CA2211898C - Liquid injection device, system and method - Google Patents
Liquid injection device, system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2211898C CA2211898C CA002211898A CA2211898A CA2211898C CA 2211898 C CA2211898 C CA 2211898C CA 002211898 A CA002211898 A CA 002211898A CA 2211898 A CA2211898 A CA 2211898A CA 2211898 C CA2211898 C CA 2211898C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- liquid
- fill
- injector
- end cap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A liquid injector has a tubular body (11) surrounding and shielding a glass tube (7). The body and tube are sealed at opposing ends by a valve coupler (3) and an end fill cap (13), each with their own O-ring seals. There are three openings (41) through the body to allow for viewing of the contents of the tube, and to allow for light to pass into the tube. The injector is connected at the valve coupler through a hose and an on-off valve to the low side of an air conditioning system. It is connected through the end fill cap to a refrigerant charging system. The valve is shut off and the end fill cap is removed. The body is held upright and the liquid to be injected is poured into the glass tube. The fill end cap is replaced and the valve turned on. The charging system propels the liquid into the air conditioning system. The tube can be viewed through the openings to determine that a sufficient quantity of the liquid has been propelled from the injector. A supplemental reservoir for combination with an inline end fill injector has a receptable providing a chamber with opposing threaded apertures. The threads match those of the body and the fill cap, respectively. The receptacle can be provided as an adaptor wind base combination. The receptacles can be provided in different sizes by changing the size of the adaptors. This provides for different size injectors without having to use a different injector for each desired size.
Description
WO 96!24827 PCTICA96/00083 LIQUID INJECTIO;;V DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD
~ TECHNICAL FIELI) - The invention relates to devices for injecting liquid into pressurized systems. More particularly, it relates to such devices for injecting liquids into air conditional g systems.
BACKGROUND ART
Air conditioning systems often leak refrigerant. This is undesirable from an economic point of view as the system will not operate as efficiently with reduced quantities of refrigerant, and the refirigerant needs to be replaced. It is also undesirable environmentally. ' Leak detection is generally performed by injecting a fluorescent dye into the system.
Typically dyes used for this purpose fluoresce in the ultraviolet region, so an ultraviolet light is shone on the system. Wherever leaks occur the dye will escape the system and fluoresce under the light.
A number of injectors have been developed for getting liquids into an air conditioning system. US patent number 4,745,772 issued May 24, 1988 to Ferris describes a chemical additive device. The device has a container that unscrews to allow access to the interior for pouring in the additive. The container is screwed back together, the device is connected to the air conditioning system and the additive is injected under . pressure into the system. Although there is no indication in the Ferris patent of the material used for the container, it is likely to be metal or some other visually solid material capable of withstanding the pressures used in air conditioning systems.
I
WO 96!24827 PCTICA96/00083 US patent number 4,938,063 issued July 3, 1990 to Leighley discloses a mist infuser for infusing a fluorescent dye into an air conditioning system. The Leighley nnfuser has two concentric glass cylinders sandwiched between two circular end caps. Together the end caps and the small cylinder define a reservoir. One end cap has a circular inlet through its centre, while the other has an outlet. An inlet bore opens from the outlet, perpendicular to it, through the circumference of the outlet end cap.
Similarly, an outlet bore opens to the inlet from the circumference of the inlet end cap. The bores have respective sealing caps.
In operation, the infuser is turned on its side and the sealing caps are removed. The dye is added through the inlet bore, while air escapes through the outlet bore.
The level of the dye is visible through the glass cylinders.
The Leighley device has a number of drawbacks. It is expensive to manufacture and assemble due to the number of components and their specialized nature. The device must be filled on its side which is very cumbersome. The glass is susceptible to being broken. This is the likely reason for having two glass cylinders, one inside the other, to contain the dye in the event of breakage. Even if the glass is not broken, it is susceptible to being scratched, possibly, impairing sight to the interior.
Another problem in the art is the desire for different sized injectors.
Injectors can be used not only for the injection of dye, but also refrigerant oil and other liquids. Different jobs will require different amounts of liquid to be injected. Typically small amounts of dye are injected, while larger amounts of oil are injected. However, the amounts used for each can vary from application to application. The use of many sizes of injectors is expensive. The use of an oversized injector is not always possible and, even if it is possible, it is wasteful of dye or oil. Also, in the leak detection process there is typically a desirable ratio of dye to refrigerant_ Adding more dye can decrease the effectiveness of the process and can contaminate the refrigerant in the system.
It is an object of the invention to address these or other problems with devices for the ,.
injection of liquidslinto pressurized systems.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect the invention provides an injector for use in injecting a liquid into a pressurized system using a charging system. The injector includes a body having a generally tubular interior and a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body. The body is for receiving fluid connections at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively. The injector further includes at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, and an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system. The tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening while under pressure. The tube and body are for receiving the liquid prior to injection into the pressurized system. The end fill cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid.
The tube may be translucent. The tube may be transparent. The tube may be transparent and uncoloured. The tube may be a glass tube. The glass may be clear borosilicate glass.
The injector may further include a valve coupler at the other of the opposing ends of the body for connection to an on-off valve between the coupler and the pressurized system.
The liquid may be poured into the injector through the interior access when the body is held sufficiently upright to retain the liquid. The injector may further include at least one additional opening, the openings for viewing into the tube and for allowing light to pass into the tube.
The charging system may be a refi-igerant charging system, the liquid may include a fluorescent dye for leak detection, and the pressurized system may be an air conditioning system.
In a second aspect the invention provides a liquid injection system for injecting a liquid, the injection system including an injector, a pressurized system, and a charging system. The injector is the injector of the first aspect.
In a third aspect the invention provides a method for charging a pressurized system with liquid using a charging system. The method includes the steps of connecting an injector, comprising a body with a generally tubular interior and a non-opaque tube inserted into the interior of the body, at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, while fluid connection to the pressurized system is disabled; manually releasing an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends to provide interior access to the injector, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system; filling the tube and body in a generally upright position with the liquid; enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system; injecting the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system; and viewing the tube through at least one opening in the tubular body, not at the opposing ends, to I 5 determine if sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector by the charging system.
In a fourth aspect the invention provides an injector for use in injecting a liquid into a pressurized system using a charging system. The injector includes a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis, and a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body. The tube has fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis. The injector further has at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, a fill end cap removably coupled to the fill end of the body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid, sealing means disposed on an interior of the body between at least one the opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body even when the fill end cap is removed, and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of the body, for coupling the injector to the pressurized system when coupled to the body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and the sealing means.
The tube may be'translucent. The tube may be transparent. The tube may be transparent and uncoloured. The tube may be a glass tube. The glass may be clear borosilicate glass.
The coupler end cap may include a valve coupler for connection to an on-off valve between the coupler end cap and the pressurized system. The fill end cap may have a roughened exterior surface. The fill end cap may be manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid.
The injector may further include an on/off valve coupled to the coupler end cap so that when the liquid is poured into the injector through the fill end of the body when the body is held upright, the liquid is retained in the tube. The injector may further include at least two openings in the body for viewing the tube and for allowing light to pass into the tube.
The charging system may be a refrigerant charging system. The liquid may include a fluorescent dye for leak detection, and the pressurized system may be an air conditioning system.
The sealing means may include an annular projection disposed on the inside of the body adjacent the body fill end. The injector may further include an annular seal disposed between the tube and the coupler end cap to prevent the liquid in the tube leaking at a periphery of the coupler end cap.
In a fifth aspect the invention provides a liquid injection system for use with a charging system and a pressurized system, for injecting a liquid into the pressurized system. The liquid injection system includes a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis.
The body has a fill end about the axis for coupling the body to the charging system, and a coupler end about the axis for coupling the body to the pressurized system. The system further includes a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis, and a removable fill end cap, removably coupled between the body fill end and the charging system for pouring the liquid into the tube when the fill end cap is removed from the body. The system also includes a coupler end cap, removably coupled between the body coupler end and the_pressurized system, for permitting the tube to be removed from the body coupler end when the coupler end cap is removed from the body, and at least one opening through the tubular body, not at the opposing ends thereof, for viewing the liquid in the tube. The systems further includes sealing means coupled to an interior of the body between at least one the opening and the fill end of the body such that the tube is sealed to the body even when the fill end cap is removed from the body, and an on/off valve, coupled to the coupler end cap, for allowing the liquid to enter the pressurized system when the valve is on, and for preventing the liquid from entering the pressurized system when the valve is off:
The sealing means may include an annular projection integral with the interior of the body adjacent the fill end thereof. The system may include an annular seal disposed between the annular projection and 1 S the tube to prevent the liquid in the tube from leaking about a periphery of the fill end cap. The system may include an annular seal disposed between the tube and the coupler end cap to prevent the liquid in the tube leaking at a periphery of the coupler end cap.
In a sixth aspect the invention provides a method for charging a pressurized system with liquid using a charging system. The method includes the steps of connecting an injector including a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis; and a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body, the tube having fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis; at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube; a fill end cap, removably coupled to the fill end of the body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid; sealing means disposed on an interior of the body between at least one the opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body when the fill end cap is removed; and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of the body, fo~r.coupling the injector to the pressurized system when coupled to the body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and the sealing means. The method further includes the steps of removing the fill end cap;
filling the tube with the liquid while the body is held in a generally upright position; replacing the fill end cap; enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system through the coupler end cap; enabling fluid connection to the charging system through the fill end cap to inject the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system; and viewing the tube through at Ieast one opening in the tubular body to determine if a sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector into the pressurized system by the charging system.
The method may further include a step of disposing the body so that the fill end faces downward, to ensure that the tube does not exit the fill end of the body.
The method may include the steps of disposing an on/off valve at the coupler end cap to control flow of liquid therethrough; closing the on/off valve prior to filling the tube with the liquid; an opening the on/off valve to enable the liquid to flow to the pressurized system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of an injector according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-section of the m~ector of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a sketch of the injector of Figure 1 connected to a charging system and a pressurized system, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective sketch of a supplemental reservoir according to the referred embodiment of the invention in combination with an inline end fill injector, Figure 5 is a cross-section of the combination of Figure 4, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective sketch of an adaptor set employing the combination of Figure 4.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an injector 1 has a valve coupler 3, a valve coupler seal 5, a tube 7, a tube seal 9, a body 11, a fill cap seal 12, and a fill cap 13.
The coupler 3 has a conical nipple 15 with exterior thread 17, and a tubular plug section 19 with exterior threads 21. Through the centre of the coupler 3 is a bore 23.
The valve coupler seal 5 is a flat ring seal for durability, while the tube se~il 9 and the fill cap seal 12 are O-ring seals. Neoprene O-rings are used as they tend to expand outwardly as they are compressed thus providing additional sealing surface, while they rebound to their original position when compressive forces are removed thus reducing the tendency to stick to the surfaces that are compressing them. As well, neoprene has been found to be suitable for use with fluorescent dyes typical in automotive air conditioning applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other seals and sealing mechanisms may be used.
The tube 7 may be formed from any suitable materialrsuch as borosilicate glass. The material should be chosen for specific clarity, strength and compa~ibility requirements of a given application. Although the tube 7 and the body 12 do not have to be tubular, this is certainly the easiest configuration for manufacturing purposes.
The fill cap 13 has a tubular plug 25 with exterior threads 27. The cap 13 has a grip section 29 with a roughened surface 31. Inside the grip section 29 about the centre of the cap i3 is a reverse conical thread 33 (see Figure 2) into the cap 13. The thread 33 corresponds to the tluead 17. Through the centre of the cap 13 is a bore 35.
The body 11 is tubular and has threads 37, 39 at opposing ends atiout its interior.
Between the threads 37, 39 through the body, equally spaced about the axis of the body I 1, are three openings 41 (two openings 41 are evident in Figure 1, while only one is shown in FigutTr 2). Beyond the threads 37 moving into the body l l, the internal diameter of the body 11 is narrowed by an annular projection 43. ~ Between the projection 43 and the threads 39, the internal diameter of the body 11 widens to a support surface 45.
The injector 1 is assembled by inserting seal 9 into the body 11 past the threads 39 until it meets the projection 43. The tube 7 is inserted in a similar manner. The external diameter of the tube 7 and the internal diameter of the support suiface 45 are matched to allow far expansion and contraction differences between the various materials at the temperatures likely to be encountered by the injector 1. A few thousands of an inch between the tube 7 and body 11 is usually sufficient at operating temperatures. The seal is then inserted into the injector 1 and the coupler 3 threaded into the body 11. The coupler 3 squeezes the seals 5, 9 and creates a continuous surface from the projection 43 through the internal diameters of the seal 9, the tube 7, the seal 5 and the coupler 3.
5 To remove the tube 7, for cleaning, repair or replacement, the reverse process is followed.
The fill cap seal 12 is inserted to the opposite side of the projection 43 and the fill cap 13 is threaded into the body 11 until the fill cap 13 squeezes the seal 12 and creates a continuous surface from the projection 43 through the internal diameters of the seal 12 and the fill cap 13.
Referring to Figure 3, a charging system 49 has a high pressure side 51 and a low pressure side 53 and is connected to a source of refrigerant supply 55. A low side hose 57 is connected from the charging system 49 and threaded into the threads 33 of the cap 13. The valve coupler 3 is threaded at the threads 17 into an on-off two way ball valve 59. Another suitable valve could be used, however a two way is recommended in case the injector 1 is connected backwards. The valve 59 is connected through a further low side charging hose 61 to the low side 62 of an air conditioning system 63.
In operation, the valve 59 is closed, the fill cap 13 is manually unthreaded from the body 11 at the threads 27 by gripping the roughened surface 31. The body 11 is held vertically and liquid to be injected into the air conditioning system 63 is poured into the tube 7 up to the threads for the fill cap 13. The fill cap is then re-threaded into the body 11.
As is clear from Fig. 2, since tube 7 is sealed to body 11 via seal 9 and projection 43, no liquid can escape through holes 41. Accordingly, the fill end of the tube 7 is sealed to body 11 even when the fill end cap 13 is removed.
WO 96/24827 PCTtCA96tU0083 Excess liquid is squeezed. out the threads 27 as the fill cap 13 is threaded.
This ensures that a minimum of air is retained in the injector 1. Injecting air into an air conditioning system 63 could render the system 63 unstable and potentially dangerous.
The valve 59 is then opened to provide fluid connection to the air conditioning system 63. The charging system 49 is activated using refrigerant to propel the liquid from the injector 1 into the system 63. Having the valve coupler 3 immediately adjacent the valve 59 lessens the chance that air will be introduced between the injector 1 and the valve 59 and injected into the pressurized system.
Examples of liquids that can be used are a fluorescent dye, refrigerant oil combination used to detect leaks from the system 63 as the dye escapes from the system 63 and is made visible using an ultraviolet light. The dye has a distinctly different colour from refrigerant. The interior of the injector 1 can be viewed through one opening 41 and the tube 7, while light flows in the other openings 41 and the tube 7 to illuminate the interior.
In this way one can check that the dye has been fully propelled from the injector 1.
The tube 7 must at a minimum be non-opaque to allow the user to determine if sufficient amounts of the liquid have been propelled. Determining a sufficient amount will depend on the particular applicavtion of the user. For better viewing it is preferable to use a transparent tube 7. The colour of the tube 7 must be compatible with the contents to be viewed. For example, some fluorescent dyes are yellow and refrigerant is clear so the use of a yellow tube 7 is not advisable. For the widest general use, the tube 7 will be clear.
The body 11 shields the tube 7 as the injector 1 may be subject to a good deal of knocking about in a shop or repair environment. The body 11 can be machined from aluminum or brass stock, with the valve coupler 3 and fill cap 13 separately manufactured, preferably from the same material as the body for compatibility purposes.
The body 11 can be formed from other materials of suitable strength that are compatible with the liquid.
The preferred embodiment has been described with reference to injection of dye into an air conditioning system 63. For use with automotive air conditioning systems pressures are typically in the range of 145 to 180 psi. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the principles described herein can be extended for use in other applications where liquids are to be injected under pressure. For example, the injector could be used to inject refrigeration oil or to inject chemical additives as described in US
patent no.
4,745,772 issued May 24, 1988 to Ferris mentioned previously.
In another aspect, Figures 4 and 5 show a supplemental reservoir 401 used in conjunction with an inline end fill injector 403. The injector 403 could be the same as the injector 1; however, it does not need to be. The injector 403 need only separate between an end cap 429 and a body 407. Like names are used for components that are similar in the Figures showing injector 403 to those in the Figures showing the injector 1;
a detailed description will not be repeated. Although the injector 403 is shown without a window, such as opening 41 of injector l, a window would continue to be useful for the reasons discussed above with regard to the injector 1.
The reservoir 401 has a cylindrical adaptor 409 and a cylindrical base 411.
The adaptor 409 is enclosed at one end, except for an aperature 413. The aperature 413 is surrounded by a cylindrical nipple 415 with threads 416. The threads 416 correspond to threads 417 in a first opening at one end of the body 407. At the opposing end, the adaptor 409 has outside threads 418. The base 411 has interior threads 419 at one end, corresponding to threads 418. The opposing end of the base 411 is enclosed, except for an aperature 421 surrounded by threads 423 (see Figure 5).
The adaptor 409 and base 411 are threaded together to form a hollow receptacle which encloses chamber .435 (see Figure 5). A liquid gasket, commonly referred to as "lock tight", not shown, i.s poured in the threads 419 and threads 418. This seals the adaptor 409 and base 41:1 for pressure applications and prevents them from being unthreaded by the user.
A two piece receptacle 434 formed from an adaptor 409, base 411 combination is used for manufacturing reasons. The receptacle 401 shown in the Figures is made from metal (aluminum) and it is easiest to hollow out the adaptor 409 and base 411 from their open ends. It is possible to make a single piece receptacle 401 using blow moulding or other such techniques. The manetial and dimensions of the receptacle 401 must be selected to withstand the pressures of the particular application; pressure of 1200 PSI
are ouside design limits for a wide variety of air conditioning applications.
Threads 423 correspond to threads 425 on plug 427 of end cap 429. Threads 425 of the end cap 429 also correspond to threads 417 of the injector 403 and are the same as threads 416 of the adaptor 409. Similarly, threads 423 are the same as threads 39 and correspond to threads 41L6.
Seals 431, 433 are similar to seal 12 described previously.
In operation, as shown in Figure 5, seals 431, 433 are placed in the opening to body 407 and the aperature 421. 'Che receptacle 401 is threaded to the injector body 403 and the cap 429. In this way, th~r effective capacity of the injector 403 is increased. Dye, oil or other liquids, not shown, can be added through the aperature 421 (when the cap 429 is removed) until the injector 403 and receptacle 401 are filled. The cap 429 is then threaded to the receptacle 401 in the same manner that cap 13 is threaded to injector 1.
The reservoir 401 saves having to use separate injectors for different desired capacities.
Injectors are fairly expense components, particularly where a window is used.
Although a reservoir 401 may be used for injecting dye, it is particularly useful for injecting refrigerant oil where larger amounts of liquid are typically used.
These advantages are multiplied by using a set of reservoirs 401 in different capacities.
For example, reservoirs 401 with 2 ounce, 4 ounce and 6 ounce capacities would allow for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 ounce capacities when used alone or piggybacked by threading one reservoir 401 to another between the injector 403 and cap 429. Previously, different injectors would be used to allow for each of these different capacities. The reservoirs 401 are not restricted simply to these sizes; these are examples only. The savings are particularly significant when greater capacity injectors are desired.
As shown in Figure 6, different effective reservoir 401 sizes can be created using base 411 and a set of different sized adaptors 409A, 409B and 409C. For example, adaptor 409A when combined with base 411 may create a 2 ounce capacity chamber 435;
adaptor 409B and base 411 may create a 3 ounce capacity; and, adaptor 409C and base 411 may create a 4 ounce capacity. Although only one base 411 is shown in Figure 6, it is understood that a base 411 would be provided for each adaptor 409 in this application.
Larger permutations and combinations are possible with greater numbers of adaptors 409 and bases 411, and greater variety in the sizes of the adaptors 409 and the bases 411.
It is possible to provide reservoirs 401, adaptors 409, bases 41 l, and injectors 403 separately or in sets. For pressure applications it may be desirable to provide assembled sealed reservoirs 401 ratter than require the user to perform the assembly or permit the user to use the reservoir ~401 without a proper seal between adaptor 409 and base 411.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made with reference to the preferred) embodiment and that it is possible to make other embodiments employing the principles of the invention which fall within its spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.
~ TECHNICAL FIELI) - The invention relates to devices for injecting liquid into pressurized systems. More particularly, it relates to such devices for injecting liquids into air conditional g systems.
BACKGROUND ART
Air conditioning systems often leak refrigerant. This is undesirable from an economic point of view as the system will not operate as efficiently with reduced quantities of refrigerant, and the refirigerant needs to be replaced. It is also undesirable environmentally. ' Leak detection is generally performed by injecting a fluorescent dye into the system.
Typically dyes used for this purpose fluoresce in the ultraviolet region, so an ultraviolet light is shone on the system. Wherever leaks occur the dye will escape the system and fluoresce under the light.
A number of injectors have been developed for getting liquids into an air conditioning system. US patent number 4,745,772 issued May 24, 1988 to Ferris describes a chemical additive device. The device has a container that unscrews to allow access to the interior for pouring in the additive. The container is screwed back together, the device is connected to the air conditioning system and the additive is injected under . pressure into the system. Although there is no indication in the Ferris patent of the material used for the container, it is likely to be metal or some other visually solid material capable of withstanding the pressures used in air conditioning systems.
I
WO 96!24827 PCTICA96/00083 US patent number 4,938,063 issued July 3, 1990 to Leighley discloses a mist infuser for infusing a fluorescent dye into an air conditioning system. The Leighley nnfuser has two concentric glass cylinders sandwiched between two circular end caps. Together the end caps and the small cylinder define a reservoir. One end cap has a circular inlet through its centre, while the other has an outlet. An inlet bore opens from the outlet, perpendicular to it, through the circumference of the outlet end cap.
Similarly, an outlet bore opens to the inlet from the circumference of the inlet end cap. The bores have respective sealing caps.
In operation, the infuser is turned on its side and the sealing caps are removed. The dye is added through the inlet bore, while air escapes through the outlet bore.
The level of the dye is visible through the glass cylinders.
The Leighley device has a number of drawbacks. It is expensive to manufacture and assemble due to the number of components and their specialized nature. The device must be filled on its side which is very cumbersome. The glass is susceptible to being broken. This is the likely reason for having two glass cylinders, one inside the other, to contain the dye in the event of breakage. Even if the glass is not broken, it is susceptible to being scratched, possibly, impairing sight to the interior.
Another problem in the art is the desire for different sized injectors.
Injectors can be used not only for the injection of dye, but also refrigerant oil and other liquids. Different jobs will require different amounts of liquid to be injected. Typically small amounts of dye are injected, while larger amounts of oil are injected. However, the amounts used for each can vary from application to application. The use of many sizes of injectors is expensive. The use of an oversized injector is not always possible and, even if it is possible, it is wasteful of dye or oil. Also, in the leak detection process there is typically a desirable ratio of dye to refrigerant_ Adding more dye can decrease the effectiveness of the process and can contaminate the refrigerant in the system.
It is an object of the invention to address these or other problems with devices for the ,.
injection of liquidslinto pressurized systems.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect the invention provides an injector for use in injecting a liquid into a pressurized system using a charging system. The injector includes a body having a generally tubular interior and a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body. The body is for receiving fluid connections at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively. The injector further includes at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, and an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system. The tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening while under pressure. The tube and body are for receiving the liquid prior to injection into the pressurized system. The end fill cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid.
The tube may be translucent. The tube may be transparent. The tube may be transparent and uncoloured. The tube may be a glass tube. The glass may be clear borosilicate glass.
The injector may further include a valve coupler at the other of the opposing ends of the body for connection to an on-off valve between the coupler and the pressurized system.
The liquid may be poured into the injector through the interior access when the body is held sufficiently upright to retain the liquid. The injector may further include at least one additional opening, the openings for viewing into the tube and for allowing light to pass into the tube.
The charging system may be a refi-igerant charging system, the liquid may include a fluorescent dye for leak detection, and the pressurized system may be an air conditioning system.
In a second aspect the invention provides a liquid injection system for injecting a liquid, the injection system including an injector, a pressurized system, and a charging system. The injector is the injector of the first aspect.
In a third aspect the invention provides a method for charging a pressurized system with liquid using a charging system. The method includes the steps of connecting an injector, comprising a body with a generally tubular interior and a non-opaque tube inserted into the interior of the body, at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, while fluid connection to the pressurized system is disabled; manually releasing an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends to provide interior access to the injector, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system; filling the tube and body in a generally upright position with the liquid; enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system; injecting the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system; and viewing the tube through at least one opening in the tubular body, not at the opposing ends, to I 5 determine if sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector by the charging system.
In a fourth aspect the invention provides an injector for use in injecting a liquid into a pressurized system using a charging system. The injector includes a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis, and a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body. The tube has fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis. The injector further has at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, a fill end cap removably coupled to the fill end of the body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid, sealing means disposed on an interior of the body between at least one the opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body even when the fill end cap is removed, and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of the body, for coupling the injector to the pressurized system when coupled to the body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and the sealing means.
The tube may be'translucent. The tube may be transparent. The tube may be transparent and uncoloured. The tube may be a glass tube. The glass may be clear borosilicate glass.
The coupler end cap may include a valve coupler for connection to an on-off valve between the coupler end cap and the pressurized system. The fill end cap may have a roughened exterior surface. The fill end cap may be manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid.
The injector may further include an on/off valve coupled to the coupler end cap so that when the liquid is poured into the injector through the fill end of the body when the body is held upright, the liquid is retained in the tube. The injector may further include at least two openings in the body for viewing the tube and for allowing light to pass into the tube.
The charging system may be a refrigerant charging system. The liquid may include a fluorescent dye for leak detection, and the pressurized system may be an air conditioning system.
The sealing means may include an annular projection disposed on the inside of the body adjacent the body fill end. The injector may further include an annular seal disposed between the tube and the coupler end cap to prevent the liquid in the tube leaking at a periphery of the coupler end cap.
In a fifth aspect the invention provides a liquid injection system for use with a charging system and a pressurized system, for injecting a liquid into the pressurized system. The liquid injection system includes a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis.
The body has a fill end about the axis for coupling the body to the charging system, and a coupler end about the axis for coupling the body to the pressurized system. The system further includes a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis, and a removable fill end cap, removably coupled between the body fill end and the charging system for pouring the liquid into the tube when the fill end cap is removed from the body. The system also includes a coupler end cap, removably coupled between the body coupler end and the_pressurized system, for permitting the tube to be removed from the body coupler end when the coupler end cap is removed from the body, and at least one opening through the tubular body, not at the opposing ends thereof, for viewing the liquid in the tube. The systems further includes sealing means coupled to an interior of the body between at least one the opening and the fill end of the body such that the tube is sealed to the body even when the fill end cap is removed from the body, and an on/off valve, coupled to the coupler end cap, for allowing the liquid to enter the pressurized system when the valve is on, and for preventing the liquid from entering the pressurized system when the valve is off:
The sealing means may include an annular projection integral with the interior of the body adjacent the fill end thereof. The system may include an annular seal disposed between the annular projection and 1 S the tube to prevent the liquid in the tube from leaking about a periphery of the fill end cap. The system may include an annular seal disposed between the tube and the coupler end cap to prevent the liquid in the tube leaking at a periphery of the coupler end cap.
In a sixth aspect the invention provides a method for charging a pressurized system with liquid using a charging system. The method includes the steps of connecting an injector including a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis; and a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body, the tube having fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis; at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube; a fill end cap, removably coupled to the fill end of the body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid; sealing means disposed on an interior of the body between at least one the opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body when the fill end cap is removed; and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of the body, fo~r.coupling the injector to the pressurized system when coupled to the body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and the sealing means. The method further includes the steps of removing the fill end cap;
filling the tube with the liquid while the body is held in a generally upright position; replacing the fill end cap; enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system through the coupler end cap; enabling fluid connection to the charging system through the fill end cap to inject the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system; and viewing the tube through at Ieast one opening in the tubular body to determine if a sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector into the pressurized system by the charging system.
The method may further include a step of disposing the body so that the fill end faces downward, to ensure that the tube does not exit the fill end of the body.
The method may include the steps of disposing an on/off valve at the coupler end cap to control flow of liquid therethrough; closing the on/off valve prior to filling the tube with the liquid; an opening the on/off valve to enable the liquid to flow to the pressurized system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of an injector according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-section of the m~ector of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a sketch of the injector of Figure 1 connected to a charging system and a pressurized system, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective sketch of a supplemental reservoir according to the referred embodiment of the invention in combination with an inline end fill injector, Figure 5 is a cross-section of the combination of Figure 4, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective sketch of an adaptor set employing the combination of Figure 4.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an injector 1 has a valve coupler 3, a valve coupler seal 5, a tube 7, a tube seal 9, a body 11, a fill cap seal 12, and a fill cap 13.
The coupler 3 has a conical nipple 15 with exterior thread 17, and a tubular plug section 19 with exterior threads 21. Through the centre of the coupler 3 is a bore 23.
The valve coupler seal 5 is a flat ring seal for durability, while the tube se~il 9 and the fill cap seal 12 are O-ring seals. Neoprene O-rings are used as they tend to expand outwardly as they are compressed thus providing additional sealing surface, while they rebound to their original position when compressive forces are removed thus reducing the tendency to stick to the surfaces that are compressing them. As well, neoprene has been found to be suitable for use with fluorescent dyes typical in automotive air conditioning applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other seals and sealing mechanisms may be used.
The tube 7 may be formed from any suitable materialrsuch as borosilicate glass. The material should be chosen for specific clarity, strength and compa~ibility requirements of a given application. Although the tube 7 and the body 12 do not have to be tubular, this is certainly the easiest configuration for manufacturing purposes.
The fill cap 13 has a tubular plug 25 with exterior threads 27. The cap 13 has a grip section 29 with a roughened surface 31. Inside the grip section 29 about the centre of the cap i3 is a reverse conical thread 33 (see Figure 2) into the cap 13. The thread 33 corresponds to the tluead 17. Through the centre of the cap 13 is a bore 35.
The body 11 is tubular and has threads 37, 39 at opposing ends atiout its interior.
Between the threads 37, 39 through the body, equally spaced about the axis of the body I 1, are three openings 41 (two openings 41 are evident in Figure 1, while only one is shown in FigutTr 2). Beyond the threads 37 moving into the body l l, the internal diameter of the body 11 is narrowed by an annular projection 43. ~ Between the projection 43 and the threads 39, the internal diameter of the body 11 widens to a support surface 45.
The injector 1 is assembled by inserting seal 9 into the body 11 past the threads 39 until it meets the projection 43. The tube 7 is inserted in a similar manner. The external diameter of the tube 7 and the internal diameter of the support suiface 45 are matched to allow far expansion and contraction differences between the various materials at the temperatures likely to be encountered by the injector 1. A few thousands of an inch between the tube 7 and body 11 is usually sufficient at operating temperatures. The seal is then inserted into the injector 1 and the coupler 3 threaded into the body 11. The coupler 3 squeezes the seals 5, 9 and creates a continuous surface from the projection 43 through the internal diameters of the seal 9, the tube 7, the seal 5 and the coupler 3.
5 To remove the tube 7, for cleaning, repair or replacement, the reverse process is followed.
The fill cap seal 12 is inserted to the opposite side of the projection 43 and the fill cap 13 is threaded into the body 11 until the fill cap 13 squeezes the seal 12 and creates a continuous surface from the projection 43 through the internal diameters of the seal 12 and the fill cap 13.
Referring to Figure 3, a charging system 49 has a high pressure side 51 and a low pressure side 53 and is connected to a source of refrigerant supply 55. A low side hose 57 is connected from the charging system 49 and threaded into the threads 33 of the cap 13. The valve coupler 3 is threaded at the threads 17 into an on-off two way ball valve 59. Another suitable valve could be used, however a two way is recommended in case the injector 1 is connected backwards. The valve 59 is connected through a further low side charging hose 61 to the low side 62 of an air conditioning system 63.
In operation, the valve 59 is closed, the fill cap 13 is manually unthreaded from the body 11 at the threads 27 by gripping the roughened surface 31. The body 11 is held vertically and liquid to be injected into the air conditioning system 63 is poured into the tube 7 up to the threads for the fill cap 13. The fill cap is then re-threaded into the body 11.
As is clear from Fig. 2, since tube 7 is sealed to body 11 via seal 9 and projection 43, no liquid can escape through holes 41. Accordingly, the fill end of the tube 7 is sealed to body 11 even when the fill end cap 13 is removed.
WO 96/24827 PCTtCA96tU0083 Excess liquid is squeezed. out the threads 27 as the fill cap 13 is threaded.
This ensures that a minimum of air is retained in the injector 1. Injecting air into an air conditioning system 63 could render the system 63 unstable and potentially dangerous.
The valve 59 is then opened to provide fluid connection to the air conditioning system 63. The charging system 49 is activated using refrigerant to propel the liquid from the injector 1 into the system 63. Having the valve coupler 3 immediately adjacent the valve 59 lessens the chance that air will be introduced between the injector 1 and the valve 59 and injected into the pressurized system.
Examples of liquids that can be used are a fluorescent dye, refrigerant oil combination used to detect leaks from the system 63 as the dye escapes from the system 63 and is made visible using an ultraviolet light. The dye has a distinctly different colour from refrigerant. The interior of the injector 1 can be viewed through one opening 41 and the tube 7, while light flows in the other openings 41 and the tube 7 to illuminate the interior.
In this way one can check that the dye has been fully propelled from the injector 1.
The tube 7 must at a minimum be non-opaque to allow the user to determine if sufficient amounts of the liquid have been propelled. Determining a sufficient amount will depend on the particular applicavtion of the user. For better viewing it is preferable to use a transparent tube 7. The colour of the tube 7 must be compatible with the contents to be viewed. For example, some fluorescent dyes are yellow and refrigerant is clear so the use of a yellow tube 7 is not advisable. For the widest general use, the tube 7 will be clear.
The body 11 shields the tube 7 as the injector 1 may be subject to a good deal of knocking about in a shop or repair environment. The body 11 can be machined from aluminum or brass stock, with the valve coupler 3 and fill cap 13 separately manufactured, preferably from the same material as the body for compatibility purposes.
The body 11 can be formed from other materials of suitable strength that are compatible with the liquid.
The preferred embodiment has been described with reference to injection of dye into an air conditioning system 63. For use with automotive air conditioning systems pressures are typically in the range of 145 to 180 psi. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the principles described herein can be extended for use in other applications where liquids are to be injected under pressure. For example, the injector could be used to inject refrigeration oil or to inject chemical additives as described in US
patent no.
4,745,772 issued May 24, 1988 to Ferris mentioned previously.
In another aspect, Figures 4 and 5 show a supplemental reservoir 401 used in conjunction with an inline end fill injector 403. The injector 403 could be the same as the injector 1; however, it does not need to be. The injector 403 need only separate between an end cap 429 and a body 407. Like names are used for components that are similar in the Figures showing injector 403 to those in the Figures showing the injector 1;
a detailed description will not be repeated. Although the injector 403 is shown without a window, such as opening 41 of injector l, a window would continue to be useful for the reasons discussed above with regard to the injector 1.
The reservoir 401 has a cylindrical adaptor 409 and a cylindrical base 411.
The adaptor 409 is enclosed at one end, except for an aperature 413. The aperature 413 is surrounded by a cylindrical nipple 415 with threads 416. The threads 416 correspond to threads 417 in a first opening at one end of the body 407. At the opposing end, the adaptor 409 has outside threads 418. The base 411 has interior threads 419 at one end, corresponding to threads 418. The opposing end of the base 411 is enclosed, except for an aperature 421 surrounded by threads 423 (see Figure 5).
The adaptor 409 and base 411 are threaded together to form a hollow receptacle which encloses chamber .435 (see Figure 5). A liquid gasket, commonly referred to as "lock tight", not shown, i.s poured in the threads 419 and threads 418. This seals the adaptor 409 and base 41:1 for pressure applications and prevents them from being unthreaded by the user.
A two piece receptacle 434 formed from an adaptor 409, base 411 combination is used for manufacturing reasons. The receptacle 401 shown in the Figures is made from metal (aluminum) and it is easiest to hollow out the adaptor 409 and base 411 from their open ends. It is possible to make a single piece receptacle 401 using blow moulding or other such techniques. The manetial and dimensions of the receptacle 401 must be selected to withstand the pressures of the particular application; pressure of 1200 PSI
are ouside design limits for a wide variety of air conditioning applications.
Threads 423 correspond to threads 425 on plug 427 of end cap 429. Threads 425 of the end cap 429 also correspond to threads 417 of the injector 403 and are the same as threads 416 of the adaptor 409. Similarly, threads 423 are the same as threads 39 and correspond to threads 41L6.
Seals 431, 433 are similar to seal 12 described previously.
In operation, as shown in Figure 5, seals 431, 433 are placed in the opening to body 407 and the aperature 421. 'Che receptacle 401 is threaded to the injector body 403 and the cap 429. In this way, th~r effective capacity of the injector 403 is increased. Dye, oil or other liquids, not shown, can be added through the aperature 421 (when the cap 429 is removed) until the injector 403 and receptacle 401 are filled. The cap 429 is then threaded to the receptacle 401 in the same manner that cap 13 is threaded to injector 1.
The reservoir 401 saves having to use separate injectors for different desired capacities.
Injectors are fairly expense components, particularly where a window is used.
Although a reservoir 401 may be used for injecting dye, it is particularly useful for injecting refrigerant oil where larger amounts of liquid are typically used.
These advantages are multiplied by using a set of reservoirs 401 in different capacities.
For example, reservoirs 401 with 2 ounce, 4 ounce and 6 ounce capacities would allow for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 ounce capacities when used alone or piggybacked by threading one reservoir 401 to another between the injector 403 and cap 429. Previously, different injectors would be used to allow for each of these different capacities. The reservoirs 401 are not restricted simply to these sizes; these are examples only. The savings are particularly significant when greater capacity injectors are desired.
As shown in Figure 6, different effective reservoir 401 sizes can be created using base 411 and a set of different sized adaptors 409A, 409B and 409C. For example, adaptor 409A when combined with base 411 may create a 2 ounce capacity chamber 435;
adaptor 409B and base 411 may create a 3 ounce capacity; and, adaptor 409C and base 411 may create a 4 ounce capacity. Although only one base 411 is shown in Figure 6, it is understood that a base 411 would be provided for each adaptor 409 in this application.
Larger permutations and combinations are possible with greater numbers of adaptors 409 and bases 411, and greater variety in the sizes of the adaptors 409 and the bases 411.
It is possible to provide reservoirs 401, adaptors 409, bases 41 l, and injectors 403 separately or in sets. For pressure applications it may be desirable to provide assembled sealed reservoirs 401 ratter than require the user to perform the assembly or permit the user to use the reservoir ~401 without a proper seal between adaptor 409 and base 411.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made with reference to the preferred) embodiment and that it is possible to make other embodiments employing the principles of the invention which fall within its spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.
Claims (33)
1. An injector for use in injecting a liquid into a pressurized system using a charging system, the injector comprising:
a body having a generally tubular interior, a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body, the body for receiving fluid connections at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, and an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system, wherein the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening while under pressure, the tube and body for receiving the liquid prior to injection into the pressurized system, wherein the end fill cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid, and wherein the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening when the end fill cap is released from the body.
a body having a generally tubular interior, a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body, the body for receiving fluid connections at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, and an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system, wherein the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening while under pressure, the tube and body for receiving the liquid prior to injection into the pressurized system, wherein the end fill cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid, and wherein the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening when the end fill cap is released from the body.
2. An injector according to claim 1, wherein the tube is translucent,
3. An injector according to claim 1, wherein the tube is transparent.
4. An injector according to claim 1, wherein the tube is transparent and uncoloured.
5. An injector according to claim 1, wherein the tube is a glass tube.
6. An injector according to claim 5, wherein the glass is clear borosilicate glass.
7. An injector according to claim 1, further comprising a valve coupler at the other of the opposing ends of the body for connection to an on-off valve between the coupler and the pressurized system.
8. An injector according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is poured into the injector through the interior access when the body is held sufficiently upright to retain the liquid.
9. An injector according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional opening, the openings for viewing into the tube and for allowing light to pass into the tube.
10. An injector according to claim 1, wherein the charging system is a refrigerant charging system, the liquid comprises a fluorescent dye for leak detection, and the pressurized system is an air conditioning system.
11. A liquid injection system for injecting a liquid, the injection system comprising:
an injector, a pressurized system, and a charging system, wherein the injector comprises:
a body having a generally tubular interior, a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body, the body for receiving fluid connections at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, at least one opening through the tubular body, not at the opposing ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, and an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system, wherein, the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening while under pressure, the tube and body for receiving the liquid prior to injection into the pressurized system, wherein the end fill cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid, and wherein the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening when the end fill cap is released from the body.
an injector, a pressurized system, and a charging system, wherein the injector comprises:
a body having a generally tubular interior, a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body, the body for receiving fluid connections at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, at least one opening through the tubular body, not at the opposing ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, and an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system, wherein, the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening while under pressure, the tube and body for receiving the liquid prior to injection into the pressurized system, wherein the end fill cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid, and wherein the tube and body are in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through the at least one opening when the end fill cap is released from the body.
12. A method for charging a pressurized system with liquid using a charging system, the method comprising the steps of:
connecting an injector, comprising a body with a generally tubular interior and a non-opaque tube inserted into the interior of the body, at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, while fluid connection to the pressurized system is disabled, manually releasing an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends to provide interior access to the injector, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system, filling the tube and body with the liquid while the tube and body are in a generally upright position and in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through at least one opening in the tubular body, which at least one opening is not at the opposing ends, enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system, injecting the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system, and viewing the tube through the at least one opening in the tubular body to determine if sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector by the charging system.
connecting an injector, comprising a body with a generally tubular interior and a non-opaque tube inserted into the interior of the body, at opposing ends of the body to the charging system and to the pressurized system, respectively, while fluid connection to the pressurized system is disabled, manually releasing an end fill cap at one of the opposing ends to provide interior access to the injector, the end fill cap for connection to the charging system, filling the tube and body with the liquid while the tube and body are in a generally upright position and in sealed connection such that the liquid will not escape through at least one opening in the tubular body, which at least one opening is not at the opposing ends, enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system, injecting the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system, and viewing the tube through the at least one opening in the tubular body to determine if sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector by the charging system.
13. An injector for use in injecting a liquid into a pressurized system using a charging system, the injector comprising:
a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis, a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body, the tube having fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, a fill end cap removably coupled to the fill end of said body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid;
sealing means disposed on an interior of said body between at least one said opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body even when said fill end cap is removed; and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of said body, for coupling said injector to the pressurized system when coupled to said body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and said sealing means.
a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis, a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body, the tube having fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, a fill end cap removably coupled to the fill end of said body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid;
sealing means disposed on an interior of said body between at least one said opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body even when said fill end cap is removed; and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of said body, for coupling said injector to the pressurized system when coupled to said body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and said sealing means.
14. An injector according to claim 13, wherein the tube is translucent.
15. An injector according to claim 13, wherein the tube is transparent.
16. An injector according to claim 13, wherein the tube is transparent and uncoloured.
17. An injector according to 13, wherein the tube is a glass tube.
18. An injector according to claim 17, wherein the glass is clear borosilicate glass.
19. An injector according to claim 13, wherein said coupler end cap comprises a valve coupler for connection to an on-off valve between the coupler end cap and the pressurized system.
20. An injector according to claim 13, wherein the fill end cap has a roughened exterior surface.
21. An injector according to claim 20, wherein the fill end cap is manually releasable from the body to provide interior access to the injector for filling the tube with the liquid.
22. An injector according to claim 20, further comprising an on/off valve coupled to said coupler end cap so that when the liquid is poured into the injector through the fill end of the body when the body is held upright, the liquid is retained in the tube.
23. An injector according to claim 13, further comprising at least two openings in the body for viewing the tube and for allowing light to pass into the tube.
24. An injector according to claim 13, wherein the charging system is a refrigerant charging system, the liquid comprises a fluorescent dye for leak detection, find the pressurized system is an air conditioning system.
25. An injector according to claim 13, wherein said sealing means comprises an annular projection disposed on the inside of said body adjacent the body fill end.
26. An injector according to claim 13, further comprising an annular seal disposed between said tube and said coupler end cap to prevent the liquid in the tube leaking at a periphery of the coupler end cap.
27. A liquid injection system for use with a charging system and a pressurized system, for injecting a liquid into the pressurized system, the liquid injection system comprising:
a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, said body having a fill end about said axis for coupling the body to the charging system, and a coupler end about said axis for coupling the body to the pressurized system;
a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis;
a removable fill end cap, removably coupled between the body fill end and the charging system for pouring the liquid into the tube when the fill end cap is removed from the body;
a coupler end cap, removably coupled between the body coupler end and the pressurized system, for permitting the tube to be removed from the body coupler end when the coupler end cap is removed from the body;
at least one opening through the tubular body, not at the opposing ends thereof, for viewing the liquid in the tube;
sealing means coupled to an interior of said body between at least one said opening and said fill end of the body such that said tube is sealed to the body even when the fill end cap is removed from the body; and an on/off valve, coupled to said coupler end cap, for allowing the liquid to enter the pressurized system when the valve is on, and for preventing the liquid from entering the pressurized system when the valve is off.
a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, said body having a fill end about said axis for coupling the body to the charging system, and a coupler end about said axis for coupling the body to the pressurized system;
a non-opaque tube for being inserted into the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis;
a removable fill end cap, removably coupled between the body fill end and the charging system for pouring the liquid into the tube when the fill end cap is removed from the body;
a coupler end cap, removably coupled between the body coupler end and the pressurized system, for permitting the tube to be removed from the body coupler end when the coupler end cap is removed from the body;
at least one opening through the tubular body, not at the opposing ends thereof, for viewing the liquid in the tube;
sealing means coupled to an interior of said body between at least one said opening and said fill end of the body such that said tube is sealed to the body even when the fill end cap is removed from the body; and an on/off valve, coupled to said coupler end cap, for allowing the liquid to enter the pressurized system when the valve is on, and for preventing the liquid from entering the pressurized system when the valve is off.
28. A system according to claim 27, wherein said sealing means comprises an annular projection integral with the interior of the body adjacent the fill end thereof.
29. A system according to claim 28, further comprising an annular seal disposed between the annular projection and the tube to prevent the liquid in the tube from leaking about a periphery of the fill end cap.
30. A system according to claim 29, further comprising an annular seal disposed between said tube and said coupler end cap to prevent the liquid in the tube leaking at a periphery of the coupler end cap.
31. A method for charging a pressurized system with liquid using a charging system, the method comprising the steps of:
connecting an injector comprising;
a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis;
a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body, the tube having fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis:
at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, a fill end cap, removably coupled to the fill end of said body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid;
sealing means disposed on an interior of said body between at least one said opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body when said fill end cap is removed; and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of said body, for coupling said injector to the pressurized system when coupled to said body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and said sealing means;
removing the fill end cap;
filling the tube with the liquid while the body is held in a generally upright position;
replacing the fill end cap;
enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system through the coupler end cap;
enabling fluid connection to the charging system through the fill end cap to inject the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system; and viewing the tube through at least one opening in the tubular body to determine if a sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector into the pressurized system by the charging system.
connecting an injector comprising;
a body having a generally tubular interior with a longitudinal axis, the body having fill and coupling ends disposed at opposite ends of the body and about the longitudinal axis;
a non-opaque tube in the interior of the body and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the body, the tube having fill and coupling ends at opposite ends of the tube and about the longitudinal axis:
at least one opening through the body, not at the opposing fill and coupling ends, for viewing the liquid in the tube, a fill end cap, removably coupled to the fill end of said body, for filling the interior of the tube with the liquid;
sealing means disposed on an interior of said body between at least one said opening and the fill end of the body such that the fill end of the tube is sealed to the body when said fill end cap is removed; and a coupler end cap, removably coupled to the coupler end of said body, for coupling said injector to the pressurized system when coupled to said body, and for sealing the tube between the coupler end cap and said sealing means;
removing the fill end cap;
filling the tube with the liquid while the body is held in a generally upright position;
replacing the fill end cap;
enabling fluid connection to the pressurized system through the coupler end cap;
enabling fluid connection to the charging system through the fill end cap to inject the liquid into the pressurized system using the charging system; and viewing the tube through at least one opening in the tubular body to determine if a sufficient amount of the liquid was propelled from the injector into the pressurized system by the charging system.
32. A method according to claim 31, further comprising the step of disposing the body so that the fill end faces downward, to ensure that the tube does not exit the fill end of the body.
33. A method according to claim 31, further comprising the steps of:
disposing an on/off valve at the coupler end cap to control flow of liquid therethrough;
closing the on/off valve prior to filling the tube with the liquid; and opening the on/off valve to enable the liquid to flow to the pressurized system.
disposing an on/off valve at the coupler end cap to control flow of liquid therethrough;
closing the on/off valve prior to filling the tube with the liquid; and opening the on/off valve to enable the liquid to flow to the pressurized system.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/385,643 US5673722A (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1995-02-08 | Liquid injection device, system and method |
| US08/385,643 | 1995-02-08 | ||
| PCT/CA1996/000083 WO1996024827A1 (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1996-02-07 | Liquid injection device, system and method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2211898A1 CA2211898A1 (en) | 1996-08-15 |
| CA2211898C true CA2211898C (en) | 2006-04-25 |
Family
ID=36252014
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002211898A Expired - Fee Related CA2211898C (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1996-02-07 | Liquid injection device, system and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2211898C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220260291A1 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2022-08-18 | Nu-Calgon Wholesaler, Inc. | Injector system for refrigerant systems |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2651721C (en) | 2006-05-04 | 2011-04-12 | Brasscorp Limited | Inspection port |
-
1996
- 1996-02-07 CA CA002211898A patent/CA2211898C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220260291A1 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2022-08-18 | Nu-Calgon Wholesaler, Inc. | Injector system for refrigerant systems |
| US11906220B2 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2024-02-20 | Nu-Calgon Wholesaler, Inc. | Injector system for refrigerant systems |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2211898A1 (en) | 1996-08-15 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5673722A (en) | Liquid injection device, system and method | |
| US6926048B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for urging fluid into a pressurized system | |
| EP0513296B1 (en) | Device for the assembly or disassembly of probes in process pipes, tanks, etc. | |
| EP0861190B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for charging pressurized systems | |
| JPH05223407A (en) | Device and method for injecting substance into closed loop system | |
| US6164348A (en) | Method and arrangement for introducing fluorescent dye into a system to be leak tested | |
| DE69601142D1 (en) | Cryopump | |
| CN109689225A (en) | Storage container for joint filling pipe | |
| US9557206B2 (en) | Adjustable fluid level verification apparatus | |
| CA2211898C (en) | Liquid injection device, system and method | |
| GB2229003A (en) | Low pressure warning indicator | |
| US20150321802A1 (en) | Container Throat Dispensing Adapter and Method | |
| CN109555628A (en) | Fuel distributor | |
| US20020014118A1 (en) | Fluid level verification apparatus | |
| US5579803A (en) | Chromatograph protection device | |
| USRE38342E1 (en) | Apparatus for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system | |
| US4830409A (en) | Composite pipe coupling | |
| US8230747B2 (en) | Cell for testing fluids at elevated pressures | |
| CA2431098C (en) | Fluid level verification apparatus | |
| CA2252329C (en) | Precision liquid injection system | |
| CA1330721C (en) | Method and apparatus for detecting leaks | |
| CN208568703U (en) | A kind of combination intersection Dual-channel type buret | |
| WO2015135081A1 (en) | Method of and device for introducing fluids into air conditioning and refrigeration systems | |
| US5120203A (en) | Universal plunger for oil well pumps | |
| CN210014026U (en) | Ball-head type throttling orifice plate and throttling element |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |