Device and method for removing condensate from gas pressure systems
AssigneeBeko Technologies GmbH
InventorsBerthold Koch, Rainer Wärzelberger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a device for removing condensate from gas pressure systems, especially dry-pipe systems having a condensate collector in which condensate accumulates when the gas pressure system is in operation, the collector being provided with an outlet. The collector also has a gauge containing a tubular body which is sized in relation to the outlet and designed to be secured thereto and which, when mounted, is located inside the collector and includes an electronic sensor, preferably a capacitive sensor, which is supported by the tubular body and of which at least one element, i.e., a preamplifier, is located therein and borne thereby, and is capable of functioning as a control for an external valve system.
Claims24
An apparatus for removing condensate from a gas pressure system, comprising:
- a receptacle for accumulating condensate during operation of the pressure gas system, the receptacle having an outlet characterized by a size;
- and
- a device for removing condensate from said receptacle, said device comprising a gauge and a tubular body having a top and a bottom and having a size corresponding to the size of the outlet, the tubular body capable of being fastened tightly within the outlet and being disposed within said receptacle when mounted, said device further comprising a capacitive sensor supported by the tubular body and connected to a circuit which is capable of actuating an external valve;
- wherein the capacitive sensor has an inner electrode and an outer electrode, the electrodes being connected above a hollow space which is airtight with respect to the top of the tubular body and which is open with respect to the bottom of the tubular body.
A method of operating an apparatus for removing condensate from a gas pressure system, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a receptacle for accumulating condensate during operation of the pressure gas system, the receptacle having an outlet characterized by a size;
- and
- providing a device for removing condensate from the receptacle, said device comprising a single level gauge in the form of a capacitive sensor and a tubular body having a top, a bottom, and a size corresponding to the size of the outlet, the tubular body capable of being fastened tightly within the outlet and being disposed within said receptacle when mounted, wherein the capacitive sensor is supported by the tubular body and connected to a circuit which is capable of actuating an external valve;
- wherein the capacitive sensor has an inner electrode and an outer electrode, the electrodes being connected above a hollow space which is airtight with respect to the top of the tubular body and which is open with respect to the bottom of the tubular body;
- and
- wherein the single level gauge is attributed to a lower level and the circuit includes a timer, and wherein when the external valve is closed and a liquid level of the condensate reaches the lower level, the timer is triggered, and when the timer has run, the external valve is kept open by the circuit until the liquid level has fallen below the lower level and the circuit closes the external valve.
An apparatus for removing condensate from a gas pressure system, comprising:
- a receptacle for accumulating condensate during operation of the pressure gas system, the receptacle having an outlet characterized by a size;
- a device for removing condensate from said receptacle, said device comprising a level gauge having a capacitive sensor and a tubular body, wherein said tubular body has a top and a bottom, and a size corresponding to the size of the outlet, said tubular body capable of being fastened tightly within the outlet and being disposed within said receptacle when mounted, said capacitive sensor supported by the tubular body and connected to a circuit which is capable of actuating an external valve;
- wherein the capacitive sensor has an inner electrode and an outer electrode, the electrodes being connected above a hollow space which is airtight with respect to the top of the tubular body and which is open with respect to the bottom of the tubular body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.