Method and apparatus for increasing acceptance and adjusting the rate of pressure variations within a prespecified range in precharged fluid storage systems
US5778679A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B2201/4155
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for (a) increasing expansion tank "acceptance" (defined herein as working fluid storage capacity); and (b) adjusting the rate of pressure variations within a prespecified range in precharged fluid storage systems (for example, holding pressure down below a prespecified threshold value for a given volume of acceptance, stored water temperature level, etc.). A "volatile" fluid (defined herein as a fluid having a boiling point within the predetermined pressure and temperature operating ranges for a given system), is used at least in part as the expansion fluid in an expansion tank included in a fluid storage system. The volatile fluid, whether pure or combined with an ideal gas to temper the expansion fluids sensitivity to temperature, can be used to realize a relatively constant pressure "vapor spring" to make internal expansion tank pressure relatively independent of acceptance (where the term "relatively" in each instance is referring to a comparison between the use of an expansion fluid that contains a volatile liquid and one that does not contain such fluid).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.