Bidirectional Water Connection Fitting for Ring Main Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection fittings in drinking and service water systems are unsuitable for systems requiring flow reversal, as they fail to ensure a reliable flushing effect in ring mains when the flow direction changes, leading to inadequate flushing of connected ring lines.
Innovation Solution
A connection fitting design with threading openings arranged in cross-sectional enlargements, allowing flow in both directions, and a closure body with return springs to adjust pressure differences, ensuring flushing regardless of flow direction, and minimizing pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threading opening is provided in the area of a diffuser with flow direction fixed at no more than 75° to the main flow direction, then the connection fitting works for single-direction flow, but the flushing effect is drastically reduced or lost when flow reversal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting employs asymmetric threading opening arrangements relative to the cross-sectional narrowing. Specifically, the first threading opening is positioned in a first cross-sectional enlargement at a first angle, while the second threading opening is positioned in a second cross-sectional enlargement at a second angle different from the first. This asymmetric configuration enables the fitting to maintain effective flushing angles (no more than 75°) regardless of flow direction, resolving the contradiction between reliable flushing and flow direction adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies inversion by providing threading openings on both sides of the cross-sectional narrowing rather than only in one location. This allows the connection fitting to function effectively in both flow directions by utilizing the pressure difference created by the narrowing from either direction, thereby achieving flow direction adaptability without compromising the flushing effect.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple connection fittings are arranged in series to serve multiple ring lines, then more consumers can be supplied, but the cumulative pressure loss becomes excessive requiring higher operating pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting optimizes the geometric parameters of the threading openings and their positions relative to the cross-sectional narrowing. By carefully selecting the angles and positions of the threading openings in the cross-sectional enlargements, the design minimizes flow resistance and pressure loss. This parameter optimization allows multiple fittings to be connected in series while maintaining acceptable pressure levels, enabling more ring lines to be served without excessive cumulative pressure loss.
3Reliability
If the threading opening is positioned to maximize pressure difference for flushing, then flushing effect is improved, but pressure loss in the main line increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating localized cross-sectional enlargements at specific positions and angles relative to the cross-sectional narrowing. These localized geometric features generate pressure differences precisely where needed (at the threading openings) to ensure effective flushing, while the overall main line flow path remains relatively unimpeded. This localized approach allows the fitting to achieve reliable flushing effects without excessive cumulative pressure loss in the main line.
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
Ensures reliable flushing of ring mains in both flow directions with reduced pressure loss, allowing multiple connection fittings to be used in series without excessive operating pressure, and dynamically adjusts to varying volume flows for efficient water distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a partial flow of the strand is guided out at the unthreading opening of the connection fitting and guided via the ring line to the at least one consumer connected to the ring line. In the main direction of flow, the threading opening is preceded by a narrowing of the cross section, which acts like a nozzle and causes a pressure difference between the exit and threading openings, through which a flow is also generated in the ring line when there is a flow in the strand.
Implementation Method 2
a closure body (5) which is arranged in the cross-sectional constriction (2) and is displaceable in the main flow direction (H). With the closure body, for example, a flow passage area in the cross-sectional enlargement (3) can be set variably in such a way that a passage area formed between the closure body (5) and an inner wall of the cross-sectional constriction (2) can be enlarged or reduced by moving the closure body (5) in or against the main flow direction (H).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A filtering inlet (4) fits near one cross-sectional enlargement (3) and/or directly on it while bordering on a side opposite a reduction of area (2). A filtering outlet (4) fits near another cross-sectional enlargement and/or on it while directly bordering on a side opposite the reduction area. An independent claim is also included for a drinking and domestic water system with floor-by-floor and riser pipe branching.