US20220018584A1 - Storage tank for ice-slurry - Google Patents
Storage tank for ice-slurry Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220018584A1 US20220018584A1 US17/413,806 US201917413806A US2022018584A1 US 20220018584 A1 US20220018584 A1 US 20220018584A1 US 201917413806 A US201917413806 A US 201917413806A US 2022018584 A1 US2022018584 A1 US 2022018584A1
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- Prior art keywords
- storage tank
- ice
- piston
- compartment
- outlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 52
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000012267 brine Substances 0.000 description 10
- HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Cl-] HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 10
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 1
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical group [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002425 crystallisation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008025 crystallization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013049 sediment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/18—Storing ice
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/20—Distributing ice
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/60—Contents and propellant separated
- B65D83/64—Contents and propellant separated by piston
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2301/00—Special arrangements or features for producing ice
- F25C2301/002—Producing ice slurries
Definitions
- the subject disclosure relates to storage tanks and in particular, to a storage tank for ice-slurry.
- Ice-slurry is known in the art and is a phase changing material made up of ice crystals formed and suspended within a liquid or solution such as water or brine. Ice-slurry can be used for a number of applications such as for freezing temperature sensitive products like foodstuffs (fish, etc.). Ice-slurry can also be used for ice pigging, which is a process in which ice-slurry is pumped through a pipe to remove sediment and other unwanted deposits within the pipe.
- a storage tank comprising: a body having opposite open ends; end plates removably connected to the opposite open ends of the body, one of the end plates comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a piston floatably mounted within the body, the piston being movable towards the end plate having the inlet and the outlet during discharge of ice-slurry contained within the storage tank via the outlet.
- the piston divides the storage tank into isolated first and second compartments, with the first compartment being delineated by the piston and the end plate having the inlet and the outlet, and with the second compartment being delineated by piston and the other end plate.
- a seal extends about a periphery of the piston, with the seal being in contact with an interior surface of the body.
- At least one agitator is mounted within the body and is configured to mix ice-slurry contained within the storage tank. In other embodiments, a plurality of agitators may be mounted within the body at spaced locations.
- the at least one agitator may be mounted within the first compartment of the storage tank and configured to mix ice-slurry contained therein.
- the at least one agitator may be positioned adjacent the outlet.
- a plurality of agitators may be mounted within the first compartment of the storage tank at spaced locations. For example, one agitator may be positioned adjacent the outlet and another agitator may be positioned adjacent the inlet.
- the outlet is positioned at a location above the inlet.
- the storage tank is pressurized.
- the other end plate comprises an inlet to permit the ingress of a pressurizing medium into the second compartment of the storage tank.
- the pressurizing medium may, for example, be water or air.
- the piston is semi-permeable to permit the flow of liquid or solution therethrough.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a storage tank for ice-slurry and an ice-making machine for generating ice-slurry;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the storage tank and the ice-making machine of FIG. 1 prior to filling of the storage tank with ice-slurry;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the storage tank of FIG. 1 during storage of ice-slurry
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a storage tank for ice-slurry, an ice-making machine for generating ice-slurry, and a pressurizing source for pressurizing the storage tank.
- spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “above”, “upper”, “front”, “back” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures.
- the spatially relative terms can however, encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
- a storage tank for ice-slurry comprises a body having opposite open ends, end plates removably connected to the opposite open ends of the body, one of the end plates comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a piston floatably mounted within the body, the piston being movable towards the end plate having the inlet and the outlet during discharge of ice-slurry contained within the storage tank via the outlet.
- a storage tank for ice-slurry is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 100 .
- the storage tank comprises a body 102 , end plates 104 a , 104 b at opposite ends of the body 102 , a piston 106 within the body 102 and an agitator 108 within the body 102 .
- the storage tank 100 is configured to store ice-slurry received from an external ice-making machine 110 .
- the body 102 is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises opposite open ends 112 , 114 .
- the body 102 is made of stainless steel or other suitable structural material.
- End plates 104 a , 104 b are removably connected to the opposite open ends 112 , 114 of the body 102 .
- a seal such as for example an O-ring is used to ensure the end plates 104 a , 104 b seal the opposite open ends 112 , 114 of the body 102 .
- End plate 104 a comprises an inlet 120 , and an outlet 122 .
- the inlet 120 is configured to permit the ingress of ice-slurry into the storage tank 100 .
- the outlet 122 is configured to permit the egress of ice-slurry out of the storage tank 100 . In this embodiment, the outlet 122 is positioned above the inlet 120 .
- the piston 106 is floatably mounted within the body 102 .
- the piston 106 comprises a seal 130 , which in this embodiment is a ring formed of rubber or other suitable material.
- the seal 130 extends about the periphery of the piston 106 .
- the piston 106 is dimensioned such that the seal 130 is in contact with the interior surface of the body 102 .
- the piston 106 divides the interior of the storage tank 100 into two compartments 132 , 134 .
- the first compartment 132 is delineated by the piston 106 and the end plate 104 a and the second compartment 134 is delineated by the piston 106 and the end plate 104 b .
- the piston 106 isolates the first compartment 132 from the second compartment 134 and as such, ice-slurry or components thereof are not exchanged therebetween.
- the size or volume of the first and second compartments 132 , 134 are adjusted when the piston 106 moves longitudinally within the body 102 .
- the agitator 108 is positioned within the first compartment 132 adjacent the outlet 122 .
- the agitator 108 comprises a motor 136 , a shaft 138 and an impeller 140 .
- the motor 136 is configured to rotate the shaft 138 and the impeller 140 .
- a master controller (not shown) is used to selectively turn the motor 136 on and off.
- the agitator 108 is used to agitate ice-slurry contained within the first compartment 132 of the storage tank 100 to avoid separation of ice-slurry contained within the first compartment 132 of the storage tank 100 into ice crystals and liquid or solution.
- the storage tank 100 is configured to store ice-slurry received from the external ice-making machine 110 .
- the ice-making machine 110 is of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,501 and 6,056,046, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the ice-making machine 110 comprises an ice generator tube having a cylindrical internal heat exchange surface.
- a blade assembly is disposed within the ice generator tube and includes a plurality of blades in contact with the heat exchange surface.
- the blade assembly is mounted on a shaft driven by a motor via a transmission. Refrigerant circulates through refrigerant circuits in proximity to the heat exchange surface.
- Brine solution which in this embodiment is sea-water
- Brine solution which in this embodiment is sea-water
- inlet 140 is directed towards the heat exchange surface therein. While this occurs, refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuits to cool the heat exchange surface. As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuits, the refrigerant absorbs heat through the heat exchange surface and boils. The brine solution in contact with the heat exchange surface is thus supercooled.
- the blade assembly is rotated by the motor at a rate that is fast enough to allow the blades to remove the supercooled brine solution from the heat exchange surface prior to crystallization of ice crystals on the heat exchange surface.
- the supercooled brine solution therefore crystallizes in the body of brine solution within the ice generator tube allowing the brine solution to act as a secondary refrigerant in the formation of fine ice crystals throughout the brine solution.
- the supercooled brine solution including the ice crystals exits the ice-making machine 110 as ice-slurry via outlet 142 .
- Ice-slurry exiting the ice-making machine 110 via outlet 142 is pumped into the storage tank 100 via the inlet 120 using pump 146 .
- the piston 106 is positioned adjacent the end plate 104 a as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the piston 106 moves in the direction of arrow A towards the end plate 104 b thereby increasing the size or volume of the first compartment 132 and decreasing the size or volume of the second compartment 134 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the amount of ice-slurry that can be stored in the first compartment 132 increases.
- the ice-making machine 110 is turned off and the ice-making machine 110 and pump 146 are disconnected from the inlet 120 .
- a cap (not shown) is then placed on the inlet 120 to close it off as shown in FIG. 4 .
- ice-slurry can be pumped out of the storage tank 100 via the outlet 122 .
- the air pressure within the storage tank 100 causes the piston 106 to move in the direction of arrow B towards the end plate 104 a , thereby decreasing the size or volume of the first compartment 132 and increasing the size or volume of the second compartment 134 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the agitator 108 may be selectively switched on to agitate ice-slurry contained in the first compartment 132 of the storage tank 100 to inhibit ice crystal and liquid or solution separation.
- the ice-slurry held in the storage tank 100 may be used for a number of applications such as for example ice pigging, chilling temperature sensitive products etc.
- FIG. 6 Another embodiment of a storage tank 100 ′ is shown in FIG. 6 .
- the end plate 104 b ′ comprises an inlet 124 .
- the inlet 124 is connectable to a pressurizing source 200 via a pump 202 .
- the pressurizing source 200 is configured to deliver a pressurizing medium to the second compartment 134 ′ of the storage tank.
- the pressurizing source 200 is a pressurized air source that delivers air to the second compartment 134 ′ of the storage tank 100 ′ via the pump 202 and inlet 124 .
- pressurized air from the pressurized air source 200 may be pumped into the second compartment 134 ′ of the storage tank 100 ′ to help move the piston 106 ′ in the direction of arrow B toward end plate 104 a ′, further helping ice-slurry removal from the first compartment 132 ′ of the storage tank 100 ′ via outlet 122 ′.
- water may be pumped into the second compartment 134 ′ of the storage tank 100 ′ via inlet 124 to help move the piston 106 ′ in the direction of arrow B towards the end plate 104 a ′.
- the water may be pumped back out of the second compartment 134 ′ of the storage tank 100 ′ and may be fed into the ice-making machine 110 ′ during ice-slurry creation.
- the storage tank is described as comprising an agitator positioned adjacent the outlet, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available.
- the agitator may be positioned adjacent the inlet.
- multiple agitators such as for example two agitators, may be used.
- a first agitator may be placed adjacent the inlet and a second agitator may be placed adjacent the outlet.
- the agitators may be controlled separately or simultaneously, as desired.
- the piston may be semi-permeable.
- the body of the piston may comprise a screen dimensioned to permit the passage of liquid or solution such as water or brine but prevent the passage of solid particles such as ice crystals.
- water may be injected into the second compartment of the storage tank and may pass through the piston into the first compartment of the storage tank to decrease the ice-fraction of the ice-slurry within the first compartment of the storage tank.
- water may be drained from the first compartment into the second compartment to increase the ice-fraction of the ice-slurry within the first compartment of the storage tank.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)
Abstract
A storage tank comprises: a body having opposite open ends; end plates removably connected to the opposite open ends of the body, one of the end plates comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a piston floatably mounted within the body. The piston is movable towards the end plate having the inlet and the outlet during discharge of ice-slurry contained within the storage tank via the outlet.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/778,580 filed on Dec. 12, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The subject disclosure relates to storage tanks and in particular, to a storage tank for ice-slurry.
- Ice-slurry is known in the art and is a phase changing material made up of ice crystals formed and suspended within a liquid or solution such as water or brine. Ice-slurry can be used for a number of applications such as for freezing temperature sensitive products like foodstuffs (fish, etc.). Ice-slurry can also be used for ice pigging, which is a process in which ice-slurry is pumped through a pipe to remove sediment and other unwanted deposits within the pipe.
- The storage of ice-slurry is difficult as ice crystals may separate from the liquid or solution of the ice-slurry. As such, it is difficult to store and maintain ice-slurry having a particular ice fraction (the ratio of ice crystals to liquid or solution).
- While attempts have been made to provide adequate storage for ice-slurry, improvements in the storage of ice-slurry are desired. It is therefore an object at least to provide a novel storage tank for ice-slurry.
- It should be appreciated that this summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description of Embodiments. This summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a storage tank comprising: a body having opposite open ends; end plates removably connected to the opposite open ends of the body, one of the end plates comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a piston floatably mounted within the body, the piston being movable towards the end plate having the inlet and the outlet during discharge of ice-slurry contained within the storage tank via the outlet.
- In one or more embodiments, the piston divides the storage tank into isolated first and second compartments, with the first compartment being delineated by the piston and the end plate having the inlet and the outlet, and with the second compartment being delineated by piston and the other end plate.
- In one or more embodiments, a seal extends about a periphery of the piston, with the seal being in contact with an interior surface of the body.
- In one or more embodiments, at least one agitator is mounted within the body and is configured to mix ice-slurry contained within the storage tank. In other embodiments, a plurality of agitators may be mounted within the body at spaced locations.
- In one or more embodiments, the at least one agitator may be mounted within the first compartment of the storage tank and configured to mix ice-slurry contained therein. The at least one agitator may be positioned adjacent the outlet. Alternatively, a plurality of agitators may be mounted within the first compartment of the storage tank at spaced locations. For example, one agitator may be positioned adjacent the outlet and another agitator may be positioned adjacent the inlet.
- In one or more embodiments, the outlet is positioned at a location above the inlet.
- In one or more embodiments, the storage tank is pressurized.
- In one or more embodiments, the other end plate comprises an inlet to permit the ingress of a pressurizing medium into the second compartment of the storage tank. The pressurizing medium may, for example, be water or air.
- In one or more embodiments, the piston is semi-permeable to permit the flow of liquid or solution therethrough.
- Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a storage tank for ice-slurry and an ice-making machine for generating ice-slurry; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the storage tank and the ice-making machine ofFIG. 1 prior to filling of the storage tank with ice-slurry; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the storage tank and the ice-making machine ofFIG. 1 during filling of the storage tank with ice-slurry; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the storage tank ofFIG. 1 during storage of ice-slurry; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the storage tank ofFIG. 1 during draining of ice-slurry; and -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a storage tank for ice-slurry, an ice-making machine for generating ice-slurry, and a pressurizing source for pressurizing the storage tank. - The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to “one example” or “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments “comprising” or “having” or “including” an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms “comprises”, “has”, “includes” means “including but not limited to” and the terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” have equivalent meanings.
- As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features.
- It will be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc. another element or feature, that element or feature can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or feature or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element of feature, there are no intervening elements or features present.
- It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “above”, “upper”, “front”, “back” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can however, encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
- In the following, a storage tank for ice-slurry is described and comprises a body having opposite open ends, end plates removably connected to the opposite open ends of the body, one of the end plates comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a piston floatably mounted within the body, the piston being movable towards the end plate having the inlet and the outlet during discharge of ice-slurry contained within the storage tank via the outlet.
- Turning now to
FIG. 1 , a storage tank for ice-slurry is shown and is generally identified byreference numeral 100. The storage tank comprises abody 102,end plates body 102, apiston 106 within thebody 102 and anagitator 108 within thebody 102. As will be described, thestorage tank 100 is configured to store ice-slurry received from an external ice-makingmachine 110. - In this embodiment, the
body 102 is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises oppositeopen ends body 102 is made of stainless steel or other suitable structural material. - The
end plates open ends body 102. Although not shown, a seal such as for example an O-ring is used to ensure theend plates open ends body 102.End plate 104 a comprises aninlet 120, and anoutlet 122. Theinlet 120 is configured to permit the ingress of ice-slurry into thestorage tank 100. Theoutlet 122 is configured to permit the egress of ice-slurry out of thestorage tank 100. In this embodiment, theoutlet 122 is positioned above theinlet 120. - The
piston 106 is floatably mounted within thebody 102. Thepiston 106 comprises aseal 130, which in this embodiment is a ring formed of rubber or other suitable material. Theseal 130 extends about the periphery of thepiston 106. Thepiston 106 is dimensioned such that theseal 130 is in contact with the interior surface of thebody 102. As a result, thepiston 106 divides the interior of thestorage tank 100 into twocompartments first compartment 132 is delineated by thepiston 106 and theend plate 104 a and thesecond compartment 134 is delineated by thepiston 106 and theend plate 104 b. In this embodiment, thepiston 106 isolates thefirst compartment 132 from thesecond compartment 134 and as such, ice-slurry or components thereof are not exchanged therebetween. As will be described, the size or volume of the first andsecond compartments piston 106 moves longitudinally within thebody 102. - The
agitator 108 is positioned within thefirst compartment 132 adjacent theoutlet 122. Theagitator 108 comprises amotor 136, ashaft 138 and animpeller 140. Themotor 136 is configured to rotate theshaft 138 and theimpeller 140. A master controller (not shown) is used to selectively turn themotor 136 on and off. Theagitator 108 is used to agitate ice-slurry contained within thefirst compartment 132 of thestorage tank 100 to avoid separation of ice-slurry contained within thefirst compartment 132 of thestorage tank 100 into ice crystals and liquid or solution. - In this embodiment, the
storage tank 100 is configured to store ice-slurry received from the external ice-makingmachine 110. In this embodiment, the ice-makingmachine 110 is of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,501 and 6,056,046, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the ice-makingmachine 110 comprises an ice generator tube having a cylindrical internal heat exchange surface. A blade assembly is disposed within the ice generator tube and includes a plurality of blades in contact with the heat exchange surface. The blade assembly is mounted on a shaft driven by a motor via a transmission. Refrigerant circulates through refrigerant circuits in proximity to the heat exchange surface. Brine solution, which in this embodiment is sea-water, is pumped usingpump 144 into the ice-makingmachine 110 viainlet 140 and is directed towards the heat exchange surface therein. While this occurs, refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuits to cool the heat exchange surface. As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuits, the refrigerant absorbs heat through the heat exchange surface and boils. The brine solution in contact with the heat exchange surface is thus supercooled. - To avoid deposition of ice on the heat exchange surface, which would inhibit heat transfer to the refrigerant and thereby reduce the efficiency of the ice-making
machine 110, the blade assembly is rotated by the motor at a rate that is fast enough to allow the blades to remove the supercooled brine solution from the heat exchange surface prior to crystallization of ice crystals on the heat exchange surface. The supercooled brine solution therefore crystallizes in the body of brine solution within the ice generator tube allowing the brine solution to act as a secondary refrigerant in the formation of fine ice crystals throughout the brine solution. The supercooled brine solution including the ice crystals exits the ice-makingmachine 110 as ice-slurry viaoutlet 142. - Ice-slurry exiting the ice-making
machine 110 viaoutlet 142 is pumped into thestorage tank 100 via theinlet 120 usingpump 146. Initially, when little or no ice-slurry is contained within thestorage tank 100, thepiston 106 is positioned adjacent theend plate 104 a as shown inFIG. 2 . As ice-slurry enters thestorage tank 100 and begins to fill thefirst compartment 132, thepiston 106 moves in the direction of arrow A towards theend plate 104 b thereby increasing the size or volume of thefirst compartment 132 and decreasing the size or volume of thesecond compartment 134, as shown inFIG. 3 . As a result, the amount of ice-slurry that can be stored in thefirst compartment 132 increases. Once the desired amount of ice-slurry has been pumped into thestorage tank 100, the ice-makingmachine 110 is turned off and the ice-makingmachine 110 and pump 146 are disconnected from theinlet 120. A cap (not shown) is then placed on theinlet 120 to close it off as shown inFIG. 4 . - When ice-slurry is required, ice-slurry can be pumped out of the
storage tank 100 via theoutlet 122. As ice-slurry is pumped out of thestorage tank 100, the air pressure within thestorage tank 100 causes thepiston 106 to move in the direction of arrow B towards theend plate 104 a, thereby decreasing the size or volume of thefirst compartment 132 and increasing the size or volume of thesecond compartment 134, as shown inFIG. 5 . - Throughout operation, the
agitator 108 may be selectively switched on to agitate ice-slurry contained in thefirst compartment 132 of thestorage tank 100 to inhibit ice crystal and liquid or solution separation. - The ice-slurry held in the
storage tank 100 may be used for a number of applications such as for example ice pigging, chilling temperature sensitive products etc. - Another embodiment of a
storage tank 100′ is shown inFIG. 6 . In this embodiment, like reference numerals will be used to indicate like components with a “′” added for clarity. As can be seen,storage tank 100′ is similar to that ofstorage tank 100, with the following exception. In this embodiment, theend plate 104 b′ comprises aninlet 124. Theinlet 124 is connectable to a pressurizingsource 200 via apump 202. The pressurizingsource 200 is configured to deliver a pressurizing medium to thesecond compartment 134′ of the storage tank. In this embodiment, the pressurizingsource 200 is a pressurized air source that delivers air to thesecond compartment 134′ of thestorage tank 100′ via thepump 202 andinlet 124. When connected, pressurized air from thepressurized air source 200 may be pumped into thesecond compartment 134′ of thestorage tank 100′ to help move thepiston 106′ in the direction of arrow B towardend plate 104 a′, further helping ice-slurry removal from thefirst compartment 132′ of thestorage tank 100′ viaoutlet 122′. - In another embodiment, rather than pumping pressurized air into the
storage tank 100′, water may be pumped into thesecond compartment 134′ of thestorage tank 100′ viainlet 124 to help move thepiston 106′ in the direction of arrow B towards theend plate 104 a′. The water may be pumped back out of thesecond compartment 134′ of thestorage tank 100′ and may be fed into the ice-makingmachine 110′ during ice-slurry creation. - Although in embodiments the storage tank is described as comprising an agitator positioned adjacent the outlet, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available. For example, in another embodiment, the agitator may be positioned adjacent the inlet. In another embodiment, multiple agitators, such as for example two agitators, may be used. In this example, a first agitator may be placed adjacent the inlet and a second agitator may be placed adjacent the outlet. The agitators may be controlled separately or simultaneously, as desired.
- Although in embodiments the piston is described as dividing the storage tank into two isolated compartments, in another embodiment the piston may be semi-permeable. In this embodiment, the body of the piston may comprise a screen dimensioned to permit the passage of liquid or solution such as water or brine but prevent the passage of solid particles such as ice crystals. In this example, water may be injected into the second compartment of the storage tank and may pass through the piston into the first compartment of the storage tank to decrease the ice-fraction of the ice-slurry within the first compartment of the storage tank. Similarly, water may be drained from the first compartment into the second compartment to increase the ice-fraction of the ice-slurry within the first compartment of the storage tank.
- Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. A storage tank comprising:
a body having opposite open ends;
end plates removably connected to the opposite open ends of the body, one of the end plates comprising an inlet and an outlet; and
a piston floatably mounted within the body, the piston being movable towards the end plate having the inlet and the outlet during discharge of ice-slurry contained within the storage tank via the outlet.
2. The storage tank of claim 1 , wherein the piston divides the storage tank into isolated first and second compartments, the first compartment being delineated by the piston and the end plate having the inlet and the outlet, and the second compartment being delineated by the piston and the other end plate.
3. The storage tank of claim 1 , further comprising a seal extending about a periphery of the piston, the seal being in contact with an interior surface of the body.
4. The storage tank of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one agitator mounted within the body and configured to mix ice-slurry contained within the storage tank.
5. The storage tank of claim 4 , comprising a plurality of agitators mounted within the body at spaced locations.
6. The storage tank of claim 2 , comprising:
at least one agitator mounted within the first compartment of the storage tank and configured to mix ice-slurry contained within the first compartment of the storage tank.
7. The storage tank of claim 6 , wherein the at least one agitator is positioned adjacent the outlet.
8. The storage tank of claim 6 , comprising a plurality of agitators mounted within the first compartment of the storage tank at spaced locations.
9. The storage tank of claim 8 , wherein one agitator is positioned adjacent the outlet and wherein another agitator is positioned adjacent the inlet.
10. The storage tank of claim 1 , wherein the outlet is positioned at a location above the inlet.
11. The storage tank of claim 1 , wherein the storage tank is pressurized.
12. The storage tank of claim 2 , wherein the other end plate comprises an inlet to permit the ingress of a pressurizing medium into the second compartment of the storage tank.
13. The storage tank of claim 12 , wherein the pressurizing medium is water or air.
14. The storage tank of claim 1 , wherein the piston is semi-permeable to permit the flow of liquid or solution therethrough.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/413,806 US20220018584A1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2019-12-12 | Storage tank for ice-slurry |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862778580P | 2018-12-12 | 2018-12-12 | |
PCT/CA2019/051801 WO2020118440A1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2019-12-12 | Storage tank for ice-slurry |
US17/413,806 US20220018584A1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2019-12-12 | Storage tank for ice-slurry |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220018584A1 true US20220018584A1 (en) | 2022-01-20 |
Family
ID=71076742
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/413,806 Pending US20220018584A1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2019-12-12 | Storage tank for ice-slurry |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20220018584A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3894337A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3123304A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020118440A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US195126A (en) * | 1877-09-11 | Improvement in beer-forcing apparatus | ||
US385151A (en) * | 1888-06-26 | Agitator for casks or barrels | ||
US4105139A (en) * | 1977-02-18 | 1978-08-08 | Scholle Corporation | Shell for flexible bag having mounting for spout |
US20150090447A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-02 | Baker Hughes Incorported | Sample tank with integrated fluid separation |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5035733A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1991-07-30 | Sunwell Engineering Company Ltd. | Ice storage and distribution unit |
JP2001240156A (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2001-09-04 | Hirokuni:Kk | Bottom sealing piece for filling-storage container for soft ice cream or the like |
JP2006026366A (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-02-02 | Noboru Kato | Linear tool for pushing out soybean paste |
CN200992358Y (en) * | 2006-12-06 | 2007-12-19 | 王新疆 | Cold beverage fresh-reservation container |
KR101135987B1 (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2012-04-17 | 한국지역난방공사 | Ice slurry delivery system with mixing tank |
CN110425782A (en) * | 2019-07-24 | 2019-11-08 | 广州中臣埃普科技有限公司 | A kind of high concentration ice slurry produces, stores and transportation system |
-
2019
- 2019-12-12 WO PCT/CA2019/051801 patent/WO2020118440A1/en unknown
- 2019-12-12 CA CA3123304A patent/CA3123304A1/en active Pending
- 2019-12-12 US US17/413,806 patent/US20220018584A1/en active Pending
- 2019-12-12 EP EP19897080.8A patent/EP3894337A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US195126A (en) * | 1877-09-11 | Improvement in beer-forcing apparatus | ||
US385151A (en) * | 1888-06-26 | Agitator for casks or barrels | ||
US4105139A (en) * | 1977-02-18 | 1978-08-08 | Scholle Corporation | Shell for flexible bag having mounting for spout |
US20150090447A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-02 | Baker Hughes Incorported | Sample tank with integrated fluid separation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2020118440A1 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
CA3123304A1 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
EP3894337A1 (en) | 2021-10-20 |
EP3894337A4 (en) | 2022-09-07 |
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