U.S. patent application number 11/887522 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for geyser.
Invention is credited to Bevan John Davis, Glen Grainger.
Application Number | 20090145373 11/887522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36699239 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Bevan John ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
Geyser
Abstract
The invention provides a geyser (210) for heating water in
domestic or industrial applications. The geyser (210) includes a
first end section (212), a second end section (214), and a central
section (216) between the first and second end sections. The
central section (216) includes a plurality of modular components
(218 and 220) defining an inner wall (316) which together with the
first and second end sections (212 and 214) forms a primary, sealed
chamber (C) for containing fluid within the geyser (210), in use,
and an outer wall (318), spaced from the inner wall (316), which
together with the inner wall (316) and the first and second end
sections (212 and 214) forms a secondary, safety chamber (D) for
containing fluid expelled from the primary chamber (C) upon failure
of the geyser (210). An outlet (331) is provided on the geyser
(210) for allowing fluid to discharge from the secondary, safety
chamber (D), typically via a vent pipe, to a desired location. The
invention also relates to a kit for forming the geyser, and to a
method of manufacturing the geyser.
Inventors: |
Davis; Bevan John;
(Germiston, ZA) ; Grainger; Glen; (Alberton,
ZA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG
745 FIFTH AVENUE- 10TH FL.
NEW YORK
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
36699239 |
Appl. No.: |
11/887522 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
March 29, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2006/000712 |
371 Date: |
November 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
122/19.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 1/181 20130101;
F24H 9/14 20130101; Y02B 30/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
122/19.2 |
International
Class: |
F24H 9/02 20060101
F24H009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2005 |
ZA |
2005/02493 |
Claims
1. A geyser comprising: a first end section; a second end section;
a central section between the first and second end sections, the
central section defining an inner wall which together with the
first and second end sections forms a primary, sealed chamber for
containing fluid within the geyser, in use, and an outer wall,
spaced from the inner wall, which together with the inner wall and
the first and second end sections forms a secondary, safety chamber
for containing fluid expelled from the primary chamber upon failure
of the geyser; and an outlet for allowing fluid to discharge from
the secondary, safety chamber to a desired location.
2. A geyser according to claim 1, including a vent pipe for
carrying fluid discharged from the secondary, safety chamber to the
desired location.
3. A geyser according to claim 2, including a pressure release
mechanism for regulating the discharge of fluid from the secondary,
safety chamber.
4. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the primary chamber is
connected to a vent pipe via a pressure release mechanism.
5. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the central section
includes male and/or female engaging formations which are engaged
with corresponding female and/or male engaging formations on the
first and second end sections.
6. A geyser according to claim 5, wherein the connection between
the central section of the geyser and each of the first and second
end sections includes at least one elastomeric seal.
7. A geyser according to claim 6, wherein the engaging formations
on the central section and on the first and second end sections are
arranged to limit compressive loads applied to the elastomeric
seals.
8. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the central section
includes a plurality of modular components which are connected to
one another.
9. A geyser according to claim 8, wherein the modular components
include male and/or female engaging components which are engaged
with corresponding female and/or male engaging components on
adjacent modular components and with corresponding female and/or
male engaging components on the first and second end sections.
10. A geyser according to claim 9, wherein each connection between
adjacent modular components and between a modular component and an
end section of the geyser includes at least one elastomeric
seal.
11. A geyser according to claim 10, wherein the engaging formations
on the modular components and on the first and second end sections
are arranged to limit compressive loads applied to the elastomeric
seals.
12. A geyser according to claim 9, wherein the end sections each
include a male engaging formation, and the central section includes
an adaptor component which includes a female engaging formation at
each of two opposed ends, and a plurality of modular components
each of which includes a male engaging formation at one end and a
female engaging formation at an opposed end, wherein the adaptor
component is connected at each end to one of the modular
components, the first and second end sections are each connected to
one of the modular components, and each modular component is
connected to at least one other modular component.
13. A geyser according to claim 9, wherein the end sections each
include a female engaging formation, and the central section
includes an adaptor component which includes a male engaging
formation at each of two opposed ends, and a plurality of modular
components each of which includes a female engaging formation at
one end and a male engaging formation at an opposed end, wherein
the adaptor component is connected at each end to one of the
modular components, the first and second end sections are each
connected to one of the modular components, and each modular
component is connected to at least one other modular component.
14. A geyser according to claim 9, wherein the central section
includes two different types of modular components, a first modular
component with female engaging formations at each of two opposed
ends thereof, and a second modular component with male engaging
formations at each of two opposed ends thereof, wherein the first
and second end sections are each connected to one of the first
modular components, and each second modular component is connected
at each end to one of the first modular components.
15. A geyser according to claim 12, wherein each connection
includes at least one elastomeric seal.
16. A geyser according to claim 15, wherein the engaging formations
at each connection are arranged to limit compressive loads applied
to the elastomeric seals.
17. A geyser according to claim 1 including external and/or
internal bracing.
18. A geyser according to claim 17, including reinforcing frames
which extend across the inside of the central section.
19. A geyser according to claim 18, wherein the reinforcing frames
define a row of ribs along the length of the central section.
20. A geyser according to claim 17, including a screen for limiting
the flow of fluid entering the geyser.
21. A geyser according to claim 20, wherein the screen is connected
to at least a portion of the internal bracing.
22. A geyser according to claim 17, including reinforcing ribs
between the inner wall and the outer wall of the central
section.
23. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the central section is
connected to the first and second end sections with mechanical
fasteners.
24. A geyser according to claim 23, wherein the mechanical
fasteners comprise a plurality of bolts which extend through the
first end section and the central section, and which are connected
to the second end section by means of a plurality of nuts.
25. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the secondary, safety
chamber contains an insulation material.
26. A geyser according to claim 25, wherein the insulation material
comprises a polyurethane foam.
27. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the end sections each
include an end face which is curved convexly with respect to the
primary chamber.
28. A geyser according to claim 27, including an insulated chamber
on at least one of the end sections for insulating at least
portions of electrical components for the geyser.
29. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second end
sections include supports for supporting the geyser, in use.
30. A geyser according to claim 1, wherein the central section and
the first and second end sections are formed from a polymer
material.
31. A method of making a geyser comprising the steps of: providing
a first end section; providing a second end section; providing a
central section which defines an inner wall and an outer wall
spaced from the inner wall; connecting the central section to the
first and second end sections so that the inner wall together with
the first and second end sections forms a primary, sealed chamber
for containing fluid within the geyser, in use, and the outer wall
together with the inner wall and the first and second end sections
forms a secondary, safety chamber for containing fluid expelled
from the primary chamber upon failure of the geyser; and providing
an outlet for allowing fluid to discharge from the secondary,
safety chamber to a desired location.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the steps of providing
the central section and the first and second end sections include
forming these sections in an injection molding process.
33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the central section and
the first and second end sections are formed from a polymer
material.
34. A method according to claim 31, wherein the step of connecting
the central section to the first and second end sections includes
locating elastomeric seals between the various sections.
35. A method according to claim 31, wherein the central section
includes a plurality of modular components, and the method includes
the step of connecting the modular components together with
elastomeric seals to form the central section.
36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the central section
and/or the first and second end sections are formed with external
and/or internal bracing.
37. A method according to claim 31, wherein the end sections and
the central section are connected together by means of mechanical
fasteners.
38. A method according to claim 31, including the step of inserting
an insulating material into the secondary chamber.
39. A method according to claim 38, wherein the insulating material
is a polyurethane foam.
40. A kit for forming a geyser comprising: a first end section; a
second end section; a central section defining an inner wall and an
outer wall spaced from the inner wall, wherein the first section
and the second section are connectable to the central section so
that the inner wall together with the first and second end sections
forms a primary, sealed chamber for containing fluid within the
geyser, in use, and the outer wall together with the inner wall and
the first and second end sections forms a secondary, safety chamber
for containing fluid expelled from the primary chamber upon failure
of the geyser; and an outlet in the first end section, the second
end section and/or the central section for allowing fluid to
discharge from the secondary, safety chamber to a desired location,
in use.
41. A kit according to claim 40, wherein the central section
includes a plurality of modular components which are connectable to
one another.
42. A kit according to claim 40, including mechanical fasteners for
connecting the first end section and the second end section to the
central section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] THIS invention relates to geysers for heating water in
domestic or industrial applications. More specifically, the
invention relates to a geyser which is designed to contain heated
water in the event of a failure of the geyser. The invention also
relates to a kit for forming the geyser, and to a method of
manufacturing the geyser.
[0002] Conventional geysers for heating water can fail by
developing leaks or by bursting unexpectedly. In such an event, the
water expelled from the geyser may cause extensive damage. It is
thus desirable to have a mechanism for containing water expelled
from a failed geyser.
[0003] A known method for containing such water is to provide a
tray or the like below the geyser. The tray may be connected to a
conduit for directing water away from the geyser to a desired
location. Although this method generally is effective in containing
water discharged directly into the tray, it is not always effective
in containing water or steam expelled from the geyser under
pressure.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a geyser
which includes a mechanism for containing water and steam expelled
under pressure upon failure of the geyser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a
geyser comprising: [0006] a first end section; [0007] a second end
section; [0008] a central section between the first and second end
sections, the central section defining an inner wall which together
with the first and second end sections forms a primary, sealed
chamber for containing fluid within the geyser, in use, and an
outer wall, spaced from the inner wall, which together with the
inner wall and the first and second end sections forms a secondary,
safety chamber for containing fluid expelled from the primary
chamber upon failure of the geyser; and [0009] an outlet for
allowing fluid to discharge from the secondary, safety chamber to a
desired location.
[0010] Ideally, the primary chamber is connected to a vent pipe via
a pressure release mechanism, and the secondary chamber is
connected to a vent pipe, possibly via a pressure release
mechanism.
[0011] In one arrangement, the central section includes engaging
formations which are engaged with corresponding engaging formations
on the first and second end sections. For example, the central
section may include female engaging formations at each of two
opposed ends thereof, and the first and second end sections may
include male engaging formations which are engaged with the female
engaging formations on the central section. The connection between
the central section of the geyser and each of the first and second
end sections may include a seal which may be formed, for example,
from an elastomeric material.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central
section includes a plurality of modular components which are
connected to one another. Each modular component may include an
engaging formation which is engaged with a corresponding engaging
formation on an adjacent modular component. By way of example, the
modular components may include male and/or female engaging
components which are engaged with corresponding female and/or male
engaging components on adjacent modular components and with
corresponding female and/or male engaging components on the first
and second end sections. Each connection between adjacent modular
components may include a seal, such as an elastomeric seal.
[0013] In one form of the invention, the end sections each define a
male engaging formation. In this case, the central section may
include an adaptor component which includes a female engaging
formation at each of two opposed ends, and a plurality of modular
components each of which includes a male engaging formation at one
end and a female engaging formation at an opposed end, wherein the
adaptor is connected at each end to one of the modular components,
the first and second end sections are each connected to one of the
modular components, and each modular component is connected to at
least one other modular component.
[0014] Alternatively, the end sections may each define a female
engaging formation, in which case the central section may include
an adaptor component which includes a male engaging formation at
each of two opposed ends, and a plurality of modular components
each of which includes a female engaging formation at one end and a
male engaging formation at an opposed end, wherein the adaptor is
connected at each end to one of the modular components, the first
and second end sections are each connected to one of the modular
components, and each modular component is connected to at least one
other modular component.
[0015] In another arrangement, the central section includes two
different types of modular components, a first modular component
with female engaging formations at each of two opposed ends
thereof, and a second modular component with male engaging
formations at each of two opposed ends thereof, wherein the first
and second end sections are each connected to one of the first
modular components, and each second modular component is connected
at each end to one of the first modular components.
[0016] The engaging formations on the central section or on the
modular components of the central section, and the engaging
formations on the first and second end sections may be arranged to
limit compressive loads applied to the elastomeric seals.
[0017] The geyser may include external and/or internal bracing for
increased stiffness. For example, the geyser may include
reinforcing frames which extend across the inside of the central
section to define a row of ribs along the length of the geyser.
[0018] In one form of the invention, the geyser includes a screen
for limiting the flow of fluid entering the geyser.
[0019] The central section may be connected to the first and second
end sections with mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the
mechanical fasteners comprise a plurality of bolts which extend
through the first end section and the central section, and which
are connected to the second end section by means of a plurality of
nuts.
[0020] Preferably, the secondary, safety chamber contains an
insulation material such as a polyurethane foam.
[0021] Ideally, the first and second end sections include end faces
which are curved convexly with respect to the primary chamber.
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the first and second end
sections include support formations for supporting the geyser, in
use.
[0023] The geyser may also include an insulated chamber on at least
one of the end sections for insulating at least portions of
electrical components for the geyser.
[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a method of making a geyser comprising the steps of:
[0025] providing a first end section; [0026] providing a second end
section; [0027] providing a central section which defines an inner
wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall; [0028]
connecting the central section to the first and second end sections
so that the inner wall together with the first and second end
sections forms a primary, sealed chamber for containing fluid
within the geyser, in use, and the outer wall together with the
inner wall and the first and second end sections forms a secondary,
safety chamber for containing fluid expelled from the primary
chamber upon failure of the geyser; and [0029] providing an outlet
for allowing fluid to discharge from the secondary, safety chamber
to a desired location.
[0030] The steps of providing the central section and the first and
second end sections may include forming these sections in an
injection molding process.
[0031] In one arrangement, the step of connecting the central
section to the first and second end sections includes locating
seals, such as elastomeric seals, between the various sections.
[0032] The central section may include a plurality of modular
components, and the method may include the step of connecting the
modular components together, typically with elastomeric seals, to
form the central section.
[0033] The central section and/or the first and second end sections
may be formed with external and/or internal bracing.
[0034] In on embodiment, the end sections and the central section
are connected together by means of mechanical fasteners, such as
bolts and nuts.
[0035] Ideally, the method also includes the step of inserting an
insulating material, such as a polyurethane foam, into the
secondary chamber.
[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention there is
provided a kit for forming a geyser comprising: [0037] a first end
section; [0038] a second end section; [0039] a central section
defining an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner
wall, wherein the first section and the second section are
connectable to the central section so that the inner wall together
with the first and second end sections forms a primary, sealed
chamber for containing fluid within the geyser, in use, and the
outer wall together with the inner wall and the first and second
end sections forms a secondary, safety chamber for containing fluid
expelled from the primary chamber upon failure of the geyser; and
[0040] an outlet in the first end section, the second end section
and/or the central section for allowing fluid to discharge from the
secondary, safety chamber to a desired location, in use.
[0041] Preferably, the central section includes a plurality of
modular components which are connectable to one another.
[0042] The kit may also include mechanical fasteners for connecting
the first end section and the second end section to the central
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a geyser according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the geyser
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of a first end section
of the geyser of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of a second end
section of the geyser of FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a first modular component
from a central section of the geyser of FIG. 1;
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second modular
component from a central section of the geyser of FIG. 1;
[0050] FIGS. 7 and 8 show perspective views of a geyser according
to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of a first end section
of the geyser of FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0052] FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a second end
section of the geyser of FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0053] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a first modular
component from a central section of the geyser of FIGS. 7 and
8;
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second modular
component from a central section of the geyser of FIGS. 7 and 8;
and
[0055] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the geyser according
to the second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] The present invention may be used in domestic or industrial
applications to prevent damage which may be caused by water
expelled from a failed geyser.
[0057] In FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings there is shown
a geyser according to one embodiment of the invention. The geyser
is designated generally with the reference numeral 10 and includes
a first end section 12, a second end section 14 and a central
section 16. The central section 16 includes first modular sections
18 and second modular sections 20 which are connected to one
another in a manner described in more detail below.
[0058] With reference also to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the first end
section 12 is seen to include an end face 22, an inner wall section
24 extending around the end face 22, an outer wall section 26
spaced from the inner wall section 24, and an end wall 28 extending
between the inner and outer wall sections. The end face 22 is
curved to form a convex surface on the inside of the geyser 10, and
includes four inner reinforcing gussets 30, as shown. Eight
connection formations 32 are arranged in the space between the
inner wall section 24 and the outer wall section 26. Each
connection formation 32 includes a socket 34, an inner web 36
connecting the socket to the inner wall section 24, and an outer
web 38 connecting the socket to the outer wall section 26. A
support in the form of a foot 40 extends from a portion of the
outer wall section 26, as shown.
[0059] The second end section 14, which is illustrated in FIG. 4,
is similar to the first end section 12, and also includes an end
face 42, an inner wall section 44 extending around the end face 42,
an outer wall section 46 spaced from the inner wall section 44, and
an end wall 48 extending between the inner and outer wall sections.
Also similar to the first end section 12, the end face 42 is curved
to form a convex surface on the inside of the geyser 10, and
includes inner reinforcing gussets 50 (see FIG. 2). Eight
connection formations 52 are arranged in the space between the
inner wall section 44 and the outer wall section 46. The connection
formations 52 are similar in all respects to the connection
formations 32, and hence also include sockets 54 (visible in FIG.
2), and inner webs 56 and outer webs 58 (also visible in FIG. 2)
connecting the sockets to the inner wall section 44 and the outer
wall section 46. As in the case of the first end section 12, the
second end section 14 includes a supporting foot 60 which extends
from a portion of the outer wall section 46, as illustrated.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a first modular component 62 for forming
the central section 16 of the geyser 10. As can be seen, the first
modular component 62 includes an inner wall section 64 and an outer
wall section 66. The inner wall section 64 defines a female
engaging formation in the form of a channel 68 on each of two
opposed sides thereof, and the outer wall section 66 defines a
female engaging formation in the form of a channel 70 on each of
two opposed sides thereof. The first modular component 62 also
includes connection formations 72 which extend between the inner
wall section 64 and the outer wall section 66. Each connection
formation 72 includes a socket 74, an inner web 76 connecting the
socket to the inner wall section 64, and an outer web 78 connecting
the socket to the outer wall section 66.
[0061] A second modular component 80 is illustrated in FIG. 6. This
component is similar to the first modular component 62, and hence
also includes an inner wall section 82, an outer wall section 84
and connection formations 86 between the inner and outer wall
sections. Each connection formation 86 includes a socket 88, and an
inner web 90 and an outer web 92 for connecting the socket to the
inner and outer wall sections, respectively. Unlike the first
modular component, the inner wall section 82 defines male engaging
formations in the form of edges 94 at each of two opposed ends
thereof, and the outer wall section 84 defines male engaging
formations in the form of edges 96 at each of two opposed ends
thereof.
[0062] In this embodiment, the first end section, the second end
section and the first and second modular components of the central
section are all formed in an injection molding process from a
polymer material.
[0063] In practice, the geyser 10 is assembled by first forming the
central section 16, and then connecting the central section to the
first end section 12 and the second end section 14. The central
section 16 is formed by connecting together a plurality of first
modular components 62 and second modular components 80. This may be
achieved by placing elastomeric seals (not shown) into the female
engaging formations 68 and 70 on the first modular components 62,
and then inserting the edges 94 and 96 on the inner wall sections
and the outer wall sections of the second modular components into
the female engaging formations 68 and 70 to form a length of
alternating first and second modular components. The second modular
components may include projections (not illustrated) adjacent the
edges 94 and 96 which limit the extent to which these edges can
penetrate the female engaging formations 68 and 70, thereby to
prevent damage to the seals by excessive loading. The number of
first and second modular components connected together will depend
upon the size of geyser required. Typically, the components 62 and
80 will be sized so that geysers may be formed with capacities of
100 liters, 150 liters or 200 liters, depending upon the number of
modular components used to form the central section 16 of the
geyser. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the
central section 16 includes ten first modular sections 18 and nine
second modular sections 20, with a first modular section at each
end of the central section 16.
[0064] Once the central section 16 has been formed, it may be
connected to the first end section 12 and the second end section 14
by placing elastomeric seals (not illustrated) into the female
engaging formations 68 and 70 at each end of the central section
16, and then inserting the free edges of the inner wall sections
and the outer wall sections of the first and second end sections
into the female engaging formations 68 and 70. Once again,
projections may be provided on the inner and outer wall sections of
the first end section 12 and the second end section 14 to limit the
extent to which the free edges of these inner and outer wall
sections penetrate the female engaging formations 68 and 70,
thereby to prevent damage to the seals by excessive loading. In
this condition of the geyser 10, the various sockets on the
connecting formations are aligned with one another, and the first
end section 12, the second end section 14 and the central section
16 are secured together by inserting eight Allen bolts 100 (see
FIG. 2) through the various sockets, and locking the Allen bolts to
the geyser with nuts 102 (see FIG. 2). In the assembled condition,
the central section 16 is sandwiched between the first and second
end sections 12 and 14 to form a primary sealed chamber A defined
between the inner wall 101 of the central section 16 and the end
faces 22 and 42 of the first and second end sections 12 and 14, and
a secondary, safety chamber defined between the inner wall 101 of
the central section 16, the outer wall 103 of the central section,
and the end walls 28 and 48 of the end sections 12 and 14. The
primary chamber A is designed to contain fluid under pressure so as
to allow water in this chamber to be heated, in use. The secondary,
safety chamber is designed to contain fluid expelled from the
primary chamber upon failure of the geyser.
[0065] With reference again to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the end face
42 includes a first opening 104 for receiving a conventional
heating element 106 (see FIG. 2), a second opening 108 defining an
inlet for the geyser 10, and a third opening 110 for receiving a
conventional thermostat (not illustrated). If desired, the end face
42 could also include an opening 112 for receiving an anode (not
illustrated). However, due to the structure and the materials of
the geyser 10, it is envisaged that an anode would not be
necessary. As shown in FIG. 3, the end face 22 includes an opening
114 defining an outlet for the geyser.
[0066] In FIG. 2 of the drawings, an inlet end cap 116 is seen to
be connected to the second end section 14, and an outlet end cap
118 is seen to be connected to the first end section 12 with Allen
bolts 120. Both end caps 116 and 118 are connected to the end
sections with seals or gaskets (not illustrated) so as to form a
seal between these components. This allows electrical components
such as portions of the heating element and the thermostat to be
electrically insulated within the geyser 10. An insulation
material, which may comprise, for example, a polyurethane foam 122
(see FIG. 2) may then be introduced into the secondary chamber via
a sealable aperture (not illustrated). The polyurethane foam may
also be introduced into the gap between the inlet end cap 116 and
the second end section 14, and between the outlet end cap 118 and
the first end section 12.
[0067] In use, the geyser may be installed internally or externally
by positioning it on the support feet 40 and 60, and connecting the
inlet opening 108 on the second end section 14 to a water supply
line extending through an opening 124 in the inlet cap 116 to allow
water into the geyser. Conventional valve mechanisms (not
illustrated) may be installed to control the flow of fluid through
the inlet opening 108, and to allow for the release of pressurized
fluid from the primary chamber A when the fluid pressure within
this chamber reaches a predetermined magnitude. The geyser 10 may
then be connected to a supply of electricity so as to heat water
within the primary chamber A, and the heated water may be allowed
to drain from the geyser through the outlet opening 114 in a
conventional manner. In the event that the geyser fails, for
example if the inner wall 101 bursts or develops a leak, in use,
water expelled from the primary chamber A is discharged into the
secondary, safety chamber where it is contained to prevent damage.
A safety outlet on the geyser 10 allows water to discharge from the
secondary, safety chamber to a desired location, away from where it
can cause damage, via a vent pipe (not illustrated) or the like. If
desired, a pressure release mechanism (not illustrated) may be
provided to regulate the discharge of water through the safety
outlet on the geyser 10.
[0068] FIGS. 7 to 13 of the drawings illustrate a geyser 210
according to another embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment, the geyser 210 is similar in many respects to the
geyser 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and also includes a first
end section 212, a second end section 214 and a central section 216
(see FIGS. 7 and 8). As in the case of the first embodiment, the
central section 216 includes first modular sections 218 and second
modular sections 220 which are connected to one another to form a
geyser with a desired capacity.
[0069] With reference also to FIG. 9 of the drawings, the first end
section 212 is seen to include an end face 222, an inner wall
section 224 extending around the end face 222, an outer wall
section 226 spaced from the inner wall section 224, and an end wall
228 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) extending between the inner and outer wall
sections. The end face 222 is curved to form a convex surface on
the inside of the geyser 210, and includes four outer reinforcing
gussets 230, as shown in FIG. 8. Connection formations 232 are
arranged in the space between the inner wall section 224 and the
outer wall section 226. As can be seen, each of the connection
formations 232 includes a socket 234, an inner web 236 connecting
the socket to the inner wall section 224, and an outer web 238
connecting the socket to the outer wall section 226. Between the
connection formations 232, the end section 212 includes eight
reinforcing ribs 239 for increasing the stiffness of this end
section, and on an operatively lower portion of this end section,
the outer wall section 226 caries a support in the form of a foot
240.
[0070] The second end section 214, which is illustrated in FIG. 10,
is similar to the first end section 212, and also includes an end
face 242, an inner wall section 244 extending around the end face
242, an outer wall section 246 spaced from the inner wall section
244, and an end wall 248 extending between the inner and outer wall
sections. Also similar to the first end section 212, the end face
242 is curved to form a convex surface on the inside of the geyser
210, and includes outer reinforcing gussets 250, as shown.
Connection formations 252 are arranged in the space between the
inner wall section 244 and the outer wall section 246, and
similarly to the connection formations 232 in the first end section
212 include sockets (not visible), and inner webs and outer webs
(also not visible) connecting the sockets to the inner wall section
244 and the outer wall section 246. Eight reinforcing ribs (not
visible) similar to the reinforcing ribs 239 on the first end
section 212 are arranged between the connecting formations 252 in
the second end section 214, and the second end section carries a
foot 254 on the outer wall section 246.
[0071] FIG. 11 illustrates a first modular component 256 for
forming the central section 216 of the geyser 210. As can be seen,
the first modular component 256 includes an inner wall section 258
and an outer wall section 260. The inner wall section 258 defines a
female engaging formation in the form of a channel 262 on each of
two opposed sides thereof, and the outer wall section 260 defines a
female engaging formation in the form of a channel 264 on each of
two opposed sides thereof. The first modular component 256 also
includes connection formations 266 which extend between the inner
wall section 258 and the outer wall section 260. Each connection
formation 266 includes a socket 268, an inner web 270 connecting
the socket to the inner wall section 258, and an outer web 272
connecting the socket to the outer wall section 260. Between the
connection formations 266, the first modular component 256 includes
reinforcing ribs 274 for increasing the stiffness of this
component. Furthermore, the first modular component 256 includes an
inner reinforcing frame 276. In this embodiment of the invention,
the inner reinforcing frame 276 includes an outer rim 278 connected
to the inner wall section 258, a central portion 280, and four ties
282 extending between the central portion 280 and the outer rim
278.
[0072] A second modular component 290 is illustrated in FIG. 12.
This component is similar to the first modular component 256, and
hence also includes an inner wall section 292, an outer wall
section 294 and connection formations 296 between the inner and
outer wall sections. Each connection formation 296 includes a
socket 298, and an inner web 300 and an outer web 302 for
connecting the socket to the inner and outer wall sections,
respectively. Between the connection formations 296, the second
modular component 290 includes eight reinforcing ribs 304, and the
second modular component 290 includes an inner reinforcing frame
306 which includes a central portion 308, and four ties 310
extending between the central portion 308 and the inner wall
section 292. Unlike the first modular component 256, the inner wall
section 292 defines male engaging formations in the form of edges
312 at each of two opposed ends thereof, and the outer wall section
294 defines male engaging formations in the form of edges 314 at
each of two opposed ends thereof.
[0073] In FIG. 13, the inner reinforcing frames 276 and 306 are
seen to provide a row of internal ribs which, together with the
reinforcing ribs 274 and 304 on the first and second modular
components 256 and 290, serve to increase the stiffness of the
geyser 210.
[0074] As in the case of the geyser 10, the various modular
components and end sections of the geyser 210 may be formed from a
polymer material and the geyser 210 may be assembled in a manner
similar to that described above with reference to the geyser 10 by
first forming the central section 216, and then connecting the
central section to the first end section 212 and the second end
section 214.
[0075] With particular reference to FIG. 13, the first modular
components 256 are seen to include shoulders 320 within the female
engaging formations which limit the extent to which elastomeric
seals 322 can be compressed by the male engaging formations on the
second modular components 290. This ensures that the seals 322 are
not damaged during assembly.
[0076] In the assembled condition, the central section 216 is
sandwiched between the first and second end sections 212 and 214 to
form a primary sealed chamber C between the inner wall 316 of the
central section 216 and the end faces 222 and 242 of the first and
second end sections 212 and 214, and a secondary, safety chamber
between the inner wall 316 of the central section 216, the outer
wall 318 of the central section 216, and the end walls 228 and 248
of the end sections 212 and 214. As in the case of the geyser 10,
the primary chamber C is designed to contain fluid under pressure
so as to allow water within this chamber to be heated, in use, and
the secondary, safety chamber is designed to contain fluid expelled
from the primary chamber upon failure of the geyser.
[0077] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 13 of the drawings, the end
face 222 is seen to include a first opening 324 for receiving a
conventional heating element 326, a second opening 328 defining an
inlet for the geyser 210, and a third opening 330 for receiving a
conventional thermostat (not illustrated). The first end section
212 is also seen in FIGS. 1 and 13 to include a safety outlet 331
in the end wall 228 which, upon failure of the primary chamber C,
allows water collecting in the secondary, safety chamber to
discharge via a vent pipe to a desired location away from where it
can cause damage. In FIG. 10 of the drawings, the end face 242 is
shown with an outlet for the geyser in the form of an opening
332.
[0078] Similarly to the geyser 10, the ends of the geyser 210 may
be fitted with end caps 334 to allow electrical components such as
portions of the heating element and the thermostat to be
electrically insulated within the geyser 210. Furthermore, an
insulation material may be introduced into the secondary chamber
via a sealable aperture (not illustrated) in a manner similar to
that described above with reference to the geyser 10, and the
geyser 210 may be installed in a similar fashion to that described
above with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0079] The geyser 210 may include pressure release mechanisms (not
illustrated) for regulating the discharge of water from the primary
chamber C and/or from the secondary, safety chamber.
[0080] Although not shown, the geyser 210 could include a screen
inside the primary chamber C for limiting the flow of cool water
entering the geyser. For example, the screen could be supported on
a portion of the inner reinforcing frames 276 and 306 to cause the
cool water initially to remain in the vicinity of the heating
element 326 and, subsequent to initial heating, to allow this water
to circulate upwardly into contact with heated water within the
geyser.
[0081] It will be appreciated that various changes could be made to
the geysers described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and
FIGS. 7 to 13 of the drawings. For example, the central section of
the geyser, instead of including two different types of modular
components, may be formed from a plurality of similar modular
components, each of which includes female engaging formations on
one end thereof and corresponding male engaging formations on the
other end thereof so as to be engagable with one another end-to-end
to form a row of adjacent modular components. In such an
arrangement, one end section of the geyser could include a female
engaging formation for engaging a male engaging formation at one
end of the central section, and the other end section of the geyser
could include a male engaging formation for engaging a female
engaging formation at the other end of the central section.
Alternatively, if both end sections of the geyser include male
engaging formations or female engaging formations, the geyser could
include an adaptor for allowing both end sections of the geyser to
engage the central section.
[0082] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the
secondary, safety chamber of the geyser of the invention is
advantageous in that it serves to prevent damage by containing
water expelled from the primary chamber of the geyser in the event
of geyser failure. It should also be understood that the discharge
of water from the secondary, safety chamber to the desired location
serves to indicate that the geyser has failed. In this way, the
geyser may be repaired or replaced before it effects serious
damage. Furthermore, the modular structure of the geyser allows for
the cost effective and relatively easy manufacture of different
capacity geysers. Also, by forming the central section of the
geyser with modular components, geyser failures in the form of
cracks tend to be limited to one or two modular components rather
than to spread across the length of the geyser. Yet a further
advantage of the geyser according to the invention is that it may
be formed predominantly from a polymer material. Apart from
allowing for the manufacture of geysers which are relatively strong
and durable, this renders the geysers resistant to corrosion and
avoids the need for anodes.
* * * * *