TW202204825A - Compact expansion tank - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is an expansion tank (1) comprising: a battery (100) of pipes (10); a water side flange (2), in which holes and channels are provided in order to connect to the inside of each one of said pipes (10) the hydraulic system in which pressure and volume variations need to be compensated for; a gas side flange (3), in which holes and channels are obtained in order to connect a pressure relief valve (331) with the inside of each one of said pipes (10), and wherein inside each one of said pipes (10) there is at least one float (4) that tightly divides the inside of the pipe (10) into an upper compartment (V1), or gas side compartment, and a lower compartment (V2), or water side compartment.

Description

tight expansion tank

This patent relates to expansion tanks, and more specifically, to a new type of expansion tank that is compact and free of membranes.

The expansion tank is a common hydraulic component in domestic heating boilers, heating systems and water supply systems. The function of the expansion tank is to compensate for the volume change caused by the temperature change of the fluid used in the circuit, so as to avoid dangerous pressure increases in the circuit itself. , otherwise this pressure will be absorbed by the piping and other components of the system.

Expansion tanks are also commonly found in pumping and lift systems, where the expansion tank functions to accumulate fluid in the circuit and return that fluid to the circuit itself.

Expansion tanks are also used to protect the system from sudden changes in pressure caused by momentary interruptions in flow, which can cause the generation and propagation of water hammer.

As is known, expansion tanks comprise two semi-rigid cap-shaped half-shells, usually made of metallic material, which are opposed to and joined to each other in such a way as to form a closed shell with a substantially circular cross-section.

Inside the tank there is a membrane that divides the interior space into two compartments for containing respectively a compressible gas that compensates for the increase in volume of the fluid contained in the system and a non-compressible fluid that undergoes a change in volume.

The half-shells for containing the system fluid are provided with connecting conduits which communicate with the corresponding inner compartments and serve to connect the compartments themselves to the hydraulic circuit.

Alternatively, the other half of the housing is provided with a valve seat with a preload valve suitable for regulating the air pressure. The valve is adapted to open in the presence of overpressure in the compartment containing the compensation gas.

The half-shells constituting expansion tanks of the known type are generally made of metallic material, typically stainless steel.

The interior of the expansion tank, and more specifically the interior of the compartment into which the liquid flows, is subject to the corrosive effects of water or other fluids circulating in the compartment.

In order to overcome this drawback, expansion tanks have been developed with opposing lids inserted and applied inside the second half-shell, made of thermoplastic material, ie a material resistant to the corrosive action of the fluid.

The counter cover is manufactured in such a way that it adheres to the inner surface of the second half-shell and is provided with an opening identical and aligned with the opening provided in the connecting duct connecting the second half-shell with the system.

The opposing cover is usually tightly bound to the half-shell at the level of the connecting duct and inside the half-shell, for example by means of a metal ring. Similarly, corrosion-resistant connecting pipes are known which consist of pipes, the inside of which is threaded at least in its section facing the inside of the second half-shell and the inside of the inner sealing flange made of thermoplastic material , the section is mounted inside the counter cover and is adapted to be screwed into the pipe in order to protect the pipe itself.

More specifically, the inner sealing flange in turn comprises: an externally threaded tubular section adapted to be screwed onto the internal threads of the pipe for connection to a system; and a flat ring orthogonal to the axis of the threaded tubular section and is suitable for adhering to the inner opposing cover of the second half-shell. Tight screwing of the inner flange and the use of suitable gaskets prevent leakage of liquid and air circulating in the system between the second half-shell and the inner opposing cover or between the inner flange and piping connected to the system.

Expansion tanks manufactured as described above are difficult to construct and assemble, and in addition, stress and long-term use may affect the tightness of the connections between the components over time.

Another disadvantage of the expansion tanks of the known type is that they are, due to their size (depending on the type of system in which they are installed) and their substantially circular shape or in any case their circular cross-section. The shape of the cross section has a considerable overall size.

In practice, these expansion tanks must be installed in a specially prepared space, such as a boiler or another part of the system.

In order to overcome the disadvantages described above, a new type of expansion tank that is compact and without membranes has been designed and constructed.

The main object of the present invention is to provide an expansion tank that is more compact compared to expansion tanks of the known type with half-shells, especially since the shape of the novel expansion tank is substantially parallelepiped, and can also be used according to Adjust the space where the expansion tank is installed.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the procedures required for the production and assembly of new expansion tanks. In fact, the new expansion tank has no membranes at all and, in addition, it consists of parts that do not require the application of any counter cover.

In addition to the above, the new expansion tank solves all the problems described above with regard to the assembly of the hydraulic connection pipes.

These and other direct and complementary goals are achieved by a new type of expansion tank, the main components of which include: - a pipe group consisting of two or more pipes open at both ends, arranged side by side and parallel to each other; - a lower flange, hereinafter referred to as the water-side flange, which in turn comprises a substantially flat plate, of which one side or the outer side comprises at least one hole for connection with a hydraulic system in which pressure and volume changes require is compensated, and the opposite inner side facing the set includes a plurality of holes connected to each of the open ends below each of the ducts, and wherein one or more are obtained in the plate a channel connects the connection hole to the one disposed in the inner side in a way that water can flow between the hydraulic system and the interior of each of the pipes through the connection hole, the channels, and the holes all such holes are connected; - an upper flange or gas-side flange, which in turn comprises a substantially flat plate, of which one or outer side contains a hole for mounting a pressure relief valve, and the opposite inner side facing the set contains a plurality of holes, The plurality of holes are connected to each of the upper open ends of the pipes, and wherein one or more passages are obtained in the plate such that the pressure relief valve is connected to each of the pipes internal communication in such a way that the hole made in the outer side communicates with each of the holes made in the inner side, and wherein inside each of the ducts there is at least one float, which in turn comprises a body, the cross section of which is shaped in such a way as to divide the interior of the duct tightly into two compartments Matching the cross-sectional shape of the pipe, the two compartments are the upper or gas-side compartment and the lower or water-side compartment, and wherein the specific weight of the body is lower than that of the liquid circulating in the connected system. weight, and the body is movable between the two ends of the pipe due to the influence of the thrust exerted by the liquid itself.

In addition, in the absence of liquid, these floats have the important function of an anti-stagnation closing stopper, as they rest entirely on the lower plate.

When the volume of liquid present in the hydraulic system increases, the liquid flows into the expansion tank through the water side flange and the floating body of each pipe bulges towards the gas side due to the effect of the thrust exerted by the liquid The edge moves upwards, so the volume of the gas compartment decreases and the pressure inside the gas compartment increases.

The pressure buildup is limited by means of the relief valve, which is set according to the normal operating pressure value of the system and opens in the event of an overpressure due to a fault.

When the volume of liquid present in the hydraulic system decreases, the liquid flows out of the expansion tank through the waterside flange in a manner that causes the floats of each of the pipes to move downwards towards the waterside flange, Thereby the pressure in the gas side compartments is reduced.

When the expansion tank is completely emptied, ie when all the liquid flows out of each of the pipes, the floats move down until they reach the water side flange. The undersides of the floats are shaped in such a way as to tightly close the holes provided in suitable bases or projections so that when the expansion tank is completely emptied, air cannot flow into the hydraulic system.

The number and configuration of these pipes that make up the set of new expansion tanks determine the shape and overall dimensions of the tank itself. Depending on the type of boiler or hydraulic system, it is therefore possible to design and assemble expansion tanks that can be integrated into the available space.

By unscrewing the fasteners of the lower or upper plate, the floats can be quickly replaced without additional intervention on the set.

Considering that the new expansion tank (1') is located in a compact boiler, it is foreseeable that the tank (1') has an L- or U-shaped cross-section in plan or other shapes that allow insertion in the remaining space.

The novel expansion tank (1) comprises a set (100) of pipes (10) consisting of two or more pipes (10) arranged side by side and parallel to each other.

Each of the ducts (10) comprises eg a cylindrical or substantially prismatic side wall (11) having an open lower end (12) and an upper end (13).

For example, the set ( 100 ) may be composed of one or more columns of aligned pipes ( 10 ), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , or a plurality of pipes configured in any manner.

Thus, the group (100) is substantially parallelepiped in shape or consists of parts in the shape of a parallelepiped.

The expansion tank ( 1 ) contains a lower flange or water side flange ( 2 ) shown in detail in the sectional view shown in FIG. 2 .

The water-side flange (2) in turn comprises a substantially flat plate (21), of which one side or outer side (22) comprises at least one hole (23) for connection with the hydraulic system, the pressure and volume in the hydraulic system Changes need to be compensated for.

For example, the connecting hole ( 23 ) is made in a cylindrical element ( 231 ) that protrudes from the outside ( 22 ) and is preferably threaded on the outside ( 232 ), or in any case The lower is constructed so that it is suitable for piping connection to the hydraulic system to which it is connected.

The inner opposite side (24) of the plate (21) facing the set (100) comprises a plurality of bases or projections (241) adapted to be tightly connected to the pipes (10) ) of each of the open lower ends (12). For example, sealing is ensured by means of O-rings (243) inserted between the protrusions (241) and the inner walls of the pipes (10).

Each of the bases or protrusions (241) includes at least one hole (242).

In addition, the plate (21) is provided with one or more channels (25) that allow the connection hole (23) to be connected to the holes (242) made in the protrusions (241) ) is connected.

In this way, liquid can flow through the connecting hole (23) towards the interior of all the pipes (10) via the channels (25) and the holes (242).

More specifically, according to the invention, the connection hole (23) can communicate directly with the interior of one of the pipes (10), eg the central pipe (10') of the group (100), and also via One or more holes (242') made in the protrusion (241') inserted in the central conduit (10') communicate with the channels (25).

The new expansion tank ( 1 ) also includes an upper flange or gas side flange ( 3 ) shown in detail in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 .

The gas-side flange (3) in turn comprises a substantially flat plate (31), of which the outer side (32) contains the hole (33) for mounting the pressure relief valve (331), and faces the opposite inner side of the set (100) (34) Comprising a plurality of bases or protrusions (341) tightly connected to the upper open ends (13) of the pipes (10).

Tightness is ensured, for example, by means of O-rings (343) inserted between the protrusions (341) and the inner walls of the pipes (10).

The bases or protrusions (341) contain one or more holes (342).

The plate (31) of the gas-side flange (3) is additionally provided with one or more passages (35) enabling the valve (331) mounted in the hole (33) in the outer side (32) ) communicates with the interior of each of the conduits (10).

Inside each of the pipes (10) there is at least one float (4) which in turn comprises a body, the cross section of which is shaped to close the interior of the pipe (10). It is divided into two compartments, the upper or gas side compartment (V1) and the lower or water side compartment (V2), in a manner matching the cross-sectional shape of the pipe (10).

The specific weight of the floating member (4) is lower than the weight of the liquid circulating in the connected system, and the floating member (4) can be placed at both ends (12) of the pipe (10) due to the effect of the thrust exerted by the liquid. , 13) to move between.

The bottom surfaces of the floats (4) are shaped in such a way as to tightly close the holes (242) made in the bases or projections (241) of the waterside flange (2).

For example, the lower surface (41) of each of the floats (4) and/or the upper surface (244) of the protrusions (241) are equipped with sealing gaskets.

According to the present invention, as schematically represented in Figure 5, in order to ensure the correct assembly of the new expansion tank, it is possible but not necessary to use tie rods (6) to be mounted on the water side flange (2) and the gas side flange (3) between.

For example, the tie rods (6) are inserted and bolted in correspondingly made holes (61) in the flanges (2, 3).

According to the invention, for the installation of the new expansion tank it is possible to use brackets (5) tied to the tank (1) in any way, for example to the water-side flange (2), wherein the brackets (5) Each of them comprises, for example, a first flat portion ( 51 ) facing the water side flange ( 2 ) and an inclined portion ( 52).

The new expansion tank (1) can be made entirely of plastic materials, which are particularly suitable for withstanding operating pressures and any contact with corrosive substances.

Accordingly, reference is made to the description provided above and the accompanying drawings to express the following claims.

without

In the following description, the characteristics of the novel expansion tank will be emphasized in more detail with reference to the drawings accompanying herewith by way of non-limiting example. [Fig. 1] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the new type of expansion tank (1). [Fig. 2] A detailed sectional view showing the water side flange (2). [Fig. 3] A detailed sectional view showing the gas side flange (3). [Fig. 4] A sectional view showing the central part of the novel expansion tank (1), in which it is possible to see that the interior of each of the pipes (10) is housed in and tightly divided into two Float (4) for each compartment (V1, V2). [Fig. 5] A three-dimensional view showing a possible embodiment of the novel expansion tank (1). [Fig. 6] A three-dimensional view schematically showing another possible embodiment of the novel expansion tank (1').

Claims (9)

An expansion tank (1), characterized in that it comprises: a pipe (10) group (100) consisting of two or more pipes (1, 13) open at both ends (1, 13), arranged side by side and parallel to each other ( 10) Composition; a lower flange or water-side flange (2), which in turn comprises a substantially flat plate (21), wherein the outer side (22) contains at least one hole (23) for connection with the hydraulic system, the Pressure and volume changes in the hydraulic system need to be compensated, meaning that the opposite inner side (24) facing the side of the set (100) of pipes (10) includes the open end below each of the pipes (10) (12) A plurality of holes (242) tightly connected and in which one or more channels (25) are obtained in the plate (21) to allow water to communicate with the hydraulic system via the water-side flange (2) A way of flow between the insides of each of the pipes (10) such that the connecting hole (23) communicates with the holes (242) provided in the inside (24); an upper flange or gas A side flange (3), which in turn comprises a substantially flat plate (31), of which the outer side (32) contains a hole (33) for mounting a pressure relief valve (331), meaning facing the pipe (331). 10) The opposite inner side (34) of the side of the group (100) contains a plurality of holes (342) in close connection with the upper open ends (13) of the pipes (12), and wherein the holes (342) obtained in the plate (31) One or more passages (35) put the pressure relief valve (331) in communication with the holes (342) provided in the inner side (34) and thus with the inner portion of each of the ducts (10) communicating, and wherein inside each of the pipes (10) there is at least one float (4) shaped to closely divide the interior of the pipe (10) into a The upper compartment (V1) or the gas side compartment and the lower compartment (V2) or the water side compartment in a way corresponding to the internal cross section of the pipe and wherein the specific weight of the float (4) is lower than that in the The weight of the liquid circulating in the system that needs to be compensated for pressure and volume changes, and the float (4) is movable along the pipe (10) due to the effect of the thrust exerted by the liquid itself, and wherein the The underside of each of the floats (4) is shaped in a way to tightly close the holes (242) provided in the inner side (24) of the waterside flange (2). The expansion tank (1) of claim 1, characterized in that each of the pipes (10) has a cylindrical or prismatic cross-section. The expansion tank (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the pipes (10) are arranged in one or more rows, so that the group (100) is substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped or consists of a parallelepiped. Components of the shape. An expansion tank (1') as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the pipes (10) are arranged in one or more rows such that the group (100) is substantially L-shaped or, depending on the shape of the boiler into which it is to be inserted, or U shape. The expansion tank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises an assembly tie rod (6) installed between the water-side flange (2) and the gas-side flange (3), and wherein the tie rods (6) are inserted and bolted into correspondingly made holes (61) in the flanges (2, 3) so that by unscrewing the flanges (2, 3) Fasteners, the floats (4) can be quickly replaced without further intervention of the group. An expansion tank (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connecting hole (23) of the water-side flange (2) is obtained by being tied in a cylindrical element (231) from which The outer side (22) protrudes and is shaped in such a way that the cylindrical element can be connected to a pipe of the hydraulic system. The expansion tank (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the connecting hole (23) is in direct communication with a central pipe (10') of the pipes (10) of the group (100), and is also in direct communication with the central pipe (10'). The one or more holes (242') with which the pipe (10') communicates are communicated with the channels (25) obtained in the waterside flange (2). The expansion tank (1) of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pipes (10), the flanges (2, 3) and the floating parts are made of a plastic material. An expansion tank (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a connection to the expansion tank (1) in any way in a way that the expansion tank (1) is bound to a support structure At least one bracket (5).

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