A DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTATION OF CONDENSE BY STEAM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present device for transportation of condensate by steam, according to the invention, could find application in different technical fields, where transportation of water, water solutions, liquid chemicals or condense have to be transported through pipelines and if steam is available in the site. This device could be used with compressed air instead of steam if compressed air is available.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] from the prior state of the art is known the transportation of liquids by electrical or mechanical operated pumps or by steam or compressed air operated pumps.

[0003] In most cases the availability of steam or compressed air on the sites determines as more profitable the usage of methods and devices for transportation using steam or compressed air to operate.

[0004] the most widely used device for transportation is by pushing the liquid by compressed air or steam. The liquid to be transported has fulfilled a vessel to a determined level. The compressed air or steam acts upon the surface of the liquid with a definite pressure. After a determined volume of liquid is transported the pressure on the surface of the remaining liquid drops down to atmospheric, that allows new liquid to enter the vessel. When the level of the liquid reaches a definite value, compressed air or steam feed the vessel and the cycle is repeated.

[0005] the known device for transportation of condense of "Armstrong" Int. USA and "Spirax Sarco" USA represents a closed vessel with inlet and outlet for the transported condense and inlet and outlet for the compressed air or steam. Inside the closed vessel a spring assisted float mechanism is mounted. The mechanism is used for automation of the process of feeding and discharging of the liquid and switches two valves-inlet and outlet valve for compressed air or steam. The spring assisted float mechanism is designed to operate the outlet valve and the inlet valve simultaneously.

[0006] At the beginning of the process the outlet valve is opened and the inlet valve is closed. Condense enters the vessel gravitationally through a check valve, rises the float and the corresponding air is evacuated through the outlet valve. When the position of the float reaches the point corresponding to the determined highest level of the liquid, the spring assisted float mechanism reverses the positions of the valves simultaneously. The compressed air or steam enters the vessel and the liquid is transported through the outlet check valve into the corresponding pipeline. While the liquid is transported the float lowers its positions until it passes its trip point corresponding to a determined low level of the liquid and the spring assisted float mechanism reverses the positions of the valves simultaneously and the whole cycle is repeated. The strength of spring material is dependent of the chemical structure of the liquid. That shortens the exploitation cycle of the devices and raises the cost of transportation of the liquid. The spring assisted mechanism works by hits that leads to relatively fast wear and tire of the mechanism.

[0007] According to the EP1841968B1 a device for transportation of liquids by compressed gas or steam is known, which consists of a vessel in which at least two variable gas volumes V1, V2 are formed. The level of the liquid in the two volumes changes and the switching of the processes of feeding and discharging is made by the created pressure difference between the gas volumes. Inside the device a second volume is formed by providing a cylinder with opened bottom. A tube with an inside valve are installed in the cylinder. The movement of valves is synchronized and depends on the position of the cylinder.

[0008] The cylinder is movable between upper and lower position in the closed vessel. The cylinder has positive buoyancy in the liquid to be pumped. Valve means operated by movement of cylinder is provided to cause gas admitted to the cylinder to displace liquid there from, when the cylinder is in its upper position and to permit gas to escape from the cylinder when the latter is in its lower position. This device ensures smooth switching process, but if using steam to power it, the size of the lower volume of the float should be at least one half of the volume of the vessel in order to avoid the steam condensation and device malfunction in the process of pumping. The great size of the float rises the production price of the device

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Present invention has for an object to provide an alternative device for transportation of liquids by steam based on the use of pilot switching mechanism. The usage of the small size pilot mechanism universal for all sizes of the device instead of individual mechanisms for every size, lowers substantially the production price of the device.

[0010] The device for transportation of condense by steam (Fig.1) consists of a vessel (1) closed with cap (19) with inlet check valve (8) and outlet check valve (9) for condense; with inlet valve (6) and outlet valve (7) for steam,

[0011] According to the invention (Fig.1) Inside the vessel a switching mechanism, here called "pilot mechanism", consisting of chamber (28) with inlet valve for steam (10) here called "pilot valve", with two pipelines (11) and (12) connected to chamber (28), with bellows (18), with additional valve (14) here called "supporting valve", with valve lifter (15) and spring (16) with float (3) and with lever (22) with hinged supports (13), (26), (27) (29) is provided.

[0012] Pipeline (11) starts from chamber (28) and ends inside bellows (18); pipeline (12) starts from chamber (28) and ends inside the float (13)

[0013] According to the invention (Fig.1) case (17) is installed on the vessel's cap (19) and the inner volume of the case is connected to the inner volume of the vessel by an opening (20) in the vessel's cap. Inlet valve (6) and outlet valve (7) bodies are installed on the upper part of case (17) in parallel and valve lifter (15) with spring (16) is installed under the valves' bodies and firmly connected to the flat upper part of bellows (18) allowing only vertical movement of valves' stems. Bellows (18) are installed in an opening in the vessel's cap.

[0014] According to the invention (Fig.1) float (3) is divided by partition plate (4) into two separate volumes. The upper volume is closed and the lower volume is with opened bottom and its upper part is connected with the vessel's volume by tube (24) ending with valve (23). The float is equipped with an additional tube (25) connecting the lower part of the lower volume with the vessel's volume passing through the upper volume.

[0015] According to the invention (Fig. 1) tube (12) is bearing inside the tube (24) of the float, allowing vertical movement of the float

[0016] According to the invention (Fig.1) in the common case condense to be transported enters gravitationally the vessel through the inlet check valve (8) and fills simultaneously the vessel and the lower volume of the float and the air or steam inside the vessel (1) is evacuated through the opened outlet valve (7) until the level reaches the lower opening of the tube (24). Because of the positive buoyancy of the float in the condense to be pumped, the further entering of condense moves the float upwards and because of its vertical movement valve (23) closes and lever (22) lifts rod (21), that starts opening inlet valve (10) and closing the supporting valve (14) of the pilot mechanism simultaneously. The inlet valve (10) transmits steam both to the still opened supporting valve (14) and through tube (12) to lower volume of the float (3). Steam from the supporting valve enters the inside of the vessel (1) without raising the pressure in it because of the opened outlet valve (7). The continuing raise of condense level lifts the float additionally and causes fully opening of the inlet valve (10) for steam and simultaneous closing of the support valve (14). The inlet valve is now fully opened and the supporting valve- fully closed. The opened inlet valve (10) transmits steam through tube (11) inside the bellows (18), which causes rise of the pressure inside the bellows. This higher pressure makes the bellows extend and moves the valve lifter (15) upwards that opens the inlet valve (6) and closes the outlet valve (7) simultaneously. The process of filling the vessel is ended and the process of discharging starts.

[0017] According to the invention (Fig. 1) in parallel with the simultaneous opening of inlet valve (6) and closing of outlet valve (7) steam enters the lower volume of float (3) through tube (12) and the level of the condensate inside the lower volume of the float also drops until it reaches the level of the lower opening of the additional tube (25). When this level is reached the excessive steam is evacuated from the lower volume of the float through the tube (25) and this way the condensation of steam because of passing through condensate is avoided.

[0018] The pressure inside the vessel rises, which makes the inlet check valve (8) to close and the outlet check valve (9) to open. Condensate inside the vessel is evacuated through check valve (9) and its level inside the vessel (1) drops. In consequence of the pressure equalization inside and outside the float and because of the closed inside valve (23), float (3) stays in upper position till the moment the liquid level drops to its lower edge and both steam volumes inside vessel (1) and inside the lower volume of float (3) start connecting in the down part of float (3). Valve (23) installed in float (3) starts opening and float (3) drops down because of its own weight. The lever mechanism doesn't move because the support valve (14) holds the rod (21) in upper position. The additional drop of float (3) opens valve (23) fully and lever mechanism moves downwards because the united force of inlet valve stem and of the weight of the float becomes higher than the force acting on the supporting valve. This causes simultaneous closing of the inlet valve (10) of the pilot mechanism and opening of supporting valve (14). When the inlet valve (10) of the pilot mechanism is fully closed and the support valve (4) fully opened the pressure inside the bellows (18) drops down. The bellows shrink by the force of the stem of the main inlet valve (6) and by the force of the spring (26). This causes valve lifter (15) to move down, simultaneously opening the outlet valve (7) and closing inlet valve (6). The pressure inside vessel (1) drops to atmospheric and the process of discharging is ended and the process of filling starts. The device is ready to resume the whole process if condensate to enter is available.

[0019] The device for transportation of condensate by steam according to the invention realizes discharging of the condensate and ensures smooth and automatic operation during the whole cycle by the use of pilot mechanism causing synchronized movement of the valves based on the condensate level inside the vessel.

[0020] According to Figure 2 the lever system of the switching mechanism is designed connected with ball inlet valve (10). Rod (21) lifting the ball is firmly connected with supporting valve (14). The rod and the supporting valve are on one and the same axis. Lever (22) is bearing both with rod (21) and valve (23) imbedded in the float (3), so that to allow float (3) to open and close the ball inlet valve and respectively to close and open the supporting valve depending on float's position.

[0021] According to a preferable embodiment (Fig.2) the ball inlet valve (10) of the pilot mechanism is installed on vessel's cap (19) and case (17) is welded to the vessels cap.

[0022] According to Figure 2 the proposed device is designed with ball inlet valve (6) and outlet main valve (7) in parallel with the inlet main valve, both connected by down side of their stems valve to lifter (15), that allows only vertical movement of valve (6) and Valve (7) caused by the enlarging /shrinking of bellow (18) installed in an opening in the vessel's cap 19 and shrinking/enlarging of spring (16).

[0023] According to Figure 2 the float (3) is designed as two volumes cylinder divided by elliptical partition plate (4). The upper volume is closed and welded and the lower volume is with opened bottom. A tube (24) through the upper volume ending with valve (23) and tube (25) connecting the lower part of the lower volume with the vessel's volume passing through the upper volume are welded to both elliptical plates of the upper volume

[0024] The proposed device according to the invention for transportation of condensate is provided with universal construction of the switching mechanism for all output sizes of the device, that makes the device easier to produce and maintain.

[0025] The proposed device ensures possibility for smooth switching, respectively for diminishing the wear-and-tire and prolonging the exploitation of the inlet and outlet valves and at the same time the problem element - the spring float mechanism for operation of top and down level with numerous hinge joints is evaded.

[0026] The proposed device ensures wide range of discharge rates retaining the pilot valve mechanism by changing only the valves and the vessel's size;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0027] 

(Fig.1) - Device for transportation of condensate by steam

1 - Vessel

2 - Inlet tube for condense

3 - Float

4 - Partition plate

5 - Outlet tube for condense

6 - Inlet valve

7 - Outlet valve

8 - Inlet check valve

9 - Outlet check valve

10 - Pilot valve

11 - Pipeline to bellow

12 - Pipeline to float

13 - Fixed hinged support

14 - Supporting valve

15 - Valve lifter

16 - Spring

17 - Case

18 - Bellows

19 - Vessel's cap

20 - Opening in vessel's cap

21 - Rod

22 - Lever

23 - Valve imbedded in the float

24 - Connecting tube in the float

25 - Tube for excessive steam evacuation

26 - Live hinged connection for pilot valve

27 - Live hinged connection for float

28 - Chamber

29 - Live hinged connection for supporting valve

(Fig. 2) Preferable Embodiment of Device for Transportation of Condensate by steam

1 - Vessel

2 - Inlet tube for condense

3 - Float

4 - Partition plate

5 - Outlet tube for condense

6 - Inlet valve

7 - Outlet valve

8 - Inlet check valve

9 - Outlet check valve

10 - Pilot valve

11 - Pipeline to bellow

12 - Pipeline to float

13 - Fixed hinged support

14 - Supporting valve

15 - Valve lifter

16 - Spring

17 - Case

18 - Bellows

19 - Vessel's cap

20 - Opening in vessel's cap

21 - Rod

22 - Lever

23 - Valve imbedded in the float

24 - Connecting tube in the float

25 - Tube for excessive steam evacuation

26 - Live hinged connection for pilot valve

27 - Live hinged connection for float

28 - Chamber

Claims

1. Device for transportation of condensate by steam comprising a vessel (1) with a condensate inlet tube and mounted on it a check valve (8), with a condensate outlet tube (5) and mounted on it a check valve (9); a cap (19) with a case (17) installed on it; an inlet valve (6) for steam mounted on case (17); an outlet valve (7) for steam mounted on the case (17); both valves connected to a main valves' support (15); a spring (16) mounted on the main valves' support (15); a float (3) positioned inside the closed vessel (1) with a tube (24) and a valve (23) embedded in it; and a tube (12) ending inside float (3), characterizing in that in the cap (19) a chamber (28) is formed with a valve (10) installed on it for incoming steam and a valve (14) for out coming steam; the case (17) is connected to the vessel (1) with an opening (20); inside the case (17) and under the main valves, support a bellow (18) is installed; on the cap (19) a tube (11) is mounted ending inside the chamber (28) and inside the bellow (18); the valve (10) for incoming steam is connected by a rod (21) to a lever (22) by a hinge (26) so that at opening of the valve (10) for incoming steam incoming steam extends bellow (18) and shortens spring (16) and at closing of said valve (10) spring (16) shortens bellow (18); a further (14) is connected to the lever (22) by a hinge (29); a valve embedded in the float valve (23) is connected to the lever (22) by a hinge (27); the lever (22) is connected to the cap (19) by a hinge; the float (3) is divided into two parts.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zum Beförderung von Kondensat mit Dampf, umfassend einen Behälter (1) mit einem Kondensateinlassrohr und einem darauf montierten Rückschlagventil (8), mit einem Kondensatauslassrohr (5) und einem darauf montierten Rückschlagventil (9); eine Kappe (19) mit einem darauf installierten Gehäuse (17); ein Einlassventil (6) für Dampf, das an dem Gehäuse (17) montiert ist; ein Auslassventil (7) für Dampf, das an dem Gehäuse (17) montiert ist; beide Ventile mit einer Halterung eines Hauptventils (15) verbunden; eine Feder (16), die an der Halterung des Hauptventils (15) montiert ist; einen Schwimmer (3), der in dem geschlossenen Behälter (1) mit einem Rohr (24) und einem darin eingebetteten Ventil (23) positioniert ist; ein Rohr (12), das im Inneren des Schwimmers (3) endet, dadurch gekennzeichnet dass in der Kappe (19) eine Kammer (28) mit einem darauf installierten Ventil (10) für das Dampfeinströmen und einem Ventil (14) für das Dampfausströmen ausgebildet ist; das Gehäuse (17) mit einer Öffnung (20) mit dem Behälter (1) verbunden ist; innerhalb des Gehäuses (17) und unter der Halterung des Hauptventils ein Faltenbalg (18) installiert ist; an der Kappe (19) ein Rohr (11), das in der Kammer (28) und in der Faltenbalg (18) endet, montiert ist; das Ventil (10) für einströmenden Dampf über eine Stange (21) mit einem Hebel (22) durch ein Scharnier (26) verbunden ist, so dass beim Öffnen des Ventils (10) für einströmenden Dampf der einströmende Dampf den Faltenbalg (18) verlängert und die Feder (16) verkürzt und beim Schließen des Ventils (10) die Feder (16) den Faltenbalg (18) verkürzt; ein weiteres (14) mit dem Hebel (22) durch ein Gelenk (29) verbunden ist; ein Ventil in den Schwimmer eingebettet ist; ein Ventil (23) durch ein Scharnier mit dem Hebel (22) verbunden ist; der Hebel (22) durch ein Scharnier mit der Kappe (19) verbunden ist; der Schwimmer (3) in zwei Teile geteilt ist.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de transport de condensat par de la vapeur comprenant un récipient (1) avec un tube d'entrée de condensat et sur lequel est monté un clapet anti-retour (8), avec un tube de sortie de condensat (5) et monté sur lui un clapet anti-retour (9);
un couvercle (19) avec un boîtier (17) installé sur celui-ci;
une vanne/soupape d'admission (6) pour la vapeur, montée sur le boîtier (17);
une vanne/soupape de sortie (7) pour la vapeur, montée sur le boîtier (17); les deux vannes/soupapes étant connectées à un support de vannes principal (15);
un ressort (16) monté sur le support de vannes principal (15); un flotteur (3) positionné à l'intérieur du récipiant fermé (1) avec un tube (24) et une vanne/soupape (23) intégrée dans le flotteur; et un tube (12) se terminant à l'intérieur du flotteur (3),
caractérisé en ce que dans le couvercle (19) est formée une chambre (28) avec installées sur celle-ci une vanne/soupape (10) pour la vapeur entrante et une vanne/soupape (14) pour la vapeur sortante ;
le boîtier (17) est relié au récipiant (1) par une ouverture (20); un soufflet (18) est installé à l'intérieur du boîtier (17) et sous le support principal des vannes;
sur le couvercle (19), est monté un tube (11) se terminant à l'intérieur de la chambre (28) et à l'intérieur du soufflet (18);
la vanne/soupape (10) pour la vapeur entrante est reliée par une tige (21) à un levier (22) par une charnière (26) de sorte que, lors de l'ouverture de la vanne/soupape (10) pour la vapeur entrante, cette vapeur entrante allonge le souflet (18) et compresse/raccourcit le ressort (16) et à la fermeture de ladite vanne/soupape (10), le ressort (16) raccourcit le soufflet (18);
une autre vanne/soupape (14) est relié au levier (22) par une charnière (29); une soupape intégrée dans la soupape à flotteur (23) est reliée au levier (22) par une charnière (27);
le levier (22) est relié au couvercle (19) par une charnière; le flotteur (3) étant divisé en deux parties.

Drawing