GB2455210A

GB2455210A - A pumping chamber

Info

Publication number: GB2455210A
Application number: GB0822866A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Paul Pocock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-12
Filing date: 2007-07-12
Publication date: 2009-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-12
Also published as: GB0822866D0; GB2447308A; HK1122761A1; GB2447308B; GB2455210B; GB0713495D0

Abstract

A pumping chamber 202 includes a pump 212 and an integrated separator 204. The separator may be formed within the pumping chamber by means of at least one baffle 210. Preferably the pumping chamber also includes an integrated sealed valve chamber 304 including at least one valve 222, 322 configured to control discharge of fluid out of the pumping chamber. Preferably the pumping chamber is formed from material such as glass reinforced plastic. Preferably there is an access aperture 306 for the at least one valve within the integrated sealed chamber. Advantageously the pumping chamber results in reduced excavation time, requires fewer installation materials and takes up less underground space.

Description

Pumping Chamber The present invention relates to pumping chambers.

Figure 1 shows an example of an existing underground installation including a separator 102, a pumping chamber 104 and a valve chamber 105.

The separator 102 collects surface water run-off via separator inlet 106 and separates oil and other pollutants. Water that is suitable for discharging into a surface water drain is discharged via pipe 108 by gravity into the pumping chamber 104. A further pipe 109 that is in flow communication with the discharge pipe 108 allows surface water to also enter the pumping chamber.

Water in the pumping chamber 104 can be pumped out to the main drain via a further discharge pipe 113. Valves 114 (typically formed of cast iron) for controlling the pump 110 are located outside of the pumping chamber 104 in the separate valve chamber 105 and are connected to the pumping chamber by rocker pipes.

Thus, the separator 102, pumping chamber 104 and valve chamber 105 are conventionally in the form of three separate components, each of which requires separate excavation, installation and commissioning visits. Some of the components are large, e.g. horizontal separators can be up to 24 meters long and situated next to a vertical pumping chamber up to 8 metres deep, making these operations time consuming and expensive. The installations also require a considerable amount of space.

According to the present invention there is provided a pumping chamber including: a pump, and an integrated separator.

Some embodiments of the pumping chamber may include the integrated separator and an integrated sealed valve chamber.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pumping chamber substantially as described herein.

The separator may be formed within the pumping chamber by means of at least one baffle. The separator may be located at one end of the pumping chamber. The separator may include an outlet that is in direct flow communication with the pumping chamber.

The integrated sealed valve chamber may be formed within the pumping chamber by means of at least one baffle. The integrated sealed valve chamber may be in an upper portion of the pumping chamber, e.g. at a location that is, in use, easily accessed from ground level. An access aperture for the valves within the integrated sealed valve chamber may be provided, e.g. in an upper outer surface of the pumping chamber. A conduit in flow communication with the pump may enter the integrated sealed valve chamber via a sealed aperture. The at least one valve may be fitted on the conduit.

The pump may be mounted on discharge connections. The pump may be supported within the pumping chamber by means of at least one guide rail.

The discharge connections may be arranged on a pump mounting platform that can be at least partially located within a sump.

A separate access aperture for each of the separator, the pumping chamber and/or the integrated sealed valve chamber may be provided.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of features set out above or in the following description.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments. As such, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mention of the particular feature. Thus, the invention extends to such specific combinations not already described, but which are limited by the appended claims.

The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, embodiments thereof will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a conventional pumping chamber arrangement with separate pumping chamber and separator; Figures 2A -2D are schematic side, plan, end and perspective sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of the pumping chamber with an integrated separator, and Figures 3A -3D are schematic side, plan, first and second end sectional views, respectively, of a pumping chamber that includes an integrated valve chamber.

Referring to Figures 2A -2D, an example chamber 200 is shown. The chamber 200 is generally cylindrical and includes conventional features such as feet 206 and lifting points 208. The chamber may be formed of any suitable material, such as glass reinforced plastic, and it will be understood that the dimensions and shape of the chamber can be selected according to the specific requirements of the installation. In the embodiment shown the overall end-to-end length of the chamber 200 is around 7582 mm and its height is around 1467 mm; however, it will be understood that all dimensions given are exemplary only.

The chamber 200 includes a baffle 210 that separates the chamber into a pumping chamber portion 202 (including a pump 212 with non-return valves) and a separator portion 204. Thus, the chamber 200 can be considered to be a pumping chamber with an integrated separator. The baffle 210 is formed of glass reinforced plastic, for example, and is generally dome shaped. The diameter of the baffle is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the chamber 200 and so it effectively seals and separates the separator portion 204 from the pumping chamber portion 202. The baffle is connected to the inner surface of the chamber 200 by means of resin laminate. The sizes of the separator and pumping chamber portions will be chosen on a case-by-case basis. In the example, the length of the separator portion is around 2755 mm.

An inlet 212 leads into the separator 204 and an outlet 214 leads directly out of the separator into the pumping chamber 202 via a sealed aperture. One or more inspection ports/apertures 216 may be formed on the upper surface of the separator 204.

The pumping chamber portion includes the pump 212 that is connected to at least one outlet conduit 220 which exits the end of the pumping chamber remote from the separator at a point that is above the water table level. A control/isolating valve 222 (which in the example may be submerged in water contained in the pumping chamber) is fitted on the conduit 220. The valve 222 can be accessed via a port 224. An inspection port/aperture, e.g. port 226 located above the pump, may also be provided for the pumping chamber.

It will be understood that the separator/pumping chamber arrangement shown in Figures 2A -2D is exemplary only and variations to its form, location and dimensions are possible. For example, the separator need not be located at one end of the chamber in which it and pumping chamber are formed; it could be a sealed chamber positioned at some other location within chamber instead. More than one baffle (or side/base wall) could be used to form the separator portion.

Figures 3A -3D illustrate another chamber 300 that includes a pumping chamber portion 302 and an integrated sealed chamber 304 that contains valves 322 for controlling the flow of fluid, e.g. water, out of the pumping chamber. Instead of the valves 322 (which can include non-return and/or isolating valves) being directly located within the pumping chamber, they are contained separately within the sealed chamber 304. This means that they are not susceptible to rust/contamination from the water in the pumping chamber and can be accessed independently of the pumping chamber itself via an access port/aperture 306. Having the valve chamber integrated within the pumping chamber also results in a smaller installation. A separate access port/aperture 326 can be provided for the pumping chamber itself.

The valve chamber 304 is formed by means of a vertical baffle 310 and a horizontal baffle 311 that separate an upper portion of the chamber 300 at the end of the chamber opposite the inlet 312. Either or both of these baffles can include returns (e.g. shown as projections/recesses 307) for increased strength. The dimensions of the valve chamber in the example are around 2 m x 0.8 m, which means that there is still plenty of storage space within the pumping chamber. It will be understood that the size/location of the valve chamber within the pumping chamber can vary if desired.

The pump 312 sits on discharge connections 314 and is mounted on at least one vertical guide rail 316 whose upper end is connected to a point within the inspection port 326 in the example. The discharge connections are arranged on a pump mounting platform 318 within a sump 321. The discharge conduit 320 extends initially upwards and then horizontally to enter the valve chamber 304 via a sealed aperture and out of the chamber 300 to discharge out into the drain.

It will be understood that the integrated separator of Figures 2A -20 could be formed within the chamber 300 so that a pumping chamber with integrated separator and valve chamber can be provided.

The embodiments described above result in reduced excavation time and require fewer installation materials compared with conventional arrangements.

They also take up less (underground) space. Embodiments including the integrated valve chamber will not normally be subject to movement as with conventional separate valve chambers and are easier and more secure to transport, install and operate/maintain.

Key to the Drawings Figure 1 A -100mm VENT PIPE TO TERMINATE TO ATMOSPHERE WH 2.4m ABOVE

GROUND LEVEL -PLAN LOCATION TO BE AGREED ON SITE

B -100mm CABLE DUCT FOR ALARM CONNECTION C -COVER AND FRAME TO BE CLASS D400 TO BS EN:124 WITH 900x600MM MIN.CLEAR OPENING

D -FRAME BEDDED ON FOSROC CONBEXTRA GP CEMENTICIOUS

GROUT OR SIMILAR APPROVED

E -FOSROC COLPOR 200PF OR SIMILAR APPROVED F -225 NB TWIN WALLED HOPE PIPE LAID AT MINIMUM 1:100 TO SUMP

VMTYPEBMANHOLE

G -FLYGT SINGLE ACCESS FRAMES AND COVERS

H -PEA SHINGLE DRAIN TO BACK OF GABION WALL SURROUNDED BY

TERRAW PW2O OR SIMILAR APPROVED

I -DRAINAGE HOLE

J -NEW FLYGT MAXI PACKAGED PUMPING STATION WITH TWO

NP3127.181 SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS, 1.7KW MOTORS AND 488 IMPELERS FOUR ENM 10 LEVEL REGULATORS, MAINS DEPENDANT AUDIBLE' ALARM WITH MUTE. SWITCH, POLYETHLENE CHAMBER TO CONTAIN 100MM PIPEWORK WITH EXTERNAL VALVE CHAMBER AND GUIDE RAILS, FLYGT PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES 1200x750MM ACCESS COVER & FRAME 0.510N CAST IN DAVIT SOCKET K -A393 MESH WN 75MM COVER TOP + BOTTOM L -SAND/CEMENT BLINDING M -HEPWORTH TMS2O/11/225BE OIL SEPARATOR NON-SMEAR

APPROVED TO INCLUDE SILT CHAMBER COALESCING FILTER AND

AUTOMATIC CLOSURE DEVICE

N -ST4 CONCRETE BACKFILL IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTERERS RECOMMENDATIONS.

Figure 20 A-INLET/OUTLET CONNECTIONS 110/1 60 PVCu SOCKET/SPIGOT 225/300 QUANTUM SOCKET SPIGOT. OVER:PLAIN SPIGOTS OR GRITTED SOCKET/SPIGOT FOR CONCRETE PIPES B -VENT CONNECTION 110 PVCu

C -ACCESS SHAFTS PROVIDE GOOD ACCESS TO ALL COMPARTMENTS

D -OUTLET JUNCTION AND SAMPLING POINT

E -GALVANISED ACCESS COVER

F -100MM CABLE ENTRY DUCT

G -ISOLATING VALVE

H -ONE OUTLET CONNECTION. SIZE DEPENDS ON PUMP

I -DISCHARGE PIPEWORK

J -CAST IRON BALUSWING CHECK VALVES

K -SINGLE OR TWIN PUMP WITH 10 OR 20 METRES OF CABLE,

DISCHARGE CONNECTIONS TOP BRACKET AND GUIDE RAILS AND

CERTIFIED LIFTING CHAINS

L -FLOAT SWITCHES FOR AUTOMATIC OPERATION

M -SEPARATION CHAMBER

N -RETICULATION FOAM INSERTS -HIGH VOLUME FOR LONG

EFFICIENT SERVICE LIFE. CAN BE EASILY CLEANED WITH NORMAL WATER PRESSURE. GUIDE RAIL SYSTEM AND STAINLESS STEEL

COALESCER UNIT

o -MOUNTING FEET

P -PRIMARY CHAMBER SIZED TO PROVIDE INTEGRAL SILT STORAGE IN

ACCORDANCE WITH PPG3 REQUIREMENTS (FOR MODEL SUFFIXED SC)

Claims

1. A pumping chamber (202; 302) including: a pump (212; 312), and an integrated separator (204).

2. A pumping chamber according to claim 1, including the integrated separator (204) and an integrated sealed valve chamber (304).

3. A pumping chamber according to claim I or 2, wherein the separator (204) is formed within the pumping chamber (202) by means of at least one baffle (210).

4. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator (204) is located at one end of the pumping chamber (202).

5. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator (204) includes an outlet (214) that is in direct flow communication with the pumping chamber (202).

6. A pumping chamber according to claim 2, wherein the integrated sealed valve chamber (304) formed within the pumping chamber (302) by means of at least one baffle (310, 312).

7. A pumping chamber according to claim 2 or 6, wherein the integrated sealed valve chamber (304) is in an upper portion of the pumping chamber (302).

8. A pumping chamber according to claim 7, where, in use, the integrated sealed valve chamber (304) is accessible from ground level.

9. A pumping chamber according to claim 2 or any one of claims 6 to 8, further including an access aperture (306) for the at least one valve (322) within the integrated sealed valve chamber (304).

10. A pumping chamber according to claim 2 of any one of claims 6 to 9, further including a conduit (320) in flow communication with the pump (312) that enters the integrated sealed valve chamber (304) via a sealed aperture.

II. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (312) is mounted on discharge connections (314).

12. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (312) is supported within the pumping chamber by means of at least one guide rail (316).

13. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge connections (314) are arranged on a pump mounting platform (318) that can be at least partially located within a sump (321).

14. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein separate access apertures (216, 226) for the separator and the pumping chamber are provided.

15. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integrated separator (204) separator oil and pollutants from surface water.

16. A pumping chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (212) is connected to at least one outlet conduit (220) which exits the end of the pumping chamber (202) remote from the integrated separator (204) at a point that is above the water table level.

I 7. A pumping chamber substantially as described herein and/or with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.