Claims:
WE CLAIM:
1. A float-operated snap action mechanism (150) for actuating a valve assembly (80,90) of a tank (100), said mechanism (150) comprising:
• a float (50) configured to float on fluid inside the tank (100);
• a first link (30) defined by two ends, one end of which is attached to said float (50) and the other end is hinged about a pivot link (25);
• a second link (20) defined by two ends, one end of which is coupled to said valve assembly (80,90) and the other end is hinged about the pivot link (25);
• a resilient link (40) coupling said first link (30) to said second link (20); and
• at least one resiliently deformable stopper (10a,10b) secured to a wall of the tank (100) and projecting therefrom, said stopper (10) configured to cooperate with said second link (20) and said resilient link (40); said stopper (10) is configured in a first state, in which energy is stored when said float (50) is at a predetermined level in said tank (100) and said resilient link (40) is extended; and a second state in which energy of deformation is released from said stopper to cause reversal of said valve assembly (80,90) by a snapping action from one state to another state.
2. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) comprises a housing (11), a plunger (12), a resilient element (13) and an adjusting means (14).
3. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) is configured to overcome frictional force exerted at joints of said snap action mechanism (150).
4. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said adjusting means (14) facilitates adjusting energy of deformation stored within said resiliently deformable stopper (10).
5. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein location of said resiliently deformable stopper (10) is adjustable with respect to said snap action mechanism (150).
6. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) is dead-weight type.
7. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) is of magnetic type.
8. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) is of electromagnetic type.
9. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) provides snapping action in a configuration of said mechanism (150) that corresponds to an upper fluid level limit inside a tank (100).
10. The mechanism (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resiliently deformable stopper (10) provides snapping action in a configuration of said mechanism (150) that corresponds to a lower fluid level limit inside a tank (100).
Dated this 10th day of October, 2019

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI
, Description:
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to valves with float-operated devices and more particularly to float-operated snap action mechanisms for actuating valve assembly.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Process fluids are stored in tanks at desired pressures and temperatures. Such a tank has a mechanism with linkages to operate valves in order to control the fluid level inside the tank. A float is connected to the linkages which rises or falls due to buoyancy of the fluid inside the tank. After a desired level of fluid is attained, the float facilitates snapping of the mechanism, thereby actuating valves that control incoming and outgoing of the fluid. However, in process applications, the quality of fluids being handled deteriorate as a result of contamination and corrode the linkages which are typically made of carbon steels. In addition to this, with usage over a period of time, the friction and wear increases between the joints and linkages of the mechanism. This causes the mechanism to stop snapping, thereby allowing the fluids to be raised or lowered beyond a limit level, and hence a desired level of fluid is not maintained inside the tank, thereby reducing the reliability of the mechanism in controlling the level of the fluid inside the tank.
There is, therefore, felt a need to overcome the aforementioned problems.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a float-operated snap action mechanism that overcomes forces of friction and wear of parts in the mechanism.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a float-operated snap action mechanism that regulates of fluid level inside a tank.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a float-operated snap action mechanism that is reliable.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a float-operated snap action mechanism for actuating a valve assembly of a tank. The float-operated snap action mechanism comprises a float floating on a fluid inside the tank, a first link defined by two ends, one end of which is attached to the float and the other end is hinged about a pivot link, a second link defined by two ends, one end of which is coupled to the valve assembly and the other end is hinged about the pivot link, a resilient link coupling the first link to the second link and at least one resiliently deformable stopper secured to a wall of the tank and projecting from the wall. The stopper is configured to cooperate with the second link and the resilient link. In a first state, energy is stored when the float is at a predetermined level in the tank and the resilient link is extended. In a second state, this stored energy of deformation is released from the stopper to cause reversal of the valve assembly by a snapping action from one state to another state.
In an embodiment, the resiliently deformable stopper comprises a housing, a plunger, a first resilient element and an adjusting means. The resiliently deformable stopper is configured to overcome frictional force exerted at joints of the snap action mechanism. The adjusting means facilitates adjusting energy of deformation stored within the resiliently deformable stopper. The location of the resiliently deformable stopper is adjustable with respect to the snap action mechanism.
In an embodiment, the resiliently deformable stopper is dead-weight type.
In yet another embodiment, the resiliently deformable stopper is of magnetic type.
In still another embodiment the resiliently deformable stopper is actuated by electromagnetic means.
In still another embodiment, the resiliently deformable stopper provides snapping action in a configuration of the mechanism that corresponds to an upper fluid level limit or a lower fluid level limit inside a tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The float-operated snap action mechanism of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a tank with the float-operated snap action mechanism housed inside the tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the float-operated snap action mechanism of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram showing details of a stopper of the float-operated snap action mechanism of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the float-operated snap action mechanism of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates details of the stopper of the float-operated snap action mechanism of figure 4;
Figure 6a illustrates position of the mechanism of the figure 4 at an instant when fluid in the tank reaches a bottom level limit and the mechanism has snapped;
Figure 6b illustrates position of the mechanism of the figure 4 at an instant just before snapping; and
Figure 6c illustrates position of the mechanism of the figure 4 at an instant when the fluid in the tank reaches a top level limit and the mechanism has snapped.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10a, 10b – resilient stoppers
11 – housing
12 – plunger
12a – top end of plunger
12b – bottom end of plunger
13 – first resilient element
14 – adjusting means
20 – first link
22 – second resilient member attachement point
25 – pivot pin
30 – second link
35a – top level limit
35b – bottom level limit
40 – resilient link
50 – float
60 – push rod
70 – actuating element
80 – vapor outlet valve
90 – vapor inlet valve
92 – fixing plate
100 – tank
110 – condensate inlet
120 – inlet check valve
130 – condensate outlet
140 – outlet check valve
150 – snap action mechanism
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated featureselements, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Referring to Figures 1-2, an embodiment of a float-operated snap action mechanism 150 installed inside a tank 100 is shown. The tank 100 provides accommodation of condensate in liquid form while allowing access to pressurized vapor on the surface of the liquid condensate. Liquid condensate is let into the tank 100 as desired through a condensate inlet 110 via a non-return inlet check valve 120 installed on a wall of the tank 100. Similarly, excess liquid condensate is discharged through the tank 100 as desired through a condensate outlet 130 provided on another wall of the tank 100. Pressurized vapor is let inside as desired into the tank 100 through a vapor inlet valve 90, whereas a vapor outlet valve 80 faciliates depressurization of tank 100.
The mechanism 150 facilitates maintaining the condensate at a certain desired upper limit level. The mechanism 150 comprises a first link 20 (hereinafter referred to as first link 20) one end of which is hinged about a pivot pin 25, and another end of which rests on a resiliently deformable stopper 10a when the liquid is at a predetermined lower limit. A second link 30 is also hinged about the same pivot pin 25 on end, and another end of which is attached with a float 50, typically in the form of a buoyant object that floats on the surface of the condensate liquid. A resilient link 40 with two ends is attached between the second link 30 and the first link 20. A push rod 60 is attached between the first link 20 and a valve actuating element 70. The valve actuating element 70 facilitates operation of the vapor inlet valve 90 and the vapor outlet valve 80 through which flow of pressurized vapors into and out of the tank 100 is controlled.
The mechanism 150 further comprises a resiliently deformable stopper 10 fixed on a wall of the tank 100, an embodiment of which is shown in figure 3. The stopper 10a comprises a housing 11 that accommodates a plunger 12, a first resilient element 13 and an adjusting means 14. The plunger 12 is configured to slide in the housing 11. A top end 12a of the plunger 12 maintains contact with one end of the first link 20. A first resilient element 13, such as spring is installed inside the housing 11 and attached to a bottom portion of the plunger 12. A bottom end 12b of the plunger 12 is provided with the adjusting means 14. The adjusting means 14 is typically a threaded fastener which facilitates setting a desired stiffness of the first resilient element 13.
Referring to figure 4, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with the stopper 10a assembled on the mechanism 150. The mechanism 150 is typically fitted on top of the tank 100 to facilitate ease of access. The fixing plate 92 as shown in the figure 4 is usually bolted on top of the tank 100 while the entire mechanism 150 hangs into the tank 100. The float 50 is typically a circular buoyant object that is constructed by joining two semi-spheres at their respective peripheries. The float 50 is typically constructed of steel or other suitable material with an anticorrosive layer of coating material that guards against corrosive environment inside the tank 100. The resilient link 40 as shown in this embodiment is a tension spring as energy of deformation is stored on account of stretching or tensioning. In an alternative embodiment (not shown in figure), the resilient element 40 is a compression spring or a torsion spring which stores energy of deformation on account of compressing or twisting with respect to its undeformed shape. As shown in figure 5, the stopper 10 comprises the plunger 12 with a rounded top end 12a. In an alternative embodiment of the stopper 10, the top end 12a of the stopper 10 is flat surface offering more area of contact with the first link 20 as compared to the rounded top end 12a.
The working of the mechanism 150 with the stopper 10a of the present disclosure will now be explained with reference to figures 1. Liquid condensate comes into the tank 100 through the condensate inlet 110 via the non-return check valve 120 due to pressure differential between the inside of the tank 100 and the condensate inlet 110. Simultaneously, condensate outlet 130 is closed due to closure of another non-return check valve 140. The second link 30 attached to the float 50 rises in response to rising liquid condensate level inside the tank 100 which causes stretching of the resilient link 40, while the first link 20 simply rests on the plunger 12 of the resiliently deformable stopper 10a. As shown in figure 6a, the angular position of the first link 20 and the second link 30 corresponds to the condensate at a desired bottom level limit at which the condensate inlet check valve 120 opens, thereby allowing admission of fluid condensate into the tank 100. The position shown in figure 6a also corresponds to an instant just after snapping action has taken place due to liquid level dropping beyond a bottom limit level. The stretching of the resilient link 40 and the weight of the first link 20 causes deformation of the first resilient element 13 thus compressing it. As a consequence, energy of deformation stored in the resilient link 40 is utilized to store energy of deformation in the first resilient element 13 of the stopper 10a.
In normal working conditions, any displacement of the float 50 rising above the desired upper level limit snaps the mechanism 100, i.e. causes the resilient link 40 to release its stored energy of deformation since, at this instant the angle between the first link 20 and the second link 30 exceeds 180 degrees (as shown in figure 6b). At this instant as shown in figure 6b, the resilient link 40 is fully stretched thereby storing maximum energy of deformation. However, in an alternate embodiment, the resilient link 40 is fully compressed or fully twisted. This results in displacement of the first link 20, which in turn causes the push rod 60 to rise and ultimately open the vapor inlet valve 90 and simultaneously close the vapor outlet valve 80. The mechanism 100 switches between two states, wherein one state corresponds to the deformation of the mechanism towards a predetermined upper level of the fluid and the other state corresponds to the deformation of the mechanism towards a predetermined lower level of the fluid.
However, increased friction and wear in the joints does not allow the mechanism 150 to snap, which results in an increased amount of forced required to acutate the valves 80, 90. In such cases, the first resilient element 13 of the stopper 10a provides the necessary force to overcome friction and wear by releasing its energy of deformation, and ultimately causes the mechanism 150 to snap. This causes the first link 20 to be angularly displaced about pivot pin 25, as the plunger 12 connected to the first resilient element 13 pushes the first link 20. The push rod 60 connected to the first link 20 is raised and the vapor outlet valve 80 and vapor inlet valve 90 are actuated, thereby discharging the pressurized vapor out of the tank 100.
In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in figures 6a-6b, the mechanism 150 facilitates maintaining the condensate below a desired upper limit level in case of which another stopper 10b is configured to move the first link 20 in a downward direction.
The working of the mechanism 150 will be the same (as described above) in case the fluid reaches a predetermined bottom limit level on the tank 100, in which the valves 80, 90 are actuated in an opposite direction. Such a situation is illustrated by the figure 6c at an instant when the second link 30 starts to lower corresponding to the dropping fluid level inside the tank 100. The position of the mechanism 150 shown in figure 6c also corresponds to an instant just before snapping action has taken place due to liquid level falling below a top level limit. The stopper 10b in such an embodiment is configured to provide force in the downward direction with repect to the tank 100.
In an alternate embodiment not shown in figures, the resilient element 13 of each of the stoppers 10a,10b is an elastic diaphragm.
In another embodiment not shown in figures, a pair of magnets is fitted between each of the stoppers 10a,10b and the first link 20, with one magnet fitted on each of the stoppers 10a,10b and the other magnet fitted on the first link 20, having like poles facing each other, so that the energy of repulsion between the magnets is stored and released at the desired point of snapping of the mechanism 150.
In an alternate embodiment not shown in figures, the stoppers 10a,10b are of dead-weight type.
In another embodiment not shown in figures, the stoppers 10a,10b are actuated by electromagnetic means. Magnetism in the stoppers 10a,10b is induced by passing electric current through coils wrapped around the stoppers 10a,10b, and the induced magnetism is removed by stopping the flow of the electric current. Similarly, the first link 20 is electromagnetically magnetized. The first link 20 and the stopper 10a/10b in their energized state repel each other.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a float-operated snap action mechanism that:
• overcomes forces of friction and wear of parts in the mechanism;
• regulates of fluid level inside a tank; and
• is reliable.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.