1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus which, in use, includes a vessel containing a body of liquid essential for the proper functioning of the apparatus. By way of examples, the apparatus may be a pump including a bearing chamber which contains a significant quantity of oil or it may be a support system for a mechanical seal, in which a vessel contains a reservoir of a liquid, such as water, for providing barrier or cooling fluid to the seal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Oil contained within the bearing chamber of a pump is subjected, typically, to considerable deterioration factors. As a result, debris may accumulate within the liquid and this, in turn, will lead to degradation of performance of the system. Furthermore, the oil may become contaminated, for instance, with water which again leads to degradation of performance.
Similar consideration is supplied to a reservoir vessel for forming part of a support system for a mechanical seal.
In both cases, it would be of value to have effective means of ensuring that the integrity of the liquid is both monitored and maintained.
According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus which includes a first vessel for containing a main body of liquid and a second vessel, in fluid communication with, and located below, the first vessel; the second vessel having means for draining liquid therefrom and for allowing the liquid within the vessel to be viewed.
The first vessel may be, for instance, a bearing chamber of a pump or a reservoir vessel for a liquid support system for a mechanical seal.
Preferably, the second vessel includes a top plate, a bottom plate and, extending therebetween, a cylindrical wall.
Preferably, the cylindrical wall is, at least partially, transparent or translucent.
Preferably, the ends of the cylindrical wall are each located in a groove provided in a respective one of the top plate and the bottom plate.
Preferably, a sealing washer, such as an O-ring, is provided between each of the cylindrical wall and the respective one of the top plate and the bottom plate.
Preferably, the top plate and the bottom plate are interconnected by a plurality of elongate fastening means, such as bolts, arranged around the outside of the cylindrical wall.
Preferably, a helical coil, for example, a coil spring, extends around the bolts to provide protection to the cylindrical wall.
Preferably, a magnet is provided at the base of the cylindrical wall in order to attract magnetically attractable particles of debris downwardly into, and within, the second vessel.
Preferably, the apparatus includes means for isolating the second vessel from the first vessel so that they are no longer in fluid communication.
Preferably, the isolating means includes a ball valve.
The present invention also provides a device, for use with the apparatus, which includes a first vessel for containing a main body of liquid, said device comprising a second vessel having means for providing fluid communication with the first vessel and for locating the second vessel below the first vessel; the second vessel having means for draining liquid therefrom, and a vessel wall allowing the liquid within the vessel to be viewed.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in combination with the accompanying drawing figures which illustrate certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures are intended to illustrate only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and are not to intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.
In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals and symbols denote similar features throughout the several views:
The present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
Referring now to
Bottom plate 24 is provided with a central frusto-conical hole 55, to which may be attached a drain device (not shown), which may be moved between a position in which hole 55 is closed and a further position in which fluid may drain from the vessel.
Extending between plate 24 and top plate 25 is a series of bolts 26; there being four such bolts circumferentially spaced around the wall 21. Surrounding bolts 26 is a helical spring 28, which provides additional protection to the glass wall 21.
Top plate 25 is provided with a central bore 57, through which liquid may enter vessel 20. Extending upwardly from top plate 25 is a short cylindrical member 59 which has a central bore 61 aligned with bore 57 of plate 25. Member 59 is provided with a ball valve 30, which may be operated to open and close bore 61. At its top end, member 59 is provided with means for connecting the member to the bottom of bearing chamber 12, so that, subject to the position of ball valve 30, the interior of bearing chamber 12 is in fluid contact with the interior of vessel 20.
Situated at the bottom of vessel 20, within glass wall 21, is a ring-shaped magnet 27. This magnet may be secured in position on plate 24 by means of, for example, a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, it may be positioned as shown in
The ball valve 30 may be used to close off the bearing chamber from vessel 20. The vessel may then be removed from the member 59 for emptying and/or replacement by an empty vessel 20.
The glass wall 21 may be transparent or translucent, but should allow the liquid in the vessel to be seen sufficiently to enable monitoring of its condition.
Referring to the
Attached to the bottom of container 40 is a vessel 20, similar to that described above with reference to
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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0905131.9 | Mar 2010 | GB | national |