Hydrant Break Check Valve With Damped Closure Against Water Hammer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing break check valves for hydrants are often large, cumbersome, and ineffective in preventing property damage and water loss when a hydrant is hit by a vehicle, and their rapid closure can cause water hammer and pressure spikes, leading to system failures.
Innovation Solution
A break check valve system for hydrants that includes a valve member configured to rotate from an open to a closed position, with an arm preventing movement when the hydrant is coupled and a hole for fluid communication to indicate closure, designed to slow closure speed and prevent excessive pressure spikes, comprising a valve body with a pivot pin and a dampener to cushion the closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a break check valve is installed to prevent water loss and property damage when a hydrant is hit by a vehicle, then water loss prevention is improved, but the valve may cause water hammer and pressure spikes due to rapid closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a dampener mechanism that cushions the valve member during closure. The dampener includes a piston moving within a cylinder containing fluid, creating resistance that slows the valve closure speed. This pre-established cushioning mechanism prevents water hammer and pressure spikes by controlling the closure rate, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing water loss and avoiding harmful pressure effects.
2Loss of substance
If an in-line valve is used to mitigate property damage and water loss, then water loss prevention is improved, but the valve becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the dampener mechanism within the compact break check valve structure. The piston and cylinder are nested within the valve body, with the piston moving inside the fluid-filled cylinder. This nesting approach allows the valve to maintain a compact size while incorporating the necessary dampening components, preventing the valve from becoming large and cumbersome while still effectively preventing water loss.
3Loss of substance
If the valve closes rapidly to stop water flow quickly, then water loss prevention is improved, but excessive pressure spikes occur causing system component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a dampener mechanism that cushions the valve member during closure. The dampener includes a piston moving within a cylinder containing fluid, creating resistance that slows the valve closure speed. This pre-established cushioning mechanism prevents water hammer and pressure spikes, thereby protecting system components from excessive stress and potential failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing fluid as a mediator between the closing valve member and the water flow. The fluid in the dampener cylinder acts as an intermediary that absorbs the shock and energy from rapid closure, converting kinetic energy into fluid pressure and heat. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct transmission of shock forces to system components, protecting them from damage while still achieving effective flow stoppage.
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 effectively prevents water loss and property damage by ensuring controlled closure of the valve, reducing the risk of water hammer and pressure spikes, thereby protecting the hydrant system components and allowing for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a dampener to cushion the closure
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrant includes: a hydrant body defining a hydrant inner cavity, the hydrant configured to couple to and be in fluid communication with a fluid distribution system including a fluid therein under pressure; and a break check valve coupled to the hydrant body, the valve including: a valve body defining a valve inner cavity, the hydrant inner cavity defining a valve bore in fluid communication with the fluid during normal operation of the hydrant; a valve member configured to rotate from an open position to a closed position of the valve; and an arm in contact with the hydrant and configured to prevent movement of the valve member when the hydrant is coupled to the valve, the valve defining a hole separate from the valve bore and in fluid communication with each of the hydrant inner cavity and the valve inner cavity.