Drain-back Check Valve Assembly for Aquifer Recharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves in well systems do not allow for effective drain-back of fluids, leading to oversized pumps due to trapped fluid columns, limited drain-back capabilities, and the need for separate injection and recovery wells, which complicates aquifer management and reduces pump efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drain-back check valve assembly with both check valve and drain-back functionality, featuring a valve body with bypass ports and a main poppet valve assembly that allows full fluid flow capacity in both directions while preventing backflow into the pump outlet, enabling efficient drainage and recharge of aquifers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional check valve is used to protect the pump from back flow, then the pump is protected from backflow damage, but the pump must be sized much larger than normal because it must start up against the full back pressure of the trapped fluid column in the riser pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve automatically opens to allow drain-back of the fluid column before the pump starts, preliminary removing the back pressure burden. This preliminary drainage action occurs when the pump is off and the check valve closes, allowing the fluid to drain back into the aquifer through the bypass port, so when the pump starts there is minimal fluid column to overcome.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a prior art drain-back valve is installed in the riser pipe at 10-15 feet below ground level, then the riser pipe is protected from freezing and bursting, but the valve can only drain fluid from a small upper portion of a large riser pipe because it closes at about 5 psi pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the check valve and drain-back valve functions into a single integrated assembly. The check valve body incorporates both the main poppet valve assembly for check valve functionality and a bypass port with drain-back capability, eliminating the need for separate valves and their associated limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass port acts as an intermediary drainage path that operates independently of the main poppet valve. When the main poppet closes to prevent backflow, the bypass port provides an alternative pathway for fluid to drain back into the aquifer, mediated through the valve body structure rather than requiring a separate valve installation.
3Productivity
If calibrated orifices are disposed in the poppet of the check valve to drain the riser pipe, then the riser pipe can be drained, but backflow of fluid occurs directly into the outlet of the pump, which could damage the pump bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage path is segmented into separate flow paths: the bypass port provides a dedicated drain-back pathway that exits to the external environment or aquifer, separate from the pump outlet. This segmentation prevents backflow into the pump by creating an independent drainage route that does not communicate with the pump discharge side.
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 allows for efficient drainage of riser pipes at rates exceeding pumping capacity, reduces the need for multiple well types, and ensures fluid is directed up the riser pipe without diverting flow through bypass ports, preventing potential pump damage and enhancing aquifer management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a main poppet valve assembly disposed in the passageway and moveable between a closed position which prevents fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet and an open position which allows fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
The pump is turned off to allow fluid to drain-back down the riser pipe, through the bypass ports and around outside surfaces of both the valve body the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A drain-back check valve assembly includes a body having a passageway with an inlet and an outlet. A bypass port extends from the passageway to an outer surface of the valve body. A main poppet valve assembly is disposed in the passageway and moveable between a closed position which prevents fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet and an open position which allows fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The main poppet valve assembly includes a poppet and a spool guide fixed to the poppet. The guide has a sidewall which includes a drain-back port. When the main poppet valve assembly is in the closed position, the drain-back port is aligned with the bypass port. When the main poppet valve assembly is in the opened position, the drain-back port is not aligned with the bypass port.