[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for storing and dispensing
a liquid. In particular, the present invention can be advantageously applied to storing
and dispensing liquids such as, for example, water, fuel, and food products such as,
for example, wine and milk, and still others.
[0002] In the prior art, the storage and dispensing of liquids are satisfied with different
systems. With reference to a classic system, the liquid is collected in a first collection
tank of varying capacities depending on need. This system works through the use of
a membrane expansion vessel and with the aid of electric pumps activated by actuators.
[0003] Another system envisages, in the place of actuators and the expansion vessel, an
electronic regulator for controlling the pumps. This system is used mainly in domestic
environments and requires the use of pumps, for example electric pumps.
[0004] A further system, called "airlift" system, is similar to the previous ones, but does
not have a membrane and, thanks to an air supply unit directly on the pump intake,
is more reliable and higher performing.
[0005] In the field of fire safety systems, storage and dispensing are entrusted to water
supply tanks and electric pumps or motor pumps, and are used, for example, in residential,
commercial and industrial buildings.
[0006] In fuel distribution, there are the systems typical of service stations, in which
the liquid is dispensed from underground tanks by using electric pumps.
[0007] In the field of systems used in wine cellars for moving mixtures such as musts and
skins from the first pressing, particular electric pumps are relied on.
[0008] Disadvantageously, the systems described make use of pumps, in general electric ones
or compressed air membrane pumps. This imposes an operating limit when, for example,
no electricity is available, or when the supply of electricity is interrupted, for
example during a black-out.
[0009] US 5868280A relates to a pressurized device for distribution of a liquid. The device is aimed
at overcoming the disadvantages of known systems using diaphragm or bladder as a barrier
between air and water in a vessel. The document proposes a device without a barrier
between air and water wherein a number of sensors controls the water level and, when
the water level is below a certain threshold, a pump restores the water level, see
column 4, lines 1-10. The residual air in the vessel pneumatically acts on the water
by applying a pressure. The air pressure, when the water level is maximum, is monitored.
If system pressure is lower than the pressure setting, air mass has been lost. On
detection of lost air mass, a control means activates a pneumatic supply to compensate
for it.
[0010] Further disadvantages of the known systems are the complexity of their construction
and the high number of components. Consequently, there is a substantial likelihood
of breakdowns occurring and maintenance requirements are stricter.
[0011] The object of the present invention is to obviate the problems tied to the prior
art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and
a device for storing and dispensing liquids also in the absence of an available source
of electricity at the time of distribution.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to offer a simple and reliable dispensing
and storage method and a device capable of preventing possible malfunctions and simplifying
maintenance.
[0013] These and other advantages are achieved by a device and method as defined in the
independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a device for storing and dispensing
a liquid comprises a tank for containing a liquid having an inlet and an outlet, configured
to be pre-charged with a gas, preferably air, at a first pressure that is higher than
atmospheric pressure, and at least partially filled with the liquid until reaching
a second pressure that is higher than first pressure. The device further comprises
a fluid regulator connected to the outlet of the tank in order to regulate the passage
of the liquid. The fluid regulator comprises an outflow conduit having an intake section
and an outlet section, and a floating shutter. The fluid regulator is switchable between
a closed configuration, wherein the shutter occludes the intake section of the outflow
conduit when the level of liquid is in the intake section of the outflow conduit so
as to prevent the passage of gas in the outflow direction of the liquid, and an open
configuration, wherein the shutter is separated from the intake section of the outflow
conduit so as to allow the transit of the liquid. The open configuration is determined
by the hydrostatic thrust of the liquid on the shutter. This device enables a liquid
to be stored and dispensed also in the absence of electricity because the stored liquid
is dispensed thanks to the pressure of the gas with which the device is pre-charged.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, in the device for storing and dispensing
a liquid the shutter is configured to float freely on the liquid inside the fluid
regulator when the fluid regulator is in the open configuration. This makes it possible
to assure that the liquid flows out through the fluid regulator without the shutter
constituting an obstacle.
[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, in the device for storing and dispensing
a liquid the fluid regulator comprises a retaining means for retaining the shutter
at a maximum predetermined distance from the intake section of the outflow conduit.
This makes it possible to favour the occlusion of the outflow conduit by the shutter
when the liquid level is below a certain height.
[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the device for storing and dispensing
a liquid the fluid regulator comprises at least one lateral wall connected to the
intake section and having a inner surface with a decreasing cross section, preferably
conical, towards the intake section of the outflow conduit so as to guide the shutter
towards the intake section of the outflow conduit when the fluid regulator is switched
from the open configuration to the closed configuration. This makes it possible to
favour the occlusion of the outflow conduit by the shutter, by guiding it towards
the intake section of the outflow conduit.
[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the device for storing and dispensing
a liquid the shutter has at least one circular section and preferably has a spherical
shape. This favours simplicity of construction and enables an optimal occlusion of
the outflow conduit by the shutter.
[0019] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the device for storing and dispensing
a liquid comprises an air enricher connected to the fluid regulator. The invention
according to this aspect can be advantageously applied in the case, for example, of
water systems such as autoclaves or systems for the formation of mixtures with water,
such as mixtures of water and fertilisers and others, in order to enable the intake
of air into the tank. If the gas used is air, this will enable the replenishment of
any air that has dissolved in (emulsified with) the liquid and flowed out of the tank
therewith.
[0020] The air enricher comprises a sleeve connected to the fluid regulator and having an
aperture to the outside, and a tube inside the sleeve connected to the outflow conduit
of the fluid regulator. The tube has an inlet section and an outlet section with a
smaller area than the inlet section. The sleeve and the tube define a space in fluid
communication with the outflow conduit. A one-way valve that permits the intake of
air into the enricher is preferably positioned at the side of the sleeve. This air,
reintroduced into the tank, replenishes any that may dissolve or be emulsified and
lost when the liquid is dispensed in the event that the gas is air.
[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the tank has a separate inlet for
the pre-charging gas. This enables a simpler connection of the device to other devices,
such as the one for supplying liquids and the one for supplying gas.
[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for storing and dispensing
liquids by means of the previously described device is defined; it comprises a step
of pre-charging the tank for containing a liquid with a gas, preferably air, at a
first pressure that is higher than atmospheric pressure, a step of at least partially
filling the tank with the liquid until reaching a second pressure that is higher than
said first pressure, a dispensing step wherein the liquid passes through the fluid
regulator in the open configuration and a switching step wherein the fluid regulator
passes from the open configuration to the closed configuration. This method makes
it possible to use the above-described device and to resolve the problem of storing
and dispensing a liquid also in the absence of electricity.
[0023] In the context of the present invention reference will be made to the appended figures,
in which:
figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device for storing and dispensing a liquid in
accordance with the present invention in two different operating conditions;
figures 2a and 2b each show a schematic view of a first detail of the device for storing
and dispensing a liquid as per figure 1;
figure 3 shows a schematic view of a second detail of the device for storing and dispensing
a liquid as per figure 1;
figure 4 shows a schematic view of a device for storing and dispensing a liquid having
a re-charging circuit, in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
[0024] With reference to the appended figures, 100 here indicates a device for storing and
dispensing a liquid in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] The device 100 for storing and dispensing a liquid in question is suitable for different
types of liquid, e.g. water, petrol or fuel in general, and food substances such as
milk, wine and oil. In general, in this context liquid means a fluid having a defined
free surface which may have different viscosities and densities.
[0026] With reference to figure 1, the device 100 is provided with a tank 1. The tank 1
is suitable for withstanding and maintaining the operating pressures of the device
which, purely by way of example, are comprised between 2 and 15 atmospheres. In greater
detail, typical operating pressures may vary from a minimum pressure of a few millibars
above atmospheric pressure to a maximum pressure defined by the type of intended use.
[0027] The tank 1 has at least one inlet 2 for the introduction of the liquid and/or gas.
In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, there is also a further inlet 8 for the
intake of gas. This inlet 8 can also be used to connect the device 100 for storing
and dispensing a liquid to other apparatus, such as the one for supplying liquids
and the one for supplying gas, as well as to create multiple systems in series or
in parallel. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the liquid inlet 2 and the
gas inlet 8 are distinct. In unillustrated embodiments, optionally, the gas and liquid
inlets could coincide. The tank 1 has at least one outlet 3 at a lower height than
the inlet 2. The tank 1 can have any shape, e.g. cylindrical, spherical, conical or
that of a truncated cone. In the latter two cases, the shape advantageously enables
a nearly complete outflow of the liquid, except in the event of minimal sediment that
may be deposited. Different shapes useful for the purpose may be created, taking into
account the spaces of use. The tank 1 can be made of different materials, for example
metal materials such steel or aluminium, or plastic materials. Advantageously, the
choice of material is made on the basis of the liquid and gas it is intended to use,
for example in consideration of use for wine with nitrogen, or water with air. The
dimensions of the tank 1 are such as to permit capacities that are useful for the
purpose.
[0028] As will become more clearly apparent below, the tank 1 is suitable for being pre-charged
with a gas, preferably air, at a first pressure that is higher than atmospheric pressure
and at least partially filled with the liquid until reaching a second pressure that
is higher than the first pressure. The gas with which the tank 1 is pre-charged can
be of varying nature, e.g. air, nitrogen or other gases, also depending on the type
of liquid to be used. The gas is introduced into the tank 1 through the inlet 8.
[0029] According to one example of the present invention, an isolated tank not connected
with a municipal mains water supply is pre-charged, for example, by means of a tank
of nitrogen or any other gas suited to the purpose. The device 100 comprises a fluid
regulator 5 connected to the outlet 3 of the tank 1 in the lower part of the tank
1 so that all or nearly all of the liquid contained in the tank 1 can spontaneously
reach the outlet 3 of the tank 1 thanks to the force of gravity. Preferably, the fluid
regulator 5 is installed inside the tank 1 at the outlet 3. Even more preferably,
the fluid regulator 5 is installed completely inside the tank 1 at the outlet 3. Advantageously,
in the event that the tank 1 is cone- or truncated cone-shaped, positioning the fluid
regulator 5 completely inside it will enable a nearly complete emptying of the tank
1 itself.
[0030] A fastening system (not illustrated in the figures) is placed between the fluid regulator
5 and the outlet 3 of the tank 1. By way of example, the fastening system consists
of a flange with which both the fluid regulator 5 and outlet 3 of the tank 1 are provided.
The flanges are coupled by means of screws and/or bolts. Other examples of a fastening
system are a thread and a quick-connect coupling.
[0031] The fluid regulator 5 regulates the passage of fluids, enabling or preventing the
passage thereof. In particular, the fluid regulator 5 can allow the liquid contained
in the tank 1 to flow out. Furthermore, the fluid regulator 5 prevents the passage
of the gas towards the outside in the direction K.
[0032] With reference to figures 2a and 2b, the fluid regulator 5 comprises an outflow conduit
20 having an intake section 20a and an outlet section 20b. The outflow conduit 20
extends along a prevalent longitudinal axis of extension thereof and has a cross section
transversal to the longitudinal direction, by way of example, a circular one. The
cross section can have other shapes, e.g. oval, polygonal and still others. The fluid
regulator 5 comprises at least one lateral wall 14 having an inner surface with a
decreasing cross section transversal to the flow K of the liquid towards the intake
section 20a of the outflow conduit 20, for example conical. In the illustrated embodiment,
the wall 14 has a truncated cone shape and is structurally connected to the intake
section 20a of the outflow conduit 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the conical
lateral wall 14 is coaxial with the outflow conduit 20. In accordance with what has
been illustrated, the fluid regulator 5 further comprises an additional wall 18 fixed
to the lateral wall 14 in an opposite position relative to the intake section 20a
of the outflow conduit 20. Preferably, the wall 18 has a circular section. In the
illustrated embodiment, the wall 18 is coaxial with the outflow conduit 20.
[0033] The fluid regulator 5 further comprises a shutter 15. The shutter 15 is a floating
element, where floating means capable of floating on the liquid with which the tank
1 is filled. In this regard, the specific weight of the shutter 15 is, overall, less
than that of the liquid, so that the hydrostatic thrust of the liquid on the shutter
15 is sufficient to enable it to float on the liquid.
[0034] In this regard, the shutter 15 can be hollow or solid. For example, the shutter 15
can be made of plastic, rubber, metal or metal alloys, composite materials, cork and
still others.
[0035] The weight and material of the shutter 15 will be determined each time in relation
to the liquid to be treated (water, fuel, wine, acids and still others).
[0036] As shown in figure 2a, the fluid regulator 5 can take on a closed configuration,
wherein the shutter 15 occludes the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20.
This configuration presents itself when the liquid has completely or almost completely
flowed out of the tank and the shutter 15 is no longer held up by floating on the
liquid and is deposited on the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20, thus
coming into contact with the latter and obstructing it. In accordance with Figure
2a, the level of the liquid in this configuration is indicated with L3.
[0037] The obstruction is made possible by the fact that the shutter 15 has a shape complementary
to that of the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20. More in particular, the
shutter 15 has at least one section with a shape complementary to that of the intake
section 20a of the outflow conduit 20. In the closed configuration, the shutter 15
completely closes the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20, thus eliminating
any passage opening.
[0038] In particular, the illustrated shutter 15 has a spherical shape. However, in the
case of a circular intake section 20a, the shutter 15 can also have other shapes,
such as, for example, a conical, or truncated cone shape, and others.
[0039] The intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20 may optionally have a gasket (not
illustrated) to ensure a seal in contact with the shutter 15. In particular, the gaskets
to be used will depend on the coupling types of the system.
[0040] As illustrated in figure 2b, the fluid regulator 5 can have an open configuration,
in which the presence of liquid causes the shutter 15 to float due to the hydrostatic
thrust of the liquid itself on the shutter 15. In accordance with Figure 2b, the level
of the liquid in this configuration is indicated as L2.
[0041] This means that the shutter 15 will not be in contact with or in direct proximity
to the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20, and therefore the liquid can
flow through said intake section 20a, passing between the shutter 15 and the intake
section 20a of the outflow conduit 20.
[0042] When, because of the outflow of liquid from the tank 1, the level of the liquid inside
the tank 1 decreases, the level of the shutter 15 floating on the liquid is lowered
towards level L3, bringing the shutter 15 to levels that are increasingly close to
that of the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20. Below a certain level, the
weight of the shutter 15 is no longer balanced by the hydrostatic thrust of the liquid
on the shutter 15, thus determining the end of the floating of the shutter 15.
[0043] The inner surface of the cone-shaped lateral wall 14 is thus configured so as to
guide the shutter 15 towards the intake section 20a of the outflow conduit 20. In
this manner, the nearing of the shutter 15 to the intake section 20a of the outflow
conduit 20 is facilitated in order to favour the closed configuration of the fluid
regulator 5, thus preventing the gas contained in the tank from flowing out through
the outflow conduit 20. In other words, the nearing of the shutter 15 to the intake
section 20a of the outflow conduit 20 is facilitated in order to favour a configuration
in which the shutter 15 has a section thereof in the intake section 20a of the outflow
conduit 20.
[0044] This is facilitated by the fact that the gas exerts a certain pressure on the shutter
15 towards the outflow conduit 20, increasing the tightness thereof.
[0045] The fluid regulator 5 preferably further comprises a retaining means 16 for keeping
the shutter 15 at a certain maximum distance from the intake section 20a of the outflow
conduit 20. The maximum distance is determined so that the shutter 15 remains in the
vicinity of the outflow conduit 20. In this manner, if the liquid in the tank 1 is
close to being depleted, the shutter 15 will also be in proximity to the intake section
20a of the outflow conduit 20, since the retaining means 16 will prevent it from moving
away. When the level exceeds the level L2 and it is in a position completely outside
the fluid regulator 5, as indicated, for example, by the level L1, the retaining means
16 will prevent the shutter 15 from coming out of the fluid regulator 5.
[0046] The retaining means 16 must enable a free passage of liquid and gas, but must prevent
the floating shutter 15 from moving away from the outflow conduit 20. The retaining
means 16 can thus be made up, for example, of a net, mesh, grille, or bars, cables,
wires, or even a single wire connected to the float 15 and to the fluid regulator
5.
[0047] Preferably, the shutter 15 of the fluid regulator 5 can float freely on the liquid
inside the fluid regulator 5 when the fluid regulator 5 is in the open configuration.
In other words, according to what has been illustrated, the shutter 15 is not rigidly
constrained relative to other parts of the fluid regulator 5. In this manner, the
shutter 15 can reach all points inside the fluid regulator 5. The fact that the shutter
15 is free to float on the liquid inside the fluid regulator 5 brings the advantage
that, during the emptying of the tank as a result of the dispensing of the liquid,
the shutter 15 will not constitute an obstacle to the outflow of the liquid, for example
by creating turbulences that condition the flow of the liquid and limit the velocity
of the outflow thereof under the push of the pressure inside the tank 1 and gravity.
[0048] The device 100 further comprises an air enricher 11 connected to the outflow conduit
20 of the fluid regulator 5 so as to enable the intake of air from the environment
into the tank 1. The connection can take place by means of a fastening means such
as, for example, a flange or thread or quick-connect coupling (not illustrated).
[0049] As may be seen from figure 3, the air enricher 11 further comprises a sleeve 40 connected
to the fluid regulator 5 and a tube 32 inside the sleeve 40. The tube 32 is configured
in such a way as to have an inlet section 32a connected to the outflow conduit 20
of the fluid regulator 5, and an outlet section 32b. According to what has been illustrated,
the outlet section 32b has a smaller area than the inlet section 32a. The tube 32
preferably has a truncated cone shape. According to what is shown in figure 3, the
tube 32 has a truncated cone portion and a cylindrical portion connected to each other.
In this case, the inlet section 32a is disposed on the truncated cone portion, and
the outlet section 32b is disposed on the cylindrical portion. This difference between
the inlet 32a and outlet 32b sections determines the fact that, the flow through said
sections being equal, the liquid exiting the outlet section 32b will have a greater
velocity than the liquid entering the inlet section 32a.
[0050] A space 70 is defined within the overall space comprised between the sleeve 40 and
the tube 32. The space 70 is in fluid communication with the outflow conduit 20 of
the fluid regulator 5. In this space 70, during the passage of liquid in the direction
K, a relative negative pressure can come to be created as a result of the conformation
of the tube 32, which, by virtue of the Venturi effect, allows the outside air to
enter the space 70 of the enricher 11 through an opening 50 on the sleeve 40. The
opening 50 is preferably fitted with a one-way valve (not illustrated) to allow exclusively
the intake of air from the outside environment into the space 70 and to prevent the
outflow of liquid from the space 70 to the outside of the air enricher 11.
[0051] The air which entered the space 70 rises in the direction W, opposite to that of
the liquid K, and passes into the fluid regulator 5 so as to reach the tank and, in
particular, to be added to the gas contained in the tank.
[0052] The passage between the space 70 and the outflow conduit 20 can take place, for example,
by means of one or more passages 60. The passage 60 can be, for example, a hole, a
slot, a set of holes, etc.
[0053] The air inlet has the function of enabling the intake of air into the tank. If the
gas used is air, in fact, this permits the replenishment of any air that has dissolved
in (emulsified with) the liquid and flowed therewith outside the tank.
[0054] The device 100 further comprises a recharging circuit in fluid communication with
the outlet of the air enricher 11. In such a case, the enricher 11 preferably does
not comprise the passage 60. Outlet of the air enricher 11 means the aperture in the
sleeve 40 from which the liquid flows out after having passed through the air enricher
11 in the direction K.
[0055] The recharging circuit comprises a chamber 12 in fluid communication with the air
enricher 11 and dimensioned in proportion to the tank 1.
[0056] The recharging circuit comprises a conduit 14 in fluid communication with the chamber
12 and the upper part of the tank 1. Upper part of the tank 1 means the portion of
the tank 1 above the level of the liquid in the tank 1. The connection between the
conduit 14 and the tank 1 can take place by means of a one-way valve so as to prevent
a return of pressure from the tank 1 towards the chamber 12.
[0057] During the dispensing of the liquid from the tank 1, the gas inside the tank 1 expands
and the level of the liquid falls, whilst the enricher favours the intake of outside
air into the system, thus compensating for the loss of any dissolved air and the reduction
of pressure due to dispensing.
[0058] The air introduced by the enricher can reach the chamber 12 and rise up the conduit
14 under the pressure of the liquid itself, at least partially restoring the pressure
in the tank 1 lost due to the outflow of liquid.
[0059] One part of the outside air entering the system through the air enricher 11 can also
be emulsified with and/or entrained in the liquid flowing out of the system, reducing
the consumption thereof.
[0060] The chamber 12 is optionally transparent in order to enable observation of the level
of liquid and thus of the intake of air into the tank via the conduit 14.
[0061] The recharging circuit advantageously allows a more efficient replenishment of the
air in the tank during use, and thus makes it possible to improve the liquid dispensing
performance during independent operation of the device. In other words, the device
can dispense the liquid until the depletion thereof without the aid of pumps that
maintain or restore the pressure conditions necessary for dispensing. As mentioned,
part of the present invention relates to a method that uses the above-described device.
[0062] In a first step of the method of use, the tank 1 is pre-charged with a gas at a first
pressure that is higher than atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the tank 1 is at
least partially filled through the aperture 2 with the liquid until reaching a second
pressure that is higher than the first pressure with which it was pre-charged with
the gas. The second pressure will depend on the amount of liquid introduced. The liquid
introduced into the tank 1 is located in the lower part, in which the outlet 3 is
positioned. The liquid, when present, prevents the outflow of gas from the outlet
3 of the tank 1.
[0063] During use, the expansion of gas from the second pressure to the first pressure enables
the expulsion and thus dispensing of the liquid through the fluid regulator 5 in the
direction K while the fluid regulator 5 is in the open configuration. When the liquid
is depleted, the fluid regulator 5 will switch from the open configuration to the
closed configuration because of the fact that the level of the liquid no longer allows
the shutter 15 to float, so that the latter obstructs the intake section 20a of the
outflow conduit 20, preventing the outflow of the gas contained in the tank 1.
[0064] The present invention makes it possible to store, besides the liquid to be distributed,
also a certain amount of energy that will be used subsequently for the distribution
of the liquid. This is possible thanks to the pressurised gas with which the present
device 100 is pre-charged. At the time of introduction of the liquid into the device
100, moreover, the pre-compressed gas is further compressed by the entry of the liquid
at the expense, for example, of the mains pressure or that with which the liquid is
introduced into the tank 1, and constitutes an energy reserve capable of satisfying
dispensing needs also at heights greater than those at which the device is located,
for example in an apartment building where the tank 1 is on the ground floor, or in
a service station where the tank 1 is underground.
[0065] In order to enable a lasting functionality of the device, it is necessary that the
gas with which the device 100 is pre-charged does not leak from the tank 1. This makes
it possible to avoid a new pre-charging step. Preferably, pre-charging is carried
out only once, or whenever the tank 1 must be completely emptied and opened for maintenance
reasons.
[0066] Maintaining the pre-charging gas inside the tank 1 is made possible by the fluid
regulator 5, which has the function of preventing the outflow of gas when the liquid
is depleted. Thanks to the fluid regulator 5, the pre-compressed gas remains inside
the tank 1 and the precompression pressure thereof is safeguarded for the subsequent
cycle of use. Cycle of use means the introduction of liquid into the tank 1 and the
dispensing of all or part of the liquid from the tank 1 through the fluid regulator
5.
[0067] The present invention can be used, for example, to dispense a liquid towards a distribution
network or towards another tank 1. Examples of a possible distribution network can
be the plumbing system of a home, a fuel pump in a service station, an industrial
facility for the treatment of liquids, a domestic distribution system, or even an
internal circuit of machinery that requires the dispensing and distribution of a liquid
in one or more parts of the machinery itself. The present invention enables the preset
object to be achieved, making it possible, among other advantages, to store and dispense
liquids in the absence of electricity for many liquid filling and emptying cycles,
while not requiring maintenance for long periods of time.
1. A device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100), the device comprising:
a tank (1) for containing a liquid having an inlet (2; 8) and an outlet (3), configured
to be pre-charged with a gas, preferably air, at a first pressure that is higher than
atmospheric pressure and at least partially filled with the liquid until reaching
a second pressure that is higher than said first pressure; and
a fluid regulator (5) connected to the outlet (3) of the tank (1) in order to regulate
the passage of the liquid, the fluid regulator (5) comprising an outflow conduit (20)
having an intake section (20a) and an outlet section (20b), and a floating shutter
(15); the fluid regulator (5) being switchable between a closed configuration, wherein
the shutter (15) occludes the intake section (20a) of the outflow conduit (20) when
the level of liquid is in the intake section (20a) of the outflow conduit (20) so
as to prevent the passage of gas in the outflow direction of the liquid (K), and an
open configuration, wherein the shutter (15) is separated from the intake section
(20a) of the outflow conduit (20) so as to allow the transit of the liquid; the open
configuration being determined by the hydrostatic thrust of the liquid on the shutter
(15); characterized by further comprising:
an air enricher (11) connected to the fluid regulator (5) so as to enable the intake
of air into the tank (1), and
a recharging circuit connected to an outlet of the air enricher (11), the recharging
circuit comprising a chamber (12), being dimensioned in proportion to the tank (1),
and a conduit (14) connected to a portion of the tank (1) above the level of the liquid
in the tank (1),
wherein the tank (1), the air enricher (11), the chamber (12) and the conduit (14)
are in fluid communication.
2. The device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100) according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the shutter (15) is configured to float freely on the liquid inside
the fluid regulator (5) when the fluid regulator (5) is in the open configuration.
3. The device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100) according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid regulator (5) further comprises a retaining means (16) for retaining the
shutter (15) at a maximum predetermined distance from the intake section (20a) of
the outflow conduit (20).
4. The device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100) according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the fluid regulator (5) comprises at least one lateral wall (14) connected
to the intake section (20a) and having an inner surface with a decreasing cross section,
preferably conical, towards the intake section (20a) of the outflow conduit (20) so
as to guide the shutter (15) towards the intake section (20a) of the outflow conduit
(20) when the fluid regulator (5) is switched from the open configuration to the closed
configuration.
5. The device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100) according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the shutter (15) has at least one circular section, the shutter (15)
preferably having a spherical shape.
6. The device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100) according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein the air enricher (11) comprises:
a sleeve (40) connected to the fluid regulator (5), the sleeve (40) having an aperture
(50) to the outside which preferably has a one-way valve on the outside;
a tube (32) inside the sleeve (40) connected to the outflow conduit (20) of the fluid
regulator (5), the tube (32) having an inlet section (32a) and an outlet section (32b)
with a smaller area than the inlet section (32a);
a space (70) being defined between the sleeve (40) and the tube (32) and being in
fluid communication with the outflow conduit (20).
7. The device for storing and dispensing a liquid (100) according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the tank (1) further has an inlet (8) for the pre-charging gas.
1. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100), wobei die Vorrichtung
umfasst:
einen Tank (1) zum Enthalten einer Flüssigkeit, der einen Einlass (2; 8) und einen
Auslass (3) aufweist, der ausgelegt ist, um mit einem Gas, vorzugsweise Luft, bei
einem ersten Druck, der höher ist als der Umgebungsluftdruck, voraufgeladen zu werden,
und mindestens teilweise mit der Flüssigkeit bis Erreichen eines zweiten Drucks, der
höher ist als der erste Druck, gefüllt zu werden; und
einen Fluidregler (5), der mit dem Auslass (3) des Tanks (1) verbunden ist, um den
Durchfluss der Flüssigkeit zu regeln, wobei der Fluidregler (5) eine Abflussleitung
(20) umfasst, die einen Aufnahmeabschnitt (20a) und einen Auslassabschnitt (20b) und
einen schwimmenden Verschluss (15) aufweist; wobei der Fluidregler (5) umschaltbar
ist zwischen einer geschlossenen Konfiguration, in der der Verschluss (15) den Aufnahmeabschnitt
(20a) der Abflussleitung (20) verschließt, wenn der Pegel der Flüssigkeit in dem Aufnahmeabschnitt
(20a) der Abflussleitung (20) steht, um den Durchfluss von Gas in die Abflussrichtung
der Flüssigkeit (K) zu verhindern, und einer offenen Konfiguration, in der der Verschluss
(15) von dem Aufnahmeabschnitt (20a) der Abflussleitung (20) getrennt ist, um den
Durchgang der Flüssigkeit zuzulassen; wobei die offene Konfiguration durch den hydrostatischen
Schub der Flüssigkeit an dem Verschluss (15) bestimmt wird; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie weiter umfasst:
einen Luftanreicherer (11), der mit dem Fluidregler (5) verbunden ist, um die Aufnahme
von Luft in den Tank (1) zu ermöglichen, und
einen Wiederaufladekreis, der mit einem Auslass des Luftanreicherers (11) verbunden
ist, wobei der Wiederaufladekreis eine Kammer (12) umfasst, die im Verhältnis zum
Tank(1) bemessen ist, und eine Leitung (14), die mit einem Bereich des Tanks (1) über
dem Pegel der Flüssigkeit im Tank (1) verbunden ist,
wobei der Tank (1), der Luftanreicherer (11), die Kammer (12) und die Leitung (14)
in Fluidkommunikation stehen.
2. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100) nach einem der vorstehenden
Ansprüche, wobei der Verschluss (15) ausgelegt ist, um auf der Flüssigkeit innerhalb
des Fluidreglers (5) frei zu schwimmen, wenn sich der Fluidregler (5) in der offenen
Konfiguration befindet.
3. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei
der Fluidregler (5) weiter ein Zurückhaltemittel (16) zum Zurückhalten des Verschlusses
(15) an einem maximalen vorbestimmten Abstand von dem Aufnahmeabschnitt (20a) der
Abflussleitung (20) umfasst.
4. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100) nach einem der vorstehenden
Ansprüche, wobei der Fluidregler (5) mindestens eine Seitenwand (14) umfasst, die
mit dem Aufnahmeabschnitt (20a) verbunden ist und eine Innenfläche mit zu dem Aufnahmeabschnitt
(20a) der Abflussleitung (20) hin abnehmendem, vorzugsweise kegelförmigem, Querschnitt
aufweist, um den Verschluss (15) zu dem Aufnahmeabschnitt (20a) der Abflussleitung
(20) hin zu führen, wenn der Fluidregler (5) von der offenen Konfiguration zur geschlossenen
Konfiguration umgeschaltet wird.
5. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100) nach einem der vorstehenden
Ansprüche, wobei der Verschluss (15) mindestens einen kreisförmigen Abschnitt aufweist,
wobei der Verschluss (15) vorzugsweise eine kugelförmige Form aufweist.
6. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100) nach einem der vorstehenden
Ansprüche, wobei der Luftanreicherer (11) umfasst:
eine Muffe (40), die mit dem Fluidregler (5) verbunden ist, wobei die Muffe (40) eine
Öffnung (50) zu der Außenseite aufweist, die vorzugsweise ein Einwegventil an der
Außenseite aufweist;
ein Rohr (32) innerhalb der Muffe (40), das mit der Abflussleitung (20) des Fluidreglers
(5) verbunden ist, wobei das Rohr (32) einen Einlassabschnitt (32a) und einen Auslassabschnitt
(32b) mit einer kleineren Fläche als der Einlassabschnitt (32a) aufweist;
einen Raum (70), der zwischen der Muffe (40) und dem Rohr (32) definiert ist und in
Fluidkommunikation mit der Abflussleitung (20) steht.
7. Vorrichtung zum Speichern und Ausgeben einer Flüssigkeit (100) nach einem der vorstehenden
Ansprüche, wobei der Tank (1) weiter einen Einlass (8) für das vorladende Gas aufweist.
1. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100), le dispositif comprenant :
un réservoir (1) pour contenir un liquide présentant une entrée (2 ; 8) et une sortie
(3), configuré pour être préchargé avec un gaz, de préférence de l'air, à une première
pression qui est plus élevée que la pression atmosphérique et au moins partiellement
rempli avec le liquide jusqu'à atteindre une seconde pression qui est plus élevée
que ladite première pression ; et
un régulateur de fluide (5) raccordé à la sortie (3) du réservoir (1) afin de réguler
le passage du liquide, le régulateur de fluide (5) comprenant un conduit de flux de
sortie (20) présentant une section d'admission (20a) et une section de sortie (20b),
et un obturateur flottant (15) ; le régulateur de fluide (5) étant commutable entre
une configuration fermée, dans laquelle l'obturateur (15) bloque la section d'admission
(20a) du conduit de flux de sortie (20) lorsque le niveau de liquide est dans la section
d'admission (20a) du conduit de flux de sortie (20) de sorte à empêcher le passage
de gaz dans la direction de flux de sortie du liquide (K), et une configuration ouverte,
dans laquelle l'obturateur (15) est séparé de la section d'admission (20a) du conduit
de flux de sortie (20) de sorte à permettre le transit du liquide ; la configuration
ouverte étant déterminée par la poussée hydrostatique du liquide sur l'obturateur
(15) ; caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre :
un enrichisseur d'air (11) raccordé au régulateur de fluide (5) de sorte à permettre
l'admission d'air dans le réservoir (1), et
un circuit de rechargement raccordé à une sortie de l'enrichisseur d'air (11), le
circuit de rechargement comprenant une chambre (12), étant dimensionnée proportionnellement
au réservoir (1),
et un conduit (14) raccordé à une portion du réservoir (1) au-dessus du niveau du
liquide dans le réservoir (1),
dans lequel le réservoir (1), l'enrichisseur d'air (11), la chambre (12) et le conduit
(14) sont en communication fluidique.
2. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100) selon l'une quelconque des
revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'obturateur (15) est configuré pour flotter
librement sur le liquide à l'intérieur du régulateur de fluide (5) lorsque le régulateur
de fluide (5) est dans la configuration ouverte.
3. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100) selon la revendication 1, dans
lequel le régulateur de fluide (5) comprend en outre un moyen de retenue (16) pour
la retenue de l'obturateur (15) à une distance prédéterminée maximum de la section
d'admission (20a) du conduit de flux de sortie (20).
4. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100) selon l'une quelconque des
revendications précédentes, dans lequel le régulateur de fluide (5) comprend au moins
une paroi latérale (14) raccordée à la section d'admission (20a) et présentant une
surface intérieure avec une section transversale décroissante, de préférence conique,
vers la section d'admission (20a) du conduit de flux de sortie (20) de sorte à guider
l'obturateur (15) vers la section d'admission (20a) du conduit de flux de sortie (20)
lorsque le régulateur de fluide (5) est commuté de la configuration ouverte à la configuration
fermée.
5. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100) selon l'une quelconque des
revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'obturateur (15) présente au moins une section
circulaire, l'obturateur (15) présentant de préférence une forme sphérique.
6. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100) selon l'une quelconque des
revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'enrichisseur d'air (11) comprend :
un manchon (40) raccordé au régulateur de fluide (5), le manchon (40) présentant une
ouverture (50) vers l'extérieur qui présente de préférence une valve une voie sur
le côté extérieur ;
un tube (32) à l'intérieur du manchon (40) raccordé au conduit de flux de sortie (20)
du régulateur de fluide (5), le tube (32) présentant une section d'entrée (32a) et
une section de sortie (32b) avec une zone plus petite que la section d'entrée (32a)
;
un espace (70) étant défini entre le manchon (40) et le tube (32) et étant en communication
fluidique avec le conduit de flux de sortie (20).
7. Dispositif pour stocker et distribuer un liquide (100) selon l'une quelconque des
revendications précédentes, dans lequel le réservoir (1) présente en outre une entrée
(8) pour le gaz de préchargement.