US3442292A - Energy storage unit - Google Patents

Description

May 6, 1969 c. JACUZZI ENERGY STORAGE UNIT Filed Oct. 23 1965 INVENTOR. CANDIDO JACUZZI ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,442,292 ENERGY STORAGE UNIT Candido Jacuzzi, Lafayette, Calif., assignor to Jacuzzi Brothers Incorporated, Little Rock, Ark., a corporation of California Filed Oct. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 503,963 Int. Cl. F161 55/04; F01b 19/04 US. Cl. 138-30 1 Claim ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to systems involving fluids, usually liquids, under pressure. More particularly, the invention relates to a unit for storing energy in such systems. Even more particularly, the invention relates to apparatus for the maintenance of residual pressure in pumped liquids after pumping has stopped. Still more in particular, the invention relates to apparatus for maintaining residual pressure in well water being pumped to the surface, after pumping has stopped.

Liquid pressure systems commonly have a pump having a suction'line to a source of liquid and a discharge line to service; coupled in the discharge line is a pressure tank for holding a reserve supply of liquid under the pressure of a cushion of gas, usually air. Liquid in the pressure tank is replenished when the pressure therein falls below a predetermined level and the flow of liquid into the tank shut off when the pressure reaches a predetermined level.

Such pressure tanks have disadvantages in liquid pressure systems including the fact that the tanks are bulky and hence not readily useable in underground installation; moreover, the cushion of gas suffers a loss in pressure due to leakage and/or absorption of the gas over a period of time. i

Expansible or resilient envelope in pairs have been used in liquid pressure systems in conduits to achieve a pumping action by alternatively inflating and deflating the envelopes with gas. Such pumping is in surges and usually seals the system completely at the time of each surge, at at least one point. Sometimes, liquid is pumped through the expansible envelopes directly. I

Resilient envelopes have been used for storage of liquids, utilizing the resiliency of the envelope to expell the liquid therein.

It is therefore an objectof this invention to provide means for maintaining pressure within a fluid system after all other sources of pressurization have been shut off.

Another object is to provide new and novel means for accomplishing the foregoing result.

Still another object is to provide a liquid pressure system having a pump which will deliver some liquid after pumping has stopped.

Another object is to provide means for maintaining pressure in liquid systems which is small and non-bulky.

Yet another object is to provide such means which utilizes the pressure of stored gas.

3,442,292 Patented May 6, 1969 "ice A further object is to provide means utilizing stored gas for pressure and which has provision for readily and easily replacing any gas loss through leakage, etc.

Still a further object is to provide such means which utilizes the resiliency of an elastic envelope or bladder ,to accomplish the desired result.

Yet a further object is to provide such means which combines the use of gas pressure and the resiliency of an elastic envelope to attain residual pressure in such systerns.

Another object is to provide water well pumping apparatus which has all the foregoing advantages and which will deliver some water to service even though the pump is not pumping.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following part of the specification taken in conjunction with the appended drawing wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view, mostly sectional, of the present means or apparatus and of a portion of a Well in which the apparatus is positioned, the apparatus being in condition to exert residual pressure; and

FIG. 2 is a view like FIG. 1 but showing the apparatus in a non-pressurizing or extended position; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2, taken along line 33 thereof.

The invention contemplates the inclusion, in the flow path of fluid, usually liquid in a pressure system, an inflated elastic or resilient envelope, sleeve or bladder. The envelope and its fittings is termed an energy storage unit. A forced flow of liquid past the envelope generally compresses it, thus storing energy therein. On the other hand, stoppage of the forced flow allows the envelope to expand, thus displacing liquid from the system when opened. Means are provided however to prevent the expansion of the envelope to fully block the flow of liquid in the system.

Energy is stored in the envelope in two ways. Firstly, the gas with which it is inflated is compressed and secondly, the envelope itself is stretched, thus producing an additive effect.

In its more preferred embodiment, a gas charging valve is provided in the unit for the purpose of replenishing the gas, usually air, in the envelope which is lost through leakage.

In a still more preferred embodiment, the unit is elongated and longitudinal channels are provided in connection therewith, so that the flow path of liquids is not blocked fully, even though the envelope is fully expanded. Even more preferred is a multiplicity of ribs attached to the exterior of the envelope, whereby channels or passageways are left between the ribs.

Turning now to the drawing, the ground is generally designated 8 and has a level or surface 9. A well in the ground is generally designated 10 and is generally circular in cross-section. Well 10 has a casing 11 which is also generally circular in cross-section and has an upper end 12 which extends above ground level 9 and has internal threads. Casing 11 further has a lower end 14 which extends down into the well.

Well 10 further has an electric cable 16 which has a lower end 18 extending down to a pump, not shown. Cable 16 further has an upper end 20, leading to a source of power, not shown.

An expanding chamber generally designated 30 is formed by upper disk 32, tube 70, and lower disk 80.

The outer edge of upper disk 32 is provided with threads which engage the internal threads of upper end 12 of the casing 11, thus forming a. closure therefor. Upper disk 32 further has an internal annular lip 34 which has internal threads.

Upper disk 32 is also provided with a centrally disposed inner projection 36 which has a longitudinal aperture 38, the aperture extending through the disk as well, and having an upper threaded portion 40. Air charging valve 42, having a needle 44, a flange 46 and a lower threaded portion 48 is positioned in aperture 38 by means of the engagement of threaded portions 40 and 48. Inner projection 36, aperture 38 and air charging valve 42 form an upper fitting for envelope 102 as is discussed following.

Upper disk 32 still further has a threaded aperture in which is positioned the first leg 52 of a suitably threaded right angle connector 54. Connector 54 also has a second leg 56 which is internally threaded. Service pipe 58 has a near end 60 which has external threads which in turn engage the internal threads of second leg 56. Pipe 58 extends to service.

Tube has an upper end 72 which is threaded externally, the threads engaging the internal threads of annular lip 34. Tube 70 further has a lower end 74 which is externally threaded.

Lower disk has an internal annular lip 82 which is internally threaded, the threads engaging the external threads of lower end 74 of tube 70. Disk 80 further has a centrally disposed threaded aperture 84.

A drop pipe is generally designated and has an upper end 92 which is externally threaded, the threads engaging threaded aperture 84. The drop pipe 90 extends downwardly to the water, not shown, in the well.

An energy storage unit generally designated includes a flexible, resilient, inflated envelope or bladder 102, an upper fitting as hereinbefore discussed, and a lower fitting 110.

Envelope 102 has an upper end 104 which is open and engaged about inner projections 36 of upper disk 32. Upper clamp 106 holds the upper end 104 to the projection 36, thus forming an upper closure for the envelope. Envelope 102 further has a lower end 108 which is also open.

Lower fitting 110 has a disk 112 and a centrally disposed inner projection 114. Lower end 108 of envelope 102 is positioned about projection 114 and held in place by lower clamp 116, forming a lower closure for the envelope.

Envelope 102 further has a multiplicity of longitudinal ribs which engage the inner wall of tube 70 when the envelope is sufliciently expanded. Longitudinal spaces 122 remain between the ribs 120.

Operation Referring to FIG. 1, the pump is pumping water from the well through drop pipe 90 and into expansion chamber 30, the water being forced past the energy storage unit 100 as indicated by the vertical arrows. The envelope 102 is compressed by the water flowing around and past it and thus gains potential energy. The water then makes a right angle bend as indicated by the non-vertical arrows at the service pipe from whence it goes to service.

When the pump is stopped, the flow of water stops and the compressional forces on envelope 102 cease. The potential energy of envelope 102 is released when the pressure system is opened at some point, usually when water is drawn ofl for service, permitting the envelope to expand and lengthen and displace water. The envelope in its fully expanded position is seen in FIG. 2, but ribs 120 do not permit it to expand against the inner wall of tube 70.

Rather, the ribs 102 are forced against the wall, but 1ongitudinal spaces 122 permit water to flow to service due to the pressure of the expanded envelope. Envelope 102 may be recharged as is necessary through valve 42.

Thus water may be drawn off at service, even though the pump is not running. When suflicient water has been drawn 01f, the usual automatic controls start the pump running again.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that applicant has provided new and novel apparatus for maintaining pressure in fluid, usually liquid, systems which allows fluid to be drawn off without any other source of pressurization. The present apparatus is non-bulky and utilizes a resilient, inflated envelope to attain pressure. Means are provided to restore any inflation lost by the envelope. The present apparatus has special application in wells delivering water for household and other uses.

It is to be understood that only the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein and shown in the drawing and that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described and within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Energy storage apparatus for use in liquid pressure systems having a casing extending above ground which comprises an elongated resilient inflated envelope having an upper end fitting and a lower end fitting, the upper end fitting having an upper disk attached to the said casing at a point above ground and supporting the said envelope and lower fitting, the upper end fitting further having an aperture connecting the interior and exterior of the envelope and an air charging valve positioned in said aperture, the envelope further having a multiplicity of longitudinal ribs; and a tube having an upper end attached to said upper disk of said upper fitting and extending into the casing, surrounding the said envelope and lower fitting, the tube further having a lower end communicating with liquid below.

. References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,292,778 1/ 1919 Holmes 103-223 1,824,342 9/1931 Gillen 138--30 2,278,688 4/ 1942 Caminez 138-30 2,319,460 5/1943 Johnston 13830 2,389,792 11/ 1945 Lippincott 13 830 2,359,147 9/1944 Merten 103-223 X 2,485,752 10/1949 Laspe et al 13830 X 2,530,190 11/1950 Carver 138-26 2,543,585 2/1951 Miller 138-30 2,677,393 5/1954 Cornelius 1383O X 2,712,831 7/ 1955 Day 13826 2,734,462 2/1956 Schaeifer 103-223 2,875,787 3/1959 Evans 103223 X 2,875,788 3/1959 Pier 138-30 X 3,261,296 7/1966 Weber 103-223 X FOREIGN PATENTS 730,582 5/1955 Great Britain.

842,835 3/ 1939 France.

848,978 9/1960 Great Britain.

HOUSTON S. BELL, JR., Primary Examiner.

- U.S. Cl. X.R. 92-92

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