Patent Application
20210222707
This disclosure relates to suction devices, such as eductors used for removing (e.g., drawing) fluid substances from fluid substance accumulation sites, and related methods.
Fluid substances (e.g., water, waste water, unidentified fluid substances, or other fluid substances) accumulated in various locations (e.g., basements, ship compartments, or garden plots) can need to be removed from those locations to prevent or clear flooding, to dehumidify or clean a space, or for other purposes. Obtaining and deploying an appropriate suction device to remove such accumulated fluid substances can be cumbersome, unsafe, and/or costly. For example, a suction device can require electricity or a vacuum source to operate, thereby posing a fire or other safety hazard to a surrounding environment due to potential fluid electricity interactions or exposure of flammable fluid substances. In some cases, a suction device can be heavy and difficult to transport to and/or fit within a relatively small space to draw (e.g., suction) a fluid substance from an accumulation site that has limited access area.
Described is a suction device (e.g., an eductor, a jet-pump, an ejector, a thrust augmentor, or the like) that can be used for drawing fluid substances from fluid accumulation sites. Example fluid substances that can be drawn through the suction device include water, waste water, a flammable or explosive fluid substance, or fluid substances of unknown origin. Intake/outtake houses are not necessary, making the entire device small, easily portable, and easily used. The suction device increases safety compared to e.g., electrical submersible pumps that require electricity that is frequently challenging to get during an emergency event and poses the risk electrocution.
In an implementation, a suction device for removing a fluid substance from an accumulation site includes a housing comprising a sidewall that defines an interior channel, a first inlet disposed at a first end of the sidewall and through which the fluid substance is drawn, a second inlet disposed along a lateral area of the sidewall and through which a pressurized fluid flows, and an outlet disposed at a second end of the sidewall and through which the fluid substance and the pressurized fluid flow, the second end of the sidewall opposing the first end of the sidewall; and a graduated tube disposed within the interior channel of the housing and through which the fluid substance flows, the graduated tube comprising a tapered wall that accelerates the fluid substance through the graduated tube and towards the outlet.
The housing may further include a first port that forms the first end of the sidewall to define the first inlet, a second port adjacent the second inlet and that extends from the lateral area of the sidewall to define the second inlet, and a third port that forms the second end of the sidewall to define the outlet.
The suction device may further include first, second, and third coupling members that are respectively engageable with the first, second, and third ports and that are engageable with an auxiliary component. One or more of the first, second, and third coupling members may be a valve. The auxiliary component may be a hose, a pipe, or a tube. The first coupling member may be directly engageable with a pressurized fluid source.
In an implementation of the suction device, the graduated tube may define a base having a first width and disposed at a first end of the tapered wall and a tip having second width and disposed at a second end of the tapered wall, the second width being smaller than the first width, and the second end of the tapered wall opposing the first end of the tapered wall. The tip of the graduated tube may positioned downstream of the second inlet.
In an implementation of the suction device, the first inlet may have a motive inlet and the second inlet comprises a suction inlet.
In an implementation of the suction device, the fluid substance and the pressurized fluid may form a mixture within the interior channel of the housing that is drawn through the outlet of the suction device. The pressurized fluid may impart motion to the fluid substance.
In an implementation, a method of removing a fluid substance from an accumulation site may include flowing a pressurized fluid through a motive inlet of a suction device; drawing the fluid substance through a suction inlet of the suction device; accelerating the fluid substance through the suction device; and flowing a mixture of the fluid substance and the pressurized fluid through an outlet of the suction device, wherein the suction device may have a housing comprising a sidewall that defines an interior channel, the suction inlet, wherein the suction inlet is disposed at a first end of the sidewall, the motive inlet, wherein the motive inlet is disposed along a lateral area of the sidewall, and the outlet, wherein the outlet is disposed at a second end of the sidewall, the second end of the sidewall opposing the first end of the sidewall; and a graduated tube disposed within the interior channel of the housing and through which the fluid substance flows, the graduated tube comprising a tapered wall that accelerates the fluid substance through the graduated tube and towards the outlet of the suction device.
The housing may further include a first port that forms the first end of the sidewall to define the suction inlet, a motive port adjacent the motive inlet and that extends from the lateral area of the sidewall to define the motive inlet, and an outlet port that forms the second end of the sidewall to define the outlet. The method may further include respectively coupling first, second, and third auxiliary components to the first, second, and third ports. In the method, the auxiliary component may include a hose, a pipe, or a tube. The suction device may further include first, second, and third coupling members that are respectively engageable with the first, second, and third ports and that are engageable with the auxiliary component. At least one of the first, second, and third coupling members may include valves. The first coupling member may directly engageable with a pressurized fluid source.
In an implementation, the method may further include placing the first auxiliary component within the fluid substance at the accumulation site.
In an implementation, the method may further include connecting the second auxiliary component to a pressurized fluid source. The method may further include turning on the pressurized fluid source. In the method, the pressurized fluid may flow through the motive inlet of the suction device causes the fluid substance to be drawn through the suction inlet of the suction device. An outlet of the graduated tube may be positioned downstream of the motive inlet.
In an implementation, the method may further include opening a valve located between the suction inlet and the accumulation site.
In an implementation, the method may further include placing the third auxiliary component at a discharge site. The pressurized fluid may impart motion to the fluid substance.
In an implementation, a method of manufacturing a suction device may include forming a housing comprising a sidewall that defines an interior channel, a first opening disposed at a first end of the sidewall and through which a fluid substance is drawn, a second opening disposed along a lateral area of the sidewall and through which a 10 pressurized fluid flows, and a third opening disposed at a second end of the sidewall and through which the fluid substance and the pressurized fluid flow, the second end of the sidewall opposing the first end of the sidewall; forming a graduated tube that allows passage of the fluid substance, the graduated tube comprising a tapered wall that accelerates the fluid substance through the graduated tube and towards the third opening; and joining the graduated tube to the housing along the interior channel of the housing.
The method may further include forming a first port at the first end of the sidewall to define the first opening; forming the second opening along the lateral area of the sidewall; joining a second port adjacent the second opening along the lateral area of the sidewall to define the second opening; and forming a third port at the second end of the sidewall to define the third opening.
In an implementation, the method may further include respectively connecting first, second, and third coupling members with the first, second, and third ports, each of the first, second, and third coupling members being engageable with an auxiliary component. One of the first, second, and third coupling members may include a valve. The auxiliary component may include a hose, a pipe, or a tube. The first coupling member may be directly engageable with a pressurized fluid source.
In an implementation, the method may further include joining a base of the graduated tube to the housing along the first end of the sidewall of the housing. A tip of the graduated tube may positioned downstream of the second opening.
In an implementation, the first opening may include a motive inlet, the second opening may include a suction inlet, and the third opening may include an outlet. The fluid substance may drawn through a base of the graduated tube and accelerated through a tip of the graduated tube. The fluid substance may experience a loss in pressure as the fluid substance is accelerated through the graduated tube.
In an implementation, the fluid substance and the pressurized fluid may form a mixture within the interior channel of the housing that is drawn through the third opening of the suction device. The pressurized fluid may impart motion to the fluid substance.
Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be configured to realize one or more of the following potential advantages.
In some implementations, the configuration of the graduated tube (where the tip of the graduated tube opens into a larger cross-sectional area of the interior channel) prevents or reduces clogging that can otherwise occur within the suction device.
In certain implementations, the suction device can be integrated with plumbing of a ship (e.g., disposed in a stationary location and fixed to a plumbing system of a ship) or other structure. In such cases, the coupling members can be formed as valves that can be opened and closed as necessary to operate the suction device.
In some examples, the low weight (e.g., as compared to conventional suction devices that can weigh up to about 150 lb) and small size of the suction device allow the suction device to be easily transported and/or stored within small spaces and thus usable in a larger number of applications than are larger, heavier suction devices. For example, the suction device can be easily deployed in residential settings to remove basement floods. Furthermore, the low weight and small size of the suction device can allow the suction device to be manufactured and/or sold at a relatively low price.
In some examples, flowing the fluid substance through the graduated tube prevents or reduces clogging that can otherwise occur in a conventional suction device that flows the fluid substance through a lateral port of the suction device and flows the pressurized fluid through a graduated, internal tube. Such flow arrangements can allow any solid components of the fluid substance to become clogged between a wall of the internal tube and the lateral port of the suction device as the fluid substance encounters the wall of the internal tube. The described suction device avoids such clogging in that the fluid substance travels directly towards the outlet (e.g., without encountering any structural impediment) upon exiting the graduated tube.
The capability of the suction device to operate passively (e.g., without any energy, such as electricity, being applied to the suction device for the suction device to be utilized) can render the suction device relatively safe as compared to other suction devices that require a source of electricity or vacuum to function. For example, the suction device can be used to transfer flammable, explosive, or unidentified fluid substances without posing a fire hazard to a surrounding environment.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
The suction device 100 includes a housing 102 and a graduated (e.g., tapered) tube 104 disposed within the housing 102 and through which a fluid substance can pass. The graduated tube 104 can we welded, glued, threaded, bolted in (through the sides) or secured by friction. For example, the graduated tube 104 has a larger diameter nearer an inlet to the housing and tapers away from the inlet to terminate at a comparatively smaller diameter farther away from the inlet to the housing. The suction device 100 further includes first, second, and third coupling members 108, 110, 112 that are secured to the housing 102 and positioned at a first inlet 114 (e.g., a first opening), a second inlet 116 (e.g., a second opening), and an outlet 118 (e.g., third opening), respectively, of the suction device 100. In some examples, the larger diameter end of the graduated tube 104 is at the first inlet 114. The first inlet 114 can be a motive inlet (e.g., an inlet through which a substance flows to impart motion to another substance), the second inlet can be a suction inlet, and the outlet 118 can be a discharge outlet.
The housing 102 of the suction device 100 has a generally tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape and includes a wall 120. Other possible cross-sections are rectangular, square, triangular, or octagonal. The wall 120 of the housing 102 defines an interior channel 122 that surrounds the graduated tube 104. The housing 102 further includes a first port 124 that forms a first end of the wall 120, a second port 126 that extends from a lateral area of the wall 120 and through which a pressurized fluid (e.g., water or other pressurized fluids) can pass, and a third port 128 that forms a second end (opposing the first end) of the wall 120. The ports 124, 126, 128 define the first inlet 114, the second inlet 116, and the outlet 118, respectively. The ports 124, 126, 128 can be formed as threaded members or other suitable configurations that are sized and shaped to engage the coupling members 108, 110, 112, respectively. The coupling members 108, 110, 112 are formed to engage both the ports 124, 126, 128, respectively, and auxiliary components (e.g., hoses, pipes, tubes, or the like) that can be attached to the suction device 100. Example coupling members 108, 110, 112 include valves (e.g., reducing valves or other valves), fittings (e.g., reducers or fittings designed for conventional garden hose applications), as shown in the example suction device 100. The coupling members can be integral with the housing, for example, by 3D printing. Alternatively, the coupling members can be made out of inexpensive PVC or rubber that will maintain assembly with suction, or can threaded on, such as steel pipes.
The graduated tube 104 has a generally conical shape (e.g., a shape of a cone with an opening located where an apex would otherwise be located). Accordingly, as described above, a wall 106 of the graduated tube 104 decreases in diameter from a base 130 to a tip 132 of the graduated tube 104. The base 130 and the tip 132 of the graduated tube 104 are substantially centered along a central axis 134 of the housing 102. In some examples, the configuration of the graduated tube 104 (where the tip 132 of the graduated tube 104 opens into a larger cross-sectional area of the interior channel 122) prevents or reduces clogging that can otherwise occur within the suction device 100. The base 130 of the graduated tube 104 is substantially aligned with the first end of the wall 120, and the tip 132 of the graduated tube 104 is positioned within the interior channel 122 near the second inlet 116 of the suction device 100. For example, the tip 132 of the graduated tube 104 can be located near a central axis 136 of the second port 126, positioned slightly upstream of the second port 126, or positioned slightly downstream of the second port 126. Positioning the tip 132 of the graduated tube 104 downstream of the central axis 136 of the second port 126 makes the device more robust; if a disruption in pressure at the first inlet 114 occurs then such an arrangement minimizes the risk of back flow out of the second port inlet 116 in the absence of a check valve.
The example suction device 100 of
In a general embodiment, a suction device can include one or more components of dimensions, shape, number, position, and/or arrangement different from those of the suction device 100. For example, in some cases, a suction device can include a housing that has a length, width (e.g., diameter), wall thickness, and/or one or more port lengths (e.g., diameters) that are different from those of the housing 102. In some cases, a suction device can include a housing that has a non-circular (e.g., rectangular, triangular, generally trapezoidal, or other) cross-sectional shape. In some examples, a suction device can include a graduated tube that has a length, width (e.g., diameter), wall thickness, base width (e.g., diameter), and/or tip width (e.g., diameter) that are different from those of the graduated tube 104. In some cases, a suction device can include a graduated tube that has a non-circular (e.g., rectangular, triangular, generally trapezoidal, or other) cross-sectional shape, a non-conical shape, or that has a length different from that of the graduated tube 104. For example, a suction device can include a graduated tube that has both a cylindrical portion adjacent a base of the graduated tube and a conical-shaped portion adjacent a tip of the graduated tube.
In some examples, a second port (e.g., a port defining a motive inlet) or a tip of a graduated tube of a suction device can be spaced apart from a first port (e.g., a port defining a suction inlet) of the suction device by a distance different from those separating the first and second ports 124, 126 or the tip 132 of the graduated tube 104 and the first port 124, respectively. In some examples, the base 130 of the graduated tube 104 can be spaced apart from the first end of the wall 120 of the housing 102. In some cases, a suction device can include coupling members that are integral with ports of the suction device, as opposed to the coupling members 108, 110, 112 that are separable from and attachable to the ports 124, 126, 128, respectively. In some examples, a coupling member is not attached to each port of a suction device. In such examples, an auxiliary component can be connected directly to the port of the suction device.
In some implementations, the suction device 100 can be integrated with plumbing of a ship (e.g., disposed in a stationary location and fixed to a plumbing system of a ship) or other structure. In such cases, the coupling members 108, 110, 112 can be formed as valves that can be opened and closed as necessary to operate the suction device 100.
Various components of the suction device 100 (e.g., the housing 102, the graduated tube 104, and the coupling members 108, 110, 112) can be made of one or more materials including steel (e.g., milled or stainless steel), aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, plastic, or any other materials that provide a sufficient strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, or other beneficial properties to the suction device 100. In some examples, the various components of the suction device 100 can be configured (e.g., shaped, sized, or otherwise designed) to withstand fluid pressures of up to about normally not more than 200 psi and normally not less than 30 psi. If the fluid pressure is lower than about 30 psi fluid can back flow out of the second inlet 116 if it is not equipped with a check valve). In some examples, the low weight (e.g., as compared to conventional suction devices that can weigh up to about 150 lb) and small size of the suction device 100 allow the suction device 100 to be easily transported and/or stored within small spaces (e.g., kits or the like) and thus usable in a larger number of applications than are larger, heavier suction devices. For example, the suction device 100 can be easily deployed in residential settings to remove basement floods, or onboard small boats. Furthermore, the low weight and small size of the suction device 100 can allow the suction device 100 to be manufactured and/or sold at a relatively low price.
To start the flow of the pressurized fluid 203 through the first inlet 114, the first inlet simply can be attached to an external pressure source or pump. For example, this can include permanently installed fire pumps (part of a fire sprinkler system's water supply that takes water from the public underground water supply, or a static water source provides water flow at a higher pressure to the sprinkler system and powered by an electric motor, a diesel engine, or a steam turbine), a ship's fire main (sea water supply system for fire hydrants), or portable pumps (powered by gasoline, diesel, hydraulic, electrical, or other mechanical power). The suction device 100 can be coupled to the ship's main or auxiliary engines via direct drive or hydraulic drive, or can use a high pressure (30 psi or above) water source such as city water, a reservoir, accumulator tank, etc.)
The fluid substance 201 (e.g., water, waste water, an unidentified fluid substance, or the like) can be drawn (e.g., suctioned) through the second inlet 116 of the suction device 100 and into the interior channel 122 of the housing 102, where the fluid substance 201 is directed towards the outlet 118 of the suction device 100 partially by the wall 106 of the graduated tube 104.
Still referring to
Upon exiting the graduated tube 104, the fluid substance 201 experiences an increase in pressure and a decrease in velocity and mixes with the pressurized fluid 203 to form a fluid mixture within the interior channel 122 of the housing 102. The fluid mixture flows towards the outlet 118 of the suction device 100. The motive power imparted to the fluid substance 201 by the pressurized fluid 203 assists in driving (e.g., flowing) the fluid mixture towards the outlet 118 of the suction device 100. The pressure P4 is of the fluid mixture combining the pressure of P3 and P1. Flow rates at points 1-4 throughout the suction device 100 can be determined by multiplying the velocity of the fluid (e.g., the pressurized fluid 203, the fluid substance 201, or the fluid mixture) by the cross-sectional area through which the fluid is flowing. Flows of the pressurized fluid 203 and the fluid substance 201 are shown as arbitrary, unmarked arrows in
The capability of the suction device 100 to operate passively (e.g., without any energy, such as electricity, being applied to the suction device 100 for the suction device 100 to be utilized) can render the suction device 100 relatively safe as compared to other suction devices that require a source of electricity or vacuum to function. For example, the suction device 100 can be attached to an on-site fire pump or ship's fire main (either directly or via a hose) and be used to transfer flammable, explosive, or unidentified fluid substances 201 without posing a fire hazard to a surrounding environment.
The distal end of the auxiliary component surrounding the first inlet 114 is attached to a pressurized fluid source (e.g., fire pumps, ship's fire mains, or portable pumps (404). A distal end of the third auxiliary component is placed at a discharge site (e.g., a receptacle or over the side of a vessel) that is suitable (e.g., sized) to receive an accumulation of the fluid substance 201 discharged from the suction device 100 (406). A distal end of the first auxiliary component is placed within a pool of the accumulated fluid substance 201 (e.g., located in a basement, ship compartment, garden plot, or other appropriate sites) (408). The pressurized fluid source is then turned on, causing the pressurized fluid 203 to flow through the first inlet 114 of the suction device 100 (410), such that the fluid substance 201 is drawn (e.g., suctioned) from the pool, flowed through the suction device 100, and delivered to the discharge site (412).
In some examples, the distal end of the first auxiliary component should be checked to ensure that the fluid substance 201 is not flowing out of (e.g., being discharged from) the second inlet 116. Such a discharge flow of the fluid substance 201 out of the second inlet 116 can indicate clogging of (e.g., a back pressure generated at) the graduated tube 104, the outlet 118, or the first inlet 114. If such a discharge flow is observed, the pressurized fluid source can be turned off, and the suction device 100 can be cleared of any clogged debris or particulates.
In examples where the suction device 100 is integrated with a stationary plumbing system (e.g., on a ship) and the coupling members 108, 110, 112 are implemented as valves, the coupling members 108, 110, 112 can be opened prior turning on the pressurized fluid source and closed once the pool of fluid substance 201 has been delivered to the discharge site. In some cases, closing the coupling member 108 surrounding the first inlet 114 can ensure that oxygen is not unintentionally drawn through the suction device 100 (e.g., and therefore removed from a human-occupied space) following removal of the pool of fluid substance 201 from the space.
In some examples, the second inlet 116 need not be oriented perpendicular to the wall of the housing 102 but rather can be formed such that its central axis assumes essentially any desired angle relative to the housing 102. Such an angled orientation may be appropriate, for example, to accommodate for physical constraints such as the location at which the suction device 100 is disposed.
In some examples, any or all of the first inlet 114, second inlet 116, and/or outlet 118 can be configured to have a check value and/or other valve attached to them.
While particular embodiments have been described for illustration purposes, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, other embodiments can include components or features that have dimensions, sizes, shapes, numbers, positions, and/or arrangements different from those of the particular embodiments described. Additionally, actions recited in certain claims can be performed in an order different from those of particular implementations described and still achieve desirable results. For example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequential order to achieve desirable results.
