US2951502A - Horizontal filler - Google Patents

Description

HORIZONTAL FILLER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 8, 1957 5 1W. mam w mum Wm N5 j L mm W 4 HE: R

2 G Z V P 1950 H. NQRWAY El'AL 2,951,502

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5 NW R n a ov Mat EWG/ wwm L m s MM V EM United Si HORIZONTAL FILLER Filed May 8, 1957, Ser. No. 657,786

6 Claims. (Cl. 137-658) This invention relates to liquefied petroleum gas equipment, and more particularly to equipment such as is disclosed in co-pending application, Serial No. 632,835, on Multivalve filed January 7, 1957, by Harold L. Norway and Woodrow S. Boedecker, of which the present application is a continuation-in part. Reference is also made to the co-pending application of Poethig, et -al., Serial No. 527,522, now Patent No. 2,813,402.

In servicing domestic liquefied petroleum gas dispensing systems speed and safety in replenishing storage tanks are very important for ultimate economy to the user. With the advent of spray filling a tank as disclosed in the above-mentioned Poetnig application maximum full and easy flow for the incoming stream of liquid is desired so that maximum effect of spray filling is attained. Moreover, even without the spray filling back load placed upon the filling system, maximum full and easy flow is greatly to be desired in valve heads having many functions built into a small sized valve.

Heretofore it has been difficult to achieve a full and easy flow of fluid into a tank during filling because the fluid had to be redirected several times in flowing around control valves before reaching the open interior of the storage tank. Thus the flow rate is reduced and impetus lost regardless of applied filling power. Any loss of flow rate materially reduces the effectiveness of spray filling techniques in that agitation of liquid and vapor in the tank is less and back pressures build up to higher levels.

Consequently, one of the objects is to provide an improved valve arrangement in which liquid is introduced horizontally into the valve head and the back flow check valve opens into an enlarged space in which the bulk of the liquid flows downwardly straight away towards the tank once it is directed in such direction in order to pass the valve member.

A further object is to provide a horizontally disposed filler valve which is more convenient for use With short filling hoses for both above and below ground installations and in which flow of replenishing fluid is directed downwardly through a control valve to flow directly into the tank with substantial reduction in the amount of friction, impediments and back-up otherwise encountered in conventional equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inlet valve as described and claimed in the afore-mentioned co-pending application, Serial No. 632,835, wherein filling and eduction may be accomplished simultaneously with a liquid eduction tube being formed separately from the liquid fill tube, and the liquid fill tube having a splash tube which is adapted to provide spray filling substantially as described in the said Poethig, Patent No. 2,813,402, but with a simplified angle structure which does not cause interference with the liquid level gauge tube operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a horizontal filler as described, having a splash tube in accordance with the invention, for receiving a uniform volume of flow for effective spray action.

Another object of the invention is to provide a filler tes Patent Patented Sept. 6, 1960 as described, wherein the filler is disposed horizontally to a vertically disposed splash tube, the tube serving to receive liquid for downward gravitational movement at a rate which substantially prevents back-up and permits a major portion of the fluid to flow beneath the valve without obstruction.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds in accordance with the drawing, in which:

Figure l is a side elevational view of a valve according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the valve shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken through the line 44 of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the splash tube of the invention through the lines 5-5 of Figure 1.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a unitary valve means it) is shown for use with a pressure tested, corrosion treated tank (not shown) located either above ground or buried in the ground below the frost line in heat exchange relationship therewith so as to absorb heat from the earth and thereby warm the liquid contained in the tank, such as liquefied butane, propane, or a mixture of both and provide a working pressure.

The tank is preferably provided with a riser pipe or flange (not shown) which is mounted over a suitable opening in the tank, and has its upper end configured to threadedly receive the fitting 11. Replenishing liquid is pumped into the tank under forced conditions and tends to compress the vapor present in the tank with the result that the pressure and temperature of the vapor tend to rise. Replenishing liquid fOFCed into the heavy vapor is broken up into streams and droplets coming into intimate heat exchange with the vapor in the tank and also splashes the liquid already present in the tank into the body of vapor. Thermal units are surrendered by vapor to the cooler liquid and condensation of the vapor occurs tending to keep the pressure and temperature down. In order to permit replenishing liquid to agitate the surface and provide for the aforementioned heat exchange and subsequent pressure reduction, a splash tube 12 according to the invention is positioned with its major length 13 extending downwardly, substantially coaxially of a threaded annular connecting boss 16 from a filler cont-r01 valve 18 (hereinafter further described). A spray end 14 of the splash tube 12 is formed integrally with the length 13, at a predetermined angle relative thereto away from the gauge tube 20, and suflicient to cause fluid ejected therefrom to contact vapor in the tank about its liquid level in the form of a spray, and to splash into the fluid in an area which is desirably spaced from a fixed liquid level gauge tube 26. The form of the splash tube 12 thus makes it possible to spray the fluid over a relatively Wide area for greatest condensation and heat exchange.

The liquid level gauge tube 20 opens into a passage 22 of a liquid level gauge assembly 24, and it will be understood that the splash tube 12 and the fixed liquid level gauge tube 20 extend downwardly into the tank for use with the fitting 11 a predetermined distance such that the splash tube 14 is disposed slightly above a ten percent outage level of the fluid to be contained in the tank, whereby to effect the aforementioned agitation of the liquid in the tank during filling; whereas the tube 20 extends preferably slightly therebelow to a level such as to permit liquid to be forced upwardly therethrough by the vapor in the tank when the ten percent outage level is attained. The over-all length of the tubes 12 and 29 will be determined in accordance with whether the fitting 11 is utilized with a stand-pipe as described, or affixed directly to the tank.

In order to permit withdrawal of liquid from the tank for use directly within the tank of a tractor or the like, a dip tube or eduction tube 26 is provided extending also axially downwardly within the collar 16, and connected with a withdrawal outlet 28 having an excess flow check valve 30 therein, as also hereinafter described. Other control assemblies are incorporated in the basic member 10, such as the pressure gauge 32 for checking the vapor pressure fuel in the container or suitable shutoff control means, operable by liquid ejected from the dip tube 20 with the ten percent outage level. The appearance of liquid at the valve 24 indicates when the filling operation of valve 18 should be stopped.

The vapor return assembly 36 permits equalization of pressure between the storage tank and a dispensing unit such as a truck tank whereby to speed up the filling operation. It will be observed that a projecting nose 38, or plunger, is adapted to be depressed by a suitable vapor hose coupling for connecting the assembly 36 to a truck tank upon removal of a cap 40 threadedly received therein, and affords opening of the valve 42 which is normally spring biased into closing position by the spring 44 of the assembly 36.

A service line shut-off valve 46 is also provided so that positive means of shutting ofl? the fuel supply from a storage tank are provided when needed, as actuated manually by a wheel 48 effecting axial movement of a bearing 50 driving a plunger 52 carrying the said valve 46.

If desired, a float-type liquid level gauge (not shown) may also be provided within the upstanding cross sectionally square boss 54, as described in the United States patent to W. C. Buttner, et al., No. 2,405,998. Thus, a hole of suitable dimension is machined within the upstanding stock 54 to receive the shaft of the gauge and to provide room for visual investigation of the interior of the tank if desired-this structure also serving to remove-metal which may be salvaged and used again. If used, the gauge is operated by float means as also described in the said US. patent.

The connection 18 includes a pipe assembly 56 which is preferably formed of brass, threadedly received in a boss 58 of the valve the,fitting defining an annular recess 60 in which is received a washer 62 for engagement with a shoulder 64 of the boss 58. The fitting 18 defines an axial bore 66 of relatively reduced diameter.

In order to aflord connection with a suitable filling conduit (not shown, but such as shown in the Norway Patent No. 2,361,865) the outer end of the fitting 18 is threaded, the cap 68 being readily removable for this purpose. A spider 76 is threadedly engaged in a bore '78 of the boss 58, having a cylindrical sleeve 80 formed integrally therewith and defining a bore 82 in whose inner end is secured a dishedvalve 86. The valve 86 is biased into closing position with respect to a valve seat 88 bevelled in the spider 76 by means of a helical spring 90 seated within a recess 82 of the sleeve 80 and bearing at its inner end against the spider 76, and against a head 92 on the stem 84 at its outer end.

The inner end of the bore 66 is normally closed by means of a valve 94 comprising a resilient, bevel-led disc 96 adapted to seat against a shoulder 98, the bore 66 opening into a relatively enlarged bore 100 substantially of the same diameter as the bore 78. The disc 96 is secured upon a valve stem 102 by means of a screw 104 and a washer 106, in overlying relationship to a head 108 formed integrally with the stern and having an enlarged diameter relative to disc 96 to provide ready opening in response to fluid pressure.

The valve stem 102 is slidably received in the sleeve 80, but has a length which is less than that of sleeve 80 by a predetermined amount so that when the stem is moved inwardly positively or by fluid pressure introduced through bore 66, the upper end of the recess 110 therein will engage the head 92 of the stem 84 to move the stern inwardly and open the valve 86. The valve 94 and its disc 96 are biased against such inward movement, and into sealing relationship with the shoulder 98 by means of a spring 112 received in a recess 114 in the head 108 at its outer end, and bearing against the spider 76 at its inner end, this spring having a predetermined strength relative to the spring 90 to permit opening of the valve 86 as described.

In order to reduce friction effected by flow around the valve 86, the fitting 18 and the passageway therethrough are disposed substantially horizontally relative to the splash tube 12, and it will be appreciated that when the fluid leaves the relatively reduced bore 66, a major portion thereof will flow beneath the valve 86 so that there will be little if any frictional hindrance, the bore 78 being slightly enlarged beyond the valve 86 so that the flow may continue unobstructedly into the splash tube in a manner which affords a uniform strong stream adequate to effect the spraying action herein contemplated, upon initial opening of the valve 94 and subsequent opening of the valve 86 effected thereby. Filling may thereupon take place until terminated by the operator when liquid is educted through the liquid level gauge tube 20.

The check valve assembly 30 includes a spider 210 formed integrally with the threaded annular insert 212 of the check assembly and carrying an annular guide 214 in which is slidably received the valve stem 216 having threadedly secured thereto a valve head 218 adapted to seat against the valve seat 220 defined by the retainer 212. The valve 218 is biased away from the valve seat 220 by a helical spring 230 engaging the valve head 218 at one end, and an annular flange of the ring 214 at its other end. However, in order to maintain the valve 218 in closing position against the valve seat 220 initially so that when the device is put into operation there will be no hazard from a sudden rush of fluid from the tank which could lead to a combustion condition or be inconvenient otherwise, a screw 226 is threadedly received in the upper end of the valve stem 216 and carries a washer 228 abutting the stem 216. A second spring 222 abuts the flange at its lower end, and the disc or washer 228 at its upper end whereby to bias the valve stem 216 in a direction to close the valve 218 against the valve seat 220, the spring having a force sufficiently great to overcome the effect of the spring 230 for this purpose. However, the greater pressure within the tank will suflice to maintain the valve 218 closed without the spring 230, and so in preparing the outlet for use in connection with a tractor tank or the like, it is necessary first to remove the plug and thereupon extract the screw 226, the washer 223 and the spring 222 manually.

The outlet 28 defines a bore 116 opening into the passag 118 having threadedly received therein the check assembly 30 and pipe plug 120 in closely spaced relationship thereabove. This vavle 30 is also set forth in the embodiment of Figure 4, where it is seen that the splash tube 12a is formed integrally with a boss 122 of a fitting 124 and, accordingly, a passage 126 leads directly from the boss 122 to the check valve 30a. The valves 94a and 86a correspond in structure and function to the valves 94 and 86 of the previous embodiment, but it will be apparent that in this simplified structure, eduction through the splash tube is possible without the interference of intermediate valves such as have been provided in heretofore available constructions. The action of the splash tube itself is, however, the same as hereinbefore described.

There has thus been provided a filler valve which is simple and effective in operation, which permits maximum flow with minimum interference, and which afi'ords effective spray filling for reduction of vapor pressure and cooling action without interference with liquid level means, as easily utilized with presently available valve structures.

Although we have herein set forth and described our invention with respect to certain specific principles and details thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the hereunto appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a valve fitting for filling a storage tank under pressure with liquefied gases in both their liquid and vapor phases, a body having an L-shaped passage therein having an inlet arm portion and an outlet leg portion disposed substantially at right angles to each other, said inlet arm portion being internally threaded at an end in close proximity to the outlet leg portion and said leg portion extending across the threaded end of the inlet arm portion, spider means threaded into said inlet arm portion and including a valve seat facing towards the outlet leg portion and contiguous with the wall of the outlet leg portion in close proximity thereto, a filler valve supported on said spider means having a valve disc whose peripheral portion is closable against said valve seat and movable longitudinally of the arm portion across said leg portion into close proximity with a remote wall of the leg portion to provide a space between said valve seat and valve disc located in said outlet leg portion that opens directly into the outlet leg portion in a direction longitudinally of said leg portion to direct a major portion of fluid flow from the inlet arm portion in a direction directly longitudinal of the leg portion in substantially frictionless, unimpeded relationship thereto.

2. The combination called for in claim 1 in which said spider means carries a spring urging said valve disc to its closed position against said valve seat.

3. In combination with a tank for storing and dispensing liquefied gases, a valve fitting for filling and withdrawing liquefied gases in the storage tank therefor comprising a body on said tank having a vertically downwardly extending inlet conduit opening into the tank at a level above the maximum expected liquid level in the tank, an outlet pipe through said inlet conduit opening at its lower end at a point adjacent the bottom of the tank, a filler connection for said conduit, said body having a connection defining a horizontal bore aligned substantially with the top of said inlet conduit in communication therewith at one side of said outlet pipe, an inwardly opening check valve in said bore, said valve having a valve disc disposed in a vertical plane and movable towards said outlet pipe into said inlet conduit at the top thereof and openable in response to fluid pressure exerted through said bore to direct a major portion of the fluid to flow directly downwardly in said conduit in substantially frictionless, unimpeded relationship thereto.

4. In combination with a tank for storing and dispensing liquefied gases, a valve fitting for filling and withdrawing liquefied gases from the tank comprising a body on said tank having a downwardly extending inlet conduit opening into the tank at a level above the maximum expected liquid level in the tank, an outlet pipe through said inlet conduit opening at its lower end at a point adjacent the bottom of the tank, a filler connection for said conduit, said body having a horizontal connection defining a horizontal bore aligned substantially with the top of said conduit in communication therewith at one side of said outlet pipe, an inwardly horizontally opening check valve in said bore, said valve having a valve disk element disposed in a vertical plane and movable towards said outlet pipe into the upper end of said inlet conduit in response to fluid pressure exerted through said bore to open and direct a major portion of the fluid to flow laterally downwardly directly into said inlet conduit in substantially frictionless unimpeded relationship thereto, and a liquid level gauge supported on said body, said inlet conduit including a downwardly extending pipe defining at its lower end a bend therein disposed at a predetermined oblique angle and directed away from said gauge for splashing filling liquid away from said gauge, said obliquely bent end spraying the liquid to afford intermingling thereof with vapor above the liquid level in the storage tank being filled to ofiset condensation thereof and reduction of pressure therein.

5. In combination with a tank for storing and dispensing liquefied gases, a valve fitting mounted on said tank for filling the tank under pressure with liquefied gases in both their liquid and vapor phases, a body having an L-shaped passage therein with a horizontal portion internally threaded at its inner end in close proximity to a vertical portion whose lower end opens into the tank, spider means secured in said threaded arm portion and including a valve seat facing towards the vertical portion of the passage in close proximity thereto, a filler valve supported on said spider means having a valve disc closing against said valve seat and moving longitudinally of said horizontal portion into said vertical portion to provide a space between said valve seat and valve element that opens downwardly and directly in said vertical portion in a direction longitudinally of said leg portion of the passage, a liquid level gauge means including a fixed liquid level gauge tube extending downwardly from said body to a predetermined fill level of the tank, a splash tube extension of said vertical portion having a lateral oblique opening above said fill level providing an area of spray and splash contact with fluid in said tank substantially spaced from said liquid level tube.

6. In combination with a tank for storing and dispensing liquefied gases a valve fitting for filling and withdrawing liquefied gases from the tank comprising a body on said tank having a downwardly extending inlet conduit opening at the bottom of the body into the tank at a level above maximum expected liquid level in the tank, an outlet pipe supported on said body and opening at its lower end at a point adjacent the bottom of the tank, a filler connection for said conduit, said body having a connection defining a horizontal bore aligned substantially with the top of said conduit in communication therewith at one side of said outlet pipe, an inwardly opening check valve in said bore, said valve having a valve disk disposed in a vertical plane and movable towards said outlet pipe in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon through said bore to direct a major portion of the filling fluid to flow directly downwardly in said conduit in substantially frictionless, unimpeded relationship thereto, said conduit including a pipe having an opening at its lower end disposed at an oblique angle and directed away from said outlet pipe to provide an area of spray and splash contact with fluid in said tank substantially spaced from said outlet pipe opening.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,361,865 Norway Oct. 31, 1944 2,361,866 Norway Oct. 31, 1944 2,405,998 Buttner et al. Aug. 20, 1946 2,499,409 Norway Mar. 7, 1950 2,540,699 St. Clair Feb. 6, 1951 2,552,472 Whidden May 8, 1951 2,563,244 Holicer Aug. 7, 1951

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