Liquid interface

Abstract

It is disclosed an interface (100) for liquid and a release mechanism for release of a valve. The liquid interface for a vacuum system includes on a gravity side of the interface an inlet for receiving liquid (101), a pressure signal hose / tube / pipe (105) connected with a release mechanism, the release mechanism connected with a valve. On the vacuum side of the interface an outlet (109) of the valve being connected with a pipe. The interface may in particular be used for connecting a greywater system, a sewage system or a condensing water system to a vacuum system.

Description

[0001] 1 / 15 146432NO

[0002] Technical field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interface for liquid and to a release mechanism for release of a valve. The interface may in particular be used for connecting a greywater system, a sewage system or a condensing water system to a vacuum system.

[0004] Background art

[0005]

[0002] Transitioning water systems from gravity-based or atmospheric pressure systems to vacuum systems presents several challenges.

[0006]

[0003] Gravity systems rely on the natural flow of water due to gravity, whereas vacuum systems use negative pressure to move water. This fundamental difference requires an interface between the two fundamentally different systems.

[0007]

[0004] Water interfaces between gravity-based systems and vacuum-based systems are crucial for efficient water management.

[0008]

[0005] The interface between gravity and vacuum systems typically involves a transition point where water moves from a gravity-fed pipeline into a vacuum system.

[0009]

[0006] Managing the pressure within a vacuum system is crucial. Any imbalance can lead to system failures or inefficiencies.

[0010]

[0007] A VD valve is a type of pressure and vacuum relief valve. These valves are designed to protect tanks, vessels, and process equipment from unallowable overpressure and under pressure. They ensure that the pressure within the system remains within safe limits by allowing excess pressure to escape or by allowing air to enter when there is a vacuum.

[0011]

[0008] VD valves are often used in industries where maintaining precise pressure levels is crucial, such as in chemical processing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals. They can also include features like integrated flame arresters to prevent flame transmission in explosive environments. HV 146432NO

[0012]

[0009] A VD valve functions as a pressure and vacuum relief valve to maintain safe pressure levels within a system. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:

[0013]

[0010] Pressure Relief: When the internal pressure of a tank or vessel exceeds a certain limit, the VD valve opens to release the excess pressure. This prevents potential damage or explosions due to overpressure.

[0014]

[0011] Vacuum Relief: Conversely, if the internal pressure drops too low, creating a vacuum, the VD valve allows air to enter the system. This prevents the tank or vessel from collapsing due to under pressure.

[0015]

[0012] Dual Functionality: Some VD valves are designed to handle both overpressure and vacuum conditions, making them versatile for various applications.

[0016]

[0013] Safety Features: Many VD valves include additional safety features like flame arresters, which prevent flames from entering the system in explosive environments.

[0017]

[0014] Pressure Control: It maintains the desired pressure by adjusting the valve position based on the setpoint range, which can vary widely (e.g., 3.0 to 1500 psi).

[0018]

[0015] Output Types: It can be configured for single-acting or double-acting actuators, providing variable output pressure for different applications.

[0019]

[0016] Zero Emissions: Many VPC models are designed to ensure zero emissions at steady state and during operation, making them environmentally friendly.

[0020]

[0017] Accuracy: These controllers are known for their high accuracy, often within ± 0.75% of the setpoint.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022]

[0018] The present publication describes an interface between a gravity side and a vacuum side. The publication in particular discloses an interface for use with a greywater system, sewage system or condensing water system (as e.g. condensing water from a freezing / cooling system e.g. in a supermarket for food). The interface is not limited to this use. 3 / 15 146432NO

[0023]

[0019] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the appended patent claims.

[0024]

[0020] The present invention provides a solution for emptying a tank with use of only mechanical components. The present invention has no moving parts expect for the membrane assembly. A pressure signal is provided. The known interfaces use an electrical card and a mechanical floater in a large plastic tank that are to push a button. A big bottle is used as a floater.

[0025]

[0021] The present solution uses open pipes, is easy to clean. It has a compact size and may be built into wall, ceiling or floor.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings

[0027]

[0022] In the following, a brief description of the drawings is provided to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The examples illustrated in the drawings are not limiting for the invention. The following discussion of exemplary embodiments will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028]

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a liquid interface module 100 between a gravity side and a vacuum side.

[0029]

[0024] Fig.2 illustrates a bathroom with a sink 202 and a shower 203 representing the gravity side at atmospheric pressure and an interface module between the gravity side and a vacuum side, where the vacuum side transports the greywater further on to a sewage system. The interface module is built into the bathroom wall.

[0030]

[0025] Fig.3 illustrates a bathroom with a sink 202 representing the gravity side at atmospheric / environmental pressure and an interface module 100 between a gravity side 202 and a vacuum side 201, where the vacuum side transports the greywater further on to a sewage system. The interface module is built into a box placed under the sink.

[0031]

[0026] Fig. illustrates an interface module 100 built into a box that may e.g. be placed under the sink, built into a wall or built into a ceiling.

[0032]

[0027] Fig.5 is a cross-section through the interface module from Fig.4 showing internal details of the different parts of the module.

[0033]

[0028] Fig.6 shows the interface module from Fig.4 partly from above and from the side and with some parts shown in cross-section. 4 / 15 146432NO

[0034]

[0029] Fig.7 shows the interface module from Fig.4 from the side.

[0035]

[0030] Fig.8a illustrates a release mechanism 106 in side view from an outside.

[0036]

[0031] Fig.8b illustrates the release mechanism from Fig.8a in a cross-sectional side view.

[0037]

[0032] Fig.8c illustrates an inside of the release mechanism from Fig.8a as seen from a side and with a section removed.

[0038]

[0033] Fig.9a illustrates in a side view a lower membrane 810 being part of a membrane assembly.

[0039]

[0034] Fig.9b illustrates in a side view cross-section through A-A the lower membrane 810 from Fig. 9a.

[0040]

[0035] Fig.9c illustrates in a view partly from above and from a side of an inside of the lower membrane 810 from Fig.9a and 9b.

[0041]

[0036] Fig.10a illustrates an underside of an upper membrane 809 being part of the membrane assembly.

[0042]

[0037] Fig.10b illustrates in cross-section through A-A the upper membrane 809 from Fig.10b.

[0043]

[0038] Fig.10c illustrates the upper membrane 809 from Fig.10a and 10b from partly above and from a side.

[0044]

[0039] Fig. Ila illustrates a lower chamber body 1100 of the release mechanism.

[0045]

[0040] Fig.11b illustrates in a side view the lower chamber body 1100 of the release mechanism.

[0046]

[0041] Fig.11c illustrates the lower chamber body 1100 of the release mechanism in cross-sectional view through A-A from Fig. 11c.

[0047]

[0042] Fig.12 illustrates a connection 805 to a signal pressure hose 105 in the release chamber.

[0048]

[0043] Fig.13a illustrates partly from a side and underside an upper chamber body 1300 of the release mechanism.

[0049]

[0044] Fig.13b illustrates the upper chamber body 1300 of the release mechanism seen partly from above and from a side.

[0050]

[0045] Fig.13C illustrates the upper chamber body 1300 of the release mechanism seen from above.

[0051]

[0046] Fig.13d illustrates the upper chamber body 1300 of the release mechanism from a side. 5 / 15 146432NO

[0052]

[0047] Fig.13e illustrates the upper chamber body 1300 of the release mechanism in cross-section through A-A from Fig.13d.

[0053]

[0048] Fig.14 illustrates a plunger 8 of a lower chamber 815 of the release mechanism.

[0054] Detailed description of the invention

[0055]

[0049] In the following, first a general embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, after which exemplary specific embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily in scale. The drawings are not limiting for the invention.

[0056]

[0050] It is an aim to provide a liquid interface with a low maintenance need by limiting the number of moving parts furthermore, it is a goal that the interface can be cleaned with common pipe cleaning liquid. A compact and neat design ensures that the liquid interface is easy to place and install. A reduced number of moving parts contributes to reduced noise, a smart charcoal filter reduces or removes all odors.

[0057]

[0051] The liquid interface, is interfacing between gravity driven systems and vacuum driven systems. The liquid interface is equipped with a valve which separates the gravity-based system upstream and the vacuum-based system downstream. On the gravity side of the valve, an inlet pipe 101 is connected directly or indirectly to one or more drainages upstream. The inlet pipe is connected directly with a collecting interface tank / volume 103. A filter 104 such as a carbon filter or any other filter which is adapted to remove bad odours is connected to the inlet pipe 101 between the collecting interface tank / volume 103 and the inlet. The filter 104 can be connected via a pipe joint on the upper side of the pipe between the inlet 101 and the collecting interface tank / volume 103. Over pressure which builds up when the collecting interface tank / volume is filled is evacuated through the filter, hence making the system on the gravity side breathe. For operation of the system the collecting interface tank / volume 103 must be emptied when it is filled to a predetermined level. Hence level measurement is provided. A pressure tube 405 is mounted on the collecting interface tank 103. The pressure tube may be mounted vertically or tilted on to the collecting interface volume 103. The 6 / 15 146432NO tilting angle may vary from vertically to e.g. 75° . The pressure tube 405 has lower end 505 which is led well down in the collecting interface tank / volume 103, see figure 4. On the upper end of the pressure tube, it is an opening or spigot for connection with a pressure signal hose 105 or a pressure signal pipe / tube. When the water surface of the collecting interface tank is rising it will also rise in the lower end 505 of the pressure tube 405 hence increasing the pressure above the water surface in the pressure tube 405. The pressure signal hose is connected with a release mechanism 106 through a pressure signal input on the release mechanism 106. The release mechanism 106 is illustrated in figure 8 - 14. The release mechanism comprises a circular chamber divided in two by a membrane assembly 809, 810. Below the membrane assembly 809, 810, in the lower chamber 815 there is a connection 805 to the signal pressure hose 105. The lower chamber 815 has no openings other than the connection to signal pressure hose 105. That is to say, the pressure in the lower chamber 815 will depend on the pressure in the signal pressure hose 105 and thus also the water level in the collecting interface tank 103. The lower chamber 815 further comprises a member 808 which stands vertically up from the bottom of the chamber 815. This vertical member has an axial bore 1110 which extends through the entire body and through the bottom of the chamber 815 and on to a connecting piece 807 for a hose. The bore can be opened and closed by a plunger 808. The bore 1110 is isolated from the lower chamber, but open to the upper chamber 814. The chamber 814 above the diaphragm assembly has atmospheric pressure as the chamber is open through a hole in the top of the release mechanism. That is, the borehole has the same pressure as the upper chamber, namely atmospheric pressure (if the ambient pressure is 1 atm.). The plunger 808, when positioned to its lowest level, will isolate the pressure at the outlet of the connection nozzle 807 and the atmospheric pressure in the upper chamber 814. When the pressure in the lower chamber reaches a given level, the membrane assembly will rise. The membrane assembly 809, 810 is engaged with the plunger 808 and the plunger 808 will rise and atmospheric pressure will flow into the connection spigot 807. A control signal hose 407 is connected to the connection spigot 807 at one end and at the other end the 7 / 15 146432NO control signal hose 407 is connected to a controller 107. The controller can be a VPC control (Vacuum Power Control). When atmospheric pressure reaches the controller, the controller 107 will respond by sending an activation signal via a hose 406 to the actuator 409 of the vacuum valve 108 and the vacuum valve 108 will open. This controls the valve 108 itself, so that the valve 108 empties the collecting interface tank 103.

[0058]

[0052] The collecting interface tank 103 is connected via pipes to the valve 108 which separates the gravity driven side and the vacuum driven side. In figure 4 - 7 it is arranged a connection unit or connection interface 408 between the pipe from the collecting interface tank 103 and the valve 108. The connection interface ensures safe connection between pipes and the valve 108 downstream.

[0059]

[0053] Downstream of the valve is the vacuum driven system, the vacuum driven system includes an outlet 109 from the liquid interface, the outlet 109 is connected with a pump 201 downstream.

[0060] Further on the components of the system

[0061]

[0054] Filter 104: The filter evacuating air when filling liquid into the collecting interface tank 104. The filter breathes which means that the pressure inside the pipes to which the filter is connected has a more or less constant pressure independently of whether the collecting interface tank is filled or emptied this ensures that the water traps upstream in the gravity driven systems are not emptied, which would have resulted in bad smell.

[0062]

[0055] Release mechanism 107: The release mechanism ensures that the collecting interface tank 103 is emptied when filled to a predetermined filled level. The release mechanism 107 may be activated manually by pulling the plunger 808. The release mechanism works as a pressure transformer, where an input pressure that has reached a sudden level results in atmospheric pressure on the output.

[0063]

[0056] The release mechanism according to one embodiment includes an upper chamber body 1300 and a lower chamber body 1100. The bodies have a circular shape the lower chamber body with a bottom side and the upper chamber body 1300 with a top side. The drawings illustrate a circular shape of the body. Other body shapes are also possible. 8 / 15 146432NO

[0064]

[0057] Assembly of the upper chamber 1300 and the lower chamber 1100 comprises several steps. A circular membrane assembly has downwardly extended side edges that can be folded around the side edges of the lower chamber 1100. After the membrane assembly is attached to the lower chamber portion 1100, the upper chamber portion 1300 can be assembled around and over the lower chamber portion so that the extending edges of the membrane assembly 809, 810 seals the space between the upper chamber part 1300 and the lower chamber part 1100.

[0065]

[0058] As mentioned above, the lower chamber part comprises a projecting vertical body 1112 with a bore 1110, which is adapted to receive plunger 808 also as mentioned above. The diaphragm assembly comprises a lower diaphragm 810 and an upper diaphragm 809. The two diaphragms are circular. The upper diaphragm has a diameter approximately corresponding to the outside diameter of the lower chamber part 1100. The lower diaphragm part has a projecting lip 911, this projecting lip 911 is complimentary to a recess 1013 in the upper membrane. The two membranes can be attached together via the lip 911 and the recess 1013. An open volume will form between the membranes 809, 810.

[0066]

[0059] The lower membrane 810 has an internal circular opening which is adapted to hermetically surround the upstanding vertical body 1112.

[0067]

[0060] When the air pressure from the signal pressure hose 105 enters the lower chamber 815 of the release mechanism, the lifting membrane, i.e. the upper membrane 809 of the membrane assembly 809, 810 lifts axially upwards and drags the lower membrane 810 of the membrane assembly with it. The lifting of the membrane assembly 809, 810 results in the plunger being lifted. When the Bottom Membrane pulls away from the seal, the vacuum is punctured.

[0068]

[0061] Atmospheric air is now admitted through a hole 1010 in the upper membrane 809. Upper and lower chambers must be separated, so that the signal / puncture of the vacuum is big / clear enough.

[0069]

[0062] Vacuum connection. When atmosphere is admitted, the atmosphere continues into the VPC control (Vacuum Power Control). This controls the valve itself, so that the valve empties the liquid / lnterface tank.

[0070]

[0063] Further on the function of the membrane assembly 9 / 15 146432NO

[0071]

[0064] The invention relates to a membrane assembly 809, 810, which ensures reliable emptying of the collecting interface tank / volume 103. The membrane assembly 809, 810 is arranged within the release mechanism 106. The release mechanism 106 includes an upper chamber part 1300 and a lower chamber part 1100. The upper chamber part 1300 is fitted over the lower chamber part 1100, with the membrane assembly 809, 810 positioned to divide the upper chamber part 1300 and the lower chamber part 1100 into two chambers. The lower chamber part 1100 is in fluid communication with the pressure house outlet 105. The pressure house outlet 105 transmits the pressure from the pressure tube 405, which in turn has an internal pressure Ptankrepresenting the liquid level in the collecting interface tank / volume 103. As the liquid level in the collecting interface tank / volume 103 increases, the pressure Ptankwill rise.

[0072]

[0065] The membrane assembly 809, 810 includes a compensation chamber 816. The compensation chamber 816 is in fluid communication with atmospheric pressure Patm via a channel 1010 that extends from the upper chamber 814 to the compensation chamber 816. The membrane assembly 809, 810 has a sealing surface that, in its resting position, closes off the membrane assembly 809, 810 from a channel in the upright member 1112 of the lower chamber part, which leads to a connection spigot 807 that is indirectly connected to the valve 108. The valve 108 is normally closed and will open at atmospheric pressure Patm, allowing the collecting interface tank / volume 103 to be emptied.

[0073]

[0066] The plunger 808 is designed to engage with the channel in the upright member 1112. The plunger has a lower surface that seals against a seat in the axial hole 1110 for the plunger 808. The axial hole 1110 has a surface that creates a cavity between the lower part of the plunger 808. When the pressure from the outlet pressure hose 105 increases, the pressure in the lower chamber 815 will rise, causing the membrane assembly 809, 810 to lift. As the membrane assembly 809, 810 lifts, the plunger 808 will also rise along with the sealing surface of the membrane assembly, allowing atmospheric pressure Patmto be directed down into the channel 1110 via the free area between the plunger 808 and the channel 1110. The atmospheric pressure 10 / 15 146432NO

[0074] Patmwill then open the valve 108. The valve 108 will remain open until the pressure in the lower chamber Ptankis low enough that the membrane assembly 809, 810, with its sealing surface, will seal between the compensation chamber 816 and the mentioned channel. The valve 108 will then close.

[0075]

[0067] Without the solution involving the compensation chamber 816, which is isolated from the lower chamber 815, if the pressure from the lower chamber 815 were allowed into the channel towards the valve 108, the valve 108 would close and then reopen when the membrane assembly sealed against the channel, causing the system to oscillate. 11 / 15 146432NO 12 / 15 146432NO 13 / 15 146432NO

Claims

14 / 15 146432NOPatent claims1. . A membrane assembly, where the membrane assembly comprises an upper part and a lower part, with a compensation chamber located between the upper part and the lower part, a channel runs from the compensation chamber up through the upper part of the membrane assembly.

2. A release mechanism comprising a membrane assembly according to claim 1, the release mechanism defines a chamber, the membrane assembly divides the chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, where the upper chamber is open to the surroundings and in the lower chamber there is a spigot connected to a first fluid pressure Ptank, in a resting position the membrane assembly seals a channel leading out of the release mechanism's lower chamber, when the membrane assembly is lifted, surrounding pressure from the compensation chamber is allowed into the channel ensuring reliable emptying of a collecting interface tank.

3. The release mechanism according to claim 2, where the release mechanism comprises an upper part threaded over a lower part.

4. The release mechanism according to claim 2 or 3 where the channel leading out of the release mechanism's lower chamber is configured to connect indirectly to a valve.

5. The release mechanism according to claim 2 or 3 where the release mechanism further comprises a plunger adapted to engage with the the channel leading out of the release mechanism's lower chamber.

6. The release mechanism according to claim 5 where the plunger has a lower surface that seals against a seat of the channel leading out of the release mechanism's lower chamber.

7. The release mechanism according to claim 6 where the channel leading out of the release mechanism's lower chamber has a surface providing a cavity between the lower part of the plunger.

8. The release mechanism according to any one of claims 2 - 7 where the membrane assembly lifts causing the pressure of the channel leading out of the release mechanism's lower chamber if Ptankrises over a threshold ressure compared with Patm.

9. A liquid interface for a vacuum system at least comprising: on a gravity side of the interface:15 / 15 146432NO- an inlet for receiving liquid;- a pressure signal hose connected with a release mechanism and a pressure tube, the release mechanism being in communication with a vacuum valve; and on the vacuum side of the interface: an outlet of the valve being connected with a pipe.

10. Liquid interface according to claim 9, where the release mechanism is connected with a valve controller and the valve controller is connected to the vacuum valve.

11. Liquid interface according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a pressure tube arranged into a collecting volume, the pressure tube is provided with an opening for the pressure signal hose / tube / pipe at one end.

12. Liquid interface according to claim 11, wherein the pressure tube is arranged vertically into the collecting volume or arranged tilted into the collecting volume.

13. Liquid interface according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the pressure tube is open in the end arranged into the collecting volume.

14. Liquid interface according to anyone of claims 9-13, wherein an inlet is connected to the collecting volume.

15. Liquid interface according to anyone of claims 9-14, wherein the collecting volume is in fluid communication with a filter.

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