Stacked Backflow Preventer With Diverter Baffles for Upstream Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow preventers struggle to effectively prevent backflow of contaminated fluid, particularly in plumbing systems, as they allow backflow to reach the upstream side, posing a risk to potable water supplies.
Innovation Solution
A stacked backflow preventer design incorporating a diverter with baffles and check valves that redirects backflow to the periphery, utilizing discharge ports to expel contaminants downstream, ensuring the fluid does not reach the upstream side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional backflow preventer is used, then the structure is simple, but it allows backflow to reach the upstream side, compromising water supply safety
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow preventer is divided into multiple functional segments: a first check valve for primary backflow prevention, a diverter mechanism with baffles for redirecting backflow, and a second check valve for secondary protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving reliable backflow prevention while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If check valves are used to prevent backflow, then backflow is blocked, but the valves may fail or require maintenance, reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter mechanism is designed to capture and redirect backflow that passes through or bypasses the check valves, providing a backup protection mechanism. This allows the system to maintain reliability even when check valves require maintenance or fail, as the diverter can independently prevent backflow from reaching the upstream side.
3Area of stationary object
If a stacked configuration is used, then space is saved, but access for maintenance and repair becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked backflow preventer is divided into multiple accessible sections with individual access ports. Each check valve and the diverter mechanism can be accessed separately through these ports, allowing maintenance personnel to service specific components without disassembling the entire unit. This segmentation maintains the compact stacked footprint while improving ease of repair through targeted access points.
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 design effectively prevents backflow from contaminating potable water supplies by diverting it to discharge ports, maintaining the integrity of the water supply system.
Implementation Method 1
the baffle directs fluid backflow toward a periphery of the coupling portion
Implementation Method 2
a first check valve located between the inlet and the outlet with respect to the flow path; a second check valve located between the first check valve and the outlet
Implementation Method 3
the discharge port is located proximate an upstream end of the coupling portion
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow preventer includes an inlet and an outlet positioned in a stacked configuration with respect to the inlet, the outlet positioned downstream of the inlet with respect to a flow path in which fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet. The backflow preventer further includes a first check valve located between the inlet and the outlet with respect to the flow path, and a second check valve located between the first check valve and the outlet with respect to the flow path. The backflow preventer includes a coupling portion providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, and a diverter positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The diverter includes a baffle that inhibits fluid backflow from the outlet to the inlet.