Industrial Hydrant Pilot Valve Layout for High-Flow Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial hydrants are inadequate for large volume water flow demands, leading to chattering, leaks, and failure due to small valve openings and above-ground manifold control, which are susceptible to damage.
Innovation Solution
An industrial hydrant design with a large inlet valve (≥10 inches) and a dual drain system, featuring a main valve and a pilot valve with different diameters, mounted below ground, and adjustable manifolds for improved water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small valve openings (six inches or less) are used in current industrial hydrants, then the hydrant structure remains compact and manageable, but the water flow volume is insufficient for large industrial fires and excessive chattering occurs leading to leaks and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into a main valve with large opening (greater than six inches) for high volume water flow and a pilot valve with smaller diameter for controlled operation. This segmentation allows the main valve to provide sufficient water flow for large industrial fires while the pilot valve enables precise control, preventing excessive chattering and improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If above-ground manifold control valves are used, then the manifold is easily accessible for operation, but the valves are susceptible to damage, leaking and failure
Solution Approach 1:
A pilot valve acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the main valve through fluid pressure. The pilot valve can be operated from above ground level through fluid communication, providing ease of operation, while the main valve with large opening remains protected below ground, improving durability and resistance to damage.
3Quantity of substance
If large diameter water supply hoses are used to deliver large volumes of water, then sufficient water can be supplied to fire fighting equipment, but the hose system becomes complex and requires underground water delivery systems with hydrant manifolds
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from the main valve and placed in a separate pilot valve that operates through fluid pressure. This allows the main valve to have a large opening for high water volume delivery while the control mechanism remains simple and can be operated remotely, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances water flow reliability and reduces chattering and failure risks, ensuring efficient and safe water delivery to fire fighting equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a pilot valve within the inlet valve, the pilot valve operatively connected to the main valve and the valve guiding
Implementation Method 2
a drain within the inlet valve, the drain is operatively connected to the valve guiding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provide an industrial hydrant comprising an inlet operatively connected to a hydrant body. An inlet valve is in fluid communication with the inlet. A valve guiding is operatively connected to the inlet valve. A main valve within the inlet valve has a main valve outer diameter greater than six inches. The main valve is operatively connected to the valve guiding. A pilot valve within the inlet valve is operatively connected to the main valve and the valve guiding. The pilot valve has a pilot valve outer diameter that is less than the main valve outer diameter.