GB2271068A

GB2271068A - Liquid spray device

Info

Publication number: GB2271068A
Application number: GB9219978A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Porter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-09-22
Filing date: 1992-09-22
Publication date: 1994-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2012-09-22
Also published as: GB2271068B; GB9219978D0

Abstract

The liquid spray device 2 camp rises a fluid outlet nozzle 4 which is releasably fixed towards its upper end to a fluid delivery tube 6. The outlet nozzle 4 includes a diametrically extending support bridge 8. A pin 10 of a securing bolt 12 is releasably secured to the support bridge 8. A liquid distribution disc 14 is rotatably mounted on the pin 10 between the bridge 8 and a head 16 of the bolt 12. The device 2 is arranged such that, in use, liquid may flow from delivery tube 6 through openings 18 in the support bridge 8 so as to exit from nozzle 4 and impinge upon liquid distribution teeth 24 of the liquid distribution disc 14. Also, liquid may flow through an axially extending bore 20 and lateral openings 22 in the pin 10 so as to impinge upon liquid distribution teeth 24 of the disc 14. The device 2 produces a liquid spray which extends substantially over 360 DEG in all planes. <IMAGE>

Description

FLUID SPRAY DEVICE This invention relates to a fluid spray device and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a device for washing out the interior of a tank using a washing liquid.

U.K. Patent Number 1196746 (Siddal) discloses inter alia a liquid sprayer for washing out the interior of bulk milk storage tanks. The sprayer comprises a nozzle and a spinner located in a liquid flow path of liquid discharged through the nozzle. The spinner has a conical formation in the flow path which is arranged to deflect liquid radially outwards to a ring of upstanding teeth of the spinner so that the liquid spins and sprays out in many directions.

A rather cumbersome arrangement for mounting the spinner is also disclosed.

U.K. Patent Number 2188255B (Breconcherry) discloses a tank washer comprising a tube arranged for connection to a source of washing/rinsing liquid. A shaft is mounted in the tube by means of a pin which extends diametrically through aligned openings in the shaft and tube. A liquid guide is positioned between the shaft and tube. A liquid distribution disc is rotatably mounted around the shaft and arranged to be rotated by liquid issuing from the liquid guide, the disc being further arranged to distribute liquid in a generally fan-shaped pattern. A counterbalance means for counterbalancing fluid pressure exerted by the liquid source is also provided.

The prior known devices produce imperfect liquid spray patterns which may, for example, lead to ineffective washing out of the interior of tanks.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid spray device which is improved in comparison to prior known devices.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid spray device for dispersing fluid from a fluid source, the device comprising a rotatably mounted fluid distribution means and a first fluid path extending from a first position on a first side of the fluid distribution means to a second position on a second side of the fluid distribution means, fluid redirecting means being provided for re-directing fluid which passes to said second position towards said second side of said fluid distribution means for dispersal thereby.

Preferably, said first position is opposite said first side of said fluid distribution means. Preferably, said second position is opposite said second side. Said re-directing means is preferably arranged to re-direct fluid back towards said second side.

Said first fluid path preferably is, at least in part, concentric with or substantially parallel to, the axis of rotation of said rotatably mounted fluid distribution means. Preferably, said first fluid path comprises an elongate, for example an axial, bore defined by an elongate member, for example, in the form of a pin.

Said fluid distribution means is preferably arranged to rotate about an elongate axis of said elongate member.

Said elongate member is preferably arranged to be releasably secured to a part of the device so as to releasably secure the fluid distribution means in position. Said elongate member is preferably releasably secured within a hollow body, for example, a nozzle of the device. The elongate member is preferably arranged to be releasably engaged within a slot. Said slot may be provided in a member which extends transversely to the elongate axis of the elongate member. Said elongate member and said slot are preferably arranged such that relative axial rotation of said member and slot releasably secures the elongate member in position.

Said fluid re-directing means preferably includes one or a plurality of fluid passageways which extend laterally away from said first liquid path, preferably at a downstream end thereof. The or each fluid passageway is preferably inclined at an acute angle to said first liquid path. Said fluid re-directing means may also include an inclined surface which preferably extends radially outwardly from said fluid passageway(s). Said inclined surface is preferably substantially conical in shape. Said conically-shaped inclined surface preferably has its central axis concentric with the axis of rotation of said fluid distribution means.

The fluid re-directing means is preferably arranged to cause fluid in said first liquid path to move through an angle x where 900 < x < 1800. x is preferably in the range 1200 to 1600.

The device preferably further includes a second fluid path in which fluid may be directed towards said first side of the fluid distribution means. Said second fluid path may be defined at least in part by a conical surface which is preferably defined by said fluid distribution means. Said second fluid path may communicate, preferably in a downstream region thereof, with a third fluid path which extends through the fluid distribution means from the first side to the second side thereof. For example, said third fluid path may be defined, in part, by one or a plurality of openings which extend through the fluid distribution means from the first side to the second side thereof. Fluid in said third path may be dispersed by fluid distribution elements provided on said second side of the fluid distribution means.

Said first and second fluid paths are preferably arranged to be fed with fluid from a single fluid source.

The two paths may communicate at their upstream ends with a nozzle of the device which is fixable to a fluid source.

Where the device includes a second fluid path, fluid guide means are preferably provided in said second fluid path for causing fluid issuing therefrom to be inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the fluid distribution means. Preferably, said fluid guide means comprises a plurality of inclined grooves in a surface defining, at least in part, said second fluid path. Said surface may comprise an inner surface of said aforementioned nozzle, when provided.

Counterbalancing means is preferably provided for counterbalancing the fluid pressure on said first side of said fluid distribution means due to the flow of fluid in said second fluid path. Said second side of said fluid distribution means preferably includes a central region which is substantially planar. Said counterbalancing means is preferably comprised, at least in part, by fluid redirected towards said second side in use.

The fluid distribution means preferably includes at least one, preferably a plurality, of distribution elements on its first and/or second side.

In a second aspect, there is provided a fluid distribution device including an elongate member and a fluid distribution means arranged to rotate about the elongate axis of said elongate member, said elongate member being releasably securable within a slot in a member which extends transversely to the elongate axis in order to releasably secure both the elongate member and fluid distribution means to the device.

In a third aspect, there is provided a fluid distribution means for a fluid distribution device, the fluid distribution means including a plurality of fluid distribution elements wherein respective elements of said plurality of elements have different fluid distribution characteristics.

Preferably, said plurality of fluid distribution elements includes a first type of element which includes a radially inwardly curved lip. A second type of element preferably does not include said radially inwardly curved lip. Said second type preferably includes a substantially straight lip which may extend substantially axially. Said plurality of elements may include a third type having a trailing edge which is angled at an acute angle, for example, in the range 60 - 85 , to the elongate axis of the fluid distribution means. A fourth type may include a trailing edge which extends in a direction which is substantially parallel to the elongate axis of the fluid distribution means. The characteristic features of said first and second types may be combined with the characteristic features of said third and fourth types.

Preferably, adjacent fluid distribution elements of the distribution means are different.

In a fourth aspect, the invention extends to the use of a fluid distribution device as described in any statement herein for dispersing fluid.

Any feature of said first, second, third and fourth aspects may be as described in any statement herein.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a vertical cross-section through a liquid spray device; Figure 2 is a side elevation, partly in crosssection, of a nozzle of the device and part of a liquid delivery tube; Figure 3 is a cross-section along line A-A of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-section along line B-B of Figure 1 showing the nozzle, other parts being omitted; Figure 5 is a cross-section along line C-C of Figure 1 showing a pin of the device, other parts being omitted; Figure 6 is a cross-section along line D-D of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a top plan view of a liquid distribution disc; Figure 8 is a side elevation showing two types of liquid distribution teeth of the device; and Figures 9a and 9b show two alternative liquid distribution teeth cross-sections (upper teeth only shown).

The liquid spray device 2 comprises a fluid outlet nozzle 4 which is releasably fixed towards its upper end to a fluid delivery tube 6. The outlet nozzle 4 includes a diametrically extending support bridge 8. A pin 10 of a securing bolt 12 is releasably secured to the support bridge 8. A liquid distribution disc 14 is rotatably mounted on the pin lo between the bridge 8 and a head 16 of the bolt 12.

The device 2 is arranged such that, in use, liquid may flow from delivery tube 6 through openings 18 in the support bridge 8 so as to exit from nozzle 4 and impinge upon liquid distribution teeth 24 of the liquid distribution disc 14. Also, liquid may flow through an axially extending bore 20 and lateral openings 22 in the pin 10 so as to impinge upon liquid distribution teeth 24 of the disc 14. The device 2 produces a liquid spray which extends substantially over 360O in all planes.

The device 2 is described in greater detail below.

The fluid outlet nozzle 4 is of circular crosssection. Approximately midway along its extent, the nozzle 4 includes a peripheral annular shoulder 30. Spaced above the annular shoulder 30, the nozzle 4 carries two diametrically spaced apart circular cross-section projections 32. The projections 32 are arranged to be releasably secured within respective diametrically spaced apart L-shaped slots 34 defined in the wall of the delivery tube 6. As shown in Figure 2, the slots 34 have an open end 36 and a closed end 38. The nozzle 4 is secured to the tube 6 by positioning nozzle 4 within tube 6 so that the projections 32 are opposite the open ends of respective slots 34. The nozzle 4 is then urged axially so that its end enters the tube 6 and the projections 32 pass along the L-shaped slots until they reach the apex of the two arms of the slots.The nozzle is then rotated about its axis through a small angle so that the projections 32 pass along to the closed ends 32 of the slots 34. The nozzle 4 may readily be released from the tube 6 by following the aforementioned steps in reverse sequence.

As an alternative, the nozzle may be permanently cemented to the delivery tube 6. A gasket or other sealing means may be provided between the nozzle and tube to ensure a liquid tight seal between the two.

The openings 18 in the support bridge 8 of the nozzle 4 are arc-shaped and are symmetrically arranged about the elongate axis of the nozzle (Figure 3).

The nozzle 4 narrows towards its open-end 38, although in one embodiment, the nozzle may have parallel sides. Equidistantly spaced apart grooves 40 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3) are defined around the inner wall 42 of the nozzle 4 between the support bridge 8 and the open end 38. The grooves are defined around the entirety of the inner wall 42. It should be noted that only a portion of the inner wall 42 is represented as being grooved in Figure 3, in the interests of clarity. The grooves 40 are substantially straight (although they could be curved or spiral-shaped) and are angled at about ISO to the elongate axis of the nozzle (see Figure 2).

The grooves 40 are arranged to direct liquid out of the nozzle 4 at an angle of 15 to the elongate axis of the nozzle and with circular motion so that, when the liquid impinges upon the teeth 24 of the distribution disc 14, it may impart a rotational force to the teeth and thereby to the disc and the spray pattern of liquid may be improved.

The bridge 8 of the nozzle 4 extends diametrically across the nozzle as shown in Figure 3. A central opening 46 is defined in the bridge. The central opening comprises a substantially circular portion 48 and two diametrically opposed rectangular portions 50. Opposing arc-shaped sections 52 of the bridge 8 which define the substantially circular portion 48 include diametrically opposed rectangular recesses 54.

The pin 10 of the bolt 12 has a cross-section which corresponds to that of the central opening 46 in the bridge 8, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, the pin 10 includes a substantially circular portion 56 and two diametrically opposed rectangular portions 58.

The bolt 12 (and the disc 14) may readily be secured in position by urging the pin 10 through the central opening 46 until the bridge 8 of the nozzle is within a stepped portion 60 (Figure 1) of the pin 10 and then rotating the pin through 90" so that the rectangular portions 58 of the pin are disposed opposite the rectangular recesses 54 in the bridge. The rectangular portions 58 may then be engaged snugly within recesses 54 to positively locate the bolt 12 in position.

The bore 20 extends along the whole length of the pin 10. At the head end of the pin, the bore 20 communicates with four lateral openings 22 (Figure 6). The openings 22 are disposed at 900 to each other and are in the same plane. A lower wall 60 of the openings 22 is defined by a conical inwardly facing surface 62 of the head 10 of the bolt 12. As shown in Figure 1, the inwardly facing surface 62 of the head is angled upwardly from its centre so that, in effect, the lateral openings 22 are also angled slightly upwardly. This angling has an important effect on the passage and effect of liquid flowing through the openings 22 as is described later with reference to the operation of the device 2.

The liquid distribution disc 14 is made out of plastics material and is freely rotatable on the pin 10 of the bolt 12. There is a small degree of axial play of the disc on the pin. The disc is arranged to distribute liquid in all directions. The disc 14 includes a conical hub 64 which flares outwardly towards a horizontally disposed portion 66. The portion 66 includes three equidistantly spaced slots 68 (Figure 7) which extend through the disc.

The slots 68 are elongate, the axes of elongation of each being directed along a tangent to the hub 64.

The horizontally disposed portion 66 also carries the liquid distribution teeth 24 about its periphery. Six teeth 24 extend above the portion 66 and six below. It should be noted that in the interests of clarity not all teeth 24 are shown in the Figures.

The teeth 24 are of two different shapes as shown in Figure 8. Teeth 24a have a trailing edge 70 angled at about 75" to the plane of the portion 66 of the disc, whereas teeth 24b have a trailing edge 72 angled at about 90" to the plane of portion 66. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, teeth 24a have an inturned lip 25, whereas lip 27 of teeth 24b is substantially straight. The teeth 24a, 24b are alternately arranged above and below portion 66.

As a consequence of the shape and arrangement of teeth, the distribution of liquid may be improved.

Liquid distribution by the device occurs as follows.

Effectively there are two supplies of liquid to the disc 14. Firstly, liquid passes from delivery tube 6 through openings 18 in the support bridge 8. It then passes down the nozzle 4. Due to the provision of angled grooves 40 in the nozzle, liquid leaving the nozzle is angled at about 15 to the elongate axis of the nozzle. The liquid then flows down the flared hub 64 as represented by arrows 80 in Figure 7. A proportion of the liquid applies a force to the slot wall 69 and a proportion of the liquid applies a force to the trailing edges 70, 72 of the teeth. These forces serve to drive the disc. A proportion of the liquid passes through slots 68 in the disc to the lower surface of the disc. This liquid is dispersed outwardly in many directions by impinging the lower teeth 24.The proportion of liquid which does not pass through slots 68 is dispersed outwardly by upper teeth 24.

The second supply of liquid to the disc comprises liquid which flows through bore 20 in pin 10. From bore 20 the liquid is directed upwardly slightly as it passes through the four lateral openings 22. Liquid flowing through these openings serves the dual purpose of providing a liquid cushion between the head 16 and disc 14 which counterbalances the thrust of liquid impinging the upper surface of the disc and, furthermore, provides a source of liquid to the lower teeth 24. Thus, liquid is directed upwardly out of lateral openings 22 towards the lower teeth 24 which disperses the liquid. Thus, it will be appreciated that all liquid supplied to the device 2 is effectively dispersed in many directions both above and below the disc.

In an alternative embodiment, the bridge 8 may be modified so that it is shaped similar to that of an aeroplane's propeller - that is, with blades angled at, for example, 15 in order to direct liquid into the grooves 40 in the nozzle 4. This arrangement may increase further the efficiency of dispersal of liquid by the device.

It should be appreciated that the size of the open end 38 of the nozzle 4 and the size (and number) of openings 22 in the bolt are selected so that the force due to liquid impinging the upper surface of the disc is counterbalanced by the force due to liquid impinging the lower surface of the disc.

It is noted that the size of the open end 38 of the nozzle 4 and the size of the openings 22 in the bolt 12 may be readily varied in dependence upon the size of a pump used to deliver liquid to the device 2.

It should now be appreciated that the liquid spray device 2 comprises few components which are easily assembly and dissembled. The device makes full use of the supplied liquid and disperses substantially all the liquid effectively through 3600 in all planes. Furthermore, the device 2 is effectively both lubricated and cleaned by the liquid which flows through it.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A fluid spray device for dispersing fluid from a fluid source, the device comprising a rotatably mounted fluid distribution means and a first fluid path extending from a first position on a first side of the fluid distribution means to a second position on a second side of the fluid distribution means, fluid re-directing means being provided for re directing fluid which passes to said second position towards said second side of said fluid distribution means for dispersal thereby.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein said first fluid path is, at least in part, concentric or substantially parallel to, the axis of rotation of said rotatably mounted fluid distribution means.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said fluid re-directing means includes one or a plurality of fluid passageways which extend laterally away from said first liquid path at a downstream end thereof.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid re-directing means is arranged to cause fluid in said first liquid path to move through an angle x where 900 < x < l800.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein x is in the range 1200 to 1600.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, further including a second fluid path in which fluid is directed towards said first side of the fluid distribution means.

7. A device according to Claim 6, wherein said second fluid path communicates with a third fluid path which extends through the fluid distribution means from the first side to the second side thereof.

8. A device according to Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein counter-balancing means is provided for counter balancing the fluid pressure on said first side of said fluid distribution means due to the flow of fluid in said second fluid path.

9. A fluid distribution device including an elongate member and a fluid distribution means arranged to rotate about the elongate axis of said elongate member, said elongate member being releasably securable within a slot in a member which extends transversely to the elongate axis in order to releasably secure both the elongate member and fluid distribution means to the device.

10. A fluid distribution means for a fluid distribution device, the fluid distribution means including a plurality of fluid distribution elements wherein respective elements of such plurality of elements have different fluid distribution characteristics.

11. A fluid distribution device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.