US2363795A - Hot-water heating system - Google Patents

Description

NOV. 28, M KRONFELD i I HOT WATER HEATING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 4, 1943 mama zare PATENT oFFicE 'nor-.wam mismo srsm Maxim Kronfe'ld, New York, N. Y.

sanitation November 4, 194s, sum No. seam 'scum This invention relates to vhotwater heating systems and to methods involved therein.

Oneobiect of the invention is to provide an improvemuit in the art whereby on of l with particular advantage to small buildings,

private homes, andto individual stores, wherein compactness of the heating plant is desirable, and where the latter may have to be located at the same elevation as 'the space or structure that is to be heated, in which case the former hot water systems operating by natural circulation would be unsatisfactory and low in overall heating eiliciency.

It is well known that the hot water system is adapted. for high heating eiliciency, much more so than asteam heating system, because in the former the circulating fluid is heated only to a temperature of approximately 180 degrees F., whereby there is a superior tron of heat from the firing `chamber. .But maintenance of the termperature stated requires a satisfactory circulation of water unimpeded by excessive frictional pipe and elbow resistance-a condition seldom realized, since small installations are usually cheaply and poorly constructed, whereas large installations include a multitude of branches and connections. In that respect even the steam heating system often necessitates the use of substantial steam pressures, and in large buildings is replaced by the expensive vacuum steam heating system. B t the latter does not aiford the conl fort and even heat of the constantly operating hot water system.

it is. therefore, another object of the invention to provide a system which is freeof the diiliculties indicated and www all the advantages referred to, while causing a positive circulation of the heated water more rapid than that of ythe former hot water systems, yet sufflciently slow for proper heat tron, the

rate of circulation being easily adjusted and predetermined, and the means-for causing the circulation requiring very little power.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a system of the nature setforth, wherein the positive circulating means cooperates in a novel manner with the system so as to produce circulation by lifting Dart of the through a predetermined head at one section, and then reg Istoring it to the system at another section, whereby the positive means acts in an indirect manner, vso that the rate of circulation is reliably controlled although the positive means includes a rotor direct connected to an electrical motor.

Another object of the invention is to furnish a system) of the character described having a cir-- culation producing unit comprising improved means for maintaining, constant the volume of water in the system, and for taking care of any overflow, and for permitting the system to be readilyy drained and refilled with water.

Another object of the invention is to construct a system of the type mentioned wherein a forced circulation is caused in an improved means in l0 the same or in opposite direction to the normal flow of the water due to temperature diierences therein, so thatthe system .ahigh degree of flexibility of installation and operation and can be embodied in very small systems or in 26 large central heating systems.

The present patent application may be regarded as a continuation in part for my application Serial No. 498,929, nled August 7, 1943, for Hot water heating system, and represents various improvements over the same.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the specification prov ceeds. as With the aforesaid objects in view, the invenrangements of parts hereinafter described in their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the sub- Joined claims, and illustrated in the annexed drawing, wherein like parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the several views.

taken through the center of the heating unit, oertain parts being shown in elevation. y

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the means for producing the circulation of water, with certain adjoining partsy .shown in modified form.

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of circulatory A relation to each other of a plurality of radiators tion consists in the novel combinations and arthat may be regarded as located in different rooms.V

Fig. is a view in elevation of a coil type radiator, with certainadjoining parts disassembled and others in section, showing a feature-of the system.

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation of a conventional radiator as connected into a system provided by the invention.

The advantages v'of the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities, are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the artY to which the invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated inhseveral different constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplifioation of the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawing, I Il denotes a hot water heating system embodying the invention. The same may include a plurality of risers I I, I2 connectible by union fittings I3 with pipes I4, I 5 respectively, which lead to horizontal conduits I6, I1 lying under the floor line I9. As-

sociated with these conduits is a conduit I9 similarly located and cooperating withthe former for connecting into a parallelcircuit a plurality of radiators 20, which may be regarded as located in different rooms. Any one of these radiators may be cut oil for inspection and repair by'clcsing its individual valves 2I, Without affecting the circuit to the other radiators. Preferably, the radiators are connected to their conduits by individual union fittings in the manner indicated in Fig. 1. More specifically, this is shown in Fig. 6, wherein a radiator 22, corresponding to that at 20, is connected to branches 23, 24 leading respectively to conduits I5, I9, or I1, I9, with the aid of union fittings 25 that connect to the valves 26 corresponding to those shown at 2l. Alternatively, a radiator such as shown at 21 may be employed, this consisting of a coil whose rectangular turns 28 lie in horizontal planes and are successively interconnected at 29 to form a continuous coil. At the upper and lower ends of the coil are the upright pipes 30, 3l respectively connected by union fittings 32 to nipples or branch pipes 33, 34 that may lead respectively to conduits I9, I6 or I9, I1.' The horizontal turns 28 may be supported as by a frame or bolts or rods 35, which, being conventional, need not be shown in detail. Valves may be omitted for the radiator 21, but in other respects it operates exactly like that at 22, and may have the same heat transmission capacity. In certain ways, the radiator 21 is superior in that there is a uniform and even flow of water therethrough for eiilcient heating capacity.

By the arrangement of the union fittings I3, 25 and 32 it will be seen that a substantial part of the heating system can be installed in a highly convenient manner; large parts may be assembled elsewhere and then shipped and installed. Furthermore, existing installations may be readily ohanged, as by separately changing the horizontal conduits if that should be necessary.

One ofthe risers II, I2 is connected to a source of heat such as a furnace fired in any suitable manner, but to illustrate a highly compact and simple system, I prefer to show a coil type heater 36, having a source of electrical heat or gaseous fuel. The heater 35 may include a, casing 35a and a helical coil 31 which may be connected into the conduit l2. To assure maximum heating, a helical coil type of burner 3l is employed connected to any source of gaseous fuel (not shown). This burner 39 isperforated throughout its length to afford a multiplicity of small holes whose flames closely. directly impinge the water coil 31 substantially throughout the length thereof. Thus the water will be rapidly heated in a relatively small space. An air intake pipe 39 and an exhaust pipe 40 lead from the heater through the building wall 4I to the outside so as not to affect the atmosphere in the building and to render the same wholly safe against leaking gas, incomplete combustion, and the like. 'I'he free ends of these pipes may be protected by well known means such as to prevent wind from blow- Y ing in an adverse'manner, but as herein shown Both of the risers II, I2 lead to an overhead tank 43 positioned ratherclosely to the ceiling line 43a. This tank may be of any suitable size and shape; it may be oval, or cylindrical in cross section as shown. A part of the conduit I I or an extension thereof may project upwardly into the tank at 44 along the central vertical plane ofthe latter. mined with the pide is an opening in the top wall of the tank receiving a coaxial frame or bushing 45 of any suitable character adapted to receive and support a small electrical high speed motor 45, such as is used for a fan blower. Connected to the motor shaft in alinement therewith is a spindle 41 carrying a screw impeller or rotor 48 Acharacterized by a coarse helical thread. At the lower end of the rotor, the spindle 41 projects into a spider 49 in which it is journaled, this spider being welded or otherwise secured to the conduit II. In general, the arrangement is such that by removing the motor 45, the stem and rotor may be removed at the same time for inspection or repair, with the rotor passing through the hole in the bushing 45. Alternatively, the spindle 41 may be detached from the motor when the latter is lifted, and the rotor separately removed.

Certain details relative to the rotor 48 are more clearly shown, and in somewhat modified form, in Fig. 3. Here the elements to 54, inclusive, correspond to the respective parts II, 44, 41, 43 and 49 of Fig. 1. It is now noted that the extension 5I may be axseparate nipple connected to the conduit 50 as by a coupling 55 or other fitting adapted to be welded or threaded into 'the tank. It is further seen that the stem extension extends freely centrally through the spider 54, the 3 or 4 arms of which may be confined by the coupling 55 and clampingly secured between the squared ends of the elements 50, 5I. The element 53 is of a substantial length determined by two factors: First, the amount of water per hour that is to be drawn upwardly thereby into the tank, which is also affected by the depth of the helical thread and capacity of thehelical thread 51 and the speed of rotation; and, second, the elevation at which the rotor begins to pump water upwardly into the tank 43, relative 'to the water level 55 therein, as determinative of a dierence in head effectuating circulation of water in the system in an accurate and precise manner independent of the mere speed of rotation of the rotor. It is noted that some clearance may be observed between the rotor and its pipe casing', and that ,the upper end of the rotor projects therefrom to expel the water easily into the tank. The water so expelled is adapted to flow down the conduit I 2 to provide the necessary circulation, the speed and force of which may be substantially better than that induced by mere temperature differences in the water. This eect may aid that caused by the temperature diil'erences or may even be in opposition thereto, as the source of heat may be in either oi' the conduits II and I2. The important thing is that the operation is no longer dependent upon natural circulation.

' Yet if the motor should become inoperative, the

presence of the helical screw would not prevent natural circulation of the water.

For replenishing water lost from the system as by evaporation, a water supply conduit BI having a valve .Il is connected by a union iitting II to a bushing 32 that may be threaded into a T fitting Il. Connected to the latter is a bushing 84 which may comprise a nange a plate for closing an opening in the tank that is suillciently large for removal of a ball noat I! from the tank. Connected to the float are the alined stems or rods II, 31 slidingly centrally guided in spiders Il, 33 respectively, located in the fitting 33 and in the conduit I2, these spiders being like that at u, and being secured in any suitable manner. Carried by the rod 3i is a valve 10 for a valve seat in the bushing M. The valve is tapered and is generally of the shape of a needle valve, with the opening controlled by the valve being so small that the float 05 is capable of sustaining the load of tightly closing the valve. If desired, the stem Il can be omitted, and two spaced spiders l! applied below the iloat to guide the same, so that the valve can be taperedvoff for a long fine point and made of a maximum diameter of one eighth of an inch or less. Only an occasional trickle of water is necessary to keep the volume of water in the system constant to maintain a desired water level such as 58.

In the event that the system must be drained and refilled, a large flow of water may be obtained by employing a branch 'II from the side outlet of the fitting 63 to the end of the tank, this branch having a union fitting 'I2 and a valve 13, which can be opened for this purpose but is normally closed. When the system is to remain drained, the valve 80 is closed.

An overow pipe 'I4 connectible by a union I3 to a waste pipe leads into the tank 43 slightly above the water level 58, and slightly above this elevation, it may include a larger pipe fitting or casing 'I6 for a ball valve 11, the casing communicating with the atmosphere at pipe 18 extending through wall 4I. The ball valve is l adapted to bleed steam pressure to the atmosphere, and is otherwise normally closed.

In operation, the direction of circulatory ow may be as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 4. I'hus the heated water passing down conduit I2 and pipe I5 enters conduit I1 and flows in the direction of arrow 19, through the radiators 20 successively. The radiator at the extreme right may be heated last, although all of the right group of radiators 80 can be heated practically simultaneously. 'I'hen the hot water flows along conduit I9 as indicated by arrows 3| to the group of radiators 32 which are then heated in the same manner as those at 30, the return flow being indicated by arrow 33 along conduit I8 to pipe Il and up conduit Il. The rotor 48 or 53 draws the water into the tank from which it flows to the heater 33 to complete the circuit. If the heater unit' is placed in conduit II, the temperature differences assist the circulation of the water and the tank 43 may be insulated to avoid heat losses.

It will be appreciated that the motor I8 may be considered a variable speed motor, if desired, so that the speed of the rotor may be changed by a control that is within easy reach. Further the spindle 4l may be adjustably connected to the motor shaft by any device, as by a hollow coupling 84 to permit the rotor 48 to be raised or lowered for adjustment, relative to its casing Il.

It will be noted that the rotor 53 may also be driven in a reverse direction to exert a downward force, although the lifting action is more desirable for the reasons stated. In any event, the casing or extension 4I maintains the approximate water level 58.

I claim:

1. A hot water heating system including a casing, a heat exchange means, conduits connecting the latter with the casing in circulatory relation for a liquid illling the conduits, a source of heat for the liquid, said casing being disposed at an elevation substantially higher than that of the heat exchange means, means for maintaining a ilxed water level in the casing, a helical rotor adapted to be constantly rotated and extending into one of the conduits from the free water level to a point therebelow, and means for driving the rotor, the rotor having cooperation with said conduit to lift a quantity of liquid there,- from into the casing at said free water level whence the liquid flows downward into the other conduit to thus cause the heated liquid to circulate.

2. A device including a liquid illled heating system including an expansion tank, means for maintaining a fixed water level in said tank, heat transmitting means connected to the tank in circulatory relation therewith, comprising conduits extending downwardly from the tank, a rotor having a helical screw thread having a series of teeth projecting into one of the conduits, an uppermost tooth being at the water level and means for causing rotation of the rotor whereby an upward displacement of liquid is caused as between the conduit and the tank to thus produce circulation of the liquid, said member being so related to the conduits as to permit natural circulation of the water if the member is inoperative.

3. A device including a tank, heat transmitting liquid filled means comprising conduits extending downward from the tank and being in circulatory relation therewith, means whereby said tank is adapted to maintain a predetermined free water level, and liquid lifting means including a rotor, a. casing therefor communicating directly with one of the conduits, said casing freely communicating at its upper end with the tank substantially at said free Water level, and means for actuating the rotor, the rotor being positioned so that one operative portion thereof is at said free Water level and another operative portion thereof is at a point spaced below the said free water level according to a desired difference in liquid head sufficient to produce active circulation of the liquid against the frictional resistance of the conduits, said rotor thus serving to continuously lift the liquid in its casing from said point to said free water level for discharging into the tank to ilow downwardly into another conduit for circulation of the liquid.

4. A hot water heating system including circulatory heat transmitting means comprising liquid filled upright conduits, heat exchange means interconnecting the conduits at their lower end, a tank interconnecting the conduits at their upper end, the tank having mea-ns for maintaining a ilxed, free water level therein, one conduit having a portion extending into the tank to a point above the other conduit, a helical screw propeller in said portion having its upper operative portion at the upper end of said conduit portion and at said free water level, and a motor for actuating the propeller having its shaft directly connected to the propeller, and serving to cause the latter to lift a quantity oi water from said @scares conduit to overilow into the tank, said propeller and conduit so cooperating with each other that the amount of water lifted per unit oi time is proportioned to the depth to which the propeller extends into said conduit, and is sumcient to produce an increased circulatory ilow of the water.

5. A hot water heating system according to claim 4 wherein means is provided for adjusting the position of the propeller in order to adjust the depth to which it extends into the water. to thus control the amount of water upwardly displaced.

MAXIM KRONFELD.

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