Mobile Pipe Flushing Control for Hydraulic Shock Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for flushing water supply network pipes are inefficient, wasteful, and pose risks due to manual operation, inadequate instrumentation, and inability to respond to dynamic hydraulic conditions, leading to potential pipeline damage and water quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and mobile device that measure and adjust water pressure in real-time to optimize flushing volume and flow rate, using a flushing plan updated based on instantaneous pressure measurements to minimize water usage and prevent hydraulic shock, while ensuring efficient sediment removal without damaging the pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual flushing is performed by technicians using hand tools, then flushing operation can be carried out, but significant water is wasted and high risk of resuspendation of fine sediments and hydraulic shock occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback control by continuously measuring pressure, flow rate, and water quality parameters during flushing operations. The system automatically adjusts valve positions and flow rates based on real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for manual judgment and intervention. This closed-loop control optimizes water usage by stopping flushing when quality targets are achieved and prevents hydraulic shock by monitoring pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. Technicians using hand tools are substituted by programmable control units that automatically operate valves, pumps, and monitoring equipment. The mechanical flushing process is transformed into an automated sequence controlled by software algorithms that optimize water consumption and prevent damage.
2Ease of operation
If manual flushing is performed by technicians using hand tools, then flushing operation can be carried out, but high risk of hydraulic shock and pipeline failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure, flow rate, and water quality parameters during flushing operations. Real-time feedback from sensors triggers automatic adjustments to prevent hydraulic shock conditions. When pressure exceeds safe thresholds or water quality targets are achieved, the control system automatically modifies valve positions and flow rates, eliminating the risks associated with manual judgment and intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-programming flushing sequences and setting safety thresholds before operations begin. The system prepares optimization algorithms and control parameters in advance, establishing safe operating limits for pressure and flow rate. This preliminary configuration ensures that hydraulic shock is prevented before it can occur during the flushing process.
3Loss of time
If flushing continues for unspecified period according to established practice, then flushing operation is completed, but water is wasted significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from water quality sensors (turbidity, clarity, particle counters) to determine when flushing is complete. Instead of operating for fixed or unspecified periods, the control system continuously monitors water quality parameters and automatically stops flushing when predetermined quality targets are achieved. This data-driven approach eliminates unnecessary water consumption while ensuring thorough flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the flushing process from time-based control to parameter-based control. Instead of monitoring elapsed time, the system monitors and responds to changes in water quality parameters such as turbidity, clarity, and particle concentration. This parameter change approach allows precise determination of flushing completion points, optimizing both time and water usage.
4Productivity
If flushing velocity is too high to remove sediments efficiently, then sediment removal is improved, but active corrosion may start due to too high shear stress on inner walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes flushing velocity by dynamically adjusting flow rate parameters based on real-time measurements. The system uses sensors to monitor sediment movement and pipe wall conditions, then automatically modifies velocity parameters to maintain optimal ranges. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient shear stress for sediment removal while preventing excessive stress that would cause corrosion, transforming a binary choice into a continuously optimized process.
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 reduces water waste, minimizes the risk of hydraulic shock, and ensures safe flushing by adapting to changing conditions, thereby maintaining water quality and extending the lifespan of the pipes.
Implementation Method 1
the instantaneous pressure in the pipe of the selected pipe section is measured
Implementation Method 2
the discharge flow is measured and regulated for compliance with the flushing plan
Implementation Method 3
the flow rate is regulated accordingly by controlling an electrically controlled gate valve
Implementation Method 4
The water flow from the water hydrant is led through a stilling pipe into the mobile device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and mobile device for the safe flushing of a selected section of pipes of the water supply network allows machine flushing that saves water and time, and that protects the water supply network from an accident that would affect the distribution of drinking water. The invention continuously compares the projected flow rate of the flushed water with the actual condition, and executes automatic countermeasures if an undesirable trend of change in condition is detected. The mobile device thereby comprises an inlet flange (1) with a transition (2) for connecting a water supply leading from a hydrant of the water supply network, further comprising a stilling pipe (3) connected at one end to the inlet flange (I), that i further comprises at least one electric meter for measuring a physical or quality parameter of water connected to the stilling pipe (3), further comprising a safety valve (4) arranged at the other end of the stilling pipe (3), further comprising an electric flow meter (5) arranged downstream of the safety valve (4) in the direction of water flow, further comprising an electrically actuated gate valve (6) arranged downstream of the electric flow meter (5) in the direction of water flow, further comprising an outlet flange (7) with a transition (2) arranged to the electrically actuated gate valve (6) for connecting the water outlet of the mobile device, further comprising at least one control means for controlling the operation of the mobile device, further comprising an electronic control unit (8), which is wired or wirelessly connected to at least one physical or water quality parameter gauge, further to an electric flow meter (5), further to an electrically operated gate valve (6), further to a control means, wherein the components of the mobile device are housed in a covered cart for their safety concealment and for transportability of the mobile device.