Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for expelling air from a liquid storage tank, such as a hot water storage tank includes a bleed line coupled between a water circulating pump discharge conduit and a hot water discharge line emanating from tank 10. The bleed line is connected to the hot water discharge line at a location which is elevated with respect to a location where the bleed line is connected to the pump discharge conduit. The pump is operable to draw hot water from the top part of the tank and discharge it into a cold water fill line extending into the tank to enhance water circulation in the tank. Air and other gas released when water is heated in the top part of the tank are drawn from the top part of the tank and expelled via the bleed line, to prevent accumulation of air and other gas in the tank. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an elongated tubular member is inserted into the cold water fill line. The tubular member has a bushing with a tapered surface for directing the incoming cold water into a first fluid passageway within the tubular member. A second fluid passageway is defined between the tubular member and the cold water fill line. The water circulating pump discharges hot water from the top part of the tank into the second passageway so that the hot water does not mix with the incoming cold water until the incoming cold water is injected back into the second passageway at the lower end of the tubular member.

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First Claim