Apparatus and method for containing and regulating the pressure in a pressure vessel

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a tank and / or pressure sensing assembly that can reduce one or more steps from a conventional manufacturing operation. The tank of some embodiments can have a seal that is capable of sealing an entire opening within the tank and is adapted to be punctured or pierced by a portion of a pressure sensing assembly or while the pressure sensing assembly is attached to the tank. The pressure sensing assembly of some embodiments can include a conduit connectable with the tank and a pressure switch coupled to the conduit. A projection contiguous with and extending from the conduit can pierce the seal (if used) on the tank. The projection can also pierce an elastic member within the tank in the event that the elastic member contacts the piercing member due to a leak.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Some homes and businesses are not served by municipal water services. These homes and businesses generally utilize a private well to solve their water needs. With a private well, water is drawn from a water bearing aquifer in the ground and pumped to a storage tank containing a fixed amount of air. As water enters the tank, the air volume occupied by the air is reduced and the pressure within the tank rises. The tank is therefore a pressure accumulator that delivers water to a faucet or other end use location without requiring the pump to cycle every time water is drawn from the tank. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] Some aspects of the present invention are directed toward improving the process of manufacturing and preparing a pressure tank assembly. During conventional manufacturing processes, the pressure tank is generally pressure tested. As part of the pressure test, an air pressure sensing assembly or regulator valve assembly is attached to th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] The inventors have developed a method for manufacturing a tank that can reduce one or more of these redundant steps. Furthermore, they have developed a tank and a pressure sensing assembly that can be used with said method. For example, some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a water storage tank for a well. The method can include one or more steps such as forming a pressure vessel having an opening, an interior volume, and an elastic member located inside the pressure vessel to separate the interior volume into a water storing volume and an air storing volume; installing a seal over the opening, wherein the seal is capable of sealing the entire opening and is adapted to be punctured by a pressure switch mounting assembly; pressurizing the tank with air; preventing air from escaping the pressurized tank through the opening with the seal; and packaging the pressurized tank for shipping while the tank is pressurized.

Problems solved by technology

However, this step also causes the tank to be depressurized.

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