Vacuum Sewage System with Wireless Alarm

Abstract

A vacuum sewage system is provided having a sump pit (12) and a collection station (20) connected by a conduit (22). When a vacuum interface valve (30) is opened sewage is transported from the sump pit to the collection station by a pressure differential. A valve position sensor (40) associated with the valve is sensed by a valve monitoring system. The monitoring system is adapted to broadcast a wireless signal of valve status. A computer receives the broadcast signal and notifies an operator of the valve condition.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a wireless alarm for a vacuum sewage system and a vacuum sewage system incorporating a wireless alarm system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to vacuum sewerage transport systems for conveying sewage collected in a holding sump to a downstream collection vessel maintained under the influence of vacuum or subatmospheric pressure, and more specifically to a wireless alarm or alarm system that signals when an undesired condition is present in the vacuum sewage system, e.g. a hung valve or undesired line pressure condition.[0003]Vacuum sewage systems are becoming increasingly more popular, especially where common gravity-type sewage systems are unsuitable due to topographical (e.g., uphill gradient from sewage entry point to collection point) and / or underground conditions (e.g., rocks, pipes, and other underground barriers which reduce the depth at which pipes need to be buried to provide conti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a vacuum sewage system having a first conduit associated with a vacuum source for creating a pressure vacuum in the vacuum sewage system and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit. A valve is operably associated with the second conduit and a valve position sensor capable of sensing whether the valve is open or closed is associated with the valve. The monitoring system further includes a valve position receiver for receiving a signal from the valve position sensor. The valve position receiver is designed and configured such that it is capable of broadcasting a signal signifying that the valve is in an open position. The system also includes a computer for receiving the signal from the valve position receiver. Preferably, the computer is located at a central vacuum station where the system operator is housed and receives signals from multiple valve position receivers associated with multiple valve pits. Alternatively or in addition to a central computer, the system includes a portable receiver for receiving signals from the associated valve position receivers allowing maintenance and operations personnel in the field to monitor valve positions.

Problems solved by technology

Vacuum sewage systems are becoming increasingly more popular, especially where common gravity-type sewage systems are unsuitable due to topographical (e.g., uphill gradient from sewage entry point to collection point) and / or underground conditions (e.g., rocks, pipes, and other underground barriers which reduce the depth at which pipes need to be buried to provide continuous downhill gradient).

Despite advancements made in valve and valve controller designs, problems with hung valves (i.e., valves stuck in an open position) still exist.

Hung valves most often occur due to mechanical valve failure, obstructions that prevent the valve from closing, moisture in the valve controls or freezing winter conditions.

When a valve is hung open, the pressure differential required by the system is compromised, impairing system performance.

Significant maintenance costs are associated with the identification and repair of hung valves.

Moreover, the system may be inoperative for long periods of time due to unawareness of the problem.

Localized alarms have been used to signal a malfunction in the system and produce a visual (light) and / or audible (buzzer) alarm signal, but very often these signals go undetected for long periods of time.

Telephone alarm dialers have also been used to warn operators that low vacuum or other malfunction at a vacuum station, but such systems are frequently damaged and rendered ineffective due to lightning strikes.

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