LPSS Pressure-Controlled Blockage Clearing With Backflow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sewer cleaning trucks for low-pressure sewer systems risk causing damage by applying excessive pressure, leading to issues like inverting check valves and grinder pump failure, with no effective tools for safely clearing obstructions without causing further harm.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a pressurized liquid or gas to clear obstructions in low-pressure sewer systems, equipped with a controller for pressure regulation, flow meter, variable pressure relief valve, check valve, and pressure gauge to monitor and limit pressure, ensuring safe operation and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sewer cleaning trucks are used to clear obstructions in low-pressure sewer systems, then obstruction clearing capability is improved, but pressure control deteriorates causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the pressure parameter from uncontrolled high pressure (conventional trucks operating at >2000 psi) to controlled low pressure (limited to 100 psi maximum). This is achieved through a pressure regulation system that includes a pressure source, flow control valve, and pressure sensor feedback mechanism, allowing effective obstruction clearing while preventing damage to LPSS components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary pressure regulation system between the pressure source and the LPSS. This intermediary layer includes controllable valve means and pressure sensing means that mediate the pressure transmission, ensuring that only safe pressure levels reach the sewer system while still providing sufficient force to clear obstructions.
2Productivity
If higher pressure is applied to clear obstructions, then clearing effectiveness is improved, but reliability of LPSS components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains pressure within the safe range of 20-100 psi, fundamentally changing from conventional high-pressure operation. This parameter change ensures that obstructions can be cleared effectively while check valves remain upright and grinder pumps are protected from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates pressure sensing means that continuously monitor system pressure and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures pressure never exceeds the 100 psi limit, automatically adjusting flow control to maintain reliable operation of LPSS components while clearing obstructions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure monitoring and control systems are added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device adds intermediary components (pressure sensor, flow control valve, controller) between the pressure source and LPSS. While this increases device complexity, it is necessary to mediate pressure control and prevent harmful effects. The complexity is justified by the critical protection it provides to the LPSS infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensing means continuously self-monitor system pressure and automatically trigger pressure reduction through the flow control valve when limits are approached. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and manual intervention.
4Loss of information
If data recording capabilities are added, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from pressure and flow sensors, automatically records operational data, and provides diagnostic information. This feedback-based data collection system improves diagnostic capability while using automated processes to minimize the complexity burden on the operator.
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
Effectively clears obstructions while protecting LPSS infrastructure by monitoring and limiting pressure, preventing damage and providing critical operational data for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A device for clearing out and/or removing clogs or obstructions in a low-pressure sewer system utilizes a source of pressurized liquid (e.g., water)
Implementation Method 2
A variable pressure relief valve downstream of the flow meter protects against an over pressure event by rapidly diverting liquid
Implementation Method 3
A check valve downstream of the variable pressure relief valve prevents backflow from contaminating the cleaning liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for troubleshooting, testing, and removing blockages from low-pressure sewer systems (LPSSs) connects to a source of pressurized water and includes a controller for regulating pressure of the incoming pressurized liquid, a flow meter downstream of the controller that meters and totalizes liquid flow, a variable pressure relief valve downstream of the flow meter to protect against an over pressure event, and a check valve downstream of the variable pressure relief valve for preventing backflow from contaminating the cleaning liquid. A gauge on the backside of the check valve measures system pressure for monitoring the pressure delivered to the host pipe for the duration of the event. A quarter turn dump valve is provided downstream of the gauge for relieving any remaining pressure between the check valve and the host pipe, rendering it safe to disconnect the device from the LPSS.