Pneumatic Draining Device for Water Pipe Pre-Filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cleaning pre-filters in pool water circuits are time-consuming and economically inefficient, as they require the complete drainage of the service water line, leading to significant water loss and heating costs due to the gravity-driven discharge of pool water.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically driven device that uses compressed air to quickly empty the service water line, including the pre-filter and pump, by interrupting the water circuit with shut-off valves and utilizing a controllable valve and injection device to direct compressed air into the line, allowing for rapid removal of water without gravity-driven loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity-driven drainage is used to empty the service water line, then the system structure remains simple, but the drainage time increases significantly and water loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to rapidly empty the service water line and pre-filter arrangement. A compressed air source connects to the system through a controllable valve and injection device, introducing air into the water line to create pneumatic pressure that forces water out quickly through the discharge device, replacing slow gravity-driven drainage with fast pneumatic evacuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by closing the first and second gate valves before starting the pneumatic emptying process. This creates a sealed section between the valves, ensuring that compressed air is directed only to the intended area (pre-filter and associated piping) and preventing water loss from the entire system, thereby preparing the system state before the main emptying action
2Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-driven drainage is used, then no additional energy input is required, but water loss and heating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure from a compressed air source to rapidly eject water from the service line and pre-filter. The controllable valve regulates air intake, and the injection device introduces compressed air into the system, creating sufficient pressure to force water out quickly through the discharge device, reducing drainage time and minimizing water loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements water recovery by connecting the discharge device to the surge water tank. Water that is pneumatically emptied from the service line and pre-filter is discharged directly into the surge tank instead of being lost to the sewer, allowing it to be reused in the pool circulation system and eliminating both water loss and associated heating costs
3Device complexity
If the pre-filter arrangement is emptied slowly by gravity, then the discharge device can be simple, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles to accelerate the emptying process. Compressed air is introduced through the injection device into the sealed section, creating high-velocity gas flow that forces water out rapidly through the discharge device. This pneumatic evacuation reduces the emptying time from minutes to seconds, dramatically improving cleaning productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a controllable valve that can be opened and closed at specific moments. The valve remains closed during normal operation, then opens briefly to allow compressed air injection for rapid emptying, then closes again. This dynamic control enables the system to switch between normal operation and rapid emptying modes, improving cleaning efficiency without requiring permanent system modifications
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
This solution significantly reduces the time required for pre-filter cleaning, minimizes water loss, and eliminates the need for additional heating, making the process more efficient and cost-effective while allowing for easy retrofitting and operation as a compact unit.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air source (6) is connected via a controllable valve (7a) and an injection device (8) to the process water line (1) in the area between the locking slides
Implementation Method 2
a gate valve (4) in front of the pre-filter (3) and another gate valve (5) being arranged behind the pump (2) and these being able to interrupt the pool water circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for pneumatically emptying a domestic water line (1) with a pump (2), wherein the pump is part of a bath water circuit and a pre-filter (3) is arranged upstream of it. Compressed air is introduced into the domestic water line by means of a compressed air source (6) and via an adjustable valve (7a, 7b, 7c) into a circulation-free area arranged between shut-off valves (4), and the water is removed from this area via a discharge device (9). The invention further relates to a method for pneumatically emptying a domestic water line.