Patent Application
20090090418
The present invention relates to improved check valve technology used in flow meters. Embodiments of the invention include at least one of a check valve module comprising water hammer suppression and electronic monitoring features to detect and characterize the water hammer events.
Flow meters are meters designed to measure the flow of a fluid/gas in a wide variety of applications. The most common types of meters presently used to meter fluid/gas flow are the positive displacement meter, the current meter (e.g. a turbine meter), and the compound meter.
Positive displacement flowmeters operate by repeatedly filling and emptying compartments of known volume with the liquid or gas from the flow stream. The flow rate calculation is based on the number of times these compartments are filled and emptied. Positive displacement meters are more accurate than current meters in low flow rates applications, and thus, are widely used to measure commodity consumption in municipal and industrial gas applications, municipal water applications, oil/refined fuel applications (e.g. the measurement of the transfer of refined fuels as well as the use of petroleum products) and industrial applications (e.g. the measure of liquids other than water or petroleum products in industrial and process plants which may include some water measurement for non-billing purposes).
In contrast, current meters (hereafter referred to as turbine meters) are used when the line sizes are larger and the flow volume is greater than can be handled by positive displacement meters. Turbine meters are most accurate in medium to high flow rate and high flow volume applications. Consequently, turbine meters are often used in the larger line sizes, especially those exceeding four inches.
Compound meters and Combo meters are more difficult to classify as they are actually a hybrid meter. Compound meters typically comprise both a positive displacement meter and a turbine meter. Compound meters are generally used to meter fluid flow in an installation where demand varies considerably between high demand and low demand. For example, municipal water utilities may use a compound meter to meter the water consumption of a large apartment complex, where water flow rates are generally high in the morning and evening while being much lower during the day (when most people are at work) and at night (when most people sleep). Such prior art meters are disclosed by Zellering in U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,781, by Bradham III, et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,100,799, and 4,175,434 and such patents are incorporated by this reference for all purposes.
As the name implies, a compound meter comprises two or more measuring chambers (typically two) in a single meter body. A low flow chamber housing a positive displacement meter (for example) may be used to measure fluid flow at low flow rates while a second high flow rate chamber housing a turbine meter may be used to measure fluid flow at higher flow rates. Similarly, a combo meter comprises two or more measuring chambers connected in parallel, typically in two different meter bodies. One measuring chamber is configured for a high flow rate while a second measuring chamber is configured for a relatively low flow rate. A check valve typically is placed in the high flow path of the turbine meter where such check valve is designed to open only when a predefined flow rate or pressure is achieved. When such check valve is closed, all fluid flow is diverted through the low flow chamber where the flow rate is measured by a low flow rate meter. If and when the fluid's flow rate reaches a predefined value, the check valve will open allowing fluid flow through the high flow chamber where the flow rate is measured by the turbine meter.
In many prior art compound meters, the check valve has been integrated into the water meter housing. These prior art check valves often comprise a “clapper” connected to pins and rollers that must be precisely calibrated so that the clapper mates against a seal (or seat) within the meter to prevent fluid flow until the predefined flow rate/pressure is achieved. Thus, if the rollers/pins in such prior art meter become worn to the point their operation (calibration) is affected, or the seal becomes worn to the point water leaks around the clapper when the check valve is closed, a compound meter will not accurately meter fluid flow rates. Indeed, when such compound meters are used as revenue meters by water utilities, such water utilities typically require annual testing of the check valve operation to verify that it is operating properly. Similarly, for some prior art meters, utilities require annual examination, and sometimes annual replacement, of the check valve seal.
The check valve assemblies and check valve seals in many prior art compound meters are very complicated to repair or replace. In some meters, to access a check valve, the heavy metal turbine chamber housing the compound meter must be removed from the fluid delivery system and the turbine metering element removed from the meter housing to get to the check valve components. In other meters, the repair person must disconnect the check valve side of the compound meter from the fluid delivery system and stick his hands inside the pipe, use tools to disconnect various parts of the check valve assembly, or perhaps the entire turbine meter, and remove the check valve assembly and perhaps the turbine meter. Such tasks require the ability to move heavy objects and must typically be performed in environments that are limited in space.
For the reasons described above, recalibration/replacement of a check valve assembly or inspecting/changing a check valve seal is often an arduous task requiring many hours to complete, and must typically be performed by trained personnel with the ability to move heavy objects. As a result, when repair or replacement of a check valve in prior art compound meter becomes necessary, many owners of such compound meters have found that scrapping a perfectly repairable compound meter is a better solution than investing the time and money required to repair the meter.
Therefore, there is a need for a compound meter having a check valve assembly module (1) that can easily be removed from the compound meter without having to remove the metering module, (2) that has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) that requires little or no special training to remove, (4) that does not require the meter repairperson to move the relatively heavy compound meter, (5) that may comprise a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, removal and replacement; and (6) in which all meter components are secured in their respective chambers within meter using only external fasteners.
Another problem with prior art compound meters concerns safety issues related to testing the check valve for proper operation. As noted above, if the check valve in a compound meter is not working properly such compound meter will not meter flow rate accurately. Thus, many owners of compound meters require periodic (e.g. annual) testing of the check valve. To facilitate testing of the check valve assembly, an access point to the fluid flowing through the check valve assembly is often provided. Such access point is located between the check valve and the meter output (i.e. on the customer side of the meter) and is normally terminated with a plug to seal the access point when not in use. When the check valve is to be tested, the plug is removed from the access point and test equipment attached to the access point to determine the pressure required to open the check valve. Notably, in compound water meters, the pressure the fluid exerts against the plug may be between 150 pounds/in2 to 300 pounds/in2. Therefore, the flow of fluid through the meter must be turned off before attaching the test equipment. Should the test personnel mistakenly remove the plug under pressure, however, the plug becomes a projectile capable of seriously injuring persons in the vicinity of the meter. Consequently, there is a need for a compound fluid meter that has built in test connections and pressure indicators that provide improved safety conditions for test personnel.
Still another problem that needs to be addressed relates to the complicated check valve assemblies associated with compound meters currently installed in metering applications. Such meters typically require annual testing, calibration and seal inspection. Examples of prior art compound/combo flow meters include Schwartz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,457, Kullmann et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,571, Bradham, II et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,799, Zellering et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,781, and Schloetterer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,158 and such patents are incorporated by this reference for all that they disclose. As previously described, for many prior art compound/combo meters, when repair or replacement of a check valve becomes necessary, the owners of such compound/combo meters may find that scraping a perfectly repairable compound meter is a better solution than investing the time and money required to repair the meter. Consequently, there is a need for a check valve module that can be installed into existing meters thereby replacing the original check valve assembly that (1) can be easily removed from the compound meter without having to remove the metering module (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects such as the compound meter, and (5) may comprise a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, removal and replacement.
Yet another problem that needs to be addressed concerns prior art water meters that comprises components constructed of lead. Epidemiological studies reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) note that harmful effects of lead in children can be observed at blood lead levels at least as low as 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (ug/dL). Notably, drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. Consequently, actions have been taken by water utilities, government regulators, and manufacturers to minimize lead in drinking water.
While there are numerous possible sources of lead exposure, and while the relative contribution to total lead exposure from drinking water is typically low compared to other sources of lead exposure, water utilities are becoming increasingly sensitive to possible sources of lead contamination in their water system. Lead in drinking water is most commonly caused by corrosion of the water delivery system. Interior surfaces of faucets, fixtures, pipe, fittings, valves, solder used to join copper pipe, and water meters may be made of brass, bronze, or other materials that contain lead. For water distribution systems in general, and water meters specifically, during periods when water sits in a distribution system, lead may leach into the drinking water. Thus, water utilities have began requiring new water meters to be constructed of components that are substantially free of lead. However, millions of prior art water meters comprised of components containing significant amounts of lead are already installed in water distribution systems. Consequently, there is a need for an apparatus and method for cost effectively upgrading such prior art water meters with lead free components.
Another problem that needs to be addressed is “water hammer” (fluid hammer). Fluid hammer is a pressure shock/energy wave induced in plumbing supply systems whenever there is a sudden change in the steady state condition of a non-compressible liquid such as water. Pumps, valves, faucets, toilets, and fast solenoid-activated valves (such as commonly found in washing machines and dishwashers) are all examples of devices that can induce water hammer within a typical plumbing system. Fluid hammer can also be caused by the rapid closure of a check valve (check valve slam).
Water hammer (or, more generally, fluid hammer) is a pressure surge or wave caused by the kinetic energy of a fluid in motion when it is forced to stop or change direction suddenly. When a check valve slams shut at one end of a fluid delivery system, an energy wave is generated and propagates through the system. In domestic plumbing system such energy waves can often cause a loud banging noise resembling a hammering noise. If such energy wave is strong enough, extreme damage to the fluid delivery system (such as exploding and imploding pipes) may result.
Some prior art attempts to prevent or dampen fluid hammer include using hydro-pneumatic devices (such as a water hammer arrestor) that absorb the energy wave, use of slow closing valves and using high quality but expensive pipes, install pipe risers inside the wall at each faucet or valve junction.
Such prior art methods may work well for their purposes, but in water delivery system metered by flow meters comprising check valves, the check valves often do not close quickly enough to prevent a water hammer wave from reaching the metering element. Thus, there is a need for a check valve module that provides a method of safely dissipating the energy contain in a fluid hammer energy wave.
There is also a need to detect and characterize fluid hammer events. While fluid hammer events are not desired, such events do occur. As noted above, such fluid hammer events comprise a hammer energy wave. Such energy waves contain information about the fluid system in which it was created. Significant changes in fluid hammer energy waves over time is an indication that something in the fluid delivery system has changed. Such change may be due to new equipment being installed in the system, new piping, or other known changes. That said, significant changes in fluid hammer energy wave characteristics, compared to historical data recorded over time, may also be indication of a system fault such as a pipe failure, valve failure, or some other problem in the fluid delivery system. Thus, there is a need to monitor and characterize fluid hammer events and store historical data related to same.
Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be set forth in the following description, while other objects and advantages of the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is to provide check valve apparatus for use in flow meters comprising fluid hammer relief features.
Another general object of the present invention is to provide to provide check valve module for use in flow meters comprising fluid hammer relief features associated with electronic monitoring features.
Yet another general object of the present invention is to provide a compound/combo metering method and apparatus that is designed so that the check valve module can be removed from the metering apparatus without disturbing the metering element, without the need to lift relatively heavy objects, and without the need for removing fasteners internal to the meter housing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a self sealing check valve module for use in a compound water meter.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description).
One exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to novel implementations of check valve technology in a fluid/gas metering apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing having a fluid input and a fluid output, wherein said housing is associated with a fluid source so that fluid enters said housing through the fluid input and exits said housing through the fluid output. The housing further comprises a first meter chamber for housing a first metering element disposed at least partially within the first meter chamber and detachably received thereby. The housing may further comprise a first meter chamber plate for at least partially enclosing said first metering element within the first meter chamber. The first metering element is configured to measure the flow of fluid through the first meter chamber.
The housing further comprises check valve chamber for housing a check valve module. The check valve chamber comprises a valve seat for receiving a check valve module seal. A check valve module comprising a check valve seal is at least partially disposed in the check valve chamber so that the check valve seal is received by the valve seat. The first meter chamber, and check valve chamber are suitably configured within the housing so that fluid flows through the first meter chamber when fluid flows through the check valve chamber. The housing may also comprise a check valve chamber plate that is detachably associated with the check valve chamber with fasteners external to the check valve chamber. When in place, the check valve chamber plate secures the check valve module within the check valve chamber.
Preferably, the check valve module is configured to open and permit fluid to flow through the check valve chamber when the pressure exerted on the input side of the check valve module by the fluid exceeds a predefined open pressure value. Similarly, the check valve module may be configured to prevent fluid from flowing through the check valve chamber when the pressure exerted on the input side of the check valve module by the fluid is below a predefined close pressure value.
For the preferred embodiment, the check valve module does not require calibration to set the predefined open and close pressure values after the module is installed into the said check valve chamber. It should be appreciated that the predefined open pressure value and predefined close pressure may or may not be the same value.
The first metering element may also be a self contained module having an integral chamber plate or a chamber plate that is separate from the self contained module where the chamber plate is suitable for at least partially enclosing the first metering element inside the first meter chamber. The chamber plate is detachably associated with the first meter chamber by fasteners external to the first meter chamber. Preferably the first metering element is a module that may be removable from the top of the first meter chamber.
The housing may further comprise a screen chamber positioned within the housing so that said fluid flows through said screen chamber before flowing through the first meter chamber. A screen element may be disposed in the screen chamber and configured to protect the first metering element from debris that might be present in the fluid/gas being metered. A screen chamber plate preferably detachably encloses the screen element inside the screen chamber. The screen plate may be further configured with a handle to assist removal of the plate. Additionally, the screen may be associated with the screen chamber plate so that the screen is removed when the screen chamber plate is removed, preferably from the top of the screen chamber. The screen chamber may also comprise a screen chamber input (SC-input) a High Flow Screen Chamber output (HFSC-output) and a Low Flow Screen Chamber Output (LFSC-output).
The screen within the screen chamber may comprise a high flow screen, a low flow screen and a universal screen. Such screens may be separate components within the screen chamber or one integral component.
The housing also preferably comprises a test port and an auxiliary port. The test port is in fluid communication with the fluid on the output side of the check valve module. The auxiliary port is in fluid communication with the test port and is preferably positioned on the check valve chamber plate wherein the check valve module has at least one fluid path to permit fluid flow from the output side of the check valve chamber to the auxiliary port. The auxiliary fluid port may be configured with a pressure measure device for providing an indication of the fluidic pressure at the test port. The auxiliary port may also be configured with a shutoff valve having at least one output.
The test port may also be integral with the check valve module. For this embodiment, the check valve module comprises a valve portion and a stem portion. The stem portion extends outwardly from the valve portion to a distal end. The check valve module may be positioned within the check valve chamber so that the distal end extends outside the check valve chamber thereby making the distal end a test port. Alternatively, the distal end may terminate inside the check valve chamber and be in fluid communication with a test port integral with the check valve chamber plate. The distal end may be associated with an end cap that provides a water tight seal when the test port is not in use. Such end cap may be a pressure measure device or may be associated with a pressure measure device to provide an indication of the fluidic pressure at the test port.
For compound or combo meter configurations, the housing further comprises a second meter enclosure having a sme-input (sme—Second Meter Enclosure) and a sme-output. A second metering element is disposed within the second meter enclosure and is detachably received thereby. A second meter enclosure plate detachably encloses the second metering element at least partially within said second meter enclosure. The main housing further comprises a bypass port positioned between the check valve chamber and the fluid output. The sme-input is associated with the LFSC-output and the sme-output is associated with the bypass port. In this configuration, fluid flows into the meter input, through said LFSC-output, into said sme-input, through said second meter enclosure, out said sme-output, through said bypass port, and back into the main housing. The second metering element is configured to measure the flow of fluid through the second meter enclosure. It will be appreciated that the main housing may comprise a two LFSC-output ports and two bypass ports, one on each side of the main housing, so that the bypass arm may be installed on either side of the housing.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a test ready check valve module for use in fluid meters configured with a valve enclosure having a fluid input port, a fluid output port, and a valve seat. The valve seat is position on the output side of the valve enclosure. The test ready check valve module comprises a valve portion positioned within the valve enclosure between the fluid input port and said fluid output port. The valve portion comprises a seal on the output side of the valve portion that is configured to be inserted into the valve seat for making a water tight seal around the valve portion.
The valve portion may further comprise a flapper associated with a spring such that the spring biases the flapper closed to prevent fluid flow from the fluid input port to the fluid output port until the fluidic pressure at said fluid input port reaches a predefined value (at least partially determined by the spring constant). The check valve is secured in place within the check valve enclosure by a check valve plate configured to detachably attach to the check valve enclosure using fasteners external to the check valve enclosure.
The test ready check valve module may further comprise a stem portion extending outwardly from said valve portion and terminating at the distal end of the stem portion. The stem portion comprises a fluid path configured to permit fluid from said fluid output port to flow to the distal end of said stem portion. A test port is in fluid communication with the fluid at the distal end of the stem portion.
Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring flow of a commodity. The apparatus comprises a housing configured with a screen chamber, a meter chamber, a valve chamber, a housing input port, and a housing output port. The housing is configured to be connected to a commodity delivery system so that said commodity flows into the housing input port and to the input of the screen chamber, flows through the screen chamber and to the input of the meter chamber, flows through the meter chamber and to the input of the valve chamber, flows through the valve chamber and to the housing output port.
A first metering element is disposed at least partially within said meter chamber and is detachably received thereby. A meter chamber plate may be used to enclose the first metering element within said meter chamber. The meter chamber plate is attached to the housing with external fasteners. The first metering element is configured to measure the rate of flow of said commodity through the meter chamber;
The valve chamber is configured for receiving a check valve module. The valve chamber further comprises a valve seat configured for receiving a valve seal. A valve, having an input side and an output side, is disposed within the valve chamber. The valve is configured with a valve seal suitably arranged so that the vale seal is receive by the valve seat when the valve is disposed within the valve chamber. A valve chamber plate for securing the valve within the vale chamber is detachably attached to the valve chamber with fasteners external to the valve chamber.
The valve is configured to permit the commodity to flow through the valve chamber when the pressure exerted on the input side of the valve by said commodity exceeds a predefined open pressure value. Similarly, the valve is configured to prevent the commodity from flowing through the valve chamber when the pressure exerted on the input side of the valve by said commodity is below a predefined close pressure value.
The apparatus may further comprise at least one screen element disposed within the screen chamber and detachably received thereby. The screen element is positioned within said screen chamber so that the commodity must flow through the screen element before flowing out of the screen chamber. A screen chamber plate detachably encloses said screen element inside the screen chamber.
With the above configuration, the meter element may be removed from the housing by removing only external fasteners from the meter chamber plate and without disturbing the valve. Similarly, the valve is removable from said housing by removing only external fasteners from the valve chamber plate and without disturbing the meter.
Additional embodiments of the present subject matter involves methodology for modifying compound/combo meters comprising relatively complicated check valve assemblies by replacing such assemblies with a check valve module. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a compound meter comprising a housing, said housing comprising a main chamber for housing at least one meter element, a secondary chamber for housing a check valve assembly, and a flapper-valve-seat. The check valve assembly may be comprised of multiple components including a flapper in fluid communication with said flapper-valve-seat. The check valve assembly components are removed from the secondary chamber and an appropriately sized check valve module comprising aspects of the present inventions is inserted into the chamber. The check valve module is preferably configured with a seat adapter such that when the check valve is inserted into the secondary chamber, the seat adapter is received by the secondary chamber thereby forming a seal between the check valve module and the secondary chamber.
Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or parts referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or features or components as otherwise discussed in this application.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.
A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
a is a top perspective view of a fluid meter housing showing one embodiment of the various chambers and top plates;
b is an exploded perspective view of a fluid meter comprising a screen section, a metering section, and a check valve section;
a presents a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a check valve module;
b presents a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a check valve module;
b is a side perspective view of a module insert and a port seal adapter;
Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.
Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.
It should be appreciated that this document contains headings. Such headings are simply place markers used for ease of reference to assist a reader and do not form part of this document or affect its construction.
For the purposes of this document, two items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways. For example, methods of electrically associating two electronic items/components include: (a) a direct, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection. Additionally, while the drawings illustrate various components of the system connected by a single line, it will be appreciated that such lines represent one or more connections or cables as required for the embodiment of interest.
While the particulars of the present invention and associated technology may be adapted for use in flow meters and utility meters metering the consumption of commodities such as gas, water, oil, etc., the examples discussed herein are primarily in the context of water consumption. In addition, for the purposes of this document, a gas is also a fluid.
As shown in
Screen section (18) includes a screen chamber (25) for housing a screen (27,
a is a top perspective view of a fluid meter housing comprising one embodiment of the various chambers and top plates.
The
Additionally, while
b is a top perspective exploded view of a fluid meter comprising a screen section (18), a meter section (22), and a check valve section (20). Such sections will be described in more detail below. It should be noted that bolts (44, 84, 110) may be any suitable fastener for detachably attaching a chamber plate to a chamber. Additionally, a chamber plate may be attached, at least partially, to a chamber using a fastener such as a hinge (or other similar device).
Referring now to
As shown in
First metering element (24) may be any type of high flow meter, preferably a turbine style meter. Examples of suitable turbine meters include the high performance turbine meters manufactured by Neptune®. Other suitable high flow metering technology is disclosed by Zellering in U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,781 and Schwartz et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,457 and such patents are incorporated by this reference for all that they disclose. Such technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
Referring now to
Check valve module (30) is inserted into check valve chamber (29) between the input (51a) and the output (52a) and is configurable for preventing fluid flow through the chamber. Check valve module (30) is preferably a single piece module removable from the top of check valve chamber (29) as shown in
As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated, when the fluidic pressure on the input side of check valve module (30) becomes a predefined value greater than the fluidic pressure on the output side of check valve module (30), clapper (62) pivots about rod (66) and the check valve opens allowing fluid flow through check valve chamber (29). This in turn allows fluid to flow through the first meter chamber (22) where such fluid flow is metered by first metering element (24). For one preferred embodiment of meter (8), check valve module (30) is configurable to open and permit fluid to flow through check valve chamber (29) when the pressure exerted on the input side of the check valve module (30) by the fluid in check valve section (20) reaches/exceeds a predefined open pressure value. The pressure at which the check valve will open will be approximately equal to (1) the fluidic pressure on the output side of check valve module, plus, (2) the pressure required to overcome the spring (64) bias torque, plus (3) friction losses. For a given friction loss and a given pressure differential between the check valve input and output, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the predefined pressure at which the check valve opens is determined by the bias torque generated by spring (64) (i.e. the spring constant).
Similarly, check valve module (30) is preferably configurable to prevent the fluid from flowing through the check valve chamber when the pressure exerted on the input side of the check valve module is below a predefined close pressure value. It should be noted that for the purposes of this document, the pressure exerted on check valve module (30) may also be referred to as the fluidic pressure.
The check valve configuration shown in
Preferably, check valve module (30) does not require calibration of the open and close values after the module is assembled by the manufacture. Alternatively, a means for calibrating check valve module (30) may be provided; however, for such an embodiment, no calibration should be required after the module is installed into check valve chamber (29).
It should be noted that while the check valve module (30) of
As noted above, and referring to
For the embodiment shown in
For the embodiment shown in
As shown in
As mentioned previously, the pressure the fluid exerts against stem top cap (54) may be between 150 pounds/in2 to 300 pounds/in2. Therefore, the flow of fluid through the meter must be turned off before attaching the test equipment to test port (78). Should the test personnel mistakenly remove stem top cap (54) under pressure the cap becomes a projectile capable of seriously injuring persons in the vicinity of the meter. To help prevent such an occurrence, top cap (54) may be associated with a pressure indication device. Alternatively, an auxiliary fluid port may be provided that is in fluid communication with test port (78) and associated with a pressure indication device.
As shown in
A pressure measure device (not shown) may be coupled to auxiliary fluid port (90) to provide an indication of the fluidic pressure at auxiliary port (90) and test port (78). The pressure measure device may be a simple binary pressure indicator, a low cost pressure gauge, or any other suitable pressure measurement device that will provide an indication of pressure at auxiliary port (90). Such technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
Referring now to
With reference to
More specifically, following fluid path (6), fluid from a fluid source flows into meter (8b) at fluid input (12), and enters screen chamber (25). At least some of the fluid exits screen chamber (25) through LFSCO port (34) and flows into second meter enclosure (120) through the sme-input (124) (sme—Second Meter Enclosure). The fluid flows through the second meter enclosure (120) and exits through sme-output (126). The fluid continues to flow along fluid path (6) to bypass port (36) where the fluid reenters the high flow fluid path (5).
A second metering element (122) is at least partially disposed within second meter enclosure (120) and is detachably enclosed therein by a second meter enclosure plate by bolts or some other suitable device. Second metering element (122) is configured to measure low flows relative to the flow rate of fluid path (5). Second metering element (122) may be based on any type of technology including nutating discs, positive displacement technology, multi jet, single jet, oscillating technology, piston based technology, or any suitable technology that operates by repeatedly filling and emptying compartments of known volume with the liquid or gas from a flow stream. Typically, the flow rate is calculated based on the number of times these compartments are filled and emptied. Examples of low flow metering technology is disclosed by Hamilton et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,434 and such patent is incorporated by this reference for all that it discloses. Such technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
Bypass arm (134) may further comprise shutoff valve (128) and shutoff valve (130) that may be used to stop the flow of fluid along fluid path (6). Additionally, meter (8b) may further comprise check valve (132) installed in the bypass arm (134) to prevent the back flow of fluid along fluid path (6).
It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that when check valve module (30) is closed, little or no fluid should be flowing along high flow path (5), but fluid continues to flow along low flow path (6). After check valve module (30) opens, fluid preferably flows along both the high flow path (5) and the low flow path (6).
With reference to
Screen element (27) is disposed within screen chamber (25) and is detachably enclosed therein by screen chamber plate (26) using bolts (110) or any other suitable device. Screen section (18) may further comprise a gasket (122,
Additionally, screen surfaces (112a), (112b), (112c), and (112d) may each be constructed in a manner to provide for an improved streamline fluid flow at the outputs of screen chamber (25). For example, it is well known that flow turbulence at the input of a high flow meter may result in metering errors. For compound/combo meters, the junction between the high flow fluid path and the low flow fluid path may produce flow turbulence in the high flow current path. Such turbulent flow can result in meter registration errors (which may be especially problematic at the crossover point) if present at the input of the high flow meter. To provide a more steady streamline flow of fluid into meter section (16), screen surface (112c) of screen element (27b) may be constructed in a grid like pattern (other patterns may be used as well) that “realigns” the water and produces a more steady streamline flow of fluid through the HFSCO port (116).
Additionally, as shown in
Methodologies for exchanging a multi piece check valve assembly in a compound meter with a single piece check valve module is now considered. Referring to
The method of exchanging the above described multiple piece check valve assembly with a check valve module includes the step of obtaining a compound meter having the above described configuration. If top cap (138) is present, it is removed. Next, check valve assembly (144) is removed from the secondary chamber. The flapper-valve-seat is then removed the secondary chamber along with any components required to facilitate the removal of the flapper-valve-seat.
The next step is to obtain a check valve module such as the exemplary check valve module shown in
Check valve module (151) may further comprise a horizontal module shaft (150) that extends out both sides of check valve module (151). Horizontal module shaft (150) may be used to help secure the check valve module within the secondary housing (140).
Next, check valve module (151) is inserted into secondary chamber (140) so that secondary chamber (140) receives the check valve seal adapter. Additionally, horizontal module shaft (150) may be inserted into flapper-shaft-receivers (151) to help secure check valve module 151) within the secondary chamber (140).
Referring to
As previously noted, repairing, replacing, recalibrating such a prior art high flow valve assembly is often a laborious endeavor that requires trained personnel. The following method was conceived for upgrading/modifying the multiple piece high flow valve assembly with a check valve module.
The first step in the method is to obtain a compound meter such as exemplary compound meter (160). The next step is to remove the high flow valve assembly components from the meter cage.
Next, an adapter seal is associated with a check valve module. The adapter seal is appropriately sized so that the adapter seal is received by high flow output (172) thereby forming a fluid tight seal between the check valve module and the high flow output (172).
The check valve module is then inserted into the meter cage so that the adapter seal is in fluid communication with high flow output (172). If the meter cage was removed from housing (162) to facilitate easier installation of the check valve module, the meter cage is then reinstalled in meter housing (162).
Attention now is directed to a module insert that may be use to replace substantially all the components of a flow meter. Referring again to
Referring now to
One embodiment of module insert (200) comprises a housing insert (210) configured to fit within housing (162). For clarity, housing (162) will hereafter be referred to as main chamber (162). As previously noted, main chamber (162) has an import port and an output port configured to be associated with a commodity delivery system. Similarly, housing insert (210) comprises a housing insert chamber positioned between a housing input port (212) and a housing output port (216). Housing input port (212) is configurable to be associated with the main chamber input port and the housing output port (216) is configurable to be associated with the main chamber output port so that the commodity flows through the main chamber input port, flows through said housing insert chamber, and to said main chamber output port.
Preferably, housing insert (210) and the other module insert (200) components are made at least partially from plastic or some other material substantially free of lead. Such plastic materials are well known in the art and not discussed in detail in this document.
It should be noted that housing input port (212) is configured with a port seal (214) that is received by the main chamber input port to form seal between the housing input port (212) and the main chamber input port so that substantially all the fluid flowing into the main chamber input port flows into housing insert (210). Similarly, for some configurations of module insert (200), housing output port (216) may be configured with a port seal. As shown in
Referring back to
Module insert (200) may further comprise a check valve module. Check valve module (224) has an input side and an output side. For the preferred embodiment, check valve module (224) is disposed within housing insert (210) between said meter (222) and said housing output port (216) so that the commodity flows into the housing insert (210), through meter (222), into the input side of said check valve module (224), out the output side of said check valve module (224), and to said housing output port (216).
The check valve module (224) may further comprise a valve section and a stem section (225). As described previously, the valve section preferably comprises a flapper associated with a spring and configured to prevent the flow of said commodity through the check valve module (224) until said commodity exerts a predefined pressure on said flapper. The valve section may further comprise a seal (228). Seal (228) is suitably configured to be received by a valve seat (described below) to prevent substantial quantities of the commodity from flowing around the check valve module (224). The stem section (225) is attached to the valve section at one end and extends outwardly from the valve section terminating at a distal end of the stem section.
Module insert (200) may further comprise a screen element (227) positioned between the meter (222) and the housing input port (212). With such a configuration, the commodity flows through the screen element (227) before flowing through the meter (222). It should be noted that
Housing insert (210) may further comprises a divider wall (219) for dividing the housing insert chamber into a meter chamber (218) and check valve chamber(220). The divider wall (219) further comprises seal seat (219a) configured for receiving check valve seal (228). It should be noted that sliding the check valve seal (228) into seal seat (219a) helps secure valve module (224) in check valve chamber (220).
Module insert (200) may further comprise a housing plate (201) that is detachably associated with meter (222) and check valve module (224). For this embodiment of the invention, Meter (222) comprises magnetic section (221) and register section (240). Magnetic section (221) houses the components that convert the kinetic energy of the commodity flowing through meter (222) into a measurement movement that is detected and registered by register section (240). Magnetic section (221) extends through housing plate (201) and is then associated with register section (240) thereby securing meter (222) to housing plate (201). Register seal (242) may be use to improve the seal between meter (222) and housing plate (201).
Similarly, the stem section (225) of check valve module (224) is detachably associated with housing plate (201) with the stem section (225) extending through housing plate (201). As noted previously, stem section (225) may comprise a flow path for allowing the commodity at the output side of said check valve module (224) to flow to the distal end of said stem section (225). The distal end may be terminated with any suitable device such as a plug, a cap, or a shutoff valve such as the one shown in
Module insert (200) may further comprise a low flow access port (232) and a bypass port (234). Low flow access port (232) provides access to the commodity at the housing input port (212). Similarly, bypass port (234) provides access to the commodity at the housing output port (216). It should be noted that while this embodiment of the present invention has low flow access port (232) located on housing plate (201), is will be appreciated that low flow access port (232) may be positioned in any suitable location providing access to the commodity at housing input port (212). Similarly, bypass port (234) may be positioned in any suitable location that provides access to the commodity at the housing output port (216). That being said, both such ports are positioned on housing plate (201) for this embodiment of the present invention.
It should be noted that meter (222) provides a low flow conduit (230) between the housing input port (212) and the low flow access port (232) for the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Another embodiment of module insert (200) is shown in
Referring now to
Any suitable energy absorber may be used including springs, fluid, and foam and the energy absorber is ideally user adjustable. For the presently preferred embodiment, the energy absorber is a spring with an adjustable spring tension. For such embodiment, the energy absorber is set to not absorb energy until the pressure on the first side of the pressure plate exceeds a predefined value above typical fluid pressure within the system. For example, if the typical fluid pressure in the system is 100 psi, the energy absorber may be set to require a pressure of 115 psi on the pressure plate before the energy absorber starts absorbing significant amounts of energy.
For yet another embodiment of the invention, a relief valve is used. For this embodiment, energy absorber (65a) is simply an adjustable relief that trips when the pressure on the input of the relief valve exceeds a predefined value. For this embodiment, the energy from the fluid hammer energy wave is transferred and absorbed by the check valve's environment (e.g. the atmosphere, meter box, meter room, etc.).
As shown if
Referring now to
The check valve module 502 is secured within the check valve module void 499 by housing plate 510. For the presently preferred embodiment, only external fasteners 511 are used to secure the check valve chamber plate 510 to the check valve module housing 512. For one alternative embodiment, check valve module housing 512 may further define a side anchor access point through which a side anchor device is inserted. Check valve module 502 may further define a side anchor receiver 488 configured for receiving such side anchor device. Suitable configurations of such side anchor device include a threaded rod, bolt, or screw.
Check valve module 502 comprises a valve section 515 associated with a stem section 509 wherein the distal 522 of stem section 509 is configured for receiving end cap 506b (see
Referring now to
Disposed within housing 552 is a first plate 558 mechanically associated with a first side of second plate 560 by a connecting rod 559. The opposing side of second plate 560 is mechanically associated with plunger rod 556 which extends from the second plate 560, through said housing 552, and to a point external to FHSD 550. Plunger rod 556 is movably associated with FHSD housing 552 so that the plunger assembly can move within housing 552 along the Z and −Z direction. The plunger assembly includes first plate 558, second plate 560, connecting rod 559, plunger rod 556, and energy absorber 562.
A first internal void 553 is defined by the space between first plate 553 and the FHSD input. A second internal void 554 is defined by the gap between first plate 558 and second plate 560. A third internal void 555 is defined by the space between second plate 560 and the opposing side of housing 552.
First plate 558 is configured to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between first internal void 553 and second internal void 554. Similarly, second plate 560 is configured to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between second internal void 554 and third internal void 555.
For the embodiment depicted in
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fluid from the output side of the check valve 502 will be in fluid communication with the first side of first plate 558 and will exert a force on the first side of first plate 558 which will tend to push first plate 558 in the Z direction. The magnitude and of such force will be directly proportional to the fluidic pressure at the FHSD input 547. Energy absorber 562 is configured to generate a bias force on first plate 558 that tends to force said first plate 558 toward FHSD input 547 so that first plate 558 is below vent port 561 at normal operating fluidic pressure values.
For one embodiment, second plate 560 is movably associated with connecting rod 556 allowing a pre load to be placed on the energy absorber to allow for adjustment. For one alternative embodiment, the position of vent port 561 is adjustable to allow for adjustment. When a water hammer event occurs, the increase in the fluidic pressure at FHSD input 547 will exert an increased force on the first side of first plate 558 thereby causing first plate 558 and associated second plate 560 to move in the direction of the force (Z direction). When such force reaches a predefined release-value, the height of first plate 558 will exceed the height of vent port 561 thereby allowing fluid to vent to atmosphere (or the environment around the fluid suppressor) thereby dissipating a portion of the fluid hammer energy wave.
For one embodiment of the invention, an electronic monitor 570 is associated with FHSD 550. Electronic monitor 570 comprises an RF enabled processor 574 electrically associated with antenna 576. Exemplary RF enabled processors include those manufactured by companies such as Microchip and Chipcon (Texas Instruments). For the preferred embodiment, such RF enabled processors are low-power PIC processors utilizing low powered transmission schemes such as WiFi. Such RF enabled processors preferably comprise internal memory for storing data such as firmware code, system data, and fluid hammer event data. Electronic monitor 570 is configured to be paired with an electronic device, (such as a water meter register), in close proximity to electronic monitor 570. Long range communication configuration also fall within the scope of the invention. RF enabled processor 574 is further configured to transmit fluid hammer event data (1) periodically at predefined times, (2) when a water hammer event is detected, and/or (3) upon request by a remote device.
A plurality magnetic sensors 572 is electrically associated with RF enabled processor 574. As depicted in
For such preferred embodiment, the section of FHSD housing 552 that is adjacent to magnetic sensors 572 is constructed, at least partially, from magnetically transparent material. Further, second plate 560 is composed at least partially of a magnetic substance such as a super magnet.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a fluid hammer event will causes first plate 558 to move in the Z direction thereby causing second plate 560 to move in the Z direction. As second plate 560 moves further in the Z direction, a correspondingly higher number of magnetic sensors 572 will generate event signals. Thus, the severity of a water hammer event will be noted by the number of generated event signals. Such a configuration allows electronic monitor 570 to be associated with a side of FHSD 550, and detect fluid hammer events without the need for direction electrical connections. Such allows electronic monitor (570) to be easily removed and replaced when its power supply is depleted.
Preferably, RF enabled processor 574 is configured to track time thereby allowing event signal data to the time stamped. Alternatively, RF enabled processor 574 simply transmits fluid hammer data to a remote device when such data is generated allowing such remote device to timestamp such data.
While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
This application is a continuation in part to U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,023, filed Jun. 16, 2005, a continuation in part to application Ser. No. 11/614,648, filed on Dec. 21, 2006, and a continuation in part to application Ser. No. 12/034,481, filed on Feb. 20, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11614648 | Dec 2006 | US |
| Child | 12332316 | US | |
| Parent | 12034481 | Feb 2008 | US |
| Child | 11614648 | US |
