Riser Manifold Layout for Backflow Prevention and Flow Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing riser manifold assemblies in fire suppression systems face challenges in preventing backflow of fire suppression fluid and efficiently indicating fluid flow, which can lead to increased onsite construction time, shipping damage, and complex valve pallets.

Innovation Solution

A riser manifold assembly comprising a control valve, a first spool pipe, a flow control switch, a check valve, a second spool pipe, and a test and drain valve, which allows for fluid flow control, backflow prevention, and pressure testing, enabling rotation of components and reducing shipping complexities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional riser manifold assembly is used to prevent backflow and indicate fluid flow, then the fire suppression system reliability is improved, but the device complexity and shipping damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidvalve pallet complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The riser manifold assembly is divided into modular components including a control valve assembly, check valve assembly, and spool pipe sections that can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately while maintaining reliable backflow prevention through the integrated check valve mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve and check valve are merged into a single integrated assembly connected by a spool pipe, combining multiple functions (flow control and backflow prevention) into one unified device. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the valve pallet configuration while maintaining both reliability functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a traditional riser manifold assembly is used to indicate fluid flow, then the flow detection capability is improved, but the onsite construction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow indicationVSAvoidonsite construction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control switch with vane is pre-installed and positioned within the spool pipe during manufacturing, rather than requiring onsite installation. This preliminary action allows the flow indication mechanism to be ready for operation immediately upon assembly, eliminating time-consuming onsite calibration and installation of the flow detection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spool pipe serves multiple functions: it connects the control valve to the check valve, provides a flow path for fluid, and houses the flow control switch vane for flow indication. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps required onsite, decreasing construction time while maintaining flow detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a complex valve pallet configuration is used, then the backflow prevention and flow indication functions are achieved, but the shipping damage and handling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidshipping and handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into compact, standardized sections (control valve assembly, spool pipe with integrated flow switch, check valve assembly) that can be efficiently packaged and shipped. This segmentation allows for optimized shipping configurations that reduce handling complexity and minimize shipping damage while maintaining the complete backflow prevention functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 prevents backflow, allows for pressure testing, and reduces onsite construction and shipping complexities, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fire suppression systems.

Implementation Method 1

The clapper being movable between an open position, allowing fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a closed position, inhibiting fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet, according to a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The flow control switch having a vane inserted in the flow port of the first spool pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230372755A1Riser manifold layout

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP

AI summary

A riser manifold assembly includes a control valve, a first spool pipe, a flow control switch, a check valve, a second spool pipe, and a test and drain valve. An inlet of the first spool pipe being mechanically coupled and fluidly sealed with an outlet of the control valve. The flow control switch being mechanically mounted to the first spool pipe. An inlet of the check valve being mechanically coupled and fluidly sealed with an outlet of the first spool pipe. An inlet of the second spool pipe being mechanically coupled and fluidly sealed with an outlet of the check valve. The test and drain valve being mechanically coupled and fluidly sealed with an auxiliary port of the second spool pipe.