The present invention is directed to a method and device for coolant recycling. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and device for recycling diesel engine coolant. Finally, the present invention is directed to a method and device for avoiding catastrophic failures of liners of diesel engines.
Nearly all diesel engines rely on liquid cooling systems to transfer heat out of the block and internals of the engine. The typical diesel engine has a cooling system that consists of a closed loop that contains major components such as a water pump, radiator or heat exchanger, water jacket and a thermostat. The water jacket includes coolant passages in the block, heads and the radiator.
Air pockets in the radiator and associated coolant passages can hamper and compromise engine performance and durability. This can be evidenced in a variety of locations but is particularly acute when associated with cylinder head liners employed in various diesel engines. Catastrophic failure of cylinder head liners can be associated with the presence of localized air pockets in the radiator or coolant fluid circulating system generally due to inadequate cooling and heat transfer.
Various engine maintenance procedures require the partial or complete draining of the coolant fluid system. It is posited that air pockets can be introduced during the refilling operations. These air pockets result in compromise cooling efficiency and can result in “hot spots” that can lead to the thermal degradation of sensitive diesel engine liners located in these cylinders.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a method and device for systematically replenishing coolant fluid in a radiator fluid circulating system associated with a diesel engine. It would also be desirable to provide a system for reciprocally removing and replacing coolant fluid. Further, it would be desirable to provide a method for reducing or minimizing catastrophic failure of diesel engine liners by utilizing a coolant recycle and/or replenishment process that reduces or eliminates air pockets in the associated engine cooling system.
Disclosed herein is a method for replacing a volume of coolant fluid in a heat exchange system of a diesel engine. The method includes the steps of establishing pneumatic connection with at least one location in the diesel engine coolant circulating system and establishing fluid connection with at least one location in the diesel engine coolant fluid circulating system that is different from the pneumatic connection point. After pneumatic connection and fluid connection have been established, drawing a vacuum pressure through the pneumatic connection and introducing a volume of coolant fluid through the fluid connection.
Also disclosed herein is a device for reciprocatingly removing and replenishing coolant fluid in a circulating system in a diesel engine. The device includes at least one coolant fluid recycling tank configured to be in pneumatic contact with an external source of pressurized air. The recycling tank also includes at least one coolant conveying line that is releaseably connectable with a suitable entry point located on the diesel engine in contact with the engine coolant circulating system. The device also includes at least one vacuum generating device configured to be in pneumatic contact with the recycling tank and in releasable contact with the coolant recirculating system of the associated diesel engine.
In the present disclosure reference is made to the following various drawings in which like reference numerals are used for like elements throughout the various figures. The drawing figures are for illustrative purposes only and include the following:
Broadly disclosed herein, the present disclosure contemplates a method through which a volume of coolant fluid can be introduced into the circulating system of a diesel engine utilizing vacuum to obtain positive fluid flow. Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that the use and application of the method as broadly disclosed herein can result in the minimization and/or elimination of air pockets in the coolant fluid as it circulates in the cooling system of the engine. This can protect the engine and reduce or eliminate thermal failure of sensitive engine liners such as those found in the cylinder heads. Where desired or required, the method includes pressurized delivery of coolant fluid into the circulating system as well as the removal of coolant fluid from the circulating system utilizing vacuum and/or pressure. An embodiment of the method of replacing a volume of coolant fluid is broadly disclosed and illustrated in
As used herein, coolant fluid is generally defined as the aqueous or organic material introduced into the cooling system of an associated diesel engine to transfer waste heat out of block and various internal components of the engine. Typically, the cooling system can include various pumps, radiator, and/or heat exchangers as well as a coolant jacket and circulating conduit together with suitable regulators, such as thermostats and the like. Schematic depiction of a representative diesel engine cooling system is set forth in
In the method disclosed herein, pneumatic connection is established between the circulating system in the diesel engine and a suitable remote recycling tank. This step is set forth in the process diagram of
The method 10 also includes the step of establishing fluid connection between the circulating system and the associated diesel engine and the recycling tank. This step is outlined in the process diagram at reference numeral 14. Fluid connection between the circulating system and the recycling tank can be accomplished at any suitable location in the cooling system. In various non-limiting embodiments, it is contemplated that the fluid connection will be established at a position in the radiator. Where desired or required, the connection will be established at the lowermost region of the radiator, which is generally opposed to the pneumatic connection established in the pressure cap. This connection can be made at the radiator drain if desired or required.
The pneumatic and fluid connections can be established by any suitable means. The connections will be configured so as to be removably established for the duration of the coolant introduction (and/or removal) process. In various non-limiting embodiments, it is contemplated that the pneumatic and fluid connections will be established by suitable quick connect mechanisms.
Once the pneumatic and fluid connections have been established as at reference numerals 12 and 14, suitable vacuum pressure can be exerted or drawn through the pneumatic connection as at reference numeral 50. The vacuum pressure exerted can be any vacuum pressure greater than zero and less than approximate 30 pounds vacuum per square inch. Vacuum pressure will be exerted through the connection and provided by suitable external vacuum generating mechanisms. In various non-limiting embodiments, it is contemplated that the vacuum pressure mechanism will be present in a device associated with the remote recycling tank. Non-limiting examples of such mechanisms are described in such detail subsequently.
The method also contemplates the introduction of coolant fluid into the circulating system from the recycling tank through the established fluid connection as at reference numeral 52. Coolant fluid introduction can be accomplished by any suitable mechanism. It is contemplated that the coolant fluid is introduced into the circulating system of the associated diesel engine under either positive or negative vacuum and/or pressure. The pressure can be provided by suitable pressure generating devices associated with the recycling tank. Various pressurization mechanisms will be described in greater detail subsequently. Similarly, vacuum can be generated by suitable mechanisms as by vacuum venture and/or a power device.
The method disclosed herein contemplates the pressurized delivery of coolant fluid into the circulating system or into a defined chamber in the circulating system, such as the radiator. The pressurized delivery can be accomplished with suitable vacuum assist where desired or required. Fluid is introduced under pressure and/or vacuum to the coolant circulating system. In this way, the coolant fluid can be introduced into the radiator or appropriate chambers in the circulating system in a manner that reduces fluid cavitation, turbulence, and the like during the introduction process that can introduce air and air pockets into the circulating coolant fluid. As such, it is contemplated that the exerted vacuum and/or exerted pressure will be appropriately complimentary to facilitate this introduction.
The volume of coolant fluid that is introduced into the engine system will be that sufficient to maintain the coolant level at a suitable value for engine operation. Thus, this volume can be anywhere from a fraction of the total volume of the coolant circulating system to the total amount contained therein. The specific amount will be that necessary for the needs of the given system. In certain instances, it is contemplated that the amount to be introduced will be equal to that amount removed or lost during repair operations such as repair or replacement of various radiator system components and the like. However, it is also contemplated that, depending upon the engine repair operation employed, the radiator system can be drained and coolant replaced to greater amounts as needed, the interior circulating system maybe drained of fluid. In such cases, the volume of coolant fluid introduced can be much greater.
The sequence of exertion of vacuum and introduction of coolant fluid can be that necessary to optimally introduce coolant fluid into the circulating system. Thus, the vacuum exertion and fluid introduction steps 50, 52 can occur simultaneously. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that coolant introduction will occur sequentially after the exertion of vacuum pressure through the pneumatic connection. Still a third sequence contemplates intermittent or pulsed exertion and introduction in which the vacuum pressure may vary. Typically, in this latter sequence pressure will be maintained even if it does vary.
The defined fluid introduction process can continue until such time as the appropriate volume of coolant has been transferred as at reference numeral 54. This end point can be determined or defined by any suitable means. Non-limiting examples of such determination means include electronic sensor or visual determination by an appropriate user. Once the coolant fluid transfer operation is complete, the coolant fluid introduction steps with the discontinuation of vacuum pressure and/or positive pressure can be discontinued and the device connections disestablished as at reference numeral 56. If additional service or other procedures are required, they can continue as needed. Alternately, if engine service successfully completed, the engine can be brought back into service. Discontinuation of the vacuum pressure and fluid introduction can occur simultaneously or can be staggered sequentially.
Where desired or required, the method contemplated herein can also include suitable steps whereby the coolant fluid is removed from the associated circulating system of the diesel engine into the recycling tank. As broadly construed, an embodiment of the fluid removal process is depicted in
In order to facilitate removal of the desired volume of the coolant fluid, vacuum pressure can be drawn on the recycling tank as depicted at process step 22. This can occur contemporaneous to the pressurization step 20 in certain embodiments. It is contemplated that the pressure and vacuum exertion steps will continue contemporaneously for a sufficient interval to remove the desired volume of coolant to the associated recycling tank.
The volume of fluid removed can be equal to the total volume of fluid contained in the engine coolant system or any lesser fraction thereof. In situations where limited service is necessary such as replacement of a thermostat or sensor or the like, it may be possible that only partial coolant removal is desired or required. However, in certain service regimens, complete or near complete coolant removal may be desired or required. The volume of coolant to be removed can be determined and ascertained by any suitable means. In certain embodiments, the fluid removal volume may be measured and regulated by various sensors or other indicia. However, it is also within the purview of this invention that volume removal may be ascertained by the user by suitable visible inspection or the like. In the process depicted in
In the process depicted in
While certain embodiments contemplate the contemporaneous exertion of pressure and vacuum as outlined in reference numerals 20 and 22, discontinuation of these two activities can be either simultaneous or staggered, depending upon the specific system requirements. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that vacuum pressure exerted on the recycling tank will be discontinued prior to the discontinuance of pressure through the pneumatic connection in order to maintain the various collapsible hoses associated with the engine and/or recycling tank in an open position. Similarly, it is contemplated that discontinuance of vacuum and pressure operations can be staggered during the refill phase. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the pressure operation during refill will be discontinued prior to discontinuance of vacuum pressure in order to facilitate and further remove any air pockets that may have developed in the circulating system during the refill process.
The process disclosed herein can be accomplished utilizing a suitably configured removable disconnectable externally positioned device. A non-limiting embodiment of such a device is depicted at reference numeral 100 in
The device 100 can include suitable means for detachably connecting the recycling tank 110 to the coolant recirculating system of an associated diesel engine. In the embodiment depicted, the connection means include at least one fluid hose 124 and at least one pneumatic hose 126. The fluid hose 124 and pneumatic hose 126 are coupled to the recycling tank 110 at any suitable location. In the embodiment depicted, the fluid hose 124 is coupled to the recycling tank 110 at a location proximate to the lower end 128 of recycling tank 110 when the device 100 is in the operative or use position. The pneumatic hose 126 connection is located in the general upper region 130 of recycling tank 110.
Fluid hose 124 and pneumatic hose 126 each respectfully have ends distal to their connection points with the recycling tank 110. Distal ends of hoses 124 and 126 are each configured to respectively connect to specified location in the associated coolant circulating system of the engine. Where desired or required, the connection configuration can include suitably configured quick connect mechanisms. The device 100 can include suitable closure or isolating mechanisms such as shut off valve 132 configured to isolate the recycling tank 110 when the device 100 is not in operation.
Recycling tank 110 will have a sufficient interior volume to receive the transferred coolant fluid. Recycling tank 110 can be configured with suitable devices to insure that air is not introduced into the circulating system. This can include suitable floats or shut off valves positioned in the tank to prevent over-evacuation of the recycling tank during engine fill operations or overfilling during removal operations.
Where desired or required, the recycling tank 110 can be configured to maintain a residual amount of coolant fluid in the tank to prevent or avoid accidental introduction of air into the coolant circulating system. The device 100 can also include a suitable fill mechanism in order to insure a proper amount of residual fluid is present in the recycling tank 110 to further insure against accidental introduction of air. One non-limiting example of a suitable fill device is fill tank 134 in fluid contact with recycling tank 110.
The device 100 can also include a suitable control mechanism that can regulate and direct the orientation of vacuum and pressure introduction. The device can include suitable user-operated switches or can be automated as desired or required. In the embodiment depicted in
In order to further describe the device and process disclosed herein, reference is made to the schematic diagrams depicted in
Pressurized air can be provided by any suitable means. The device 100 can include suitable compressors if desired or required. However, in the embodiment depicted in
Either simultaneously with the introduction of pressured air or sequential thereto, a suitable vacuum is drawn on the fluid contained in the circulating cooling system through fluid hose 124 connected to a suitable drain opening associated with quick connection fitting mechanism 152. The vacuum pressure is exerted on recycling tank 110 through suitable intermediate pneumatic line or lines 160 in communication between recycling tank 110 and suitable vacuum generating means. The vacuum generating means can be any suitable device or devices capable of producing vacuum in recycling tank 110. Non-limiting examples of such devices include various vacuum pumps and the like. In the embodiment depicted in
The vacuum that is exerted on recycling tank 110 results in a vacuum or negative pressure in intermediate supply line 162. This results in drawing coolant fluid from the radiator through fluid line 124 into intermediate line 162 and, ultimately, into recycling tank 110. Lines 124 and 162 can have suitable check valves to direct coolant fluid flow in the desired direction.
In the schematic embodiment depicted in
The device 100 can include suitable volumetric measuring mechanisms to ascertain the volume of fluid contained in recycling tank 110. One non-limiting example of such a volume ascertainment mechanism is sight glass 170 which can be seen in
Completion of fluid evacuation can be determined by any number of indicia. The user can refer site glass 170. If desired, controller 158 can be configured with suitable pressure and vacuum gauges (not shown). It is contemplated that during the evacuation process, pressure and vacuum will remain steady until the process nears completion at which time a pressure and vacuum level drop will be noted. These phenomena can be utilized to trigger or signal the end of evacuation mode. It is contemplated that these indicia can be employed to initiate an automatic shut-off of the system. However, in various embodiments, such is that depicted in
Once coolant fluid evacuation is completed, the radiator or other portions of the cooling system can be serviced as desired or required. Once service operations are completed, coolant fluid can be reintroduced into the radiator and associate coolant circulating system. One non-limiting reintroduction configuration is depicted in the schematic in
Air pressure introduced through line 160 into recycling tank 110 creates a pressure head on coolant fluid contained therein. In order to maintain pressure, any lines such as line 171 located between fill tank 134 and recycling tank 110 can be equipped with suitable check valves, such as check valve 172 to insure that the pressurization of tank 110 is maintained during the filling operation. Similarly, intermediate line 168 can also be configured with a suitable pressure check valve such as 174. During fill mode operations, pressurized coolant fluid exits recycling tank 110 at lower location 128 through intermediate line 162. The coolant fluid is directed through filter 164 and into bypass line 176. Bypass line 176 is connected to line 178, which itself is connected to fluid line 124. Coolant fluid passing through line 124 is introduced into the radiator at the connection mechanism 152 located proximate to the lower region of the associated radiator R.
During pressurized fluid introduction, vacuum is drawn on line 126 connected at connection point defined by quick connect fitting mechanism 150 proximate to fill cap 154 and surge tank 156. During fill operations, the radiator experiences a negative pressure which urges coolant fluid into the radiator and any associated regions in an orderly non-turbulent fashion. It is contemplated that the vacuum (negative) pressure exerted on line 126 can be any negative pressure value that is greater than 0 and is up to a negative pressure at a vacuum level of 27 psi. In certain embodiments, the vacuum level employed to draw coolant from the diesel coolant fluid circulating system is between 15 and 27 psi. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the vacuum (negative) pressure level of greater than 27 can be employed.
It can be appreciated that the pressure differential between pressurized fluid introduced into the radiator and the vacuum into which it is introduced can have a value between 10 and 60 psi. Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that the negative pressure experienced by the radiator during the fill operations removes or reduces the air pockets formed as a result of any cavitation or turbulent fluid flow which occurs during fluid introduction into the radiator. Furthermore, without being bound to any theory, it is believed that the pressure differential, in certain instances, is sufficient to impact and dampen turbulent fluid flow experienced upon fluid introduction.
The phenomenon of pressure differential also exists in the evacuation mode cycle. During evacuation, fluid is drawn from the radiator under vacuum with the associated introduction of pressurized air at the fluid or pressure head. Thus, the radiator experiences a pressure differential that exceeds the maximum value of pressurized air introduced. The pressure differential achieved by operation of pressurized air introduction and vacuum permits and facilitates the removal of coolant fluid. In effect, the fluid is removed under a pressure differential that is effective for removal and is greater than the upper threshold for pressurized air introduction.
The fluid that is introduced during the fill operations can pass through filter 164. Filter 164 is configured to trap or eliminate any particulate material as well as any other contaminates to insure that the material is not introduced into the radiator during filling operations. Where desired or required, this system can also be configured such that filter 164 can be placed in the fluid path to filter material during the evacuation mode cycle.
In order to bring the device 100 into engaged fluid contact with the associated vehicular circulation system, the vehicle can be configured with suitable engagement mechanisms. Non-limiting examples of such engagement mechanisms can include quick connect mechanisms.
In certain embodiments, the radiator drain opening can be configured with one part of a suitable quick connect member. Where desired or required, the device 100 can include a suitable connector or coupler member 200 that can be configured to include or accommodate a mating member of a quick connect coupling member that is mounted on hose 124. One embodiment is illustrated in
In the embodiment depicted, the coupler member 200 includes a nipple member 210 that is connected to a suitable fitting 212 by any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, the fitting 212 can be configured with an externally threaded male protrusion configured to engage with internally threaded region 214 configured in the central interior of body 210.
Nipple member 210 can include appropriate step projections to maintain pressure contact between fluid hose 124 and the exit of the radiator R. Such step indentations 214 include shoulders as depicted in the drawing figures but are not considered limitative thereto. Where desired or required, the nipple 210 can include a threaded region 210 located on the end 218 distal to filtering 212.
The upper radiator fitting can be located at any appropriate position relative to the radiator. In various non-limiting embodiments, it is contemplated that the radiator cap 300 can be configured with a suitable quick connect pressure fitting member 310 adapted to receive a suitable mating quick connect member (not shown). The quick connect member 310 can communicate with a suitable pressure bore 312 to permit the delivery of pressurized air or, alternately, the exertion of vacuum.
In the embodiment depicted, the radiator cap 300 can include a suitable outer cap body 314 configured to engage the outer surface of a corresponding radiator opening. In the embodiment depicted, this can include suitable inwardly projecting flanges 316 that can engage suitable external threads or other engagement devices present on the radiator opening.
The radiator cap 300 can be configured with one or more pressure seals 316, 318 in order to maintain pressure tight relationship during routine engine operation as well as during fluid evacuation and replacement operations.
The quick connect member 310 associated with the radiator cap 300 can project outward from the top surface 320 of the cup body 314 and can include a suitable coupler 322 configured to matingly engage a suitable hose member on device 100 as a pressure fitting. In the embodiment depicted, the quick connect member can include suitable spring loading mechanisms to provide access to the upper portion of the through bore 312 and trigger opening of the same.
While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
This application is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT/US2011/60778 that was filed on Nov. 15, 2011, which claims benefit to the U.S. Provisional Application 61/413,792 that was filed on Nov. 15, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US2011/060778 | 11/15/2011 | WO | 00 | 5/15/2013 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2012/068102 | 5/24/2012 | WO | A |
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