U.S. patent application number 09/801176 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-05 for automatic drain for a fire protection sprinkler system.
Invention is credited to Thompson, Frank V. JR..
Application Number | 20020121302 09/801176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25180392 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020121302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson, Frank V. JR. |
September 5, 2002 |
AUTOMATIC DRAIN FOR A FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Abstract
An automatic auxiliary condensate drain for an automatic
dry-pipe type fire protection sprinkler system, wherein
condensation which forms within the sprinkler system due to changes
in temperature is drained from the condensate reservoir at the
direction of a programmable controller. The programmable controller
coordinates the opening and closing of inlet and outlet valves so
that accumulated condensate is drained from the system, yet the
pressurized gas located in the sprinkler system is not allowed to
escape. Actuators operate the inlet and outlet valves in response
to signals from the programmable controller.
Inventors: |
Thompson, Frank V. JR.;
(Buford, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT
KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
1100 PEACHTREE
SUITE 2800
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Family ID: |
25180392 |
Appl. No.: |
09/801176 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/86461 20150401;
Y10T 137/0318 20150401; Y10T 137/3105 20150401; F16T 1/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/204 |
International
Class: |
F16T 001/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for draining a sprinkler system, comprising: a) a
condensate reservoir for collecting condensation from a sprinkler
system; b) a first valve having an inlet for connection to said
sprinkler system and an outlet leading to said condensate reservoir
for controlling the release of condensate from said sprinkler
system into said condensate reservoir; c) a second valve having an
inlet receiving condensate from the condensate reservoir and an
outlet for controlling release of the condensate from the
condensate reservoir; d) a first actuator for operating said first
valve; e) a second actuator for operating said second valve; and f)
a programmable controller operatively associated with said
actuators and operative to open and close said valves in a
predetermined sequence so that the first valve is open to allow
condensate from the sprinkler system to enter the condensate
reservoir while the second valve is closed to isolate the sprinkler
system, and so that the second valve thereafter is opened to drain
the condensate from the condensate reservoir while the first valve
is closed to maintain isolation of the sprinkler system.
2. A method for controlling the release of condensate from a
dry-type sprinkler system, comprising: a) the steps of providing a
first valve in an open position connected to an inlet side of a
condensate reservoir, and a second valve in a closed position
connected to an outlet side of said condensate reservoir; b) the
steps of generating a signal based on predetermined criteria and
causing a first actuator to close said first valve; and c) the
steps of generating a second signal based on predetermined criteria
and causing a second actuator to open said second valve, thereby
allowing the accumulated condensate to drain from the system while
the system remains closed.
3. The method of claim 2, further including the steps of generating
a third signal based on predetermined criteria and causing said
second actuator to close said second valve.
4. The method of claim 2, further including the steps of generating
a fourth signal based on predetermined criteria and causing said
first actuator to open said first valve.
5. A method for controlling the release of condensate from a
dry-type sprinkler system, comprising: a) the steps of providing a
first valve in an closed position connected to an inlet side of a
condensate reservoir, and providing a second valve in a closed
position connected to an outlet side of the condensate reservoir;
b) the steps of generating a first signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing a first actuator to open said first valve; c)
the steps of generating a second signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing said first actuator to close said first valve
after a sufficient period of time has elapsed allowing the
condensate from the system to enter the condensate reservoir; and
d) the steps of generating a third signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing a second actuator to open said second valve
thereby allowing the accumulated condensate to drain from the
system.
6. The method of claim 5 further includes the steps of generating a
signal based on predetermined criteria and causing said second
actuator to close said second valve.
7. A method for controlling the release of condensate from a
dry-type sprinkler system, comprising: a) the steps of providing a
first valve in an closed position connected to an inlet side of a
condensate reservoir, and providing a second valve in an open
position connected to an outlet side of the condensate reservoir;
b) the steps of generating a first signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing a second actuator to close said second valve;
c) the steps of generating a second signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing a first actuator to open said first valve; d)
the steps of generating a third signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing said first actuator to close said first valve
after a sufficient period of time has elapsed allowing the
condensate from the system to enter the condensate reservoir; and
e) the steps of generating a fourth signal based on predetermined
criteria and causing said second actuator to open said second valve
thereby allowing the accumulated condensate to drain from the
system.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a condensate drain for a fire
protection sprinkler system of the dry-pipe type, and more
particularly, to a condensate drain for a dry-pipe type fire
protection sprinkler system that is automatically controlled by a
programmable controller.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Automatic sprinklers are the most widely used fixed
apparatus for fire protection. Automatic sprinkler systems
typically comprise a host of sprinklers connected in a systematic
pattern over a protected area, an adequate water supply, and an
internal piping system. Further, an automatic sprinkler system is
comprised of a horizontal array of branch lines which are located
in the ceiling of each floor of a building and supply the
sprinklers with water. A sprinkler can extend above a branch line,
placing the sprinkler close to the ceiling, or a sprinkler can
extend below a branch line and be mounted flush with a drop ceiling
so that only part of the sprinkler is exposed below the
ceiling.
[0003] The sprinklers and branch lines are supplied with water via
risers that are connected to water mains which are further
connected to a municipal water source or other water supply. Water
is primarily distributed to the sprinkler either through a wet-pipe
system or a dry-pipe system. In a wet-pipe system, typically used
in heated buildings, all pipes contain water under pressure for
immediate release through any sprinkler that opens. The wet-pipe
system contains non-flowing water which poses a higher risk of
mechanical damage should the water in the branch lines freeze.
However, this risk is not present in a continuous flow system or in
a dry-pipe system.
[0004] In the dry-pipe system, which is normally used in any area
exposed to freezing, branch lines and other distribution pipes
contain dry air or nitrogen under pressure. The pressurized gas
causes a dry-pipe valve to remain in a closed position at the
riser. Water is delivered to the fire through the sprinkler in a
dry-pipe system when heat from a fire opens the sprinkler. Once the
sprinkler is open, pressurized gases escape and causes the dry-pipe
valve to open, thereby allowing water to enter and fill the branch
lines. The water eventually escapes through the sprinkler
heads.
[0005] Both the dry-pipe and wet-pipe systems require means to
enable the system to be drained. In the dry-pipe system, it is
typical practice to provide an auxiliary drain to facilitate
periodic drainage. The primary purpose of the auxiliary drain in a
dry-pipe type system is to drain condensate that has collected in
the system due to changes in temperature of the ambient air
surrounding the risers and lines.
[0006] It is known in the art that auxiliary condensate drains are
disposed in a riser pipe and have an inlet in fluid communication
with the pipe network of the system and an outlet in fluid
communication with a disposal system. The inlet and outlet ends of
the condensate drain are controlled with suitable valves. A fluid
reservoir for collecting condensate from the system is disposed
between the inlet and outlet valves. A typical condensate reservoir
is formed of a main pipe having a two-inch outside diameter (OD)
and a length of approximately 12 inches. The inlet end of the inlet
valve is attached to the outlet of a riser of the sprinkler system,
while the outlet end is coupled to the inlet of the main reservoir
pipe. The inlet end of the outlet valve is connected to the outlet
side of the condensate reservoir and leads to a disposal system,
thereby allowing discharge of the condensate from the condensate
reservoir.
[0007] Currently, the condensate drain must be manually operated on
a regular basis to relieve the piping system of the accumulated
condensation in order to prevent mechanical damage from freezing
conditions. As a result, the current system is inefficient, costly
to maintain, subject to human error as it requires constant human
monitoring and expensive to replace should the system be allowed to
freeze and rupture the piping system.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for automatically and reliably
controlling an auxiliary condensate drain in a dry-pipe type fire
protection sprinkler system so that condensate is timely removed
from the sprinkler system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Set forth below is a brief summary of the invention that
solves the foregoing problems and provides benefits and advantages
in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as
embodied and broadly described therein.
[0010] Generally speaking, a preferred embodiment is comprised of a
condensate reservoir disposed between an inlet valve and an outlet
valve. The inlet valve controls the intake of pressurized gases and
condensate into the condensate reservoir. The inlet side of the
inlet valve is connected to the fire sprinkler system and the
outlet side of the inlet valve discharges condensate to the
condensate reservoir. The outlet valve regulates discharge of
condensate that has accumulated in the condensate reservoir. Each
valve is power-actuated by a suitable actuator such as a solenoid
or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet valves
are attached to an inlet solenoid and an outlet solenoid,
respectively. The solenoids open and close the valves at the
direction of a programmable controller.
[0011] The programmable controller is used to coordinate the
opening and closing of the inlet and outlet valves based upon
criteria that has been previously entered by a user, such as a
building engineer or operator, or by a manufacturing entity. The
programmable controller initiates the opening or closing of the
inlet or outlet valve by signaling the actuator corresponding to
the valve desired to be operated. Thereafter, the actuator either
opens or closes the valve.
[0012] In one method of operation, the inlet valve is in an open
position and the outlet valve is in a closed position while the
system is inactive. This position allows the condensate reservoir
to collect condensate as condensation forms in the sprinkler
system. Once the programmable controller determines that the
accumulated condensate should be removed from the system based upon
previously determined parameters, the controller signals the inlet
actuator to close the inlet valve. With the inlet valve closed, the
controller signals the outlet actuator to open the outlet valve.
After a predetermined time period, sufficient in length to allow
the accumulated condensate to drain from the reservoir, the
controller signals the outlet actuator to close the outlet valve.
Thereafter, the controller signals the inlet actuator to open the
inlet valve. The inlet valve remains open during the period of
inactivity until the programmable controller begins the cycle once
again.
[0013] In another method of operation, the inlet and outlet valves
are in closed positions while the system is inactive. As a result,
the programmable controller must first open the inlet valve for a
specified time period to allow the condensate to drain in to the
reservoir for removal. The remaining steps of the process remain
unchanged from those set forth above, except that the inlet valve
does not remain open during the period of inactivity.
[0014] In yet another method of operation, the inlet is closed and
the outlet valve is open while the system is inactive. The
programmable controller must first close the outlet valve. The
inlet valve is then opened to allow the condensate from the system
to drain into the condensate reservoir. The remaining steps of this
embodiment are set forth in the first method described above. At
the conclusion of draining the condensate, the outlet valve remains
open.
[0015] Currently, there exists no device which solves the problems
set forth below. Specifically, there exists a need for
automatically draining a sprinkler system used for fire protection
in order to prevent exposure of the sprinkler system to mechanical
damage caused by freezing water while preventing the release of
pressurized gas contained within the sprinkler system. Further, it
is desired that operation of the condensate drain system not
require on-site personnel to manually drain condensation from the
system on a regular basis. Additionally, the automatic control
contained within the device must possess the capability of being
programmed to drain the system at any interval. Finally, there
exists a need to reduce the operating costs associated with
manually draining a dry-type fire protection sprinkler system.
[0016] The instant invention solves the problems set forth above
with a condensate reservoir for collecting condensation from a
sprinkler system, an inlet valve connected to the sprinkler system
and the condensate reservoir which prevents the discharge of a
pressurized gas from the sprinkler system, an outlet valve
controlling release of condensate from the condensate reservoir, an
inlet solenoid for opening and closing the inlet valve, an outlet
solenoid for opening and closing the outlet valve, and a
programmable controller having the capability of controlling and
operating at least one of the valves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawing is a schematic elevation view
illustrating a sprinkler-system condensate drain, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, for use in a
dry-pipe type automatic sprinkler system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] As shown in the FIGURE, the condensate drain indicated
generally at 10 includes a condensate reservoir 12. The condensate
drain 10 is disposed between an inlet riser 14 that is connected to
a dry-pipe sprinkler system and an outlet riser 16 that is
connected to a storm water discharge system (not shown). However,
in an alternative embodiment the condensate drain 10 is not
connected to a storm water discharge system but discharges to the
atmosphere.
[0019] More specifically, the condensate drain 10 includes an inlet
valve 18, a centrally disposed condensate reservoir 12, and an
outlet valve 20. The inlet valve 18 and outlet valve 20 may consist
of any conventional valve including by way of illustration and not
limitation, a gate valve, a globe valve, or a ball valve, together
with a suitable powered actuator for the valve. In this embodiment,
the inlet valve 18 is a solenoid-actuated valve including an inlet
19 adapted to be threadably connected with inlet riser 14 and an
outlet 21 adapted to be threadably connected to a pipe nipple 26.
However, inlet valve 18 may be connected to inlet riser 14 and pipe
nipple 26 through any conventional means of connecting pipes
including soldering or use of pressure fittings.
[0020] As illustrated, the inlet 22 of the condensate reservoir 12
is connected to the inlet valve 18 with a reducing coupling 24 and
a pipe nipple 26. The condensate reservoir 12 is connected to the
outlet valve 20 through the combination of a reducing coupling 24
and a pipe nipple 26. The outlet valve 20 includes an inlet 28
adapted to be threadably connected with a pipe nipple 26 and an
outlet 30 adapted to be threadably connected to outlet riser 16.
However, outlet valve 20 is not necessarily threadably connected to
outlet riser 16. Rather, outlet valve 20 may simply discharge
condensate directly from outlet 30. Further, outlet valve 20 may be
connected to outlet riser 16 or pipe nipple 26 through any
conventional means of connecting pipes, including soldering or
pressure fittings.
[0021] Inlet valve 18 and outlet valve 20 are controlled by a
programmable multiple valve controller 32. Controller 32 may
consist of any conventional programmable controller, such as a
microprocessor or a timer. In the present embodiment, controller 32
is programmed to control inlet solenoid 34 and outlet solenoid 36
in order to drain the accumulated condensate from the condensation
drain 10 using predetermined time intervals. Specifically,
controller 32 controls the opening and closing of inlet valve 18
and outlet valve 20 based upon predetermined time periods.
Alternatively, controller 32 controls the opening and closing of
inlet valve 18 and outlet valve 20 in response to sensors detecting
a predetermined change in temperature or the amount of accumulated
condensation in the reservoir.
[0022] In operation, inlet valve 18 is in an open position, while
outlet valve 20 is in a closed position. Starting from such a
position allows condensate to accumulate in the condensate
reservoir 12 during all periods of inactivity in which valve 18 is
open. In order to drain the accumulated condensate, controller 32
sends a signal to the inlet solenoid 34 to close the inlet valve
18. Once the inlet valve 18 is closed, controller 32 sends a signal
to the outlet solenoid 36 to open the outlet valve 20. Outlet
solenoid 36 opens the outlet valve 20, thereby draining the
condensate collected in the condensate reservoir 12. Upon
expiration of a predetermined time period, controller 32 signals
the outlet solenoid 36 to close the outlet valve 20 and the inlet
solenoid 34 to open the inlet valve 18, returning the system to an
inactive state.
[0023] Another method of operation of the invention includes
starting with inlet valve 18 and outlet valve 20 in closed
positions. Once the controller 32 determines that a release of
condensate is desired, the controller 32 signals the inlet solenoid
34 to open the inlet valve 18 for a desired period of time. Upon
expiration of this time period, inlet solenoid 34 closes inlet
valve 18. The controller 32 then signals to the outlet solenoid 36
to open the outlet valve 20. Outlet solenoid 36 opens the outlet
valve 20 thereby releasing the accumulated condensate from the
condensate reservoir 12. Upon expiration of a predetermined time
period, controller 32 signals the outlet solenoid 36 to close the
outlet valve 20. Once outlet valve 20 is closed, the system is
inactive until the programmable controller begins the cycle once
again.
[0024] Yet another method of operation of the invention includes
starting with the inlet valve 18 in a closed position, while the
outlet valve 20 is in a open position. In order to drain the
accumulated condensate, controller 32 sends a signal to the outlet
solenoid 36 to close the outlet valve 20. Once the outlet valve 20
is closed, controller 32 sends a signal to inlet solenoid 34 to
open inlet valve 18. Inlet solenoid 34 opens the inlet valve 18,
thereby collecting the condensate in the condensate reservoir 12.
Upon expiration of a predetermined time period, sufficient in
length to allow the condensate to drain from the sprinkler system,
controller 32 signals the inlet solenoid 34 to close the inlet
valve 18 and the outlet solenoid 36 to open the outlet valve 20.
Thereafter, outlet solenoid 36 opens outlet valve 20, thereby
allowing the accumulated condensate to drain from the condensate
reservoir 12. Thereafter, the system returns to an inactive state,
maintaining inlet valve 18 in an open position and outlet valve 20
in a closed position.
[0025] While various embodiments of this invention have been
described above, these descriptions are given for purposes of
illustration and explanation. Variations, changes, modifications,
and departures from the systems and methods disclosed above may be
adopted without departure from the spirit and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *