U.S. patent application number 14/313181 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for methods and apparatus for cooling fluid.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCICAN LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SCICAN LTD.. Invention is credited to David Snaith, Andy Kwan-Leung Sun.
Application Number | 20150021007 14/313181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52342626 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150021007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snaith; David ; et
al. |
January 22, 2015 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING FLUID
Abstract
A fluid cooler, fluid cooler core and method of condensing gas
is disclosed. The fluid cooler includes a container for a liquid
transfer medium. The container includes first and second hot fluid
inlets, first and second cooled liquid outlets, a cooling liquid
inlet, and a cooling liquid outlet. A first conduit extends within
the container and fluidly couples the first hot fluid inlet to the
first cooled liquid outlet. A second conduit extends within the
container and fluidly couples the second hot fluid inlet to the
second cooled liquid outlet. A third conduit extends within the
container and fluidly couples the cooling liquid inlet to the
cooling liquid outlet. The first, second, and third conduits are
positioned to be at least partially submerged in the liquid
transfer medium when the container contains the liquid transfer
medium.
Inventors: |
Snaith; David; (Toronto,
CA) ; Sun; Andy Kwan-Leung; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SCICAN LTD. |
TORONTO |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
SCICAN LTD.
TORONTO
CA
|
Family ID: |
52342626 |
Appl. No.: |
14/313181 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61856337 |
Jul 19, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/302 ;
165/104.18; 165/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28B 1/02 20130101; F28B
9/08 20130101; F28D 7/024 20130101; F28B 9/04 20130101; F28B 11/00
20130101; F28F 27/00 20130101; E03C 2201/40 20130101; F28D 7/0075
20130101; F28D 1/0206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/302 ;
165/104.18; 165/163 |
International
Class: |
F28B 9/08 20060101
F28B009/08; F28B 11/00 20060101 F28B011/00; F28B 1/02 20060101
F28B001/02; F28B 9/04 20060101 F28B009/04 |
Claims
1. A fluid cooler comprising: a container for a liquid transfer
medium, the container including first and second hot fluid inlets,
first and second cooled liquid outlets, a cooling liquid inlet, and
a cooling liquid outlet; a first conduit extending within the
container and fluidly coupling the first hot fluid inlet to the
first cooled liquid outlet; a second conduit extending within the
container and fluidly coupling the second hot fluid inlet to the
second cooled liquid outlet; and a third conduit extending within
the container and fluidly coupling the cooling liquid inlet to the
cooling liquid outlet; wherein the first, second, and third
conduits are positioned to be at least partially submerged in the
liquid transfer medium when the container contains the liquid
transfer medium.
2. The fluid cooler of claim 1, wherein: the container includes a
removable lid, and at least one of the first and second hot fluid
inlets, the first and second cooled liquid outlets, the cooling
liquid inlet, and the cooling liquid outlet is located in the
removable lid.
3. The fluid cooler of claim 1, further comprising: a thermally
sensitive flow regulator fluidly coupled to the third conduit.
4. The fluid cooler of claim 3, wherein: the flow regulator
includes a valve operated by a thermally sensitive actuator.
5. The fluid cooler of claim 3, wherein: the flow regulator is
positioned within the container such that the flow regulator is at
least partially submerged when the container contains the liquid
transfer medium.
6. The fluid cooler of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the first,
second and third conduits is at least partially coiled.
7. The fluid cooler of claim 1, wherein: one conduit of the first,
second, and third conduits includes a coiled portion defining an
interior volume; and at least one other of the first, second and
third conduits extends through the interior volume.
8. The fluid cooler of claim 1, wherein: the container has a top,
and a bottom; each of the first, second, and third conduits
includes a coiled portion; and the coiled portion of the third
conduit is closer to the top of the container than the coiled
portions of the first and second conduits.
9. The fluid cooler of claim 1, further comprising: a discharge
conduit extending exterior the container and having a first end
fluidly coupled to the cooling liquid outlet.
10. The fluid cooler of claim 9, wherein: the discharge conduit
includes a second end exposed to open air.
11. A fluid cooler core comprising: a container lid having an
inward facing side, a hot fluid inlet, a cooled liquid outlet, a
cooling liquid inlet, and a cooling liquid outlet; a first conduit
extending from the inward facing side and fluid ly coupling the hot
fluid inlet to the cooled liquid outlet; and a second conduit
extending from the inward facing side and fluidly coupling the
cooling liquid inlet to the cooling liquid outlet; when the
container lid closes an opening to a container, the first and
second conduits extend into the container.
12. The fluid cooler core of claim 11, further comprising: a
thermally sensitive flow regulator fluidly coupled to the second
conduit.
13. The fluid cooler core of claim 12, wherein: the flow regulator
includes a valve operated by a thermally sensitive actuator.
14. The fluid cooler core of claim 11, wherein: at least one of the
first and second conduits is at least partially coiled.
15. The fluid cooler core of claim 11, wherein: one conduit of the
first and second conduits includes a coiled portion defining an
interior volume; and the other of the first and second conduits
extends through the interior volume.
16. The fluid cooler core of claim 11, wherein: each of the first
and second conduits includes a coiled portion; and the coiled
portion of the second conduit is closer to the lid than the coiled
portion of the first conduit.
17. The fluid cooler core of claim 11, wherein: the container lid
includes a second hot fluid inlet, and a second cooled liquid
outlet; and a third conduit extends from the inward facing side and
fluidly couples the second hot fluid inlet to the second cooled
liquid outlet.
18. A method of condensing gas, the method comprising: directing a
flow of cold liquid through a first conduit, the first conduit
being at least partially submerged in a liquid transfer medium, to
cool the liquid transfer medium; and directing a flow of hot gas
through a second conduit, the second conduit being at least
partially submerged in the liquid transfer medium, to condense the
flow of steam into a flow of cold liquid condensate.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein: directing a flow of cold
liquid comprises directing a flow of cold water from a municipal
supply line through the first conduit, and the method further
comprises discharging the flow of cold liquid into a municipal
drain through open air.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein: directing a flow of cold
liquid comprises directing a flow of cold water from a municipal
supply line through the first conduit, and the method further
comprises discharging the flow of cold liquid into a municipal
drain through one or more of a double check-valve and a reduced
pressure zone assembly.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: regulating the flow
rate of cold liquid with a thermally sensitive flow regulator at
least partially submerged in the liquid transfer medium.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein: directing the flow of steam
comprises directing a flow of steam discharged from a sterilizer
through the second conduit.
23. The method of claim 18, further comprising: directing a second
flow of steam through a third conduit, the third conduit being at
least partially submerged in the liquid transfer medium, to
condense the second flow of steam into a second flow of cold liquid
condensate.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to the field of fluid
coolers, and to methods and apparatus for cooling fluids.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] In the dental and medical fields, among others, equipment
may be sterilized using a sterilizer. Some sterilizers, such as
cassette and chamber autoclaves, use high temperature steam to
sterilize equipment. At least some of these apparatus include an
outlet for the disposal of exhaust steam or hot liquid fluid.
[0003] Disposing of exhaust steam or hot liquid directly into a
sewer or drain pipe is prohibited in many municipalities. In many
cases, steam or hot liquid must be cooled to a liquid no hotter
than 65.degree. C. before it can be legally discharged into a sewer
or drain pipe. Moreover, many municipalities impose strict backflow
prevention policies for protecting potable water from
contamination.
SUMMARY
[0004] In a first aspect, there is a fluid cooler comprising a
container for a liquid transfer medium. The container may include
first and second hot fluid inlets, first and second cooled liquid
outlets, a cooling liquid inlet, and a cooling liquid outlet. A
first conduit may extend within the container and fluidly couple
the first hot fluid inlet to the first cooled liquid outlet. A
second conduit may extend within the container and fluidly couple
the second hot fluid inlet to the second cooled liquid outlet. A
third conduit may extend within the container and fluidly couple
the cooling liquid inlet to the cooling liquid outlet. The first,
second, and third conduits may be positioned to be at least
partially submerged in the liquid transfer medium when the
container contains the liquid transfer medium.
[0005] In some embodiments, the container may include a removable
lid, and at least one of the first and second hot fluid inlets, the
first and second cooled liquid outlets, the cooling liquid inlet,
and the cooling liquid outlet may be located in the removable
lid.
[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid cooler may further comprise a
thermally sensitive flow regulator fluidly coupled to the third
conduit.
[0007] In some embodiments, the flow regulator may include a valve
operated by a thermally sensitive actuator.
[0008] In some embodiments, the flow regulator may positioned
within the container such that the flow regulator is at least
partially submerged when the container contains the liquid transfer
medium.
[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the first, second and
third conduits may be at least partially coiled.
[0010] In some embodiments, one conduit of the first, second, and
third conduits may include a coiled portion defining an interior
volume; and at least one other of the first, second and third
conduits may extend through the interior volume.
[0011] In some embodiments, the container may have a top, and a
bottom. Each of the first, second, and third conduits may include a
coiled portion. The coiled portion of the third conduit may be
closer to the top of the container than the coiled portions of the
first and second conduits.
[0012] In some embodiments, the fluid cooler may further comprise a
discharge conduit which may extend exterior the container and may
have a first end fluidly coupled to the cooling liquid outlet.
[0013] In some embodiments, the discharge conduit may include a
second end exposed to open air.
[0014] In another aspect, there is a fluid cooler core comprising a
container lid having an inward facing side, a hot fluid inlet, a
cooled liquid outlet, a cooling liquid inlet, and a cooling liquid
outlet, A first conduit may extend from the inward facing side and
fluidly couple the hot fluid inlet to the cooled liquid outlet. A
second conduit may extending from the inward facing side and
fluidly couple the cooling liquid inlet to the cooling liquid
outlet. When the container lid closes an opening to a container,
the first and second conduits may extend into the container.
[0015] In some embodiments, the fluid cooler core may further
comprise a thermally sensitive flow regulator fluidly coupled to
the second conduit.
[0016] In some embodiments, the flow regulator may include a valve
operated by a thermally sensitive actuator.
[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second
conduits is at least partially coiled.
[0018] In some embodiments, one conduit of the first and second
conduits may include a coiled portion defining an interior volume,
and the other of the first and second conduits may extend through
the interior volume.
[0019] In some embodiments, each of the first and second conduits
may include a coiled portion, and the coiled portion of the second
conduit may be closer to the lid than the coiled portion of the
first conduit.
[0020] In some embodiments, the container lid may include a second
hot fluid inlet, and a second cooled liquid outlet, and a third
conduit may extend from the inward facing side and fluidly couple
the second hot fluid inlet to the second cooled liquid outlet.
[0021] In another aspect, there is a method of condensing gas. The
method may comprise directing a flow of cold liquid through a first
conduit, the first conduit being at least partially submerged in a
liquid transfer medium, to cool the liquid transfer medium; and
directing a flow of hot gas through a second conduit, the second
conduit being at least partially submerged in the liquid transfer
medium, to condense the flow of steam into a flow of cold liquid
condensate.
[0022] In some embodiments, directing a flow of cold liquid may
comprise directing a flow of cold water from a municipal supply
line through the first conduit. The method may further comprise
discharging the flow of cold liquid into a municipal drain through
open air.
[0023] In some embodiments, directing a flow of cold liquid may
comprise directing a flow of cold water from a municipal supply
line through the first conduit. The method may further comprise
discharging the flow of cold liquid into a municipal drain through
one or more of a double check-valve and a reduced pressure zone
assembly.
[0024] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise
regulating the flow rate of cold liquid with a thermally sensitive
flow regulator at least partially submerged in the liquid transfer
medium.
[0025] In some embodiments, directing the flow of steam may
comprise directing a flow of steam discharged from a sterilizer
through the second conduit.
[0026] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise
directing a second flow of steam through a third conduit, the third
conduit being at least partially submerged in the liquid transfer
medium, to condense the second flow of steam into a second flow of
cold liquid condensate.
DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a fluid cooler fluidly coupled
to a hot fluid source, in accordance with at least one
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a fluid cooler, in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the fluid cooler of FIG. 2,
in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of a fluid cooler core in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a fluid cooler fluidly coupled
to a first and second hot fluid source, in accordance with at least
one embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fluid cooler, in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the fluid cooler of FIG. 6,
in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a fluid cooler core, in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of cooling
fluid, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and
[0036] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a fluid cooler including
conduits having a serpentine portion, in accordance with at least
one embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," "embodiments," "the
embodiment," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some
embodiments," and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the present invention(s)," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0038] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to," unless expressly specified
otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the
items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms "a," "an" and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0039] A description of an embodiment with several components in
communication with each other does not imply that all such
components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] When a single element is described herein, it will be
readily apparent that more than one element may be used in place of
the single element. Similarly, where more than one element is
described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single element
may be used in place of the more than one element.
[0041] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 shows a
schematic of a fluid cooler 100 fluidly coupled to a hot fluid
source 102, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 2
shows a perspective view of fluid cooler 100, in accordance with at
least one embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of fluid cooler
100, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0042] In the example shown, fluid cooler 100 includes a hot fluid
inlet 104 fluidly coupled by a hot fluid conduit 106 to hot fluid
source 102. Fluid cooler 100 is shown further including a cooled
liquid outlet 108 fluidly coupled by a cooled liquid conduit 110 to
a drain pipe 112. As shown, exhaust hot fluid from hot fluid source
102 is directed through hot fluid conduit 106 to fluid cooler 100.
As used herein, and in the claims, a fluid is either liquid or
steam, and a hot fluid has a temperature greater than a cooled
liquid. Further, as used herein, and in the claims, steam refers to
any gas which changes phase from gas to liquid at atmospheric
pressure and a temperature in the range of 50.degree. C. to
200.degree. C. In one example, steam is water vapor having a
temperature above 100.degree. C.
[0043] In use, at least one embodiment of fluid cooler 100 cools
the exhaust hot fluid from hot fluid source 102 (and if the hot
fluid is steam then condenses it) into a cooled liquid which is
then discharged through cooled liquid outlet 108 and cooled liquid
conduit 110 into drain pipe 112. In at least some cases, the cooled
liquid has a temperature at discharge of less than or equal to
65.degree. C.
[0044] In some examples, hot fluid source 102 is a cassette
autoclave which uses steam for sterilizing equipment, such as
dental and medical equipment for example, and exhausts steam into
hot fluid conduit 106. However, in alternative embodiments, hot
fluid source 102 is any apparatus which outputs hot fluid and that
can be fluidly coupled to fluid cooler 100. In some examples, hot
fluid source 102 is a steam oven, a steam washer, a steam drier, or
a washer/disinfector. In some cases, hot fluid discharged from hot
fluid source 102 has a temperature between 85.degree. C. and
300.degree. C.
[0045] Fluid cooler 100 is shown including a container 114 for a
liquid transfer medium 116. Container 114 can take any form which
can house a volume of liquid. Generally, container 114 includes one
or more walls which cooperate to contain a volume of liquid. FIGS.
2 and 3 illustrate an example container 114 shaped as a generally
cuboid bottle. In alternative examples, container 114 is generally
cylindrical or spherical. In some embodiments, container 114
includes one or more deformable walls, like a bag.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, container 114 as shown includes an
upper opening 117. In the example shown, fluid cooler 100 includes
a lid 118 for selectively closing opening 117. Optionally, lid 118
includes one or more openings 119. Opening 119 may permit gas
pressure inside of container 114 to equalize, and may permit liquid
116 to exit (e.g. during an overflow). In some examples, lid 118
includes one or more retention members (e.g. threads or latches,
not shown) for mating with one or more retention members 135 (e.g.
threads or notches) provided on container 114. In some examples,
lid 118 includes a sealing element (e.g. a gasket) that is urged
against container 114 by lid 118 to enhance a liquid-tight seal
between lid 118 and container 114.
[0047] Fluid cooler 100 in some alternative embodiments (not shown)
does not include a lid 118. In one example, container 114 includes
an opening 117 that remains uncovered during use. In another
example, container 114 does not include opening 117 and is
permanently sealed from the outside atmosphere.
[0048] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, container 114 can be made
of any suitable material. In some examples, container 114 is made
of one or more of glass, metal, plastic, wood, and rubber. In the
example shown, container 114 includes an at least partially
transparent material, such as transparent glass or transparent
plastic. This may permit the liquid transfer medium 116 to be
visible from outside of container 114 for monitoring the level and
quality (e.g. coloration) of the liquid transfer medium 116. An
excess or deficiency of liquid transfer medium 116, or a change in
coloration of liquid transfer medium 116 may be indicative of a
problem (e.g. a leaking container 114, or a leaking conduit inside
container 114).
[0049] In the example shown, fluid cooler 100 further includes a
cooling liquid inlet 120 and a cooling liquid outlet 122. As shown,
cooling liquid inlet 120 is fluidly coupled to a cooling liquid
source 124. In some examples, cooling liquid source 124 is a
municipal cold water supply line or any other source of cold
liquid. In some cases, cooling liquid from cooling liquid source
124 has a temperature between 0.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.
[0050] As shown, fluid cooler 100 includes a cooling liquid conduit
126, and a cooling conduit 128. Cooling liquid conduit 126 is shown
fluidly coupling cooling liquid inlet 120 and cooling liquid outlet
122. Cooling conduit 128 is shown fluidly coupling hot fluid inlet
104 and cooled liquid outlet 108.
[0051] During the use of at least one embodiment of fluid cooler
100, cooling liquid from cooling liquid source 124 enters fluid
cooler 100 by cooling liquid inlet 120 and flows through cooling
liquid conduit 126 to cooling liquid outlet 122. Similarly, hot
fluid from hot fluid source 102 enters by hot fluid inlet 104, and
flows through cooling conduit 128 in which the hot fluid is cooled
(and condensed if the hot fluid is steam) to a cooled liquid which
exits at cooled liquid outlet 108.
[0052] As shown, each of cooling liquid conduit 126, and cooling
conduit 128 is at least partially submerged in liquid transfer
medium 116. At least some of the cooling liquid flowing through
cooling liquid conduit 126 provides a heat sink, which draws heat
from the hot fluid inside cooling conduit 128. The heat from the
cooling conduit 128 transfers through liquid transfer medium 116
and into cooling liquid conduit 126. In operation, the temperature
of a given volume of hot fluid, inside cooling conduit 128, may
fall as heat is lost to the cooling liquid inside of cooling liquid
conduit 126. Where the hot fluid is steam, and the temperature
falls below a threshold temperature, the steam changes phase to
liquid condensate. The temperature of a given volume of the
condensate, inside cooling conduit 128, may further fall as heat is
lost from the condensate to the cooling liquid in cooling liquid
conduit 126.
[0053] Generally, the rate of heat transfer from the hot fluid
inside cooling conduit 128, to the cooling liquid inside cooling
liquid conduit 126 depends on, among other things, the temperature
difference between the cooling liquid and the hot fluid, and the
physical properties of the conduits 126, 128 and the liquid
transfer medium 116. Conduits 126 and 128 can be made of any
suitable material. In some examples, conduits 126 and 128 are made
of one or more of metals (e.g, copper, aluminum, or stainless
steel), plastics, and ceramics (e.g. glass, or porcelain). Further,
conduits 126 and 128 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape
for transporting fluids, such as a circular, rectangular or
triangular shape for example.
[0054] Liquid transfer medium 116 can be any suitable liquid. In
some examples, liquid transfer medium 116 is potable water.
Alternatively, liquid transfer medium 116 can be a gel, an oil, or
any other suitable liquid having desired characteristics.
[0055] In the example shown, fluid cooler 100 includes a thermally
sensitive flow regulator 130 operable to control the flow rate of
cooling liquid through cooling liquid conduit 126 based on one or
more of a temperature inside container 114, and a temperature of
liquid transfer medium 116. This may permit an efficient control of
cooling water usage, while preserving the performance of fluid
cooler 100 (e.g. maintaining a discharge of cooled fluid at a
temperature at or below a target temperature). In some examples,
flow regulator 130 is at least partially submerged in liquid
transfer medium 116 for responding to the temperature of liquid
transfer medium 116. In at least one embodiment, flow regulator 130
includes a valve 130A operated by a thermally sensitive actuator
130B. The thermally sensitive actuator may gradually or stepwise
move the valve between open and closed, or toggle the valve between
open and closed, in response to a sensed fluid temperature (e.g. of
the liquid transfer medium 116 in which it is at least partially
submerged).
[0056] In at least one embodiment, fluid cooler 100 includes a
cooling liquid discharge conduit 132 coupled to cooling liquid
outlet 122. In the example shown, cooling liquid discharge conduit
132 directs cooling liquid from cooling liquid outlet 122 to a sink
134. In alternative embodiments, cooling liquid outlet 122 can
direct cooling liquid to anywhere, such as a basin, a bottle, a
floor drain, or onto the ground outside for example.
[0057] Fluid cooler 100, as shown, is configured to lessen the
possibility of dirty cooled liquid contaminating cooling liquid
source 124. As shown, cooled liquid conduit 110 is fluidly coupled
to a drain for disposing of cooled liquid from hot fluid source 102
into the drain. Moreover, the conduits which transport dirty hot
fluid and cooled liquid (hot fluid conduit 106, cooling conduit 128
and cooled liquid conduit 110) are shown fluidly isolated from the
conduits which transport cooling liquid (e.g. potable water) from
cooling liquid source 124 (cooling liquid conduit 126 and cooling
liquid discharge conduit 132).
[0058] In the example shown, two conduit walls (e.g. of conduits
126 and 128) and liquid transfer medium 116 separates the dirty hot
fluid and cooled liquid from the cooling liquid and liquid source
124. This may help reduce the possibility of the dirty hot fluid
and cooled liquid from contaminating the cooling liquid source 124.
For example, if cooling liquid conduit 126 were to rupture, then
cooling liquid source 124 could become exposed to liquid transfer
medium 116 (which may be potable water), but conduit 128 could
continue to isolate the dirty hot fluid and cooled liquid therein
from contaminating cooling liquid source 124. Similarly, if cooling
conduit 128 were to rupture and contaminate liquid transfer medium
116, then cooling liquid conduit 126 could continue to isolate the
cooling liquid source 124 from the contaminated liquid transfer
medium 116.
[0059] As shown, cooling liquid discharge conduit 132 includes a
free end 136 for discharging cooling liquid into sink 134. In the
example shown, free end 136 is exposed to open air. This may lessen
the possibility of drain 138 backing up and contaminating cooling
liquid source 124 through free end 136. In some examples, there is
a bracket 140 mountable to a tabletop 142 adjacent a sink, bottle,
basin or other reservoir, for directing cooling liquid discharge
conduit 132 into the sink, bottle, basin or other reservoir.
[0060] As shown, bracket 140 includes a first end 144, for
penetrating a tabletop and having a first bore 146 for receiving
cooling liquid discharge conduit 132. Bracket 140 is also shown
including a second end 148 having a second bore 150 for receiving
free end 136 of cooling liquid discharge conduit 132. In some
examples, first end 144 includes any one or more retentive elements
for securing to tabletop 142. In the example shown, first end 144
includes a cylindrical threaded portion 152 and a nut 154 which
cooperate with a flange 156 to clamp bracket 140 onto tabletop 142.
In alternative embodiments, the retentive element(s) of first end
144 includes one or more of snaps, magnets, thumbscrews, hooks,
loops, straps, buckles, or any other suitable retentive
element.
[0061] In at least some examples, first bore 146 and second bore
150 are substantially parallel. Cooling liquid discharge conduit
132, in some examples, extends through first and second bores 146
and 150, such that the direction of cooling liquid flow through
first bore 146 (e.g. up) is approximately opposite to the direction
of cooling liquid flow through second bore 150 (e.g. down).
[0062] In alternative embodiments (not shown), cooling liquid
discharge conduit 132 is physically coupled to drain 138 by another
backflow prevention device, such as a double check-valve, or a
reduced pressure zone assembly.
[0063] In the example shown, cooled liquid conduit 110 includes a
thermal shut-off valve 158. Thermal shut-off valve 158 closes
conduit 110 to the flow of fluid in response to detecting a fluid
temperature above a threshold. This may prevent fluid above a
certain temperature from entering drain pipe 112, which might
otherwise be a contravention of municipal law, safety standards or
design parameters. Generally, a failure of fluid cooler 100 (e.g.
container 114 leaks liquid transfer medium 116, flow regulator 130
malfunctions, or cooling liquid source 124 shuts off) can give rise
to a discharge of fluid through cooled liquid conduit 110 above the
threshold at which thermal shut-off valve 158 closes conduit 110.
This may subsequently trigger an abnormal cycle fault condition in
the hot fluid source 102, causing hot fluid source 102 to stop
exhausting hot fluid.
[0064] Cooling liquid conduit 126 and cooling conduit 128 are shown
extending within container 114. In the example shown, cooling
liquid conduit 126 includes a coiled portion 160, and cooling
conduit 128 includes a coiled portion 162. Coiled portions 160 and
162 may provide long path lengths and large surface areas for heat
transfer to occur between cooling conduit 128 and cooling liquid
conduit 126. However, in alternative examples, one or both of
conduits 126 and 128 has a short path length and is free of coiled
portions.
[0065] In at least some embodiments, coiled portions 160 and 162
are arranged in spaced relation within container 114, as shown by
way of example in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, coiled portion 160
and 162 are arranged in nested relation, as shown by way of example
in FIGS. 2 and 3. Nesting coiled portions 160 and 162 may enhance
heat transfer between coiled portions 160 and 162. In the examples
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, coiled portion 162 of cooling conduit 128
is nested inside coiled portion 160 of cooling liquid conduit 126.
As shown, coiled portion 160 defines an interior volume through
which coiled portion 162 extends. In alternative embodiments (not
shown), coiled portion 160 is nested inside coiled portion 162 and
extends through an interior volume defined by coiled portion
162.
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a fluid cooler core 164 in
accordance with at least some embodiments. In the example shown,
fluid cooler core 164 is a component of fluid cooler 100 (see FIG.
3). As shown, fluid cooler core 164 includes lid 118 in which
inlets and outlets 104, 108 (obscured from view), 120 and 122 are
located, and to which conduits 126 and 128 are connected. In some
examples, fluid cooler core 164 is a unitary assembly including lid
118 which can be secured to any container having a compatible
opening. This may permit embodiments of fluid cooler 100 to be
formed by combining fluid cooler core 164 with different sized or
shaped containers 114. This may also permit container 114 to be
easily replaced if container 114 becomes worn or damaged. In some
cases, a user may use a fluid cooler core 164 with a compatible
container that they already own.
[0067] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, in alternative embodiments
(not shown), one or more of inlets and outlets 104, 108, 120 and
122 are located on a wall of container 114 other than a removable
lid 118. In some examples, one or more of inlets and outlets 104,
108, 120, and 122 are located on a side wall or a bottom wall of
container 114.
[0068] In at least some embodiments, fluid cooler 100 includes a
plurality of cooling liquid circuits (e.g. a second cooling liquid
inlet, a second cooling liquid conduit, and a second cooling liquid
outlet) each coupled to the same or different cooling liquid
source(s). Similarly, in at least some embodiments, fluid cooler
100 includes a plurality of cooling circuits (e.g. a second hot
fluid inlet, a second cooling conduit, and a second cooled liquid
outlet) each coupled to the same or different hot fluid source(s)
and drain pipe(s).
[0069] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5 to 8. In at least some
embodiments, an element shown in any of FIGS. 5 to 8, which is
labeled by the same reference numeral as a previously described
element shown in any of FIGS. 1 to 4, is generally analogous to
that previously described element. Furthermore, in at least some
embodiments, an element shown in any of FIGS. 5 to 8 which is
labeled by a reference numeral suffixed "b" is generally analogous
to the element shown in any of FIGS. 1 to 4 labeled by the same
reference numeral, without the suffix "b".
[0070] FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a fluid cooler 166 fluidly
coupled to hot fluid source 102 and a second hot fluid source 102b,
in accordance with at least one embodiment. In at least some
embodiments, fluid cooler 166 has features that are generally
analogous to fluid cooler 100, and in addition includes a second
cooling circuit (e.g. a second hot fluid inlet, a second cooling
conduit, and a second cooled liquid outlet). FIG. 6 shows a
perspective view of fluid cooler 166, in accordance with at least
one embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of fluid cooler 166,
in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a side
view of a fluid cooler core 168, in accordance with at least one
embodiment. In at least some embodiments, fluid cooler core 168 has
features that are generally analogous to fluid cooler core 164, and
in addition includes a second cooling circuit.
[0071] FIG. 5 shows fluid cooler 166 including a second cooling
circuit which cools hot fluid from a second hot fluid source 102b
into cooled fluid and discharges the cooled fluid into drain pipe
112. As shown, hot fluid source 102 is fluidly coupled by second
hot fluid conduit 106b to second hot fluid inlet 104b, and a second
cooling conduit 128b fluidly couples second hot fluid inlet 104b to
second cooled liquid outlet 108b. A second cooled liquid conduit
110b is shown fluidly coupling second cooled liquid outlet 108b to
drain pipe 112. Second cooled liquid conduit 110b is also shown
including optional second thermal shutoff valve 158b. In at least
some embodiments (not shown), second cooled liquid conduit 110b is
fluidly coupled to a second drain pipe, or other reservoir other
than drain pipe 112 to which cooled liquid conduit 110 is
connected.
[0072] In at least some embodiments, one or more of conduits 126,
128 and 128b includes a coiled portion. In the example shown,
cooling liquid conduit 126 includes coiled portion 160, cooling
conduit 128 includes coiled portion 162, and second cooling conduit
128b includes a coiled portion 162b. Coiled portions 160, 162, and
162b may provide long path lengths and large surface areas for heat
transfer to occur between cooling liquid conduit 126 and conduits
128 and 128b.
[0073] In some alternative embodiments, one or more of conduits
126, 128, and 128b follow a shaped path other than a coil to
provide a long path length. FIG. 10 illustrates an example
embodiment in which each of conduits 126, 128, and 128b include a
planar serpentine portion. In the example shown, the serpentine
portion of conduits 128, and 128b are nested with and surround the
serpentine portion of conduit 126, which may enhance heat transfer.
In alternative embodiments, some or all of conduits 126, 128, and
128b do not include a coiled, serpentine or otherwise shaped
portion.
[0074] FIGS. 6 and 7 show embodiments of fluid cooler 166 including
nested cooling liquid and cooling conduits 126, 128, and 128b. In
the example shown, coiled portions 162 and 162b of cooling conduits
128 and 128b are nested inside coiled portion 160 of cooling liquid
conduit 126. As shown, coiled portion 160 defines an internal
volume through which coiled portion 162 and 162b extend. Further,
coiled portion 162b of cooling conduit 128b is shown nested inside
coiled portion 162 of cooling conduit 128. As shown, coiled portion
162 defines an internal volume through which coiled portion 162b
extends.
[0075] FIG. 8 shows fluid cooler core 168 including a second
cooling circuit (second hot fluid inlet 104b, second cooled liquid
outlet 108b, and second cooling conduit 128b). As described above
in connection with fluid cooler core 164, fluid cooler core 168
includes a lid 118 which in some embodiments can be secured to a
compatible bottle to form a fluid cooler (e.g. fluid cooler
166).
[0076] FIGS. 1 to 4 show example embodiments in which coiled
portion 160 of cooling liquid conduit 126 extends upwardly further
than coiled portion 162 of cooling liquid conduit 126, when the
embodiment is oriented in a working upright position. Similarly,
FIGS. 5 to 8 show example embodiments in which coiled portion 160
of cooling liquid conduit 126 extends upwardly further than coiled
portions 162 and 162b of cooling conduits 128 and 128b. In some
examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and 6 to 8, the
coiled portion 160 of cooling liquid conduit 126 is positioned
closer to an upper lid 118 than the coiled portion(s) 162 (and
162b) of cooling conduit(s) 128 (and 128b). In at least some cases,
this may induce liquid transfer medium 116 to circulate in the
direction of arrow 170 (see FIGS. 2 and 6).
[0077] In some cases, the liquid transfer medium 116 present in the
upper region of container 114, where coiled portion 160 of cooling
liquid 126 extends past coiled portion(s) 162 (and 162b), has a
lower temperature and therefore slightly higher density. This can
cause the liquid transfer medium 116 in this upper region to flow
by gravity downwardly. Similarly, in some cases the liquid transfer
medium 116 present in the lower region, where coiled portion(s) 162
(and 162b) extends, has a higher temperature than the
aforementioned upper region and therefore also a slightly lower
density than the aforementioned upper region. This can cause the
liquid transfer medium 116 in this lower region to flow upwardly by
buoyancy.
[0078] An induced circulation, such as for example in the direction
of arrow 170, may in some cases further enhance the transfer of
heat from cooling conduit(s) 128 (and 128b) to cooling liquid
conduit 126. In alternative embodiments, a fluid cooler or fluid
cooler core does not include a structure which induces a flow of
liquid transfer medium. In some examples (not shown), the coiled
portion(s) 162 (and 162b) extends above the coiled portion 160,
and/or the coiled portion 160 extends below the coiled portion(s)
162 (and 162b).
[0079] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 900 of
cooling fluid, in accordance with at least one embodiment. For
clarity of illustration, method 900 is described below with
reference to fluid coolers 100 and 166. However, method 900 is not
limited to the use of fluid coolers 100 and 166, and can be
practiced using any suitable apparatus. Further the flowchart shown
in FIG. 9 illustrates the steps of method 900 organized in a
particular order. However, method 900 is not limited to the steps
ordered as shown, and in some embodiments of method 900 some steps
are practiced in a different order and some steps are practiced
simultaneously.
[0080] At 902, a flow of hot fluid (e.g. hot fluid discharged from
hot fluid source 102) is directed through cooling conduit 128,
which is at least partially submerged in liquid transfer medium 116
(e.g. potable water). In some examples, the flow of hot fluid is
intended for a regulated drain (e.g. a municipal drain) into which
hot fluid is prohibited. Accordingly, in some cases the flow of hot
fluid can be cooled (and condensed if the hot fluid is steam) to a
cooled liquid, and discharged into the drain (e.g. drain pipe 112)
at a permissible temperature. In some embodiments, a second flow of
hot fluid (e.g. discharged from a second hot fluid source 102b) is
directed through a second cooling conduit 128b, which is at least
partially submerged in liquid transfer medium 116.
[0081] At 904, a flow of cooling liquid (e.g. cold water) from
cooling liquid source 124 (e.g. a municipal cold water supply line)
is directed through cooling liquid conduit 126, which is at least
partially submerged in liquid transfer medium 116. In at least some
cases, the cooling liquid provides a heat sink to induce a transfer
of heat from the flow of hot fluid in cooling conduit 128 across
liquid transfer medium 116 to the cooling liquid inside cooling
liquid conduit 126.
[0082] In some examples, the flow of cooling liquid is regulated by
a thermally sensitive flow regulator 130 that is at least partially
submerged in the liquid transfer medium 116. In some examples, the
flow regulator 130 alters the flow rate of the cooling liquid in
response to the temperature of the liquid transfer medium 116. In
one example, when the temperature of the liquid transfer medium 116
falls, the flow regulator 130 reduces the flow rate of cooling
liquid (e.g. by constricting the passage of cooling liquid through
cooling liquid conduit 126), and when the temperature of the liquid
transfer medium 116 again rises, the flow regulator 130 increases
the flow rate of cooling liquid (e.g. by unconstricting the passage
of cooling liquid through cooling liquid conduit 126).
[0083] At 906, the flow of hot fluid is cooled, by the loss of heat
to liquid transfer medium 116 and cooling liquid inside cooling
liquid conduit 126, into a flow of cooled liquid. In at least some
cases, the temperature of the flow of cooled liquid is reduced to a
temperature at which the cooled liquid is permitted (e.g. by law,
safety standards, or design parameters) to be discharged into a
drain (e.g. drain pipe 112). In some embodiments, the second flow
of hot fluid is similarly cooled, by a loss of heat to liquid
transfer medium 116 and cooling liquid inside cooling liquid
conduit 126, into a second flow of cooled liquid.
[0084] At 908, the cooled liquid is discharged from the cooling
conduit 128. In some cases, the cooled liquid is discharged
directly into drain pipe 112. Alternatively, the cooled liquid is
discharged into a storm drain, a floor drain, a basin or
bottle.
[0085] At 910, the cooling liquid is discharged from cooling liquid
conduit 126. In some cases, the cooling liquid is discharged
directly into drain 138. Alternatively, the cooling liquid is
discharged into a storm drain, a floor drain, a basin or a bottle.
In some embodiments, the cooling liquid is discharged through open
air into drain 138. This may prevent a backup of drain 138 from
contaminating the cooling liquid source which is fluidly coupled to
cooling liquid conduit 126 from which the cooling liquid is being
discharged.
[0086] While the above description provides examples of the
embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or
functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to
modification without departing from the principles of operation of
the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described
above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and
non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the
art that other variants and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims
appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by
the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the
broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a
whole.
* * * * *