Automated Drain Line Cleaning System with Periodic Biocide Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC drain line cleaning systems face challenges in effectively preventing clogs and algae buildup due to insufficient biocide flow velocity, frequent refilling needs, and impractical gravity-fed configurations, leading to damage and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated drain line cleaning system featuring a pump, controller, and wireless transceiver that injects cleaning agents into the drain line upon detection of clogs or scheduled intervals, with a Y-valve ensuring unidirectional flow and a reservoir level sensor for timely refills, integrated with a global communication network for remote command and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocide is added on a continuous basis to the drain pan, then algae protection is maintained, but the storage tank is quickly depleted requiring frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a timer-controlled pump to deliver biocide in periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. The controller activates the pump at predetermined time intervals to dispense specific volumes of biocide, extending tank life while maintaining effective algae protection through periodic treatment cycles
2Reliability
If a trickle amount of biocide is added continuously to the drain pan, then algae protection is provided, but the flow velocity is insufficient to wash away solids
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between biocide dispensing mode and high-velocity water flushing mode. During biocide delivery, the pump provides controlled dosing; during flushing mode, the same pump delivers high-velocity water to wash solids from the drain pan, achieving both algae protection and solid removal without continuous biocide flow
3Reliability
If biocide is present continuously over the large exposed area of the drain pan, then algae protection is achieved, but objectionable odors and damaging fumes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system limits biocide presence to brief periodic pulses rather than continuous exposure. The timer-controlled pump delivers biocide in short bursts and then stops, allowing evaporation and odor dissipation between doses while maintaining effective algae protection through cumulative treatment effect
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration and timing parameters of biocide application. By delivering concentrated biocide in short pulses rather than dilute continuous flow, the system achieves effective algae protection with reduced total biocide volume and minimized odor generation
4Loss of time
If a valve releases cleaning agent on a less frequent basis using gravity, then biocide tank life is extended, but the configuration is not always possible or practical
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces gravity-fed mechanical valve mechanisms with an electrically-controlled pump system. The pump can be positioned anywhere in the fluid path and controlled electronically by a timer or sensor, providing installation flexibility in various orientations and locations while maintaining extended tank life through controlled periodic dispensing
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 system ensures efficient cleaning agent delivery, reducing clog-related damage, extending biocide tank life, minimizing odor issues, and providing practical installation flexibility through automated and controlled biocide injection.
Implementation Method 1
a pump carried by the housing... The controller may control the pump to function to withdraw the line cleaning agent from the reservoir and cause the line cleaning agent to be expelled through the output
Implementation Method 2
The valve may be configured to allow for the line cleaning agent to be withdrawn from the reservoir via the second portion and deposited to the drain line vial the third portion so that flow of the line cleaning agent is only in a direction from the reservoir to the drain line
Data Source
AI summary
A drain line cleaning system including a housing, a pump carried by the housing, a line cleaning agent carrying tube in communication with the pump, a controller in communication with the pump, and a power supply carried by the housing and connected to the pump and the controller. The line cleaning agent carrying tube includes an intake that is connectable to a reservoir that carries line cleaning agent and an output that is connectable to a drain line. The controller controls the pump to function to withdraw the line cleaning agent from the reservoir and causes the line cleaning agent to be expelled through the output.