U.S. patent number 3,754,871 [Application Number 05/108,774] was granted by the patent office on 1973-08-28 for chemical dispensing apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Stewart-Hall Chemical Co.. Invention is credited to Harold H. Hessel, Francis S. Kiele.
United States Patent |
3,754,871 |
Hessel , et al. |
August 28, 1973 |
CHEMICAL DISPENSING APPARATUS
Abstract
A simplified chemical dispenser apparatus capable of dispensing
a predetermined amount of a treatment chemical into a fluid
includes a porous matrix exhibiting capillary action when the fluid
contacts a surface of the matrix, a fluid treatment chemical
composition located on a surface of the matrix, and housing means
for covering said chemical composition and at least said chemical
bearing matrix surface to shield against dripping or splashing from
the top or sides. The housing may be applied as an envelope in
which case the chemical supported upon the matrix is sealed
therein.
Inventors: |
Hessel; Harold H. (Briarcliff
Manor, NY), Kiele; Francis S. (Yonkers, NY) |
Assignee: |
Stewart-Hall Chemical Co.
(Mount Vernon, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
22323964 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/108,774 |
Filed: |
January 22, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/263; 206/.5;
210/242.1; 422/265; 422/264; 422/310; 422/944 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J
4/02 (20130101); B01F 21/22 (20220101); C02F
1/688 (20130101); B01L 3/505 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C02F
1/68 (20060101); B01J 4/02 (20060101); B01L
3/00 (20060101); B01d 011/02 (); C02b 001/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;206/.5 ;23/267A
;210/242 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Summer; Leonard
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A chemical dispenser apparatus comprising a porous plastic
capillary matrix exhibiting capillary action when a surface area of
said matrix is contacted by a fluid which will not decompose said
capillary matrix, a dissolvable chemical composition positioned on
a surface of said matrix, housing means comprising a flexible
plastic envelope containing said matrix and said chemical
composition, a portion of said envelope beneath said matrix having
a plurality of apertures and, an individual compartment free of
said matrix material, said compartment being integrally formed
adjacent to said envelope and carrying a portion of said chemical
composition, a surface of said compartment having at least one
fluid-admitting aperture, and said chemical composition resting on
an inner surface of said compartment.
2. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 1 further
including means for rendering said apparatus positively buoyant
formed with said housing means.
3. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein
said capillary matrix comprises a porous polyurethane foam
composition.
4. A chemical dispenser apparatus comprising a porous plastic
capillary matrix exhibiting capillary action when a surface area of
said matrix is contacted by a fluid which will not decompose said
capillary matrix, a dissolvable chemical composition positioned on
a surface of said matrix, housing means comprising a flexible
plastic envelope containing said matrix and said chemical
composition, a portion of said envelope beneath said matrix having
a plurality of apertures, a second capillary matrix resting on said
chemical composition and a second chemical composition resting on
said second capillary matrix and beneath a portion of said housing
means.
5. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein
said capillary matrix comprises a porous polyurethane foam
composition.
Description
This invention relates to chemical dispenser devices and more
specifically to a dispenser capable of dipensing chemicals at a
predetermined rate into both aqueous and non-aqueous fluids.
Still more specifically, this invention relates to a dispenser for
use in both recirculating and once-through fluid systems. In
particular, this invention relates to a chemical dispenser
apparatus useful for treating condensate water in fan coil
air-conditioning equipment.
Although a variety of chemcal dispensing devices are currently
available, they are all relatively expensive and may require a
technically trained person to install, maintain, adjust and
calibrate them. With the increasing use of more sophisticated water
and fluid treatment equipment at both the consumer and commercial
level, the need for inexpensive, easy-to-use, apparatus for
dispensing fluid treatment chemicals has become apparent. A
consumer, having no technical know-how, requires extremely simple
chemical dispensing equipment to properly meter treatment chemicals
into his air conditioner, humidifier, fuel oil tank and a variety
of other common household appliances. Although the commerical and
industrial organization requiring chemical treatment apparatus can
generally afford more complex equipment, they are often plagued by
the lack of properly qualified personnel and therefore require a
simple, low-cost, dependable device capable of metering chemicals
into their more complex fluid systems for extended periods of
time.
Both the industrial and general consumer require a simple and
reliable chemical dispensing apparatus for releasing predetermined
amounts of chemical treatment compositions into both aqueous and
non-aqueous fluids over protracted time periods. Ideally, this
device will not require follow-up maintenance or attention.
A dispenser device is essential, since chemicals placed directly
into the system would be consumed too rapidly or would not function
properly. The intended purpose of these chemical treatment
compositions is to ensure economical and trouble-free operation of
the equipment and system into which is is introduced and further to
improve the overall performance of the related equipment and
system. Such systems may have comparatively large access space for
a dispenser as in the case of industrial-type equipment, or as in
the case of a home air conditioner may require a miniature
dispenser apparatus. In addition, the system may require that an
aqueous or non-aqueous fluid be treated either in bulk form in a
tank or sump or simply as it passes rapidly over a surface upon
which there is no appreciable fluid build-up.
A suitable chemical dispenser apparatus must be capable of
dispensing either a single chemical composition or a plurality of
chemical compositions into a system in simultaneous or sequential
fashion, as well as allowing treatment with either a single
chemical or a mixture or composition of several chemicals. It is
generally desirable to meter these chemical treatment compositions
into the fluid system from a single source in a designated sequence
to meet the needs of the respective system and avoid the need for a
plurality of dispensing devices. The fluid systems with which such
a chemical dispenser apparatus may be used include inter alia air
and water-cooled air conditioners, humidifiers, fountains, pools,
fish tanks, drainage systems, boilers and fuel oil-burning systems.
Among the chemical compositions which may be metered into the
above-mentioned systems using the apparatus of this invention are
corrosion inhibitors, slimicides, fungicides, deodorants, water
treatment chemicals (e.g. water softeners) fuel oil additives and
the like whose chemical compositions are well known in the
trade.
It is an object of this invention to provide a chemical dispenser
apparatus capable of dispensing a treatment chemical into both
aqueous and non-aqueous fluids.
It is another object of this invention to provide a chemical
dispenser apparatus capable of dispensing a predetermined amount of
a chemical composition into a fluid system over an extended period
of time.
A further object of this invention is to provide a chemical
dispenser apparatus capable of dispensing at least one treatment
chemical into a fluid system at a variable rate in relation to the
fluid content of the system.
A further object of this invention is to provide a chemical
dispenser apparatus for use in both recirculating and once-through
fluid systems.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a low-cost
chemical dispenser apparatus requiring no maintenance or initial
mechanical set-up and which requires a minimum of space for
operation.
To achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides
a simplified chemical dispenser apparatus which comprises a
capillary matrix exhibiting capillary action when a surface area of
said matrix is brought into contact with a fluid, a dissolvable
chemical composition positioned on a surface of said matrix, and
housing means providing a fluid impermeable cover over at least
said chemical composition and said matrix surface.
This invention including the above-mentioned and further objects
and advantages thereof will be better understood in connection with
the following specification and drawings, wherein
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the chemical dispenser
apparatus of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chemical
dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified form of
chemical dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a further
modification of a chemical dispenser apparatus in accordance with
this invention.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a two-stage
chemical dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention,
and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chemical dispenser apparatus of
FIG. 3, including a flotation collar.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a chemical dispenser apparatus 11 is there
generally illustrated in perspective view. The chemical dispenser
apparatus 11 of this invention can generally be considered as
comprised of three principal elements: a capillary matrix or base
12, a fluid-treatment chemical composition 13, and a housing or
jacket 14. The capillary matrix or base 12 acts as a support and
treatment surface for the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13.
The capillary matrix 12 consists of a porous material which
exhibits capillary action when a surface of the matrix is contacted
by a liquid. The capillary action generally causes a liquid
contacting a surface of the capillary matrix 12 to permeate and
ascend through the matrix. The inherent capillary activity of the
material of which the capillary matrix 12 is fabricated, as well as
the thickness and density of the capillary matrix itself, will
largely determine the rate at which a liquid contacting the lower
surface 15 of the capillary matrix will ascend through the matrix
and wet the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 resting on an
upper surface 16 of capillary matrix 12.
The materials from which the capillary matrix 12 may be fabricated
include inter alia such materials as reticulated plastic or latex
foam, non-woven or woven fabrics, metallic or plastic mesh,
sintered metallic materials, or any other materials which possess
sufficient capillary activity to enable a liquid contacting the
material to ascend through the material. A porous polyurethane foam
composition is the preferred matrix material due to its stable
properties in a wide variety of fluids. The thickness of a given
capillary matrix may vary from a given thickness to zero within the
same chemical dispenser apparatus. For example, the thickness of
capillary matrix 12 may be tapered or formed of adjacent matrix
elements of differing thicknesses.
The fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 may be any of a variety
of simple or complex materials in any suitable dissolvable form,
such as in the form of a tablet, pill, capsule, briquette, powder,
granule, crystal, slug or pellet. In some cases, it may be
advantageous to utilize an encapsulated liquid or paste. The exact
composition of the fluid-treatment chemical will depend upon the
particular chemical system in which it is to be used and the
treatment which it is desired to effect.
Generally, the chemical composition of the fluid-treatment chemical
composition 13 is selected or prepared so that it will dissolve
upon contact with a specific fluid known to be present in the
system to be treated, after the fluid has ascended through the
capillary matrix 12 to make contact with the chemical composition.
The solubility, as well as the density, of the fluid-treatment
chemical composition 13 in the particular fluid or solvent used,
will generally determine the relative speed at which the particular
composition forming the solute may be metered back down the
capillary matrix into the fluid system. Fluid-treatment
compositions useful in the present invention include inter alia
corrosion inhibitors, anti-bacterial agents, deodorants, water
softeners, slimicides, fungicides, detergents, fuel oil additives,
and algaecides, whose composition is well known in the trade.
In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fluid-treatment
chemical composition 13 is provided in tablet form and is held in a
pocket formed between housing 14 and the upper surface 16 of
capillary matrix 12. The housing 14 is fabricated from a suitable
fluid-impermeable material selected on the basis of the particular
system in which the chemical dispenser apparatus 11 is to be
employed. The housing 14 serves to hold the fluid-treatment
chemical composition 13 in place on the upper surface 16 of
capillary matrix 12, and additionally prevents inadvertent
dissolution of the chemical composition due to dripping or
splashing of fluid onto the top or sides. The housing may be made
of one or more thicknesses of a flexible or rigid material,
composed inter alia of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl
acetate, nylon, saran, Teflon, polystyrene, epoxy, or other
suitable plastic films, rubbers, sheet metal, molded plastics, or a
variety of other suitable fluid-impregnable materials.
A portion of the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 (generally
a single tablet or briquette) may rest within a separate
compartment 17 formed of the same material as housing 14. The
separate compartment 17 is completely fluid-tight except for one or
more small apertures 18 in the floor 19 of the compartment. The
portion of the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 held within
separate compartment 17 rests directly on the perforated floor 19
of the compartment and not on a capillary matrix (see FIG. 2). In
this manner, the desired chemical treatment will be initiated
rapidly upon insertion of the chemical dispenser into a fluid
system due to the immediate contact between the fluid-treatment
chemical composition and the fluid 20 which is to be treated by way
of the aperture or apertures 18. The separate compartment 17 may be
integrally joined or fastened in any suitable fashion to housing
14.
The rate at which chemical composition 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 is
dispensed into fluid 20 is governed by the capillary activity of
capillary matrix 12 (i.e. the rate at which fluid 20 is drawn up
into the matrix), and the solubility of chemical composition 13 in
fluid 20, as well as the thickness of the capillary matrix 13.
Fluid 20 is drawn up through matrix 12 to dissolve a portion of
chemical composition 13 (the amount of chemical dissolved being
dependent on the quantity of fluid drawn up through matrix 12 by
capillary activity). The dissolved chemical composition then
diffuses down through capillary matrix 12 to the point where the
main body of water being treated physically wipes the chemical from
the bottom of the pad. The rate at which the treatment chemical 13
is dissolved and dispensed into fluid 20 can be slowed by
increasing the thickness of capillary matrix 12; selecting a fluid
treatment chemical composition 13 which is less soluble in fluid
20; by selecting a matrix material 12 displaying less capillary
activity or any combination of the foregoing techniques.
Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the housing 14 has
been secured to the outer margins of capillary matrix 12 by using a
suitable adhesive. Chemical dispenser apparatus 11 is illustrated
as placed in the condensate fluid 20 from a fan coil air
conditioner (not shown) which has collected in a drip tray 21. The
chemical composition 13 illustrated in the preferred tablet form,
may be compounded algaecide, slimicide, deodorant, corrosion
control chemical and scale control chemical. The illustrated
chemical dispenser apparatus will begin dispensing the
fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 as soon as it is placed
into drip tray 21 with the capillary matrix 12 contacting the floor
of drip tray 21. This embodiment of the chemical dispenser
apparatus permits relatively rigid treatment of the fluid 20 with a
large dose of the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 since the
entire lower surface 15 of capillary matrix 12 is in contact with
fluid 20 and substantially the entire capillary matrix will conduct
the condensate fluid 20 up to the fluid-treatment composition 13
resting on the upper surface 16 of the capillary matrix 12. In
addition, treatment is begun at once by direct exposure of tablet
17 to fluid 20 by way of aperture(s) 18.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of chemical
feeder apparatus 11 is illustrated in which housing 14 forms an
envelope surrounding capillary matrix 12 and fluid-treatment
composition 13. The floor 22 of housing 14, which may be integrally
formed therewith, contains several perforations 23 through which
the fluid 20 can pass to reach capillary matrix 12. Once the fluid
20 has contacted capillary matrix 12, it is drawn up by capillary
action to wet the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 resting
on the upper surface 16 of capillary matrix 12.
Once a portion of the fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 has
been wetted and dissolved by fluid 20, it will diffuse down through
capillary matrix 12 and enter the mainstream of fluid 20 through
the holes or pores 23. This embodiment of the chemical dispenser
apparatus allows for a somewhat slower release of the fluid
treatment composition into fluid 20 since a portion of the lower
surface 15 of capillary matrix 12 is covered by floor 22 and the
dissolved fluid-treatment chemical composition can enter the fluid
20 only via the holes or pores 23.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the invention
useful for metering a plurality of different fluid-treatment
chemical compositions at varying rates is illustrated. In this
embodiment, tablets 24 through 28 represent different
fluid-treatment compositions; for example, tablet 24 may be a
deodorant, tablet 25 may be a corrosion inhibitor, etc. Each tablet
rests on a separate capillary matrix having its own thickness,
which may differ from that of others. For example, capillary matrix
29 supporting tablet 24 is shown as having the smallest thickness
and will therefore permit fluid 20 to reach tablet 24 in less time
than will be required for fluid 20 to reach tablet 25 through the
thicker capillary matrix 30 on which that tablet rests. Similarly,
capillary matrices 31 through 33 have individual and possibly
differing predetermined thicknesses which determine the speed with
which fluid 20 will reach tablets 26 through 28. In addition, the
rate at which the various tablets 24 through 28 will dissolve can
be predetermined by regulating their composition to control their
solubility in fluid 20.
Partition walls 34 integrally formed of the same material as
housing 14 serve to separate the respective matrices and tablets
into individual compartments. Fluid 20 reaches the matrix upon
which each tablet rests via suitable holes or apertures 23 in the
floor 22 of each compartment. Similarly, the dissolved
fluid-treatment chemical compositions of tablets 24 through 28
reach the main fluid body 20 via the holes 23.
This embodiment of the invention may also be used when it is
desired to treat a variety of different fluids which may be present
at different times in the same pan or tank 21. For example, tablet
24 may be soluble only in an aqueous solution, i.e. water, and
tablets 25 through 28 may be soluble only in a non-aqueous
solution, such as gasoline. Using the illustrated chemical
dispenser apparatus, these compositions having differing
solubilities may be simultaneously or independently accurately
metered when required into the surrounding fluid.
FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention suitable
for metering two different fluid-treatment chemical compositions
sequentially into a fluid 20. The chemical dispenser apparatus is
similar to that disclosed in FIG. 3 except that a second layer of
capillary matrix material 35 is located on top of the initial
fluid-treatment chemical composition 13. Matrix layer 35 carries a
second fluid-treatment chemical composition 36 on its upper
surface. Fluid-treatment chemical composition 13 will be dissolved
and exhausted first by fluid 20. Chemical composition 36 will then
begin to be dissolved by fluid 20 which will migrate upwards
through capillary matrices 12 and 36. These matrices will be
contacting each other as they are no longer separated by fluid
treatment chemical composition 13 which has dissolved. The
solubility of chemical composition 36 in fluid 20 is selected or
adjusted to compensate for the fact that it must diffuse down
through a double tier of capillary matrices (i.e. 36 and 12) to
reach the main body of fluid 20. The chemical dispenser apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 5 may also include a separate sealed
compartment 17 carrying a portion of the fluid-treating chemical
composition 13 resting above an aperture 18 to provide an immediate
initial chemical treatment upon insertion of the chemical dispenser
apparatus into the pan 21 containing fluid 20.
FIG. 6 illustrates a chemical dispenser apparatus similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 3 with the addition of a flotation collar 37 as
an integral part of housing 14. This embodiment of the invention is
designed for applications where the fluid to be treated has a depth
substantially greater than the height of capillary matrix 12.
Flotation collar 37 ensures that chemical dispenser apparatus 11
will remain at the surface of the fluid to be treated, thereby
reducing the possibility of inadvertent flooding of housing 14.
Flotation collar 37 may be a sealed tube depending on air for
buoyancy, or the collar may be fabricated of a buoyant material
such as styrofoam; the particular flotation material being selected
to be non-reactive with the fluid in which the chemical dispenser
apparatus is to be used.
The materials of which the housing and the flotation collar are
fabricated, as well as that of the capillary matrix are selected
for a particular chemical dispenser apparatus, based upon the
particular application in which the chemical dispenser is intended
to be used. Generally, the housing and capillary matrix materials
selected for a particular construction are those which will not
dissolve or enter into any adverse chemical reaction with the fluid
to be treated or with the treating chemical.
A particular advantage of the chemical dispenser devices of this
invention is that they do not require any fixed minimum fluid level
to begin metering the respective fluid treatment compostions. For
example, the chemical dispenser apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2
when used in treating condensate water in a fan coil air
conditioner will treat accumulations of moisture as small as a few
droplets, while it is also capable of treating far larger
accumulations of moisture should they occur. Despite the variation
in the amount of fluid to be treated, the ratio of fluid-treatment
chemical composition dispensed will always remain in relatively
constant proportion to the amount of fluid contacting and migrating
upward through capillary matrix 12, since the capillary activity of
the matrix material, and the solubility of the chemical composition
will remain as a constant factor.
The chemical dispenser devices of this invention may be
economically manufactured, require a minimum of installation space,
are easily set up for operation by simple insertion into the system
to be treated, and require no maintenance once they are placed in
operation.
Further, the chemical dispenser devices of this invention are
suitable for treating both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, may
be used in both recirculating and once-through fluid systems, and
are advantageously employed in both high fluid flow and extremely
low fluid flow systems.
The chemical dispensers of this invention are particularly suited
for treating the condensate water in fan coil air conditioning
units, and may also be employed to treat non-recirculating
humidifier fluids, drain and sewage system effluents, recirculating
steam boiler systems, fuel oil systems, fountains, pools, fish
tanks or the like. The devices of this invention are economically
designed to meter a preselected amount of fluid-treatment chemical
composition into a desired fluid by preselecting the solubility of
the fluid-treatment chemical composition, in relation to inter alia
the capillary activity of the capillary matrix material and its
thickness.
It will also be noted that the housing of this invention may serve
to hold the dissolvable chemical composition in place on the upper
surface of the capillary matrix as well as preventing incidental
dripping or splashing action from wetting the dissolvable chemical
composition from the top or sides.
it will be understood that the chemical dispenser apparatus of this
invention can be further modified to include several tiers of
capillary matrices with corresponding intermediate chemical
compositions.
It will be seen that the instant invention provides an economical,
accurate and easy-to-use (chemical dispensing) apparatus for use in
dispensing a fluid treatment chemical composition into a variety of
fluid systems.
* * * * *