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 discharging waste water, in particular by vacuum extraction from refrigeration units, kitchen appliances and similar devices, in which the waste water can be discharged from a source into a sewer system or the like through at least one waste water pipe with an approximately horizontal pipe section, preferably a 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 equal or varying amounts of wastewater are generated continuously or at intervals during operation, which are collected in a tank. Therefore, the liquid collected in the tank is regularly drained by being sucked out with a vacuum pump or similar suction device when a certain wastewater level is reached in the tank.

[0003] A known system according to EP 1 085 134 A1 is designed as a vacuum drainage system with a collecting tank for collecting the wastewater. This collecting tank serves as a buffer for the wastewater that flows out continuously or at intervals during operation. An intermediate valve is installed between the lower and upper pipe sections, which automatically drains the wastewater to a vacuum-operated main drainage pipe when a certain fluid level is reached in the buffer.

[0004] This known system operates intermittently. The disadvantage is that the collection tank located at the bottom of the system requires adequate installation space. It also requires considerable maintenance, as it requires regular cleaning. The wastewater remains in it until the tank is almost full, allowing contaminants to clog it and the downstream section of the sewer line. Furthermore, the temporarily standing water in the tank causes hygiene problems and unpleasant odors. A further disadvantage is that the collection tank must be vented during the filling process to prevent counterpressure from the air from preventing it from filling properly.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of improving a system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that these disadvantages are avoided and the system is constructed in a less complex manner and is also easier to maintain.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, the respective wastewater line is designed as a through-pipe without a collecting tank for receiving the wastewater flowing from the source and is provided therein with at least one measuring element for determining the line 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 line section.

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

[0009] This system according to the invention offers significant advantages, allowing the suction of wastewater that accrues continuously or at regular intervals. The preferably permanently active measuring element in the wastewater line ensures flawless level detection and suction of the medium. In this regard, it is advantageous if this measuring element is installed in the lower, approximately horizontal section of the wastewater line.

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

[0011] The invention further provides that the wastewater line is provided in its lower horizontal section with a vent valve for connecting an air supply source to the wastewater line. This makes it possible to ventilate the wastewater line so that the wastewater can be extracted by the extraction device with the addition of air. This also occurs more quickly than in systems with a collecting tank, since in such systems, the wastewater can only flow through the line to the collecting tank by gravity, whereas in the system according to the invention, it can be extracted by the negative pressure prevailing throughout the wastewater line. The addition of air allows even larger volume flows to be discharged.

[0012] In a first variant of a system, the invention provides for the vent valve and the sensor for determining the wastewater level to be installed in a removably mounted housing in the lower section of the wastewater pipe. This provides them with good protection and allows them to be conveniently monitored within the housing.

[0013] In one variant of a system, the invention provides that in facilities with multiple wastewater-discharging units, their wastewater is preferably sucked away via a common wastewater line, which is connected to each unit by a siphon line and ventilation hoses, each of which can be actuated by a ventilation valve. In this way, the wastewater can flow simultaneously from all units via the siphon lines into the wastewater line serving as the collecting line. The siphon lines serve, on the one hand, to allow the collecting line to fill, and, on the other hand, to prevent them from being sucked dry when the wastewater is sucked away, which is very advantageous in terms of energy. Furthermore, the system with these siphon lines is designed to be very hygienic.

[0014] In a further variant of a system according to the invention, the aeration valve and the valve element for the vacuum pump are installed in the section of the sewer line serving as the through-pipe, with both the through-pipe and the aeration line being laid in the ground beneath the system. This system is particularly suitable for installations where the aeration line cannot be installed below the line. The aeration valve of the in-ground aeration line also functions as a check valve, so that in long underground lines, the suction is not impaired if the line becomes completely full.

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

[0016] The Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 The systems 10 to 40 shown are suitable for the controlled drainage 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 service counters, sinks, washing machines, coffee machines, steamers, ovens with washing programs, or similar. The wastewater can be condensate, contaminated wastewater such as grease wastewater, or other contaminated liquids such as oil, grease with water or detergent, acidic liquids, etc. Hot wastewater or liquids can also be drained.

[0017] The same reference numerals are used for the Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 The same parts or components as illustrated are used.

[0018] Fig. 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 flows into this wastewater pipe 2, usually in an uncontrolled manner, continuously or at intervals with varying volumes. In the subsequent horizontal pipe section 2.2, designed as a through-pipe, there is a vent valve 31 and a sensor 32' with a measuring element 32 in the pipe section for determining the line 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 well be placed elsewhere instead of in a housing.

[0019] From the horizontal line section 2.2, a central line section 2.3 follows, vertically upwards, which is designed, for example, as a riser pipe laid along a vertical rear wall of a facility. A subsequent upper line section 2.4 is connected to a vacuum pump of an extraction device 6. The vertically aligned line section 2.3 serves to bridge the height difference between line 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 collecting tank for receiving the wastewater flowing from the source 1, in which this one 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] Very advantageously, a valve element 5 is provided in the wastewater line 2 for opening and closing the wastewater line 2 leading to the suction device 6. In the system 10, this valve element 5 is arranged in the vertically upwardly extending line section 2.3. This valve element 5 is also switched by the control device. At a predetermined fill level of the wastewater in the wastewater line 2, it is opened by the control device and the suction device 6 is simultaneously switched on by the latter. However, when the fill level drops, the valve element 5 is closed and the suction device is switched off. This switching on and off of the valve element 5 can also occur after a specific period of time.

[0022] This measuring element 32 of sensor 32' in line section 2.2 is designed as a differential pressure gauge, pressure sensor, or similar measuring system. It 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 device. It goes without saying that this measuring element can be based on a different measuring principle, for example, an ultrasonic measurement or multiple probes extending into the line.

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

[0024] During operation, the wastewater accumulating in source 1 flows downwards via pipe section 2.1 to the horizontal pipe section 2.2, which contains this aeration valve 31 and the sensor 32 in the housing 3. The discharge of wastewater from source 1 is detected right from the start by the resulting pressure difference in the wastewater line 2. The wastewater therefore collects in the wastewater line 2 when the valve element 5 is closed. In the housing 3, air is mixed with the wastewater by opening the aeration valve 31. This prevents negative pressure or the escape of odors, without the need for a separate aeration line. The sensor 32, which functions as a back pressure regulator, is robustly constructed to withstand dirt deposits and, via the control device, causes the valve 5 to open as soon as a certain fill level is reached in the wastewater line.This causes the wastewater to be sucked into pipe section 2.2 by the switched-on vacuum pump, with the addition of air. This occurs more quickly than with vacuum solutions with a collection tank, since the wastewater can only flow into the collection tank by gravity due to the existing free fall.

[0025] Annex 20 to Fig. 2 It is suitable for facilities with limited access to the floor area. This can be the case, for example, in retail spaces, laboratories, or underneath ice and cleaning machines. The measuring element 32 of the sensor 32' is preferably positioned at the lowest point of the line section 2.2.

[0026] This system 20 can optionally be built with a ventilation system. In this case, the line from the ventilation 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 ventilation valve 31 is preferably provided in a drain 28 located in the ground 29 for the source 1 with a sieve or similar device to ensure that the wastewater is cleanly sucked away. Otherwise, the functions of the system 20 correspond to those according to Fig. 1 and therefore will not be discussed in detail.

[0027] Annex 30 to Fig. 3 is suitable for refrigerated cabinets consisting of several units 1a, 1b, which are provided on the underside with one or more siphon lines 2.5 for collecting the wastewater accumulating therein, which are connected to the line section 2.2 below the units 1a, 1b, which serves as a collecting or through-flow line. Thanks to these siphon lines 2.5, the wastewater from the units can flow simultaneously into the wastewater line 2. Furthermore, ventilation hoses 2.7 leading into the siphon lines 2.5 are provided, which serve to ensure that the line section 2.2 serving as a collecting line can fill with wastewater and that the siphon lines 2.5 are not sucked dry during suction, so that they act as a seal and no cold air can be sucked out. Furthermore, a ventilation hose 2.7 is arranged in the vertically upwardly running line section 2.3, as well as the valve element 5.This ensures sufficient ventilation in the wastewater line 2.

[0028] If the measuring element 32 and thus the sensor 32' detects that wastewater has reached a certain fill level in the line section 2.2, the valve element 5 is opened by the control device for a limited period of time. When the line is full, the ventilation hoses 2.7 aid in the admixture of air at each connection and, optionally, also at the beginning of the riser. A hose can also be used for the collection line 2.2 if it cannot lie flat over its entire length due to possible obstructions. This arrangement of the system 30 has the advantage for refrigeration units with little free space that the lines empty and can therefore be vacuumed with the same drain cross-section without the formation of deposits.

[0029] Annex 40 to Fig. 4 concerns a variant similar to Annex 30 to Fig. 3 with at least one facility with a free-standing unit. Its structure corresponds to that of the version according to Fig. 3 , with the difference that, due to the lack of a free side wall, the air supply line 2.6 cannot be installed below the unit in very low-lying units. For this reason, the air supply line 2.6 is laid underground and equipped with a check valve as a ventilation valve 31, so that in long, underground lines, the full filling of line section 2.2 does not impair the extraction. The opening in the air supply line 2.6, which may be equipped with a ventilation valve or open, allows the wastewater line 2 to be emptied.

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

[0031] The systems described above all have the significant advantage of eliminating the need for a collection tank to drain the resulting wastewater. This results in a simpler design, resulting in less space, shorter installation times, and lower production costs. Furthermore, they are very user-friendly because they eliminate the need to clean the collection tank, and they prevent stagnant wastewater from accumulating, preventing dirt from settling.

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

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

[0034] The invention is sufficiently illustrated by the above embodiments. However, it could of course be further explained by further variants.

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

[0036] A vacuum pump is advantageous for the suction system because it can very efficiently extract wastewater from the sewer line, with or without air, even if it is mixed with clogging contaminants. In principle, however, a feed pump of any kind could also be used.

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A system for removing waste water, in particular by vacuum extraction from refrigeration units, kitchen appliances and similar devices, in which the waste water from at least one source (1) can be discharged into a sewer or the like through at least one waste water 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), characterized in that the respective wastewater line (2) is designed as a through line without a collecting container for receiving the wastewater flowing from the source (1), in which at least one measuring element (32) is provided for determining the line 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 line section (2.2).

2. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that in the approximately horizontal line section (2.2) in the waste water line (2), a controllable air supply is connected, which has at least one ventilation valve (31) actuatable by the control device for connecting the air supply source to the waste water line (2).

3. Plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that a valve member (5) is provided for opening or closing the waste water line leading to the suction device, which valve member opens and switches on the suction device when the waste water level in the waste water line (2) is at a predetermined level, or closes the valve member (5) and switches off the suction device when the level drops and / or after a certain period of time, wherein this switching on and / or off of the valve member (5) can also take place after a certain period of time.

4. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe waste water pipe (2) has a section designed as a riser pipe (2.3) in the manner of a siphon, by means of which the height difference between the lower pipe section (2.2) and the pipe section (2,4) connected to the suction device can be connected.

5. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one measuring element (32) in the wastewater line (2) is connected to a sensor (32') connected to the control device, which is located outside the wastewater line (2).

6. Plant according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the sensor (32) and the ventilation valve (31) are installed in a housing (3) removably placed in the lower pipe section (2.2) of the waste water pipe (2).

7. Plant according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in thatthe at least one unit (1a, 1b) of the device, such as the refrigeration unit or the kitchen appliance, is connected to the waste water line (2) by at least one siphon line (2.5) for the waste water and ventilation hoses (2.7) which can be acted upon via the ventilation valve (31), so that waste water still remains in the siphon line (2.5) after suction.

8. Plant according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the ventilation valve (31) and the valve member (5) for the suction device (6) are installed in the approximately horizontal line section (2.2) of the wastewater line (2), wherein both the wastewater line (2) and the ventilation line (2.6) are arranged on the bottom side.