Method and apparatus for transferring liquid from a storage container to a vessel in a controlled manner

An apparatus for transferring a liquid from a first vessel to a second vessel, said apparatus comprising first and second vessels, liquid-conveying means extending from said second vessel to said first vessel to a level beneath the liquid contained in said first vessel;

• a chamber in communication with said first vessel above the liquid level therein via a passage arranged between said chamber and said first vessel, the cross-sectional area of which passage is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the liquid surface;
• heating means cooperating with said chamber;
• means for passing cold vapour from above the surface of the liquid in said first vessel to said chamber and into contact with said heating means to heat said vapour to a temperature above the boiling point of said liquid and means for circulating said heated vapour back to said first vessel above the surface of the liquid, thereby to raise the pressure in said first vessel above said surface, said means for circulating vapour comprising a fan arranged in said chamber, and means for separating the flows of warm and cold vapour through said passage.