GB2272461A - Liquid removal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for the removal of liquid from a container by syphon comprises a body member 11 defining a chamber 16 and having means for passage of liquid between said chamber and said container, the body member also having, in communication with said chamber, means for outlet of liquid and means to establish liquid flow between said chamber and said outlet means. The apparatus may be used with automatic priming means comprising a liquid collection vessel disposed for pivoting movement between a substantially level position for collection of liquid and a tilted position for discharge of collected liquid through a discharge orifice, the pivot axis being disposed such that the weight of collected liquid urges the vessel towards the discharge position and a counterbalance bias being provided to urge the vessel towards the collection position, whereby discharge takes place when the weight of collected liquid acting towards the discharge position overcomes the counterbalance bias. The apparatus is particularly for use in removal of waste water accumulated on a swimming pool cover, or for automatically regulating the level of water in a pool. <IMAGE>

Description

LIOTNID 1tENOVAt APPARATUS The present invention relates to apparatus for removal of liquid from a container by syphon. The invention is narticularly, but not exclusively, concerned with the removal of excess accumulated water from a swimming pool, a pond, or from a flexible cover for a awiinuti.nq pool. The invention also provides automatic priming means for such apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus whereby the residual or exCesS liquid in a reservoir is completely or almost completely removed by syphon, the syphon being induced by the application of a positive pressure. The apparatus may need to be primed to achieve this effect or it may be self priming.

According to the invention, apparatus for the removal of liquid from a container by syphon comprises a body member defining a chamber and having means for passage of liquid between said chamber and said container, the body member also having, in communication with said chamber, means for outlet of liquid and means to establish liquid flow between said chamber and said outlet means.

Preferably, the body member includes bleed means connecting the chamber with the exterior, whereby the syphon is broken before the container is completely empty, in order to prevent any oil or other matter gloating on the liquid from being discharged with the outflow.

Liquid flow between the chamb:: and the outlet means, in order to prime the apparatus, may be established by connecting inlet means for an external source of liquid to the chamber, so that liquid flows from the source to the outlet means through the chamber whereby, when the source is shut off, liquid continues to flow from the container by syphon Another way of establishing liquid flow between the chamber and the outlet means is by connecting the chamber to a pressurising fluid such as compressed air, whereby liquid in the chamber is urged into the outlet means and continues to flow, by syphon, after the pressurising fluid is shut off. A non-return valve may be included in the passage means, whereby to prevent flow of liquid from the chamber to the container under the influence of the pressurising fluid.

The apparatus may include means for preferentially directing the flow of inlet liquid to the outlet means, whereby to sizable liquid flow for priming purposes to be established with the minimum volume of priming liquid. Such means may comprise a flow-sensitive or other valve element which for example acts in a first mode under the influence of external liquid pressure to prevent flow of liquid from the chamber to the container and acts in a second mode when the external liquid pressure is shut off to permit liquid to flow from the container to the chamber. Alternatively, such means may comprise merely a reduced-area or restricted duct between the container and the chamber.However, the use of a valve is preferred, particularly where a large amount of liquid is to be removed or a high flowrate is required, since the valve in the open condition can permit more liquid to flow from the container to the chamber than will a fixed-size flow restrictor.

The means for passage of liquid between the chamber and the container may be merely an orifice conimunicating between the chamber and the exterior of the apparatus, the body member being in use intended to be linnersed in the liquid to be removed, or it may comprise a pipe or tube attached to the body via a connection which is in communication with the chamber, for use for example where it is desired to empty a swimming pool to a predetermined level: the body in this embodiment is placed on the edge of the pool with the pipe or tube extending into the water, the lower end being at the predetermined level.A large-bore pipe or tube, which permits a relatively high flow-rate therethrough, may be used for cleaning the bottom of pools or fish-ponds in order to remove debris such as algae and other small solid material together with the water being drawn off, a sufficient suction effect being created near the mouth of the tube for this purpose. Optionally, a brush or other cleaning head may be attached to the mouth of the tube, for physically dislodging dirt and debris for subsequent removal by suction. Fish-ponds and the like, especially for the housing of exotic fish which require a cleaner environment than other species, may advantageously be cleaned in this manner while still leaving sufficient water for the fish to live in during the cleaning operation and pending subsequent replenishment.

In use, the outlet means is generally connected to a length of piping or tubing the remote end of which is located at a lower level than the surface of the liquid to be removed, thereby establishing a syphon when the externally-supplied liquid or pressurising fluid is isolated. The syphon will continue as long as there is a level differential or until air enters the apparatus, thus breaking the syphon.

Where liquid flow between the chamber and the outlet means is established by connection of inlet means for an external source of liquid to the chamber, the apparatus may be used with automatic priming means which collects a predetermined volume of liquid at least sufficient to fill the chamber and outlet pipe, and releases it to the inlet means, thereby establishing liquid flow and priming the apparatus.

The automatic priming means may comprise a syphonic valve disposed in a connection vessel, the lower end of the valve being in communication with the vessel so that water collecting therein passes into the outer of the concentric tubes constituting the syphonic valve and rises therein as the level of water in the collection vessel rises. The predetermined volume is regulated by the height of the inner of the concentric tubes and the dimensions of the collection vessel whereby, when the water level has reached the top of the inner tube, the water flows down the inner tube and continues flowing by syphon.

The above priming means may be arranged to operate, say, each time 2.5cm of rain has fallen, in order to regulate the level of water in a swimming pool to within 2.5cm of a reference level. Thus, the lower end of the pipe connected to the chamber of the body member of the apparatus is, as previously described, located at the reference level, and the dimensions of the collection vessel are chosen such that the volume of water collected for 2.5cm of rainfall is sufficient for priming purposes, having regard to the internal volume of the exit pipe vrom the outlet means and the internal volume of the chamber this amount being sufficient to operate the priming means.Therefore, each time a total of 2.5cm of rainfall has accumulated, both in the pool and in the collection vessel, the water in the collection vessel automatically is discharged to the liquid removal apparatus for priming thereof, whereupon water from the pool is discharged by syphon until the level reaches the lower end of the pipe connected to the chamber of the body member, air then entering the pipe and breaking the syphon.

Another form of automatic priming apparatus, which constitutes a further aspect of the invention, comprises a liquid collection vessel disposed for pivoting movement between a substantially level position for collection of liquid and a tilted position for discharge of collected liquid through a discharge orifice, the pivot axis being disposed such that the weight of collected liquid urges the vessel towards the discharge position and a counterbalance bias being provided to urge the vessel towards the collection position, whereby discharge takes place when the weight of collected liquid acting towards the discharge position overcomes the counterbalance bias.

Preferably the collection vessel is covered with a screen element such as meshing, to permit entry of water while excluding solids, and is enclosed at or towards the discharge orifice end, whereby spillage of the collected liquid when the vessel assumes the discharge position is prevented. As with the syphonic valve arrangement, the dimensions of the collection vessel and the force of the counterbalance bias, t.b4-h is preferably a weight, may be aeiected so as to cause discharge to take place once a predetermined depth of water has accumulated.The pivot axis is preferably disposed substantially below the base of the collection vessel, whereby there is a mechanical advantage acting at and in favour of the discharge position, to prevent premature return of the vessel to the collection position before the accumulated liquid is substantially fully discharged therefrom.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one form of apparatus, suitable for immersion in a body of water to be removed; Figure 2 shoYs the apparatus of Figure 1 in use; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another form of apparatus, suitable for use with an automatic priming device to prevent a swimming pool from becoming over-filled; Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 3 in use; and Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an automatic priming device.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, the apparatus consists essentially of a body member 11 in which are formed ducts 12 and 13 having hose connector orifices 14 and 15 at one end and communicating with a chamber 16 formed at the other end. The chamber 16 ,s in communication with the exterior via an annular aperture 17 in which is fitted a flow restrictor.

With reference to Figure 2, the apparatus is shown in use to remove water accumulated on a swimming pool cover. The sides of the pool are indicated 20 and 21 and the surface of water in the pool is indicated 22.

A flexible cover 23 is secured across the pool; rainwater has accumulated on the cover, the weight of the water forming a central depression in which the water collects, as shown at 24. In order to remove the water, the apparatus of Figure 1 is placed in the water 24 with the orifice 14 connected to a water supply pipe 25 via hose 26, orifice 15 being connected to a further hose 27 which is led away over the edge of the pool to a convenient emptying point, such that the open end 28 is at a lower level than the water 24. In order to prime the apparatus, the tap 29 in the supply pipe 25 is turned on, whereby water flows through pipe 26 and, via duct 12, chamber 16 and duct 13 (Figure 1), into pipe 27. Some water also flows through orifice 17 but, due to the restrictor, the water flows preferentially to the pipe 27.When a steady flow has been established, the tap 29 is turned off and water 24 continues to flow by syphon through orifice 17 into chamber 16 and thence into duct 13, pipe 27 and ultimately to waste. The emptying of the water 24 continues until the level has fallen such that air enters through orifice 17, thereby breaking the syphon.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment, in which parts which correspond with the Figure 1 embodiment have like reference numerals. The internal ducts 12 and 13 are connected by bridging duct 30, which constitutes the internal chamber connected to orifice 31 which opens into a face of the body member, rather than an end. Orifice 31 does not contain a flow restrictor. In use and as illustrated in Figure 4, the supply hose is indicated 40 and the waste hose is indicated 41. Attached to orifice 31 is a piece of rigid piping 42. The apparatus is disposed on the edge 43 of a pool, with the piping 42 extending into the water 44.As previously described, water from a tap (not shown) is allowed to flow through pipe 40 and, when the system including pipe 41 is fully primed and water is flowing continuously therefrom, the supply is shut off and water 44 flows by syphon through the apparatus and waste pipe 41, until the level of water 44 has fallen such that air enters piping 42.

In a modification of the Figure 4 arrangement, the pipe 42 may contain a ball valve (not shown), which in the closed position is seated against a flange formed at the lower end of the pipe 42 and in the open position is spaced from the flange, thereby allowing water to flow through the pipe. Under priming water pressure, the ball valve will seat firmly against the flange, thereby directing priming water exclusively into pipe 41 and, when the supply is isolated, the ball valve rises in response to flow pressure from water 44 into pipe 42, thereby enabling water to flow by syphon. In such an arrangement, particularly if the ball rises into an enlarged-bore section of pipe 42, a greater flow rate is achieved than with the use of a restrictor. As will be appreciated, the ball valve could equally be replaced with a hinged flap valve or other valve having an equivalent function.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of an automatic priming device. The device con6i 6s9 essentialy of a oase frame 50 to which is attached a collection chamber assembly 51. The collection chamber assembly 51 consists of a base member 52, a flexible vinyl sheet liner 53, a mesh sheet 54, a sheet or plate 55 and a clamping frame 55. The clamping frame secures the remainder of the components together, such that rainwater falling upon the apparatus passes through the mesh sheet 54 and collect8 on the vinyl liner 53.

Drain holes 57 and 58 are provided in the vinyl sheet and base member, respectively; the drain holes are in registration when the components are assembled Lo9ethc=- . A drain ps pe 59 ja attached to thc drain hole 58 by means of a suitable connector.

The assembly 51 is attached to the frame 50 via legs 60 between the lower ends of which is defined a lateral pivot axis which passes through the base frame 50 at point 61. The legs, and hence the pivot axis, are displaced vway from the drain ends of the assembly 51 such that, with the assembly in the level condition, a relatively greater weight of water will accumulate between the legs and the drain hole end of the container, compared with that part between the legs and the end remote from the drain hole. A counterbalance weight 62 is provided at the remote end.

in use, rain falls either directly onto the exposed end of the mesh sheet 54, or falls on the sheet 55 and thence drains onto the mesh sheet 54, and passes through onto the vinyl sheet 53, any solid material being retained on the mesh. When the container is empty, the counterbalance weight 62, resting on the rear cross member 63 of the frame 50, maintains the container in the level condition until such time as sufficient water is accumulated for the relatively greater weight at the drain hole end to overcome the force exerted by the counterbalance weight 62. At this stage, the container tilts about the pivot axis and water drains therefrom through the hose 59 The sheet 55 Serves to prevent water in the container from overflowing when the container assumes the tilted condition.When the water has drained from the container, the force exerted by the counterbalance weight 62 restores the container to the level condition in preparation for the next following cycle. The legs 60 maintain the collection chamber assembly above the pivot axis such that, on pivoting to the drain position, the moment of force exerted by the counterbalance weight is diminished whereby the collection chamber remains in the tilted position until substantially all the water has drained therefrom.

The water draining from hose 59 may be passed direct to apparatus as illustrated in Figure 3, in the mode of use as described with reference to Figure 4. Thus, the water may be used to prime the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4 and the exit pipe 41 thereof, the dimensions of the container assembly 51 and the counterbalance weight 62 being chosen such that the water draining through hose 59 is sufficient for priming purposes. For this use, it is preferred that pipe 42 (Figure 4) includes a valve member, to ensure that substantially all of the drainage water is directed into pipe 41 rather than into the pool water 44.

In the provision of automatic priming devices, it is preferred that those parts which, in use, are intended to contain water are either formed from resilient material sd/or are suitable shaped to avoid being fractured or ruptured by ice formation in freezing conditions. Thus, for example, the sheets 53 and 55 (Figure 5), being made from vinyl, are resiliently flexible and will accommodate expansion and, in any event, due to the shape of sheet 53 being saucer-like, any ice formed therein will tend to creep over the surface thereof, rather than exert pressure on the sides.

Claims (13)

EMS

1 Apparatus for the removal of liquid from a container by syphon, the apparatus comprising a body member defining a chamber and hating means for passage of liquid between said chamber and said container, the body member also having, in coinmunication with said chamber, means for outlet of liquid and means to establish liquid flow between said chamber and said outlet means.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, in which the body member includes bleed means connecting the chamber with the exterior.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the means to establish liquid flow comprises inlet means for connection of an external source of liquid to said chamber.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the means to establish liquid flow comprises means for connection of said chamber to a pressurising fluid, whereby to force liquid in the chamber to flow into said outlet means.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, further including a non-return valve in said passage means, whereby to prevent flow of liquid from said chamber to said container under the influence of said pressurising fluid.

6 4 Apparatus according to Claim 3, including valve means for directing the flow of liquid preferentially from the inlet means.to the outlet means.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the means for passage of liquid between said chamber and said container is restricted in relation to the outlet means.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 3, in further association with automatic priming means comprising means to collect a predetermined volume of liquid and means for release thereof to said inlet means.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 9, in which the automatic priming means comprise a syphonic valve in said collection means, the lower end of the outer tube thereof being in communication with said collection means, the tubes being in mutual communication at their upper ends and the lower end of the inner tube being in communication with said inlet means.

10. Apparatus according to Claim S, in which the automatic priming means comprise a pivotable collection chamber counterbalanced to pivot to a discharge position when the predetermined volume of liquid has been collected and to return to the collection position thereafter.

11. Automatic priming apparatus for use with liquid removal apparatus according to any preceding claim and comprising a liquid collection vessel disposed for pivoting movement between a substantially level position for collection of liquid and a tilted position for discharge of collected liquid through a discharge orifice, the pivot axis being disposed such that the waight of collected liquid urges the vessel towards the discharge position and a counterbalance b'ag being provided to urge the vessel towards the collection position, whereby discharge takes place when the weight of collected liquid acting towards the discharge position overcomes the counterbalance bias.

12. Apparatus for the removal of liquid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

13. Automatic priming apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.