Modular Backflow Preventer With Removable Check Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid backflow prevention systems face challenges in maintenance and replacement, requiring shutdown of fluid flow and often necessitating bulky designs due to large diaphragms for robust operation, and may require additional bypass lines, which increase costs and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid arrangement for check valves featuring a modular strut and cage with removably secured check valves and a differential pressure relief valve, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement with minimal disruption, and accommodating thermal expansion and pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger diaphragm is used to provide stronger and more robust relief valve operation, then the reliability of the relief valve is improved, but the overall valve design becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into modular components including a relief valve assembly, check valve assembly, and body that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows optimization of each component's size and function, enabling robust relief valve operation without requiring an overall bulky design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-loaded diaphragm mechanism where the spring constant and pre-compression can be adjusted to achieve the desired relief valve force without increasing diaphragm size. This parameter adjustment allows robust operation while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Ease of repair
If shutoff valves are positioned at both ends of the main body for testing and service, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into replaceable modules (relief valve assembly, check valve assembly) that can be independently serviced. This modular approach simplifies maintenance by allowing direct module replacement rather than requiring complex multi-valve coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve assembly is designed to be extractable from the body through an access port. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to service check valves without shutting down the entire system or manipulating multiple shutoff valves, reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If a bypass line is installed to maintain fluid flow during valve repair, then the productivity of the fluid handling system is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve assembly can be extracted through an access port while the relief valve assembly remains in place maintaining system pressure control. This selective extraction allows continued operation without requiring a bypass line, eliminating additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows check valve assemblies to be pre-assembled and tested separately, then quickly swapped into the body during maintenance. This preliminary preparation enables rapid replacement that minimizes flow disruption without requiring permanent bypass infrastructure.
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
Enables easy maintenance and replacement of check valves with minimal disruption to fluid flow, providing a compact and space-efficient solution while ensuring robust and positive relief valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned between the diaphragm and the valve seat and in compression to maintain the seal between the rubber seal and the seat
Implementation Method 2
high pressure acting on one side (i.e., high side) of a diaphragm will force a rubber seal ring to abut against a 'seat' edge... When the force due to pressure acting on an opposite side (i.e., low side) of the diaphragm acting in conjunction with a spring exceeds the high side force, the seal and seat edge will separate and open up a flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow preventer that generally includes a modular fluid arrangement having a modular strut, a one-piece modular cage, a relief valve fluidly connected to the modular cage, and at least one in-line check valve removably housed in the modular cage. In operation, when backflow occurs, pressure in a chamber of the relief valve increases to provide a passageway for fluid to flow out of the modular cage, through the relief valve, to the environment. When the backflow stops, the pressure in the chamber decreases and the passageway closes, moving the fluid through the interior of the modular cage.