Abstract:
A fluid diversion apparatus, which has a first member and a second member, each said member having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the first member comprising a fluid inlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe, and a fluid outlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe such that fluid passing through the fluid pipes passes through the first member in a fluid flow direction, and a connecting means, the second member being attached to the first member via the connecting means, the second member having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned inside the first member, the first end having an inlet means and an outlet means, the second end of the second member having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first end of the second member is in fluid connection with the outlet of the second end and the outlet of the first end is in fluid connection with the inlet of the second end.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present application is based upon U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/329,324, filed Oct. 16, 2001.  
           [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a fluid diversion apparatus and in particular to an apparatus wherein a single fitting allowing a portion of the fluid to be diverted, manipulated and then reintroduced, is attached to the main fluid flow line.  
           [0004]    2. Background Art  
           [0005]    Methods and apparatus for dispensing treatment products into a liquid stream are known. These methods usually involve the use of power-driven or electrical metering pumps. These pumps apply a force to the additive and through this, move the additive into the liquid stream. The dispersal is left to the inherent vortices and eddies in the fluid stream.  
           [0006]    Also the “bypass” type fluid diversion apparatus is known. These are generally associated with chemical feeders or dispensers. In this type of known diversion apparatus, the system comprises a main flow stream pipe in which the fluid to be treated flows in one determined direction. For the purposes of introducing fresh untreated liquid to the chemical dispenser, the dispenser is fitted with an inlet port. For the purpose of providing outflow, the chemical dispenser is fitted with an outlet port. The inlet port is connected by a suitable conduit to the upstream side of the pipe. In a like manner, the outlet port is connected to the downstream side of the pipe by means of a conduit.  
           [0007]    In order to provide optimum flow control and thereby control the amount of chemical added to the liquid stream, a pair of valves are generally provided, one on each conduit. These valves provide a means for stopping flow through the dispenser for servicing and addition of chemical product. They also are generally sensitive, to provide an accurate control over both the flow of fresh liquid into the dispenser and the quantity of solution being drawn from the dispenser and added to the flow stream.  
           [0008]    In order to provide for adequate flow of liquid through the dispenser in the direction desired, a restriction is provided in the main line between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit which creates a pressure differential across the inlet and outlet of the dispenser so as to direct the flow as desired. Generally, a venturi is provided, converging in a direction towards the outlet conduit and having a throat of sufficient restriction to provide a pressure differential which is adequate to permit the required flow to be attained through the chemical dispenser.  
           [0009]    In a second known configuration, the restriction is a throttling valve placed on the main flow stream pipe, between the inlet conduit and outlet conduit valves. By closing the valve, a pressure differential is created across the inlet and outlet of the dispenser so as to direct the flow as desired.  
           [0010]    In a third known configuration, a dip tube type of bypass diverter is used, wherein a tube having an entry hole is placed in the main flow stream line, perpendicular to the direction of flow. This entry hole allows for a scooping up of liquid, which then proceeds to the dispenser and is sucked back into the main flow at a second downstream tube also perpendicular to the direction of the main flow stream. The second tube, which returns the fluid to the main flow stream, typically has an angled tip, with the angled portion facing away from the direction of flow.  
           [0011]    In the above configurations, the apparatus requires the use of two conduits (generally tee-fittings), and this is disadvantageous when an installation is required in a tight area lacking access. Alternative bypass arrangements require other fittings or adaptations be made to the main stream pipe and so hamper the construction of the apparatus. The throttling valve and venturi rely on the pressure created to drive the bypass liquid through the dispenser, not ram type pressure of the liquid due to its velocity in the main stream pipe.  
           [0012]    The bypass-type fluid diversion apparatus provides a useful alternative to using metering pumps, which can be expensive and also require maintenance. The fluid diversion apparatus as described here can also be replaced in the event of problems, far more easily than a valve or venturi which will be generally securely attached to the main flow stream pipe usually by welding or brazing. It is also less often in need of maintenance due to the use of corrosion resistant materials in manufacture.  
           
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
         [0013]    The present invention is directed to a fluid diversion apparatus, which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful and commercial choice.  
           [0014]    In one form, the invention resides in a fluid diversion apparatus, which has a first member and a second member, each said member having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the first member comprising a fluid inlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe, and a fluid outlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe such that fluid passing through the fluid pipes passes through the first member, and a connecting means, the second member being attached to the first member via the connecting means, the second member having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned inside the first member, the first end having an inlet means and an outlet means, the second end of the second member having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first end of the second member is in fluid connection with the outlet of the second end and the outlet of the first end is in fluid connection with the inlet of the second end.  
           [0015]    The fluid diversion apparatus as described herein shall preferably be used as a part of a bypass type chemical dispensing system comprising a main flow stream pipe in which the fluid to be treated flows in one determined direction. For the purposes of introducing fresh untreated liquid to the chemical dispenser, the dispenser generally has an inlet port and for the purpose of providing outflow, the chemical dispenser is fitted with an outlet port. The inlet port is connected by a suitable conduit to the upstream side of the pipe. In a like manner, the outlet port is connected to the downstream side of the pipe by means of a conduit.  
           [0016]    The first member may preferably be a “T”-shaped fitting with an internally threaded tubular extension shank or an elbow fitting with a tubular extension from the point of the elbow having an internally threaded section. The cross-piece may preferably be fitted parallel to the direction of fluid flow in the fluid pipes and the tubular extension shank allows diversion of a portion of the fluid in another direction. The first member may be fitted to the main stream pipe of a bypass type chemical dispensing system  
           [0017]    Preferably, the first end of the second member will be formed of two concentric, coaxial tubes. A molded lip may be provided on the first end of the inner tubular member to help prevent the inner tube from being ejected due to the pressure caused by operation at maximum flow rates. The outer tube will have an opening facing the direction of flow and this will be the inlet means for the fluid. The inner tube will form the outlet for the fluid and will be spaced coaxially from the outer tube and is permanently separated from the outer tube along its length until the second end where the space shall be sealed by appropriate sealing means. This sealing means may preferably take the form of a rubber packing seal.  
           [0018]    The second member may preferably be manufactured as a substantially unitary member.  
           [0019]    In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second member may preferably be manufactured as a number of individual parts to be assembled to form the second member.  
           [0020]    The individual parts of the second member may preferably comprise an inner tube, an outer tube and a body portion, having three threaded openings. The openings may be a first opening allowing attachment of the outer tube to the body portion, a second opening forming the outlet at the second end of the second member and a third opening to engage with the inner tube at the inlet at the second end of the second member.  
           [0021]    The provision of a number of individual parts, each of which is attachable to each other, allows the second member to be dismantled for servicing and cleaning and also replacement of parts. It may also preferably allow the rotation of individual parts in relation to one another to allow adjustment of the apparatus.  
           [0022]    The first opening of the body portion may be a lower, internally-threaded opening. The internally threaded opening may engage with an externally threaded bushing. This bushing may suitably be permanently attached to the outer tube. This configuration may allow the removal of the outer tube from the body portion without disruption of the inner tube.  
           [0023]    The second opening of the body portion may suitably be an externally threaded opening. This opening may be engageable with a control or stop valve having an internally threaded portion.  
           [0024]    The third opening may also suitably be an externally threaded opening with a substantially smooth interior. This opening may be engageable with a control or stop valve.  
           [0025]    The interior of the third opening may suitably engage the inner tube. This engagement may be a loose fit or interference fit. In either situation, a rubber packing seal may be used to form or enhance a fluid tight seal. The inner tube may preferably extend through the third opening and through the body portion extending out of the first opening of the body portion.  
           [0026]    A loose fit between the body portion and the inner tube may preferably allow the rotation of each of the components with respect to the other components or the first member.  
           [0027]    This configuration may allow the removal and/or replacement of the inner tube without disruption or removal of the outer tube or removal of the second member from the first member.  
           [0028]    All of the threaded openings may be engageable with a threaded member or bushing to interconnect the portions in a substantially fluid tight manner. In all cases, additional seals may be provided.  
           [0029]    The three openings in the body portion may suitably all be in fluid connection with each other when the body portion is manufactured. The flow pattern through the fluid diversion apparatus is achieved when the second member is in it&#39;s assembled from.  
           [0030]    The assembly of the second member from its component parts may suitably follow the pattern of inserting the inner tube into the third opening in the body portion and forming a fluid tight seal thereabout. The outer tube may then be attached to the first opening by positioning it coaxially about the inner tube and securing the threaded bushing attached to the outer tube, to the body portion. The first and second openings of the body portion may then be secured to the control or stop valves.  
           [0031]    The control or stop valves may allow the placement of the fluid diversion apparatus in a chemical dispensing system.  
           [0032]    The connecting means for connecting the second member to the first member will preferably be in the form of a connection bushing, brazed to the outside of the second member. The connecting means will form a substantially fluid impervious seal between the first and second members. The connection bushing will have an external threaded section to be engagedly received by a corresponding internally threaded section on the interior of the hollow, tubular extension of the first member. This will preferably eliminate the need for a rubber packing seal and a packing nut although these may be used, resulting in a more reliable, leak-free means of installation.  
           [0033]    Preferably, the inlet and outlet at the second end of the second member will each be attached to a flow controlling or stopping device, such as a control or stop valve.  
           [0034]    Both the inner and outer tube shall preferably have, at the first end of the second member, a bevelled plane terminus. The bevelled plane shall preferably face away from the direction of flow in the main flow stream. The inlet tube preferably will extend the further than the plane terminus of the outer tubular member, creating a pressure differential to divert a portion of the liquid from the fluid pipe of the main flow stream into the fluid diversion apparatus and the bypass flow stream.  
           [0035]    The inner tube of the second member shall also preferably be manufactured using a corrosion resistant or non-metallic material.  
           [0036]    In a broad form, the invention resides in a fluid diversion apparatus comprising a fluid inlet to the fluid diversion apparatus and a fluid outlet from the fluid diversion apparatus fitted as a single fitting to a main fluid flow pipe in a bypass type chemical dispenser system.  
           [0037]    In another broad form, the invention resides in a fluid diversion apparatus, which has a first member and a second member, each said member having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the first member comprising a fluid inlet adapted for connection to a main fluid pipe of a bypass-type dispenser system, and a fluid outlet adapted for connection to a main fluid pipe of a bypass-type dispenser system such that fluid passing through the main fluid pipe passes through the first member in a fluid flow direction with at least a portion of the fluid passing through the second member, and a connecting means, the second member being attached to the first member via the connecting means.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0038]    A number of embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the apparatus showing detail of the first and second members and their preferred connection means in a simple pipe installation.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the second member showing detail of the direction of liquid flow.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus showing detail of the first and second members and their preferred connection means as connected in an elbow installation.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention showing a molded insert for replacing the first end of the second member.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 5 is an elevation view of preferred aspect of the second member showing detail of the direction of liquid flow and T-shaped fitting with a sealing means at the second end of the inner tube. 
     
    
       [0044]    While the invention hereinafter disclosed is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, particular illustrative embodiments have been shown in the drawing and will hereinafter be described in detail. It will be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0045]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid diversion apparatus is provided.  
         [0046]    The fluid diversion apparatus comprises a first member  10  having a fluid inlet for connection  11  to a fluid pipe. It also possesses a fluid outlet for connection  12  to a fluid pipe. The first member inlet means  11  and outlet means  12  shall be of suitable size and shape to be fitted to a main flow stream pipe  13 . Due to the design of most modern plumbing systems, the main flow stream pipe  13  will generally be circular although some fluid systems use non-circular pipes.  
         [0047]    The first member  10  also has a connecting means  14  interposed between the inlet  11  and the outlet  12 . This connecting means will also generally be circular and shall terminate in a threaded section  15 .  
         [0048]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the first member will be a “T-shaped” member for use in a straight pipe.  
         [0049]    According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the first member  10  will be an elbow member for installation in an angled situation.  
         [0050]    The fluid diversion apparatus also comprises a second member  16 . The second member  16  also possesses a first end and a second end.  
         [0051]    The first end of the second member  16  comprises two coaxial tubular members.  
         [0052]    The outer tubular member  17  has an inlet end  23  and an outlet end  22 . The outer tubular member  17  has a fluid entry hole  18  positioned adjacent to the extremity of the member at the inlet end of the outer tubular member  19 . This fluid entry hole  18  will be large enough to divert some of the fluid from the main flow stream fluid  13  into the outer tubular member  17 . The outer tubular member  17  of the second member, when connected to the first member  10 , will extend substantially into the main flow stream fluid allowing the correct positioning of the fluid entry hole  18 . According to the first preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the end of the outer tubular member  17  adjacent to the fluid entry hole  18  will terminate in a bevelled plane  20  of approximately 45-degree slope facing away from the direction of flow in the main flow stream.  
         [0053]    According to the first preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner tubular member  21  will be smaller in diameter than the outer tubular member  17 . The inner tubular member will terminate also in a bevelled plane  20  of approximately 45-degree slope facing away from the direction of flow in the main flow stream. This terminus will be at the outlet end of the inner tubular member  22 . The outlet end of the inner tubular member  22  will be aligned with the inlet end of the outer tubular member  19 , but shall extend further into the main flow stream. The inner tubular member  22  and the outer tubular member  17  will be separated at the first end of the second member  16  by a lower sealing bushing  30 . This bushing may be manufactured of any fluid impermeable material and is so placed to prevent the fluid flowing in the fluid entry hole  18  and exiting out of the lower extremity of the outer tubular member  19 .  
         [0054]    The outlet end of the inner tubular member  22  will be in fluid connection with the inlet end of the inner tubular member  23 , at the second end of the second member  16 . This inlet end of the inner tubular member  23  shall be surrounded by an upper sealing bushing  25 , which will be positioned contiguously to both the inner tubular member  21  and the outer tubular member  17 . The purpose of the upper sealing bushing  25  is to separate the inner tubular member  21  and the outer tubular member  17 . A permanent contiguous seal can be accomplished with a rubber packing bushing (FIG. 5). This feature allows the removal of the second end of the second member at the threaded fitting. The threaded fitting allows a swivelling motion about the axis of the inner tube allowing the direction of the outlet valve to be adjusted in the field by simply rotating about the threaded joint.  
         [0055]    The inlet end of the outer tubular member  19  will be in fluid connection with the outlet end of the outer tubular member  24  at the second end of the second member  16 . The fluid connection shall take the form of a “T”-shaped fitting surrounding the outer tubular member  17 .  
         [0056]    At the second end of the second member  16 , both the inlet and outlet shall be connected to an inlet valve  26  and an outlet valve  27  respectively. These valves will be a flow controlling or stopping device, such as a control or stop valve. They will be connected in such a way as to provide the apparatus with a means to control the velocity with which the fluid enters and leaves the diversion area.  
         [0057]    In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the second member  16  is manufactured as a number of individual parts to be assembled to form the second member  16 .  
         [0058]    The individual parts of the second member  16  comprise an inner tube  21 , an outer tube  17  and a body portion  40 , having three threaded openings. The openings are a first opening  41 , allowing attachment of the outer tube  17  to the body portion  40 , a second opening  42  forming the outlet at the second end of the second member  16  and a third opening  43  to engage with the inner tube  21  at the inlet at the second end of the second member  16 .  
         [0059]    The first opening  41  of the body portion  40  is a lower, internally-threaded opening. The first opening  41  engages with an externally threaded bushing  44 . This bushing  44  is permanently attached to the outer tube  17 . This configuration allows the removal of the outer tube  17  from the body portion  40  without disruption of the inner tube  21 .  
         [0060]    The second opening  42  of the body portion  40  is an externally threaded opening. This second opening  42  is engageable with a control or stop valve  27  having an internally threaded portion.  
         [0061]    The third opening  43  is also suitably an externally threaded opening with a substantially smooth interior. This opening  43  is engageable with a control or stop valve  26 .  
         [0062]    The interior of the third opening engages the inner tube  21 . This engagement is a loose fit. A rubber packing seal  45  is used to form or enhance a fluid tight seal. The inner tube  21  extends through the third opening  43  and through the body portion  40  extending out of the first opening  41  of the body portion  40 .  
         [0063]    This configuration allows the removal and/or replacement of the inner tube  21  without disruption or removal of the outer tube  17  or removal of the second member  16  from the first member  10 .  
         [0064]    All of the threaded openings are engageable with a threaded member or bushing to interconnect the portions in a substantially fluid tight manner. In all cases, additional seals may be provided.  
         [0065]    The connecting means for connecting the second member will preferably be in the form of a connection bushing  28 , brazed to the outside of the second member  16 . This connection bushing will be preferably shaped as a hexagonal nut to facilitate its adjustment with standard plumbing or multi-purpose tools. The connecting means will form a substantially fluid impervious seal between the first and second members. The connection bushing  28  will have an external threaded section  29  to be engagedly received by a corresponding internally threaded section  15  on the interior of the connecting means  14  of the first member  10 . This will eliminate the need for a rubber seal and packing nut, resulting in a more reliable, leak-free means of installation.  
         [0066]    The first member  10  and the second member  16  will both be manufactured of suitable materials for fluid flow fittings. They shall be connected to the main flow stream pipe  13  in a manner which forms a substantially fluid impermeable seal with the main flow stream pipe  13 . They will be of suitable proportions to matingly connect with the main flow stream pipe  13  and so will vary in size.  
         [0067]    The proportions of the second member  16  will be such that it can be connected to the first member  10 .  
         [0068]    According to the second preferred embodiment a shown in FIG. 3, the inner tubular member  21  will be smaller in diameter than the outer tubular member  17 . The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member will both terminate in a plane parallel with the inlet flow direction. This terminus will be at the outlet end of the inner tubular member  22 . The outlet end of the inner tubular member  22  will be aligned with the inlet end of the outer tubular member  19 , but shall extend further into the main flow stream. The inner tubular member  22  and the outer tubular member  17  will be separated at the first end of the second member  16  by a lower sealing bushing  30 . This bushing may be manufactured of any fluid impermeable material and is so placed to prevent the fluid flowing in the fluid entry hole  18  and exiting out of the lower extremity of the outer tubular member  19 .  
         [0069]    According to the third preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an insert for replacing the first end of the second member.  
         [0070]    The first end of the second member comprises two coaxial tubular members.  
         [0071]    The outer tubular member  17  will terminate at a plane parallel to the flow direction in the main flow stream pipe  13 . The inner tubular member will also terminate at a plane parallel to the flow direction in the main flow stream pipe  13 , but the terminus of the inner tubular member  21  shall be spaced from the terminus of the outer tubular member ( 17 ), in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow in the main flow stream pipe  13 . The insert has an inlet end  23  and an outlet end  22 . The outer tubular member  17  has a fluid entry hole  18  positioned adjacent to the extremity of the member at the inlet end of the outer tubular member  19 . This fluid entry hole  18  will be large enough to divert some of the fluid from the main flow stream fluid into the outer tubular member  17 . The outer tubular member  17  of the second member, when connected to the first member  10 , will extend substantially into the main flow stream fluid allowing the correct positioning of the fluid entry hole  18 .  
         [0072]    The fluid diversion apparatus as described herein shall preferably be used as a part of a chemical dispensing system comprising a main flow stream pipe in which the fluid to be treated flows in one determined direction. For the purposes of introducing fresh untreated fluid to the chemical dispenser, the dispenser has an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid connection, by a suitable conduit, with the outlet of the second end of the second member. In a like manner, the outlet port of the dispenser is in fluid connection with the inlet means of the second end of the second member by means of a conduit.  
         [0073]    In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the description and claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.