Integrated Pipe Testing Device with Compressed Air Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for testing the pressure and tightness of pipes in drinking water and heating systems require additional, expensive equipment and complicate the testing process, especially when high pressures are needed, and additional devices are necessary for flushing and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a pressure generator, compressor, and integrated compressed air tank that allows for the generation of high test pressures and simultaneous flushing with water or a water-compressed air mixture, enabling both pressure testing and flushing without the need for additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If hand pumps are used to test pressure and tightness, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the required high test pressures cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a hand pump and an electric pump into a single device housing. The hand pump serves as a primary pressure generator for low-pressure tests, while the electric pump is integrated as a backup or supplementary pressure generation mechanism. This merging allows the device to achieve high test pressures without requiring separate expensive equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high pressure and maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: pressure testing, flushing, and disinfection. The integrated electric pump can serve both pressure testing and flushing operations, while the hand pump handles both testing and flushing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for different operations, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to generate high pressures when needed.
2Stress or pressure
If electric pumps are added to generate high pressure, then the required test pressure can be achieved, but additional expensive equipment and complicated handling are required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the electric pump and hand pump into a single unified device with a common housing and control system, the patent eliminates the need for separate equipment. The device includes a valve mechanism that allows the user to switch between hand pump and electric pump modes, providing a simple interface for selecting the appropriate pressure generation method. This integration reduces handling complexity compared to managing separate devices while maintaining the capability to generate high pressures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices are used for flushing and disinfection, then the necessary flushing and testing can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the device so that the same integrated pump system and valve mechanism can perform multiple functions: pressure testing with water, flushing with water, and flushing with compressed air. The device includes a compressed air tank and valve system that can be activated to introduce compressed air into the water stream for flushing operations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate equipment for testing and flushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve mechanism as an intermediary component that controls the flow of water and compressed air through the system. This valve system acts as a mediator that directs fluids to different outlets based on operational requirements, enabling the device to switch between testing mode and flushing mode without requiring separate devices. The valve mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single control point for multiple functions.
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 cost-effective and simplified testing and flushing of pipe systems by generating required pressures internally and allowing for selection between water and compressed air methods, reducing the complexity and cost of the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compressor (22), with which the compressed air pressure required for the respective application can be easily generated
Implementation Method 2
the device has at least one pressure generator, which is arranged on the base frame and can apply the high pressure required for the test
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a base frame on which a pressure generator (42) is mounted. This generator can produce the pressure of the medium required for testing according to EN 806-4. The pressure generator (42) is a compressor and/or a pump. The device has a water line with a connection (16) for the water supply and an outlet for connecting to the lines to be flushed and/or tested. At least one compressed air line (23) opens into the water line and contains a switching valve (35). This valve can be used to open or close the supply of compressed air to the water line. The device is equipped with a compressed air tank, which is formed by a base frame of the base frame.