Patent Application
20140000349
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for measuring and monitoring concentrations of fluids.
In general, a solar heater or a solar water heater uses sunlight as an energy source to heat fluid. These systems include various piping and tanks to allow for the flow and storage of the fluid used within the system. In cold temperatures, the fluid within the system may freeze due to, for example, mechanical failures, power outages, poor insulation, and other factors. To reduce the risk of freezing of the fluid within the system, antifreeze, for example, propylene glycol or glycol, is commonly introduced into the system, typically in a solar circulation loop of a closed-loop system.
When glycol is introduced into the system, the glycol is typically mixed with distilled water in the system to form a forty (40) percent to a fifty (50) percent, by volume, solution of glycol. However, one drawback of the use of glycol is the leaching out or escape of glycol from the system through pinholes or small gaps in the system, also known as weepage or seepage. Due to the molecular structure of glycol, glycol may leak out of the system where water does not. Another drawback is that over time inhibitors in the glycol can degrade, which can also effect the capability of the fluid within the system to prevent freezing. Thus, the glycol in the system can decrease and degrade over time, which can increase the risk of freezing of the fluid or distilled water within the system.
To ensure the fluid within the system will not freeze, the glycol in the system should be measured periodically. Various devices are currently used to measure the amount of glycol in these systems. One such device is a refractometer, which measures an index of refraction of the fluid or solution being measured. Another device that can be used is a hydrometer, which is used to measure the specific gravity of the fluids in the system. However, both of these devices are stand-alone devices and require a sample of the fluid to be extracted from the system each time the glycol in the system is to be measured.
An in-line measuring device for measuring a ratio, percentage, and/or concentration of fluid in a fluidic system is disclosed herein. In general, the in-line measuring device includes an in-line connector having a first side and a second side, and a container coupled to or disposed in the first side of the in-line connector. The container includes one or more measuring markings, and one or more measuring floats are disposed within the container. The measuring float(s) and the measuring marking(s) are configured to correspond to one another to indicate a certain ratio, percentage, and/or concentration of the fluid in the fluidic system when the measuring float(s) substantially aligns with the measuring marking(s).
The in-line measuring device may also include a flange portion coupled to or disposed on the container at an end opposite the in-line connector. The flange portion may include a valve connector, and a bleed-off valve may be coupled to the valve connector. The bleed-off valve allows for the purging of air or other gas and/or fluid within the in-line measuring device, when the in-line measuring device is installed in the fluidic system. One or more fasteners may extend through the flange portion and into the in-line connector to couple the flange portion to the in-line connector. The fasteners may extend between the flange portion and the in-line connector in a position external to the container. This allows the fasteners to protect an exterior of the container from impact and reduce the risk of the container being broken or cracked.
The in-line measuring device may be installed in a solar, geothermal, hydronic, or other circulation loop of the type of a closed-loop or an open-loop system. This allows the in-line measuring device to provide a continuous measurement of the ratio, percentage, and/or concentration of the fluid in the fluidic system, for example, such as a percentage of propylene glycol, glycol, and other anti-freeze fluids in the solar, geothermal, hydronic, or other circulation loop of the type.
Embodiments of devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:
Detailed embodiments of in-line measuring devices, systems, and methods for installation and use are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the devices, systems, and methods, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.
A perspective view of an in-line measuring device 100 according to an illustrative embodiment is described with reference to
The in-line measuring device 100 may also include a flange portion 110. The flange portion 110 is disposed on the container 108 at an end distal to the in-line connector 102. As illustrated in
The flange portion 110 may be coupled to the in-line connector 102 by one or more fasteners 118. As illustrated in
The container 108 may also include one or more measuring markings 120. One or more measuring floats 122 are disposed within the container 108. The measuring float(s) 122 and the measuring marking(s) 120 are configured to correspond to one another, for example, the measuring marking(s) 120 can be configured to indicate about a fifty (50) percent, by volume, solution of glycol and water, and the measuring float(s) 122 can be configured to be substantially aligned with the measuring marking(s) 120 when the fluid within the fluidic system is a about fifty (50) percent, by volume, solution of glycol and water.
An exploded view of the in-line measuring device 100 is described with reference to
Similarly, the flange portion 110 includes a second container receiving portion 210 configured to receive a second end 212 of the container 108. A second gasket 214 having an aperture 216 may be disposed within the second container receiving portion 210 to provide a fluid tight seal between the second end 212 of the container 108 and the second container receiving portion 210.
As illustrated in
A sectional view of the in-line measuring device 100 is described with reference to
The first container receiving portion 202 in the first side 104 of the in-line connector 102 has a first cross-sectional area to a first depth within the in-line connector 102. An aperture or fluid flow path 306 extends between the threaded female connection 304 in the second side 106 of the in-line connector 102 and the first container receiving portion 202 in the first side 104 of the in-line connector 102. The fluid flow path 306 has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first container receiving portion 202 to a depth from the threaded female connection 304. The fluid flow path 306 may also have a third cross-sectional area proximal to the first container receiving portion 202 smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first container receiving portion 202 and larger than the second cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path 306 forming a screen receiving portion 308 between the second cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path 306 and the first container receiving portion 202. The screen receiving portion 308 may receive a screen or filtering device configured to filter out debris and other unwanted particles, for example, rust particles, from entering the container 108. The screen or filtering device may also prevent the one or more measuring floats 122 in the container 108 from exiting or escaping the container 108.
The intersection of the first container receiving portion 202 and the screen receiving portion 308 forms a stop 310. The stop 310 prevents the first gasket 206 and the container 108 from passing through the in-line connector 102. The stop 310 also allows the first gasket 206 to provide a fluid tight seal between the container 108 and the stop 310 within the first container receiving portion 202. It should be appreciated that the screen receiving portion 308 is optional. Further, it should be appreciated that in one embodiment, in the absence of the screen receiving portion 308 the fluid flow path 306 extends to the first container receiving portion 202, and the intersection of the first container receiving portion 202 and the fluid flow path 306 forms the stop 310. In a second embodiment, the in-line connector 102 includes an integral or monolithically formed screen that replaces the screen receiving portion 308. In this second embodiment, it should be appreciated that the fluid flow path 306 and the first container receiving portion 202 each extend to opposite sides, respectively, of the integral screen, and the intersection of the first container receiving portion 202 and the integral screen forms the stop 310.
As illustrated in
Similarly, the second container receiving portion 210 of the flange portion 110 has a first cross-sectional area to a first depth. An aperture or fluid flow path 312 extends between the second container receiving portion 210 and the valve connector 112 of the flange portion 110. The fluid flow path 312 has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the second container receiving portion 210. The fluid flow path 312 may also have a third cross-sectional area proximal to the second container receiving portion 210 smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the second container receiving portion 210 and larger than the second cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path 312 forming a screen receiving portion 314 between the second cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path 312 and the second container receiving portion 210. The screen receiving portion 314 may receive a screen or filtering device, for example, as described hereinbefore.
The intersection of the second container receiving portion 210 and the screen receiving portion 314 forms a stop 316. The stop 316 prevents the second gasket 214 and the container 108 from passing through the flange portion 110. The stop 316 also allows the second gasket 214 to provide a fluid tight seal between the container 108 and the stop 316 within the second container receiving portion 210. As described hereinbefore, it should be appreciated that the screen receiving portion 314 is optional, and that the fluid flow path 312 may extend to the second container receiving portion 210, and the intersection of the second container receiving portion 210 and the fluid flow path 312 forms the stop 316. Further, an integral or monolithically formed screen can replace the screen receiving portion 314, as described hereinbefore.
In an illustrative embodiment, the second cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path 306 of the in-line connector 102 and the second cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path 312 of the flange portion 110 are configured to be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the one or more measuring floats 122 that are disposed within the container 108. This prevents the one or more measuring floats 122 from falling out of, being removed from, escaping, or inadvertently exiting the container 108.
Referring to
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The fastener(s) 118 extend through the fastener aperture(s) 220 in the flange portion 110 and the connection end(s) 224 of the fastener(s) 118 are mated with the fastener connection(s) 222 of the in-line connector 102. The head(s) 226 of the fastener(s) 118 have a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the fastener aperture(s) 220 in the flange portion 110 to prevent the head(s) 226 of the fastener(s) 118 from passing through the fastener aperture(s) 220. The head(s) 226 of the fastener(s) 118 exert a force or pressure on the flange portion 110 in the direction of the in-line connector 102 and/or the connection end(s) 224 of the fastener(s) 118 exert a force or pressure on the in-line connector 102 in the direction of the flange portion 110.
The fastener connection(s) 222 of the in-line connector 102 and the connection end(s) 224 of the fastener(s) 118 are configured to allow the connection end(s) 224 of the fastener(s) 118 to bottom out in the fastener connection(s) 222 of the in-line connector 102 at a pressure or force to provide a fluid tight seal between the container 108 and the in-line connector 102, and the container 108 and the flange portion 110 without breaking, fracturing, cracking, or compromising the structural integrity of the container 108.
As illustrated in
In an illustrative embodiment, when the in-line measuring device 100 is installed in the fluidic system, fluid within the system fills the container 108. The in-line measuring device 100 may be configured to measure the amount, ratio, or concentration of certain fluids within the fluidic system, for example, using the specific gravity or relative density of certain fluids, for example, such as propylene glycol, glycol, other anti-freeze fluids, and alcohol. In one example, the in-line measuring device 100 may be configured to measure a percentage of glycol, by volume, in water. In this illustrative embodiment, the measuring float 122, illustrated in
It should be appreciated that additional measuring markings 120 may be on the container 108, to indicate alternative amounts, ratios, or concentrations of certain fluids within the fluidic system, for example, to indicate about a twenty (20) percent, thirty (30) percent, forty (40) percent, sixty (60) percent, or other percent including all percentages therebetween, by volume, solution of glycol and water when the measuring float 122 aligns with one of the measuring markings 120. In one example, as the measuring float 122 moves closer to the in-line connector 102, the measuring markings 120 may indicate that the amount of glycol present in the fluidic system is higher or lower than about fifty (50) percent by volume, depending on the orientation of the in-line measuring device 100 with respect to the force of gravity. Similarly, as the measuring float 122 moves closer to the flange portion 110, the measuring markings 120 may indicate that the amount of glycol present in the fluidic system is higher or lower than about fifty (50) percent by volume, depending on the orientation of the in-line measuring device 100 with respect to the force of gravity.
Further, it should be appreciated that there may be more than one measuring float 122, the measuring float 122 and the measuring marking 120 may be configured to measure or indicate amounts, ratios, or concentrations of numerous different types of fluids, and/or the measuring markings 120 indicate certain amounts, ratios, or concentrations at various locations along the container 108.
In an illustrative embodiment, the in-line measuring device 100 may be coupled in one or more valve configurations. A perspective view of the in-line measuring device 100 coupled to a single valve 400 is described with reference to
As illustrated in
In another illustrative embodiment, the in-line measuring device 100 may be coupled in an alternative valve configuration. A perspective view of the in-line measuring device 100 coupled to a purge or bypass valve 500 is described with reference to
The valve 516 includes a main actuator 518 allowing the valve 516 to be configured between a first position or open position and a second position or closed position. Similarly, the first valve 512 includes a first actuator 520 and the second valve 514 includes a second actuator 522. The first actuator 520 and the second actuator 522 allow the first valve 512 and the second valve 514, respectively, to be configured between a first position or open position and a second position or closed position. It should be appreciated that each of or all of the ports 502, 504, 506, and 508 may be placed in or removed from fluid communication with one another by positioning the actuators 518, 502 and 522 in their respective first and/or second positions.
As illustrated in
A block flow diagram of a method of installing the in-line measuring device 100 in a fluidic system according to an illustrative embodiment is described with reference to
With the valve 114 on the in-line measuring device 100 in the first position, fluid within the fluidic system is allowed 612 to flow into the in-line measuring device 100. When the fluid is allowed 612 to flow into the in-line measuring device 100, the valve 114 permits air or other gasses and fluid to be purged from or bled off the in-line measuring device 100, for example, via the apertures 116 of the valve 114. Once the in-line measuring device 100 is filled with the fluid and the air or other gasses are purged, the valve 114 may be closed 614, for example, by actuating or closing the valve 114 to place the valve 114 in the second position or closed position. With the in-line measuring device 100 installed in the fluidic system, the ratio, or concentration of the fluid within the fluidic system can be continuously measured and monitored.
The in-line measuring device 100 installed in a fluidic system according to an illustrative embodiment is described with reference to
In this illustrative embodiment, the solar heating system 700 includes the solar collector 702, a heat exchanger or a water heater 704, an expansion tank 706, an air separator 708, and a pump 710 connected via various piping. A first fluid, for example, a solution of glycol and water, flows through or is circulated within the solar heating system 700 by the pump 710. The first fluid flows through outlet piping 712 of the heat exchanger 704 and through the air separator 708 in fluid communication with the outlet piping 712 and designed to remove entrained air from the first fluid. As illustrated, the expansion tank 706 is in fluid communication with the air separator 708, via a valve 714, and is designed to stabilize the pressure within the closed-loop of the solar heating system 700. The expansion tank 706 may also include a release valve or pressure relief valve 716 to reduce the risk of the expansion tank 706 or the closed-loop of the solar heating system 700 becoming over-pressured as the first fluid within the closed-loop is heated and cooled.
The first fluid flows from the air separator 708, through piping 718, through the pump 710 in fluid communication with the piping 718, and into the solar collector 702 via piping 720. As illustrated, the pump 710 is connected to the piping 718 and the piping 720 via valves 722 having flange connections. Within the solar collector 702, the first fluid is heated. The heated first fluid flows out of the solar collector 702, which is upstream of the heat exchanger 704, and into the heat exchanger 704, via inlet piping 724. A second fluid, for example, water of a plumbing system, flows into the heat exchanger 704 via an inlet 726, and is heated by the heated first fluid flowing into the heat exchanger 704. The heated water then flows out of the heat exchanger 704 via an outlet 728 and into the plumbing system.
In this illustrative embodiment, the solar heating system 700 is a closed-loop system that heats the first fluid flowing through the closed-loop and transfers the heat from the first fluid to the second fluid. As described above, the first fluid flowing through the closed-loop of the solar heating system 700 may include an anti-freeze, for example, glycol or propylene glycol to reduce the risk of freezing of the first fluid.
The in-line measuring device 100 may be installed within the closed-loop of the solar heating system 700 to continuously measure the amount, ratio, or concentration of glycol or propylene glycol within the closed-loop. As illustrated in
Although the in-line measuring device 100 is described as being installed in the system 700 using certain valves and at certain locations, it should be appreciated that the in-line measuring device 100 may be directly installed in the system 700 without an intermediary valve, installed using other valve configurations, and may be installed at any number of various locations where the amount, ratio, or concentration of the first fluid within the system 700 is desired to be identified. For example, the in-line measuring device 100 may be installed in one or more of the piping 712, the piping 718, the piping 720, the piping 724, and other locations within the system 700.
In an illustrative embodiment, the in-line measuring device 100 may be installed in the fluidic system in an angular orientation that is about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees, including all points and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the force of gravity, wherein 0 degrees is the orientation of the in-line measuring device 100 when the force of gravity is in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container 108.
Although the devices, systems, and methods are described and illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, many variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the in-line measuring device may include less than four (4) or more than four (4) fasteners. The in-line measuring device may not include any fasteners, and the container may be threaded into the in-line connector and/or the flange portion. The container may have a closed second end, and thus may not include the flange portion or the fasteners. The valve on the flange portion for purging gas from the in-line measuring device is optional and may not be included in all embodiments. For example, the flange portion may not have a fluid flow path and may merely act as a cap to close the container. Additionally, it should be appreciated that various other types of bleed-off valves and other valves of the type can be incorporated in the in-line measuring device. Although certain components are described herein as including threaded female or threaded male connections, it should be appreciated that any of the connections may be threaded female connections, threaded male connections, union connections, or flange connections.
Although the container is described as having a cylindrical shape, it should be appreciated that the container may have any of various geometric shapes, for example, a spherical or globe shape, a hexahedron shape, a tetrahedron shape, a octahedron shape, a icosahedron shape, a dodecahedron shape, and other three dimensional geometric shapes. It should also be appreciated that various geometric shapes may allow the in-line measuring device to be installed in the fluidic system in an angular orientation that is about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, including all points and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the force of gravity. In one example, the container is a spherical or globe shape. In this example, the container may include one or more protruding connection portions that allow the container to be coupled to or disposed in the in-line connector and/or the flange portion. Further, the spherical shape of the container may allow the container to provide accurate measurements when the container is oriented in any of the angular orientations.
In an embodiment, the container may include a multiplicity of measuring markings. The measuring markings may include words, numbers, shapes, symbols, and other markings that indicate certain amounts, ratios, or concentrations of certain fluids within the fluidic system. There may also be multiple measuring floats within the container. The measuring markings and the measuring floats may be color coded to correspond to one another for measuring purposes. The color(s) may also be used in connection with certain fluids, for example, read may be used to identify the measuring marking(s) and the corresponding measuring float(s) that measures glycol and another color may be used to identify the measuring marking(s) and the corresponding measuring float(s) that measures a different fluid or component of the fluid. Further, it should be appreciated that the size, shape, and weight of the measuring floats can be varied, for example, the measuring floats may have a spherical shape, a disc or circle shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, and other geometric shapes or the type.
One or more of the components of the in-line measuring device may be constructed or made of one or more metals; for example, brass, copper, iron, and stainless steel; plastics or polymers, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX); glass; or other materials of the type. In one embodiment, the container is made out of a clear polymer, which allows for the measuring floats to be easily visible within the container. Further, it should be appreciated that the in-line measuring device may be monolithically formed as a single piece including at least the container and the in-line connector. By forming or fabricating the in-line measuring device as a monolithic structure, the risk of leaking between the various components should be reduced.
Although the devices, systems, and methods are described and illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, additional variations and modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The disclosure is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are merely used to distinguish one element from another.
