Groundwater pressure equalization valve

Abstract

Groundwater pressure equalization valve, for a horizontal sealing membrane (01) that seals a groundwater space (02) against an overlying retention space (03), comprising a base body (10), a ring flange (20) and a riser pipe (30), wherein the base body (10) is designed for anchoring in a groundwater-bearing subsoil and has a vertical passage opening (12) and an upper sealing surface (11) that surrounds the passage opening (12), wherein the ring flange (20) is designed for clamping to the base body (10) and has a lower sealing surface (21) which is arranged corresponding to the upper sealing surface (11), wherein the lower sealing surface (21) and the upper sealing surface (11) are designed for a groundwater-tight clamping of the horizontal sealing membrane (01), wherein a riser pipe (30) has a subsection (32) and an upper section (33) and a pipe interior (31), wherein the subsection (31) is arranged sealingly on the base body (10) or on the ring flange (20) and the tube interior (31) is connected to the passage opening (12), wherein a groundwater pressure-operated check valve (34) is arranged inside the pipe interior (31) in the subsection (32), which has an annular valve seat (35) and a valve body (36), wherein in an open position a valve opening gap (37) is formed between the annular valve seat (35) and the valve body (36) and in a closed position the annular valve seat (35) and the valve body (36) form a sealing plane (38), wherein the upper section has a filter jacket (39) which connects the pipe interior (31) with a retention chamber (03), wherein the groundwater pressure equalization valve is designed for an open operating state and a closed operating state, wherein in the open operating state a groundwater overpressure actuated opening position of the check valve (34) is present and a groundwater overflow from the groundwater space (02) through the passage opening (12), the pressure valve (34), the pipe interior (31) and the filter jacket (39) into the surrounding space (03) is open, and wherein in the closed operating state the pressure valve (34) is in a closed position and media inflow from the retention chamber (03) into the groundwater chamber (02) is blocked.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a groundwater pressure equalization valve, in particular for tightly sealed retention basins.

[0002] Current state of the art describes retention basins for collecting liquids as artificially constructed basins. Liners are laid and welded tightly to seal them against the surrounding soil. This allows any escaping liquid to be safely collected and later pumped out.

[0003] Such retention basins are often designed for emergencies and therefore remain empty for the majority of the time.

[0004] A disadvantage is the susceptibility to malfunctions caused by fluctuating groundwater levels. If the groundwater level rises above the level of the liner in an empty basin, or above the fill level in a partially filled basin, groundwater pressure builds up. The rising groundwater pushes against the liner from below, causing it to float. This shifts the liner's position and can damage it. The basin's functionality is then compromised, and potentially harmful substances can seep into the groundwater or costly repairs may be required.

[0005] One possible solution is to cover the sealing membrane to apply a ballast. However, disadvantages include the significant reduction in available retention volume, the high cost, and its inapplicability in many applications.

[0006] Another possible solution is to arrange retention basins above potential groundwater levels. However, this also has the disadvantage that it is practically impossible in many implementation scenarios.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution, avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, that enables the arrangement of tightly sealed retention basins and their safe operation even in areas with highly fluctuating groundwater levels.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features listed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] The problem is solved by a groundwater pressure equalization valve. According to the invention, this is a groundwater pressure equalization valve for use with a horizontal sealing membrane that seals a groundwater space against a retention space above it.

[0010] The retention basin is formed by a cavity excavated into the ground, for example, from the surface. The resulting pit forms the basin. Due to its depression relative to the surrounding terrain, flowable media can accumulate in the pit. The basin is lined with a membrane, hereinafter referred to as a horizontal sealing membrane, to seal and separate it from the surrounding soil. This membrane forms a complete seal to the retention basin and prevents the retained media from entering the groundwater. A membrane sealing system for the floor of a building, for example, can also be considered a horizontal sealing membrane within the meaning of the present invention if, for instance, media hazardous to groundwater could escape and need to be contained. In these cases, the corresponding space within the building then forms the retention basin.

[0011] If the horizontal membrane is positioned close to the underlying groundwater, fluctuations in the groundwater level can cause the groundwater to reach and exceed the level of the horizontal sealing membrane. If there is no additional load from a reservoir containing retained media, the groundwater will exert downward pressure due to the membrane's complete impermeability. To prevent the horizontal sealing membrane from floating and potentially being damaged, the groundwater pressure equalization valve according to the invention is installed.

[0012] The groundwater pressure equalization valve according to the invention comprises as basic components a base body, a ring flange and a riser pipe.

[0013] The base body is designed for anchoring in groundwater-bearing subsoil. Anchoring can be achieved, for example, by embedding it in concrete or by embedding it in compacted, load-bearing subsoil. For this purpose, the base body may feature mushroom-head anchors or similar shaped sections.

[0014] Furthermore, the base body has a vertical passage opening and an upper sealing surface that surrounds the passage opening.

[0015] The opening extends down to a groundwater-bearing layer in the subsoil. The base body preferably incorporates a drainage pipe arranged vertically in the subsoil, which leads into a coarse-pored fill. Groundwater can then enter and rise within the base body, following the prevailing groundwater level.

[0016] The upper sealing surface is preferably designed as a section of a monolithic base body and serves for a groundwater-tight connection of the horizontal sealing membrane. For this purpose, the horizontal sealing membrane has an opening whose shape and size are matched to the upper sealing surface and the rest of the base body and can be easily created by cutting it out. Preferably, in a first assembly step, the base body is anchored in the subsoil, and the upper sealing surface is leveled to the plane of the base level of the retention basin. Subsequently, the horizontal sealing membrane is extended over the upper sealing surface, and then the cutout for the vent opening is created.

[0017] The ring flange serves to clamp the horizontal sealing membrane to the base body in the area of ​​the upper sealing surface. For this purpose, the ring flange has a lower sealing surface, which is positioned opposite the upper sealing surface. The lower and upper sealing surfaces are designed to ensure a groundwater-tight seal for the horizontal sealing membrane. The underside of the horizontal sealing membrane is in full-surface pressure contact with the upper sealing surface of the base body, and the upper side of the horizontal sealing membrane is in full-surface pressure contact with the lower sealing surface of the ring flange. At the sealing point, the groundwater equalization valve penetrates the horizontal sealing membrane. To maintain the required seal, the sealing surfaces of the ring flange rest against the membrane on both sides, forming the sealing plane.At least one of the two sealing surfaces, preferably both sealing surfaces, has a groundwater-tight connection. For the purposes of this invention, groundwater-tight means that neither groundwater can penetrate from below, nor can a retained medium or rising groundwater penetrate from above.

[0018] The riser pipe consists of a subsection and an upper section and has an interior space.

[0019] The basic form of the entire groundwater check valve preferably corresponds to a pipe. The subsection is arranged to seal against the base body or the annular flange. The riser pipe can, for example, be screwed into the base body or the annular flange. It is also possible for the riser pipe to be monolithic with either the annular flange or the base body.

[0020] Crucially, in the context of the present invention, the interior of the pipe is connected to the passage opening and, moreover, the tight separation between the retention space and the groundwater space is ensured.

[0021] The connection of the pipe interior with the passage opening results exclusively within the groundwater pressure equalization valve in a connection from the groundwater space through the horizontal sealing membrane into the retention space.

[0022] Inside the pipe, a groundwater pressure-operated check valve is installed in the subsection. This valve has an annular valve seat in which a valve body is arranged. The annular valve seat is preferably designed as a shoulder within the riser pipe, allowing the valve body to rest against it, preferably by gravity.

[0023] In the open position, a valve opening gap is formed between the annular valve seat and the valve body. In the closed position, however, the annular valve seat and the valve body form a sealing plane.

[0024] The upper section also features a filter jacket that connects the pipe interior to a retention chamber. This filter jacket prevents contaminants from the retention basin from entering the check valve, which could impair its reliable operation. In specific installation situations, the filter jacket can also serve to retain any sediments and other suspended solids that might be brought to the surface by problematic groundwater.

[0025] Furthermore, the groundwater pressure equalization valve is designed according to the invention for an open operating state and a closed operating state.

[0026] In the open operating state, the check valve is in a groundwater-pressure-activated open position. This state occurs when the groundwater level rises above the level defined by the installation height and design of the check valve, as well as any existing fill level in the retention chamber. In this open operating state, groundwater flows from the groundwater chamber through the passage opening, via the pressure valve, through the pipe interior and the filter jacket, into the surrounding area. This groundwater flow in the open operating state results from the rising groundwater pressure. This pressure lifts the valve body, creating a valve opening gap. Groundwater can then flow through this gap into the upper section of the riser pipe and through the filter jacket into the retention chamber. This prevents or reduces water pressure from below on the horizontal sealing membrane.

[0027] In the closed operating state, the pressure valve is in a closed position, preventing the flow of media from the retention chamber into the groundwater aquifer. Groundwater that may have previously flowed into the retention chamber during an open operating state can also no longer flow back into the groundwater aquifer. This prevents any contaminants that may have been absorbed by the groundwater in the retention chamber from entering the groundwater aquifer.

[0028] The closed operating state occurs when the groundwater level is below the level defined by the installation height and design of the check valve and any filling of the retention chamber.

[0029] The check valve is positively actuated – preferably by gravity – due to the vertical orientation of the riser pipe with the internal valve body. This means that the valve body, due to its own mass, exerts pressure on the shoulder-shaped valve seat, creating a seal. This can occur whether the retention chamber is full or empty. Its density, or optionally a spring mechanism, prevents the valve body from floating in the riser pipe, even when the retention chamber is full. In fact, the pressure exerted by a full retention chamber further increases the sealing effect on the valve body.

[0030] The closed operating state is the basic state, while the open operating state occurs only temporarily during a phase of rising groundwater levels.

[0031] Advantageously, a particularly simple and at the same time particularly effective device is provided, which allows the construction of tightly sealed retention basins and their trouble-free operation even when groundwater level fluctuations above the level of the horizontal sealing membrane are to be feared.

[0032] The self-regulating groundwater pressure equalization valve is particularly advantageous. Furthermore, it offers a robust, reliable, and cost-effective solution.

[0033] Furthermore, the groundwater pressure equalization valve automatically takes into account any fill levels of the retention basin. Groundwater only flows in when a certain level of the basin's fill level is exceeded. The volume of any incoming groundwater is thus limited to the unavoidable minimum, and disposal costs are reduced.

[0034] The installation height of the check valve and the mass and effective covering area of ​​the valve body allow for a simple and cost-effective design to set the desired groundwater overpressure, from which the groundwater pressure equalization valve switches to the open operating state.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous that subsequent installation into an existing retention basin is possible with comparatively little effort.

[0036] In an advantageous further development, the groundwater pressure equalization valve is characterized in that the valve body is designed as a sphere.

[0037] The spherical shape advantageously ensures that the contact of the ball on a ring-shaped shoulder section always forms a continuous line contour, thus always providing a reliable seal.

[0038] The spherical shape represents a geometry that is easy to manufacture. This makes it possible to use standardized and cost-effective parts in the manufacturing process.

[0039] According to another advantageous embodiment, the groundwater pressure equalization valve is characterized in that the upper section has a clean water connection and is designed for overpressure-operated filter jacket regeneration.

[0040] Regeneration of the filter jacket can be advantageous or even necessary because various types of contamination can occur in outdoor retention basins. These can clog the filter jacket and thus impair its water permeability. To ensure the valve's reliable operation over a long service life, this contamination can be removed according to this beneficial modification. This is achieved by introducing clean pressurized water via the clean water connection. This process flushes the contaminants adhering to the outside of the filter jacket back into the retention basin.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the groundwater pressure equalization valve is characterized in that the upper section has a clean water connection and is designed for a retention chamber level-controlled clean water filling of the pipe interior.

[0042] This advanced training enables the use of the groundwater pressure equalization valve even when particularly hazardous substances can enter the retention chamber and must be contained there with a very high degree of certainty. In these cases, the seal of the check valve might potentially be considered too unreliable.

[0043] In the context of this training, level-controlled clean water filling of the retention basin means that the fill level in the basin is controlled by other means. This can involve mechanical monitoring and control, for example with a float, or electronic monitoring.

[0044] The pipe interior is then filled with pure water in such a way that the liquid level inside the pipe is always at least equal to, or possibly slightly higher than, the liquid level in the surrounding retention chamber. This prevents any flow through the filter jacket from the outside to the inside. Therefore, the upper side of the check valve never contains a medium to be retained, but only clean water. Even in the event of a minimal leak in the check valve when closed, contamination of the groundwater is reliably prevented.

[0045] Insofar as numerals such as first, second or similar are used in the description and in the claims, this does not serve to indicate a specific hierarchy or value, but merely for unambiguous identification and assignment.

[0046] The invention is described as an embodiment by means of: Fig. 1. Schematic oblique view of the groundwater pressure equalization valve Fig. 2. Schematic sectional view of the groundwater pressure equalization valve in the open operating state Fig. 3 Schematic sectional view of the groundwater pressure equalization valve in the closed operating state Fig. 4. Schematic sectional view of the groundwater pressure equalization valve with clean water connection explained in more detail.

[0047] In this context, identical reference symbols in different figures refer to the same features or components. These reference symbols are used in the description even if they are not shown in the figure in question.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 1 shows in a schematic oblique view the arrangement of the groundwater pressure equalization valve according to its intended installation.

[0049] This is installed in a retention basin on the foundation slab. Retention chamber 03 is completely lined with a horizontal sealing membrane 01. This membrane serves as a seal between the groundwater space 02 and any medium that may be introduced into retention chamber 03. Since a medium to be collected only rarely flows in, retention chamber 03 is usually empty. If groundwater accumulates in the soil, for example after prolonged rainfall or after snowmelt in spring, and rises, there is a risk that the horizontal sealing membrane 01 could be lifted by the groundwater pressure from below and damaged.

[0050] To avoid this, the groundwater pressure equalization valve is located in the plane of the horizontal sealing membrane 01.

[0051] As the groundwater level rises, groundwater from groundwater chamber 02 can flow through the groundwater pressure equalization valve into retention chamber 03, exert pressure on the horizontal sealing membrane there, and thus create counter-pressure against the groundwater pressing from below. However, backflow from retention chamber 03 into groundwater chamber 02 is prevented by the groundwater pressure equalization valve.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the groundwater pressure equalization valve in its open operating state in detail.

[0053] This protrudes from a groundwater space 02 out of the ground through the horizontal sealing membrane 01 into the retention space 03.

[0054] The base body 10 is anchored securely in the substrate. To permanently seal the penetration through the horizontal sealing membrane 01, this membrane is placed on the upper sealing surface 11. Furthermore, the base body has the through-opening 12, which in this embodiment is tubular.

[0055] Opposite the upper sealing surface 11 of the base body 10 is the lower sealing surface 21 of the ring flange 20. The horizontal sealing membrane 01 is clamped between the upper and lower sealing surfaces 11, 21, so that a sealing plane exists there. Optionally, a sealant or adhesive can also be applied.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the riser pipe 30 is structurally monolithic with the ring flange 20. Alternatively, the riser pipe 30 can also be detachably connected to the ring flange 20 or, alternatively, to the base body 10.

[0057] The riser pipe 30 is divided into the subsection 32, which is permanently connected to the groundwater space 02, and the upper section 33, which is connected to the retention space 03.

[0058] To ensure that only water from groundwater chamber 02 can flow through the riser pipe 30 into the retention chamber 03 and that reverse flow is prevented, a check valve 34 is installed. The check valve 34 consists of a valve body 36 – here designed as a ball – which corresponds to a valve seat 35 – here designed as a shoulder-shaped counterpart.

[0059] In the open operating state shown here, the valve body 36 is lifted from the valve seat 35 by rising groundwater and opens a valve opening gap 37 through which the groundwater flows into the upper section 33. This flow direction is represented by the two curved upward arrows. Subsequently, the groundwater penetrates through the upper section 33 of the riser pipe 30, over the filter jacket 39, and into the retention chamber 03. This is represented by the four eccentrically oriented horizontal arrows.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the groundwater retention valve in the closed operating state in detail.

[0061] The structure corresponds to that in Fig. 2 described embodiment. The difference is that in this operating state, no groundwater rises from the groundwater chamber 02. The lower groundwater level is represented by the horizontal dotted line below the horizontal sealing membrane 01. This causes the spherical valve body 36 to rest on the shoulder-shaped valve seat 35. A sealing plane 38 is created, represented by a double horizontal dotted line, which seals the groundwater chamber 02 against the retention chamber 03. Any medium located in the retention chamber 03 – not shown – cannot flow downwards.

[0062] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the groundwater pressure equalization valve, illustrating a further development with a clean water connection 40. For this purpose, the groundwater pressure equalization valve is used as in Fig. 2 and Fig.The assembly is described in section 3. Additionally, the clean water connection 40 is located at the upper end of the riser pipe 30. This connection is designed so that fresh water can be introduced through an opening. The fresh water then flows into the upper section 33 and, due to the introduced pressurized water flow, acts as a flushing agent on the filter jacket 39. This advantageous design allows backwashing from the upper section 33 and cleaning of the filter jacket 39. Reference symbols used 01 Horizontal sealing membrane 02 Groundwater area 03 Retention area 10 basic bodies 11 upper sealing surface 12 Passage opening 20 ring flange 21 lower sealing surface 30 riser pipe 31 Pipe interior 32 Subsection 33 Upper section 34 Check valve 35 Valve seat 36 valve bodies 37 Valve opening gap 38 Sealing plane 39 Filter jacket 40 Pure water connection

Claims

[1] Groundwater pressure equalization valve, for a horizontal sealing membrane (01) that seals a groundwater space (02) against an overlying retention space (03), comprising a base body (10), a ring flange (20) and a riser pipe (30), wherein the base body (10) is designed for anchoring in a groundwater-bearing subsoil and has a vertical passage opening (12) and an upper sealing surface (11) that surrounds the passage opening (12), wherein the ring flange (20) is designed for clamping to the base body (10) and has a lower sealing surface (21) which is arranged corresponding to the upper sealing surface (11), wherein the lower sealing surface (21) and the upper sealing surface (11) are designed for a groundwater-tight clamping of the horizontal sealing membrane (01), wherein a riser pipe (30) has a subsection (32) and an upper section (33) and a pipe interior (31), wherein the subsection (31) is arranged sealingly on the base body (10) or on the ring flange (20) and the tube interior (31) is connected to the passage opening (12), wherein a groundwater pressure-operated check valve (34) is arranged inside the pipe interior (31) in the subsection (32), which has an annular valve seat (35) and a valve body (36), wherein in an open position a valve opening gap (37) is formed between the annular valve seat (35) and the valve body (36) and in a closed position the annular valve seat (35) and the valve body (36) form a sealing plane (38), wherein the upper section has a filter jacket (39) which connects the pipe interior (31) with a retention chamber (03), wherein the groundwater pressure equalization valve is designed for an open operating state and a closed operating state, wherein in the open operating state a groundwater overpressure actuated opening position of the check valve (34) is present and a groundwater overflow from the groundwater space (02) through the passage opening (12), the pressure valve (34), the pipe interior (31) and the filter jacket (39) into the surrounding space (03) is open, and wherein in the closed operating state the pressure valve (34) is in a closed position and media inflow from the retention chamber (03) into the groundwater chamber (02) is blocked. [2] Groundwater pressure equalization valve according to claim 1, characterized by , that the valve body (36) is designed as a sphere. [3] Groundwater pressure equalization valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper section (33) has a clean water connection (40) and is designed for overpressure-operated filter jacket regeneration. [4] Groundwater pressure equalization valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper section (33) has a clean water connection (40) and is designed for a retention chamber level-controlled clean water filling of the pipe interior (31).

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