GB2482956A - Float device for drawing liquid from a tank - Google Patents

Float device for drawing liquid from a tank Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2482956A
GB2482956A GB1113771.8A GB201113771A GB2482956A GB 2482956 A GB2482956 A GB 2482956A GB 201113771 A GB201113771 A GB 201113771A GB 2482956 A GB2482956 A GB 2482956A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
float
tank
fuel
liquid
tube
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB1113771.8A
Other versions
GB2482956B (en
GB201113771D0 (en
Inventor
Michael John James
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1113771.8A priority Critical patent/GB2482956B/en
Publication of GB201113771D0 publication Critical patent/GB201113771D0/en
Publication of GB2482956A publication Critical patent/GB2482956A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2482956B publication Critical patent/GB2482956B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/05—Floating filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/02—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks
    • B01D35/027—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks rigidly mounted in or on tanks or reservoirs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/0076—Details of the fuel feeding system related to the fuel tank
    • F02M37/0082—Devices inside the fuel tank other than fuel pumps or filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/06—Fuel tanks characterised by fuel reserve systems
    • B60K15/061—Fuel tanks characterised by fuel reserve systems with level control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03236—Fuel tanks characterised by special filters, the mounting thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/077—Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
    • B60K2015/0772—Floats in the fuel tank

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Abstract

A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir, comprises a float 15 arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in a reservoir and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube 14 having its free end coupled to the float 15. The float 15 is arranged for vertical movement within an enclosure which encloses the float 15 and the flexible tube 14. The float carries filter means arranged to filter liquid being drawn up the tube. Preferably the enclosure 10 is tubular with an open lower end and apertures 11 for filtration. A flanged top end cap 12 may be provided on the enclosure. The float 15 may protrude from the lower end of the enclosure 10 so as to maximise liquid uptake when the liquid level in low. Advantageously the float device is used in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or reservoir to alleviate the risk of drawing up sediment or water.

Description

Float Device This invention relates to a float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir.
In conventional fuel tanks, the fuel is drawn from a point adjacent the bottom of the tank in order to enable the pick-up of fuel even when the level of fuel in the tank is low. However, a disadvantage of this arrangement is that any water and/or sediment which has accumulated at the bottom of the tank can be drawn up with the fuel.
UK Patent Number GB2 350 337B discloses a solution to this problem in the form of a float device having a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of fuel in the tank, and a fuel pick up duct which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float, the float being arranged for vertical movement within a filter which encloses the float and the flexible tube.
In use, the float ensures that the fuel entry or pick-up end of the tube is always adjacent the surface of the fuel in the tank. Accordingly, the pick-up point is always adjacent the surface of the fuel in the tank and thus the risk of drawing up a sediment or water is alleviated.
The filter in which the float moves vertically comprises an elongate perforated tube which is closed at its lower end by a solid or perforated end wall. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the length of the filter needs to be accurate, otherwise it will abut the bottom of the tank and prevent the device from fitting properly. Alternatively, if the filter is too short, the pick-up end of the tube will not reach to the bottom of the tank and as such the fuel capacity of the tank is not maximised.
I have now devised a float device which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.
In accordance with the present invention, as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir, the device comprising a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank, and a liquid pick-up duct which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float, the float being arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member which encloses the float and the flexible tube, wherein the filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
In use, the device operates in the same manner as the float device of UK Patent Number GB2 350 337B. However, the lower end of the filter or other member is open thereby allowing the float to extend partially below the filter or other member when the level of fuel in the tank is low. In this way a device with a slightly shorter filter or other member can be fitted into a tank to ensure that the device fits and to allow for manufacturing tolerances or deformations in the tank. However, when the level of fuel is low, the float extends below the level of the filter or other member so that more fuel can be drawn from the tank compared with the device disclosed in UK Patent Number GB2 350 337B. It will be appreciated that a device having a filter or other member of a particular length can thus be fitted to tanks having a range of different depths.
The end of the tube may be outside the filter or other member when the fuel in tank is low and thus the float preferably carries filter means arranged to filter the liquid being drawn up the tube.
Preferably the float comprises a hollow chamber to which said tube is connected, the chamber comprising an apertured wall forming said filter means.
Preferably the apertured wall forms the bottom wall of the float, so that filtered fuel can be drawn right down to the point where the float buts the bottom of the tank.
Also in accordance with this invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir, the device comprising a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in a reservoir, and a liquid pick-up duct which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float, the float being arranged for vertical movement within an enclosure which encloses the float and the flexible tube, wherein the float carries filter means arranged to filter liquid being drawn up the tube.
Preferably the float comprises a hollow chamber to which said tube is connected, the chamber comprising an apertured wall forming said filter means.
Preferably the apertured wall forms the bottom wall of the float.
Preferably the bottom surface of the float is profiled or comprises projections which prevent the apertu red wall from abutting the bottom surface of the tank and thereby inhibiting the flow of liquid.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which is a sectional view through a float device in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to the drawing, there is shown a float device for fitting to a circular aperture formed in the top wall of a fuel tank (not shown). The device comprises an elongate circular-section of filter in the form of a metal sleeve 10 provided with an array of apertures 11. The sleeve 10 is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end by a flanged end cap 12, which is arranged for securing around its periphery to the edges of the aperture in the fuel tank.
A rigid feed pipe 13 extends through the end cap 12, the lower end of the pipe 13 being connected to an elongate coiled flexible tube 14 of plastics material. The lower end of the flexible tube 14 is connected to a float 15 by means of a tubular connector 20.
The float 15 is generally circular in section and is arranged to freely move vertically within the sleeve 10 with the level of fuel in the tank. The float 15 comprises a sealed upper chamber 16 which is filled with air and a separate bottom chamber 18 having bottom and side walls which are provided with apertures 19. The bottom chamber 18 comprises an outlet duct connected to the flexible tube 14 via the connector 20.
In use, when fitted to a fuel tank, the float 15 floats on the surface of the fuel and fuel is drawn into the lower chamber 18 through the apertures 19 and along the flexible tube 14. The apertures 19 serve to filter the fuel and prevent sediment and other matter from being drawn up the flexible tube 14. The apertures 11 in the sleeve 10 also serve to prevent sediment and other matter from entering the device.
As the level of fuel falls, the lower end of the float 15 moves out of the sleeve 10 as shown, thereby allowing fuel to be drawn to a level slightly below the sleeve 10.
In this manner, the volume of fuel in the tank can be maximised even if the sleeve 10 does not reach fully to the bottom of the tank.

Claims (3)

  1. Claims 1. A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir, said device comprising a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in a reservoir, and a liquid pick-up duct which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to said float, said float being arranged for vertical movement within an enclosure which encloses said float and said flexible tube, wherein said float carries filter means arranged to filter liquid being drawn up said tube.
  2. 2. A float device according to claim 1, wherein said float comprises a hollow chamber to which said tube is connected, said chamber comprising an apertured wall forming said filter means.
  3. 3. A float device according to claim 2, wherein said apertured wall forms the bottom wall of the float.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir, said device comprising: a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in a reservoir; and, a liquid pick-up duct which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to said float, said float comprising a hollow chamber to which said tube is connected, said chamber comprising an apertured wall which is arranged to filter liquid being drawn up said tube, wherein said float is arranged for vertical movement within an enclosure which encloses said float and said flexible tube, and wherein said apertured wall forms the bottom wall of the float. * *S. SI. * * ** * * S * *5S *Sb5 * I * **S * * ** SS S.
GB1113771.8A 2007-01-24 2007-01-24 Float device Active GB2482956B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1113771.8A GB2482956B (en) 2007-01-24 2007-01-24 Float device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1113771.8A GB2482956B (en) 2007-01-24 2007-01-24 Float device

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201113771D0 GB201113771D0 (en) 2011-09-21
GB2482956A true GB2482956A (en) 2012-02-22
GB2482956B GB2482956B (en) 2012-03-28

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1113771.8A Active GB2482956B (en) 2007-01-24 2007-01-24 Float device

Country Status (1)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018091297A3 (en) * 2016-11-18 2018-07-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for dewatering an operating substance, dewatering device and operating-substance supply device
CN112208959A (en) * 2020-09-16 2021-01-12 衢州英特高分子材料有限公司 Solid-liquid different-opening discharge type storage tank

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4663037A (en) * 1984-10-03 1987-05-05 Breslin Michael K Apparatus for recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from groundwater
GB2350337A (en) * 1999-05-28 2000-11-29 Michael John James Fuel tank pick-up arrangement

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4663037A (en) * 1984-10-03 1987-05-05 Breslin Michael K Apparatus for recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from groundwater
GB2350337A (en) * 1999-05-28 2000-11-29 Michael John James Fuel tank pick-up arrangement

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018091297A3 (en) * 2016-11-18 2018-07-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for dewatering an operating substance, dewatering device and operating-substance supply device
CN112208959A (en) * 2020-09-16 2021-01-12 衢州英特高分子材料有限公司 Solid-liquid different-opening discharge type storage tank
CN112208959B (en) * 2020-09-16 2022-06-24 衢州英特高分子材料有限公司 Solid-liquid different-opening discharge type storage tank

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2482956B (en) 2012-03-28
GB201113771D0 (en) 2011-09-21

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