Dome docking device, manhole system, discharge system and auxiliary discharge system

Abstract

The dome butt joint device, the manhole system, the discharge system and the auxiliary discharge system provide a system and a method for discharging water. The purpose of the utility model is realized by the following steps: a dome butt joint device (300) is arranged between a gravity discharge loop and a siphon discharge loop of a fluid discharge system (100); a manhole system (200) including a dome docking device; comprising at least one manhole system, wherein the at least one manhole system comprises a dome docking device; an auxiliary discharge system; and a method for adjusting a valve (340).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to drainage in general, and more specifically to a system and method for draining, in particular for draining surface water and sewer water. BACKGROUND

[0002] The prior art is embodied in a drainage system, such as a municipal drainage system, which transports and drains wastewater from buildings into a drainage system, which leads to a recipient, which is usually a treatment plant or a pipe leading to the sea. The drainage system is usually buried underground and not updated, while the size of the city is constantly expanding. Over time, this leads to an increasingly serious capacity problem, which in turn leads to streets and basements being flooded. Rainstorms put pressure on the drainage system, and the risk of flooding further downstream is also increasing. When the drainage system reaches its discharge limit during a rainstorm, water does not drain from the ground and can cause accidents, such as due to slippery conditions on the road. Another problem is related to backflow of water, as water can backflow through the pipes and out of another drain, causing flooding. This is particularly undesirable if the buildings' drainage systems are connected to the same system, as the buildings can suffer severe water damage.

[0003] In a conventional drainage system for surface water, fluid from an inlet is collected and directed into branch pipes and a main pipe, usually through one or more manholes and collection tanks to a recipient, which can include a water treatment plant. The flow is based on water flowing by its own weight, called "gravity flow" or "gravity drainage". The manholes, pipes and manifolds are open, allowing air to enter the drainage system, so the amount of liquid that the system can handle is limited. WO2014 / 209133 discloses a system in which "gravity flow" is replaced by "full flow", in which no gas flows with the water. "Full flow" is also known in the prior art as "siphon drainage" or "siphon flow". WO2019 / 226055 discloses a system for drainage of surface water, which comprises a plurality of tanks connected to a main line leading water to a recipient. Each tank has at least one outlet for leading water from the tank to the main line, and a respective cover, which restricts the outlet until the water level in the tank reaches a predetermined level. The system further comprises: a check valve arranged downstream of each tank outlet, preventing water from the main line from entering the tank; and at least one siphon drainage regulator and at least one air vent valve arranged between the tank and the recipient.

[0004] These conventional systems are complex, and components such as check valves are prone to wear and tear and require maintenance.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a method and system to overcome the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[0006] The problem to be solved by this utility model

[0007] Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide a system and method for drainage.

[0008] Problem-solving methods

[0009] According to this utility model, this objective is achieved by the dome connector, manhole system, discharge system, auxiliary discharge system, method of operating the auxiliary discharge system, and method of regulating valve according to the embodiments of this utility model.

[0010] In a first aspect of this invention, a dome connector is provided between a gravity and a siphon discharge loop in a fluid discharge system, wherein the dome connector comprises: a surface portion for receiving water from the gravity discharge loop; a dome having a closed upper end and an open lower end, wherein the open lower end is disposed above the surface portion and separated by a gap to allow fluid from the gravity loop to flow through the gap and into the dome; and a pipe having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is located above the gap within the dome, and the lower end is connected to the siphon discharge loop.

[0011] The effect of this is to ensure a siphon flow from the gravity flow source while reducing the amount of air drawn into the siphon flow, thereby improving efficiency.

[0012] In one implementation, the upper end of the duct defines a region smaller than the area defined by the gap. This further improves the ability to expel air from the siphon flow.

[0013] In one embodiment, the dome connector also includes a valve for throttling the upper end of the pipe. This allows for flow rate regulation via the dome connector, which is useful when multiple manholes are connected in series and each manhole has a dome connector.

[0014] In one embodiment, the surface portion is further provided with at least one device selected from the following: a device for slowing down water flow, a device for reducing turbulence, a device for coalescing bubbles, and a device for centrifugal separation, to improve the separation of air and water. This improves the siphon flow rate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the gap is provided with a means for closing when the water is at a lower first level, and a means for opening when the water is at a higher second level. This further improves the reduction of air intake in the siphon flow.

[0016] In an embodiment, the dome portion is provided with a valve which is open in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of water through the valve. The technical effect of this is that forces due to flow do not act on the valve to close it.

[0017] In an embodiment, the dome dock further comprises means for temporarily reducing the pressure inside the dome portion during opening of at least one of the gap and the valve. This reduces the pressure acting on the valve portion until the valve opens, and is particularly beneficial for the valve in case forces due to flow act on the valve in the opening direction.

[0018] In an embodiment, the means for reducing the pressure inside the dome portion is a valve which allows air to enter the inside of the dome portion.

[0019] In a second aspect of the utility model, a manhole system is provided, the manhole system comprising a dome dock, wherein the manhole system further comprises: an attachment having an inlet pipe assembly leading to an upstream drain, wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an inlet pipe for gravity drainage surrounded by an inlet pipe for siphon drainage; and an attachment having an outlet pipe assembly leading to a downstream drain, wherein the outlet pipe assembly comprises an outlet pipe for gravity drainage surrounded by an outlet pipe for siphon drainage, wherein the inlet pipe for siphon drainage is connected to the outlet pipe for siphon drainage, thereby forming part of a siphon drainage system, which part is connected to the pipes of the dome dock, the inlet pipe for gravity drainage is connected to the surface portion for receiving water, and the outlet pipe for gravity drainage is blocked inside the manhole system with a barrier to ensure that all water from the inlet pipe for gravity reaches the surface portion for receiving water.

[0020] The effect of this is that new or existing manholes can be upgraded to achieve more efficient siphon flow.

[0021] In an embodiment, the manhole system further comprises a raised sill portion at least partially surrounding the surface portion for receiving water to ensure a water level inside the manhole system before water flows to the surface portion for receiving water. This ensures a minimum water level, thereby reducing the likelihood of air entering the siphon flow.

[0022] In an embodiment, the manhole system further comprises an overflow path for excess water in the manhole to overflow into the outlet pipe for gravity drainage. This provides additional safety in case the siphon drainage system malfunctions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the manhole system further comprises a raised portion disposed inside the inlet pipe for gravity discharge to direct water to the surface portion. This provides further efficiency in terms of diverting water to the surface portion and then diverting water to the dome adapter. The raised portion can be formed as a saddle to conveniently and stably position on and at least partially surround the siphon pipe to simplify retrofitting in existing manholes.

[0024] In a third aspect of the present utility model, a discharge system is provided, the discharge system comprising at least one manhole, wherein the at least one manhole comprises a dome adapter.

[0025] In one embodiment, the discharge system further comprises a valve disposed on the siphon discharge circuit to prevent implosion by allowing air in when negative pressure exceeds a threshold.

[0026] In a fourth aspect of the present utility model, an auxiliary discharge system is provided, the auxiliary discharge system comprising an auxiliary discharge pipe having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, wherein the auxiliary discharge pipe is provided with an upper valve at the upper end portion and a lower valve at the lower end portion, wherein the lower valve is positioned in the vicinity of a receiver, preferably a goose neck, wherein the auxiliary discharge system further comprises at least one auxiliary discharge branch line comprising a proximal end portion fluidically connected to the auxiliary discharge pipe and a distal end portion connected to a siphon discharge pipe of a respective manhole system via a check valve, wherein the auxiliary discharge system operates as a siphon system when filled with water and draws water from the siphon discharge pipe, thereby providing additional capacity. The technical effect of this is to provide additional capacity, such as additional capacity in emergency situations, and to provide a device using such a system.

[0027] In a fifth aspect of the present utility model, a method for opening operation of an auxiliary discharge system, the method comprising the steps of:

[0028] a. closing the lower valve and opening the upper valve;

[0029] b. filling the auxiliary discharge pipe with water from the manhole system in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the auxiliary discharge pipe; and

[0030] c. when the auxiliary discharge pipe is substantially full of water, closing the upper valve and opening the lower valve.

[0031] The technical effect is that the system quickly enters siphon flow.

[0032] In a sixth aspect of the present utility model, a method for ending operation of an auxiliary discharge system according to an embodiment comprises the steps of:

[0033] a. Close the lower valve.

[0034] The technical effect is that the system is closed in a controllable manner and can quickly re-enter siphon flow.

[0035] In a seventh aspect of the utility model, a method for regulating valves in a drainage system to throttle the upper end of a pipe, the drainage system comprising at least two manholes, wherein at least one manhole comprises a dome adapter, the method comprising the steps of:

[0036] a) starting with all valves in the manholes in an open position,

[0037] b) starting with the second last manhole as the current manhole for regulation,

[0038] c) throttling the corresponding valve until the manhole below the current manhole reaches sufficient drainage capacity, and

[0039] d) advancing to the manhole upstream of the current manhole as the new current manhole for regulation.

[0040] The technical effect is that a system comprising multiple manholes can be regulated for efficient flow when an upstream manhole provides siphon flow.

[0041] The utility model achieves the above-mentioned purpose through the dome adapter between the gravity drainage circuit and the siphon drainage circuit of the drainage system.

[0042] Effects of the utility model

[0043] The utility model provides a dome adapter between the gravity drainage system and the siphon drainage system, thereby having technical advantages compared to known systems and methods.

[0044] The utility model provides several additional advantageous effects:

[0045] The gravity drainage system can be connected to the siphon drainage system without or with only few moving parts,

[0046] Air can be effectively reduced or avoided from entering the siphon drainage system, thereby enabling efficient operation of the siphon drainage system,

[0047] Complexity and moving parts such as check valves are avoided,

[0048] If necessary, the throttling valves can be easily regulated,

[0049] Hydraulic hammers are reduced or in some cases also avoided, instead enabling smooth self-regulation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] The above and other characteristics and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the application.

[0051] The present application will be further described with reference to the illustrative examples shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1A A typical drainage system is shown, in which a manhole can be upgraded using a system according to an embodiment of the present application,

[0053] Figure 1B An embodiment is shown in which gravity drainage and siphon drainage are enhanced by adding a pipe within an existing pipe,

[0054] Figure 2A A cross-section of a dome adapter is shown,

[0055] Figure 2B A variant of the dome adapter of Figure 2A is shown,

[0056] Figure 3 A cross-section of a manhole provided with a dome adapter is shown,

[0057] Figure 4 An auxiliary drainage system is shown.

[0058] Description of reference signs

[0059] The following reference signs and indications refer to the accompanying drawings:

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Various aspects of the disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided as illustrative examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover an apparatus or method practiced using, for example, a structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0064] The present utility model will be further described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1A A typical drainage system 100 is shown, in which a manhole system 200 can be upgraded with a system according to embodiments of the present utility model. The manhole system 200 collects water from a source 102 through a branch line 103 and an upstream manhole, and directs the collected water downstream, which can be reached by a further manhole to a receiver 104. The manholes are connected to upstream manholes through upstream drain pipes 110, and to downstream manholes through downstream drain pipes 120.

[0065] Figure 1B An embodiment is shown in which the gravity drainage and the siphon drainage are enhanced by adding a pipe within the existing pipe, such that the upstream drain pipe 110 comprises an upstream pipe 112 for siphon drainage inserted within an upstream pipe 114 for gravity drainage and / or such that the downstream drain pipe 120 comprises a downstream pipe 122 for siphon drainage inserted within a downstream pipe 124 for gravity drainage.

[0066] The present utility model builds on existing infrastructure by adding further functionality to the manholes.

[0067] Principles underlying the present utility model

[0068] The present inventor has recognized that drainage systems also comprise siphon drainage, and that an interface between a gravity drainage system and a siphon drainage system can be a cause for too much air to be sucked into the siphon drainage component and thus for the siphon drainage to switch to gravity drainage. This can result in a reduced capacity and can be undesirable.

[0069] The present inventor has found that a structure comprising a raised conduit covered by a dome or bell-shaped tank provides an improved adaptor between a gravity discharge circuit and a siphon discharge circuit on a discharge system.

[0070] Figure 2A A cross-section of a dome adaptor 300 is shown, comprising a surface portion 310 for receiving water from a gravity circuit 114, 224, and a dome portion 320 having a closed upper end 322 and an open lower end 324, wherein the open lower end is disposed above the surface portion and is spaced apart by a gap 326 to allow fluid from the gravity circuit 124 to flow through the gap 326 into the interior of the dome portion 320, a conduit 330 having an upper end 322 and a lower end 324, wherein the upper end is located in the interior of the dome portion above the gap and the lower end is connected to a discharge circuit.

[0071] The surface portion 310 is shown as flat, but the surface portion 310 can have any shape so long as it allows water to flow through the surface portion and past the gap 326 and into the dome portion 320. The surface portion 310 is also important in defining the lower portion of the gap. In embodiments, the surface portion also functions to further reduce air intake. The flow of water into the manhole through the gravity circuit can contain air and bubbles. By having the flow pass through the surface portion before reaching the gap, a calmer flow will cause the air and bubbles to escape from the water before it reaches the gap. A wider and / or smoother surface portion compared to the inlet conduit will improve air-water separation. In embodiments, the surface portion can be provided with additional features such as baffles and spirals to further improve air-water separation, for example by further calming or slowing the water, reducing turbulence, coalescing bubbles or centrifugal separation.

[0072] The gap 326 is provided at the lower portion of the dome adaptor. This is preferred to reduce air intake. Bubbles will naturally escape upwards, particularly larger bubbles with greater buoyancy, escaping the gap. Fine dispersed small bubbles take longer to rise, and these bubbles represent equally small amounts of air, so have no practical effect on the siphon discharge flow.

[0073] The dome portion 320 is shown with a domed closed upper end 322 and an open lower end 324. The dome shape is convenient, but the technical effect is present with, for example, a flat upper end. The term dome portion herein is to be understood as any structure with a closed upper end and capable of housing a pipe. The open end 324 defines an upper portion of the gap 326. The dome portion is located above the surface portion 310 to define the gap 326. The dome portion can be secured to the surface portion using legs or spacers, or the dome portion is secured to the pipe 330 or any other portion of the manhole by means well known to those skilled in the art. The drawings show a gap extending around the full 360°, which will effectively allow as much water as possible to pass through the gap. However, it is within the scope of the invention that the gap can be interrupted in various portions, for example, the supports or attachment structures.

[0074] The pipe 330 comprises an upper end 322 and a lower end 324. The upper end 322 of the pipe 330 extends to a position inside the closed upper end 322 of the dome portion 330. The elevated position is a position above the upper portion of the gap and, together with the rest of the dome adapter, ensures that the dome adapter reduces or completely avoids air intake into the siphon circuit. The dome adapter is thus an adapter between a gravity circuit open to air and a siphon circuit which should avoid air. The lower end 324 of the pipe 320 is connected to the siphon discharge circuit. In the drawings, the pipe is shown as passing through the surface portion 310 and connecting to the siphon circuit below the surface portion. It is entirely within the scope of the invention to use a pipe with a different geometry, for example, turning sideways and connecting to a siphon drainage circuit provided next to, rather than below.

[0075] In use, water flows onto the surface portion and the water level rises until the water level floods the gap and then the upper end of the pipe. At this point, experiments show that siphon flow begins and the siphon flow draws water from the surface portion through the gap and into the siphon discharge circuit. To maintain siphon flow, it is desirable to balance the area of the gap with the effective area of the pipe. Experiments show that, preferably, in a system with multiple dome adapters, the effective area of the pipe should be less than the area of the gap, and to adjust these areas for a typical water flow into the surface portion, the upper end of the pipe of the dome adapter can be provided with a throttle valve. In this way, the gap can be sized for future flood growth, while current conditions can be accommodated by the throttle valve. Typically, the valve is adjusted less than once a year.

[0076] To adjust the throttle valve of a system with more than one manhole system 200, the valve is first placed in a fully open position. During rainfall, if one manhole system is not able to drain a sufficient amount of water, the valve located immediately upstream of said manhole will be throttled until the manhole is able to drain a sufficient amount of water again to keep up with the rainfall.

[0077] Figure 3 A cross-section of a manhole system 200 provided with a dome dock 300 is shown, wherein the dome dock is the embodiment shown in Figure 2A The manhole system 200 further comprises an attachment 210 with an inlet pipe assembly leading to the upstream drain 110, wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an inlet pipe 212 for siphon drainage, surrounded by an inlet pipe 214 for gravity drainage, and an attachment 220 with an outlet pipe assembly leading to the downstream drain 120, wherein the outlet pipe assembly comprises an outlet pipe 222 for siphon drainage, surrounded by an outlet pipe 224 for gravity drainage, wherein the inlet pipe 212 for siphon drainage is connected to the outlet pipe 222 for siphon drainage, forming part of the siphon drainage system, connected to the pipe 320 of the dome dock 300, the inlet pipe 214 for gravity drainage is connected to the surface part 310 for receiving water, the outlet pipe 224 for gravity drainage is blocked inside the manhole with a block 223 to ensure that all water from the inlet pipe for gravity reaches the surface part 310 for receiving water.

[0078] The outlet pipe for siphon drainage is provided with a block 223, ensuring that no water flows directly from the inlet pipe for gravity drainage 214 to the outlet pipe for gravity drainage 224. The block can be provided as part of the manhole outlet assembly 220.

[0079] To further limit the air entering the siphon drainage system, the inventors have realized that the manhole system can be provided with a raised sill part 230, which provides a sill part before water reaches the surface part 310. The upper end 232 of the raised sill part 230 is defined with a water level 234 inside the raised sill part, indicated by a dash. The sill part can surround the surface part, or the sill part can be provided on one side between the inlet pipe for gravity drainage 214 and the surface part 310. This also provides a water retention effect and delays the water drainage. This delay means that any rainwater will have time to select the flow before starting to flow with a better flow in siphon.

[0080] In case of clogging, damage or other problems, it is desirable to provide a manhole with a second means for draining water. The overflow path 240 is formed by an overflow sill part 242, which is raised to a position above the raised sill part 230. Figure 3The case is shown in which the water level 204 within the manhole system 200 has exceeded the overflow threshold 242 and water is flowing along the overflow path 244 and into the inlet pipe 244 for gravity discharge and then into the downstream pipe 124 for gravity discharge. In a preferred embodiment, for a more compact solution, a barrier 233 is provided upstream of the overflow path.

[0081] It has been realized that it is advantageous to provide the manhole inlet assembly 210 with a raised portion 216 to more effectively direct water through the inlet pipe 214 for gravity discharge and to the surface portion 310. In an embodiment, this raised portion is provided as a saddle on the inlet pipe 212 for siphon discharge. The barrier 223 can be attached to the raised portion 216 and can also be part of the raised portion 216 as a single combined unit.

[0082] In fact, the water in the upstream gravity discharge pipe is directed into the siphon discharge pipe by using a dome adapter. The upstream siphon discharge pipe continues substantially unbroken into the siphon discharge pipe but is joined by the siphon output from the dome adapter. Typically, the upstream siphon discharge pipe is from an upstream manhole system and the upstream gravity discharge pipe is fed by the source 102 via the branch line 103 below the upstream manhole system.

[0083] The discharge system 100 can have a siphon system already installed and operating as disclosed in the related art. If not, the siphon pipe can be easily installed inside the existing pipe network separating the siphon flow and the gravity flow. To install the manhole system 200 according to an embodiment of the present application into an existing manhole, the manhole inlet assembly 210 is connected to the upstream discharger 110 and the manhole outlet assembly 220 is connected to the downstream discharger 120.

[0084] In a variant of the dome adapter 300 previously disclosed, the gap 326 is adjustable and the gap 326 opens only when there is enough water to start the siphon flow. The sufficiency can be determined by, for example, flow or by water level. Thus, the dome adapter 300 is provided with means for closing the gap 326 when the water is at a lower first water level and means for opening the gap 326 when the water is at a higher second water level. Typically, the lower first water level is a level above a threshold in which air is sucked into the siphon discharge system.

[0085] In systems where the gap is opened by raising the dome portion, there is a risk that the pressure forces the dome portion downwards, closing the gap, especially in the period before the gap is fully open. There are several ways to address this problem, such as reducing the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the dome portion.

[0086] One solution is to use a valve 328 where the closing member, such as a plate, moves substantially perpendicular to the force so that the force due to the pressure difference is not the force acting on the closing member to close the gap.

[0087] Figure 2B One such embodiment of a valve 328 using a closing member is shown, which is positioned in a slideable manner against an opening provided on a surface portion of the dome portion. In a first closed position, the closing member is positioned such that the closing member closes against the opening, and the closing member is opened by sliding the closing member along the surface portion of the dome portion until the opening is not covered. Once the opening is not covered, the pressure difference is reduced, and the pressure difference becomes easier to open the gap and also to keep the gap in the open position.

[0088] In a further refinement, the low pressure inside the dome portion is temporarily released by allowing air to enter into the inside of the dome portion. Once the conditions for the water flow into the dome portion are established, typically by the dome pressure control system 350, the valve 352 allows air to reach the inside of the dome portion, and the gap is opened and / or the closing member is in the open position, and the air entry is stopped. Tests have shown that the amount of air sucked into the siphon drain system is so small that the siphon flow is not interrupted. It is also beneficial to combine with the opening of the closing member, because the closing member further reduces the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the dome portion, further improving the process of opening the gap without the risk of accidental closing.

[0089] It has been found that the system disclosed herein is able to generate a sufficient negative pressure that can be used to drain the overflow manhole during a flood.

[0090] Figure 4 An auxiliary drain system 140 is shown, which comprises an auxiliary drain conduit 152 having upper and lower valves 154, 156 at each end, where the lower valve 156 is positioned in the vicinity of the receiver 104, and at least one auxiliary drain branch line 152. The auxiliary drain system is adapted for ground deployment, for example along a road. Each branch line 144 comprises a proximal end fluidly connected to the auxiliary drain conduit 142, and a distal end connected to the siphon drain conduit 212, 222 of the respective manhole via a check valve 164.

[0091] The term "near the receiver" in this context refers to a location that ensures water is directed to the receiver while being low enough relative to the opposite proximal end that the height difference will ensure flow.

[0092] The auxiliary discharge system is suitable for ground deployment, such as along roads. This means that the water level in the siphon discharge pipes 212 and 222 should not be more than about 10 meters lower than the auxiliary discharge pipe 152, so that the negative pressure in the auxiliary discharge pipe 152 can lift the water from the siphon discharge pipe and into the auxiliary discharge pipe.

[0093] During operation, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary discharge pipe is closed, and the pipe is filled with water through the first manhole. A check valve 164 prevents water from flowing into the siphon discharge pipe. Once the pipe is filled with water, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary discharge pipe is opened, and the upper valve 154 is closed. At this time, the auxiliary discharge system operates as a siphon system, extracting water from the siphon discharge pipe to provide additional capacity.

[0094] Preferably, the auxiliary discharge system outlet is provided with a gooseneck tube 157 outlet, which is preferably submerged below the water level of the receiver. This ensures that water remains in the gooseneck tube, thus acting as a water lock.

[0095] Ideally, the pipes should remain full of water when the water inlet to the system ends. Preferably, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary discharge pipe is closed when the water inlet ends, thus keeping the pipes full of water and ready for rapid start-up when water begins to flow again. During rapid start-up, only a small amount of water may be needed to fill the pipes, or if the pipes are sufficiently full, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary discharge pipe is opened and the upper valve 154 is closed, thereby initiating siphon flow.

[0096] The auxiliary exhaust system will be partially subjected to strong negative pressure. Ideally, the system should be sized for this purpose and possibly protected by valves to prevent implosion and damage.

[0097] The best way to implement this utility model

[0098] Figure 1A and 1B A safety valve 105 installed on the discharge system is shown. Its purpose is to protect the discharge system from negative pressure that could cause the discharge pipe to implode. The use of these safety valves can be combined with the embodiments disclosed above and will prevent damage associated with implosion.

[0099] In some preferred embodiments, all branch lines leading to manholes are directed towards the dome adapter, and the entire discharge piping between manholes is dedicated to siphon flow, thus no space is occupied by piping 114, 124 used for gravity discharge. This leaves a large cross-sectional area for siphon discharge, thus increasing capacity.

[0100] To improve efficiency, manholes that deliver gravity flow water downstream are in embodiments provided with a goose neck pipe having an inlet close to the bottom of the manhole, which rises to a height defining the start of flow, and then descends towards the manhole provided with a dome adapter. When the water level in the manhole exceeds the top of the goose neck pipe, siphon flow will start. When the water level drops below the inlet, air is sucked in, and the flow decreases until the goose neck pipe is filled with water, and the flow stops. Submerged outlets are preferred.

[0101] More preferably, the goose neck inlet opening is provided with a device that keeps water in the goose neck when the water level drops below a threshold. The device can be a valve, an electro-mechanical valve, or a ball valve in which a ball is lifted by the water level inside the manhole, thus uncovering the inlet, and when the water level drops below a threshold, the ball closes the inlet.

[0102] Preferably, the goose neck is provided with a check valve to prevent backflow into the manhole.

[0103] In an alternative, the manhole is sealed. Typically, air is freely exchanged with the surrounding air through a cover, in this embodiment the cover is closed and substantially air-tight. Tests have shown that if the manhole has an inlet pipe for water to flow into the manhole, the inlet pipe is positioned to be submerged below the water level at which the goose neck starts to flow, the goose neck will be able to enter siphon flow, and no longer needs a check valve to prevent backflow into the manhole.

[0104] The diameter of the goose neck can be smaller than the inlet pipe leading to the manhole, as siphon flow provides greater flow than gravity flow.

[0105] Preferably, the goose neck inlet comprises a dome adapter.

[0106] Alternative embodiments

[0107] Many variations on the above described embodiments can be envisaged. For example, the outlet of the pipe can be provided with a door-like piece to prevent backflow and entry of debris.

[0108] Industrial applicability

[0109] The utility model according to the present application is used for a discharge system, in particular for a discharge system for discharging rainwater, the existing infrastructure uses gravity flow and does not have sufficient capacity to handle the flow of rainwater.

Claims

1. A dome interface, the dome interface (300) being located between a gravity discharge circuit and a siphon discharge circuit of a discharge system (100) for a fluid, characterized in that, The dome adapter (300) comprises: a surface portion (310) for receiving water from a gravity discharge circuit, a dome portion (320) having a closed upper end (322) and an open lower end (324), wherein the lower end (324) is disposed above the surface portion (310) with a gap (326) to allow fluid to flow from the gravity discharge circuit through the gap and into the interior of the dome portion (320), a conduit (330) having an upper end (332) and a lower end (334), wherein the upper end (332) of the conduit (330) is located within the dome portion (320) above the gap (326), and the lower end (334) of the conduit (330) is connected to the siphon discharge circuit.

2. The dome dock of claim 1, wherein, The upper end (332) of the conduit (330) defines an area that is smaller than the area defined by the gap.

3. The dome dock of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The dome adapter (300) further comprises a throttle valve (340) for throttling the upper end (332) of the conduit (330).

4. The dome dock of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The surface portion (310) is further provided with at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a device for slowing down water, a device for attenuating turbulence, a device for bubble coalescence, and a device for centrifugal separation, for improving separation of air from water.

5. The dome dock of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gap (326) is provided with means for closing when water is at a lower first level, and means for opening when water is at a higher second level.

6. The dome dock of claim 1, wherein, The dome portion (320) is provided with a valve (328) that opens in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of water through the valve (328).

7. The dome dock of claim 6, wherein, The dome adapter (300) further comprises means for temporarily reducing the pressure within the dome portion (320) during opening of at least one of the gap (326) and the valve (328).

8. The dome dock of claim 7, wherein, The means for reducing the pressure within the dome portion (320) is a dome air inlet valve (352) that allows air to enter into the dome portion (320).

9. A manhole system, the manhole system (200) comprising a dome dock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The manhole system (200) further comprises: an attachment (210) having an inlet conduit assembly leading to an upstream discharger (110), wherein the inlet conduit assembly comprises an inlet conduit (212) for siphon discharge surrounded by an inlet conduit (214) for gravity discharge, and an attachment (220) having an outlet conduit assembly leading to a downstream discharger (120), wherein the outlet conduit assembly comprises an outlet conduit (222) for siphon discharge surrounded by an outlet conduit (224) for gravity discharge, wherein the inlet conduit (212) for siphon discharge is connected to the outlet conduit (222) for siphon discharge, thereby forming part of a siphon discharge system connected to the conduit (330) of the dome adapter (300), The inlet pipe (214) for gravity discharge is connected to the surface portion (310) for receiving water, and The outlet pipe (224) for gravity discharge is blocked within the manhole system (200) via a blockage (223) to ensure that all water from the inlet pipe for gravity discharge reaches the surface portion (310) for receiving water.

10. The manhole system of claim 9, wherein, The manhole system (200) further comprises a raised sill portion (230) at least partially surrounding the surface portion (310) for receiving water to ensure a minimum water level within the manhole system (200) before water flows to the surface portion for receiving water.

11. A manhole system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The manhole system (200) further comprises an overflow path (240, 242, 244) for overflowing excess water within the manhole system to the outlet pipe (224) for gravity discharge.

12. A manhole system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The manhole system (200) further comprises a raised portion (216) disposed within the inlet pipe (214) for gravity discharge for directing water to the surface portion (310).

13. An exhaust system characterized by, The discharge system comprises at least one manhole system according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the manhole systems (200) comprises a dome dock according to one of claims 1 to 8.

14. The exhaust system of claim 13, wherein, The discharge system further comprises a safety valve (105) disposed on the siphon discharge circuit to prevent implosion by allowing air in if negative pressure exceeds a threshold.

15. An auxiliary exhaust system characterized by, The auxiliary discharge system (140) comprises an auxiliary discharge pipe (152) having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, wherein the auxiliary discharge pipe is provided with an upper valve (154) at the upper end portion and a lower valve (156) at the lower end portion, wherein the lower valve (156) is positioned in the vicinity of the receiver (104), wherein the auxiliary discharge system further comprises at least one auxiliary branch line (162) comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the auxiliary branch line (162) being fluidically connected to the auxiliary discharge pipe (152), the distal end portion of the auxiliary branch line (162) being connected to a siphon discharge pipe of a respective manhole system according to one of claims 9 to 12 via a check valve (164), wherein the auxiliary discharge system (140) operates as a siphon system when filled with water and draws water from the siphon discharge pipe, thereby providing additional capacity.

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