WO1999015821A1 - Surveillance de la circulation du fluide dans un systeme permettant de nettoyer le moteur et les chambres de transmission - Google Patents

Surveillance de la circulation du fluide dans un systeme permettant de nettoyer le moteur et les chambres de transmission Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999015821A1
WO1999015821A1 PCT/US1998/019925 US9819925W WO9915821A1 WO 1999015821 A1 WO1999015821 A1 WO 1999015821A1 US 9819925 W US9819925 W US 9819925W WO 9915821 A1 WO9915821 A1 WO 9915821A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
reservoir
fluid
conduit
selectively
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/019925
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Erik F. Waelput
Michael F. Bouissiere
Original Assignee
Krupp Bilstein Of America
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Krupp Bilstein Of America filed Critical Krupp Bilstein Of America
Priority to AU95047/98A priority Critical patent/AU9504798A/en
Publication of WO1999015821A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999015821A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
    • F01M11/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01M1/00 - F01M9/00
    • F01M11/04—Filling or draining lubricant of or from machines or engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B77/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not otherwise provided for
    • F02B77/04—Cleaning of, preventing corrosion or erosion in, or preventing unwanted deposits in, combustion engines

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the internal portions of internal combustion engines.
  • engines of automotive gasoline powered and diesel powered vehicles are engines of automotive gasoline powered and diesel powered vehicles.
  • Lubrication chambers and the transmissions of internal engines collect debris and residue which impairs engine performance.
  • the lubricant which reduces friction in the moving engine parts eventually becomes contaminated with sludge, tar and other chemical contaminants which are produced during the operation of the engine and which are entrained in the lubricant. Also, small particulate of metal become worn away from the operating parts of the engine and are carried in the lubricant. These contaminants reduce engine performance.
  • the cleaning liquid employed is flushed through the chamber being the engine block of an internal combustion engine or a transmission of an internal combustion engine, filtered and returned to the reservoir.
  • a fluid flow monitoring system is needed to eliminate internal combustion engine or transmission overfills due to operator negligence or component failure. Both cause internal combustion engine/transmission damage and fluid spillage, which is environmentally not acceptable.
  • the present invention provides a system in which the cleaning fluid employed for cleaning internal combustion engine chambers such as the lubrication chamber or transmission chamber is protected from overfill.
  • a valve regulates selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit whereby any difference in the inflow or outflow is determined by the comparing means.
  • the comparing means is directed to operate the valve thereby to regulate the respective inflow or outflow through the respective conduit and thereby monitor the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.
  • the fluid flow monitoring apparatus regulates liquid flow between a chamber and reservoir. There are means for comparing the liquid level in the reservoir relative to a predetermined level. This permits monitoring of the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.
  • the fluid flow monitoring apparatus has means for comparing the liquid weight in the reservoir relative to a predetermined level, and monitors the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.
  • This system monitors the fluid flow from the engine flush machine to the internal combustion engine or transmission. It also monitors the return flow from the internal combustion engine or transmission to the engine flush machine.
  • the fluid flow monitoring system ensures that only a regulated amount of fluid enters into the internal combustion engine or transmission at any given time. In the event that the fluid flow is interrupted or fluctuated, the fluid flow monitoring system can automatically shut down the engine flushing machine, or decrease the flow to and from the internal combustion engine or transmission. This can eliminate the potential danger of overfilling the internal combustion engine or transmission.
  • the fluid flow monitoring system also enables time rate of flow to be continuously adjusted.
  • apparatus and a method for cleaning the interiors of internal combustion engines in which a cleaning fluid is cyclically drawn from a reservoir by a pump, flushed through the block or transmission of the internal combustion engine, and returned to the reservoir by the pump.
  • the improvement resides in the provision of a flow monitoring system.
  • DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the operating components of the engine cleaning machine with a flow monitoring system, and showing the connection to an engine or transmission.
  • the cleaning apparatus is generally for cleaning the interiors, such a lubrication chamber or transmission chamber of internal combustion engines 10.
  • the apparatus is formed generally in the shape of a console.
  • the cleaning machine console can be pushed to the side of an automotive vehicle into close proximity thereto for the purpose of cleaning the interior of the internal combustion engine 10 of the vehicle.
  • the internal combustion engine 10 is of conventional design and has an engine block that includes a conventional lubricating oil filter opening 12, which normally is formed by an annular outer ring within which there are various ports or openings to accommodate oil flow. At the center of the oil filter opening 12 there is typically a hollow, externally threaded nipple which forms a central axial duct to accommodate oil flow.
  • the oil filter opening 12 is adapted to receive a removable, replaceable oil filter cartridge which is secured by threaded engagement with the central axial nipple and which forms a liquid tight seal with the outer, annular ring.
  • the engine 10 also includes a conventional internally threaded oil drain opening 14, usually at the bottom of the oil pan.
  • the oil drain opening 14 accommodates an externally threaded drain plug. The drain plug is normally removed when lubricating oil in the engine 10 is changed.
  • the operating components of the cleaning apparatus are indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 1.
  • a first reservoir tank is indicated at 21 and a second, separate reservoir tank is depicted at 22.
  • the first reservoir 21 has a twelve gallon capacity and the second reservoir 22 has a twelve gallon capacity as well.
  • Each of the reservoir tanks 21 and 22 contains a volume of liquid cleaning fluid designed to remove residual combustion deposits from the internal passageways and internal operating components of the internal combustion engine 10.
  • the cleaning apparatus employs separate supply and return cleaning fluid conduits connected to each of the cleaning fluid reservoirs 21 and 22.
  • the supply conduit from the reservoir 21 is indicated at 50 and the return conduit for the reservoir 21 is indicated at 52.
  • the supply conduit from the reservoir 22 is indicated at 54 while the return conduit for the reservoir 22 is indicated at 56.
  • the cleaning apparatus also includes a tank selection valve 58 which connects with conduits 50 and 54.
  • the tank selection valve 58 has an outlet supply port 60 and selector solenoid 62.
  • the outlet supply port 60 is adapted for communication a pressure pump 29.
  • the valve 64 is also connected with solenoid 62, and the return conduit 66 from the engine 10.
  • Each tank selection valves 58 and 64 has an internal gating means for alternatively coupling the cleaning fluid supply and return conduits of each of the cleaning fluid reservoirs 21 and 22, to the exclusion of those of the other, to the outlet supply port 60 and the inlet return port 66, respectively.
  • the tank selection valves 58 and 64 may be spool valves wherein a spool having internal ducts may be shifted longitudinally within a casing to connect the supply and return cleaning fluid conduits of either the first reservoir 21 or the second reservoir 22 through to the supply and return ports. When the spool of the tank selection valves 58 and 64 is shifted longitudinally to the opposite position, different valve ports are blocked while the different valve inlet ports are connected through an internal flow passageway to the outlet supply port.
  • the tank selection valves 58 and 64 are operated under the control of display and operation control unit by means of a cycle controller and a control lines 67 and 68 that lead to an internal solenoid 62 with the tank selection valves 58 and 64.
  • the fluid selection valves 58 and 64 are each operable to alternatively gate their respective inlet ports and cleaning fluid inlet ports to their respective fluid outlet ports. That is, the fluid inlet selection valves 58 and 64 are operated under the control of a cycle controller indicated PLC 90 to alternatively open a passageway between either the inlet port or the inlet port to the fluid outlet port.
  • the cleaning apparatus also includes the pump 29 which may be operated by compressed air, although an electronically operated pump could be employed instead.
  • the pump 29 can be a double diaphragm pneumatic pump.
  • An engine inlet supply line 70 is connected from the fluid dispensing outlet 72 of the pump 29 and leads to the engine filter coupling opening 12.
  • a filter cartridge 74 is coupled in line in the engine outlet supply line 76 between a second suction pump 32 and the outlet 14 from the engine 10 to the pump 32.
  • the filters 74a and 74b serves to filter out harmful particles that might be entrained in the liquid cleaning fluid returned from the internal combustion engine 10 or transmission, and which might damage the system.
  • Each pump 29 and 32 respectively is operated through a respective solenoid 82 and 84 which is activated by compressed air and operated by a control panel.
  • a vacuum brake facility 100 is also provided in line 60 for activation as necessary.
  • Each of the reservoirs 21 and 22 is also equipped with a level sensor, indicated diagrammatically at 27 and 28, respectively.
  • a level sensor indicated diagrammatically at 27 and 28, respectively.
  • the cleaning fluid reservoir level sensor 27 for the first reservoir tank 21 indicates that the liquid level of cleaning fluid in the tank 21 is too low, it provides a control signal output on a control line. If a signal appears on control line, a signal is generated by the display and operation controller to the cycle controller. The cycle controller then closes solenoids 82, which shuts off power to the pump 29. This alerts the operator that the respective reservoir tank is low on cleaning fluid and that the cleaning fluid should be replenished.
  • lubricant is drained from the engine
  • the fluid flow monitoring apparatus regulates liquid flow between the reservoirs 21 and 22 and this chamber or chambers in engine 10. There are flow monitors 92 and 94 for comparing selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduits 60 and 66.
  • the valves 58 and 64 operate with monitors 92 and 94 for regulating selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit. Any difference in the inflow or outflow is determined by comparing means on the PLC 90.
  • the comparing means is directed to operate the respective valves 82 and 84 to facilitate the selection of the fluid reservoir to be used for gas or diesel or transmission cleaning.
  • a predetermined departure from the predetermined level adjusts flow selectively into or from the chamber thereby to maintain the substantially predetermined level.
  • a predetermined departure from the predetermined level shuts down the flow selectively into or from the chamber.
  • the monitoring means 92 and/or 94 transmits electrical signals to the comparator means in the PLC 90 such that the comparator means can thereby compare signals with predetermined counts data in the comparator.
  • the fluid flow monitoring apparatus preferably includes flow meters 92 and 94 in each of the input and the output conduits 60 and 66 respectively.
  • the fluid flow monitoring apparatus can have only a single flow meter in only one of the input or the output conduit.
  • the flow is measured in relation to a predetermined time period.
  • the flow is measured after a predetermined time period of operation of the pump moving fluid between the respective reservoirs 21 and 22 and the chamber.
  • the flow is measured after a predetermined time period of operation of the pumps 29 and/or 32 moving fluid between the reservoirs 21 and 22 and the chamber in the engine 10.
  • the invented system monitors the fluid flow from the engine flush machine to the internal combustion chamber or transmission of the engine 10. It also monitors the return flow from the internal combustion chamber or transmission to the engine flush machine.
  • the fluid flow monitoring system ensures that only a regulated amount of fluid enters into the internal combustion chamber or transmission at any given time. In the event that the fluid flow is interrupted or fluctuated, the fluid flow monitoring system can automatically shut down the engine flushing machine, or decrease the flow to and from the internal combustion chamber or transmission. This can eliminate the potential danger of overfilling the internal combustion chamber or transmission.
  • the fluid flow monitoring system also enables time rate of flow to be continuously adjusted. These methods of monitoring are all controlled by a set of programming steps in the controller PLC 90.
  • the fluid flow system has four methods to monitor and control the rate of fluid flow in and out of the internal combustion chamber or transmission.
  • a flow meter 94 which transmits an electrical pulse that is translated into a high-speed counter on the PLC 90.
  • the meter is used on the return line 66 to monitor the fluid flow returning to the engine flushing machine.
  • the flow meter 94 monitors and measures the amount of fluid recovered from the internal combustion engine or transmission and samples every predetermined number of seconds. This is compared to a predetermined value (A) which is established by extensive testing. This value (A) is the minimum amount of fluid to be recovered. If the sample value drops below value (A) an alarm will sound and automatically shut down the machine and display the problem and a help screen will guide the operator through the steps necessary to correct the problem.
  • A LOW RECOVERY ALARM
  • the flow meter 94 monitors and measures the amount of fluid recovered from the internal combustion engine or transmission where a sample value (B) is established. All incoming measurements that are received every predetermined number of seconds. This is compared with value (B). If the new measurements decreased below a predetermined amount (C) an alarm will sound and automatically shut down the machine and display the problem and a help screen will guide the operator through the steps necessary to correct the problem C. RECOVERY During the first recovery portion of the flushing cycle if the measurement received every predetermined number of seconds falls bellow a predetermined amount (D) the machine automatically shortens its current cycle and moves to the next step in the cycle.
  • D predetermined amount
  • Two flow meters 92 and 94 transmit respectively an electrical pulse that is fed and translated into a high-speed counter on the PLC 90 and are used as follows.
  • One flow meter 92 is used on the pressure (outgoing) line 60 to monitor the fluid flow leaving the engine flushing machine.
  • a second flow meter 94 is used on the recovery line 66 to monitor the fluid flow returning to the engine flushing machine.
  • the programming steps are as follows:
  • THIRD METHOD Weight-sensing devices 96 and 98 such as a scale, are used underneath the reservoir tank, and transmit electrical analog signals through a converter into an electrical pulse. This is translated to a high speed counter on the PLC 90. These methods will function (when one or multiple reservoirs 21 and 22 are used) to monitor the fluid flow by the fluctuation in the weight of the respective fluid reservoirs 21 and 22.
  • the programming steps would be as follows:
  • the first step in the flushing cycle is to store the value (F) produced from weight sensing device 96 or 98. This value is constantly compared and monitored by the PLC 90 every predetermined number of seconds. A sample value is taken during the flushing cycle. If the value (F) falls below a predetermined amount (G), the flow of fluid to the internal combustion engine or transmission is stopped by turning the pressure pump 29 off for predetermined number of seconds allowing the flow of fluid from the internal combustion engine or transmission to be recovered by the recovery pump 32 to the reservoirs 21 or 22 until the value (F) is reached.
  • G predetermined amount
  • 74b is dry and environmentally safe for disposal.
  • the fluid level monitoring devices 27 and 28 are used to monitor the fluid flow by the fluctuation in the fluid level.
  • the devices transmit electrical analog signals through a converter into an electrical pulse. This is translated to a high speed counter on the PLC 90 is used within the reservoir tanks. These methods will function (when one or multiple reservoirs are used) to monitor the fluid flow by the fluctuation in the fluid level in the respective reservoirs 21 and 22.
  • the programming steps would be as follows:
  • the first step in the flushing cycle is to store the value (F) produced from the level sensing devices 27 or 28. This value is constantly compared and monitored by the PLC 90. Every predetermined number of seconds a sample value is taken during the flushing cycle. If the value (F) falls below a predetermined amount (G), the flow of fluid to the internal combustion engine or transmission is stopped by turning the pressure pump 29 off for predetermined number of seconds allowing the flow of fluid from the internal combustion engine or transmission to be recovered by the recovery pump 32 to the reservoirs 21 or 22 until the value (F) is reached.
  • G predetermined amount

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Lubrication Details And Ventilation Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de surveillance du fluide empêche le remplissage excessif de la chambre de combustion interne ou du système de transmission d'un moteur (10) dû à une négligence de l'opérateur ou à une défaillance des constituants.
PCT/US1998/019925 1997-09-25 1998-09-24 Surveillance de la circulation du fluide dans un systeme permettant de nettoyer le moteur et les chambres de transmission WO1999015821A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU95047/98A AU9504798A (en) 1997-09-25 1998-09-24 Fluid flow monitoring in a system for cleaning engine and transmission chambers

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US93696197A 1997-09-25 1997-09-25
US08/936,961 1997-09-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999015821A1 true WO1999015821A1 (fr) 1999-04-01

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ID=25469272

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/019925 WO1999015821A1 (fr) 1997-09-25 1998-09-24 Surveillance de la circulation du fluide dans un systeme permettant de nettoyer le moteur et les chambres de transmission

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU9504798A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999015821A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000046494A3 (fr) * 1999-02-05 2000-12-21 Envirolution Inc Systeme de rinçage de moteur avec pompes electriques a relais commande

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4854164A (en) * 1988-05-09 1989-08-08 N/Cor Inc. Rod pump optimization system

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4854164A (en) * 1988-05-09 1989-08-08 N/Cor Inc. Rod pump optimization system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000046494A3 (fr) * 1999-02-05 2000-12-21 Envirolution Inc Systeme de rinçage de moteur avec pompes electriques a relais commande

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU9504798A (en) 1999-04-12

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