Installation for discharging waste water, in particular by vacuum extraction

Abstract

In a system for discharging wastewater, particularly by vacuum extraction from refrigeration units, kitchen appliances, and similar equipment, the wastewater from at least one source (1) can be discharged into a sewer or the like via at least one wastewater pipe (2) with an approximately horizontal pipe section (2.2), preferably a riser pipe (2.3), and a suction device, preferably a vacuum pump (6). The respective wastewater pipe (2) is designed as a through pipe without a collection tank for receiving the wastewater flowing from the source (1), and is equipped with at least one measuring element (32) for determining the pipe fill level. At least this one measuring element (32) and the suction device are connected to a control device by which the suction device can be switched on or off depending on the fill level in the approximately horizontal pipe section (2.2).The system enables the extraction of wastewater that accumulates continuously or at regular intervals in the wastewater pipe (2), whereby the preferably permanently active measuring element in the wastewater pipe (2) ensures the proper functioning of determining the fill level and extracting the medium.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for the removal of wastewater, in particular by vacuum extraction from cooling units, kitchen appliances and similar equipment, in which the wastewater can be discharged from a source into a sewer or the like through at least one wastewater pipe with an approximately horizontal pipe section, at least one riser pipe and a suction device, preferably a vacuum pump, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In systems of this type mentioned above, approximately the same or varying amounts of wastewater are generated continuously or at intervals during operation and collected in a tank. Therefore, the liquid collected in the tank is regularly removed by suction from the tank using a vacuum pump or a similar suction device when a certain wastewater level is reached.

[0003] A known system, as described in publication EP 1 085 134 A1, is designed as a vacuum drainage system with a collection tank for the wastewater, where this tank serves as a buffer for the wastewater that flows continuously or at intervals during operation. An intermediate valve is installed between the lower and upper pipe sections, which automatically discharges the wastewater to a main drainage pipe under vacuum when a certain fluid level is reached in the buffer.

[0004] This well-known system operates intermittently. A disadvantage is that the collection tank located at the bottom of the system requires sufficient installation space, and it involves considerable maintenance, as it needs regular cleaning. This is because the wastewater remains in the tank until it is nearly full, allowing blockages and impurities to accumulate in the tank and the subsequent section of the wastewater pipe. Furthermore, the water standing in the tank for a period of time causes hygiene problems and unpleasant odors. Another disadvantage is that the collection tank must be vented during the filling process to prevent it from being obstructed by air pressure.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of improving a system of the type mentioned above in such a way that these disadvantages are avoided and the system is less complex in its construction and also easier to maintain.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, at least one wastewater pipe is designed as a through pipe without a collection tank for receiving the wastewater flowing from the source and is provided therein with at least one measuring element for determining the pipe fill level. This at least one measuring element and the suction device are connected to a control device by which the suction device can be automatically switched on or off depending on the fill level in the approximately horizontal pipe section.

[0008] The wastewater flowing from the source can of course be any liquid, such as oil or mixtures of oil, grease and / or water.

[0009] This inventive system offers significant advantages, enabling the extraction of wastewater that accumulates continuously or at regular intervals. The preferably permanently active measuring element in the wastewater pipe ensures reliable level measurement and extraction of the medium. In this respect, it is advantageous for this measuring element to be installed in the lower, approximately horizontal section of the wastewater pipe.

[0010] To bridge the height difference between this section of pipe and the higher-level vacuum pump, the invention provides that a further section of the wastewater pipe is formed by a riser pipe, which can be laid, for example, along an existing back panel of a kitchen cabinet or the like. It is also advantageous for easy access to the valve and / or the sensor for the control unit if these are installed in or near the riser pipe.

[0011] The invention further provides that the wastewater pipe is equipped in its lower horizontal section with a vent valve for connecting an air supply source to the wastewater pipe. This makes it possible to vent the wastewater pipe so that the suction device can remove the wastewater with the addition of air. This process is also faster than in systems with a collection tank, since in those systems the wastewater can only flow through the pipe to the collection tank by gravity, whereas in the system according to the invention it can be extracted by the negative pressure prevailing throughout the entire wastewater pipe. The addition of air also allows for the removal of larger volume flows.

[0012] In a first embodiment of the system, the invention provides that the ventilation valve and the sensor for determining the wastewater level are installed in a removable housing located in the lower section of the wastewater pipe. This provides them with good protection and allows for convenient monitoring.

[0013] In one variant of the system, the invention provides that in installations with multiple wastewater discharge units, the wastewater from which is preferably extracted via a common wastewater line, each unit is connected to the common wastewater line by a siphon line and ventilation hoses that can be actuated via a ventilation valve. In this way, the wastewater from all units can flow simultaneously through the siphon lines into the wastewater line that serves as a collection line. The siphon lines serve two purposes: firstly, to allow the collection line to fill, and secondly, to prevent the siphon lines from being emptied during wastewater extraction, thus preventing the extraction of cold air, which is very energy-efficient. Furthermore, the system with these siphon lines is designed to be very hygienic.

[0014] In another embodiment of the inventive system, the vent valve and the valve element for the vacuum pump are installed in the section of the wastewater pipe serving as the through-line, with both the through-line and the vent pipe being laid in the ground beneath the system. This system is particularly suitable for installations where the vent pipe cannot be mounted below it. The vent valve of the underground vent pipe also functions as a check valve, ensuring that, in the case of long underground pipes, the suction is not impaired when the pipe is completely full.

[0015] The invention and further advantages thereof are explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a first variant of a system according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic view with a section of a second variant of a system according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic view with a section of a third variant of a system according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic view with a section of a fourth variant of a system according to the invention.

[0016] The in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 The systems shown, numbers 10 to 40, are suitable for the controlled discharge of industrial wastewater as well as wastewater from refrigeration or other equipment in supermarkets, kitchens, etc., or from other facilities such as fish or meat counters, sinks, washing machines, coffee machines, steamers, ovens with washing programs, or similar appliances. The wastewater can include condensation, contaminated wastewater such as grease, or other polluted liquids such as oil, grease mixed with water or detergent, acidic liquids, etc. Hot wastewater or liquids can also be discharged.

[0017] The same reference symbols are used for each of the following: Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 The same parts or components were used in the illustrations.

[0018] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a system 10 with a wastewater pipe 2, the vertical section 2.1 of which is connected to one or more sources 1 from which the wastewater or liquid typically flows uncontrolled, continuously, or at intervals into this wastewater pipe 2 in varying volumes. In the subsequent horizontal pipe section 2.2, designed as a through-pipe, a vent valve 31 and a sensor 32' with a measuring element 32 are provided for determining the fill level in the wastewater pipe. This vent valve 31 and the sensor 32' are preferably arranged in a housing 3, which is accessible from the outside. However, they could just as easily be located elsewhere instead of in a housing.

[0019] From the horizontal pipe section 2.2, a central pipe section 2.3 extends vertically upwards, for example as a riser pipe laid along a vertical rear wall of a device. A subsequent upper pipe section 2.4 is connected to a vacuum pump of a suction device 6. The vertically oriented pipe section 2.3 serves to bridge the height difference between pipe sections 2.2 and 2.4.

[0020] According to the invention, the wastewater line 2 of this system 10 is designed as a through line without a collection tank for receiving the wastewater flowing from the source 1, in which this measuring element 32 and the suction device 6 are connected to a control device by which the suction device 6 can be switched on or off depending on the fill level in the approximately horizontal line section 2.2.

[0021] A valve 5 is advantageously provided in the wastewater line 2 for opening and closing the wastewater line 2 leading to the suction device 6. In system 10, this valve 5 is arranged in the vertically upward-running section 2.3 of the line. This valve 5 is also controlled by the control unit. When the wastewater level in the wastewater line 2 reaches a predetermined level, the control unit opens the valve 5 and simultaneously switches on the suction device 6. Conversely, when the level drops, the valve 5 closes and the suction device is switched off. This switching on and off of the valve 5 can also occur after a specific time period.

[0022] This measuring element 32 of the sensor 32' in line section 2.2 is designed as a differential pressure gauge, pressure sensor, or similar measuring system, and can be used to determine the fill level and transmit it to sensor 32' in housing 3, which then sends corresponding signals to the control unit. It goes without saying that this measuring element can be based on a different measuring principle, for example, by ultrasonic measurement or by several probes extending into the line.

[0023] The approximately horizontal section 2.2 of the wastewater pipe 2 is assigned at least one controllable air supply, which has a ventilation valve 31 that can be operated by the control device for connecting the air supply source to the wastewater pipe 2.

[0024] During operation, the wastewater originating in source 1 flows downwards by gravity through pipe section 2.1 to the horizontal pipe section 2.2, which contains the air vent 31 and the sensor 32 within the housing 3. The pressure differential created in wastewater pipe 2 detects the outflow of wastewater from source 1 right from the start. Consequently, the wastewater collects in wastewater pipe 2 with the valve 5 closed. Air is mixed with the wastewater in housing 3 by opening the air vent 31. This prevents negative pressure and odors from escaping, eliminating the need for a separate vent line. The sensor 32, which functions as a pressure regulator, is robustly designed to resist the build-up of contaminants and, via the control unit, opens the valve 5 as soon as a specific fill level is reached in the wastewater pipe.This causes the wastewater to be drawn into pipe section 2.2 by the activated vacuum pump, with the addition of air. This process is faster than with vacuum solutions using a collection tank, since in those systems the wastewater can only flow into the collection tank by gravity.

[0025] Annex 20 after Fig. 2 This is suitable for installations with limited access at floor level. This can be the case, for example, in retail spaces, laboratories, or beneath ice cream and cleaning machines. The measuring element 32 of the sensor 32' is preferably positioned at the lowest point of the cable section 2.2.

[0026] This system 20 can optionally be equipped with a vent. In this case, the line from the vent valve 31 to the measuring element 32 can be laid horizontally or with a slight gradient of, for example, 0.5%. The position of the vent valve 31 is preferably provided in a drain 28 located in the floor 29 for the source 1, equipped with a strainer or similar device to ensure clean drainage of the wastewater. Otherwise, the functions of the system 20 correspond to those described below. Fig. 1 Therefore, it will not be discussed in detail.

[0027] Annex 30 after Fig. 3 This system is suitable for refrigerated display cases consisting of several units 1a, 1b, each equipped on its underside with one or more siphon lines 2.5 for collecting the wastewater that accumulates therein. These siphon lines are connected to the pipe section 2.2 below the units 1a, 1b, which serves as a collection or through-pipe. These siphon lines 2.5 allow the wastewater from the units to flow simultaneously into the wastewater pipe 2. Furthermore, ventilation hoses 2.7 leading into the siphon lines 2.5 are provided. These hoses ensure that the collection pipe section 2.2 can fill with wastewater and that the siphon lines 2.5 are not emptied during extraction, thus acting as a seal and preventing the extraction of cold air. An additional ventilation hose 2.7 is located in the vertically extending pipe section 2.3, along with the valve 5.This ensures adequate ventilation in wastewater pipe 2.

[0028] If the measuring element 32, and thus the sensor 32', detects that wastewater is present in pipe section 2.2 up to a certain fill level, the control unit opens the valve 5 for a period of time. When the pipe is full, the ventilation hoses 2.7 help to mix in air at each connection and, optionally, also at the beginning of the riser pipe. A hose can also be used for the collection pipe 2.2 if it cannot lie flat along its entire length due to obstructions. This arrangement of the system 30 has the advantage in refrigerated display cases where space is limited, as the pipes can empty completely and thus be vacuumed with the same drain cross-section without the formation of deposits.

[0029] Annex 40 after Fig. 4 concerns a variant similar to Annex 30. Fig. 3 with at least one facility with a freestanding unit. Its structure corresponds to the design according to Fig. 3 The difference is that, due to the lack of a free side wall, the air supply line 2.6 cannot be installed below it in very deep-lying units. For this reason, the air supply line 2.6 is laid in the floor and equipped with a check valve as a vent valve 31 to prevent the complete filling of the pipe section 2.2 from impairing the suction in long, underground pipes. The opening in the air supply line 2.6, which may be equipped with a vent valve or left open, allows the wastewater line 2 to be emptied.

[0030] In systems 30 and 40, these siphon lines 2.5 are provided for receiving the wastewater accumulating at units 1 as sources, and these ventilation hoses 2.7 are connected to the siphon lines. However, depending on the system design, these siphon lines and / or ventilation hoses could be omitted, and direct pipe connections from the source to the wastewater line 2 could be provided.

[0031] The systems described above all have the significant advantage of not requiring a collection tank for wastewater. This results in a simpler design, which translates to a smaller footprint, shorter installation times, and lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, they are very user-friendly because there is no need to clean a collection tank, and no stagnant wastewater accumulates, preventing dirt from building up.

[0032] The system can also be centrally controlled electrically, hydraulically and / or pneumatically by this single control unit, thus enabling automated operation.

[0033] Suction lines with different inner diameters and / or lengths can be used, thus enabling the disposal of even larger quantities of wastewater without requiring the system to be built correspondingly larger.

[0034] The invention is sufficiently demonstrated by the above exemplary embodiments. However, it could of course be further explained by other variations.

[0035] As mentioned above, the wastewater flowing from the source can be any liquid, such as oil or mixtures of oil, grease, cleaning agents and / or water.

[0036] A vacuum pump is advantageously used for the extraction system because it can very efficiently extract wastewater, with or without air, from the sewer line, even if it is mixed with clogging impurities. In principle, however, any type of pump could also be used.

[0037] Valve element 5 could be omitted, and the through-line and riser pipes could be routed directly to the vacuum pump. A riser pipe is also not strictly necessary. Depending on the configuration of the refrigeration units, kitchen appliances, etc., the pipe could run horizontally or downwards after the wastewater line.

[0038] In principle, the wastewater could be filled into the wastewater pipe in the pipe section up to the valve in the pipe section, and only then would the valve 5 be opened and the wastewater suctioned out by the vacuum pump. The measuring element 32 could be placed in pipe section 2.3 upstream of the valve.

[0039] Of course, a system could also include more than one wastewater line, each with at least one measuring element and at least one valve assembly, with one or more central vacuum pumps, which could be controlled and, if necessary, regulated by one or more control devices.

[0040] These can be electrically, hydraulically, and / or pneumatically functioning control devices, which may also include at least one control process.

Claims

1. Arrangement for removing waste water, in particular by vacuum extraction from cooling units, kitchen appliances and similar devices, in which the waste water from at least one source (1) is conveyed through at least one waste water pipe (2) with an approximately horizontal pipe section (2.2), at least one riser pipe (2.3) and a suction device, preferably a vacuum pump (6), into a sewer system or similar, characterised in that the at least one waste water pipe (2) is designed as a through pipe without a collection tank for receiving the waste water flowing from the source (1), in which at least one measuring element (32) is provided for determining the pipe fill level, wherein at least this one measuring element (32) and the suction device are connected to a control device by means of which the suction device can be switched on or off depending on the fill level in the approximately horizontal pipe section (2.2).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that a controllable air supply is connected in the approximately horizontal pipe section (2.2) in the waste water pipe (2), which air supply has at least one ventilation valve (31) that can be operated by the control device for connecting the air supply source to the waste water pipe (2).

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a valve mechanism (5) is provided for opening or closing the waste water pipe leading to the suction device, which is opened by the control device at a predetermined fill level of the waste water in the waste water pipe (2) and switches on the suction device, or closes the valve member (5), when the fill level drops and / or after a certain period of time and switches off the suction device, whereby this switching on and / or off of the valve member (5) can also take place after a certain period of time.

4. Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the waste water pipe (2) has a section designed as a siphon-like riser pipe (2.3), through which the difference in height between the lower pipe section (2.2) and the pipe section (2.4) connected to the suction device can be connected.

5. Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the at least one measuring element (32) in the sewage pipe (2) is connected to a sensor (32') connected to the control device, which is located outside the waste water pipe (2).

6. Arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the sensor (32) and the ventilation valve (31) are installed in a housing (3) that can be removed from the lower pipe section (2.2) of the waste water pipe (2).

7. Arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that at least one unit (1a, 1b) of the device, such as the cooling unit or the kitchen appliance, is connected to the waste water pipe (2) by at least one siphon pipe (2.5) for the waste water and ventilation hoses (2.7) that can be connected to the ventilation valve (31), so that waste water remains in the siphon pipe (2.5) after extraction.

8. Arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the ventilation valve (31) and the valve mechanism (5) for the suction device (6) are installed in the approximately horizontal pipe section (2.2) of the waste water pipe (2), whereby the waste water pipe (2) as well as an air supply pipe (2.6) are arranged on the floor side.

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