US3716194A

US3716194A - Combination high pressure venturi and spray forming nozzle

Info

Publication number: US3716194A
Application number: US00072621A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Miller
Original assignee: Economics Laboratory Inc
Current assignee: Ecolab Inc
Priority date: 1970-09-16
Filing date: 1970-09-16
Publication date: 1973-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1990-02-13

Abstract

A combination venturi and spray nozzle for drawing a liquid cleanser into a high pressure water flow and then forming the combined flow of water and aspirated cleanser into a spray pattern for use in a cleansing operation.

Description

C United States Patent 1 3,716,194 Miller v 1 Feb. 13, 1973 [54] COMBINATION HIGH PRESSURE 2,388,445 11 1945 Stewart .239/434 VENTURI AND SPRAY FORNHNG 956,101 4/1910 Inglis ..239/3l8 X NOZZLE 1,975,067 9/1934 Colclasure ..239/434 3,037,708 6/1962 Schneider et al ..239/3l8 Inventor: CarlA-Miller,St- L 3,122,325 2/1964 Mahrt etal ..239/318 I V 7 WW 3,186,643 6/1965 George etal..... ..239/318 [73] Assignee: Economics Laboratory, Inc., St. 3,204,875 9/1965 Langstroth ..239/318 Paul,Minn. Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King [22] Filled: Sept 1970 Attorney-Merchant & Gould [21] Appl.No.: 72,621

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl ..239/3l8 A combination venturi and spray nozzle for drawing a [51] Int. Cl. ..B05b 7/30 liquid cleanser into a high pressure water flow and [58] Field of Search ..239/3l8, 434, 307 then forming the combined flow of water and aspirated cleanser into a spray pattern for use in a [56] References Cited cleansing operation.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 3,333,601 8/1967 Lofgreen ..'.239/3l8X 2,724,583 11/1955 Targosh et al. ..239/3l8X COMBINATION HIGH PRESSURE VENTURI AND SPRAY FORMING NOZZLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for providing the combined function of an aspirator and spray nozzle.

Quite commonly, a fluid product is added to a carrier fluid by utilizing a venturi aspirator positioned in the carrier fluid flow to draw the product from a remote storage point and inject it into the carrier. For example, a venturi aspirator is frequently used to inject a cleanser such as a liquid detergent into a flow of water, the combined flow of detergent and water being used for some particular cleansing operation.

In the prior art, the venturi aspirator has been placed in the carrier fluid flow in one of two positions. In one arrangement, the venturi is positioned between a sprayforming nozzle and the carrier fluid pumping means (i.e. downstream from the pump). Alternatively, the venturi is positioned upstream from the pumping means between the pump and a source of the carrier fluid. Utilization of a venturi aspirator in either one of these two positions is generally disadvantageous for several reasons. For example, when positioned downstream from the pumping means, a first pressure drop occurs upon passage of the carrier fluid through the restrictive throat of the venturi and a second pressure drop occurs upon passage of the combined fluid carrier and aspirated product through the restrictive spray nozzle. While such double pressure drops are presently tolerated, in high pressure cleansing systems they are extremely undesirable. Whereas positioning the venturi aspirator upstream from thepumping means eliminates this doublepressure drop, when so positioned, the aspirated product must flow through the pumping means. This is entirely unsatisfactory when the fluid product is, for example, a caustic material which will damage the pump on flowing therethrough. Consequently, it is desirable to (l) eliminate the double pressure drop and (2) position the venturi aspirator downstream from the pumping means. I

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a body including first and second inlets therein suitable for connecting to a source of carrier fluid and product fluid, respectively. An aspirator preferably inthe form of a venturi is positioned within the body and is connected to the first and second inlets. The aspirator is designed so as to aspirate the fluid I product upon passage of the carrier fluid therethrough and to provide a spray pattern to the combined carrier fluid and aspirated product exhausted from a non-restrictive outlet in the body. This eliminates the necessity for aseparate spray forming nozzle and, consequently, eliminates the second pressure drop occurring inthe-presently available apparatus of the type having the venturi-type aspirator positioned downstream from the pumping means.

, Deflector means can be addedto the aspirator to v further shape the spray pattern. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus is formed by three separate members. In this embodiment, one of the three members defines a venturi-type aspirator which is removable so as to allow interchangement thereof for modify ing the spray pattern without necessitating substitution of the entire apparatus.

Utilizing the present invention, a fluid product (e.g. a liquid detergent) can be added to a carrier fluid (e.g. water) downstream from the carrier pumping means without the occurrence of a double pressure drop as is the case in the prior art apparatus. This, of course, is highly advantageous in high pressure applications where it is desirable to maximize the pressure of the exhausted carrier fluid and aspirated product. As another advantageous feature, in one preferred embodiment the spray pattern formed by the venturi can be readily altered by interchanging a venturi-defining member. Further, the basic principle of the present invention does not necessitate a complex design, but rather can be readily manufactured without undue expense. Other advantages arising from utilization of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deflector means used in conjunction with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end elevational view of the deflector shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment having a removable venturi-defining-member; and

FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 illustrating the spray pattern provided thereby.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts of the invention throughout the various figures, a body defining an aspirator-nozzle combination provided by the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10. In FIG. I, an embodiment is illustrated in which the apparatusis an integral unit. In this particular embodiment, a passageway defining a fluid product injector in the form of a venturi-type aspirator ll (hereinafter referred to as venturi 11) extends longitudinally through body 10. An internally threaded inlet opening 12 is provided for receiving a conduit (not shown) connected to a source of a carrier fluid and high pressure pump means so as to provide a pressurized flow of carrier fluid through venturi 11. The venturi I1 operably communicates with an internally threaded product inlet'opening 14 which receives a conduit (not shown) connected to a source of fluid product. A screw 15 threadedly engages body 10 so as to close off a transversely bored conduit 16 connecting inlet 14 and venturi II. If properly seated, screw 15 could take the form of a needle valve for regulating the rate of flow of product through conduit 16 and the injection thereof into the carrier fluid flow. An outlet opening 18 is in communication with venturi 11 for allowing free or non-restricted flow of the combined carrier fluid and fluid product therethrough as will be subsequently described.

A deflecting means 20 is attached to body so as to project into outlet opening 18 and the diverging recovery passageway 21 of venturi 11 downstream from the throat of the venturi. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, deflecting means projects angularly into recovery passageway 21 and is in the form of a generally planar plate having a V-shaped curve 20a along the outer edge of the deflecting surface. As will be subsequently explained, deflector 20 is utilized to alter the shape of the spray pattern provided by the venturi 11 without causing a pressure drop in so doing. The design of deflector 20 is, of course, determined by the spray pattern desired. Further, the deflector 20 is preferably readily removable from its attached position within venturi 11 so as to allow interchangement of deflectors having different deflecting designs thereby permitting convenient modification of the spray pattern. It should be understood, however, that utilization of deflector 20 is unnecessary for the operation of the present invention. Rather, the present invention can be operated without deflector 20 simply by using the diverging recovery passageway 21 of venturi 11 to form the spray pattern. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the diverging passageway 21 will form a conical spray pattern. Further, deflector 20 does not necessarily have to be mounted within recovery passageway 21. Rather, it can be mounted external to body 10.

Whereas the present invention has numerous applications, one highly desirable application is in a high pressure cleansing system. When utilized in such a system, inlet opening 12 is connected to a high pressure pump for providing a steady flow of high pressure water through venturi l1 and product inlet opening 14 is connected to a source of a cleansing product such as a liquid detergent. In operation, the flow of high pressure water is initiated by the actuation of the high pressure pump or by opening a conventional valving means positioned in the conduit connecting the pump and inlet opening 12. Upon flow of water through venturi 11, the increased velocity of the water flow through theventuri throat generates a partial vacuum creating an aspirating effect causing the liquid detergent to be drawn through inlet 14 and injected into the water flow. The combined flow of water and aspirated liquid detergent is then formed into a jet of finely divided liquid or spray by recovery passageway 21 of venturi 11 and deflector 20 positioned within the recovery passageway 21 and outlet 18. The spray is freely exhausted (i.e. in a nonrestrictive manner) from body 10 through outlet 18 and is utilized for the desired cleansing operation. Whereas the recovery passageway alone would provide a conically-shaped spray pattern, this pattern is modified by deflector 20 so as to provide a thin, slightly accruate spray pattern (not shown) to the combined flow exhausted freely through non-restrictive outlet 18. Such a spray pattern has been found highly desirable for cleansing purposes.

While some energy loss occurs as the combined flow of water and aspirated detergent impinges upon deflector 20 and is deflected thereby, this energy loss is substantially less than normally occurs upon passage of a flow of high pressure fluid through the orifice of a conventional spray nozzle. In effect, deflector 20 does not constitute an orifice, but rather means for simply changing the direction of the flow of water and aspirated product. Consequently, the only substantial energy loss in the cleansing system occurs upon passage of the water flow through the throat of the venturi.

An alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the combined function of an aspirator-spray forming nozzle is provided by three separate members which are assembled to form unitary body 10. First and second members 30 and 31, each have a generally planar surface 32 and 33, respectively, positioned in a spaced parallel relationship to one another. A planar third element 34 is positioned between the surfaces 32 and 33 contiguous therewith. As illustrated, third member 34 has an opening 35 extending vertically therethrough normal to the planar surfaces 32 and 33. The opening 35 extends horizontally from an edge of member 34 inwardly toward the oppositely disposed edge in a manner so as to define vertical sidewalls 36 of a venturi-type aspirator.

When assembled using conventional fastening means such as screws 40 and 41 extending through overlying openings in

members

31 and 34 and threadedly engaging member 30, the sidewalls 36 of venturi-shaped opening 35 define the side surfaces and the oppositely disposed planar surfaces 32 and 33 define the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of a venturi-type aspirator (hereinafter referred to as a venturi) having a relatively flat transverse cross-section. A fluid carrier inlet opening 44 in member 30 is connected to the venturi by a passageway having a horizontally extending portion 45 and a vertically upward extending portion 46 in communication with a passageway or opening 48 in member 34 having a restrictive portion 49 defining the throat of the venturi. A fluid product inlet opening 50 in second member 32 is connected to the venturi aspirator at the throat thereof through a passageway in member 31 having a horizontally extending portion and a vertically downward extending portion 56 communicating with an opening or passageway 58 in member 34. As illustrated, passageway 58 is in communication with the throat of the venturi. A fluid outlet 60 in body 10 is defined by the spaced relationship between members 30 and 31 and the front edge of member 34 having the venturi-shaped opening 35 extending inwardly therefrom.

The principle of operation of the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is identical to that previously described in conjunction with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 3. Briefly, a carrier fluid such as water is caused to flow through the venturi defined by the first, second and third members 30, 31 and 32, respectively, causing aspiration of a fluid product such as a liquid detergent introduced into the venturi through inlet opening 50 and

passageways

55, 56 and 58 resulting in injection of the detergent into the water flow. The combined flow of water and injected liquid detergent is then formed into a spray by the flat, diverging recovery passageway of the venturi aspirator. In this embodiment, the spray emerging from outlet 60 has a generally flat triangular pattern as shown impinging surface in FIG. 4, the apex of the triangular-shaped spray pattern originating at the throat of the venturi. It should be understood, however,

by substituting for third member 34 an alternative third member having a differently designed venturi-shaped opening 35. Thus, the spray pattern can be readily modified as necessitated by different cleansing conditions, without necessitating an interchangement of the entire venturi-nozzle arrangement. This, of course is a time-saving feature and considerably reduces overall expense.

The venturi-nozzle arrangement provided by the present invention can be manufactured from numerous materials. For example, the apparatus can be manufactured from a metal such as brass or stainless steel and the various openings, passageways and the venturi machined therein. Alternatively, the apparatus can be formed from a plastic material wherein the venturi is simply molded therein. Preferably, the plastic material utilized has a high chemical resistanceso as to prevent deterioration thereof upon the passage of caustic chemicals therethrough. For example, glass filled polypropolyene can be utilized.

Twopreferred embodiments of my inventive apparatus have been described herein. Since modifications not departing from the inventive concept may occur. to those skilled in the art, I intend not to be bound by the detailed description hereinabove, but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus comprising:

a. a body defining a fluid passageway therethrough and including first and second members each having at least one generally planar surface and a third member having a generally planar shape positioned in a fixed removeable relationship between said planar surfaces contiguous therewith; said third member having a recess therein extending generally longitudinally from one edge thereof inwardly in the shape of a venturi;

b. first inlet means in said body suitable for introducing a flow of pressurized carrier fluid into said fluid p s w y;

c. venturi-aspirator means interchangeably positioned. within saidfluid passageway and at least partially defined by said venturi-shaped recess in said third body member;

d. second inlet meansin said body communicating with the throat of said venturi-aspirator and connectable to a source of fluid product for injecting said product into said carrier fluid upon passage of said carrier fluid through said venturi-aspirator;

, e. outlet means positioned in said fluid passageway f. said venturi-aspirator means provides a spray pattern to the fluid freely exhausted through said outlet means with the occurrence of a single fluid pressure drop.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. said venturi-shaped recess in said third body member defines an opening therein extending therethrough normal to said planar surfaces of said first and second members; and

b. said venturi-aspirator means is defined by said venturi-shaped recess and said planar surfaces of said first and second members contiguous said third member.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 2, wherein:

a. said carrier fluid inlet opening is positioned in one of said first and second members;

b. said product inlet opening is positioned in the other of said first and second members; and

c. said outlet opening is defined by said venturishaped opening in said third member spatially separating said planar surfaces of said first and second members.

4. An aspirator-nozzle combination, comprising:

a. a body defining a fluid passageway therethrough;

b. first inlet means in said body suitable for introducing a-flow of pressurized carrier fluid into said fluid passageway;

c. venturi-aspirator means positioned within said fluid passageway including a diverging recovery passageway immediately downstream of the venturi-aspirator throat;

d. second inlet means in said body communicating with-the throat of said venturi-aspirator and connectable to a source of fluid product for injecting said product into said carrier fluid upon passage of said carrier fluid through said venturi-aspirator;

e. outlet means positioned in said fluid passageway at the downstream end of said diverging recovery passageway and having generally the same dimensions as the downstream end of said recovery passageway for freely exhausting therethrough the flow of combined carrier fluid and product fluid; and

f. said diverging recovery passageway of said venturiaspirator means provides a spray pattern to the fluid freely exhausted through said outlet means with the occurrence of a single fluid pressure drop.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 4 having in addition deflector means removeably fastened to said body and having a generally V-shaped curve along the outer edge of the deflecting surface, said deflector projecting into the combined flow of aspirated product and pressurized fluid within said diverging recovery passageway for shaping the spray pattern thereof.

6.-A venturi-nozzle combination, comprising:

a. first and second body members each having a generally elongated planar surface;

b. a generally planar third body member removably positioned between said elongated planar surfaces contiguous therewith, said third member having an opening therethrough nonnal to said planar surfaces and extending generally longitudinally inward from one edge thereof in the form of a venturi'whereby said venturi-shaped opening and said elongated planar surfaces contiguous opposite planar surfaces of said third member define a spray pattern forming venturi-aspirator;

c. a first inlet opening in one of said first and second body members connected to said venturi-aspirator and suitable for connecting to a source of a pressurized fluid; and

d. a second inlet opening in one of said first and second body members connected to said venturiaspirator and suitable for connecting to a fluid product source, said venturi-aspirator aspirating said fluid product on passage of said pressurized fluid therethrough and shaping the flow of the combined carrier fluid and fluid product exhausted therefrom into a spray pattern.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising: a. a body defining a fluid passageway therethrough and including first and second members each having at least one generally planar surface and a third member having a generally planar shape positioned in a fixed removeable relationship between said planar surfaces contiguous therewith, said third member having a recess theRein extending generally longitudinally from one edge thereof inwardly in the shape of a venturi; b. first inlet means in said body suitable for introducing a flow of pressurized carrier fluid into said fluid passageway; c. venturi-aspirator means interchangeably positioned within said fluid passageway and at least partially defined by said venturi-shaped recess in said third body member; d. second inlet means in said body communicating with the throat of said venturi-aspirator and connectable to a source of fluid product for injecting said product into said carrier fluid upon passage of said carrier fluid through said venturi-aspirator; e. outlet means positioned in said fluid passageway downstream of said venturi-aspirator means for freely exhausting the flow of combined carrier fluid and product fluid; and f. said venturi-aspirator means provides a spray pattern to the fluid freely exhausted through said outlet means with the occurrence of a single fluid pressure drop.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein: a. said venturi-shaped recess in said third body member defines an opening therein extending therethrough normal to said planar surfaces of said first and second members; and b. said venturi-aspirator means is defined by said venturi-shaped recess and said planar surfaces of said first and second members contiguous said third member.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 2, wherein: a. said carrier fluid inlet opening is positioned in one of said first and second members; b. said product inlet opening is positioned in the other of said first and second members; and c. said outlet opening is defined by said venturi-shaped opening in said third member spatially separating said planar surfaces of said first and second members.

4. An aspirator-nozzle combination, comprising: a. a body defining a fluid passageway therethrough; b. first inlet means in said body suitable for introducing a flow of pressurized carrier fluid into said fluid passageway; c. venturi-aspirator means positioned within said fluid passageway including a diverging recovery passageway immediately downstream of the venturi-aspirator throat; d. second inlet means in said body communicating with the throat of said venturi-aspirator and connectable to a source of fluid product for injecting said product into said carrier fluid upon passage of said carrier fluid through said venturi-aspirator; e. outlet means positioned in said fluid passageway at the downstream end of said diverging recovery passageway and having generally the same dimensions as the downstream end of said recovery passageway for freely exhausting therethrough the flow of combined carrier fluid and product fluid; and f. said diverging recovery passageway of said venturi-aspirator means provides a spray pattern to the fluid freely exhausted through said outlet means with the occurrence of a single fluid pressure drop.