Dry Pipe Manifold Assembly for Pre-Installation Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry pipe manifold systems face challenges in reducing onsite construction time, minimizing shipping damage, and optimizing inventory by allowing pressure testing separate from the diaphragm valve.
Innovation Solution
A dry pipe manifold assembly comprising a lower and upper plate with integrated sub-assemblies, including a dry pipe actuator, manual trip valve, and alarm test sub-assembly, allowing for pre-installation pressure testing and compatibility across various diaphragm valve sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure testing is performed after complete assembly, then system reliability is ensured, but onsite construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly is divided into modular sub-assemblies (actuator sub-assembly, trip valve sub-assembly, test sub-assembly) that can be independently pressure tested and verified before final assembly. This segmentation allows quality assurance to occur in stages rather than requiring complete assembly before testing, thereby reducing onsite construction time while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure testing and verification are performed as preliminary actions during the manufacturing and pre-assembly stages, before the sub-assemblies are permanently installed in the final configuration. This preliminary action ensures that each component is verified to work correctly before integration, eliminating the need for extensive onsite testing and reducing installation time.
2Loss of time
If sub-assemblies are pre-assembled and shipped separately, then onsite construction time is reduced, but shipping damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold sub-assemblies are designed with integrated mounting features and pre-positioned components that are secured during shipping. The actuator, trip valve, and test sub-assemblies include built-in protection and cushioning elements that prevent movement and damage during transport, allowing them to be shipped separately without increasing damage risk while still enabling faster onsite assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the manifold is designed for specific diaphragm valve sizes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly is designed with universal mounting interfaces and adjustable connection points that can accommodate multiple diaphragm valve sizes. The sub-assemblies include standardized mounting features and the manifold body incorporates flexible positioning capabilities, allowing the same manifold design to work with different valve sizes without sacrificing manufacturing precision or requiring custom configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods of assembly of a dry pipe manifold assembly. The dry pipe manifold assembly including a lower plate and an upper plate fixed to the lower plate creating a water passage with a series of ports. The assembly further including a dry pipe actuator, manual reset actuator sub-assembly, manual trip valve, and alarm test sub-assembly fixed to the upper plate. The assembly allowing for fluid flow between the dry pipe actuator, manual reset actuator sub-assembly, and manual trip valve through the water passage.