HK1215692B - An automatic water drain apparatus and an automatic drain assembly - Google Patents

Description

Automatic drainage equipment and automatic drainage assembly

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/791,382, filed 3, 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of separating water from fuel.

Background

In some fuel processing applications, water is mixed into the fuel and needs to be separated from the fuel before the fuel is used. One example arises in the context of a diesel processor for a diesel internal combustion engine. The diesel fuel processor may include a housing in which a filter medium is located for removing particulate contaminants from the diesel fuel. In some previous designs of diesel fuel processors, the sump was located below the area where the diesel fuel passed through the filter media. Because water is heavier than fuel, water will tend to separate from the fuel and collect in the bottom of the tank. Occasionally, the reservoir will need to be drained. Some designs use manual drain, but this creates a need for continued maintenance. Some designs have proposed automatic draining, but there remains a need for automatic draining that minimizes the risk of fuel being released from the automatic draining into the environment.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an automatic drain apparatus, comprising: a storage tank; a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a first valve member movable between an open position allowing fluid to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet and a closed position preventing fluid from entering the reservoir through the fluid inlet. The apparatus further comprises: a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a second valve member movable between an open position for discharging fluid from the reservoir and a closed position for preventing discharge of fluid from the reservoir. The apparatus comprises at least one actuator operable to move the first and second valve members between their respective open and closed positions. A sensor is disposed external to the reservoir and is operable to generate a first sensor output signal in response to detection of the presence of water. At least one actuator moves the first valve member to the open position in response to the first sensor output signal.

Preferably, the at least one actuator is operable to move the second valve member to an open position when the first valve member is in a closed position.

Preferably, the at least one actuator moves the second valve member to a closed position in response to the first sensor output signal.

Preferably, the at least one actuator is constrained from moving the second valve member to an open position when the first valve member is in an open position.

Preferably, the sensor is operable to detect a high level and a low level.

Wherein the sensor is operable to generate the first sensor output signal in response to detecting the high level and the sensor is operable to generate a second sensor output signal in response to detecting the low level.

Preferably, the sensor comprises a first sensor for generating the first sensor output signal in response to detecting a high level and a second sensor for generating the second sensor output signal in response to detecting a low level.

Wherein the first sensor and the second sensor each comprise one or more water sensing electrodes.

Optionally, wherein the fluid inlet is disposed at a first height, the second sensor is disposed at a second height higher than the first height, and the first sensor is disposed at a third height higher than the second height.

Preferably, the automatic water drain further comprises a filter medium disposed within the reservoir to remove contaminants from the water in the reservoir.

Preferably, the automatic water drain apparatus further comprises a control unit which receives a signal from the sensor and causes operation of the at least one actuator in response to the signal received from the sensor.

Preferably, the automatic water drain apparatus further comprises a housing, wherein the reservoir is disposed within the housing, the fluid inlet is disposed adjacent to a top surface of the housing, and the fluid outlet is disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the housing.

Wherein the sensor includes a probe body extending upwardly from the top surface of the housing.

Optionally, the automatic water drain apparatus further comprises a reservoir connected to the housing such that the fluid inlet communicates with an interior of the reservoir.

Wherein a volume of water and a volume of fuel are disposed within the container.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an automatic drain assembly, comprising: a container having water disposed in an interior of the container; a storage tank; a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and the interior of the vessel; and a first valve member movable between an open position allowing water from the container to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet and a closed position preventing water from entering the reservoir through the fluid inlet. The assembly also includes: a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a second valve member movable between an open position for discharging fluid from the reservoir and a closed position for preventing discharge of fluid from the reservoir. The assembly also includes at least one actuator operable to move the first valve member and the second valve member between their respective open and closed positions. The assembly further includes a sensor assembly disposed in the interior of the vessel and operable to generate a first sensor output signal in response to a high level in the vessel and a second sensor output signal in response to a low level in the vessel. The first sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to the open position and the second sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to the closed position.

Preferably, the at least one actuator moves the second valve member to a closed position in response to the first sensor output signal.

Preferably, the sensor assembly includes a first sensor for generating the first sensor output signal and a second sensor for generating the second sensor output signal.

Wherein the first sensor and the second sensor each comprise one or more water sensing electrodes.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an automatic drain assembly, comprising: a container having a volume of water and a volume of fuel disposed in an interior of the container; a housing connected to the container; a reservoir disposed within the housing; a fluid inlet defined by the housing and positioned adjacent to a top surface of the housing, wherein the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the reservoir and an interior of the container; and a first valve member movable between an open position allowing water from the container to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet and a closed position preventing water from entering the reservoir through the fluid inlet. The assembly also includes: a fluid outlet defined by the housing and positioned adjacent to a bottom surface of the housing, wherein the fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a second valve member movable between an open position for discharging fluid from the reservoir and a closed position for preventing discharge of fluid from the reservoir. The assembly also includes: at least one actuator operable to move the first and second valve members between their respective open and closed positions; and a sensor disposed in the interior of the tank and operable to generate a first sensor output signal in response to a high level in the tank and a second sensor output signal in response to a low level in the tank. The first sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to the open position and the second sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to the closed position.

Drawings

Various features, advantages and other uses of the apparatus of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating an automatic drain apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the automatic water drain apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic water drain apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the automatic drain apparatus showing the air passage; and

fig. 5A to 5C are sectional views illustrating the operation of the automatic water discharging apparatus.

Detailed Description

The disclosure herein relates to an automatic drain apparatus for a fuel processor (e.g., a diesel filter assembly). The automatic water drain is installed to communicate with a tank in which water is separated from fuel by collecting at the bottom of the tank. The automatic drain utilizes a sensor to open a first valve to allow water from the reservoir to flow into a reservoir within the automatic drain. The sensor closes the first valve before a point at which the level within the container will become low enough that fuel may enter the sump of the automatic water drain. When the first valve is closed, the second valve is opened and the second valve allows water within the reservoir to exit the automatic water drain while blocking fluid communication of the reservoir with the container. A filter may be installed within the sump for removing impurities from the water being removed from the container before the water is drained from the automatic water drain.

As shown in fig. 1-2, the automatic drain device 100 includes a housing 110 having a fluid inlet 112 positioned adjacent a top surface 114 thereof and a fluid outlet 116 positioned adjacent a bottom surface 118 thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet 112 and the fluid outlet 116 may be substantially tubular members extending outwardly from the top surface 114 and the bottom surface 118, respectively. An electrical connector 120 may be provided on the housing for connection to a power source and/or control signals. The electrical connector 120 may be placed on the bottom surface 118 of the housing 110, but other locations will also be suitable for the electrical connector 120.

To selectively open and close the fluid inlet 112, a first valve member 122 is provided for selectively opening and closing relative to the fluid inlet 112. When first valve member 122 is in its closed position, fluid is prevented from entering or exiting fluid inlet 112. When first valve member 122 is in its open position, fluid communication is permitted through fluid inlet 112.

To selectively establish or prevent fluid communication at the fluid outlet 116, a second valve member 124 is placed at the fluid outlet 116. The second valve member 124 is operable to selectively establish or prevent fluid communication at the fluid outlet 116. Specifically, the second valve member 124 is movable from a closed position, in which fluid communication is blocked at the fluid outlet 116, to an open position, in which fluid communication is allowed at the fluid outlet 116.

To control the opening and closing of the first and second valve members 122, 124, the automatic water drain apparatus 100 includes a sensor assembly 126 for detecting the presence of water in the fuel. The sensor assembly 126 may be configured to provide at least a first signal when the presence of water is detected and at least a second signal when the presence of water is not detected. However, in the illustrated example, the sensor assembly 126 is a bi-level sensor that can detect and provide output signals corresponding to the presence or absence of water at two different locations on the sensor. The two locations for sensing water by the sensor assembly 126 may be located at different heights along the sensor assembly 126 relative to the top surface 114 of the housing 110 and/or the fluid inlet 112.

In one implementation, the sensor assembly 126 includes a probe body 128 that extends generally upward relative to the top surface 114 of the housing 110. The first sensor 130 is positioned on the probe body 128 at a first height relative to the top surface 114 and/or the fluid inlet 112. Specifically, the first sensor 130 may be placed at a height above the height of the top of the fluid inlet 112. Accordingly, the first sensor 130 may function to output a signal that causes the first valve member 122 to close before the top surface of the water in contact with the sensor assembly 126 reaches the fluid inlet 112. The sensor assembly 126 may also include a second sensor 132 positioned at a second height relative to the top surface 114 of the housing 110 and/or the fluid inlet 112. The second height is higher than the first height. Second sensor 132 may be utilized to output a signal that causes first valve component 122 to open when second sensor 132 detects the presence of water. Accordingly, the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 132 may cooperate to output signals such that the first valve member 122 is open when a high level is detected and such that the first valve member 122 is closed when a low level is detected, wherein the low level is above the top of the fluid inlet 112, thereby preventing fuel from entering the fluid inlet 112.

Each of the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 132 may include one or more electrical components operable to sense the presence of water. Any suitable type of water sensor may be utilized. In one example, one or more electrodes are disposed at each of the first sensor 130 and the second sensor 132, and an electrical characteristic of the one or more electrodes is monitored to determine whether the electrodes are submerged in water. For example, the first sensor 130 may include two electrodes that are spaced apart and electrically insulated relative to each other by an insulating body. However, when water contacts both electrodes, the electrical properties (e.g., resistance or capacitance) that can be measured across the electrodes change. In response to such a change in electrical characteristic, the signal output by the sensor assembly 126 may be interpreted as indicating the presence or absence of water at the first sensor 130.

As shown in fig. 3-4, the fluid inlet 112 defines an inlet passage 134 in fluid communication with a fluid chamber or fluid reservoir 136 for storing water within the housing 110. The fluid outlet 116 defines an outlet passage 138 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 136 for receiving fluid from the fluid reservoir 136 and conveying fluid away from the fluid outlet 116 when the second valve member 124 is in its open position. To remove contaminants from water received within the fluid reservoir 136, a filter media 140 may be placed within the fluid reservoir 136. In one embodiment, the filter media 140 is a charcoal filter.

The first valve member 122 is connected to a first valve stem 142. A first valve stem 142 extends through the inlet passage 134 and through an aperture 144 of the housing 110. An aperture 144 extends from the inlet passage 134 to an actuator chamber 146 located within the housing 110. The aperture 144 is sized and configured to be complementary to the size and shape of the first valve stem 142 such that the first valve stem 142 occupies substantially all of the aperture 144 to prevent fluid from entering the actuator chamber 146 from the inlet passage 134. The first valve end portion 148 is connected to the first valve stem 142 and may engage or be connected to an actuator member 150.

The second valve part 124 is connected to a second valve stem 152. The second valve stem 152 extends through the outlet passage 138 and through an aperture 154 of the housing 110. The bore 154 extends from the outlet passage 138 to the actuator chamber 146. The aperture 154 is sized and configured to be complementary to the size and shape of the second valve stem 152 such that the second valve stem 152 occupies substantially all of the aperture 154 to prevent fluid from entering the actuator chamber 146 from the outlet passage 138. The second valve end portion 158 is connected to the second valve stem 152 and may engage or be connected to the actuator member 150.

The actuator member 150 is operable to move the first and second valve members 122, 124 between their respective open and closed positions. For example, the actuator member 150 may engage or may be connected to the first and second valve end portions 148, 158. The actuator member 150 is part of or connected to an actuator, such as an electrically operated solenoid actuator 160, which is operable to move between a first position and a second position relative to a support member 162 in response to energization and de-energization of the solenoid actuator 160. For example, when the solenoid actuator 160 is in the first position, the first valve member 122 may be in its closed position and the second valve member 124 may be in its open position. When the solenoid actuator 160 is in the second position, the first valve component 122 may be in the open position and the second valve component 124 may be in the closed position.

The solenoid actuator 160 is controlled by signals received from a control unit 164, which may be a programmable controller, operable to execute program instructions that, when executed, cause movement of the solenoid actuator 160 in response to control signals received from the sensor assembly 126. In other embodiments, the control unit 164 may be dedicated hardware that causes appropriate movement of the solenoid actuator 160 in response to control signals received from the sensor assembly 126. The control unit 164 may receive power from the electrical connector 120 and may be in electrical communication with the sensor assembly 126 and the solenoid actuator 160 for receiving signals from the sensor assembly 126 and for outputting control signals to the solenoid actuator 160 for causing movement of the solenoid actuator 160.

The operation of the automatic water discharging apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to fig. 5A to 5C. The automatic water drain device 100 is mounted with respect to a container 200 having a volume of water 210 and a volume of fuel 220 disposed therein. The automatic water drain apparatus 100 is mounted relative to the tank such that the fluid inlet 112 and the sensor assembly 126 are in communication with the interior of the tank.

In fig. 5A, the horizontal plane in the container 200 is above the first sensor 130 of the sensor assembly 126 but below the second sensor 132 of the sensor assembly 126. Because the second sensor 132 is not submerged in the water 210, the control unit 164 maintains the first valve member 122 in the closed position and the second valve member 124 in the open position based on signals received from the sensor assembly 126.

In fig. 5B, the fluid level of the water 210 has risen such that the second sensor 132 is submerged in the water 210. Upon receiving a sensor output signal from the sensor assembly 126 indicating that the second sensor 132 is submerged in the water 210, the control unit 164 energizes the solenoid actuator 160 to move the first valve member 122 to the open position. The second valve member 124 simultaneously moves to the closed position in response to movement of the solenoid actuator 160. With the first valve member 122 in the open position, a portion of the water enters the fluid inlet 112 and begins to fill the fluid reservoir 136 of the automatic water drain device 100. Because the second valve member 124 is in the closed position, water entering the automatic water drain 100 when the first valve member 122 is open is maintained within the fluid reservoir 136.

When the fluid level of the water 210 within the container 200 drops below the first sensor 130 of the sensor assembly 126, the control unit 164 receives a sensor output signal from the sensor assembly 126 indicating that no water is present at the second sensor 132, and in response to this sensor output signal, the control unit 164 de-energizes the solenoid actuator 160. In response to de-energizing of the solenoid actuator 160, the first valve member 122 moves to the closed position and the second valve member 124 moves to the open position, as shown in FIG. 5C. At this point, the fluid reservoir 136, filled with the water 210 received from the container 200, is now in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 116, and the water present in the fluid reservoir 136 exits the fluid reservoir 136 through the fluid outlet 116. As the water passes through the fluid reservoir 136, it is filtered by the filter media 140, thereby reducing the incidence of contaminants present in the water that exits the automatic water drain 100 at the fluid outlet 116.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims (18)

1. An automatic water discharge apparatus for discharging water from a container, comprising:

a housing mountable relative to the container;

a reservoir disposed within the housing;

a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a first valve member movable between an open position allowing fluid to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet and a closed position preventing fluid from entering the reservoir through the fluid inlet, wherein the first valve member abuts an uppermost outer surface of the housing in the closed position;

a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a second valve member movable between an open position for discharging fluid from the reservoir through the fluid outlet and a closed position for preventing discharge of fluid from the reservoir through the fluid outlet;

at least one actuator disposed within the housing and operable to move the first valve member and the second valve member between their respective open and closed positions; and

a sensor disposed external to the reservoir and operable to generate a first sensor output signal in response to detection of the presence of water, wherein the at least one actuator moves the first valve member to an open position in response to the first sensor output signal.

2. The automatic water drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator is operable to move the second valve member to an open position when the first valve member is in a closed position.

3. The automatic water drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator moves the second valve member to a closed position in response to the first sensor output signal.

4. The automatic water drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator is constrained from moving the second valve member to an open position when the first valve member is in an open position.

5. The automatic drain device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is operable to detect a high level and a low level.

6. The automatic drain device of claim 4, wherein the sensor is operable to generate the first sensor output signal in response to detecting the high level and the sensor is operable to generate a second sensor output signal in response to detecting the low level.

7. The automatic drain device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a first sensor for generating the first sensor output signal in response to detecting a high level and a second sensor for generating a second sensor output signal in response to detecting a low level.

8. The automatic water drain apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor each include one or more water sensing electrodes.

9. The automatic water drain apparatus of claim 7, wherein the fluid inlet is positioned at a first height, the second sensor is positioned at a second height higher than the first height, and the first sensor is positioned at a third height higher than the second height.

10. The automatic water discharge apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a filter media disposed within the reservoir to remove contaminants from water in the reservoir.

11. The automatic water discharge apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a control unit receiving a signal from the sensor and causing operation of the at least one actuator in response to the signal received from the sensor.

12. The automatic drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a probe body extending upwardly from a top surface of the housing.

13. An automatic drain assembly, comprising:

a container having water disposed in an interior of the container;

a housing mountable relative to the container and having a first chamber and a second chamber;

a reservoir defined by the first chamber of the housing;

a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and the interior of the vessel;

a first valve member movable between an open position allowing water from the container to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet and a closed position preventing water from the container to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a second valve member movable between an open position for discharging fluid from the reservoir through the fluid outlet and a closed position for preventing discharge of fluid from the reservoir through the fluid outlet;

at least one actuator disposed within the second chamber of the housing and operable to move the first and second valve members between their respective open and closed positions; and

a sensor assembly disposed in the interior of the container and operable to generate a first sensor output signal in response to a high level in the container and a second sensor output signal in response to a low level in the container, wherein the first sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to an open position and the second sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to a closed position.

14. The automatic drain assembly of claim 13, wherein a volume of water and a volume of fuel are disposed within the container.

15. The automatic drain assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one actuator moves the second valve member to a closed position in response to the first sensor output signal.

16. The automatic drain assembly of claim 13, wherein the sensor assembly includes a first sensor for generating the first sensor output signal and a second sensor for generating the second sensor output signal.

17. The automatic drain assembly of claim 16, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor each include one or more water sensing electrodes.

18. An automatic drain assembly, comprising:

a container having a volume of water and a volume of fuel disposed in an interior of the container;

a housing connected to the container;

a reservoir disposed within the housing;

a fluid inlet defined by an uppermost surface of the housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the interior of the container;

a first valve member movable between an open position allowing water from the container to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet and a closed position preventing water from the container to enter the reservoir through the fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet defined by a lowermost surface of the housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a second valve member movable between an open position for discharging fluid from the reservoir and a closed position for preventing discharge of fluid from the reservoir;

at least one actuator disposed within the housing and operable to move the first valve member and the second valve member between their respective open and closed positions; and

a sensor assembly disposed in the interior of the container and extending outwardly from the housing, wherein the sensor assembly is operable to generate a first sensor output signal in response to a high level in the container and a second sensor output signal in response to a low level in the container, wherein the first sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to an open position and the second valve member to a closed position, and the second sensor output signal causes the at least one actuator to move the first valve member to a closed position and the second valve member to an open position.