HVAC enviro-clean valve - SO model

Abstract

Currently, there are no products available which allow a user to solely remove microbial and bacterial growth inside a blocked HVAC condensate drain line using compressed air without cutting into or disassembling the drain line. Our valve is an in-line condensate drain line valve that can be installed easily, quickly and economically, either during new construction or onto existing HVAC systems. The HVAC user can remove microbial and bacterial growths without cutting into or disassembling the drain line by injecting compressed air through the valve. The design of our valve allows the user to perform safe and routine maintenance to the HVAC drainage system without having to resort to expensive and repetitive service call repairs over the lifetime of the HVAC system. The valve is further designed to prevent undesirable reverse airflows into the HVAC system and home or building, caused by a dry trap in the condensate drain. The prevention of reverse airflows and reduction of microbial and bacterial growth will have a positive impact of Indoor Air Quality.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The field of endeavor to which our invention pertains is Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems for the home, office, and apartment or wherever a heating and cooling air-handling unit may be installed. [0002] Current technology addressing HVAC problems our invention solves is as follows: [0003] 1. When a blockage occurs in a condensate drain line, a HVAC repairman must be called to disassemble the drain line and inject compressed air into the line to remove the blockage. This normally results in a costly repair bill and considerable down time to the consumer. Another method of cleaning the drain line involves using a water hose to force water into the drain line from the outlet end and many times results in spillage of water, bacteria and microbial matter into the HVAC unit and interior of the building or dwelling, all of which have a negative impact on Indoor Air Quality. An additional method used to remove microbial growths is to sucti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The instant invention allows for easy access whereby one can easily treat the condensate drain line with inexpensive household bleach to minimize the potential for microbial and bacterial growth while favorably affecting IAQ. If the drain line does become blocked, the line can be cleared by the introduction of compressed air to clear the blockage without the necessity of cutting into the drain line. Additionally, problems associated with a “dry condensate trap” will be eliminated by the prevention of reverse airflows through the drain line. “Dry condensate trap” problems occur during times in which the HVAC unit is sparingly used and the water trap evaporates, thus leaving the drain line open and become a source of air intake for the HVAC system and have a detrimental effect on health and IAQ. Incorrect condensate drain line configuration can also cause the improper formation of a condensate trap.

[0007] 1: Economic: Installation can be made during the initial installation of the HVAC unit or a retrofit can be made by the user or owner at anytime, inexpensively and without special tools.

[0009] 3. Indoor Air Quality: By reducing microbial and bacterial growth and reducing drain pan spillages onto carpeting and interior of homes and buildings, there will be an improvement to Indoor Air Quality. Reverse airflows will be eliminated in systems operating with a “dry condensate trap” which will further enhance IAQ.

Problems solved by technology

One of the most common problems that a user of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system faces, is that of clogged condensate drain lines and overflowing drain pans which cause untold damage annually.

This usually occurs numerous times during the life of the HVAC system and results in a costly expense for the consumer for the service call and repair, inconvenience, damage to carpet and building or dwelling interior and a danger to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

“Dry condensate trap” problems occur during times in which the HVAC unit is sparingly used and the water trap evaporates, thus leaving the drain line open and become a source of air intake for the HVAC system and have a detrimental effect on health and IAQ.

Incorrect condensate drain line configuration can also cause the improper formation of a condensate trap.

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