U.S. patent application number 11/826671 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-22 for condensate collector arrangement for dry pipe sprinkler system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AGF Manufacturing, Inc.. Invention is credited to George McHugh, IV.
Application Number | 20090020166 11/826671 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40255120 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090020166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McHugh, IV; George |
January 22, 2009 |
Condensate collector arrangement for dry pipe sprinkler system
Abstract
A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler
system comprises a float or a sensor which activates an alarm when
a predetermined amount of condensate has been collected.
Inventors: |
McHugh, IV; George;
(Malvern, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
Malvern
PA
|
Family ID: |
40255120 |
Appl. No.: |
11/826671 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/5907 20150401;
A62C 35/62 20130101; A62C 35/68 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/314 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/14 20060101
F25D021/14 |
Claims
1. A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler
system, comprising: a first valve comprising an inlet and an
outlet, said first valve having a first valve member for
selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the
outlet of the first valve; a second valve comprising an inlet and
an outlet, said second valve having a second valve member for
selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the
outlet of the second valve; a collection chamber in fluid
communication with the outlet of said first valve and the inlet of
the second valve, said collection chamber being generally elongate
between said first valve and said second valve; a switch operable
between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a float
member provided downstream of said first valve member and upstream
of said second valve member, said float member being configured to
move upwardly in response to an accumulation of condensate in said
collection chamber, said movement of said float member causing said
switch to change between said open configuration and said closed
configuration; and, an alarm which is operatively connected to said
switch, said alarm being activated when said float member causes
said switch to change between said open configuration and said
closed configuration to indicate the presence of a predetermined
amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
2. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, further
comprising: a pivot arm connected to the float about a first pivot
and configured to rotate about a second pivot through an angle when
the float moves upwardly; and an actuator disposed on the pivot
arm, said switch being caused to change configurations in response
to movement of said pivot arm causing said actuator to move
relative to said switch.
3. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 2, wherein said
switch comprises a proximity switch configured to activate the
alarm when the actuator is placed in operative proximity to the
proximity switch by said rotation of the pivot arm through the
angle.
4. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 3, wherein said
proximity switch is open when said actuator is distal from said
proximity switch and wherein said proximity switch is closed when
said actuator is proximal said proximity switch.
5. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 4, wherein the
actuator is located at a first end of the pivot arm, and wherein
said second pivot is provided between the actuator and said first
pivot.
6. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein said
alarm is battery powered.
7. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 5, wherein said
collection chamber is generally cylindrical and wherein said float
is provided substantially within said collection chamber.
8. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 7, wherein said
first pivot and said second pivot are provided within a housing for
said first valve and wherein said float extends substantially into
said collection chamber.
9. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 8, wherein said
alarm is battery powered.
10. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein said
float is configured to slide linearly along a shaft member in
response to said accumulation of condensate in said collection
chamber.
11. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 10, wherein said
float member is provided within an outlet of said first valve.
12. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 11, wherein first
valve member and said second valve member are aligned with one
another with said collection chamber extending longitudinally
between said first valve member and said second valve member, said
float member being provided in fluid communication with the outlet
of said first valve.
13. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 12, wherein said
first valve member comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first
outlet, and a second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being
collinear with said float member being provided in said first
outlet.
14. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 12, wherein said
first valve member comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first
outlet, and a second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being
collinear, said second outlet being oriented perpendicular to said
inlet and said first outlet with said float member being provided
adjacent said second outlet.
15. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 14, wherein said
alarm is battery powered.
16. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein the
second valve comprises a locking valve whereby movement of the
second valve member for selectively preventing communication
between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the
use of a key.
17. A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler
system, comprising: a first valve comprising an inlet, a first
outlet, and a second outlet, said first valve having a first valve
member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet
and said outlets of the first valve, said first valve member
comprising a housing comprising said inlet, said first outlet, and
said second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being
collinear; a second valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said
second valve having a second valve member for selectively
preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the
second valve; a collection chamber in fluid communication with the
outlet of said first valve and the inlet of the second valve, said
collection chamber being generally elongate between said first
valve and said second valve; a sensor provided in fluid
communication with said second outlet of said first valve; and, an
alarm which is operatively connected to said sensor, said alarm
being activated when said sensor indicates the presence of a
predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
18. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said
alarm is battery powered.
19. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said
collection chamber is generally cylindrical.
20. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said
first outlet of said first valve and said inlet of said second
valve are aligned with one another with said collection chamber
extending longitudinally between said first valve member and said
second valve member, said sensor being provided within said second
outlet of said first valve.
21. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 20, wherein said
first outlet of said first valve and said inlet of said first valve
are collinear, said second outlet being oriented perpendicular to
said inlet and said first outlet, with said sensor being provided
adjacent said second outlet.
22. The condensate collector arrangement of Claim.21, wherein said
alarm is battery powered.
23. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 22, wherein the
second valve comprises a locking valve whereby movement of the
second valve member for selectively preventing communication
between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the
use of a key.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to dry pipe sprinkler systems
and in particular to a condensate collector arrangement for a dry
pipe sprinkler system with an alarm.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a fire suppression
system that is typically used in structures and areas that are
oftentimes unheated and subject to freezing temperatures. The dry
pipe sprinkler system includes a network of pipes including branch
lines servicing sprinkler heads, risers, and feed mains for
delivering water from a water supply to the branch lines. Under
normal conditions, this network of pipes contains a pressurized
gas, such as air or nitrogen, which holds closed a dry pipe valve
that connects the main supply pipes of main feeds of the sprinkler
system to the water supply. When heat from a fire opens a
sprinkler, the compressed gas is released from the system. The
resulting drop in pressure causes the dry pipe valve to open, or
trip, thereby releasing water into the main supply lines or main
feeds.
[0003] When the network of pipes is filled with the pressurized gas
and the ambient temperature lowers, condensate can collect in the
network of pipes. If the condensate builds up in the system, then
there is a risk that the condensate will freeze in the pipes.
Freezing condensate can cause pipes to leak or burst, or inhibit
the flow of water through the branch lines in the event of fire.
For this reason, dry pipe systems often include one or more
condensate collector arrangements (sometimes called "drum drips")
which collect condensate from the network of pipes. These drum
drips are typically located at low points of the dry pipe system
and usually include a drainage valve and a shut-off valve
connecting the drum drip to a riser. A drum drip is drained of
condensate by first closing the upper valve. This prevents
pressurized gas from exiting the system when the drum drip is being
drained. The drain valve is then opened and condensate is drained
from the drum drip. Then the drain valve is closed again and the
upper valve may be reopened to again allow condensate to be
collected.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to the disclosure, a condensate collector
arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a first valve
with an inlet and an outlet. The first valve has a first valve
member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet
and the outlet of the first valve. A second valve comprises an
inlet and an outlet with the second valve having a second valve
member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet
and the outlet of the second valve. A collection chamber is in
fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve and the
inlet of the second valve. The collection chamber is generally
elongate between the first valve and the second valve. A switch is
operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
A float member is provided downstream of the first valve member and
upstream of the second valve member with the float member being
configured to move upwardly in response to an accumulation of
condensate in the collection chamber. The movement of the float
member causes the switch to change between the open configuration
and the closed configuration. An alarm is operatively connected to
the switch, with the alarm being activated when the float member
causes the switch to change between the open configuration and the
closed configuration to indicate the presence of a predetermined
amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
[0005] In another embodiment, the condensate collector arrangement
further comprises a pivot arm connected to the float about a first
pivot and configured to rotate about a second pivot through an
angle when the float moves upwardly. An actuator is disposed on the
pivot arm, with the switch being caused to change configurations in
response to movement of the pivot arm causing the actuator to move
relative to the switch.
[0006] The switch may comprise a proximity switch configured to
activate the alarm when the actuator is placed in operative
proximity to the proximity switch by the rotation of the pivot arm
through the angle. The proximity switch may be open when the
actuator is distal from the proximity switch and the proximity
switch may be closed when the actuator is proximal the proximity
switch.
[0007] The actuator may be located at a first end of the pivot arm,
and the second pivot may be provided between the actuator and the
first pivot. The alarm may be battery powered.
[0008] The collection chamber may be generally cylindrical and the
float may be provided substantially within the collection chamber.
The first pivot and the second pivot may be provided within a
housing for the first valve and the float may extend substantially
into the collection chamber.
[0009] In another embodiment, the float may be configured to slide
linearly along a shaft member in response to the accumulation of
condensate in the collection chamber. The float member may be
provided within an outlet of the first valve. The first valve
member and the second valve member may be aligned with one another
with the collection chamber extending longitudinally between the
first valve member and the second valve member. The float member
may be provided in fluid communication with the outlet of the first
valve.
[0010] The first valve member may comprises a housing comprising an
inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first outlet
and the inlet being collinear, and with the float member being
provided in the first outlet.
[0011] The first valve member may comprise a housing comprising an
inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first outlet
and the inlet being collinear, and with the second outlet being
oriented perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet, with the
float member being provided adjacent the second outlet.
[0012] In another embodiment, a condensate collector arrangement
for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a first valve with an
inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first valve
having a first valve member for selectively preventing
communication between the inlet and the outlets of the first valve.
The first valve member comprises a housing forming the inlet, the
first outlet, and the second outlet, with the first outlet and the
inlet being collinear. A second valve comprises an inlet and an
outlet, with the second valve having a second valve member for
selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the
outlet of the second valve. A collection chamber is in fluid
communication with the outlet of the first valve and the inlet of
the second valve, with the collection chamber being generally
elongate between the first valve and the second valve. A sensor is
provided in fluid communication with the second outlet of the first
valve. An alarm is operatively connected to the sensor, with the
alarm being activated when the sensor indicates the presence of a
predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
[0013] The alarm may be battery powered. The collection chamber may
be generally cylindrical. The first outlet of the first valve and
the inlet of the second valve may be aligned with one another with
the collection chamber extending longitudinally between the first
valve member and the second valve member, with the sensor being
provided within the second outlet of the first valve.
[0014] The first outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the
first valve may be collinear, with the second outlet being oriented
perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet, with the sensor
being provided adjacent the second outlet.
[0015] In any of the embodiments of the condensate collector
arrangement, the second valve may comprise a locking valve whereby
movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing
communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve
requires the use of a key.
[0016] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the
following description of the preferred embodiment when considered
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a dry pipe sprinkler system
including a condensate collector arrangement according to the
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the condensate
collector arrangement of the dry pipe sprinkler system of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of portions of the
condensate collector arrangement of FIG. 2 when the condensate
collector arrangement is devoid of condensate.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of portions of the
condensate collector arrangement of FIG. 2 when the condensate
collector arrangement contains a predetermined amount of
condensate.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
embodiment of a condensate collector according to the
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
embodiment of a condensate collector according to the
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a condensate collector
arrangement according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
embodiment of a condensate collector according to the
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
embodiment of a condensate collector according to the
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a condensate collector
arrangement according to the embodiment of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
embodiment of a condensate collector arrangement according to the
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a side view of a locking valve which is usable
with the condensate collector arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] With reference to FIG. 1, a dry pipe sprinkler system
includes a network of pipes 5 in fluid communication with sprinkler
heads (not shown). The network of pipes 5 is filled with a
pressurized gas, e.g., air or nitrogen. A condensate collector
arrangement or drum drip 10 is preferably located at a low point in
the dry pipe system and is connected to the network of pipes 5
through a fitting 7. The condensate collector arrangement 10
comprises an upper portion 40, a collector portion 20 for
collecting condensate, and a normally closed drain valve 14 for
draining condensate accumulated in the collector portion 20.
[0030] The upper portion 40 includes a normally open shut-off valve
16 which is in fluid communication with the network of pipes 5
through the fitting 7. The upper portion 40 also includes an alarm
actuator 74 which is configured for activating an alarm system 70
when a predetermined amount of condensate collects in the collector
portion 20. As such, the condensate collector arrangement 10 may be
remotely monitored to detect the presence of the predetermined
amount of condensate in the collector portion 20.
[0031] With reference now to FIG. 2, the collector portion 20
comprises a cylindrical sleeve 30 having threaded ends at upper and
lower ends of the cylindrical sleeve 30. The threaded ends of the
cylindrical sleeve 30 receive correspondingly threaded upper and
lower end caps 32 and 34. The upper and lower end caps 32, 34 each
have conical surfaces 28, 26. When fully assembled, the conical
surface 28 of the upper end cap 32, an inner cylindrical wall 24 of
the sleeve 30, and the conical surface 26 of the lower end cap 34
together form a chamber or reservoir 22 for collecting condensate.
A lower sleeve 36 connects the collector portion 20 at the lower
end cap 34 to the inlet of the drain valve 14, which may be a gate
valve. An upper sleeve 38 connects the collector portion 20 at the
upper end cap 32 to an outlet or lower end 46 of the upper portion
40. The upper portion 40 further includes an inlet 42 of the
shut-off valve 16, which may be a ball valve. The inlet 42 is
preferably threaded to connect to the fitting 7. The shut-off valve
16 is used to selectively prevent communication between the network
of pipes 5 and the chamber 22 when the condensate is being drained
through the drain valve 14.
[0032] The upper portion 40 also comprises a member 44 with a
proximity switch or reed switch 78 positioned adjacent the valve 16
by the member 44. The proximity switch 78 is contained within a
housing 80 that is mounted on one end of the member 44.
[0033] A mechanism is disposed within the condensate collector
arrangement 10 generally within the upper portion 40, the sleeve 38
and the chamber 22. The proximity switch 78 is closed or activated
by a member or actuator 76 (such as a magnet) as condensate
collects in the chamber 22.
[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the mechanism is a linkage
mechanism formed by a pivot arm 50 and a float 52 suspended from
the pivot arm 50. As will be understood from the following, a
variety of alternative mechanisms other than the illustrated
linkage mechanism may be used to actuate an alarm system without
departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the pivot arm 50 is
mounted to the upper portion 40 via a pin or pivot 60, which
defines a rotation axis for the pivot arm 50. The float 52 is
mounted to the pivot arm 50 by a pin or pivot 58 and a float arm 54
extends from the pivot arm 50 into the chamber 20 and generally
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the chamber 22, i.e., an axis
that extends from the valve 16 to the valve 14. A lower end 56 of
the float 52 preferably has an expanded volume or may comprise an
increased surface area such as may be provided by a hollow member.
This expanded volume or surface area provides buoyancy to the float
52 when the level of condensate in the chamber 20 is sufficient to
reach the bottom of the float 52. As the level of condensate rises
further, the float 52 is urged to move upwardly toward the valve 16
as condensate fills the chamber 22 of the collector portion 20. The
upward movement of the float 52 in turn causes the float arm 54 to
rotate about the pin 58 and, in turn, the upward movement of the
float 52 causes the pivot arm 50 to rotate about the pin 60. As
such, the pivot arm 50 and the float 52 are assembled so that the
pivot arm 50 rotates clockwise about the pin 60 in FIG. 2 when the
float 52 is displaced upwardly by the condensate accumulating
within the chamber 22.
[0036] When there is no or relatively little condensate in the
collector portion 20, an end 62 of the pivot arm 50 is biased
upwardly by the weight of the float 52, as shown in FIG. 3A. When
condensate 100 has accumulated in the collector portion 20, the
float 52 is displaced upwardly and the pivot arm 50 is rotated
clockwise by an angle .theta. (compare FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B). When
the pivot arm 50 has rotated by the angle .theta., the pivot arm 50
is orientated in the position shown in FIG. 3B. When the pivot arm
50 is in this position, the member 76 is adjacent the proximity
switch 78 which closes the switch and an alarm system 70 (see FIG.
1) is activated to sound or indicate an alarm. Of course, the
proximity switch 78 may be configured so that movement of the
member 76 adjacent the proximity switch 78 opens (rather than
closes) the switch (to trigger the alarm). Similarly, the alarm may
be a sound such as a buzzer or a gong or may be a light or any
other indication that provides notice that the level of the
condensate has reached a predetermined amount and that the
collector portion 20 should be emptied.
[0037] As noted above, in this embodiment the proximity switch 78
is provided within a housing indicated generally at 80. The
proximity switch 78 is positioned relative to the end 62 of the
pivot arm 50 so that when the pivot arm rotates through the angle
.theta., the switch actuator 76 is at a distance d (or less) from
the end of the proximity switch 78. At this distance, the member or
switch actuator 76 actuates the proximity switch 78 which in turn
activates the alarm system 70, e.g., by closing (or opening) a
circuit of the alarm system. In one embodiment, the proximity
switch 78 may be a reed switch and the switch actuator 76 may be a
magnet. The alarm system 70 is actuated when the magnetic field
associated with the magnet 76 comes sufficiently close to the reed
switch 78 to close (or open) the reed switch.
[0038] In operation, the condensate collector arrangement or drum
drip 10 typically has the shut-off valve 16 placed in an open
configuration and the drain valve 14 is in a closed configuration.
In this initial condition, such as may occur immediately after
initial installation of the dry pipe sprinkler system or after the
condensate collector chamber 22 has been emptied, the chamber 22
has no condensate. As the ambient temperature drops, condensate
begins to fill the chamber 22 of the collector portion 20. When the
level of condensate reaches the lower end 56 of the float 52, the
buoyancy of the float 52 in the condensate causes the float 52 to
displace upwardly toward the valve 16, which causes the float arm
54 to rotate about the pin 58 and to urge the pivot arm 50 to
rotate clockwise (i.e., upwardly) about the pin 60. After the pivot
arm 50 has rotated through the angle .theta., i.e., the position
shown in FIG. 3B, the switch actuator 76 actuates the proximity
switch 78 which in turn activates the alarm system 70. At this
point, the alarm system 70 may emit an audible and/or visual signal
indicating the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in
the collector portion 20. The condensate collector arrangement or
the drum drip 10 is then drained of condensate by first closing the
shut-off valve 16 (to prevent the release of pressurized gas from
pipes 5 when condensate is removed from the drum drip 10) and then
opening the drain valve 14.
[0039] The alarm system 70 and/or the proximity switch 78 may be
configured in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of
this disclosure. For instance, the alarm system may be configured
to provide remote or local monitoring of the drum drip 10.
[0040] With reference now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the
condensate collector arrangement includes a float switch 200. The
float switch 200 includes a float member 201 which is slidably
received on a shaft 204. The shaft 204 is mounted on a member 202
which positions the float switch 200 at the bottom of the shut-off
valve 16. For example, the member 202 may be a curved metallic
member which corresponds generally to the curvature of a T-branch
of the shut-off valve 16. The member 202 is either perforate (such
as a screen or mesh) or may be provided with one or more holes to
allow condensate to pass from the shut-off valve 16 (when open) to
the condensate chamber 22. In addition, the member 202 preferably
has a hole which receives the shaft 204 of the float switch 200. A
nut 204 is threaded on the shaft 204 below the member 202 and
another nut 206 is threaded on the shaft above the member 202. In
this way, the shaft 204 is securely but releasably positioned below
the shut-off valve 16 and at an upper portion of the collector
portion 20.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 4, wires (not shown) would extend
from the float switch 200 through a passageway 216 of a sleeve 214.
The passageway 216 of the sleeve 214 may be filled with silicone
caulk or plumbers putty or some other sealant in order to prevent
condensate from passing through the passageway 216.
[0042] In the float switch 200, a proximity switch (not shown) is
provided within the shaft 204. When the level of the condensate in
the chamber 22 is sufficiently low, the float member 201 remains at
the bottom of the shaft 204 and is kept on the shaft by a nut 210.
When the level of condensate rises to the position of the float
member 201, the condensate causes the float member to rise which in
turn closes (or opens) the proximity switch within the shaft 204.
Closing (or opening) the proximity switch in turn sounds an alarm
such as a buzzer 218 or lights an indicator light (not shown).
[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the alarm is battery powered
such as by a 9-volt alkaline battery 220 which is mounted in an
enclosure 222. The enclosure 222 may also support the buzzer 218
along with the appropriate circuitry (not shown) to sound the
buzzer or turn on a light to indicate the alarm.
[0044] In addition, a manually operated switch 224 may be provided
on the enclosure 222 to enable the alarm system and the battery to
be tested, as desired.
[0045] The shut-off valve 16 and the float switch 200 of the
embodiment of FIG. 4 is mounted on the condensate collector
arrangement in the same manner as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the
lower portion of the shut-off valve 16 of the embodiment of FIG. 4
may be provided with threads so as to be screwed onto the nipple or
fitting 38 at the top of the condensate collector portion 20.
[0046] One concern with the embodiment of FIG. 4 is that the
alkaline battery may fail at low temperatures. Also, the position
of the float switch immediately beneath the shut-off valve 16 may
present some impediment to the flow of condensate into the chamber
22.
[0047] Alternatively, the alkaline battery may be replaced with
hard wired lithium batteries (not shown) which have relatively long
life operation down to temperatures of about -40.degree. F. An
on-off switch could be supplied so that the batteries are not
drained during storage and shipment prior to installation. Also, a
piezo style buzzer may be used to facilitate long battery life.
[0048] With reference now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the
condensate collector arrangement includes a water sensor 300 which
is provided at the end of a tube 302. The tube 302 is mounted in
the T-fitting of the shut-off valve 16 so that the water sensor
extends toward the outlet of the shut-off valve 16 but preferably
not in the direct flow path of the condensate. When the level of
the condensate rises to the position of the water sensor 300, then
the water sensor 300 closes a circuit (or opens a circuit) to sound
an alarm or to cause a light 304, such as an LED, to flash or
illuminate.
[0049] In the embodiment, lithium batteries 306 are preferably used
and the buzzer 218 may be positioned within the enclosure 222. The
water sensor 300 may include an adjustment or calibration screw 310
which is adjusted as needed during installation and/or during
assembly. The manual switch 224 is provided adjacent the LED
indicator light 304 and may be provided on the top (as shown) of
the enclosure 222.
[0050] The water sensor 300 is securely mounted in the T-fitting by
way of a collar 312 which is attached at the end of the T-fitting
of the shut-off valve 16. In this way, condensate is prevented from
flowing into the enclosure 222 even when the level of condensate
has reached or exceeded the level of the water sensor 300.
[0051] The shut-off valve 16 and water sensor arrangement of FIG. 5
are mounted on the fitting 38 (see FIG. 6) which is received by the
upper end cap 32. The remaining components of the condensate
collector arrangement are the same as described above in connection
with FIG. 2. In addition, a plug 312 may be provided in any of the
embodiments at the outlet of the drain valve 14 in order to prevent
or reduce the possibility of leakage of condensate or pressurized
gas from the arrangement. When the chamber 22 is to be emptied of
condensate, the plug 312 is removed in order to allow the
condensate to pass through the drain valve outlet. The plug is then
replaced in the outlet until the next emptying procedure is
performed.
[0052] If desired, the enclosure 222 may be provided with both a
red LED to indicate that the lithium batteries are low and a yellow
LED which preferably blinks to indicate that the condensate level
has reached the predetermined position (either sufficient to raise
the float or to trigger the water sensor). The lithium batteries,
although hard wired, are preferably replaceable so as to increase
the useful life of the device.
[0053] With reference now to FIG. 7, the float switch 200 (see FIG.
4) could be provided at the end of the T-fitting of the shut-off
valve 16 in a separate housing 400. The float valve 200 is mounted
on a threaded plug 402 with the wires (not shown) for the float
switch passing through the plug 402 into the enclosure 222. In the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the lithium batteries and alarm (the buzzer
and LEDs 304) are the same as described above in connection with
the embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0054] When the float member 201 rises on the shaft 204, the switch
closes (or opens) to indicate that the level of the condensate has
risen to the predetermined amount and that the condensate chamber
22 should be emptied. In this arrangement, the possibility of
condensate entering the enclosure 222 is reduced and the
possibility of the float switch obstructing the flow of condensate
into the chamber 22 is likewise reduced or eliminated.
[0055] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the enclosure 222 is mounted on
the side of the housing 400 by screws or other fasteners 406. With
reference now to the embodiment of FIG. 8, the enclosure 222 may be
mounted above the float switch 200 and the float switch may be
mounted in an elbow or other suitable plumbing fitting 412. The
enclosure 222 is mounted directly on the plug 402 rather than on
the housing 400 (which is unnecessary in the embodiment of FIG.
8).
[0056] With reference to FIG. 9, the shut-off valve and float
switch arrangement of FIG. 8 is shown mounted on the fitting 38
above the collection chamber 22.
[0057] With reference now to FIG. 10, the shut-off valve 16 may be
replaced with a straight-through valve 17 so as to eliminate the
T-outlet. In this embodiment, a sleeve fitting 420 may be provided
at the outlet of the valve 17 with a conventional T-fitting 422
provided below the sleeve 420. The T-fitting 422 is then connected
to the upper end cap 32 through another sleeve fitting 424 (similar
or identical to the fitting or sleeve 38). Another sleeve 426 is
then provided at the side outlet of the T-fitting 422 and the elbow
412 of the arrangement of FIG. 8 is then mounted on the sleeve
426.
[0058] It should be noted that the float switch 200 should be
installed in an upright configuration for proper operation. The
water sensor 300 may be mounted in any suitable orientation.
[0059] With reference now to FIG. 11, a locking ball valve 414 may
be used as the drain valve 14 in any of the embodiments of the
condensate collector arrangement. The locking ball valve 414 has a
lock 416 provided on the valve member actuator which prevents
movement of the valve member unless a key 418 is used in the lock
416. In this way, an unintentional or unauthorized opening of the
drain valve in the condensate collector arrangement may be avoided
or prevented.
[0060] The principles, preferred embodiments and mode of operation
of the present invention have been described in the foregoing
specification. However, the invention which is intended to be
protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded
as illustrative rather than as restrictive. Variations and changes
may be made without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such
equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit
and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be
embraced thereby.
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