Patent Application
20090252619
The present invention is directed to fluid pumps with integrated features including one or more of the following: a ozone generator component, an injector or adductor component(such as a venturi) for the introduction of additive into a fluid stream, a pressure bypass relief valve component, a filter component and/or a heater component. Such devices and systems containing such devices may be useful in, for example, swimming pools, spas, jetted tubs, agricultural water delivery systems, fountains, water well systems, laundry systems and the like.
The present invention relates to systems for circulating or transporting fluids, such as water, from one location to another. In particularly preferred aspects, the invention concerns a pump for the transport or circulation of liquid, wherein the pump or pump housing contains one or more additional feature, such as an ozone generator, an injector, such as a venturi for the introduction of additives to the fluid stream, and/or a fluid bypass, such as a bypass with a pressure relief valve. As used in this patent application a “venturi” is a constriction or narrowing in a fluid flow for creating suction and/or measuring flow rate.
In particularly important uses, pumps are used in various fluid-based applications, including, without limitation, spas and jetted tubs, water wells, for the distribution of water to agricultural crops, and in laundries, particularly residential laundries. In many of these uses additives are desirably introduced in the fluid stream.
For example, preserving the potablity of water for various uses can be an important consideration, and therefore the introduction of a sanitizing, disinfecting or sterilizing component (hereinafter a “sanitizing component”) into the fluid stream may be desirable. Sanitizing components often include at least one of chlorine, fluorine and ozone. Of these, ozone leaves no toxic or harmful residue or reaction products following disinfection, and is, in many cases preferable to a halide such as chlorine or fluorine.
Thus, in an important class of aspects and applications the invention relates to apparatus and methods specifically configured and adapted for the treatment, for example, for the purification, of waters used in swimming pools, spas and jetted tubs.
As indicated above, swimming pools, spas, jetted (hot) tubs and the like are often treated with active compounds to place or maintain the water therein in a purified or sanitized condition. Compounds and ions such as chlorine, fluorine and ozone have been used to sanitize the relatively large volumes, for example, hundreds or thousands of gallons, of water in such pools, spas, tubs, reservoirs, etc. As used herein, the terms “spa” and “jetted tub” refer to systems which hold or contain a body of liquid aqueous medium, hereinafter referred to as water, which is often heated, in a reservoir which is smaller than a swimming pool, but is sufficiently large so that an adult human being can be completely, or substantially, submerged or immersed in the water contained in the reservoir.
Spas are often used by submerging all or a major portion of one's body in the water in the reservoir for recreation and/or relaxation. Additional, separate purifying or sanitizing components are also included in spa waters to control bacteria, algae, etc., which are known to contaminate such waters. Very low concentrations of these active materials are used in order to avoid harming sensitive parts of the body—since such spas, tubs, etc. are sized so that the entire body can be immersed in the water and to minimize costs, because of the relatively large volume of water to be treated.
For example when ozone is used as a sanitizing component the normal concentration of ozone used to purify or sanitize the water in a spa or tub is often in the range of about 0.005 to about 10 parts per million (ppm) based on weight of ozone per volume of water (w/v). In other applications the range of ozone concentration as is more on the order of from about 0.01 to about 0.05 ppm, or to about 0.1 ppm, or to about 0.5 ppm or to about 1 ppm or to about 5 ppm. It is understood that by specifying a range of concentrations in this patent application, the Applicants intend that each and every concentration between the lower and higher value of the range is to be regarded as specifically disclosed.
Typically, ozone is generated on site for use in purifying pool, spa and tub waters. Conventional ozone generators used for such service include a light source emitting ultraviolet (UV) light; these lamps are generally sealed. Such conventional ozone generators are generally effective to make ozone, although they require air to be exposed to the generator for a relatively long period of time. These generators have certain additional drawbacks: for example, the UV light lamp is relatively bulky, can burn out (often requiring system disassembly and lamp replacement) and are relatively inefficient in producing the desired amounts of ozone.
Ozone generators such as the ozone generating apparatus disclosed in e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,441 operate using the corona discharge method, wherein a spark or electrode discharge provides the energy for the reaction 3 O2—electricity→2 O3. These generators are usually cost effective, do not require an oxygen source other than the ambient air, and are generally cost effective.
Ozone generators generally have an oxygen inlet and an outlet for the directed release of ozone. However, the exposure of oxygen to the generator, and the transfer of ozone to the fluid with which it is intended to be exposed is often passive unless there is a pump or suction source.
Suction can be generated, without limitation, by the action of flowing fluid. Thus, if water is flowing at a given rate (such as when being circulated through a “closed” spa or tub system or delivered, for example in an open irrigation system), suction can be generated by decreasing the cross-sectional area of a section of the tube or pipe through which the fluid flows, thus taking advantage of the Venturi effect: the drop in fluid pressure resulting when an incompressible fluid flows through a constricted section of pipe or tube. An opening at right angles to the direction of fluid flow substantially at the point of constriction provides an injector or introduction point for addition of substances, including solids, fluids and gases, into the flowing fluid.
Thus, if a pump forces the fluid through a tube connected to a system consisting of a venturi to increase the water speed (the diameter decreases), a short piece of tube with a small hole in it, and lastly a venturi that decreases speed (so the pipe gets wider again), air will be sucked in through the small hole because of changes in pressure. At the end of the system, a mixture of fluid and air will appear. If the small hole is connected to the outlet of, for example, an ozone generator, the ozone produced by the generator will be drawn into and mixed with the flowing water. The disinfectant need not be ozone, one can use a venturi injector to introduce chlorine gas into the water.
Of course, the small hole may be connected to whatever is desired to be introduced into the water or other fluid. Therefore in agricultural applications a liquid or gaseous fertilizer or pesticide may be mixed with the water through a venturi prior to watering the crop.
One can control the amount of additive introduced into the fluid by the degree of constriction and the velocity of fluid flow in the unconstricted portions of the pipe or tube, since the differences in pressure (and thus the amount of suction) is directed by the differences in fluid velocity before and during the constriction of the fluid flow.
Sometimes the amount of suction generated as a result of fluid flow can be in excess of that required for a particular purpose. In such a case, a fluid bypass can be desirable, in which the degree of constriction causing the venturi effect is lessened when the pressure reaches a threshold of negative pressure (suction). In such a case a valve, which can be actuated by such increase in pressure, can open to increase the cross-sectional area of the construction, and thus permit the water to flow with a minimum of obstruction. For example (and without limitation), the valve may be spring-actuated such that when the suction or flow velocity exceeds the spring force the valve opens, thus permitting a greater fluid flow than the venturi normally permits.
Systems for circulating fluids, for example for the circulation of water in a spa, are well known; see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,148. An example of such a system is shown in
As this figure illustrates, the pump, venturi component and bypass line connections are all in separate parts of the water circulation assembly, and therefore the installation and maintenance of this system, or of more than one component of such a system, is a somewhat time-consuming proposition.
Water pumps (or compressors), chemical generators (such as ozone or ion generators) and injectors (adductors) have been successfully used in combination for mixing or dissolving two or more substances together. Historically they have been separate items working in a system, as described above.
Additionally or optionally, filter assemblies (particularly those having replacable water filters of moderate to reasonably fine mesh) and water heater elements may be added or integrated into a pump assembly for even greater consolidation and coordination of elements, and ease of installation, repair and replacement of one or more such element.
For example, the amount of suction generated by the venturi is directly proportional to the velocity of the water or other substantially non-compressible fluid flowing through the tube or pipe at the point at which a port or opening is made, according to Bernoulli's equation. The velocity of the fluid at a given point in the system is, in turn, proportional to the cross-sectional area of the conduit at that point. Therefore, a venturi and suction port can be made specially to fit the dimensions of the particular pump elements (e.g., outlet, interior, or inlet) integrated therewith.
The present invention therefore combines a pump or compressor with at least one, or at least two, or at least three additional components into one integral part. Integrating these components lowers overall cost and complexity and eases the proper “matching” or “tuning” the items to each other and the application.
Thus, the present invention concerns a pump or compressor assembly. The pump may be of any useful type for the circulation or delivery of a fluid, depending upon its application. Thus such pumps may include, without exception, rotodynamic pumps (such as centrifugal pumps) which have bladed impellers which rotate within the fluid to increase the fluid's pressure energy, and positive displacement pumps (such as Roots-type pumps, reciprocating-type pumps), which cause a fluid to move by trapping a fixed amount of the fluid and then forcing the displaced volume into the pump outlet.
In the present invention the pump has at least one additional feature or functional component integrated into the pump housing or body. The feature or functional component may be a means for generating, storing, and/or providing a sanitizing component to the fluid being pumped.
For example, such a means may include an ozone or ion generator integrated as part of the pump assembly. The ozone or ion generator may be of any useful type, such as the UV-emitting or the coronal discharge type. Preferably the ozone or ion generator, if present, is of the corona discharge type, such as the chip-based ozone generator design shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,441.
Thus, the ozone or ion generator is integrated into or onto the electrical motor housing of the pump to provide simplified mounting, wiring and/or control of the ozone/ion generator. The ozone or ion generator may be integrated into the compartment of the motor that traditionally houses the electrical/power wire connections for the motor. Alternatively, the ozone generator may be attached to the side of the motor (similarly to the way many motor starting capacitors are currently mounted). The synergy of motor and ozone (or ion) generator may be further enhanced by cooling the ozone/ion generator by the pump motor cooling fans or by using the pump motor body as a heat sink.
In other, currently less preferred embodiments, a reservoir configured for holding a volume of a gaseous or liquid sanitizing component may be attached to the pump housing,
In either case, a conduit transfers the sanitizing component from the reservoir or generator to the flowing water or other fluid. The point at which the sanitizing component is added to the fluid flow may be before the fluid enters the main portion of the pump, at the pump inlet, within the pump itself, at the pump outlet, or after the pump outlet. The sanitizing component may be injected from the conduit into the fluid flow under pressure (such as by use of a secondary pump, or under the pressurized influence of fluid pressurized by the main pump). Alternatively, the sanitizing component may be added to the fluid flow under suction, such as by the use of a venturi.
In a second aspect, the present invention may comprise a pump or pump assembly comprising one or more venturi injector(s) or adductor(s) is integrated into the pump housing. The integration of the venturi injectors as part of the pump makes the installation, servicing and replacement of the sanitation and pump systems easy and also lowering the cost of such work facilitates matching and the overall configuration of the system.
In addition to the integration of the venturi with the pump assembly, a preferred embodiment of the invention also has a suction port in fluid connection with the venturi, preferably having a check valve to prevent leakage of fluid within the pump when the pump is at rest.
A venturi is an effective means by which a suction force may be created by the action of a fluid under pressure. However, since the force is created by the constriction of the interior of a pipe or other conduit through which a fluid is flowing, the constriction by its very nature creates suction at the cost of impeding the flow of the fluid. It would be advantageous if the venturi provided substantially only that degree of intra-pipe constriction necessary to create the desired amount of suction (sufficient to mix the sanitizing component with the fluid) were to impede the flow of the fluid).
In a third embodiment of the present invention, a pump comprising an integrated venturi and suction port also contains one or more bypass valve and or port placed in parallel to the fluid flow and integrated into the pump housing to lower cost, simplify matching and overall configuration and create a larger window of operation in regards to flows and pressures.
The bypass valve operates to open the constriction in the venturi when the flow velocity increases beyond a certain desired amount, for example the velocity necessary to generate the desired amount of suction. Thus, if the venturi generates excess suction beyond than necessary to cause the mixing and injection of the desired amount of additives such as, for example, sanitizing components or fertilizers, the bypass valve can open, thus permitting a greater volume of water to flow through the constriction than would otherwise be the case. In one embodiment the bypass valve is located within the constriction of the pipe or tube creating the venturi, and functions by opening the “throat” of the venturi when the pressure exceeds a certain amount.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a pump containing both an integrated ozone or ion generator (or reservoir for additional additives such as fertilizers) as seen in the first embodiment, and an integrated venturi with a suction port, as seen in the second embodiment. Just as before, the reservoir, or ozone or ion generator may be located either on the body of the pump housing or within the pump motor housing, where the pump motor fan may cool it. The ozone or ion generator may also or alternatively be cooled using the pump housing as a heat sink.
In a fifth embodiment, the present invention may comprise a pump into which a reservoir or an ion or ozone generator is placed, a venturi is integrated into the pump housing together with a suction port, and a bypass valve is also included, for example, within the throat of the venturi.
Additional aspects of each of these embodiments may optionally include the integration of a fluid filter, such as a water filter assembly within the pump housing apparatus; the filter assembly may provide of access to and replacement of the filter at necessary and periodic intervals.
The following descriptions are intended to provide detailed disclosure of specific preferred embodiments of the invention, but are not intended to encompass the entire scope of the invention. The claims that conclude this specification define the invention, and the following disclosure is provided simply as an aid to their understanding.
The present invention is drawn to a revolutionary pump assembly and new methods for distributing a fluid and accomplishing at least one of the following: a) adding other gaseous or liquid fluids to the primary fluid stream, b) providing an integrated flow bypass valve to the flow stream.
Prior to the present invention pumps, sanitizing components (and apparatus for their storage or generation), injectors or adductors (including venturis), bypasses and bypass valves, heaters, and filters have been separate components in a water or other fluid distribution or circulation system.
As one example,
Ozone conduit 80 includes a water trap loop 82 located above venturi assembly 74. This water trap loop 82 acts to protect the ozone generator from being exposed to water in line 56 and bypass line 72. In addition, ozone conduit 80 includes a check valve 84, of conventional construction, which effectively prevents liquid fluid flow in the ozone conduit back to the ozone generator 12. This feature inhibits, or even substantially prevents, any water from line 56 and bypass line 72 from entering ozone generator 12.
Apparatus 10 functions as follows. When it is desired to purify/sanitize the water 52 in spa 50, operation of the pump 58 and ozone generator 12 is initiated. This causes water 52 to flow from spa 50 through line 56 into pump 58, filter 60, heater 62 into piping segment 70. At this point, a minor amount, that is, less than about 50% of the total water passing through segment 70 is caused to flow through bypass line 72 and venturi assembly 74. This results in a suction being generated by the venturi and causes ozone-containing gases being generated by ozone generator 12 to be drawn into ozone conduit 80 into the water in bypass line 72, which is ultimately returned to the spa via return line 64 and 66.
It will also be understood that substantially similar pump assemblies may be used, in other embodiments, to provide water for agricultural purposes; in such a case a reservoir integrated with the pump in the same manner as the ion or ozone generator 111 of this figure may contain a fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, vitamin, plant hormone or the like, which is added to the water through a conduit 113 at a adducer or injector (preferably through a venturi) elsewhere in the water stream.
Although the embodiment of
Also part of the integrated pump assembly of
The pressure bypass valve 301 is shown in greater detail in the cross sectional view of the venturi shown in
In the first and presently most preferred embodiment,
In this first embodiment, the pressure bypass valve is shown with the lower wall 402 and the center divider 405 comprising the housing for the poppet 407 and spring 409. The poppet 407 seals against the poppet seat 417 via the force created by the spring 409 pushing against the spring land 415. Generally, the cross section of a pressure bypass valve poppet such as poppet 407 is round but may be other geometric shapes such as, but not limited to, rectangular, elliptical, spherical or “D”-shaped. Additionally, those of skill in the art are aware that there are many types of pressure relief valves (for example, poppet, swing check, diaphragm, etc.) that may be utilized in a pressure bypass valve, with only one type having been shown here.
The pressure bypass valve functions when the water (or other fluid) pressure is high enough to overcome the spring force in spring 409. In this case, the poppet 407 is forced away from the poppet seat while the spring 409 is being compressed, allowing water to flow around the poppet 407, through the spring 409 and spring channel, and remixing with the water mixture exiting the venturi; thereby resulting in lower pressure up stream of the venturi/bypass valve, and increased maximum volume of water flowing through the pipe. Although
The lower wall 402 of the outlet is formed with a notch 415 placed directly under the region of upper wall thickening, within which a spring 409 and car or poppet 407 are seated, with the car placed facing the direction of water flow. A smoothly rounded cap 405, comprising the lower portion of the venturi, is seated on top of the car and spring assembly and the latter secured in place within a notch 417 in the cap 405 having a substantially similar width as the notch 415 in the lower wall. The thickest part of the cap 405 is made to coincide with the thickest part of the upper wall 413, thus creating a narrow venturi throat.
The pressure bypass valve functions when the water pressure is high enough to overcome the spring force in spring 409. In this case, the poppet or car 407 is forced away from the direction of water flow, while the spring 409 is compressed; the cap 405 seated above the poppet and spring (407 and 409) is also forced “downstream”, thereby resulting in a wider venturi throat, lower pressure, and increased maximum volume of water flowing through the pipe.
The specific pump type, configurations, and appearances shown in the figures and described herein are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the invention solely to those shown. Depending upon preference, and the specific use to which the unit will be put, the person of ordinary skill in the art would clearly know how to select a pump type, and to design an appropriate housing for such pump, so as to combine one or more additional element selected from a heater, a filter, an adductor, a pressure bypass valve, and/or an ion or ozone generator or reservoir for additives to the added to the fluid stream.
Additionally, although the foregoing invention has been described in detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious that certain modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. All publications and patents and published patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each were so individually denoted.
Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the detailed description and additional disclosure below. Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, any feature or combination of features may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61072871 | Apr 2008 | US |
