Integrated Air Vent Valve Assembly for Sprinkler Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression sprinkler systems face corrosion issues due to trapped air, which introduces oxygen and increases the likelihood of oxygen corrosion each time the system is drained and refilled, and existing air release valves are bulky and costly due to their assembly from multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A compact, economical valve assembly with a cylindrical member, strainer, angled port, and integrated valves that captures and releases air, forming a unitary structure to minimize air presence in the piping system, including a PURGENVENT valve assembly that conforms to NFPA 13 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air release valves are assembled from multiple individual components, then the valve can perform air release function, but the size and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual valve components into a single integrated valve body. The housing contains the cylindrical member, strainer, angled port, and valve mechanisms all formed as one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of float type vents and other components while maintaining the air release function.
2Reliability
If multiple individual components are assembled to form the valve, then the air release function is achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a single housing structure that contains the cylindrical member, strainer, angled port, and valve mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining the air release function.
3Device complexity
If the valve assembly is made compact and integrated, then the production cost and size are reduced, but the air release function must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully merges the cylindrical member, strainer, angled port, and valve mechanisms into a compact integrated housing while preserving all necessary air release functions. The integration is designed so that the compact structure does not compromise the operational reliability of the air release mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces and eliminates air in the piping system, preventing corrosion and meeting safety standards while reducing production costs and size compared to traditional valve assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The angled port captures air present in a fluid that is introduced into the cylindrical chamber when the piping network to which the air vent assembly may be attached is filled with the fluid
Implementation Method 2
A strainer is provided in the valve assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are a valve assembly, an air vent assembly, and an air release assembly, all suitable for use in connection with a wet pipe network. The valve assembly, the air vent assembly, and the air release assembly are each configured to vent gas (e.g., air) remaining in a piping system when the system is filled with a fluid, and in particular, to vent air in a fire sprinkling system.