Reverse Flow Manifold for Pressure-Preserved Water Main Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water main flushing systems require depressurization, leading to water waste and prolonged downtime, as they cannot efficiently manage high turbidity and directional flow issues without shutting down the system, which complicates the process of maintaining and inspecting potable water distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A pig launch and recovery apparatus with a recirculating unit and angled launch and recovery tubes allows for closed conduit systems that maintain water pressure, enabling pigs with cameras, scrubbers, and sensors to travel through water mains without depressurization, using high-pressure jetting and reverse flow manifolds to clean and inspect pipes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water main flushing systems are used, then the system can be flushed periodically, but the system requires depressurization leading to water waste and prolonged downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculating flushing system that maintains continuous water flow and pressure throughout the flushing operation. The closed-loop configuration allows water to circulate continuously through the water main without requiring system shutdown or depressurization, thereby eliminating downtime and maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recycles and reuses the flushing water through a closed-loop recirculating configuration. Instead of discarding flushed water as waste, the system captures it, filters it, and returns it to the system for continued use, significantly reducing water waste while maintaining continuous operation.
2Productivity
If traditional flushing systems are used, then flushing can be performed, but large amounts of water are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles and reuses the flushing water through a closed-loop recirculating configuration. Instead of discarding flushed water as waste, the system captures it, filters it, and returns it to the system for continued use, significantly reducing water waste while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles to create a closed-loop recirculating system where water flows continuously through the water main under pressure. The system employs pumps, valves, and pressure regulation mechanisms to maintain optimal hydraulic conditions for flushing while enabling water recovery and reuse.
3Ease of operation
If the system is depressurized for maintenance and inspection, then pigs can be launched and recovered, but the flushing operation must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculating flushing system that maintains continuous water flow and pressure throughout the flushing operation. The closed-loop configuration allows water to circulate continuously through the water main without requiring system shutdown or depressurization, thereby eliminating downtime and maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a recirculating water loop as an intermediary mechanism that enables pig launch and recovery operations without affecting the main flushing operation. The recirculating system provides a separate water pathway that facilitates pig operations while the primary flushing continues uninterrupted in the water main.
4Productivity
If high pressure jetting is used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but directional control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic directional control mechanisms that allow the jetting system to adapt its direction in real-time based on operational needs. The system includes adjustable jet nozzles and steering mechanisms that can be controlled remotely or automatically, enabling precise directional control of high-pressure water jets during pig operations without increasing overall system complexity.
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 reduces water waste and downtime by allowing continuous operation, effectively managing high turbidity and directional flow issues, enabling thorough inspection and cleaning of water mains while maintaining system pressure, thus improving water quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculating pump unit capable of generating a high-velocity circulating water flow
Implementation Method 2
The jetting head is configured to emit a plurality of water jets to assist removal of material from an inner surface of the water mains
Implementation Method 3
enabling pigs with cameras, scrubbers, and sensors to travel through water mains without depressurization, using high-pressure jetting
Data Source
AI summary
A flushing system includes a recirculating unit having a pump, filter, and flow manifold. The manifold includes a first conduit delivering water to the filter utilizing the pump. A first valve divides the first conduit into first and second portions. A second conduit receives water from the filter. A second valve divides the second conduit into first and second portions. A first reverse conduit having a third valve couples the first portion of the first conduit with the second portion of the second conduit. A second reverse conduit having a fourth valve couples the second portion of the first conduit with the first portion of the second conduit. When the first and second valves are open and third and fourth valves are closed, water flows in a forward direction. When the first and second valves are closed and third and fourth valves are open, water flows in a reverse direction.