Pumping, Measuring & Returning Liquids

2013. Sturgess, G., and Sturgess, C. Jan. 29. Waste and residual liquid, catching and returning. -Relates to a device for collecting the overflow beer from beer engines out of contact with the air, and for returning the same to the pump barrel in quantities equal in volume to that of the barrel so that no air may enter the latter. In the form shown in Fig. 1, the beer collects in the pipe 3 above a valve 11, which is mounted upon a stem connected at the top to the valve 10 in such a manner that, when one valve is open, the other is closed. As soon as the beer from the drainer 1 no longer runs into the pipe 3, the handle 10 is turned, thereby closing the ports 8 and opening the valve 11, so that, at the next stroke of the pump, the beer passes through the pipe 4 into the pump barrel 5. The parts 8 are then opened again and the valve 11 closed. In the form shown in Fig. 2, the device is rendered automatic by providing a rubber float valve 14 with a flexible stem 16 connecting it to the lower valve 15. Beer entering the drainer lifts the valve 14 and enters the pipe until the weight of liquid acting on the valve 15 together with the suction action of the pump causes the lower valve to open, admitting the beer to the pump barrel.