U.S. patent application number 13/274652 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for filtration of liquid coolants.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ralph F. Polimeni, JR.. Invention is credited to Ralph F. Polimeni, JR..
Application Number | 20130092641 13/274652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48085291 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130092641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Polimeni, JR.; Ralph F. |
April 18, 2013 |
FILTRATION OF LIQUID COOLANTS
Abstract
A coolant for a machine is filtered by passing some of the
coolant into a discharge tube having an opening, the discharge tube
supporting a filter bag. Coolant flowing into the discharge tube
flows out of the tube through the opening, and then through the
bag, and the filtered fluid is recirculated. An end piece,
pivotably mounted to the discharge tube, prevents the bag from
falling off while in operation, but can be pivoted to a position
which facilitates insertion and removal of the bag. When filled,
the bag can therefore easily be removed and replaced with a new
bag. The invention greatly simplifies the process of filtering a
coolant fluid.
Inventors: |
Polimeni, JR.; Ralph F.;
(Reno, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Polimeni, JR.; Ralph F. |
Reno |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48085291 |
Appl. No.: |
13/274652 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/805 ;
138/109; 210/459; 210/767 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 29/90 20130101;
B01D 29/27 20130101; B01D 37/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/805 ;
210/459; 138/109; 210/767 |
International
Class: |
B01D 29/00 20060101
B01D029/00; F16L 9/00 20060101 F16L009/00 |
Claims
1. A system for filtration of a coolant, comprising: a) a conduit
for supplying a fluid coolant, the conduit being connected to means
for delivering some of the coolant to a workpiece, b) a discharge
tube, the discharge tube being in fluid communication with the
conduit, the discharge tube having an internal channel which
permits fluid flow through the tube, the discharge tube also having
an opening in communication with the internal channel and allowing
fluid to flow out of the tube, c) a filter bag disposed around the
discharge tube, and suspended from the discharge tube, the filter
bag being made of a filter material, wherein fluid entering the
discharge tube flows through the opening and into the bag, wherein
fluid is filtered by passage through the filter material of the
bag.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening in the discharge tube
comprises a slot which extends through a body of the discharge
tube, the slot extending along most of a length of the discharge
tube.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the discharge tube is connected
to an end piece, the end piece being pivotably mounted to the
discharge tube, wherein the end piece can be pivoted to a position
wherein the end piece is substantially parallel to the discharge
tube, and to another position wherein the end piece is
substantially perpendicular to the discharge tube.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the end piece is in the position
substantially perpendicular to the discharge tube, when the filter
bag is in place over the tube.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the discharge tube includes a
mounting block having at least one hole for insertion of a fastener
for affixing the discharge tube to a structure.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a valve, in fluid
communication with the discharge tube, for controlling a flow of
fluid into the discharge tube.
7. A discharge tube comprising: a) a generally cylindrical body,
the body having a longitudinal axis, the body including an internal
channel for fluid flow, the body having an opening which allows
fluid to flow out of the tube in a direction generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, b) the
cylindrical body being connected to an end piece which is pivotably
mounted to the body, wherein the end piece can be pivoted to a
position wherein the end piece is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the body, and to another position wherein the
end piece is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the body.
8. The discharge tube of claim 7, wherein the body is connected to
a mounting block, the mounting block including at least one hole
through which a fastener can be inserted for affixing the discharge
tube to a structure.
9. The discharge tube of claim 8, wherein the body is connected to
a valve which controls a flow of fluid into the body.
10. The discharge tube of claim 9, wherein the valve is positioned
adjacent to the mounting block.
11. The discharge tube of claim 9, wherein the valve is positioned
remotely from the mounting block, the valve being connected to the
body by a hose.
12. The discharge tube of claim 7, wherein the opening comprises a
slot which extends through the body, the slot extending along most
of a length of the body.
13. The discharge tube of claim 7, further comprising a filter bag,
the bag comprising a pair of layers which are fastened together
except at one end, wherein the bag is looped around the body, and
is suspended therefrom, wherein fluid flowing into the body can
flow into the filter bag.
14. A method of filtering a coolant fluid for a machine, the
coolant fluid being supplied from a supply conduit, the method
comprising: a) connecting a discharge tube to the supply conduit,
the discharge tube having a longitudinal axis, the discharge tube
having a generally cylindrical body defining an internal channel
for fluid flow, the discharge tube also having an opening allowing
fluid in the internal channel to flow out of the tube, the tube
being connected to an end piece which is pivotably mounted to the
tube, b) positioning the end piece such that the end piece is
generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, c) sliding
a filter bag onto the discharge tube, d) positioning the end piece
such that the end piece is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the tube, e) actuating a valve, in fluid
communication with the discharge tube, for enabling fluid to flow
into the discharge tube, wherein fluid entering the discharge tube
flows into the filter bag and becomes filtered.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: f) determining when
the filter bag has become filled with particulate material, g)
actuating the valve to stop fluid flow into the discharge tube, h)
positioning the end piece as in step (b), i) sliding the filter bag
off the discharge tube, and j) performing steps (c), (d), and (e)
with a new filter bag.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the opening comprises a slot
which extends along a length of the body of the discharge tube, and
wherein step (c) includes positioning the filter bag such that the
bag covers substantially all of the slot.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising recirculating fluid
which has passed through the bag by pumping the fluid into the
supply conduit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to filtration of liquid
coolants used with milling machines and the like. The invention
provides a simple and economical way of filtering such coolants,
and of replacing the filter when needed.
[0002] A milling device or lathe, or the like, produces
considerable heat on a workpiece. This heating is countered with a
continuous supply of a coolant medium, which is typically provided
as a liquid, and sprayed onto the workpiece. The coolant medium is
preferably recirculated and re-used.
[0003] The operation of the milling device or lathe produces
particles which become entrained by, and suspended in, the coolant
medium, and which must eventually be removed. In addition, some oil
from the machinery will become mixed with the coolant, and should
also be removed.
[0004] It is important that the flow of coolant not be interrupted
while the milling device is operating, to prevent undesirable
overheating of the workpiece.
[0005] A typical arrangement of the prior art is shown in FIG. 1. A
milling device or lathe 1 supports a workpiece or tool 3 which is
being machined or milled. A liquid coolant 5 is sprayed onto the
workpiece through nozzle 7. The coolant falls into reservoir 9 from
which the coolant flows, by gravity, into a sump 11. The coolant is
recirculated by pump 13, so that the coolant flows through conduit
15, and back into enclosure 17 and into nozzle 7.
[0006] The above-described prior art system provides no convenient
way of filtering the used coolant fluid. The present invention
provides a simple and convenient method and apparatus which
substantially improves the prior art arrangement described above.
With the present invention, one can easily filter a portion of the
coolant flow, and can easily replace the filter when it becomes
clogged. Thus, the present invention substantially improves the
efficiency of the milling process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention includes a system for filtration of a
coolant, wherein a conduit supplies coolant fluid to a nozzle, or
other delivery means, disposed near a workpiece. A discharge tube,
in fluid communication with the conduit, receives some of the flow
of the coolant. The discharge tube has an internal channel which
allows fluid to flow through the tube. The discharge tube also has
an opening, which is preferably a slot, allowing fluid in the
internal channel to flow out of the tube. A filter bag is disposed
around the discharge tube, and is suspended therefrom. Thus, fluid
entering the discharge tube flows out of the tube, through the
opening, and into the filter bag, so that the fluid passing through
the material of the bag becomes filtered. Filtered fluid falls out
of the bag and is then recirculated.
[0008] The opening in the discharge tube is preferably a slot which
extends along most of the length of the tube. The discharge tube
also preferably includes a pivoting end piece, which, in a first
position, allows the filter bag to slide easily onto the tube, and
in a second position, holds or locks the bag in place after the bag
has been inserted.
[0009] The discharge tube also includes a mounting block which
facilitates the attachment of the tube to a structure, such as a
wall of an enclosure housing a machine.
[0010] The present invention also includes a valve, which may be
part of the discharge tube, or which may be located remotely from
the tube, for controlling the flow of fluid into the tube.
[0011] The present invention also includes the specific structure
of the discharge tube, as described above, and the combination of
the discharge tube and the filter bag suspended therefrom.
[0012] The invention also includes a method of filtering a coolant
for a machine. A discharge tube, having the structure described
above, is connected to a supply conduit for coolant. The end piece
is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, and a
filter bag is positioned on the tube. The end piece is positioned
perpendicular to the axis of the tube, so as to lock the filter bag
in place. A valve associated with the discharge tube is then
opened, allowing fluid to enter the tube, wherein such fluid flows
out of the tube and into the filter bag.
[0013] When the filter bag becomes filled with particulates, it is
necessary to replace the bag. The valve is closed, the end piece is
pivoted to the "open" (parallel) position, and the filter bag is
removed. A new filter bag is supplied, and the process described
above is repeated.
[0014] The present invention therefore has the primary object of
providing a method and apparatus for filtering a coolant for a
machine.
[0015] The invention has the further object of enabling a
filtration operation to be performed by a simple filter bag which
can easily be inserted and replaced when necessary.
[0016] The invention has the further object of improving the
efficiency of machines, and reducing their cost of operation, by
providing a simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for
filtering a coolant.
[0017] The reader skilled in the art will recognize other objects
and advantages of the present invention, from a reading of the
following brief description of the drawings, the detailed
description of the invention, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram showing the filtration
of coolant in a milling machine, according to the prior art.
[0019] FIG. 2 provides a schematic diagram of a system made
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view showing a portion of the
apparatus of the present invention, including a fluid discharge
tube and its associated valve, and showing a filter bag, in
phantom, inserted over the tube.
[0021] FIG. 4 provides an elevational view, showing the fluid
discharge tube of the present invention, with a filter bag
suspended therefrom, and illustrating the process wherein filtered
liquid falls into a sump or reservoir.
[0022] FIG. 5 provides a fragmentary perspective view of part of a
typical machine, mounted within an enclosure, and showing the
filtration device of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment, in which the valve is located remotely from the fluid
discharge tube.
[0024] FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of the distal end of
the discharge tube of the present invention, showing the end piece
in a position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube.
[0025] FIG. 8 provides a view similar to that of FIG. 7, except
that the end piece has been rotated to a position perpendicular to
the axis of the tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
removing particulates from a coolant medium. As used in this
disclosure, the terms "particles" and "particulates" should be
interpreted to include both solid particles and liquid contaminants
such as droplets of oil.
[0027] FIG. 2 provides a schematic diagram showing the operation of
the present invention. As in the prior art device of FIG. 1, a
milling machine or lathe 21, or the like, is mounted within
enclosure 23. A workpiece or tool 25 receives a spray of coolant 27
delivered by nozzle 29. The nozzle therefore comprises a means for
delivery of coolant to the workpiece. The used coolant falls by
gravity into reservoir 31, as indicated by arrows 32, and then
flows by gravity into sump 33. A pump 35 draws the coolant out of
the sump, and directs the coolant through conduit 37 for
re-use.
[0028] In the device of FIG. 2, a portion of the coolant delivered
through conduit 37 is diverted into conduit 39. The fluid flow
through conduit 39 is controlled by valve 41. The fluid also flows
through mounting block or manifold 42, and then flows into a
discharge tube, most of which is not visible in FIG. 2. The
discharge tube will be described in detail later, with respect to
the other figures. A filter bag 43 is fitted onto the discharge
tube, and is thereby suspended from the tube. Fluid flowing into
the discharge tube flows out of the tube and through the filter
bag, and then falls, by gravity, into reservoir 31, as indicated by
arrow 44.
[0029] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the discharge tube 50,
and associated components, used in the present invention. The
discharge tube comprises a generally cylindrical body 51, the body
having a slot 52 which extends along most of the length of the
body. Also, the slot extends entirely through the body, in the
direction transverse (perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of
the body. The cylindrical body includes an internal channel which
permits fluid flow. Fluid flowing inside the cylindrical body can
flow out of the tube through the slot. The flow of fluid in the
internal channel is represented by arrows 53. Arrows 54 represent
fluid that has passed through the slot and is falling by
gravity.
[0030] The discharge tube 50 includes a hose attachment 55, to
which a hose 56 can be affixed. Valve 57 includes knob 58 for
controlling the flow of fluid through the discharge tube. A
manifold or mounting block 59 provides means for mounting the
discharge tube to a wall. In FIG. 3, the mounting block is held by
bolt 61, which extends into wall 60, the wall being illustrated in
fragmentary form. The wall can be a wall of a room, or the wall of
an enclosure, such as may be used to house a machine.
[0031] The distal end of the discharge tube, i.e. the right-hand
side in FIG. 3, includes an end piece 63 which is pivotably mounted
to the body of the tube. A spring-loaded pin (not visible in FIG.
3) engages one of three grooves formed in the end piece (only two
of the grooves being visible in FIG. 3). The end piece therefore
will preferably assume one of three possible orientations. In one
orientation, shown in FIG. 3, the end piece is generally parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the tube. In the other orientations,
described later, the end piece is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the tube.
[0032] The structure of the end piece and spring-loaded pin is
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end
piece 63 includes grooves 101, 102, and 103. A spring-loaded pin
105 is biased by spring 106 such that the pin tends to move to the
right, in FIGS. 7 and 8, which is towards the distal end of the
discharge tube. The pin thereby engages one of the grooves when the
end piece is rotated. Thus, the end piece will preferably lock into
one of three positions, defined by engagement of the pin with one
of the grooves.
[0033] The purpose of the end piece 63 is to facilitate the
insertion and removal of a filter bag over the discharge tube.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a filter bag 65, in phantom, inserted over the
tube. The filter bag, which may be made of any filtration material,
preferably comprises at least two layers which are joined to form
an enclosure, but which are open at one end. Thus, the upper end of
the bag defines a loop which can be inserted around the body, by
sliding the bag onto the discharge tube. Thus, layers 66 and 67 are
joined together, by thermal sealing or sewing or any other suitable
method, except at the part where the bag is intended to fit over
the discharge tube. When the bag has been looped around the body of
the tube, the bag is suspended from the tube.
[0035] After the bag is inserted over the discharge tube, the end
piece 63 can be rotated to one of its perpendicular positions (such
as is represented in FIG. 8), thereby tending to prevent the filter
bag from sliding off the tube. When it is necessary to remove and
replace the filter bag, the end piece can again be rotated to its
parallel position, i.e. the position shown in FIG. 3 or 7, to allow
the bag to slide easily off the tube.
[0036] FIG. 4 provides a partially fragmentary elevational view
showing the discharge tube, the filter bag, and the reservoir.
Fluid is conveyed through hose 70, and flows through valve 71,
according to the setting of valve control 72. Manifold or mount 73
connects the tube to a wall or other structure. Filter bag 74 is
fitted over the discharge tube 75.
[0037] FIG. 4 also illustrates the two possible positions of end
piece 76. The position shown in full is the position wherein the
end piece is generally perpendicular to the discharge tube, so as
to prevent the bag from becoming removed from the tube. The
position shown in dotted outline is the position wherein the end
piece is generally parallel to the axis of the tube. The latter
position allows the bag to be inserted or removed. The end piece
has another allowed position, i.e. where the end piece is
perpendicular to the tube and facing downward instead of
upward.
[0038] FIG. 4 also illustrates the flow of coolant, before and
after filtration. The coolant fluid flows into the discharge tube,
and out of the tube through the slot (not visible in FIG. 4). The
fluid is then largely contained within the bag, and flows out of
the bag, through the interstices of the filter material. The
particles and droplets of oil which were suspended in the fluid
become trapped in the bag. The filtered fluid seeps through the
pores of the filter material, and thus falls out of the bag and
into reservoir 77.
[0039] As noted above, the slot 52 preferably extends along most of
the length of the discharge tube, so as not to interfere with the
flow of fluid coolant out of the tube. The length of the slot
should be slightly less than the length of the filter bag, which
preferably covers the slot. If the filter bag does not span all of
the slot, some fluid will fall out without being filtered.
Depending on the specific configuration of the filter bag, the slot
could be replaced by some other opening, having a different length
or shape, if desired.
[0040] FIG. 5 provides a fragmentary perspective view showing the
present invention in an environment in which it is typically used.
An enclosure 80, including wall 81, houses a milling machine 82 or
the like. A coolant distribution device 83 directs coolant fluid
onto a workpiece which is being machined. A filter bag 84 is
visible at the left-hand side, mounted over discharge tube 85. The
figure also shows end piece 86 and manifold or mounting block
87.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the filter bag is
suspended at a relatively high position above the floor level. In
the example shown, the machine is completely enclosed during
operation, the equipment being controlled entirely by computer.
Therefore, in operation, the spraying of coolant makes the inside
of the enclosure akin to an operating dishwasher, in which a large
amount of fluid is sprayed through much or all of the interior
space. Thus, the vertical position of the filter bag is irrelevant,
because the amount of fluid flow through the bag is dwarfed by the
fluid otherwise being sprayed through the interior of the
enclosure. However, if the invention were used in an environment
where the machine is not closed off during operation, it might be
appropriate to position the bag closer to the floor, to minimize
splatter of fluid.
[0042] In the embodiments described so far, the coolant valve has
been shown as part of the discharge tube. FIG. 6 shows an
alternative embodiment, in which the valve is positioned remotely
with respect to the tube. In particular, coolant valve 90 is shown
adjacent to hose 91 which introduces the fluid. But another hose 92
separates the valve from discharge tube 93. Except for the position
of the valve, the embodiment of FIG. 6 is similar to the other
embodiment, and works in substantially the same way.
[0043] The present invention includes the method of filtration of a
coolant fluid using a filter bag disposed over a discharge tube.
The end piece of the discharge tube is positioned to be parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the tube. A filter bag is inserted over
the discharge tube, and the end piece is rotated to a position
which is perpendicular to the axis of the tube. Thus, the bag is
held on the discharge tube. Some of the recirculating coolant fluid
is directed into the tube. Due to the slot in the tube, the fluid
flows by gravity into the bag. The bag traps particles suspended in
the fluid, as well as droplets of oil in the fluid, and the
filtered fluid flows through the pores in the filter material, and
into a reservoir for recirculation.
[0044] When the bag becomes filled with particles and/or oil, the
end piece of the discharge tube is moved to the parallel position,
and the bag is removed from the tube. A new, clean bag is inserted
over the discharge tube, and the process is repeated.
[0045] As is apparent from FIG. 2, the coolant fluid is
simultaneously delivered to the workpiece and to the discharge
tube. Thus, the fluid flowing into conduit 39 does not, at any one
moment, comprise all of the fluid delivered by the pump. Therefore,
not all of the fluid flowing to the nozzle is filtered at once. But
because the system recirculates the fluid, the filtered and
non-filtered fluid becomes mixed, and after several cycles,
virtually all of the fluid can be expected to have passed at least
once through the filter.
[0046] It is important that the flow of coolant fluid to the
workpiece not be interrupted. Therefore, valve 41 is set by opening
it just so far as to cause a very slight reduction in flow at the
nozzle. Then, the valve may be moved very slightly towards the
closed position, so that the flow at the nozzle is the same as it
was when valve 41 was closed. In other words, valve 41 is set to
allow the discharge tube to receive the maximum practical flow of
fluid, without reducing the flow to the nozzle. The proportion of
the fluid that goes to the discharge tube is determined by the
capacity of the pump and the size of the fluid conduits.
[0047] There are two types of preferred fabric material used for
the filter bag. Both types are made of polypropylene. The first is
a spun bond, and the other is a melt blown fabric. Either type may
be used, depending on the application. There may be as many as four
layers used to form the bag. Also, the weight of the fabric can
vary. While the above-described material is preferred, the
invention is not limited to use with a particular type of
material.
[0048] In FIG. 2, instead of having a single, unbroken conduit
leading from reservoir 31 to pump 35, the sump 33 may comprise a
separate tank, located at the bottom. The tank would be fed by a
shorter conduit which carries fluid from the reservoir. The pump 35
would then lift the fluid from that tank. Either arrangement can be
used with the present invention.
[0049] The invention can be modified in still other ways. The
particular material used to make the filter bag can be varied. The
shape of the opening or slot, in the discharge tube, can be
modified. The structure of the end piece could be different. The
positioning of the device of the invention can be changed.
[0050] These and other variations, which will be apparent to the
reader skilled in the art, should be considered within the spirit
and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *