SMIT, Hendrik Johannes Christiaan (Jnr) (9 Mc Lucky Street, Frans Evatt Park, 6025 Port Elizabeth, ZA)
SMIT, Hendrik Johannes Christiaan (Jnr) (9 Mc Lucky Street, Frans Evatt Park, 6025 Port Elizabeth, ZA)
Claims
1. A fluid reservoir including:- an outer shell; - an inner shell defining a fluid chamber and being located in the outer shell in a spaced apart relationship thereto; an inlet and an outlet for permitting fluid flow communication with the fluid chamber; wherein the inner and outer shells are manufactured from a synthetic plastic material using rotational moulding.
2. A reservoir as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the synthetic plastics material has good heat insulating properties.
3. A reservoir as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the synthetic plastics material is linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
4. A reservoir as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the synthetic plastics material is a thermoplastic material selected from the group including: polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene.
5. A reservoir as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the outer and inner shells is between 20 and 80 mm and is typically about 50 mm.
6. A reservoir as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an insulating material is located in the space intermediate the outer and inner shells.
7. A reservoir as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner and outer shells are shaped complementally in the shape of concentric cylinders.
8. A reservoir as claimed in claim 7, wherein one or both ends of the cylinders is open.
9. A reservoir as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more closure members are provided to seal the open end or ends of the inner and outer shells.
10. A reservoir as claimed in claim 9, wherein the closure members are manufactured from the same material from which the inner and outer shells are manufactured.
11. A reservoir as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the closure members are manufactured by rotational moulding and include a cavity located intermediate two walls defining the closure member, which cavity is filled with an insulating material.
12. A reservoir as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein each closure member includes a flange extending from its perimeter to permit attachment of the closure member to the inner and outer shells.
13. A reservoir as claimed in claim 12, wherein a sealing member manufactured from a natural or synthetic rubber is located between the closure member and the shells so as to promote sealing engagement between them.
14. A method of manufacturing a fluid reservoir including at least the steps of:~ providing a double-skinned mould for forming inner and outer shells of the fluid reservoir; introducing a synthetic plastics material into a cavity defined between the two skins of the mould and sealing the mould; heating the mould and thereby the synthetic plastics material whilst subjecting the mould to rotation about its vertical and horizontal axes; permitting the mould to cool gradually; and removing the inner and outer shells from the mould.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the synthetic plastics material has good heat insulating properties.
16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the synthetic plastics material is linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
17. A method as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the synthetic plastics material is a thermoplastic material selected from the group including: polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the mould is heated to about 260 0 C.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the method includes continuing the rotational motion of the mould whilst the mould is cooling.
20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the distance between the outer and inner shells is between 20 and 80 mm and is typically about 50 mm.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the method includes providing an insulating material in the cavity intermediate the outer and inner shells.
22.A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 21 , wherein the mould is in the form of a two concentric cylinders having one or two open ends.
23.A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein a flange provided with spaced apart openings is defined at each of the open ends of the cylinders.
24.A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein a closure member is mounted on the flange of the open end or ends of the cylinders.
25.A method as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the method includes bolting threaded metal rods into the openings in the flange prior to the material being introduced into the cavity.
26.A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the closure member is manufactured by rotational moulding from the same material as the inner and outer shells.
27.A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the closure member includes a cavity located intermediate two walls defining the closure member, which cavity is filled with an insulating material.
28.A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the closure member is provided with one or more openings to provide an inlet, an outlet, an overflow, and a passage for electrical cables.
29.A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein a sealing member or O-ring manufactured from a natural or synthetic rubber is located between the closure member and the flange of the shells so as to promote sealing engagement between the closure member and the flange.
30. A fluid reservoir according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.
31. A fluid reservoir as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
32.A fluid reservoir including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.
33.A method according to the invention for manufacturing a fluid reservoir substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.
34.A method of manufacturing a fluid reservoir including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described. |
A FLUID RESERVOIR AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a fluid reservoir and, more particularly, to a fluid reservoir that is corrosion resistant and which displays good heat retention capabilities.
Background to the Invention
Fluid reservoirs such as, for example, household geysers are typically manufactured from steel. Such reservoirs are prone to corrosion and accordingly need to be replaced after some years of use to avoid damage that could be caused by fluid leakage.
The inventor believes that a need exists for providing a corrosion resistant fluid reservoir that does not need to be replaced regularly due to corrosion damage. In addition, the reservoir should have good heat retention capabilities so as to allow it to be used as a reservoir for a heated fluid.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention, there is provided a fluid reservoir including:- an outer shell; - an inner shell defining a fluid chamber and being located in the outer shell in a spaced apart relationship thereto; an inlet and an outlet for permitting fluid flow communication with the fluid chamber; wherein the inner and outer shells are manufactured from a synthetic plastic material using rotational moulding.
The synthetic plasties material may have good heat insulating properties. The synthetic plastics material may be linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
The synthetic plastics material may be a thermoplastic material.
The thermoplastic material may be selected from the group including: polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene.
The distance between the outer and inner shells may be between 20 and 80 mm and is typically about 50 mm.
An insulating material may be located in the space intermediate the outer and inner shells. The insulating material may be a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic material.
The inner and outer shells may be shaped complementally.
The fluid reservoir and therefore the inner and outer shells may generally be in the shape of a cylinder. Accordingly, the inner and outer shells may form concentric cylinders. One or both ends of the cylinders may be open.
The shells may be provided with flanges at their open end or ends to permit attachment of a closure member to said end or ends.
The closure member may be manufactured from the same material from which the inner and outer shells are manufactured. The closure member may be manufactured by rotational moulding and may include a cavity located intermediate two walls defining the closure member. The cavity may be filled with an insulating material, which may be a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic material.
The closure member may include a flange extending from its perimeter to permit attachment of the closure member to the flanges of the inner and outer shells.
A sealing member or O-ring manufactured from a natural or synthetic rubber may be located between the flanges of the closure member and the shells so as to promote sealing engagement between said flanges.
The inlet and outlet may be defined in a closure member. Additional openings for providing a passage for electrical cables leading to a heating element located in the fluid chamber and for a fluid overflow line may be provided.
Fluid flow controllers may be located in the inlet and outlet to the fluid chamber. The fluid flow controllers may be in the form of ball valves. The fluid flow controllers may be manufactured from the same thermoplastic material as the inner and outer shells.
The fluid reservoir may be used as a household geyser for providing hot water.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a fluid reservoir including at least the steps of:- providing a double-skinned mould for forming inner and outer shells of the fluid reservoir; introducing a synthetic plastics material into a cavity defined between the two skins of the mould and sealing the mould; - heating the mould and thereby the synthetic plastics material whilst subjecting the mould to rotation about its vertical and horizontal axes; permitting the mould to cool gradually; and removing the inner and outer shells from the mould.
The synthetic plasties material may have good heat insulating properties. The synthetic plastics material may be linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
The synthetic plastics material may be a thermoplastic material.
The thermoplastic material may be selected from the group including: polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene.
The mould may be heated to about 260 0 C.
The method may include continuing the rotational motion of the mould whilst the mould is cooling.
The distance between the outer and inner shells may be between 20 and 80 mm and is typically about 50 mm.
An insulating material may be located in the cavity intermediate the outer and inner shells. The insulating material may be a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic material.
The mould may be in the form of a two concentric cylinders having one or two open ends.
A flange may be defined at each of the open ends of the cylinders. The flange may be provided with spaced apart openings.
The flanges may permit attachment of a closure member to said end or ends.
Threaded metal rods, typically manufactured from copper, may be bolted into said openings prior to the synthetic plastics material being introduced into the
cavity. The synthetic plastics material coats the rods to form threaded openings for receiving bolts for attaching a closure member to the flange.
The closure member may be manufactured from the same material as the inner and outer shells. The closure member may be manufactured by rotational moulding and may include a cavity located intermediate two walls defining the closure member. The cavity may be filled with an insulating material.
The closure member may be provided with one or more openings to provide an inlet, an outlet, an overflow, and a passage for electrical cables.
A sealing member or O-ring manufactured from a natural or synthetic rubber may be located between the closure member and the flange of the shells so as to promote sealing engagement between the closure member and the flange.
Fluid flow controllers may be located in the inlet and outlet to the fluid chamber. The fluid flow controllers may be in the form of ball valves. The fluid flow controllers may be manufactured from the same material as the inner and outer shells.
The fluid reservoir may be used as a household geyser for providing hot water.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now be described by way of the following non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:-
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an outer portion of a mould used to manufacture a first embodiment of a fluid reservoir;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an inner portion of a mould used to manufacture a first embodiment of the fluid reservoir;
Figure 3 shows a closure member for sealing an open end of a first embodiment of the fluid reservoir;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of inner and outer shells of a first embodiment of the fluid reservoir;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of inner and outer shells of a second embodiment of a fluid reservoir;
Figure 6 shows an end view of the inner and outer shells of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a side view of a closure member configured and dimensioned to be fitted to the shells of Figure 5;
Figure 8 shows a side view of the shells of Figure 5 and two closure members of Figure 7 immediately prior to assembly to form the fluid reservoir; and
Figure 9 shows a sectioned side view of a second embodiment of the fluid reservoir.
In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally describes an embodiment of a fluid reservoir in accordance with the present invention.
A method of manufacturing a fluid reservoir 10 includes at least the steps of providing a double-skinned mould 12.1 and 12.2 for forming inner and outer shells 14.1 and 14.2 of the fluid reservoir 10, introducing a thermoplastic material into a cavity 16 defined between the two skins 12.1 and 12.2 of the mould and sealing the mould.
The mould and thereby the thermoplastic material is then heated to about 260 0 C whilst being subjected to rotation about its vertical and horizontal axes.
Once the thermoplastic material has coated the surfaces of the mould, the mould is permitted to cool gradually after which the inner and outer shells 14.1 and 14.2 are removed from the mould.
In a preferred embodiment, the rotational motion of the mould is continued during cooling of the mould.
The thermoplastic material is selected from the group including: polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene. In the embodiment shown, the material used is polyethylene.
The distance between the outer and inner shells 14.2 and 14.1 is about 50 mm.
An insulating material 18 is located in the cavity 16 intermediate the outer and inner shells 14.2 and 14.1. The insulating material 18 is also a thermoplastic material.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mould includes two skins 12.2 and 12.1 that are generally in the form of a two concentric cylinders. One end of the skins 12.2 and 12.1 is open so that one end of the reservoir 10 formed will be open.
A flange 20 is defined at the open end of the skins 12.2 and 12.1. The flange 20 is provided with spaced apart openings 22.
The flange 20 permits attachment of a closure member 24 as shown in Figure 3 to the open end of the reservoir 10.
Threaded metal rods (not shown), typically manufactured from copper, are bolted into said openings 22 prior to the thermoplastic material being introduced into the cavity 16. The thermoplastic material coats the rods to form threaded openings for receiving bolts for attaching the closure member 24 to the flange 20.
The closure member 24 is manufactured from the same thermoplastic material as the inner and outer shells 14.1 and 14.2. The closure member 24 is manufactured by rotational moulding and includes a cavity 26 located intermediate two walls 28.1 and 28.2 defining the closure member 24. The cavity 26 is filled with an insulating material.
The closure member 24 is provided with a plurality of openings 30 to provide an inlet, an outlet, an overflow, and a passage for electrical cables.
A sealing member or O-ring (not shown) manufactured from a natural or synthetic rubber is located between the closure member 24 and the flange 20 so as to promote sealing engagement between the closure member 24 and the flange 20.
Fluid flow controllers (not shown) are located in the inlet and outlet of the closure member 24. The fluid flow controllers are in the form of ball valves manufactured from the same thermoplastic material as the inner and outer shells 14.1 and 14.2.
The fluid reservoir 10 in the embodiment shown is used as a household geyser for providing hot water. The inner shell 14.2 defines a fluid chamber 32.
The geyser described is a gravity feed geyser. Should it be desired to provide a one kPa geyser, the fluid flow controller is omitted from the inlet.
Referring now to Figures 5 to 9:
A groove 34 for receiving an O-ring 36 therein is provided in a flange 20 located at an open end of a cylinder defined by inner and outer shells 14.1 and 14.2. Openings 38 for in use receiving bolts 40 therethrough are also provided in the flange 20.
The inner and outer shells 14.1 and 14.2 are manufactured from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) as are the closure member 24. Polyurethane foam is used as an insulating material 18.
The fluid reservoir 10 is provided with a heating element 42, a thermostat 44 and a fluid drain 46. A fluid outlet valve 48 is provided in one of the closure members 24 and a fluid inlet 50 including a ball valve is also provided.
A floating board 52 mounted to the inner shell 14.1 by springs 54 is provided to aid the flow of fluid out of the chamber 32.
The method of manufacture of the reservoir 10 shown in Figures 5 to 9 is the same as described above.
It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or configuration as hereinbefore generally described or illustrated.
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