Dispensing – Automatic control – Cutoff operated by rate of flow responsive mechanism
Patent
1992-06-15
1996-08-13
Kashnikow, Andres
Dispensing
Automatic control
Cutoff operated by rate of flow responsive mechanism
222 71, B67D 508
Patent
active
055447864
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to apparatus for measuring the volume of a liquid administered from a valve, or the rate of flow of a liquid at some point within an apparatus.
It is a characteristic of liquids such as water to remain free flowing at all temperatures and under a wide range of applied forces causing the flow. Other liquids such as common household detergents are relatively free flowing when warm but become viscous as their temperature falls. At a particular temperature, however, many viscous liquids do not experience a significant viscosity change.
For other viscous liquids, for example, engine lubricating oil, the viscosity not only changes according to the temperature but will also change at a particular temperature depending on such factors as the liquid's flow and temperature history.
Still other liquids display a viscosity that is dependent on the force applied to move the liquid. An example of this kind of liquid is house paint which moves under the influence of the brush but resists further flow once applied. Chutney is also known for this behavior. Liquids such as lubricating oils are sometimes described as being visco-elastic whilst household paint is described as being a non-Newtonian liquid. By contrast, water is classified as a Newtonian liquid because its viscosity does not alter under a varying applied pressure.
For applications such as dispensing liquids, it is clearly desirable to be able to measure liquid flow parameters to enable accurate metering to be carried out.
In GB-A-1 580 662 there is disclosed a fluid flow control apparatus, which operates to ensure a constant volume flow in mixed hot and cold fluids. The apparatus includes a movable flow sensing means extending into a conduit through which the mixed fluid flows, the movement of the flow sensing means being coupled to an upstream damper, and a temperature sensor downstream of the flow sensing means, the sensor being adapted to vary the bias force on the flow sensing member.
The arrangement of GB-A 1 580 662 is relatively crude, as it makes no reference to the effect of the fluid flow on the movable flow sensing means by a direct component of force and by shear forces acting on the surface of the flow sensing means.
It is an object of this invention to provide apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a given liquid, whether the liquid is non-viscous, or highly viscous.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a means of continuously monitoring the flow pattern of complex liquids whose flow properties change both with temperature and flow conditions, in order to characterize certain aspects of the rheology of the liquid.
The invention provides apparatus for producing a constant flow, including a body adapted to contain a liquid, a one-way valve adapted to allow gas flow into said body, and a liquid outlet from said body, said one-way valve and said outlet being located in reasonable proximity to each other, said outlet being connected to a conduit, the flow through which is controlled by a valve, the apparatus operating such that when said one-way valve and said outlet are at a level lower than the level of liquid in said body, a constant flow of liquid will be achieved in said conduit when said valve is opened and when gas commences to enter said body through said one-way valve.
The invention also provides a liquid flow measurement instrument, including two members, a first one of which is able to move with respect to a second one of which in response to fluid flow parameter changes, the capacitance between said members representing said parameter changes.
The invention further provides apparatus for measuring fluid flow parameters for control of fluid flow, including a body adapted to contain a liquid, a one-way valve adapted to allow gas flow into said body and liquid outlet from said body, said one-way valve and said outlet being located in reasonable proximate to each other, said outlet being connected to a conduit, the flow through which is controlled by a valve, there being located in said conduit one or more i
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Gamilis Emmanuel A.
Gamilis James
Douglas Lisa
Kashnikow Andres
Technichem Pty. Ltd.
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