Automatic tank emptying mechanism - has discharge valve operated by actuator with blance arm and float slidable along vertical guides

摘要

This mechanism is designed to discharge liquid from a tank when a predetermined level is reached and to close the discharge port when the tank is virtually empty. The mechanism which actuates the discharge valve is not contaminated by the liquid. The tank (1) is divided into a deep section (2) and a shallow section (3), the first containing the liquid (5) and the second the actuator mechanism. A signal to operate the actuator is provided by a float (10). Both float and actuator can slide up and down vertical guides (11, 99). The actuator consists of a balance arm supported on a pivot (16) and having a container (80) at one end housing a mobile mass (12). This transfer causes the arm (15) to swing quickly up or down as the horizontal is reached under the action of the float and the motion then causes rapid opening or closing of the valve (6).