METHOD FOR LAYING AN ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY LINE AND SYSTEM FOR LAYING AN ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY LINE

Description

[0001] The subject matter concerns a method and a system for laying a replacement water supply line.

[0002] Renewing water supply lines and their house connections is a complex and expensive process. In the past, water pipes were laid with a cover depth of 1.3 to 1.5 meters. However, current regulations no longer require this depth, so whenever possible, the new water pipe can be laid over the existing one. If this isn't possible and the sidewalk isn't wide enough, it becomes necessary to lay the new pipe in the roadway. Therefore, in such cases, replacing water pipes is very complex, time-consuming, and costly.

[0003] To avoid this, the route of the existing water pipeline should still be used, but for this the existing pipeline must be removed and the new water pipeline laid in its place.

[0004] From GB2439334A, a device is known that is suitable for providing a temporary water supply through a shut-off valve comprising a supply side and a user side. When connected to the shut-off valve body, the device is able to prevent water from flowing from the supply side to the user side while simultaneously allowing a temporary water supply to be provided to the user side of the shut-off valve. The device comprises a valve body with a threaded base that fits into a threaded bore of a shut-off valve body, a sealing washer to prevent water from flowing from the supply side, and a fluid passage extending through the valve. A flexible, temporary supply line is connected to the valve body. The sealing washer can be actuated by a nut. A method for installing the device is also claimed.This temporary water supply system is ideally used when the main lines need to be repaired or serviced.

[0005] From GB2424029A, a water supply device with an elongated hollow body is known, the lower end of which can be connected to a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve has a first flow path to a water pipe and a second flow path to the rooms to be supplied with water. The hollow body has at least one inlet opening and a sealing device for sealing the first flow path of the shut-off valve. Water can then be directed through the inlet opening, through the hollow body, and into the second flow path of the shut-off valve to the rooms. The invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the interruption of the water supply to a particular building when a water pipe needs to be serviced or repaired.

[0006] From DE202016000480U1, a device for flushing liquid lines, in particular drinking water and / or process water lines in buildings, is known, wherein the device has at least one flushing module connectable to the respective liquid line and to a wastewater line, as well as a control module connectable to and controlling the flushing module(s), characterized in that the flushing module(s) together with the control module is / are attached to a transport unit, that a flushing hose(s) is / are provided which can be connected on one side to the respective liquid line and on the other side to the flushing module(s), and that furthermore a wastewater drain hose is provided which can be connected on one side to the flushing module or the control module.the flushing modules and on the other hand can be connected to the wastewater pipe, and that a connection cable is provided which is connected on the one hand to the control module and on the other hand can be connected to the respective building electrical system.

[0007] From US patent 20020157708A1, a device for flushing a water pipe is known, comprising a pipe, a valve in the pipe, and a controller that automatically opens the valve to allow water to flow through the pipe at pre-selected intervals and for pre-selected times. The controller obtains the energy for its operation and the operation of the valve from a solar panel, which stores the energy in a battery. The pipe's outlet is equipped with a diffuser that slows the water flow from the device. An erosion mat cushions the impact of the water from the outlet and helps prevent erosion of the surrounding soil. An alarm informs passersby that the device is about to flush the pipes.

[0008] The subject matter is based on the objective of facilitating the renewal of existing piping systems. This objective is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 14.

[0009] While an existing water main (existing piping) is being replaced, a process that typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, the water supply to the connected households must be maintained. Therefore, temporary piping is necessary to supply the households connected to the existing piping being replaced with drinking water. Due to space constraints, this temporary piping (replacement pipe) is laid above ground, as previously described, and connected to the house connections.

[0010] Depending on climatic conditions, the above-ground installation of the temporary piping can lead to temperature-related changes in the water volume within the piping. Therefore, temporary piping is currently flushed manually on a regular basis. This requires employees to open and close the temporary piping at regular intervals, relying on intuition. However, this method does not guarantee that flushing was actually necessary or that the amount of water flushed was sufficient. Consequently, manual flushing often results in an excessive amount of water being removed from the temporary piping. Furthermore, the manual flushing process is not documented.

[0011] The replacement pipe is first connected to at least one house connection along its route. Simultaneously, the connection between the house connection and the existing pipe can be severed, and a seal can be created against the existing pipe.

[0012] The temporary piping is connected to the existing water main at one end. Then, the house connections located within the temporary piping section are switched to the temporary supply, and the connection to the existing water main is severed. Afterward, the existing water main in that section can also be disconnected.

[0013] The existing pipe is disconnected from the water supply, and the water supply is sealed off from the existing pipe. The connection of the replacement pipe to the water supply network can be made via a shut-off valve. This shut-off valve can be manually or motorized.

[0014] A drain valve is installed at the end of the replacement piping section. As described below, the drain valve is automatically controlled by a motor, enabling automated flushing of the replacement pipe.

[0015] The method described here enables the control of the drain valve for flushing the replacement piping. This control allows the drain valve to be operated according to a rule-based system, thus ensuring that drinking water quality is maintained at all times.

[0016] The first and second sides of the replacement pipe are located on distal sides or ends of the replacement pipe, and at least one house connection lies between them.

[0017] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the replacement pipe be laid above ground. Above-ground installation is particularly advantageous in terms of both the complexity and cost of the installation. On the other hand, above-ground installation presents challenges regarding ensuring consistently good drinking water quality. The proposed rule-based control of the drain valve for flushing the replacement pipe ensures adequate drinking water quality. Even during summer months, when the above-ground installation of the replacement pipe could lead to significant heating of the drinking water within it, automated control of the drain valve ensures consistently good drinking water quality.

[0018] Depending on the amount of drinking water used at the house connections, flushing the temporary piping can also be carried out additionally and / or independently of the temperature. For example, the entire volume of water in the temporary piping can be flushed once a day, say at 5 a.m., to replace the stagnant water from the night with fresh water. Depending on the location, it may also be necessary to replace the water volume during the day, regardless of the temperature control.

[0019] If a large amount of water is drawn from the service connections, it may be advisable to increase the flushing intervals, whereas if consumption is low, the flushing interval may need to be shortened. To determine the flow rate at the service connections, a flow volume is measured at the connection of the replacement pipe to the water supply network, particularly near the shut-off valve. The duration of a flushing interval can then be determined based on this measured volume. After the flushing interval has elapsed, the drain valve can be automatically activated. A shorter flushing interval may be appropriate at night when little drinking water is drawn from the service connections, while a longer flushing interval may be beneficial during the day when water consumption is high.

[0020] In addition to, or as an alternative to, time-based control, the drain valve can be controlled based on at least one parameter measured at the backup pipe. One option is control via a time characteristic curve, which, as previously described, can depend on the volume of water drawn from the water supply network during normal operation. Alternatively, a parameter such as temperature can be measured at the backup pipe to provide information about the drinking water quality, particularly the risk of bacterial contamination. This parameter can then be used to trigger flushing regardless of the duration of the flushing interval.

[0021] According to the invention, an actuator and a control direction for the actuator are arranged on the drain valve. The actuator is, in particular, a servo motor. The actuator can have a gearbox with a reduction gear to provide a sufficiently high torque, which ensures that the drain valve actually opens, even if it is encrusted or otherwise mechanically impaired. A spring drive ensures that the drain valve closes even in the event of a power failure. The control unit can actuate the actuator and receive the measured parameters. In addition, or alternatively, a time characteristic curve can be stored in the control unit. In particular, the control unit can receive a value for the temperature in or at the replacement pipe.Furthermore, the control unit can receive a measured volume at the connection between the replacement pipe and the water supply.

[0022] Depending on the measured / received parameter, the control unit calculates how long a rinsing interval is, e.g., and whether a rinsing process is necessary, and if necessary, initiates an activation of the actuator to open the drain valve.

[0023] If a flushing process is necessary, the actuator can electrically activate the actuator motor so that it moves the drain valve from a fully closed position to a fully open position and / or any intermediate position between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

[0024] In particular, it can be useful to control the flow rate during flushing. This is especially important if the pressure drop at the service connections should not be too great. During the flushing process, sufficient pressure should still be present at the service connections to operate the taps located there. Therefore, it is also proposed that, depending on the flow rate at the shut-off valve between the temporary pipe and the water supply network, which is a measure of the water drawn at the service connection taps, the drain valve be moved to an intermediate position.

[0025] Depending on the measured flow rates at the shut-off valve and the drain valve, a degree of opening at the drain valve can be determined in order to maintain the water pressure at the taps of the house connections at a minimum pressure.

[0026] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that a measured parameter is the water temperature in the substitute pipe. Alternatively, a measured parameter could be the ambient temperature at the substitute pipe. Furthermore, a parameter could be the temperature difference between the water temperature and the ambient temperature. Particularly with a large temperature difference, the flushing interval may need to be shortened, as there is a risk of the water stored in the substitute pipe overheating.

[0027] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the drain valve be controlled in such a way that the water temperature is below a limit value.

[0028] Information and investigations on the relationship between drinking water temperature and bacterial contamination are given in the standard DVGW W 551 or the DVGW Information Water No. 90 as well as DIN 1988-200 and in particular a temperature of a maximum of 25°C is described, which can be assumed as a limit value.

[0029] Because the replacement piping is laid above ground, freezing of the water can become a problem. Therefore, it is proposed that the drain valve be controlled in such a way that the water temperature remains above a certain threshold. This threshold could, for example, be between 4°C and 0°C. In particular, it should be ensured that the water does not freeze in the replacement pipe.

[0030] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the drain valve be controlled depending on the duration of a limit value exceedance of the measured parameter. For example, a second limit value, which is below the aforementioned first upper limit value, can be defined. For instance, flushing may be necessary if the water temperature remains above the second limit value (e.g., 23°C) for more than a certain period, such as two hours, without exceeding the first limit value (e.g., 25°C). A temperature / time characteristic curve can be predefined, specifying shorter flushing intervals as temperatures increase.

[0031] It is proposed that a flow volume, for example, and a flow velocity be measured at the drain valve. The flow volume can be used to determine whether the temporary pipe has been completely flushed. Furthermore, as mentioned above, pressure loss at the taps of the house connections can be limited by appropriately controlling the drain valve. Suitable measuring sensors are well known. According to one embodiment, the drain valve can be controlled depending on the flow volume and / or the flow velocity, so that a minimum pressure can be maintained in the temporary pipe.

[0032] For replacing the existing pipe, it is proposed that, after the replacement pipe has been connected, the existing pipe be replaced with a new one. The replacement pipe is then disconnected from the water supply, and the new pipe is connected. Once the replacement pipe is in place and the automatic flushing system is installed, the existing pipe can be removed from the trench. The new pipe can then be laid directly in the trench where the existing pipe was located. This eliminates the need to excavate the roadbed, making the replacement of the existing pipe considerably simpler and more cost-effective.

[0033] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the control device includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring its function. In particular, the monitoring circuit can monitor both the function of the control device and the control signals from the control device to the actuator motor, and write corresponding monitoring logs.

[0034] In addition to the monitoring logs for the system's functionality, further records are made. These include, among other things, the flushing volumes with timestamps, as well as the initial and final temperatures.

[0035] According to the invention, the control unit has a keep-alive circuit that monitors its function. In particular, it can monitor whether the control unit is receiving corresponding measured values ​​and, if necessary, issuing control commands to the actuator. This ensures that the automated flushing of the temporary piping during the replacement of the existing pipe functions correctly and prevents contamination of the drinking water in the temporary piping by excessive bacterial growth.

[0036] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the control unit maintains a communication link with a geographically remote central unit or on-call personnel and that the control unit transmits at least one status message and / or error message via this communication link. This allows for monitoring of the control unit's functionality remotely, particularly for a large number of control units.

[0037] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the control unit and a battery are housed together in a common casing. The battery ensures the operation of the drain valve independently of an external power supply, thus enabling automatic flushing of the backup pipe even in the event of a power outage and / or without an external power supply.

[0038] Another aspect is a system according to claim 14.

[0039] The subject matter is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing showing an exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a-c shows the process of replacing existing piping; Fig. 2 shows the structure of a control device with actuator motor and drain valve; Fig. 3a-c shows various control characteristics.

[0040] Fig. 1a Figure 1 shows an existing pipe 2 connected to a water supply 6 via a shut-off valve 4. Branch lines 2a leading to house connections 8 can be provided along the existing pipe 2. The branch lines 2a can be closed at the house connections 8. Beyond the house connections 8, taps (not shown) can be provided where drinking water can be drawn within the households.

[0041] Due to damage or wear, existing pipe 2 may need to be replaced. It is advantageous to lay the replacement pipe along the same route as existing pipe 2, thus avoiding the need to work on two separate trenches and preventing damage to intact road structures.

[0042] For this purpose, as in the Fig. 1b As shown, a replacement pipe 10 is preferably laid above ground. The replacement pipe 10 is connected to the water supply 6 at its first end 10a, in particular at its first end in the area of ​​the shut-off valve 4. A drain valve 12 is provided at a second end 10b, in particular at the second end of the replacement pipe 10. Between the ends of the replacement pipe 10, the replacement pipe 10 is connected to the service connections 8. The service connections 8 are separated from the existing pipe 2 by corresponding shut-off devices 12. The existing pipe 2 is further separated from the existing pipe 2 by shut-off devices 14. A shut-off device 14 can, for example, be a blanking plug.

[0043] The shut-off valve 4 can be opened and the house connections 8 are supplied with drinking water via the temporary pipe 10. The temporary pipe 10 can be flushed by opening the drain valve 12.

[0044] It is now proposed that this rinsing process be automated. For this purpose, as described in Fig. 1c As shown, an actuator 16 with a control device 18 is provided at the drain valve 12.

[0045] The existing pipe 2 can (as in Fig. 1c (shown in dashed lines) are subsequently removed and replaced by a new pipe (not shown in Fig. 1c During this construction work, the replacement pipe 10 serves as the supply line for the house connections 8. To guarantee the required drinking water quality, the following operation is now proposed.

[0046] The control unit 18 controls the actuator 16 according to a control program so that it opens and closes the drain valve 12 depending on measured parameters and / or time. This flushes the replacement pipe 10 when the shut-off valve 4 is open. A further actuator 20 can be provided on the shut-off valve 4, which can open and close the shut-off valve 4. Furthermore, sensors (not shown) can be provided on the shut-off valve 4, which can be used to measure, for example, flow velocity, water pressure, flow volume, or the like.

[0047] Furthermore, the drain valve 12, which is located in the Fig. 2 As shown schematically, the actuator 16 is provided. The control unit 18 is connected to the actuator 16. The drain valve 12 can, in particular, be a two-way ball valve. The control unit 18 is connected to various sensors 22a, 22b, 22c. A sensor 22a can, for example, be a temperature sensor that measures a temperature at or in the substitute pipe 10. This temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22a can be indicative of the water temperature of the water stored in the substitute pipe 10.

[0048] A temperature sensor 22b can, for example, be an outdoor temperature sensor used to measure the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the replacement tube 10.

[0049] A flow sensor 22c can be arranged in the flow cross-section of the substitute pipe 10 and can measure, for example, a flow volume, a flow velocity, a water pressure or the like.

[0050] The measured values ​​can be transmitted from sensors 22a-c to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 may include a monitoring circuit that monitors and logs the receipt of sensor readings and the transmission of control signals for the actuator 16. These logs can be transmitted as data telegrams to a remote computer 24. Furthermore, the control unit 18 has a keep-alive circuit that continuously monitors its functionality and transmits status messages to the computer 24. This ensures that the control unit 18 performs the necessary flushing of the replacement pipe 10 during the installation of the new pipe.

[0051] The control unit 18 can, for example, be programmed to operate at intervals, as in Fig. 3a shown, which controls the actuator 16. In the Fig. 3a It is shown that an opening command 26 is transmitted to the actuator 16 at timed intervals. The opening command causes the drain valve 12 to open for a certain period of time, after which the drain valve 12 is closed again by the actuator 16. This time-based control can be supplemented by temperature control.

[0052] In the Fig. 3b A temperature profile is shown. It can be seen that above a limit temperature 28, a control command is sent to the actuator 16. The actuator 16 opens the drain valve 12 until the temperature falls below a second limit 30. This hysteresis control ensures that sufficient flushing is guaranteed once the water in the replacement pipe 10 reaches a certain temperature.

[0053] Furthermore, it is possible that the control unit 18 is equipped with a characteristic curve according to Fig. 3c is operated in which the temperature of sensor 22a and / or sensor 22b is monitored over time. If the temperature remains above a limit value for a certain period of time, i.e., to the right of the limit value in Fig. 3c According to the curve shown, the actuator 16 can be controlled to open the drain valve 12. This control can last for a certain period of time, ensuring that the replacement pipe 10 is flushed.

[0054] With the help of the present solution, it is possible to always guarantee the drinking water quality even when the replacement pipe 10 is laid above ground. Reference symbol list

[0055] 2 Existing pipe 2a Branch line 4 Shut-off valve 6 Water supply network 8 House connection 10 Replacement pipe 10a, b Sides 12 Drain valve 14 Shut-off device 16 Actuator 18 Control unit 20 Actuator 22a-c Sensor 24 Computer 26 Switch-on pulses 28, 30 Limit value

Claims

1. Method for laying a temporary water supply line, comprising: - disconnecting an existing pipe (2) from a water supply network (6), - laying a temporary pipe (10), - connecting the temporary pipe (10) to at least one house connection (8), - connecting the temporary pipe (10) at a first side remote from the house connection (8) to the water supply network (6) by means of a shut-off valve (14), - arranging a drain valve (12) on the temporary pipe (10) at a second side remote from the house connection (8), characterized in that - a draw-off quantity at the at least one house connection (8) is determined with the aid of a flow volume measured in the region of the shut-off valve (14), - an actuator (16) and a control device (18) for the actuator (16) are arranged on the drain valve (12), and the control device (18) receives the measured flow volume at the connection between the temporary pipe (10) and the water supply (6) and, - depending on the received flow volume, calculates a flushing interval and causes actuation of the actuator (16) to open the drain valve (12) for flushing the temporary pipe (10), and - the control device (18) comprises a keep-alive circuit, by means of which the function of the control device (18) is monitored, in that the control device continuously transmits status messages to a remote computer.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that - the temporary pipe (10) is laid above ground.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the drain valve (12) is actuated depending on at least one parameter measured on the temporary pipe and / or depending on a time characteristic curve.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control device actuates the actuator depending on the at least one parameter measured on the temporary pipe and / or depending on the time characteristic curve.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized in that - the at least one measured parameter is a water temperature in the temporary pipe (10).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that - the drain valve (12) is actuated such that the water temperature is below a threshold value and / or above a threshold value.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized in that - the drain valve (12) is actuated depending on a duration of an exceedance of the threshold value by the measured parameter.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a flow volume and / or a flow velocity is measured at the drain valve (12).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that - the drain valve (12) is actuated depending on the flow volume and / or the flow velocity.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - after the temporary pipe (10) has been connected, the existing pipe (2) is replaced by a new pipe, and subsequently the temporary pipe (10) is disconnected from the water supply (6) and the new pipe is connected to the water supply (6).

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control device (18) comprises a monitoring circuit by means of which the function of the control device (18) is monitored.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control device (18) is in communication connection with a remotely located central controller and that the control device (18) transmits at least one status message and / or one error message to the central controller via the communication link.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control device (18) is housed together with a battery in a common housing.

14. System configured to control a temporary water supply line, comprising: - at least one connecting device for connecting a temporary pipe (10) to at least one house connection (8), - wherein the temporary pipe (10) at a first side facing the at least one connecting device is connected to a water supply line (6) via a shut-off valve (14), and - a drain valve (12) at a second side of the temporary pipe (10) facing away from the at least one connecting device is connected to the temporary pipe (10), characterized in that - a sensor in the region of the shut-off valve (14) determines a flow volume representing a draw-off quantity at the at least one house connection (8), - an actuator (16) and a control device (18) for the actuator (16) are arranged on the drain valve (12), and the control device (18) receives the measured flow volume at the connection between the temporary pipe (10) and the water supply (6) and, depending on the received flow volume, calculates a flushing interval and causes actuation of the actuator (16) to open the drain valve (12) for flushing the temporary pipe (10), and - the control device (18) comprises a keep-alive circuit, by means of which the function of the control device (18) is monitored, in that the control device continuously transmits status messages to a remote computer.