GB2632778A - Improvements in liquid storage - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid storage vessel 10 comprises an outer casing 12 and a pressurised inner storage vessel 20, wherein the inner storage vessel is insulated from the outer casing by insulation 30 means. The inner storage vessel can comprise an inlet/outlet 22 which may be connected to inlets/outlets outside of the outer casing. One of the inlets/outlets outside the outer casing can be at the top of the outer casing. The insulation means can comprise foam, polystyrene, fibres, solid sheets, reflective materials or fibre wool quilts. The inner storage vessel can be held in position only by the insulation means. The outer casing can comprise a carry handle. The outer casing can have upper 12a and lower 12b parts that are releasably engageable, with the interface 12c between the upper and lower parts is above the mid-point of the inner storage vessel. The inner storage vessel can be suitable for storing drinking water and can comprise a first section filled with compressed air and a second section for storing liquid, with each section separated by a flexible membrane.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN LIQUID STORAGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in liquid storage, and particularly to improvements of the storage of water.

BACKGROUND

There are many situations where there is a requirement to have pressurised water for cooking, drinking, cleaning, washing, supplying appliances and machinery etc. on a temporary basis where it is not physically possible or practical to create a permanent supply of pressurised water fed via pipework.

Examples of such situations may be, but not limited to: a temporary disruption to the permanent pressurised water supply, temporary worksites (such as building sites, roadworks or rail works), festivals, markets, shows and other events both indoors and outdoors.

It is not always necessary to have pressurised water and in instances such as this, a tank of water within which the water is stored at atmospheric pressure may suffice. A drawback with this solution is that the draw off point for the water must be as close to the base of the tank as possible to utilise all the stored water and to also allow the water to exit the tank/container via gravity. This results in the tank of water needing to be placed at a height, or for the user to bend down to the outlet.

Transporting water in tanks stored at atmospheric pressure can be difficult as small movements allow the water to shift within the tank, shifting the placement of the weight and causing vehicles to be unbalanced. This is often worse when travelling over rough terrain such as building sites, fields and tracks rather than roads. Transporting water held at pressure in tanks makes the water more stable and less likely to move around, causing less imbalance.

Water stored in tanks at atmospheric pressure can be pressurised from the tank, but this is often achieved via a pump, which requires a source of electricity. If the location is remote or does not have a source of electricity, then a means of providing electricity is required, such as a generator. This can add to the complexity, not to mention the potential cost of achieving pressurised water at a temporary location. Generators require a supply of fuel and emit pollution and noise. The noise can cause a nuisance to the user and anyone nearby, not to mention wildlife. There is also a safety risk involved in having highly flammable fuel for generators. Power may be supplied via batteries; however, these are heavy, difficult to transport and may not provide power for the full duration of time required.

Renewables such as solar and wind can provide power-, but it cannot be guaranteed that these would produce sufficient power; for example, solar power would not be suitable for use on overnight roadworks.

Another option when water is required in instances such as those mentioned above is to use bottled water. This can be easier to transport, but as they are single use plastics, the environmental impact can be significant if they are not disposed of correctly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a liquid storage vessel comprising an outer casing and a pressurised inner storage vessel, wherein the inner storage vessel is insulated from the outer casing by insulation means.

Typically, the liquid storage vessel is dimensioned to supply water to a venue, workplace, or the like.

Preferably, the inner storage vessel comprises an inlet/outlet, and more preferably that said inlet/outlet may be connected to one or more inlets/outlets outside of the outer casing.

It is particularly preferred that at least one of the inlets/outlets outside of the outer casing is at the top of said outer casing, or extends beyond the top thereof.

Preferably, the insulation means comprises one of, or a combination of, foam, polystyrene, fibres, solid sheets, reflective materials. It is particularly preferable that fibre wool quilt is used. The provision of a suitable insulation between the outer casing and the inner storage vessel allows for maintaining of a desired temperature range, and limitation of relative movement between the outer casing and the inner storage vessel.

It is preferred that, in use, the inner storage vessel does not contact the outer casing.

It is preferred that the inner storage vessel is held in position substantially only by the insulation means.

In the present arrangement, the inner storage vessel may be wrapped in one or more sheets of foam or fibre wool and inserted within the outer casing.

It is preferred that that outer casing comprises a double-skinned body, which may be provided with its own insulation therewithin.

Preferably, the outer casing comprises at least one carry handle.

It is preferred that the outer casing comprises upper and lower parts that are releasably engageable. It is particularly preferred that the interface between the upper and lower parts is, when in use, above the mid-point of the inner pressure vessel.

It is preferred that the liquid is water, and particularly drinking water.

Preferably, the inner storage vessel comprises a first section operable to be filled/inflated with compressed air and a second section for storing liquid, wherein the first section and the second section is separated by a flexible membrane.

In order that the present invention be more readily understood, specific embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an outer casing of a water storage apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows an inner vessel of a water storage apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a cross section of a water storage apparatus.

Figure 4 shows a pair of water storage apparatuses used in tandem.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The ability to be portable is crucial in many situations, such as where access with heavy lifting equipment is not possible, where the water storage apparatus can be carried or manoeuvred using handles or similar.

Figures 1 and 2 show aspects of a water storage apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1 shows an outer casing 12. The outer casing 12 may be split to provide a plurality of portions; preferably, the outer casing 12 comprises an upper casing portion 12a and a lower casing portion 12b. It is strongly preferred that carry handles 14 are provided.

Figure 2 shows a pressure vessel 20. In use said pressure vessel 20 is operable to be housed within the outer casing 12. Said pressure vessel 20 comprises an inlet/outlet 22.

The pressure vessel 20 may co-operate with a base section 26. The base section 26 is ideally dimensioned to fit snuggly within the outer casing 12.

The present arrangement provides a water storage apparatus 10 operable to supply a temporary supply of pressurised water in locations where there is no permanent pressurised water supply or there is a disruption to the permanent supply. Typically, the water storage unit 10 can be filled/pressurised at a convenient location, stored until required and then transported to the point of use. The construction of the water storage apparatus 10 allows it to be used in both internal and external settings. Often, when a water storage apparatus of the prior art is used outside, it can be subjected to extremes of hot and cold, which would affect the temperature of the stored water in the apparatus, causing the water to no longer be fit-for-purpose. For instance, if the water temperature gets too warm, it is no longer suitable for drinking, and if the water temperature gets too cold, it could freeze and no longer be capable of being used.

In the water storage unit 10 of the present invention, the outer casing 12 surrounds the pressure vessel 20, which stores the water at pressure, and creates a space between the pressure vessel and the outer casing 12 of the unit. Insulation 30 is provided in said space insulating the pressure vessel 20, and water within it, from the external environment. The insulation 30 may take the form of a foam, polystyrene, fibres, solid sheets, reflective materials, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, a nonvolatile gas, such as air, or a vacuum may also be used as insulation means. It will be appreciated that any appropriate material having insulating properties, or combinations of these materials, may be used.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a water storage apparatus 10. The outer casing 12 surrounds the pressure vessel 20. The inlet/outlet 22 is extended to allow the egress and ingress of water outside of the outer casing 12.

The split/interface 12c between the upper casing 12a and the lower casing 12b is preferably significantly above the mid-point (in the vertical direction) of the pressure vessel 20.

Insulation means 30, apart from its principal function of preventing or reducing transfer of heat between the pressure vessel 20 and the external environment, also serves as means to limit movement of the pressure vessel 20 within the outer casing 12. Whilst the pressure vessel 20 may be anchored to the outer casing 12 in some embodiments, it is envisaged that the insulation is the sole retaining means of the pressure vessel 20. Such an arrangement is preferred, as there are no stress-points between the outer casing and the pressure vessel during travel of the water storage apparatus. As seen in Figures 3 and 4, insulation 30 may be provided between the base section 26 of the pressure vessel 20, and the outer casing 12.

In other words, it is preferred that the pressure vessel 20 and the outer casing 12 do not contact one another. The insulation 30 is provided to ensure that there is no contact, and to minimise relative movement between the outer casing and the pressure vessel.

The size/capacity of the pressure vessel 20 can be adjusted to suit the application, as can the flow rate that can be achieved from the pressure vessel.

Filling of the pressure vessel 20 with pressurised water may be done via the inlet/outlet 22. The water may be released from the pressure vessel 20, at pressure, from the same inlet/outlet 22. At this point, there can be numerous options available for how the water is released. It can be via the inlet/outlet or via a separate outlet fed by the inlet/outlet of the pressure vessel. Numerous outlets fed from the pressure vessel inlet/outlet may be provided. A modular system may be provided to allow the required configuration. As shown in Figure 3, an upper outlet 24a and a lower outlet 24b may be provided.

As the water is stored at pressure within the pressure vessel 20, advantageously, a pump or similar device is not required to release the stored water at pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the desired pressure may be achieved by having a section of the pressure vessel 20 inflated with compressed air. A flexible membrane (not illustrated) separates the air and water. As water is introduced to the pressure vessel 20, it presses against the flexible membrane increasing the pressure of the air within the section of the vessel containing the air. Once the water is allowed to be released from the pressure vessel, the compressed air acts on the flexible membrane which then forces the water out of the pressure vessel at pressure. The pressure by which the water is forced out of the pressure vessel is dependent on the pressure of the compressed air stored within the pressure vessel and the pressure at which the water was put into the pressure vessel; it is optionally also dependent on the degree of flexibility/rigidity of the flexible membrane.

As the water exits the pressure vessel under pressure, the draw off point is not limited to being at the lower end of the water storage unit, and can instead be anywhere on the unit or even via a pipe or hose, such as a shower head above the unit or a hose pipe connected to the outlet and used away from the unit.

There are no mechanical moving parts within the water storage apparatus, and as such, it also has the advantage of being quiet (apart from the noise of the water moving through the pipework and out of the outlet), compared to prior pressurised water storage units.

As shown in Figure 4, two or more units may be connected in series to allow a greater reservoir of water.

Whilst the present embodiment is described in relation to water, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be directed to storing any liquid suitable for pressurisation.

It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are provided for understanding of the invention, and that many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

It will be appreciated that there is disclosed: The invention consists of an outer housing, a pressure vessel housed within the outer housing, a method of insulating between the outer housing and the pressure vessel to prevent the water within the pressure vessel being affected by the temperature and conditions of the external environment, a means in which to fill and empty the pressure vessel, and a means to allow the unit to be moved, thereby making the unit portable.

The pressure vessel can be filled with a source of pressurised water after which, the pressure vessel can store the water at pressure for up to a substantial period of time, and can then release the water at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and/or the natural head created by raising the unit, whereby the pressure of the water released from the unit being achieved without the use of electrically operated devices such as a pump or any other device capable of increasing the pressure of the water after it has exited the pressure vessel.

A preferred embodiment may consist of a solid outer housing made of a rigid material such as plastic or metal, although other materials would also be suitable. The insulation between the outer housing and pressure vessel would be a tangible material, however a further embodiment could utilise a vacuum to create the insulated element to the design. The invention includes elements to allow easier transportation of the unit such as carry handles, wheels/castors, forklift lifting positions, lifting eyes, points to secure the unit while in transit or any combination of these, thus allowing the invention to be portable.

The filling and releasing of the water may be achieved via a single point, or the invention may have separate points for filling and releasing the water. There may also be multiple points to fill and/or release the water depending on the intended use.

The output flow rate of the water can be controlled by means of a flow restrictor, valve, adjustable valve, tap or another similar device.

Multiple units of the same size/shape or varying size/shape can be connected/linked together to achieve a single point of fill and/or release of the water, achieve a higher capacity of stored water, allow for a greater output flow rate than can be achieved from a single unit, or any combination of these.

There is also provided the ability to access the pressure vessel for maintenance and inspection purposes, or to replace the pressure vessel as and when required.

The arrangement may have a pressure gauge or other means to determine how much water is within the pressure vessel.

The preferred embodiment of the invention utilises a construction so that it is suitable for use with potable water. A further embodiment of the invention would allow for the use of non-potable materials to be utilised when the invention is used for purposes other than those requiring potable water.

The arrangement has an external housing comprising at least two sections and/or further sections to allow for flexibility of storing a range of pressure vessel sizes within and/or to allow for the invention to be modified to suit the intended application.

The arrangement may be modified using a range of sections, and then be returned to its original configuration.

An embodiment of the invention has a footprint such that it can maximise the number of units that can be placed, stored, or used on a standard pallet footprint. Further embodiments of the invention may have footprints and features to allow the invention to attach to, be transported by, or used from objects other than a standard pallet footprint, such as mounted to a vehicle.

An embodiment of the invention comprises means to allow one or more units to be stacked on another unit whilst in storage or in use.

The construction of the outer housing of the preferred embodiment of the invention is such that it is robust and waterproof to a degree that the unit can be stored and used outside, and is constructed of plastic or metal or material with similar properties. Further embodiments may use a less substantial outer housing to suit the application, such as where a lightweight construction may be preferred.

A further embodiment of the invention has a collection means/method to store water that has been released from the pressure vessel; this collection means/method stores the collected water at atmospheric pressure, and in a way such that the collected water can be emptied when appropriate.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS1. A liquid storage vessel comprising: an outer casing, a pressurised inner storage vessel, wherein the inner storage vessel is insulated from the outer casing by insulation means.
2. 2. A liquid storage vessel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner storage vessel comprises an inlet/outlet, and preferably that said inlet/outlet may be connected to one or more inlets/outlets outside of the outer casing.
3. 3. A liquid storage vessel according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the inlets/outlets outside of the outer casing is at the top of said outer casing.
4. 4. A liquid storage vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the insulation means comprises one of, or a combination of: foam, polystyrene, fibres, solid sheets, reflective materials or fibre wool quilt.
5. 5. A liquid storage vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner storage vessel is held in position substantially only by the insulation means.
6. 6. A liquid storage vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer casing comprises at least one carry handle.
7. 7. A liquid storage vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer casing comprises upper and lower parts that are releasably engageable.
8. 8. A liquid storage vessel according to claim 7, wherein the interface between the upper and lower parts is, when in use, above the mid-point of the inner storage vessel.
9. 9. A liquid storage vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner storage vessel is suitable for storing drinking water.
10. 10. A liquid storage vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner storage vessel comprises a first section operable to be filled with compressed air and a second section for storing liquid, wherein the first section and the second section is separated by a flexible membrane.