Patent Description:
Many conduit systems in which a liquid is conveyed have problems with dirt particles or gas bubbles in the liquid. This is in particular the case with closed circuits, wherein a liquid may be circulated for a long time period. Such systems are for instance used for heating purposes. Over time, gas bubbles or dirt particles may contaminate the liquid and may deteriorate the functioning of the closed circuit, for instance because the system becomes clogged, or because valves do not function very well. It is also possible that gas bubbles accumulate in certain parts of the closed circuit, leading to dead branches, i.e. to parts of the closed circuit where the flow is obstructed. Cavitation due to gas bubbles causes damage to pumps and valves, in addition to noise for the user.

Over time, different devices have been developed for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles. Usually, before connecting such removal devices to a liquid conduit system, the liquid in said conduit system has a relatively high contamination level, wherein in particular a relatively high number of larger dirt particles and/or gas bubbles are present in the system. The dirt particles may comprise magnetite particles, said magnetite being particularly damaging to a pump which provides the circulation of the liquid in the conduit system. It is therefore desired to remove these magnetite particles as soon as possible from the liquid conduit system. It is also desired to circulate the liquid through the liquid conduit system using little energy, as this benefits the life cycle of the pump and reduces the costs of power consumption.

Document <CIT> discloses a removal device comprising the features of the preamble of independent claim <NUM>.

In a first aspect, the invention has as objective to provide a removal device which provides a more effective and/or more efficient way of removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit. This objective is achieved by a removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit, the removal device comprising:.

An advantage of the removal device is that the branch flow control member provides flexibility with respect to the part of the incoming main flow that is branched off. In the first position, a larger part is branched off, which may result in a quicker removal of dirt particles, in particular larger dirt particles. The first position may be advantageous when the removal device has just been installed, and there are a relatively high number of larger dirt particles and gas bubbles present in the liquid conduit system. The first position allows these larger dirt particles and gas bubbles to be removed faster, as a larger part of the incoming main flow is branched off into the inner space, where said particles and bubbles may be removed. In the first position the removal device therefore may nearly function as if it were a single-pass removal device, i.e. wherein the liquid only has to be circulated once through the removal device in order to remove the contaminations.

Another advantage is that when in the second position, a smaller part of the incoming main flow is branched off into the inner space, so a higher part of the incoming main flow will flow substantially unhindered through the main channel when compared to the first position. The second position resembles an ECO-mode, wherein it requires less power to circulate the liquid through the system compared to the first position.

Therefore the branch flow control member allows the removal device to remove the larger dirt particles and gas bubbles in the initial time period. After this initial time period, it is desired to continue the operation with the least amount of resistance during normal operational use. This is achieved when the branch flow control member is in the second position, wherein smaller particles and bubbles have more time to settle down, respectively ascend.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member is configured to gradually decrease the part of the incoming main flow which is branched off when the branch flow control member moves from the first position to the second position, and to gradually increase the part of the incoming main flow which is branched off when the branch flow control member moves from the second position to the first position.

An advantage of the gradual increase and decrease is that the branch flow control member has multiple positions which may be obtained, resulting in an even more flexible removal device.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the first position the branch flow control member is constructed to branch off substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow into the inner space.

Branching off substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow has the advantage that a high removal rate may be achieved.

In an embodiment of the removal device, in the second position the branch flow control member is constructed to branch off <NUM> - <NUM>% of the incoming flow into the inner space.

An advantage of only branching off <NUM>-<NUM>% of the incoming main flow into the inner space is that the flow velocity inside the inner space will be relatively low, which allows dirt particles to settle, and gas bubbles to rise inside the inner space. This branch off percentage was found to provide the best results when the branch flow control member is in the second position.

In another embodiment of the removal device, in the second position the branch flow control member is constructed to branch off <NUM>-<NUM>%, in particular <NUM>-<NUM>%, more in particular substantially <NUM>% of the incoming flow into the inner space.

Branching off <NUM>-<NUM>%, in particular <NUM>-<NUM>%, more in particular substantially <NUM>% of the incoming flow into the inner space has the advantage that still a high removal rate may be achieved while requiring less power to circulate the liquid through the liquid conduit system.

This embodiment may alternatively be provided with the previous embodiment, such that the removal device comprises a first position, a second position and a third position. In the second position the branch flow control member branches off <NUM>-<NUM>%, and in the third position the branch flow control member branches off <NUM>-<NUM>%. This way substantially three modes are provided. A first mode in which the largest part of the incoming main flow is branched off, having as advantage a highest removal rate. A second mode in which the removal rate is still relatively high, but the power consumption is relatively low. And a third mode in which the removal rate is the lowest of the three modes, but wherein the power consumption is also the lowest of the three modes.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises the supply channel and the return channel.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the main channel is straight, and wherein in the second position the branch flow control member is constructed to allow a part of the incoming main flow to flow straight through the main channel without being branched off.

Allowing a part of the incoming main flow to flow straight has the advantage that there is less resistance, so a low pressure drop. This has the advantage that less power is required to circulate the liquid through the liquid conduit system.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member is pivotable about a pivot axis.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member is movable between the first position and the second position via an adjustment member which is manually operable.

This allows the user to choose between the first and second position, and also other positions between said first and second position.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the housing is connected to the main channel via a pivotable coupling, the pivotable coupling comprising the adjustment member.

An advantage of said embodiment is a compact construction.

In an embodiment, the removal device comprises a cylindrical bore defined by a bore wall, the cylindrical bore having a first central axis extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of the main channel and extending towards the inner space, the cylindrical bore having a bore entry where the main flow enters the bore and a bore exit where the main flow exits the bore, the cylindrical bore having a first length and a first inner diameter, wherein the branch flow control member is positioned inside the bore and is pivotable about the pivot axis, the pivot axis being coaxial with the first central axis of the cylindrical bore.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises a pivotable main channel part defined by a main channel wall, the main channel part being configured to provide a straight flow path for an ongoing part of the main flow between the entry and the exit when the branch flow control member is in the second position, wherein the main channel part extends substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises one or more walls which extend over a distance along the pivot axis and which define at least a first channel part and a second channel part, wherein the first channel part extends from the bore entry to the inner space and defines a supply channel when the branch flow control member is in the first position or the second position and wherein the second channel part extends from the inner space to the bore exit and defines a return channel when the branch flow control member is in the first position or the second position.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises the adjustment member which is configured to pivot the branch flow control member between the first position and the second position when operated by a user.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the main channel part, the first and second channel part are jointly pivoted when the branch flow control member is pivoted about the pivot axis.

Said embodiment provides an efficient removal device, which is user-friendly. The adjustment member further allows easy positioning between the first and second position.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the one or more walls define:.

This way, the removal device always provides a supply channel and a return channel, thereby allowing the liquid to flow through the removal device from the entry to the exit.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member is symmetrical with respect to at least one plane extending along the pivot axis, in particular with respect to two planes extending along the pivot axis.

Such symmetry is advantageous with respect to pressure differences in the branch flow control member. The identical dimensions inherent to symmetry prevent these pressure differences.

The symmetry is also advantageous with respect to the pivot direction. Due to the symmetry, the branch flow control member may be pivoted either clockwise or counter-clockwise from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises a central body extending over a distance along the pivot axis, wherein the main channel part extends through said central body, wherein the first, second, third and fourth channel parts are defined by a first, second, third and fourth wall which extend over a radial distance from the central body and extend over a distance along the pivot axis, wherein the first, second, third and fourth channel parts are located around said central body, wherein in particular each of the first, second, third and fourth channel parts having a cross section in the form of a pie-shape or a shape of one quarter of an annulus. Said embodiment provides a simple construction.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the adjustment member is located at the pivotable coupling, in particular located between an end of the cylindrical bore, and an end of the housing, wherein the housing is pivotable relative to the bore wall which defines the cylindrical bore, and the adjustment member is pivotable relative to both the bore wall which defines the cylindrical bore and to the end of the housing.

The pivotable coupling allows the housing to be positioned in a desired orientation regardless of the orientation of the orientation of the main channel. It may be that the main channel has to be connected to a conduit which has an inclined orientation. In such a case, the housing is pivoted with respect to the main channel and conduit such that the housing has its desired orientation. This will generally be a substantially vertical orientation.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the first channel part and the second channel part extend substantially parallel to the pivot axis, and are separated from one another by the one more walls.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises four separating walls extending radially away from and parallel to the pivot axis, wherein the four separating walls define the four quadrants.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member is configured to pivot over an angle of <NUM>° between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the branch flow control member comprises a valve which is positioned in the main channel, wherein the valve comprises a pivot axis about which valve is pivotable between the first position and the second position by the adjustment member, the pivot axis extending perpendicular to the main flow direction, wherein in the first position, the valve defines at least two supply channels for branching off substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow, and one return channel, and wherein in the second position, the valve defines a supply channel, a return channel, and one main channel part, the main channel part being configured to provide a substantially unobstructed straight flow path for a part of the main flow between the entry and the exit.

In an embodiment the removal device comprises a single branch flow control member.

An advantage of having a single branch flow control member, is that a user only has to perform a single action when switching between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment of the removal device, a hollow member is provided in the inner space, the hollow member extending from a bottom portion of the housing into the inner space, in particular to above the supply channel, wherein an interior magnet is provided inside the hollow member, the interior magnet being removable from the hollow member via an opening.

In an embodiment of the removal device, when the branch flow control member is in the first position, the removal device is configured to remove magnetite particles and dirt particles in a first ratio of magnetite particles to dirt particles which is higher than a second ratio of magnetite particles to dirt particles when the branch flow control member is in the second position.

In an embodiment of the removal device, when the branch flow control member is in the first position, the removal device is configured to form a vortex in the inner space, and when the branch flow control member is in the second position, the removal device is configured to from substantially no vortex in the inner space.

As in the first position a large part of the incoming main flow is branched off into the inner space of the removal device, a vortex will be formed because of the high flow rate into the inner space. In the second position the flow rate into the inner space is lower such that substantially no vortex is formed.

The vortex is characterized by a low liquid velocity near the center, whereby air bubbles can easily rise, and on the other hand a high liquid velocity on the outside, whereby heavier dirt particles are forced outside the outer wall by the centrifugal forces, and are therefore easily removed.

Because of the vortex all magnetite particles are guided within the sphere of influence of the magnet, and pulled towards the magnet. The low fluid velocity in the eye of the vortex promotes the growth of magnetite on the hollow member of the magnet.

The invention further relates to a method of removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid, the method comprising:.

In an embodiment, the removal device comprises.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the central zone is configured to act as a central centrifugal zone for removing dirt particles and gas bubbles on the basis of centrifugal action when a flow velocity of the central flow exceeds a threshold value, and wherein the central zone is configured to act as a central settling zone for dirt particles and gas bubbles when a flow velocity of the central flow is below said threshold value.

An advantage of the removal device is that two dirt and gas removal principles may be combined, i.e. settling and centrifuge. The cylindrical shaped central zone facilitates the formation of a vortex, forcing dirt particles to the periphery of the vortex while forcing the gas bubbles to the middle, or the eye, of the vortex. Larger dirt particles and gas bubbles will be more prone to the centrifugal forces induced by the vortex, which is advantageous for the removal of those larger particles and bubbles.

The settling zone entry channel provides a path for the settling zone entry flow to slow down, thereby extending a settling path of the dirt particles towards the lower end of the housing. Also a rising path for the gas bubbles toward the upper end of the housing is extended by the settling zone entry channel. This is advantageous for the settling rate of the dirt particles, and for the rising rate of the gas bubbles.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the threshold value is <NUM>,<NUM>/s.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the first and second curved walls are positioned mirrored relative to a central axis of the inner space.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the settling zone entry channel comprises:.

and wherein the settling zone return channel comprises:.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the first and second curved walls have an edge at a side thereof which is located away from the supply channel and return channel, wherein said edge is in contact with the housing wall and closes the settling zone entry channel and the settling zone return channel at the edge.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the first and second curved walls extend substantially parallel to the housing wall, and in particular extend vertically.

In an embodiment, the removal device further comprises an inner top wall and an inner bottom wall, wherein the inner top wall extends between the upper ends of the first and second curved walls, wherein the inner bottom wall extends between the lower ends of the first and second curved walls, wherein the inner top wall and the inner bottom wall define an upper end respectively a lower end of the central zone.

The inner top and inner bottom walls further define the central zone, which has the advantage that the vortex is only induced between the curved walls and the inner top and inner bottom wall. The lower settling zone and the upper rising zone are substantially unaffected by the vortex, thereby providing a quiet settling and rising zone, in turn providing a high settling rate and rising rate. High settling and rising rates are advantageous for dirt and gas removal.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the inner bottom wall comprises a bottom through hole for dirt particles to pass to the lower settling zone located below the central zone, and wherein the inner bottom wall is in particular inclined in order to guide dirt particles toward the bottom through hole, and/or
wherein the inner top wall comprises a top through hole for gas bubbles to pass to the upper rising zone located above the central zone and wherein the inner top wall is in particular inclined in order to guide gas bubbles toward the top through hole.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the through holes are provided in a center of the inner bottom wall and/or inner top wall.

The through hole in the center in the inner top wall has the advantage that the gas bubbles which are forced to the center, or the eye, of the vortex, move straight up through the through hole to the upper rising zone.

In an embodiment of the removal device, a hollow member is provided in the inner space, the hollow member extending from a bottom portion of the housing into the inner space, in particular to an upper end of the central zone, wherein an interior magnet is provided inside the hollow member, the interior magnet being removable from the hollow member via an opening.

The magnet attracts magnetite particles, thereby separating the magnetite particles from the liquid in the conduit system. An advantage of the magnet extending into the central zone, is that the central flow immediately encounters said magnet, which allows magnetite particles to immediately attach to the magnet, via the hollow member that is.

In an embodiment of the removal device, the hollow member extends through the bottom through hole, wherein a cross-sectional area of the hollow member is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the bottom through hole, thereby defining a gap between the hollow member and the bottom through hole which allows dirt particles to pass through the gap.

In an embodiment of the removal device, an exterior magnet is provided on an outer surface of the housing, in particular at a location opposite to the supply channel and return channel.

In an embodiments, when the branch flow control member is in the first position, a flow velocity of the supply flow into the inner space is higher than a flow velocity of the supply flow into the inner space when the branch flow control member is in the second position wherein in the first position the central zone acts as a centrifugal zone and wherein in the second position the central zone acts as a settling zone.

Embodiments of the system and the method will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:.

Turning to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a removal device <NUM> for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system (not shown) according to the invention is shown.

The removal device <NUM> comprises a main channel <NUM> for a main flow <NUM> (<FIG>). The main channel <NUM> has an entry <NUM> and an exit <NUM> which are configured to be connected to the conduit system. A housing <NUM> defines an inner space <NUM>, which housing <NUM> is arranged adjacent the main channel <NUM>. At least one supply channel <NUM> extends from the main channel <NUM> to the inner space <NUM>. At least one return channel <NUM> extends from the inner space <NUM> back to the main channel <NUM>. A branch flow control member <NUM> is positioned in the main channel <NUM>. Said branch flow control member <NUM> is movable between a first position <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a second position <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In the first position <NUM> the branch flow control member <NUM> is constructed to branch off a larger part of the incoming main flow <NUM> into the inner space <NUM> via the supply channel <NUM> than in the second position <NUM>.

The branch flow control member <NUM> is configured to gradually decrease the part of the incoming main flow <NUM> which is branched off when the branch flow control member <NUM> moves from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM>, and to gradually increase the part of the incoming main flow <NUM> which is branched off when the branch flow control member <NUM> moves from the second position <NUM> to the first position <NUM>.

In the first position <NUM> the branch flow control member <NUM> branches off substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow <NUM> into the inner space <NUM>.

In the second position <NUM> the branch flow control member <NUM> branches off <NUM>-<NUM>%, in particular <NUM>-<NUM>%, more in particular substantially <NUM>% of the incoming flow into the inner space <NUM>.

The main channel <NUM> is straight. So the part of the incoming main flow <NUM> that is not branched off, flows straight from the entry <NUM> to the exit <NUM>. In the second position <NUM> the branch flow control member <NUM> therefore allows a part of the incoming main flow <NUM> to flow straight through the main channel <NUM> without being branched off.

The branch flow control member <NUM> comprises the supply channel <NUM> and the return channel <NUM>.

The branch flow control member <NUM> is movable between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM> via an adjustment member <NUM> which is manually operable. Moving the branch flow control member <NUM> may be done by pivoting it about a pivot axis <NUM>. So in fact the adjustment member <NUM> is pivoted, thereby pivoting the branch flow control member <NUM>.

The removal device <NUM> comprises a cylindrical bore <NUM> defined by a bore wall <NUM>. The cylindrical bore <NUM> has a first central axis <NUM> (<FIG>) extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of the main channel <NUM> and extending towards the inner space <NUM>. The cylindrical bore <NUM> has a bore entry <NUM> where the main flow <NUM> enters the bore <NUM> and a bore exit <NUM> where the main flow <NUM> exits the bore <NUM>. The cylindrical bore <NUM> has a first length L1 and a first inner diameter D1 (<FIG>).

The branch flow control member <NUM> is positioned inside the bore <NUM> and is pivotable about a pivot axis <NUM>. The pivot axis <NUM> is coaxial with the first central axis <NUM> of the cylindrical bore <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is connected to the main channel <NUM> via a pivotable coupling <NUM>. The pivotable coupling <NUM> comprises the adjustment member <NUM>.

The adjustment member <NUM> is located at the pivotable coupling <NUM>, in particular located between an end <NUM> of the cylindrical bore <NUM>, and an end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is pivotable relative to the bore wall <NUM> which defines the cylindrical bore <NUM>, and the adjustment member <NUM> is pivotable relative to both the bore wall <NUM> which defines the cylindrical bore <NUM> and to the end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The pivotable coupling <NUM> allows the housing <NUM> to be positioned in a desired orientation regardless of the orientation of the orientation of the main channel <NUM>. It may be that the main channel <NUM> has to be connected to a conduit which has a inclined orientation. In such a case, the housing <NUM> is pivoted with respect to the main channel <NUM> and conduit such that the housing <NUM> has its desired orientation. This will generally be a substantially vertical orientation.

The branch flow control member <NUM> further comprises a pivotable main channel part <NUM> defined by a main channel wall <NUM>. The main channel part <NUM> thus provides a straight flow path <NUM> for an ongoing part <NUM> of the main flow <NUM> between the entry <NUM> and the exit <NUM> when the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the second position <NUM>. The main channel part <NUM> extends substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The branch flow control member <NUM> has one or more walls <NUM> which extend over a distance along the pivot axis <NUM> and which define at least a first channel part <NUM> and a second channel part <NUM>. The first channel part <NUM> extends from the bore entry <NUM> to the inner space <NUM> and defines a supply channel <NUM> when the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the first position <NUM> or the second position <NUM>. The second channel part <NUM> extends from the inner space <NUM> to the bore exit <NUM> and defines a return channel <NUM> when the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the first position <NUM> or the second position <NUM>.

The branch flow control member <NUM> that is shown has multiple walls <NUM> which define the first channel part <NUM>, the second channel part <NUM>, a third channel part <NUM>, and a fourth channel part <NUM>. In the view of <FIG>, i.e. the direction of the pivot axis <NUM>, the first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> channel part are located about the pivot axis <NUM> and in particular form quadrants about the pivot axis <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the branch flow control member <NUM> being positioned in the second position <NUM>. In said second position <NUM> the first <NUM> and fourth <NUM> channel parts are positioned at the bore entry <NUM> and form the supply channel <NUM>. The second <NUM> and third <NUM> channel parts are positioned at the bore exit <NUM> and form the return channel <NUM>.

The branch flow control member <NUM> is symmetrical with respect to at least one plane <NUM> extending along the pivot axis <NUM>, in particular with respect to two planes <NUM>, <NUM> extending along the pivot axis <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the branch flow control member <NUM> being positioned in the first position <NUM>. The first <NUM> and third <NUM> channel parts are positioned at the bore entry <NUM> and form the supply channel <NUM> and the second <NUM> and fourth <NUM> channel parts are positioned at the bore exit <NUM> and form the return channel <NUM>.

So the removal device <NUM> always provides a supply channel <NUM> and a return channel <NUM>, thereby allowing the liquid to flow through the removal device <NUM> from the entry <NUM> to the exit <NUM>.

Due to its symmetry, the branch flow control member <NUM> can be pivoted either clockwise or counter-clockwise with respect to the pivot axis <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG> the branch flow control member <NUM> is pivoted clockwise from the first position to the second position. If however the pivoting occurs counter-clockwise, starting from the first position as shown in <FIG>, the second <NUM> and third <NUM> channel parts will form the supply channel <NUM> in the second position. The first <NUM> and fourth <NUM> channel part will then form the return channel <NUM>.

The branch flow control member <NUM> may have a central body <NUM> extending over a distance along the pivot axis <NUM>. The main channel part <NUM> extends through said central body <NUM>. The first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> channel parts are defined by a first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth wall <NUM>. Said four walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend over a radial distance from the central body <NUM> and extend over a distance along the pivot axis <NUM>. The first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> channel parts are located around said central body <NUM>. Each of the first, second, third and fourth channel parts has a cross section in the form of a pie-shape or a shape of one quarter of an annulus.

The branch flow control member <NUM> also comprises the adjustment member <NUM> which is configured to pivot the branch flow control member <NUM> between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM> when operated by a user. The main channel part <NUM>, the first and second channel part <NUM>, <NUM> are jointly pivoted when the branch flow control member <NUM> is pivoted about the pivot axis <NUM>.

The branch flow member may be an integral body comprising the abovementioned parts.

In <FIG> and <FIG> the branch flow control member <NUM> is positioned inside the cylindrical bore <NUM>. The branch flow control member <NUM> comprises four separating walls <NUM> extending radially away from and parallel to the pivot axis <NUM>. The four separating walls <NUM> define the four quadrants. In the shown embodiments, two of the four separating walls <NUM> are in fact double walls <NUM>, <NUM>. These double walls however function as one separating wall.

The first channel part <NUM> and the second channel part <NUM> extend substantially parallel to the pivot axis <NUM>, and are separated from one another by the separating walls <NUM>.

The branch flow control member <NUM> is configured to pivot over an angle of <NUM>° between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM>. <FIG> shows the branch flow control member <NUM> being positioned in the second position <NUM>. <FIG> shows the first position <NUM>, wherein the main channel part <NUM> of the branch flow control member <NUM> is positioned transverse with respect to the main channel <NUM>. In said first position <NUM>, substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow <NUM> is branched off into the inner space <NUM> via the supply channel <NUM>. Said supply channel <NUM> is formed by two channel parts <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the flow paths through the removal device for respectively the second position <NUM> (<FIG>) and first position <NUM> (<FIG>). In <FIG>, a main flow <NUM> enters the removal device via the entry <NUM>. A part <NUM> of the main flow <NUM> flows straight through the main channel part <NUM> towards the exit <NUM>. A remaining part <NUM> is branched off and guided towards the inner space <NUM> via the supply channel <NUM>. A return flow <NUM> flows back from the inner space towards the exit <NUM> via the return channel <NUM>, where it merges with the part <NUM> of the main flow <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively show a different branch off percentage, wherein the branch flow member in <FIG> branches off between <NUM>-<NUM>%, and wherein in <FIG> the branch flow control member branches off between <NUM>-<NUM>%. This is shown by the difference in diameter D1, D2 of the main channel part <NUM>. In <FIG> a first diameter D1 is smaller than in <FIG>, wherein the main channel part <NUM> has a second diameter D2. This is also shown by the part <NUM> of the main flow <NUM> which flows straight through the main channel part <NUM> toward the exit <NUM>. In <FIG> said part <NUM> is smaller than the part <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the branch flow control member <NUM> in the first position <NUM>, wherein substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow <NUM> is branched off and guided to the inner space <NUM>. The return flow <NUM> flows from the inner space <NUM> back to the main channel <NUM> via the return channel <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a different embodiment of the removal device <NUM> is shown, wherein the branch flow control member <NUM> comprises a valve <NUM> which is positioned in the main channel <NUM>. The valve <NUM> comprises a pivot axis <NUM> about which valve <NUM> is pivotable between the first position <NUM> (<FIG>) and the second position <NUM> (<FIG>). The pivoting is performed by an adjustment member, which is provided outside the main channel (not shown), in particular on an outer surface of the main channel. The pivot axis <NUM> extends transversely to the main flow direction. In the first position <NUM>, the valve <NUM> defines at least two supply channels <NUM>, <NUM> for branching off substantially <NUM>% of the incoming main flow <NUM>, and one return channel <NUM>. In the second position <NUM>, the valve <NUM> defines a supply channel <NUM>, a return channel <NUM>, and one main channel part <NUM>. The main channel part <NUM> provides a substantially unobstructed straight flow path for a part <NUM> of the main flow <NUM> between the entry <NUM> and the exit <NUM>.

In said different embodiment, a first wall <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> has a first part <NUM> extends substantially parallel to the main channel <NUM>. A leading edge <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> faces the incoming main flow <NUM>, thereby dividing the incoming main flow <NUM> in a first flow part and a second flow part. The first flow part flows substantially unobstructed past the first wall <NUM>. The second flow part is branched off into the inner space <NUM> of the removal device <NUM> via a second part <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> which extends from the main channel <NUM> towards the inner space <NUM>.

A second wall <NUM> is positioned downstream of the first wall, and extends from the main channel <NUM> towards the inner space <NUM>. The second wall extends transverse to the direction of the main channel. The valve <NUM> is positioned at an end <NUM> of the second wall <NUM>.

The first and second wall <NUM>, <NUM> divide a housing entry <NUM> in three channels. A first channel <NUM> functions as supply channel, a third channel <NUM> functions as return channel. A second channel <NUM> may function as a supply channel when the valve <NUM> is in the first position <NUM>. When the valve <NUM> is in the second position <NUM>, the second channel <NUM> does not function as a supply channel nor as a return channel.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in <FIG>, and also relates to a removal device <NUM>. Said removal device <NUM> has a main channel <NUM> for a main flow <NUM>. The main channel <NUM> has an entry <NUM> and an exit <NUM> which are configured to be connected to the conduit system (not shown). The removal device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> which defines an inner space <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is arranged adjacent the main channel <NUM>. At least one supply channel <NUM> extends from the main channel <NUM> to the inner space <NUM>. A return channel <NUM> extends from the inner space <NUM> back to the main channel <NUM>.

The removal device <NUM> comprises a first curved wall <NUM> and a second curved wall <NUM>. Said walls are provided in the inner space <NUM> and located at a distance <NUM> from the housing wall <NUM>. The first curved wall <NUM> and the second curved wall <NUM> define a central zone <NUM> between them. The central zone <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape.

A settling zone entry channel <NUM> is defined between the first curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>. A settling zone return channel <NUM> is defined between the second curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>. The first curved wall <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> which is directed against the incoming supply flow <NUM> which enters the inner space <NUM> via the supply channel <NUM>.

The removal device <NUM> further comprises a lower settling zone <NUM> located in a lower region <NUM> of the inner space <NUM>. In use the liquid has a substantially smaller flow velocity in the lower settling zone <NUM> than in the main channel <NUM>. That is because the lower settling zone <NUM> is configured for settling of dirt particles. The removal device <NUM> comprises a dirt discharge exit <NUM> for discharging the settled dirt particles. Said dirt discharge exit <NUM> is located at a lower end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The removal device <NUM> has an upper rising zone <NUM> located in an upper region <NUM> of the inner space <NUM>. Although the shown embodiment has both an upper rising zone <NUM> and a lower settling zone <NUM>, it may also be possible to have just one of these zones. In use the liquid has a substantially smaller flow velocity in the upper rising zone <NUM> than in the main channel <NUM>. The upper rising zone <NUM> is configured to allow rising of gas bubbles. In order to discharge the risen gas bubbles, the removal device <NUM> comprises a gas discharge exit <NUM>. The gas discharge exit <NUM> is located at an upper end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The leading edge <NUM> of the first curved wall <NUM> is configured to divide the incoming supply flow <NUM> in a central flow <NUM> and a settling zone entry flow <NUM>. The central flow <NUM> flows into the central zone <NUM>. The settling zone entry flow <NUM> flows into and through the settling zone entry channel <NUM> and from the settling zone entry channel <NUM> into the lower settling zone <NUM> and/or upper rising zone <NUM>.

The settling zone return channel <NUM> is configured to guide a settling zone return flow <NUM> from the lower and/or upper rising zone <NUM> toward the return channel <NUM>. A merge location <NUM> is defined between a trailing edge <NUM> of the second curved wall <NUM> and the return channel. At this merge location <NUM> the central flow <NUM> from the central zone <NUM> merges with the settling zone return flow <NUM>. From said merge location <NUM> the merged flow flows towards and into the return channel <NUM>.

When a flow velocity of the central flow <NUM> into the inner space <NUM> exceeds a threshold value, then the central zone <NUM> acts as a central centrifugal zone for removing dirt particles and gas bubbles on the basis of centrifugal action. In this case, a vortex will be induced in the central zone <NUM> by the incoming central flow <NUM>. This is shown in <FIG>. The curved walls <NUM>, <NUM> facilitate the forming of the vortex. When the flow velocity of the central flow <NUM> is below said threshold value, the central zone <NUM> is configured to act as a central settling zone for dirt particles and gas bubbles. The resulting flow is in the latter case illustrated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, a cross-section of the removal device <NUM> is shown, in particular in top view. The first and second curved walls <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned mirrored relative to a central axis <NUM> of the inner space <NUM>.

The settling zone entry channel <NUM> comprises a settling zone entry channel entrance <NUM> being defined between the leading edge <NUM> of the first curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>. A bottom exit opening (not shown) opens into the lower settling zone <NUM> (<FIG>), the bottom exit opening being defined between a lower end <NUM> of the first curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>. An upper exit opening (not shown) opens into the upper rising zone <NUM> (<FIG>), the upper exit opening being defined between an upper end <NUM> of the first curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>.

The settling zone return channel <NUM> comprises a settling zone return channel exit <NUM> being defined between the trailing edge <NUM> of the second curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>. A bottom entrance opening (not shown) provides an entrance from the lower settling zone <NUM> into the settling zone return channel <NUM>. The bottom entrance opening <NUM> is defined between a lower end <NUM> of the second curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>. An upper entrance opening <NUM> (<FIG>) provides an entrance from the upper rising zone <NUM> into the settling zone return channel <NUM>. The upper entrance opening <NUM> is defined between an upper end <NUM> of the second curved wall <NUM> and the housing wall <NUM>.

The first and second curved walls <NUM>, <NUM> have an edge <NUM> at a side <NUM> thereof which is located away from the supply channel <NUM> and return channel <NUM>. Said edge <NUM> is in contact with the housing wall <NUM> and closes the settling zone entry channel <NUM> and the settling zone return channel <NUM> at the edge <NUM>.

The first and second curved walls <NUM>, <NUM> extend substantially parallel to the housing wall <NUM>. The curved walls <NUM>, <NUM> particularly extend vertically.

The removal device <NUM> further comprises an inner top wall <NUM> and an inner bottom wall <NUM>. The inner top wall <NUM> extends between the upper ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second curved walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The inner bottom wall <NUM> extends between the lower ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second curved walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The inner top wall <NUM> and the inner bottom wall <NUM> define an upper end <NUM> respectively a lower end <NUM> of the central zone <NUM>.

The inner bottom wall <NUM> comprises a bottom through hole <NUM> for dirt particles to pass to the lower settling zone <NUM> located below the central zone <NUM>. The inner bottom wall <NUM> is in particular inclined in order to guide dirt particles toward the bottom through hole <NUM>.

The inner top wall <NUM> comprises a top through hole <NUM> for gas bubbles to pass to the upper rising zone <NUM> located above the central zone <NUM>. The inner top wall <NUM> is in particular inclined in order to guide gas bubbles toward the top through hole <NUM>.

The through holes are provided in a center <NUM> of the inner bottom wall <NUM> and/or inner top wall <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the removal device <NUM> comprising a hollow member <NUM> provided in the inner space <NUM>. The hollow member <NUM> extends from a bottom portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> into the inner space <NUM>, in particular to an upper end <NUM> of the central zone <NUM>. An interior magnet <NUM> is provided inside the hollow member <NUM>. The interior magnet <NUM> is configured to attract magnetite particles which enter the central zone <NUM> and/or the lower settling zone <NUM> via the settling zone entry channel <NUM>. The interior magnet <NUM> is removable from the hollow member <NUM> via opening <NUM>. In order to remove the interior magnet <NUM>, the housing <NUM> may be opened at the bottom portion <NUM>. After removing the interior magnet <NUM>, magnetite particles attached to the hollow member <NUM> will settle towards the bottom of the inner space <NUM>. The dirt discharge <NUM> allows the magnetite particles to be discharged.

The hollow member <NUM> extends through the bottom through hole <NUM>. A cross-sectional area of the hollow member <NUM> is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the bottom through hole <NUM>. This allows dirt particles to pass through the gap, as a gap <NUM> is defined between the hollow member <NUM> and the bottom through hole <NUM>.

Instead of, or together with the interior magnet <NUM>, an exterior magnet <NUM> may be provided. The exterior magnet <NUM> is provided an outer surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, in particular at a location opposite to the supply channel <NUM> and return channel <NUM>.

The interior magnet <NUM> and/or exterior magnet <NUM> can also be provided in the embodiment as shown in <FIG>.

The magnets <NUM>, <NUM> in combination with the different positions <NUM>, <NUM> of the branch flow control member <NUM> provide a high flexibility of the removal device. When the branch flow member is in the first position <NUM> a larger part of the incoming main flow is branched off into the inner space. Said larger part of the incoming main flow flows with a higher flow velocity into the inner space than the part that is branched off into the inner space when the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the second position. Branching off a large part has as advantage that also a large part of the magnetite particles in the fluid will be separated.

In addition, due to the higher flow velocity a vortex may be formed inside the substantially circular inner space <NUM>, when seen in top view as shown in <FIG>. The vortex can also be formed without the curved walls <NUM>, <NUM>. An advantage of the vortex is that the magnetite particles in the fluid may pass the magnet <NUM>, <NUM> multiple times, which increases the probability for said magnetite particles to attach to the magnet <NUM>, <NUM>.

When the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the second position <NUM>, a smaller part of the incoming main flow is branched off into the inner space <NUM> compared to the first position <NUM>. The flow velocity of the part that is branched off into the inner space will thus be lower. This results in less to no vortices forming in the inner space. The amount of magnetite particles being removed in the second position will therefore be lower compared to the first position. An advantage of the second position <NUM> however is that due to the lower velocity inside the inner space <NUM> dirt particles are better capable of settling, and gas bubbles better capable of rising.

By adjusting the branch flow control member <NUM> between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM>, the user is thus able to choose between a magnetite separation mode (first position) in which the ratio of magnetite particles to dirt particles is relatively high and a dirt separation mode (second position) in which said ratio of magnetite particles to dirt particles is relatively low, i.e. lower than said ratio in the first position.

The invention further relates to a method of removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system, the method comprising:.

As stated, the embodiments of the removal devices <NUM>, <NUM> according to the invention may be combined, thereby complementing each other.

In said combined embodiments, a branch flow control member <NUM> is provided, together with the curved walls. The inner top wall <NUM> and inner bottom wall <NUM> may also be provided. When the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the first position <NUM>, a flow velocity of the supply flow into the inner space <NUM> is higher than a flow velocity of the supply flow into the inner space <NUM>, in particular higher than the threshold value, when the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the second position <NUM>. As the flow velocity of the supply flow, or central flow <NUM>, into the central flow <NUM> is above the threshold value when the branch flow control member is in the first position <NUM> the central zone <NUM> acts as a centrifugal zone. When the branch flow control member is in the second position <NUM> the central zone <NUM> acts as a settling zone, because the supply flow, or central flow <NUM>, will be below the threshold value.

This way, the removal device <NUM> benefits from the high flow velocity of the supply flow when the branch flow control member <NUM> is in the first position <NUM> by inducing the vortex. The vortex will force larger dirt particles to the outside of the vortex and larger gas bubbles to its center, or eye. This way, a higher amount of larger dirt particles and gas bubbles can be removed. Especially right after installation of the removal device <NUM> this mode is advantageous.

The invention also relates to a method for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system, the method comprising:.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

Claim 1:
Removal device (<NUM>) for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system, the removal device comprising:
- a main channel (<NUM>) for a main flow (<NUM>), the main channel having an entry (<NUM>) and an exit (<NUM>) which are configured to be connected to the conduit system,
- a housing (<NUM>) which defines an inner space (<NUM>), wherein the housing is arranged adjacent the main channel,
- at least one supply channel (<NUM>) extending from the main channel to the inner space,
- at least one return channel (<NUM>) extending from the inner space back to the main channel,
- a branch flow control member (<NUM>) positioned in the main channel,
characterized in that the branch flow control member being movable between a first position (<NUM>) in which the branch flow control member is constructed to branch off at least a part of the incoming main flow into the inner space via the supply channel, and a second position (<NUM>), in which the branch flow control member is constructed to branch off at least a part of the incoming main flow into the inner space via the supply channel, wherein in the first position the branch flow control member is constructed to branch off a larger part of the incoming main flow into the inner space via the supply channel than in the second position.