Drainage Probe Riser for Frost-Proof Pipe Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for emptying water-carrying pipes at risk of frost, such as those in pool systems, result in significant water loss due to the need to lower the water level, which is wasteful and inefficient, especially in areas experiencing drought and climate change.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a draining probe and a riser pipe that connects to the lowest point of the water-carrying pipe, allowing for efficient emptying without draining the pool, using either a suction pump or compressed air to remove water, with a siphon and valves to manage pressure and water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is drained from the pool to empty the pipes, then the pipes can be emptied for winter operation, but water loss increases significantly (up to 90% of pool water volume)
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is segmented into a main water-carrying pipe and a separate riser pipe with draining probe. The riser pipe creates an independent drainage path that connects to the lowest point of the water-carrying pipe, allowing water to be removed without draining the entire pool. This segmentation enables selective emptying of the pipe system while preserving pool water.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser pipe acts as an intermediary element between the water-carrying pipe and the draining probe. It provides a dedicated water removal pathway that mediates the drainage process, allowing water to be extracted from the pipe system through the draining probe without requiring pool water level reduction. The riser pipe serves as an intermediate structure that enables efficient water removal while maintaining pool water levels.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional drainage system is used without a maintenance shaft, then the pipe system remains closed during non-use periods, but water cannot be effectively emptied from underground sections
Solution Approach 1:
The draining probe is nested inside the riser pipe, which itself connects to the water-carrying pipe system. This nested configuration allows the draining probe to reach into the underground pipe sections through the riser pipe connection, enabling water removal from enclosed underground sections without requiring external maintenance shafts or openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional pool surface access to a three-dimensional vertical connection through the riser pipe. By extending the drainage path vertically through the riser pipe to connect with the lowest point of the water-carrying pipe, the system gains access to underground sections without requiring horizontal maintenance shafts or openings in the pool structure.
3Productivity
If compressed air is used to push water out of the pipe system, then water removal efficiency increases, but pressure control and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is integrated into the system to provide real-time feedback on the air pressure applied during water removal. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to monitor pressure levels and automatically adjust or terminate the compressed air supply when safe limits are approached, preventing over-pressurization while maintaining efficient water removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or simple mechanical pressure control is replaced with an automated control system that uses a pressure sensor and control unit. This substitution of mechanical control with sensor-based automation provides precise pressure management, reduces operator exposure to high pressure risks, and enables safer operation of the compressed air system during water removal.
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
Reduces water loss from 25m³ to approximately 0.2m³ in a 50m³ pool, eliminating the need for a chlorine-resistant water pump and enabling pressure testing of the pipe system, while maintaining the pipe system closed during non-use periods.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pump (6), which is connected to the emptying probe (4) and via which the water can be sucked out of the water-carrying line (1) via the emptying probe (4) when connected to a pipe system
Implementation Method 2
a compressed air pump (7) connected to it, with by means of the compressed air pump (7) water can be pressed out of the water-carrying line (1) via the emptying probe (4) when connected to a pipe system
Implementation Method 3
A siphon (12) is formed at the first, lower end of the riser pipe (15), which, when connected to the water-carrying pipe (1), forms the lowest point of the pipe system formed by the water-carrying pipe (1) and the riser pipe (15)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for draining water-carrying pipes susceptible to freezing, comprising a drain probe (4) and a riser pipe (15), wherein the drain probe (4) is arranged inside the riser pipe (15) and wherein the riser pipe (15) is designed such that it can be connected to the water-carrying pipe at its lowest point, so that when connected to the water-carrying pipe (1), the drain probe (4) is guided inside the riser pipe (15) to the lowest point of the resulting pipe system, and water can be extracted from the pipe system via the drain probe (4). Further aspects of the invention relate to a pipe system comprising such a device and a method for draining a pool's pipe system.