U.S. patent application number 09/845916 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for automatic water line flushing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Goff, William T..
Application Number | 20020157708 09/845916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25296417 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020157708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goff, William T. |
October 31, 2002 |
Automatic water line flushing apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for flushing a water line includes a pipe, a valve
in the pipe, and a controller that automatically opens the valve to
allow water to flow through the pipe at preselected intervals and
for preselected times. The controller derives power for its
operation and the operation of the valve from a solar panel, which
stores energy in a battery. The pipe's outflow orifice has a
diffuser to slow the flow of water from the apparatus. An erosion
mat cushions the impact of the water from the orifice and helps to
prevent erosion of the surrounding soil. An alarm notifies
passersby that the apparatus is about to flush the lines.
Inventors: |
Goff, William T.; (Conway,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL A MANN
NEXSEN PRUET JACOBS & POLLARD LLC
PO DRWR 2426
COLUMBIA
SC
29202-2426
US
|
Family ID: |
25296417 |
Appl. No.: |
09/845916 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/238 ;
137/624.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/86405 20150401;
E03B 7/006 20130101; Y10T 137/4245 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/238 ;
137/624.13 |
International
Class: |
E03C 001/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for use in flushing a water line, comprising: a
pipe, said pipe having an outflow orifice; a valve in said pipe;
and controller means in operational connection with said valve for
opening and closing said valve at a preselected interval of time
without the need for periodic maintenance, wherein, when said
controller means opens said valve, fluid can flow through said pipe
and out of said outflow orifice for said preselected interval.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means in
operational connection with said pipe for measuring flow through
said pipe.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
housing surrounding said pipe.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising an
insulated housing surrounding said pipe.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller
means includes a solar power source.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller
means includes a solar panel and a battery, said solar panel being
adapted to charge said battery.
7. An apparatus for use in flushing a water line, comprising: a
pipe, said pipe having an outflow orifice; a housing surrounding
said pipe; a valve in said pipe; controller means in operational
connection with said valve for opening and closing said valve at a
preselected interval of time, wherein, when said controller means
opens said valve, fluid can flow through said pipe and out of said
outflow orifice for said preselected interval; and a solar power
source in operational connection with said controller.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said pipe includes
a diffuser at said outflow orifice.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising an
erosion mat in spaced relation to said outflow orifice, said
erosion mat positioned to receive fluid flowing from said outflow
orifice.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising a water
meter located downstream of said valve.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said pipe has a
score line between said valve and said outflow orifice so that said
pipe breaks preferentially at said score line.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising a swing
valve carried by said pipe between said outflow orifice and said
valve.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising means
for notifying bystanders that said valve is to be opened.
14. An apparatus for use in flushing a water line onto a
surrounding surface, comprising: a pipe, said pipe having an
outflow orifice; a valve in said pipe; controller means in
operational connection with said valve for opening and closing said
valve at preselected intervals without the need for periodic
maintenance, wherein, when said controller means opens said valve,
fluid can flow through said pipe and out said outflow orifice for
said preselected interval; and means for limiting impact of fluid
flowing out of said outflow orifice on the surrounding surface.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said controller
means further comprises: a solar panel; and a battery, said solar
panel charging said battery.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising a
water meter carried by said pipe.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising an
insulated housing surrounding said pipe.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said limiting
means further comprises: a diffuser carried by said pipe; and an
erosion mat in spaced relation to said diffuser.
19. The device as recited in claim 14, further comprising a speaker
in electrical connection with said controller.
20. The device as recited in claim 14, wherein said pipe includes a
score line so that said pipe breaks, if at all at said score line.
Description
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to water line
maintenance, and, in particular, to apparatus for flushing potable
water lines.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Potable water is delivered to homes, businesses, and various
other, outlets such as drinking fountains through extensive piping
networks. It is good practice--indeed, it is a requirement in most
areas--to flush these lines periodically to reduce the build up of
bacteria and remove sediment. The frequency of flushing depends on
the nature of the line. Presently, the task of flushing water lines
is done manually; that is, a worker opens a valve connected to a
line to allow the water to drain. After an interval of time, the
valve is closed. While the water drains, the worker waits. Even
municipalities of modest size have a large number of lines that
require periodic draining. Thus flushing lines requires a full time
staff and is very labor intensive.
[0003] A solution to this problem is a device that flushes lines
without the need for a worker to open a valve. An automatic water
line flushing apparatus is available from Environmental Enhancement
& Technologies USA, Inc., and sold under the trademark
HYDROGUARD. This programmable line flusher includes an electric
solenoid valve to open the line for flushing and operates on a one
year battery.
[0004] However, there is inevitably the need to send a worker to
each line on a periodic basis to perform maintenance or servicing
of one sort or another, even if only to change the battery. Thus
there remains a need for a way to flush potable water lines
automatically and without the need for periodic service and
maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly recited and according to its major aspects, the
present invention is an automatic water line flushing apparatus.
The present apparatus is designed to operate automatically, without
requiring periodic maintenance and service. It uses a solar panel
to charge a battery from which it derives electric power for
operation; it is fully programmable so that, once programmed, it
can operate indefinitely on the same programmed schedule; it is
designed to withstand freezing temperatures and to minimize the
impact of the flushing water on the surrounding surface; and to
provide the assurance needed by municipal water authorities that
they are in compliance with requirements for periodic water line
flushing.
[0006] The present apparatus includes a pipe with a valve for
regulating flow through the pipe, a controller to open and close
the valve, a power system that derives power for the controller and
the valve from a solar panel, and a water meter to measure water
flow through the pipe. In addition, the apparatus limits the impact
of the flushing water on the surrounding surface by the inclusion
of an erosion mat to prevent erosion of the adjacent soil and a
diffuser to slow the flow out of the pipe. An alarm operated by the
controller alerts bystanders that the apparatus is about to flush
the line. Finally, the present apparatus may optionally be equipped
with a cellular modem for transmitting the water flushing
information to a central station.
[0007] The use of solar power, which is preferably the type that
converts light directly to electricity but also potentially, a
solar heat collector, to provide the power for the controller and
the valve is an important feature of the present invention. This
feature eliminates the need for periodically replacing batteries or
reprogramming the controller in the event of battery failure or a
power outage when electricity is supplied from municipal power
sources.
[0008] The use of a solar panel in combination with a battery and
an inverter is also a feature of the present invention. The solar
panel charges the battery which delivers direct current to an
inverter that produces alternating current to the controller. The
use of these components simplifies the construction of the present
automatic flushing apparatus.
[0009] Another important feature of the present invention is the
combination of a diffuser and an erosion mat. The diffuser and the
mat act to limit the impact of the water on the surrounding surface
when the apparatus is in operation. In time, water can do
significant damage; limiting its impact extends that time
considerably.
[0010] Still another feature of the present invention is the use of
a water meter to measure the flow of water during flushing. Water
meters are designed to measure water usage, but, in the present
application, the water meter provides a useful way of measuring
water flow for flushing lines rather than using just the duration
of the flushing.
[0011] The use of insulation around the pipe, another feature of
the present invention, helps to avoid another potential problem
with an automatic water flushing device, namely, the need for
repairing or replacing pipes cracked by freezing water.
[0012] The alarm operated by the controller is another feature of
the present invention. It alerts passersby the device is about to
flush the lines. This feature is an important courtesy and may
prevent passersby from being exposed to the flushing water, which
can be a nuisance for them and also potentially dangerous if it
occurs in winter in cold climates.
[0013] Finally, in addition to a valve to control the flow of water
through the pipe, the present invention includes a swing valve to
prevent backflow or ingress by small animals into the pipe.
[0014] Many other features and their advantages will be apparent to
those skilled in the art of municipal water line maintenance from a
careful reading of the Detailed Description of Preferred
Embodiments, accompanied by the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings,
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water flushing apparatus
in place with the soil shown partially cut away, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present invention, described below, is a water line
flushing apparatus that is designed to eliminate the need for
manual flushing of lines, and, also important, to be relatively
maintenance free. The present flushing is intended to be connected
to the municipal, potable water supply lines. Neither the water
lines nor the water are not part of the present invention.
[0019] Referring now to the figures, there is illustrated a line
flushing apparatus, generally indicated by the reference number 10.
Apparatus 10 is connected to a water line 12 buried in the ground.
Thus, a portion 16 of apparatus 10 is also below the ground and a
remaining portion 18 is above ground.
[0020] Apparatus 10 includes a pipe 20 with an outflow orifice 22.
Pipe 20 is preferably schedule 40 PVC pipe, two inches in inside
diameter; approximately 80 inches would be sufficient for the
present apparatus, with a cap. Outflow orifice 22 is elevated above
the ground using a bend in pipe 20. The elevation can be a
relatively short distance, such as 10 to 40 inches. A housing 24
encases pipe 20, particularly remaining portion 18 and is
preferably insulated with a suitable insulator 28 such a plastic
foam such as styro-foam. Housing is preferably 6 inch schedule 40
PVC piping so that it is large enough for pipe 20 and insulation 28
in the annular region. The choice of insulator 28 and the decision
as to whether insulator 28 should include an active source of heat
would depend on the environment where apparatus 10 is installed and
its potential for low temperatures. The purpose of insulator is to
prevent water in pipe 20 from cracking pipe 20 as a result of
freezing.
[0021] Near water line 12 is a valve 32, preferably an electrical
solenoid valve, most preferably a 2" 24 VAC, direct burial solenoid
valve with manual actuator, that will control the flow of water
from water line 12 through pipe 20. When valve 32 opens, water
flows through pipe 20 to outflow orifice 22; when valve 32 closes,
water does not flow.
[0022] Downstream of valve 32 is a water meter 34 that measures the
amount of water flowing through pipe. Meter 34 is optional in that
the volume of water may be estimated from the size of pipe 20 and
the duration of water flow. However, meter 34 can record the total
volume of water more accurately and may, if there is a discrepancy
between the total amount of water recorded and estimated total
volume from the total time of flushing suggest that water is being
blocked upstream of valve 32. If the estimated value exceeds the
actual value, the water is not flowing freely in pipe 20. Meter 34
can be read by lifting a lid 36 on meter housing 38 to read a
digital or analog display 40 carried by meter 34, or may be a
"touch-read" or "radio-read" type of meter.
[0023] Inside of meter 34 is a swing valve 42 that opens when water
is flowing through pipe 20 from valve 32 to outflow orifice 22 but
closes to prevent back flow of water or ingress of small animals.
If meter 34 is not used with the present invention, a separate
swing check valve 42 is supplied in line in pipe 20, preferably a 2
inch swing check valve.
[0024] Optionally, a score line 44 can be made between valve 32 and
swing valve 42 to allow pipe 20 to break, if it must break, at a
particular location. By using score line 44 to pre-determine the
break point, the repair of pipe 20 can be simplified.
[0025] At the end of pipe 20 is a diffuser 46 to absorb some of the
energy of water flowing through outflow orifice 22. Diffuser 46 is
preferably stainless steel mesh. As the water will descend onto the
surrounding surface from a height and under pressure, it can result
in erosion. Optionally, an erosion mat 48 can be used in
combination with diffuser 46 or independently of diffuser 46 to
absorb the impact of the exiting water to lessen its erosive
effect.
[0026] To open and close valve 32, a controller system 50 is used.
Controller system 50 includes a controller 52 and a power supply
system. Controller 52, preferably a 120 VAC input/24 VAC output
type, includes a programmable computer, a memory that records the
program and a timer. Controller can be programmed to open valve 32
on schedule at intervals and to close it a preselected interval
later. The duration of the intervals of time between successive
openings of valve 32 can be selected as well as the duration of the
interval between opening and closing valve 32. Controller 50 may
also have a dial-up cellular modem that connects to a central
station computer to record operational data.
[0027] Controller 52 and valve 32 both require electrical energy to
operate. The energy is obtained by the power supply system, which
includes a solar panel 54 that charges a battery 56. The output of
battery 56 is direct current (DC). For controller 52 to operate off
battery 56, the direct current must be converted to alternating
current through use of an inverter 58 and then conducted to
controller 50 and to valve 32 via wires 60 and 62, respectively.
Wires 64 conduct current from solar panel 54 to battery 56.
Inverter 58 preferably produces a 120 VAC output, at 150-175 watts
continuously.
[0028] Solar panel 54 is preferably of the type that converts light
to electricity and, in particular, a 12 VDC, minimum 7.5 watt panel
with internal overcharge protection and covered with a
polycarbonate material such as LEXAN for protection. However, the
term "solar panel" in addition to meaning voltaic solar panels also
includes solar heat collectors that collect heat which can in turn
be used in a variety of ways to generate electricity or perhaps to
operate other devices by means other than electricity. Fluidics and
mechanical devices are known that can operate valves and perform
computer-like functions. Importantly, light is used to provide the
energy upon which the device depends for its operation. Battery 56
is preferably a 12 volt, rechargeable sealed battery.
[0029] Just prior to opening valve 32, controller 50 emits an
alarm, preferably an audible alarm through speaker 66.
Alternatively or in addition, a visual alarm may be made. Alarms
notify those near apparatus 10 that it will soon be discharging
water to the surrounding surface.
[0030] In use, apparatus 10 is connected to a water line 12 and
programmed for the desired flushing intervals. Solar panel 54
begins to charge battery 56, which supplies power through inverter
58 to controller 50. Apparatus 10 can then be tested. When the time
for opening valve 32 approaches, speaker 64 audibly announces that
fact. Then, controller 50 opens valve 32 and water from water line
12 flows through pipe 20 to outflow orifice 22 through diffuser 46
and onto erosion mat 48 and from there onto the surrounding
surface.
[0031] After a pre-selected interval of time, controller 50 closes
valve 32, thus stopping the flow of water. Water meter 34 will have
recorded the incremental volume of water flowing through pipe
20.
[0032] Optionally, information from meter 34 and controller 52 can
be transmitted in a number of different ways to a central station.
The information can be transmitted by a small radio transmitter or
be cellular modem incorporated into controller 52 to a telephone
number leading to a computer where the information can be received
and logged. The information can be transmitted to a local telephone
number and relayed via an internet to a central station.
[0033] Importantly, apparatus 10 will not require periodic
maintenance. The term "periodic maintenance" means that it will not
require a worker to service or maintain it at specified, regular
intervals of time. From time to time, it may require an inspection
or cleaning or testing, but the time for doing these is arbitrary
and may be postponed knowing that the unit will continue to
function unless component parts fail or there is a break in the
line. Moreover, because of the way it is constructed and its
features, apparatus 10 is not likely to fail because of cold
weather or batteries going dead. The only moving parts are below
ground, inside pipe 20. Furthermore, it is less likely to cause
soil erosion to the extent that the surrounding grounds would
require repair. It is not likely to require reprogramming because
of a power outage.
[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the
invention pertains that many modifications and substitutions can be
made in the foregoing description of preferred embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention,
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *