FLOW CONTROL VALVE

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: FLOW REGULATION VALVE The flow control valve (10) for a pipeline (40) of predetermined section, comprises a lower leaf (11), an upper leaf (12) and a gas cylinder under a predetermined pressure. The lower leaf is provided with at least one lower hydraulic cylinder (14, 15) comprising a first chamber in which a liquid is pressurized by the pressurized gas cylinder to impart a predetermined pushing force on the water in the pipeline upstream of the valve. The upper leaf is provided with at least one upper pneumatic cylinder (16, 17) whose resistance force is predetermined to resist a pressure corresponding to a predetermined water height upstream of the valve. Figure for the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: FLOW CONTROL VALVE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow control valve. It applies, in particular, to the regulation of the flow rate of rainwater drains or in sanitation networks. State of the art

[0002] The increasing waterproofing of urban areas coupled with increasingly intense rainfall events with climate change is leading to urban runoff that is increasingly difficult to manage. Serious flooding is the consequence. To combat this urban runoff, the authorities are imposing more and more constraints on developers so that new waterproofing is compensated.

[0003] These compensations may consist of: - infiltrate rainwater at the source onto the waterproofed plots; -regulate runoff from impermeable plots using retention basins; - reduce peak flow rates passing through the networks using retention basins downstream of the waterproofed areas.

[0004] The sanitation networks, for their part, collect wastewater, but also rainwater, either because they are designed for this, as for the combined networks of old town centers for example, or because they capture parasitic runoff water.

[0005] During heavy rains, this runoff water can cause saturation of the sanitation networks and cause polluting discharges into the natural environment.

[0006] Today, the retention of this runoff water can be achieved using swales, ditches, reservoir roads, buried basins, storage pipes, including a limited flow outlet: the nozzle, and an overflow which allows the excess flow to be evacuated when the rain is so heavy that the flow and volume of water resulting from the runoff exceeds the retention capacity of the structure.

[0007] The common point of all these techniques is that the storage of water can only be done in relatively flat areas and that their outlet, consisting of an orifice whose diameter or evacuation capacity is deliberately restricted, tends to become clogged if it is not regularly maintained.

[0008] Rainwater retention therefore often requires a lot of space, areas plates, and very regular maintenance.

[0009] Document KR 2009 0034154 relates to a non-return valve positioned at the outlet of a sewerage system towards a stream or a river, a valve whose movable part can open under water pressure and whose opening is facilitated by a float placed in the lower part. However, this device does not allow the flow rate passing through it to be regulated since it does not retain this water, the float aiming, on the contrary, to facilitate the opening of the valve.

[0010] Document US 2005 / 092372 A1 discloses a valve whose function is to ensure the ventilation of water tanks while preventing the proliferation of mosquitoes and other insects. This valve equipped with a mosquito net is designed to allow water to pass in one direction, without allowing insects to pass in the other direction.

[0011] Document FR 2 432 663 presents a swing valve equipped with a spring to prevent this valve from slamming when it closes. Presentation of the invention

[0012] The invention relates to a valve comprising an upper leaf and a lower leaf. The lower leaf is provided with at least one hydraulic cylinder which is pressurized by a pressure accumulator inflated with nitrogen to a set pressure, which ensures a predetermined driving force.

[0013] The hydraulic system includes valves for quickly releasing the lower leaf from resistance to the flow of water, i.e. the pushing force, and also for raising the lower leaf.

[0014] The upper leaf is actuated by pneumatic cylinders whose resistance force is also predetermined to withstand a pressure corresponding to a predetermined upstream water height.

[0015] The objective of this invention is to be able to use the wastewater and / or rainwater collection pipes to make them storage-return zones. The valve reduces the flow rate to a predetermined value by storing the excess water in the pipe upstream of the valve and opens in the event of complete filling of the upstream pipe in order to maintain the evacuation function of the pipes in the event of rain whose importance exceeds the design rain. Brief description of the figures

[0016] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [Fig.l] represents a particular embodiment of the valve which is the subject of the invention, in closed configuration,

[0017] [Fig.2] represents the valve illustrated in [Fig.l], in configuration with lower leaf partially open,

[0018] [Fig.3] represents the valve illustrated in figures 1 and 2, in configuration with leaves lower and upper partially open,

[0019] [Fig.4] represents the valve illustrated in figures 1 to 3 installed in a pipeline and in closed configuration,

[0020] [Fig.5] represents the valve illustrated in figures 1 to 4 installed in a pipeline and in configuration with partially open lower and upper leaves,

[0021] [Fig.6] represents a hydraulic circuit for controlling lower leaf cylinders of a regulating valve which is the subject of the invention, and

[0022] [Fig.7] represents the valve illustrated in figures 1 to 5 installed in a pipeline and in configuration with lower and upper leaves fully open. Description of the embodiments

[0023] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0024] It should be noted from now on that the figures are not to scale.

[0025] As understood from reading this description, various concepts inventive methods may be implemented by one or more methods or devices described below, several examples of which are provided herein. The actions or steps performed in carrying out the method or device may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, it is possible to construct embodiments in which the actions or steps are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing certain acts simultaneously, even if they are shown as sequential acts in the illustrated embodiments.

[0026] The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than B). elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to A and B (possibly including other elements); etc.

[0027] As used herein in the description and claims, "or" is to be understood inclusively.

[0028] As used in this specification and in the claims, the expression "at least one", with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the expression "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0029] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", and the like, are to be understood as being open, i.e., as meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 7, the invention relates to a control valve 10 comprising a lower leaf 11 and an upper leaf 12. The control valve 10 is intended to be mounted in a pipeline 40 with a central axis 21 and a section perpendicular to the predetermined central axis. The lower leaf 11 is provided with at least one lower hydraulic cylinder which is pressurized by a pressure accumulator gas bottle 56 (see [Fig.6]) in which nitrogen is subjected to a predetermined pressure, which ensures a predetermined driving force on the lower leaf 11. A support 13 for cylinders and leaves 11 and 12 is located between the lower leaf 11 and the upper leaf 12.

[0031] The fixed support 13 thus supports the lower 11 and upper 12 leaves, one end of each lower hydraulic cylinder, 14 and 15, and of each upper pneumatic cylinder 16 and 17.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the lower leaf 11 is provided with two lower jacks 14 and 15 mounted respectively, between a pivot connection 24 and 25 mounted on the leaf 11 and a pivot connection 34 and 35, mounted on the support 13.

[0033] The upper leaf 12 is provided with two upper jacks 16 and 17 mounted respectively between a pivot connection 26 and 27 mounted on the upper leaf 12 and a pivot connection 36 and 37 mounted on the support 13. The upper leaf 12 is mounted on a hinge 32, with an axis of rotation 33, of the support 13. In the same way, the lower leaf 11 is mounted on a hinge (not shown), with an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation 33, of the support 13.

[0034] The lower leaf 11 and the upper leaf 12 are provided with reinforcements 23.

[0035] The support 13 comprises a stiffening plate 30 connecting plates of lower fixing plates 28 and upper fixing plates 29 intended to be fixed, by screws or rivets, to a pipe, or collector 40 (see figures 4, 5 and 7). Upper fixing hoops 18 and lower 19 and 20 (better visible in [Fig.3]), provided with lugs 22 for fixing by screwing or riveting, to the pipe 40. The upper leaf 12 also carries supports 31 for shock absorbing buffers, for example made of rubber. These buffers absorb, in particular, the shock of the sudden opening of the upper leaf 12, when the water level exceeds a predetermined level.

[0036] As understood from reading the preceding description, and as illustrated in figures 1 and 4, when the jacks 14 to 17 are deployed, the lower 11 and upper 12 leaves obstruct the pipe 40 and only allow water to pass through a small lower opening 4L.

[0037] As illustrated in Figures 2, 5 and 7, when the lower cylinders 14 and 15 fold, the lower opening widens into an opening 42 allowing more water flow to pass through. When the upper cylinders 16 and 17 fold, an upper opening 43 allows the passage of an additional flow of water, as illustrated in Figures 3, 5 and 7.

[0038] The hydraulic circuit 50 illustrated in [Fig.6] comprises the lower cylinders 14 and 15 each comprising a piston 68, a first, lower chamber 66, in which the oil pressure tends to deploy these cylinders, and a second, upper chamber 67, in which the oil pressure tends to retract these cylinders. The lower chambers 66 are connected to each other by a hydraulic hose 60. This hose 60 is connected, via a three-opening chamber 53 and a hydraulic circuit tap 54, to a hydraulic hose 64, itself connected, via a selector 63 and a pump 52, to an oil reservoir 51. The upper chambers 67 are connected to each other by a hydraulic hose 61, also connected, via the selector 63 and the pump 52, to the oil reservoir 51. However, the hoses 61 and 64 are not connected to the same outlet of the selector 63. The oil reservoir 51 is at atmospheric pressure. The hydraulic circuit 50 also comprises a pneumatic part comprising the pressurized gas bottle 56. A hose 69 and a tap 57 connect this gas bottle 56 to the chamber 53. The pressurized gas is, preferably, nitrogen. The pressure in the gas bottle 56 has a predetermined value, higher than atmospheric pressure, which is also exerted in the hose 60 and in the lower chambers 66 of the cylinders 14 and 15 when the valve 57 is open.The pressurized gas accumulator bottle is preferably located above the regulating valve 10, out of the water.

[0039] The valves 54 and 57 are manually controlled in one embodiment. In other embodiments, these valves 54 and 47 are remotely controlled so as to be able to trigger a safe opening of the valve 10 remotely.

[0040] In its normal operating position, the lower leaf 11 of the valve 10 is kept firmly closed, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, thanks to the gas pressure 56 which is exerted in the chambers 66 of the lower hydraulic cylinders 14 and 15. The upper chambers 67 of the cylinders 14 and 15, on the other hand, are at atmospheric pressure.

[0041] The taps are therefore, during operation of the valve 10, in the following positions: tap 57 open and tap 54 closed, so that the pressure of the nitrogen in the accumulator bottle is exerted in the hose 60. The selector 63 of the pump 52 is in a neutral position which allows the oil to circulate freely in one direction or the other between the hose 61 and the reservoir 51.

[0042] The selector 63 is, for example, a three-way valve, which allows, at the operator's discretion, to leave free circulation between the hose 61 and the reservoir 51 or to pump the oil from the hose 64 to the hose 61.

[0043] In other words, the first, lower chamber 66 of each lower cylinder 14 and 15 is connected by at least one hose 60 and 64 to an oil reservoir 51 at atmospheric pressure via a hydraulic circuit tap 54 separating, when the valve 10 is in operation, the oil pressurized by the gas bottle 56, in particular in the first chamber 66, on the one hand, and the oil reservoir, on the other hand.

[0044] Furthermore, each lower cylinder, 14 and 15, comprises the second, upper chamber 67 connected, when the valve is in operation, to the oil reservoir 51.

[0045] Thus, the tap 57 separates, when closed, the pressurized gas bottle 56, on the one hand, from each flexible hose, 60 and 64, connecting the oil tank 51 to the first chamber 66 of each lower cylinder, 14 and 15, on the other hand.

[0046] To manually open the valve, an operator closes the tap 57, then opens the tap 54, which causes the oil in the lower chambers 66 of the cylinders 14 and 15 to decrease to atmospheric pressure. The operator also places the selector 63 of the pump 52 in a position which allows the oil to be pumped to the hose 61 and the upper chambers 67 of the cylinders 14 and 15. The pressure difference between the chambers 66 and 67, as well as the water pressure in the lower part of the pipe 40, causes the cylinders 14 and 15 to fold, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 7.

[0047] The hand pump 52 and the selector 63 are thus configured so that, when the tap 54 is open and the tap 57 is closed, the hand pump 54 pumps the oil from the first chamber 66 to the second chamber 67 of each lower cylinder, 14 and 15.

[0048] A pressure gauge 65 measures the oil pressure in the chamber 53.

[0049] The hand pump 52 is used during installation and for manually opening the valve 10 for maintenance. The selector 63 allows you to choose which side to send the oil to, or, in the neutral position, to let the oil circulate freely. The selector 63 is manual.

[0050] Thus, the hydraulic system 50 comprises taps 54 and 57 making it possible to quickly release the lower leaf 11 from the resistance to the flow of water, i.e. the pushing force exerted by the lower jacks 14 and 15, and also to raise the lower leaf.

[0051] The upper flap 12 is actuated by upper pneumatic cylinders 16 and 17 whose resistance force is also predetermined to withstand a pressure corresponding to a predetermined upstream water height.

[0052] As understood from reading the above description, the flow control valve 10 for a pipe 40 of predetermined section, which comprises a lower leaf 11, an upper leaf 12 and a reservoir, or bottle, of gas 56 under a predetermined pressure, in which: - the lower leaf is provided with at least one lower hydraulic cylinder, 14 and 15 comprising a first chamber 66 in which a liquid is pressurized by the pressurized gas reservoir to impart a predetermined pushing force on the water in the pipe upstream of the valve, and - the upper leaf is provided with at least one upper pneumatic cylinder, 16 and 17, the resistance force of which is predetermined to withstand a pressure corresponding to a predetermined water height upstream of the valve 10.

[0053] The valve 10 can be installed on large diameter water pipes, for example 2.5 meters internal diameter.

[0054] The pressure of the nitrogen in the gas cylinder 56 is set at a predetermined value. completed, during installation or before it.

[0055] For the example used of a pipe 40 with an internal diameter of 2.5 meters, the pressure in the gas bottle 56 is predetermined so that the lower part comprising the lower flap 11 begins to open when the upstream water level reaches 2.3 m upstream. The lower flap 11 opens progressively until it is completely open, at an angle of the order of 5° with the axis of the pipe 40 when the upstream level reaches approximately 2.45 meters, as illustrated in [Fig.7]. The pressure in the upper pneumatic cylinders 16 and 17 is predetermined so that the upper leaf 12 begins to open when the water level reaches 2.5 meters and begins to open gradually with a movement of an angular amplitude of 15° then abruptly continues this opening movement until it is practically in a plane parallel to the axis of the collector, as illustrated in [Fig.7], if the upstream water level exceeds 2.5 meters.

[0056] Preferably, the lower leaf 11 is larger than the upper leaf 12.

[0057] For example, the height of the support platform 13 is 60% of the height inside the pipeline.

[0058] More generally, in embodiments, the predetermined pressure in the gas cylinder 56 is configured so that the lower flap 11 opens when the water level in the pipe 40, upstream of the valve 10, is a first predetermined level on the upper flap 12.

[0059] More generally also, in embodiments, the predetermined pressure in each upper pneumatic cylinder, 16 and 17, in the deployed configuration is configured so that the upper leaf 12 opens when the water level in the pipe 40, upstream of the valve 10 is equal to or greater than the level of the upper internal surface of the pipe 40 at the location where the valve is positioned in the pipe. Summary of the invention

[0060] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0061] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention aims at a flow control valve for a pipeline of predetermined section, which comprises a lower leaf, an upper leaf and a gas cylinder under a predetermined pressure, in which: - the lower leaf is provided with at least one lower hydraulic cylinder comprising a first chamber in which a liquid is pressurized by the pressurized gas cylinder to impart a predetermined pushing force on the water in the pipe upstream of the valve, and - the upper leaf is equipped with at least one upper pneumatic cylinder whose resistance force is predetermined to withstand a pressure corresponding to a predetermined water height upstream of the valve.

[0062] Thus, when the lower cylinders fold, a lower water passage opening through the valve widens and allows more water to pass through. When the water rises upstream of the valve beyond a predetermined level which is a function of the gas pressure in the gas cylinder, the lower hydraulic cylinders fold and the lower leaf opens. When the water upstream of the valve continues to rise, the upper pneumatic cylinders fold in turn and the upper leaf opens to allow water to flow almost freely through the valve (with the exception of the folded leaves and their support).

[0063] In embodiments, the pressurized gas in the gas cylinder is nitrogen. Since nitrogen is inert, the risk that air would pose that oxidation inside the gas cylinder would gradually lower the pressure inside this tank is avoided.

[0064] In embodiments, said first chamber of each lower cylinder is connected by at least one hose to an oil reservoir at atmospheric pressure via a hydraulic circuit tap separating, when the valve is in operation, the oil pressurized by the pressurized gas bottle, in particular in said first chamber, on the one hand, and the oil reservoir, on the other hand.

[0065] Thus, the first chamber of each lower cylinder can either be pressurized by the gas cylinder or be released from this pressure when the

[0066] Thanks to these arrangements, at least one hydraulic circuit valve makes it possible to quickly release the lower leaf from the gas pressure and to raise the lower leaf to release the flow of water in the lower part of the valve. Thus, the hydraulic system comprises valves making it possible to quickly release the lower leaf from the resistance to the flow of water, that is to say the pushing force exerted by the lower cylinders, and also to manually raise the lower leaf.

[0067] In embodiments, each lower cylinder comprises a second chamber connected, when the valve is in operation, to the oil reservoir.

[0068] This second chamber is thus at a lower pressure than that of the first chamber.

[0069] In embodiments, the valve further comprises,

[0070] a tap which, when closed, isolates the gas bottle, on the one hand, from each hose connecting the oil tank to the first chamber of each lower cylinder, on the other hand, and

[0071] a hand pump provided with a selector, configured so that the hand pump pumps oil from said first chamber to the second chamber of each lower cylinder.

[0072] Thus, an operator can open the lower leaf of the valve by closing the tap of the pressurized gas bottle and placing the pump selector in a position which allows the oil to be pumped to the hose and the second chamber of each lower cylinder. The pressure difference between the chambers of each lower cylinder, as well as, possibly, the water pressure in the lower part of the pipeline, causes each lower cylinder to fold.

[0073] The hand pump and selector are used during installation of the valve and for manual opening of the valve, for example for maintenance operations.

[0074] In embodiments, a fixed support supports each of the lower and upper leaves, one end of each lower hydraulic cylinder and each upper pneumatic cylinder.

[0075] In embodiments, the lower and upper leaves are mounted on the support by hinges, the connection between each lower hydraulic cylinder and the fixed support, on the one hand, and with the lower leaf, on the other hand, and the connection between each upper pneumatic cylinder and the fixed support, on the one hand, and with the upper leaf, on the other hand, are pivot connections.

[0076] The assembly of the valve is thus particularly easy.

[0077] In embodiments, the support comprises fixing plates configured to be fixed to an internal wall of the pipeline and at least one hoop provided with fixing lugs to this internal wall of the pipeline.

[0078] Thanks to these provisions, the support is firmly held in the pipeline, even in the event of a very high flow rate of water in the pipeline or in the event of the passage of solid debris floating in the water.

[0079] In embodiments, the predetermined pressure in the gas cylinder is configured so that the lower flap opens when the water level in said pipeline upstream of the valve reaches a first predetermined level on the upper flap.

[0080] The valve thus retains excess water, causing the water level upstream of the valve to rise beyond the upper part of the lower leaf.

[0081] In embodiments, the predetermined pressure in each upper pneumatic cylinder in the deployed configuration is configured so that the upper flapper opens when the water level in said pipeline upstream of the valve is equal to or greater than the level of the upper internal surface of the pipeline at the location where the valve is positioned in the pipeline.

[0082] Thus, it is only when the water level reaches or exceeds the level of the upper internal surface of the pipe that the upper flap opens.

Claims

Claims

1. A flow control valve (10) for a pipeline (40) of predetermined section, which comprises a lower leaf (11), an upper leaf (12) and a gas cylinder (56) under a predetermined pressure, characterized in that: - the lower leaf is provided with at least one lower hydraulic cylinder (14, 15) comprising a first chamber (66) in which a liquid is pressurized by the pressurized gas cylinder to impart a predetermined pushing force on the water in the pipeline upstream of the valve, and - the upper leaf is provided with at least one upper pneumatic cylinder (16, 17) whose resistance force is predetermined to withstand a pressure corresponding to a predetermined water height upstream of the valve.

2. The valve (10) of claim 1, wherein the pressurized gas in the gas cylinder (56) is nitrogen.

3. Valve (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which said first chamber (66) of each lower cylinder (14, 15) is connected by at least one hose (60, 64) to an oil reservoir (51) at atmospheric pressure via a hydraulic circuit tap (54) separating, when the valve is in operation, the oil pressurized by the gas bottle (56), in particular in said first chamber, on the one hand, and the oil reservoir, on the other hand.

4. Valve (10) according to claim 3, in which each lower cylinder (14, 15) comprises a second chamber (67) connected, when the valve is in operation, to the oil reservoir (51).

5. Valve (10) according to claim 4, which further comprises a tap (57) which, when closed, isolates the gas bottle (56), on the one hand, from each hose (60, 64) connecting the oil reservoir (51) to the first chamber (66) of each lower cylinder (14, 15), on the other hand, and a manual pump (52) provided with a selector (63), configured so that the manual pump pumps the oil from said first chamber to the second chamber (67) of each lower cylinder.

6. Valve (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which a fixed support (13) supports the lower (11) and upper (12) leaves, one end of each lower hydraulic cylinder (14, 15) and each upper pneumatic cylinder (16, 17).

7. Valve (10) according to claim 6, in which the lower (11) and upper (12) leaves are mounted on the support (13) by hinges, the connection between each lower hydraulic cylinder (14, 15) and the fixed support (13), on the one hand, and with the lower leaf (11), on the other hand, and the connection between each upper pneumatic cylinder (16, 17) and the fixed support, on the one hand, and with the upper leaf (12), on the other hand, are pivot connections.

8. Valve (10) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the support (13) comprises fixing plates (28, 29) configured to be fixed to an internal wall of the pipeline (40) and at least one hoop (18, 19, 20) provided with lugs (22) for fixing to this internal wall of the pipeline.

9. A valve (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined pressure in the gas cylinder (56) is configured so that the lower leaf opens when the water level in said pipeline upstream of the valve is a first predetermined level on the upper leaf.

10. A valve (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a predetermined pressure in each upper pneumatic cylinder (16, 17) in the deployed configuration is configured so that the upper leaf opens when the water level in said pipeline upstream of the valve is equal to or greater than the level of the upper internal surface of the pipeline at the location where the valve is positioned in the pipeline.

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