Cycle Valve Pressure Tank Water Stagnation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure tanks in water systems do not effectively address stagnation and peak demand challenges, as they lack a method to automatically cycle or draw down water, leading to deterioration in water quality and increased demand on water suppliers.
Innovation Solution
The integration of cycle valves with pressure tanks and check valves on individual water service lines connected to municipal or rural water systems, allowing for automatic cycling or drawing down of pressure tanks without the need for an adjacent pump or pressure switch, using a constant outlet pressure valve with a notch or projection to maintain pressurized water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pressure tanks are installed on water service lines without cycle valves, then water storage capacity is provided, but water stagnation occurs and water quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cycle valve automatically opens at predetermined intervals to allow water to flow through the pressure tank, drawing down the stored water and refilling it with fresh water from the supply line. This periodic flushing action prevents stagnation and maintains water quality while preserving the storage function of the pressure tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing water pressure differential between the supply line and the pressure tank to automatically cycle the valve and flush the stored water without requiring external power sources, pumps, or complex control systems. The high-pressure supply line self-activates the cycle valve to draw down and refill the tank.
2Ease of manufacture
If pressure tanks are used without automatic cycling, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but peak demand challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cycle valve system operates autonomously using the natural pressure differential between the municipal water supply line and the pressure tank, eliminating the need for electricity-powered pumps or pressure switches. This self-activating mechanism provides peak demand management capability without increasing infrastructure complexity or cost.
3Extent of automation
If cycle valves with notches or projections are used, then automatic water cycling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cycle valve utilizes the hydraulic pressure differential between the supply line and the pressure tank to automatically activate and operate. The notch or projection in the valve seal allows high-pressure supply water to bypass the normal sealing surface, forcing the valve open and initiating the drawdown cycle without requiring electrical actuators or complex control mechanisms.
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
This solution reduces stagnation, provides fresh water storage, and mitigates peak demand by creating decentralized water storage, ensuring continuous pressurized water supply while reducing water demand and infrastructure costs.
Implementation Method 1
When water is used by the water user, water delivery/flow from the water supply is substantially reduced, until water discharged from the pressure tank lowers pressure downstream of the cycle valve to a preset pressure
Implementation Method 2
check valve 3 installed on the service line before cycle valve 1, between main line and cycle valve 1
Implementation Method 3
pressure tank 2 installed on a tee connection downstream of cycle valve 1, between cycle valve 1 and the water user
Data Source
AI summary
This method and apparatus relates to water supply demand challenges related to available water reserves caused by seasonal and diurnal peak water demand, emergency water demand such as firefighting efforts and service or supply interruptions for municipal or rural water systems, while also reducing incidence of stagnation in connected pressure tank(s); and more particularly to a water storage apparatus that uses one cycle valve, at least one pressure tank and at least one check valve connected to water service lines that are connected to water mainlines that are connected to municipal or rural water systems. This method and apparatus can reduce water system peak demand challenges and automatically cycle or draw down pressure tanks, while storing regularly refreshed water for use by the water user or customer during service or supply interruptions; commonly called emergency water storage.