Non-return Valve Placement in Vacuum Sewage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Negative pressure sewage systems face issues with freezing temperatures causing non-return valves to malfunction, allowing water to penetrate into control arrangements and disrupting the operation of vacuum sewage systems in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tubular or hose-shaped section with a non-return valve is extended into the connection line, ensuring it remains flushed with wastewater, which is typically above freezing temperature, thus preventing freezing and maintaining system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the non-return valve is positioned in the protective container near the earth's surface, then the control arrangement can be easily accessed and installed, but the non-return valve is exposed to freezing temperatures during cold seasons causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the functional position of the non-return valve from the surface-level protective container into the underground dimension where wastewater flows. By positioning the non-return valve in the wastewater stream below ground level, the system exploits the temperature difference between the frost-prone surface environment and the warmer underground wastewater environment, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and freezing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hose-shaped element as an intermediary component that connects the protective container to the wastewater stream. This hose serves as a conduit that allows the non-return valve to be positioned in the warm wastewater environment while maintaining its functional connection to the control arrangement in the protective container, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of accessibility and temperature protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the non-return valve is positioned in the protective container, then installation is simplified, but water can penetrate into the control arrangement when the valve malfunctions due to freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the non-return valve from the protective container environment and relocates it into the wastewater stream. This separation removes the valve from the harmful freezing environment while maintaining its protective function, preventing water penetration into the control arrangement even when the valve is in a malfunction state due to its new protected position.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the non-return valve in the wastewater stream before the control arrangement, the system creates a preliminary protective barrier. The valve's position in the warm wastewater environment ensures it remains functional and continues to prevent water penetration into the control arrangement even under adverse temperature conditions, providing advance protection against the harmful effect of water ingress.
3Reliability
If the closure device is extended into the connection line with a tubular section, then the non-return valve is protected from freezing by being flushed with wastewater, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose-shaped element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective enclosure for the non-return valve, provides thermal insulation by surrounding the valve with warm wastewater, serves as a conduit for wastewater flow, and maintains the structural integrity of the closure device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable freezing protection.
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 water from entering the control arrangement, ensuring the shut-off valve operates correctly regardless of temperature, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the vacuum sewage system.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular or hose-shaped section protrudes into the connecting line or into an intermediate piece connecting sections of the connecting line to such an extent that it is flushed with waste water to be sucked off. Since this is usually heated or always has temperatures that are above the freezing point, it is additionally ensured that the non-return valve does not freeze.
Implementation Method 2
a non-return valve, preferably in the form of a membrane... so that no liquid can flow into the control arrangement via the connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (60) has a connecting unit, which is provided between a connecting pipe and a connector for a control arrangement of a purge or gate valve. The connecting unit of the closure device is lockable opposite to a low pressure pipe and/or the connecting pipe by using a check valve (100). A tubular or hose-shaped section (102) proceeds from the closure device, and exhibits the check valve on an end side of the tubular or hose-shaped section. The tubular or hose-shaped section extends up to a sewage flowing region of a low pressure sewage system.