Turf Playing Surface Aeration and Drainage System

Abstract

A perforated pipe network beneath a playing surface. A blower connected to the pipe network drawing an air flow through the pipe network to create a vacuum. A drain pipe connecting to the pipe network. An air / water separator connected upstream of the blower for separating water from the air flow prior to entering the blower and channeling the water into the drain pipe for discharge. A flow control unit having a unit inlet connected to the drain pipe downstream of the air / water separator and a unit outlet discharging water to a drain outlet. The flow control unit blocking air flow through the unit inlet into the drain pipe when the blower is in the vacuum mode, and opening the unit inlet when a waterhead buildup at the unit inlet exceeds the vacuum level established by the blower to discharge water through the drain outlet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from a provisional application filed Mar. 17, 2005 under Ser. No. 60 / 662,913, and a non-provisional application filed Mar. 31, 2005 under Ser. No. 11 / 094,995.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1) Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to subsurface aeration and drainage systems, and more particularly, to a combination pressure and vacuum valve assembly for maintaining atmospheric isolation of the subsurface system while separating water from air and draining the water out of the system.[0004]2) Description of Related Art[0005]Subsurface systems have been developed for removing water and aerating turf on sports fields and golf greens. A typical system is comprised of a network of interconnected drainage pipe located beneath a region of turf and a blower connected in such a manner that a partial vacuum or differential pressure can be created in the drainage network. Water drains fro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]Further, the invention includes sloping the drain pipe downward from the air/water separator to position the flow control unit at a lower elevation than the separator to promote water drainage to the drain outlet and establi

Problems solved by technology

First, since the blowers are normally designed to move air, not heavy water particles, both efficiency and effectiveness are reduced when significant quantities of water become mixed in the air stream.

Secondly, water tends to collect at low elevation regions or “saddles” in the pipes which reduces the effective cross section of pipe, thereby reducing air flow through the pipes and ultimately from the turf.

However, there are several problems with this type of arrangement.

The cost and time of installation increases when deep excavations are required.

These deep regions tend to collect sediment and become constricted or clogged flow channels.

Another problem is caused when the surrounding soil shifts after a J trap is installed and connected to a separator barrel.

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