Pipes and tubular conduits – With pressure compensators – Variable capacity chambers
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-23
2001-12-04
Brinson, Patrick (Department: 3752)
Pipes and tubular conduits
With pressure compensators
Variable capacity chambers
C138S031000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325105
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a surge suppression apparatus incorporating a pressure regulation assembly. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a surge suppression apparatus having means for regulating the pressure of a pressurised gas therein.
BACKGROUND FIELD
It is known to use a reciprocating pump for the pumping of a liquid in a delivery system. Such reciprocating pumps do not have a smooth output and a pressure drop occurs in the liquid during the reversal of the pump stroke. Surge suppression. apparatus is used to negate the drop in pressure and thereby improve the constancy of the liquid output pressure.
A known surge suppression apparatus comprises a passive surge bottle which is basically a captive (static) gas volume acting as a pressure reservoir. A passive surge bottle inevitably loses pressure in use and thus there is a necessity for the periodic recharging of the bottle with compressed gas and the subsequent, associated recalibration of the system utilising the bottle. European Patent Application No. EP 0 707 173 A1 discloses a surge suppression apparatus incorporating an active pressure regulation arrangement which recharges the gas pressure therein automatically. Such an active pressure regulation arrangement in a surge suppressor removes the necessity for the periodic recharging of a passive surge bottle, but the apparatus disclosed in EP 0 707 173 A1 tends to be bulky and inconvenient in use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a surge suppression apparatus in an improved and simplified form.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a surge suppression apparatus including a chamber divided into first and second sub-chambers by a diaphragm, a diaphragm follower in use following the movement of the diaphragm in response to a pressure differential between the first and second sub-chambers, the diaphragm follower being movable relative to the chamber wall and being the movable element of a first valve for determining the existence or otherwise of a communication pathway between the second sub-chamber and a gas inlet and being the movable element of a second valve for determining the existence or otherwise of a communication pathway between the second sub-chamber and a gas outlet.
The diaphragm follower is biased to contact the diaphragm at all times by a loading derived from gas pressure in the second sub-chamber.
Conveniently as an alternative or in addition, the diaphragm follower is coupled to the diaphragm.
Desirably said second valve includes a bleed path which opens prior to full opening of the second valve so as to effect a controlled release of pressure through said gas outlet.
Conveniently said chamber wall is part of a housing assembly which defines static parts of said first and second valves.
Preferably said first and second valves are so arranged that there is a range of movement of the diaphragm on opposite side of a central equilibrium position in which neither valve is operated so as to define a “dead band” in the operation of the apparatus.
Conveniently said diaphragm follower includes a disc of larger diameter than the shaft and smaller diameter than the diaphragm engaging the diaphragm and controlling flexure thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3741692 (1973-06-01), Rupp
patent: 4556087 (1985-12-01), Casilli
patent: 5337791 (1994-08-01), Plager et al.
patent: 40 31 239 (1992-04-01), None
patent: 0 707 173 (1996-04-01), None
Brinson Patrick
Lombard Pressings Limited
Lowe Hauptman & Gilman & Berner LLP
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