Integrated Purge and Vent Valve Assembly for Fire Sprinkler Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression sprinkler systems face issues with trapped air leading to corrosion and moisture accumulation, which increases system complexity, cost, and maintenance difficulties due to existing air venting solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact air vent assembly with a cylindrical design, including an angled port and integrated air release valve, along with a moisture detection system to minimize air presence and detect moisture accumulation, reducing corrosion and maintenance challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air vent valves with multiple components are used, then air can be removed from the system, but the valve size and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air vent valve components into a single integrated body with internal channels and passages. The valve body incorporates the float mechanism, sealing surfaces, and air discharge pathways all in one piece, eliminating the need for separate assembled components while maintaining air venting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed with internal segmentation through separate casting sections that form distinct functional zones: an inlet section with strainer, a central chamber with float mechanism, and an outlet section with discharge passages. This internal segmentation allows complex functionality within a compact unified structure.
2Reliability
If air vent valves are installed to remove trapped air, then corrosion can be reduced, but moisture accumulates in the vent components and surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design extracts moisture from the vented air stream through a dedicated moisture separation chamber. Condensed moisture is collected in a separate collection chamber and discharged through a dedicated moisture discharge passage, separating it from the main air venting function and preventing accumulation around the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
A heating element is introduced as an intermediary component within the valve body to heat the vented air stream, preventing condensation of moisture in the first place. This thermal intermediary modifies the air stream temperature to eliminate the harmful condensation effect.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If redundant air vent valves with pipe segments are used to detect moisture, then moisture accumulation can be detected, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body incorporates self-diagnostic features including visual inspection ports that allow direct observation of internal component condition and moisture collection chamber status. The design enables operators to assess valve health and moisture accumulation without external detection equipment or complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates visual indicators such as color-coded markings or transparent sections that change appearance based on moisture levels or operational status, providing immediate visual detection capability without requiring additional sensors or complex measurement systems.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pressure gauges are added to detect pressure increases indicating moisture accumulation, then moisture can be detected, but installation and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates self-diagnostic features including visual inspection ports that allow direct observation of internal component condition and moisture collection chamber status. The design enables operators to assess valve health and moisture accumulation without external detection equipment or complex instrumentation.
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 air in the piping system, minimizing corrosion and improving maintenance accessibility by detecting moisture accumulation, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of fire suppression systems.
Implementation Method 1
a float (1715) configured to move up and down in response to air present in a piping system
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid actuator (1701) disposed above the float (1715) and configured to force the float (1715) down to open the valve
Implementation Method 3
a strainer (102) configured to remove debris from fluid flowing through the valve assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are a valve assembly, an air vent assembly, an air release assembly, and a moisture detection assembly all suitable for use in connection with a wet pipe network. The valve assembly, the air vent assembly, the air release assembly, and moisture detection assembly are each configured to vent gas (e.g., air) remaining in a piping system when the system is filled with a fluid, and in particular, to vent air in a fire sprinkling system.