operations characterised by the magnetic circuit
- B03C1/0332—Component parts; Auxiliary operations characterised by the magnetic circuit using permanent magnets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C1/00—Magnetic separation
- B03C1/02—Magnetic separation acting directly on the substance being separated
- B03C1/28—Magnetic plugs and dipsticks
- B03C1/286—Magnetic plugs and dipsticks disposed at the inner circumference of a recipient, e.g. magnetic drain bolt
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C2201/00—Details of magnetic or electrostatic separation
- B03C2201/18—Magnetic separation whereby the particles are suspended in a liquid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C2201/00—Details of magnetic or electrostatic separation
- B03C2201/20—Magnetic separation whereby the particles to be separated are in solid form
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C2201/00—Details of magnetic or electrostatic separation
- B03C2201/28—Parts being easily removable for cleaning purposes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
- F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/56—Couplings of the quick-acting type for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
- F16L37/565—Concentric pipes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/08—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe
- F16L41/14—Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of the wall or to the axis of another pipe by screwing an intermediate part against the inside or outside of the wall
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D19/00—Details
- F24D19/0092—Devices for preventing or removing corrosion, slime or scale
Abstract
connection assembly (50) is disclosed for connecting a magnetic separator (10) into a central heating system circuit. The magnetic separator (10) includes a housing, a separation chamber within the housing, and externally threaded inlet and outlet ports extending from the housing. The connection assembly (50) comprises a fitment (52) adapted to be received within at least one of the ports, the fitment including a bore (66) for carrying fluid from/to the central heating circuit to/from the separator. A threaded connector is (54) disposed around the bore for securing the fitment to the or each port. The threaded connector has a hand grip area for facilitating tightening of the connector by hand and a removable force transfer element (56) receivable between the fitment and the threaded connector for transferring force between the threaded connector and the fitment. The fitment is formed from a first part (60) and a second part (62). The force transfer element is fitted between shoulders (72, 74). When the force transfer element is fitted in position, the threaded connector is prevented from sliding towards the shoulder (74), but may still be unscrewed from the port of the separator. The action of unscrewing the threaded connector brings it into contact with the force transfer element, thus exerting a force on the second part (62), which acts to forcibly separate the fitment and the port by virtue of interlocked screw threads (64). The force transfer element can be removed to allow sliding of the connector 54 towards the shoulder 74 for access to the O-ring seals, when unscrewed. This arrangement allows removal of the magnetic separator without tools and simultaneously on both ports. ssembly (50) comprises a fitment (52) adapted to be received within at least one of the ports, the fitment including a bore (66) for carrying fluid from/to the central heating circuit to/from the separator. A threaded connector is (54) disposed around the bore for securing the fitment to the or each port. The threaded connector has a hand grip area for facilitating tightening of the connector by hand and a removable force transfer element (56) receivable between the fitment and the threaded connector for transferring force between the threaded connector and the fitment. The fitment is formed from a first part (60) and a second part (62). The force transfer element is fitted between shoulders (72, 74). When the force transfer element is fitted in position, the threaded connector is prevented from sliding towards the shoulder (74), but may still be unscrewed from the port of the separator. The action of unscrewing the threaded connector brings it into contact with the force transfer element, thus exerting a force on the second part (62), which acts to forcibly separate the fitment and the port by virtue of interlocked screw threads (64). The force transfer element can be removed to allow sliding of the connector 54 towards the shoulder 74 for access to the O-ring seals, when unscrewed. This arrangement allows removal of the magnetic separator without tools and simultaneously on both ports.
Description
CONNECTION ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to a connection assembly, particularly a connection
assembly for connecting a magnetic separator into a central heating system.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Separators, particularly magnetic separators, are now widely fitted to domestic and
commercial central heating systems. The separators remove debris, and particularly
magnetic debris, from the heating fluid. This keeps the heating fluid clean, preventing
build-up of debris in, for example, the boiler, where it may cause expensive damage.
When a heating system is serviced, the magnetic separator must be cleaned to remove
the particles which have been separated from the fluid. A removable screw-top is
typically provided at the upper end of a cylindrical housing which, when removed,
allows access to the inside of the cylindrical housing. A removable insert is typically
provided within the housing, which can then be removed for cleaning. Although it is
preferable to install the filter with enough space to allow the insert to be removed, this
is not possible in every installation. It is therefore useful to provide a connection which
allows the whole filter to be easily removed from the heating circuit.
The insert may also include a separate chamber, typically smaller than the main
chamber, through which a portion of circulating flow may pass. The flow in the smaller
chamber is generally slowed by obstacles, causing non-magnetic particulate matter to
fall out of the flow. The benefit of having the separate chamber is that the flow in the
main chamber is substantially unrestricted and pressure drop across the separator is
minimised.
It is understood that where a magnet is used to separate magnetic debris, to be most
effective, any plastics sleeve over the magnet needs to be of thin material to maximise
the effect of the magnet in the chamber. Manufacturing a thin sleeve poses significant
design and manufacturing problems, particularly where the magnets to be covered are
greater than a certain length, for larger separators used in larger heating systems.
Generally isolation valves are used to connect a separator to a central heating circuit
and these valves are connected to the inlet and outlet by either push fit or screw
connections. On small separators, designed for systems with typically up to 22mm
pipework running to and from the boiler, push fit connectors are preferred and the
applicant has developed designs for connecting and disconnecting both the inlet and
outlet connections simultaneously, which are disclosed in for example
. This is of significant benefit, because it is extremely difficult, if
not impossible, to release more than one push fit connector at a time. However,
problems arise in trying to design similar arrangements for larger separators, for
example, for fitting to 28mm pipe work. Push-fit connectors are generally less reliable
for larger pipe sizes, and the larger spacing between the inlet and outlet makes it
difficult to produce a release tool to release both connectors simultaneously.
Where 28mm connections to separators are currently made, the connections are
exclusively screw connections and require large spanners or tools to tighten and release.
Use of tools of this size can be difficult where space is limited. Also, the inlet and outlet
ports on separators are typically made from plastics, and large torsional forces from a
spanner on the ports to disconnect and reconnect from the fittings and/or pipe may cause
weakness or cracks in the separator housing over time, resulting in leakage. If a
separator housing becomes cracked, then it is unlikely that an effective repair will be
possible, and the separator will have to be replaced. Once any threaded connection has
been undone, it may still be difficult to remove a separator from its fittings, particularly
if it has not been removed for a long time, because the seals may have hardened and
stuck to the parts.
It is also easy to damage a plastic thread by over-tightening and cross-threading. If
damage does occur, it is nearly impossible to repair.
It is an object of this invention to provide a connection assembly for a separator which
reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection
assembly for connecting a magnetic separator into a central heating system circuit, the
magnetic separator including a housing, a separation chamber within the housing, and
externally threaded inlet and outlet ports extending from the housing,
the connection assembly comprising:
a fitment adapted to be received within at least one of the ports of the separator,
the fitment including a bore for carrying fluid from/to the central heating circuit
to/from the separator;
a threaded connector disposed around the bore for securing the fitment to the or
each port, the threaded connector having a hand grip area for facilitating
tightening of the connector by hand; and
a removable force transfer element receivable between the fitment and the
threaded connector for transferring force between the threaded connector and
the fitment.
The connection assembly securely connects a magnetic separator into a central heating
system circuit. The threaded connector secures the fitment to each port, and is hand-
tightened to avoid any possible damage to the filter housing caused by over tightening.
The connection assembly is particularly advantageous for use with larger filters, for
example filters designed to be used in 28mm central heating circuits. The connector to
each port can be operated independently, so there is no problem with a relatively large
separation between the inlet and outlet ports. Because the connection can be hand-
tightened, the body of the separator can be made from plastics similar to smaller filters
(for example, filters designed to be used in 22mm heating systems).
The removable force transfer element assists in the disconnection of the port from the
fitment without the need for tools and without causing damage to the connection
assembly or separator.
The removable force transfer element may be a resilient clip, which may be part-
circular. The clip may be attached onto the fitment, behind the threaded connector, and
may transfer force from the threaded connector to the fitment as it is being unscrewed
from the fitment, thereby driving the port (and separator) away from the fitment. The
tight nature of the seal, particularly a piston type seal arrangement, described below,
for sealing the fitment to the separator can make removal of the separator difficult,
particularly if the seal is not greased. By providing a way of releasing the separator
from the fitment in a controlled way, there is no need for a fitter to prise the separator
away from the fitment and hence the risk of damage is significantly reduced. Also, the
inlet and outlet ports can be released from pipe work incrementally, thus not putting
any unnecessary stress on the separator or pipes.
The threaded connector may be formed as an internally threaded collar with a flange at
one end thereof, the flange extending inwardly from the periphery of the collar. The
threaded collar allows connection onto the externally threaded port of the separator, and
the flange provides a bearing surface for holding the fitment into the port.
The fitment may include first and second spaced peripheral shoulders, in use, the
threaded connector bearing against the first peripheral shoulder to hold the fitment to
the port of the separator. The force transfer element, when fitted, sits between and bears
against the second peripheral shoulder and the threaded connector. In other words, the
flange of the threaded connector and the force transfer element sit between the two
shoulders, and together they substantially fill the space between the two shoulders.
The fitment may be formed in two parts, that is, a first part may connect to at least one
of the ports and the second part may connect to a valve assembly or further connection.
Preferably the two parts are manufactured separately and then joined together in
assembly. The two-part construction of the fitment allows for efficient manufacture and
assembly of the connection assembly, in that the threaded connector may be held to the
fitment by being assembled between the two parts of the fitment. Once the connection
assembly is assembled, there is no need to detach the two parts of the fitment. However,
a screw fixing is used in a preferred embodiment, which is found to facilitate easy and
accurate assembly and a reliable connection. In other embodiments, the parts may be
bonded together.
The first part of the fitment may include a spigot of a first diameter, which locates
within one of the ports, a peripheral flange extending outwardly from the spigot, which
in use butts up against the end of said port, and a further spigot extending away from
the peripheral flange in the other direction (away from the port), the peripheral flange
forming the first peripheral shoulder. The further spigot may have a smaller diameter
than the first diameter, and may be threaded for attachment to a corresponding spigot
on the second part of the fitment.
The fitment may include two spaced circumferential recesses for receiving O-ring seals.
The recesses may be substantially part-circular. A double O-ring seal on a fitment
located within the port of the separator provides for a particularly good seal, which
requires only hand-tightening towards the filter to make it watertight at the pressure of
a typical central heating circuit.
When the force transfer element is removed, a space is created between the flange of
the threaded connector and the second shoulder, allowing the threaded connector to be
moved up to the second shoulder, i.e. when not attached to a separator. This
substantially exposes the first O-ring seal and makes servicing of the seal possible. The
second O-ring seal can also be accessed for servicing. The second part of the fitment
may include a spigot, which may be threaded for connection with the first part.
Alternatively, the spigot of the second part may be effectively the same as the spigot of
the first part, where the first and second parts are provided integrally. A flange may
extend outwardly from the spigot of the second part to form the second peripheral
shoulder. To assemble the connection assembly, the threaded connector may be placed
over the threaded spigot of the first part of the fitment, and the second part of the fitment
may then be screwed over the first part and through the middle of the flange of the
threaded connector.
A further spigot, which may be threaded, may extend away from the other side of the
flange of the second part for connection to the valve assembly or further connector.
The hand grip area of the threaded connector may be knurled. The diameter of the
threaded connector may be, for example, around 52mm. This facilitates easy hand
operation of the threaded connector, because it sits well in hand and is easy to grip, and
also discourages the use of spanners or other tightening tools which might damage the
plastic housing of the separator.
The bore of the fitment may be tapered. This provides room in the fitment walls for a
double O-ring seal, as described above, whilst avoiding any unnecessary discontinuities
in the fluid path between the central heating circuit and the filter, which might lead to
unwanted eddies in the flow and a greater pressure drop across the device.
The connection assembly may be provided in combination with a magnetic separator,
for example a magnetic separator for a central heating system including a housing, a
separation chamber within the housing, and externally threaded inlet and outlet ports
extending from the housing. In particular, the distal end of each of the inlet and outlet
ports may be internally chamfered for providing a lead-in for the O-ring seals. The
chamfered end of each port may also provide a sealing surface for one of the O-ring
seals, giving a particularly effective water-tight seal requiring only light hand-
tightening of the threaded connector.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sleeve for a magnet
assembly of a magnetic separator for use in a central heating system, the sleeve
comprising first and second sleeve members, and a connection for connecting
respective ends of the first and second sleeve members together.
Magnetic separators typically include a magnetic assembly made up of a plurality of
magnets, although the sleeve of the invention may equally be used with a magnetic
assembly made from a single magnet.
The sleeve is made in two parts, connected together. This allows for a sleeve long
enough to accommodate the magnetic assemblies needed in larger capacity filters,
whilst maintaining a single central magnet assembly around which fluid may circulate
within the separator housing. The two-part sleeve can also be made to be thin as
compared with prior art sleeves of similar length. A thin sleeve with a tight-fitting
magnetic assembly results in more effective separation of magnetic particles, because
the magnetic field inside the separator, where the fluid flows, is effectively stronger at
the surface of the sleeve.
The assembled two-part sleeve may be substantially sealed against ingress of magnetic
particles. In other words, the sleeve may be free of significant gaps throughout,
including in the area where the sleeves are connected together. Alternatively, there may
be minor voids in the sleeve at the connection. The first and second sleeve members
may be identical in shape, and this provides for a significant advantage in terms of
tooling and manufacturing, since only a single part needs to be produced.
The connection means between the first and second members may include at least one
resilient latch member on the first sleeve member and a co-operating recess on the
second sleeve member and at least one resilient latch member on the second sleeve
member and a co-operating recess on the first sleeve member. Most preferably, the
connection may include two opposing resilient latch members and two opposing
recesses on the first sleeve member, and two opposing resilient latch members and two
opposing recesses on the second sleeve member, the latch members of the first sleeve
member co-operating with the recesses of the second sleeve member and vice versa.
The connection system described above allows the first and second members to be
easily assembled into a sleeve. The connection means can be engaged very quickly.
Disconnection of the connection means to detach the first and second parts from each
other may be fairly difficult, especially where two opposing resilient latches are
provided on each sleeve member. However, once assembled, there is generally no
reason to take the sleeve apart.
The connection system with opposing latches as described ensures that the sleeve
members (which are preferably identical to each other) are attached to each other at a
particular angle. Where separation chambers or trays are provided integrally with the
sleeve, as described below, this property can have a significant advantage, in that the
relative orientation of the chambers or trays is maintained. In the preferred embodiment
disclosed herein, the tray has 4-fold rotational symmetry, so the trays of the respective
first and second sleeve members will be essentially identical to each other when they
are at 90 degrees to each other, which is the angle enforced by the connection means.
Other embodiments of trays, for example as described in the applicant’s patent
application , may have 2-fold rotational symmetry. However,
such tray designs may work more effectively to separate particles where two are
provided at a 90 degree angle to each other, to most evenly distribute the inlets and
outlets to the separation trays around the housing of the separator. The advantage of
identical sleeves connected at a 90 degree angle is therefore realised also with this type
of tray.
The sleeve may include a roof and a tubular wall depending therefrom extending from
the other end of each of the sleeve members, that is, from the end which does not have
the connection means to connect to the other (possibly identical) sleeve member.
The roof may be substantially conical, and a circular tray may be adapted to connect
with one of the roofs to form a chamber. The tray may include a plurality of upstands
for slowing flow within the chamber. It will be understood that trays may be provided
at both ends of the sleeve, or a tray may be provided only at one end. Preferably a tray
is provided at the lower end, thereby facilitating collection of non-magnetic particles in
the tray as well as in the “roof” of the upper sleeve, which is open and upwardly facing.
In some embodiments, different trays may be provided at each end, even where the
sleeve members (including their roofs) are identical.
Apertures may be provided in the roof, and top ends of the upstands may protrude
through those apertures when the tray is attached.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it
may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a separator of the invention, including
housing, insert and connection assemblies;
Figure 2 shows a side view of the separator and connection assemblies of Figure 1 when
assembled;
Figure 3 shows a plan view from above of the separator and connection assemblies of
Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a port of the separator connected to a
connection assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view through the assembled separator and connection
assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a force transfer element of the separator and
connection assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the assembled insert of the separator of Figure 1;
Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the assembled insert of Figure 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a separator device for separating particles from
suspension in a fluid is indicated generally at 10. The separator has a housing 12
including a substantially cylindrical body portion 14 with integral base 15, and a
removable upper closure portion 16. The closure portion 16 is in the form of a screw-
on cap, which screws onto the upper end of the housing 12, as viewed. An O-ring 18,
seen in Figure 5, locates in a circumferential groove formed in the cap and forms a
watertight seal against the upper end of the body portion 14, when the cap is screwed
down.
Inlet and outlet ports 20, 22 are provided as first and second hollow cylindrical sockets
in the wall of the housing body 14. The central axes of the ports 20, 22 are parallel and
lie one above the other on a diameter of the housing. In other words, the ports are
adjacent to one another and face in the same direction extending perpendicular to a
tangent of the substantially cylindrical body portion 14. The parallel nature of the ports
, 22 facilitates fitting to a heating circuit, since the inlet and outlet will be in the same
straight pipe line, when the device is installed. It will be appreciated that the ports may
be interchangeable, that is, the outlet port can be used as an inlet port and vice versa in
some embodiments. The ports 20, 22 are externally screw-threaded.
A bleed valve assembly 24 is provided through the centre of the screw-on cap 16. The
assembly 24 is of the type that enables air to be bled out from the top of the separator,
but also enables a rust inhibitor chemical to be injected into the separator. The assembly
24 also supports a magnet assembly 28, formed of one or more magnets, which depends
centrally from the underside of the closure portion 16. The magnet assembly 28 is
cylindrical and extends to proximate the base of the housing body 14.
A drain valve 43 comprising of a screw-in plug with seal is provided in the floor 15 of
the housing body 14.
A connection assembly 50 is shown generally in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and in more detail
in Figure 4. A connection assembly 50 is provided on each of the inlet and outlet ports
, 22, for connecting the separator 10 to a central heating circuit.
Each connection assembly 50 includes a fitment 52, a threaded connector 54, a force
transfer element 56 and a valve portion 58. The valve portion 58 is of a well known
design and will not be described in further detail. It will be appreciated that substantially
any type of valve or other connector may be provided as part of a connection assembly
according to the invention.
The fitment 52 is formed from a first part 60 and a second part 62. The parts are attached
to each other by mutually interlocking screw threads 64. A fluid-carrying bore 66 is
provided all the way through both parts 60, 62 of the fitment 52, for carrying fluid
between the valve portion 58 and the separator 10.
The bore 66 in the first part 60 of the fitment 52 has a tapered section. Therefore, the
wall of the first part 60 of the fitment 52 is thin at the distal end of the first part 60, and
thickens towards the other end of the first part 60 (to the right-hand side in the drawing).
The thicker part of the wall accommodates a pair of recesses 68, 70 which receive
respective O-ring seals 69, 71. The thin part of the wall ensures that there is a smooth
transition as fluid passes between the fitment 52 and the interior of the separator 10.
Adjacent the O-ring recess 70 which is most inward of the distal end of the first part
60, a shoulder or flange 72 extends around the first part. In use, this shoulder 72 butts
against an end of the port 22 of the separator 10.
A second shoulder 74 is provided as part of the second part 62 of the fitment 52. The
first and second shoulders 72, 74 define an area around the fitment 52 in which the
threaded connector 54 can slide (in the drawing, the threaded connector can slide left-
to-right). This allows the threaded connector 54 to be unscrewed from the port 22.
The force transfer element 56 is shown fitted between the shoulders 72, 74. When the
force transfer element 56 is fitted in this position, the threaded connector 54 is prevented
from sliding towards the shoulder 74, but may still be unscrewed from the port 22 of
the separator. This forces the port 22 off the fitment 52. In other words, the action of
unscrewing the threaded connector 54 brings it into contact with the force transfer
element 56, thus exerting a force on the second part 62, which acts to forcibly separate
the fitment 52 and the port 22 by virtue of the interlocked screw threads 64. The force
transfer element 56 can be removed to allow sliding of the connector 54 towards the
shoulder 74 for access to the O-ring seals, when unscrewed.
The force transfer element 56 is shown in more detail in Figure 6, and is substantially
C-shaped. It is made from a resilient plastics material, so that it can be deformed to clip
over the substantially cylindrical sliding area between the shoulders 72, 74 of the
fitment 52. The force transfer element 56 includes grip areas on its outer surface (only
one grip area 76 is shown in the drawing, but another is provided on the other side,
hidden in the drawing). On the inner surface of the force transfer element 56, ribs 78
are provided. When the force transfer element 56 is installed on the fitment 52, the ribs
78 lift the inner surface of the force transfer element 56 away from the fitment, making
a space between the force transfer element 56 and the fitment which allows the force
transfer element 56 to be easily removed by hand. The ribs 78 also allow for a force
transfer element which is thin enough to be resilient and easily deformable for clipping
over the fitment 52, but which also has an “effective thickness” great enough in use to
transfer the disconnection forces between the threaded connector 54 and the shoulder
When the connector assembly 50 is fitted to the port 22 of the separator 10, the first
part of the fitment 52 is located within the port 22 and pushed in. The threaded
connector 54 is then screwed tight by hand. The threaded connector 54 is knurled and
has an external diameter of 52mm in the embodiment shown, which is easy to grip. By
virtue of the fitment 52 locating well into the port, there is a very low likelihood of
cross-threading of the thread, which very important, because the thread on the port is
made from plastics and a crossed thread would cause damage that would effectively
require a new separator be fitted. The threaded connector 54 finally pushes the fitment
52 into and against the port 22. The O-ring 69 nearest to the distal end of the fitment
seals against an interior surface of the port 22 and acts in the manner of a piston seal.
The other O-ring 71, further to the right in the drawing, sits against a chamfered end 80
of the port 22 and seals in the manner of a trap seal. The seals are ideally lubricated
with silicone grease. This sealing arrangement creates a highly effective watertight
seal, which is easy to correctly apply even in a confined place, and requires only hand-
tightening of the threaded connector 54. The force transfer element 56 can be clipped
in behind the threaded connector 54, when tightened, to provide a visual indication that
it has been tightened.
Referring now to Figures 5, 7, and 8, an insert assembly 25 is disposed within the
housing. The insert assembly 25 includes a thin plastics sleeve 26, containing one or
more magnets 28, for removing magnetic debris from flow through the separator. The
insert assembly also includes a roof 27 at either end, which forms part of a chamber for
separating non-magnetic particles from flow within the separator 10. At one end (the
lower end, as viewed), a tray 36 is provided with which the roof 27 forms a closed
chamber. At the other end there is no tray, and so the chamber is more open.
The insert assembly 25 is formed as a first part 29 and a second part 30. The first and
second parts 29, 30 are in fact identical. They are joined together to form the complete
insert assembly 25, as shown in Figure 7.
The two parts 29, 30 of the insert assembly 25 are joined by a snap-fit connection 31,
which is best seen in Figure 8. Each part 29, 30 includes two opposing resilient latch
members 32 and two opposing walls with recesses 33. The latch members of one sleeve
cooperate with the recesses of the other sleeve, and vice versa, to securely and semi-
permanently attach the parts of the insert assembly 25 together.
The snap fit connector is ideal, because the connection is semi-permanent, secure, free
from substantial gaps, and enforces correct orientation of the roofs 27 with respect to
each other. It solves the manufacturing problems involved with making a sleeve of such
length in one piece, and allows the wall of the sleeve to be very thin, for the best
magnetic separation.
The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various
changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. A connection assembly for connecting a magnetic separator into a central heating system circuit, the magnetic separator including a housing, a separation chamber within the housing, and externally threaded inlet and outlet ports 5 extending from the housing, the connection assembly comprising: a fitment adapted to be received within at least one of the ports of the separator, the fitment including a bore for carrying fluid from/to the central heating circuit to/from the separator; 10 a threaded connector disposed around the bore for securing the fitment to the or each port, the threaded connector having a hand grip area for facilitating tightening of the connector by hand; and a removable force transfer element receivable between the fitment and the threaded connector for transferring force between the threaded connector 15 and the fitment, and, when installed on the fitment, the removable force transfer element being removable therefrom whilst the fitment and threaded connector remain fitted to the or each port.
2. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the removable force 20 transfer element is a resilient clip.
3. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the resilient clip is part- circular. 25
4. A connection assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the force transfer element engages with one end of the threaded connector and holds the threaded connector at a fixed distance from the fitment for causing the port to move away from the fitment as the threaded connector is unscrewed from the port.
5. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the threaded connector is formed as an internally threaded collar with a flange at one end thereof, the flange extending inwards from the periphery of the collar.
6. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the fitment includes first and second spaced peripheral shoulders, in use, the threaded connector bearing against the first peripheral shoulder to hold the 5 fitment to the port of the separator, and the force transfer element bearing against the second peripheral shoulder.
7. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 6, in which the fitment comprises a first part which connects to at least one of the ports and a second part for 10 connection to a valve assembly or further connector.
8. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 7, in which the first part includes a spigot of a first diameter, which locates within said at least one of the ports, a peripheral flange extending outwardly from the spigot, which in use butts up 15 against the end of said at least one of the ports, the peripheral flange forming the first peripheral shoulder.
9. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which a further spigot extends away from the peripheral flange in the other direction, the further spigot having 20 a smaller diameter than the first diameter.
10. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the part of the fitment which is received within the port(s) has two spaced circumferential recesses for receiving O-ring seals.
11. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, or claim 10 when dependent on one of claims 7 to 9, in which the second part includes a spigot for connection with the first part and a flange extending outwardly from the spigot forming the second peripheral shoulder.
12. A connection assembly as claimed in claim 11, in which a further spigot extends away from the other side of the flange of the second part for connection to the valve assembly or further connector.
13. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the hand grip area of the threaded connector is knurled.
14. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which 5 the bore of the fitment is tapered.
15. A connection assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a magnetic separator for a central heating system, the magnetic separator including a housing, a separation chamber within the 10 housing, and externally threaded inlet and outlet ports extending from the housing.
16. A separator and connection assembly as claimed in claim 15, when dependent on claim 10, in which the distal end of each port is internally chamfered for 15 providing a lead-in for the O-ring seals.
17. A separator and connection assembly as claimed in claim 16, in which the chamfered end of each port provides a sealing surface for one of the O-ring seals.
18. A sleeve for a magnet assembly in combination with a magnetic separator for use in a central heating system and a connection assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, the sleeve comprising first and second sleeve members, and a connection for connecting respective ends of the first and second sleeve 25 members together.
19. A sleeve for a magnet assembly as claimed in claim 18, in which the assembled two-part sleeve is substantially sealed against ingress of magnetic particles. 30
20. A sleeve as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, in which the first and second sleeve members are identical in shape.
21. A sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, in which the connection includes at least one resilient latch member on the first sleeve member and a co- operating recess on the second sleeve member, and at least one resilient latch member on the second sleeve member and a co-operating recess on the first sleeve member. 5
22. A sleeve as claimed in claim 21, in which the connection includes two opposing resilient latch members and two opposing recesses on the first sleeve member, and two opposing resilient latch members and two opposing recesses on the second sleeve member, the latch members of the first sleeve member co- operating with the recesses of the second sleeve member and vice versa.
23. A sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, in which a roof and a tubular wall depending therefrom extend from the other end of each of the sleeve members. 15
24. A sleeve as claimed in claim 23, in which the roof is substantially conical.
25. A sleeve as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, in which a circular tray is adapted to connect with one of the roofs, to form a chamber. 20
26. A sleeve as claimed in claim 25, in which the tray has a plurality of upstands for slowing flow within the chamber.
27. A sleeve as claimed in claim 26, in which apertures are provided in the roof, and top ends of the upstands protrude through the apertures when the tray is 25 attached.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1404432.5 | 2014-03-13 | ||
GB1404432.5A GB2524056B (en) | 2014-03-13 | 2014-03-13 | Connection assembly |
PCT/GB2015/050667 WO2015136249A1 (en) | 2014-03-13 | 2015-03-06 | Connection assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ724956A NZ724956A (en) | 2021-03-26 |
NZ724956B2 true NZ724956B2 (en) | 2021-06-29 |
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