AU2006201963A1 - A pump assembly - Google Patents

Description

S&FRef: 764827

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Vasco Enterprise Australia Pty Ltd, An Australian Company 113 936 771), of Princess Highway, Figtree, New South Wales, 2525, Australia Mark Edward Rowles, Hendrikus Vaassen, Leonardus Jacobus Vaassen Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) A pump assembly Associated Provisional Application Details: [33] Country:

AU

[31] Appl'n No(s): 2005902377 [32] Application Date: 11 May 2005 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845c A PUMP ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The present invention relates to pump assemblies and in particular, to a pump assembly adapted to incorporate rainwater into existing mains water supply lines for domestic, commercial, industrial or agricultural use.

Background of the Invention Most buildings in modem cities are connected to a mains water supply line pumping water from a catchment area. With growth, water usage has significantly increased to a level that some cities now have a shortage of water and are actively seeking alternative water supplies. To this end, households and businesses have been encouraged to install water tanks or the like to capture rainfall from roof areas. In most cases, these rainwater tanks are connected separately from the mains water supply line and are not connected into the water cycle of the household or business. In other cases, re-treatment devices recirculate existing water into the water cycle.

There has been a number of attempts to integrate rainwater tanks into mains water supply lines in domestic housing, however these systems still suffer many problems.

One such system is the "Rain Bank System" (Trademark) which was developed based on a need within the market to conserve water consumption in homes. This system includes an automatic controller which controls the water supply for toilet or laundry applications by switching the water source from mains water to rainwater. The problem with this system is that it is set up for external pump systems that require mains water for priming the pump; it has more pump cycles on low demand uses and on demands less than 1.5 litres per minute; it uses mains water to meet the demand of leaking taps, leaking toilets or other leaks in the system; is a complete unit requiring removal of the unit for repair by an authorised service agent if found to be defective; is limited to a maximum pressure of 260 kpa and a maximum flow of 50 litres per minute and is therefore not suitable for industrial, commercial or agricultural use and is not set up for measuring the exact amount of stored rain water used.

[R:\LIBLLII 6841 docshxa Another existing system is the "top-up system" and its main disadvantage is that it will not work if the power fails. In this system there is a double handling of mains water and it does not use the maximum amount of rain water that can be stored in the tank as its very name suggests it utilises mains water to "top-up" the system so that it can operate thereby minimising the maximum amount of rainwater stored.

Both these systems are not simple or versatile nor adaptable systems that can be used in all areas, such as, domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural fields for the storage and reuse of rainwater from storage tanks. Both systems are for domestic use only.

to Accordingly, there is a need for a simple synergistic, versatile system compatible with all known storage vessels or systems; be adaptable to all known sizes and types of storage tanks, multiple storage tanks combined or other storage systems; automatically switches between the storage tank and mains water supply; provides maximum saving of rainwater within the storage tank for all conditions; is simple, is easy for a licensed tradesman to install, is adaptable to existing pumping systems and compatible with all pump manufacturers equipment. The system should also be environmentally friendly; provide failsafe mains water back up in the event of no rainwater stored or an electrical failure; use maximum or stored rainwater, eliminate pump problems when the mains water supply is not available or disturbed for priming of a pump system; no double handling of mains water; have built in back flow protection-serviceable and testable.

Further, any new system should have maximum noise reduction, use a submersible pump; capable of being supplied in kit form for Domestic, Commercial (e.g.

high rise), Industrial and Agricultural (DCIA) applications by licensed installers. Also, the system should not have a pump working on minimum flows. i.e. leaking taps, toilet washers; should operate on demand of use without the pump cutting in, i.e. flushing of toilet 1-2-3 times; must be able to incorporate line strainers to maintain a high level of both rainwater (to trap foreign matter); be cost effective and affordable and operate all year round.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system to correctly use rainwater or other liquids in domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications without topping up the water tank or reservoir with mains water, thus allowing the entire volume of the (R:\LIBLL]16841.doc:hxa tank or reservoir to store rainwater, allowing its easy use, being a simple synergistic system which is easy to construct, maintain, adapt and inspect and being extremely versatile and adaptable saving the maximum amount of mains water and rainwater.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention There is firstly disclosed herein a pump assembly including: a first duct means having an inlet for connection to a mains water supply line and 1o an outlet to deliver mains water to a user; a second duct means having an inlet for connection to a water storage reservoir and an outlet to deliver stored water to the outlet of said first duct means; control means operatively associated with said first and second duct means and said reservoir, to monitor and regulate the flow of said mains and stored water delivered through said outlet to said user; said first duct means including a valve electrically operable by said control means to regulate flow of mains water though said outlet; and wherein said second duct means includes a flow control apparatus to sense pressure within said second duct means so that said control means can determine when to energize said valve of said first duct means.

Preferably, said valve is moved to a closed position preventing flow of said mains water to said outlet when said stored water in said reservoir reaches a predetermined level.

Preferably, said valve is moved to a closed position preventing flow of said mains water to said outlet when pressure within said second duct means reaches a predetermined level.

Preferably, said valve is moved to an open position delivering mains water to said outlet if said control means loses power.

Preferably, said valve is a solenoid valve.

Preferably, said flow control apparatus includes a pressure switch.

[R:\LIBLL] 6841.doc:hxa Preferably, said flow control apparatus includes a pressure cell.

Preferably, said flow control apparatus includes a pressure gauge.

Preferably, said reservoir includes a pump operatively associated with said control means so that when energized said pump delivers stored water to said second duct means.

Preferably, said pump is submerged in said stored water of said reservoir.

Preferably, said control means is operatively associated with a level sensor located in said reservoir to indicate to said control means when said stored water reaches said predetermined level.

Preferably, said level sensor includes a float switch.

Preferably, said control means is operatively associated with said flow control apparatus to indicate to said control means when said pressure reaches said predetermined level.

Preferably, when said control means senses said stored water has reached said Is predetermined level said control means is able to move said valve to said closed position, energize said pump and said stored water can be delivered to said outlet.

Preferably, said second duct means includes a non-return valve.

Preferably, said second duct means includes means to measure the amount of stored water delivered to said outlet.

Preferably, said measurement means is a water meter.

Preferably, said first and/or second duct means include means to service and test the said assembly.

Preferably, said first and/or second duct means includes a strainer.

Preferably, said first and/or second duct means includes an isolating valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic of a pump assembly of an embodiment of the present invention; [R:\LIBLL] 1684 .doc:hxa Figure 2 is a further schematic of a pump assembly for domestic use of the present invention; and Figure 3 is an electrical schematic of a preferred control means of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments In the accompanying drawings, there is schematically depicted a pump assembly 1 including a first duct means 5 having an inlet 10 for connection to a mains water supply line 15 and an outlet 20 to deliver mains water to a user. A second duct means 25 has an inlet 30 for connection to a water storage reservoir 35 such as a storage tank or the like to and an outlet 40 to deliver stored water to the outlet 20 of the first duct means 5. Control means 45 is operatively associated with the first and second duct means 5, 25 and the reservoir 35, to monitor and regulate the flow of the mains and stored water delivered through the outlet 20 to the user. The first duct means 5 further includes a valve electrically operable by the control means 45 to regulate the flow of mains water through is the outlet 20. In the preferred form the valve 50 is a solenoid valve however any type of electrically operated valve or actuator could be utilised. The second duct means further includes a flow control apparatus 55 to sense pressure within the second duct means 25 so that the control means 45 can determine when to energise the solenoid valve of the first duct means 5. The solenoid valve 50 is moved to a closed position preventing flow of mains water to the outlet 20 when the stored water in the reservoir reaches a predetermined height level. The solenoid valve 50 is also moved to a closed position preventing flow of mains water to the outlet 20 when pressure within the second duct means 25 reaches a predetermined pressure level. The solenoid valve 50 is moved to an open position delivering mains water to the outlet 20 if and when the control means loses power. In the preferred form, the flow control apparatus 55 includes a pressure switch 60, pressure cell 65 and a pressure gauge In the preferred form, the reservoir 35 is a storage water tank and includes a pump 75 operatively associated with the control means 45 so that when energised by the control means 45, the pump 75 delivers stored water to the second duct means 25. The pump 75 should be submerged in the stored water in the reservoir 35 so that as much of [R:\LIBLL] 1684 I.doc:hxa the stored water can be utilised. The control means 45 is operatively associated with a level sensor 80 located in the reservoir 35 to indicate to the control means 45 when the stored water reaches the predetermined height level. The level sensor 80 would preferably include a float switch or the like. The control means 45 is also operatively associated with the flow control apparatus 55 to indicate to the control means 45 when the pressure reaches the predetermined pressure level. When the control means 45 senses the stored water has reached the predetermined height or pressure level, the control means is able to energise the solenoid valve 50 to move it to the closed position, energise the pump 75 so that the stored water can be delivered to the outlet 20. The second duct 1o means 25 also includes a non return valve 85 to ensure mains water does not flow back through the second duct means 25. Further, the second duct means 25 includes means such as a water meter or the like to measure the amount of stored water delivered to the outlet 20 from the reservoir 35. The first and second duct means 5, 25 can also include other common valve assembly fittings, means to service and test the assembly 1 such as double check valves 95, a strainer 100, isolating valves 105, check valve 110 or the like all being connected by typical piping or fittings. The assembly can also be mounted on a frame 115 or the like.

Accordingly there is provided a simple and versatile assembly 1 to automatically transfer measurable amounts of rain water stored in a tank or reservoir 35 to service outlets such as toilets (single or multiple as in toilet blocks), flush-rette systems washing machines, garden or horticultural supplies or other such uses in domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural fields. The assembly 1 advantageously can cater for all known pump sizes and duties, pipe sizes, tank sizes and high rise situations. A maximum amount of stored rain water can be pumped while being able to be backed up with mains water without double handling. The assembly 1 can also be used to collect and disburse storm water run off or even to collect and disburse liquids other than rain water for example chemicals or liquid substances with or without foreign particles. One such application could be the use of the assembly 1 to transfer waste products and poisonous or non poisonous matter. A further advantage of the assembly 1 is that it can be retrofitted to existing systems and can be manufactured from most common metals, plastics or a combination thereof. Further, the assembly 1 is fully serviceable by way of the check [R:\LIBLL] 16841 .doc:hxa valves 95 and isolating valves 105 with component parts being replaced easily or tested without the need to dismantle the entire assembly 1.

In use, mains water enters the assembly 1 through inlet 10 of first duct means and flows through the outlet 20 in the event of the assembly 1 working off mains water only. The mains water cannot travel back into second duct means 25 as it includes a nonreturn valve On the second duct means 25 side of the assembly 1, the pump 75 supplies stored water from the reservoir 35 to the outlet 20. When the pump 75 is online it cannot flow backwards as there is power supplied to the solenoid valve 50 which in turn keeps io the solenoid valve 50 shut. This is accomplished synergistically with the control means and flow control apparatus The mains water or first duct means 5 is online and the pump 75 is offline when the float switch 80 in the storage tank 35 senses that the water in the tank 35 has not reached the predetermined level. That level can be set and changed by a user depending upon the application for the assembly 1.

When the float switch 80 is at its lowest point it sends a message back to the control means or switch board 45 that there is no stored rain water available for pumping.

When this happens the control means 45 cuts power to the pressure switch 60, power to the pump 75 and to the solenoid valve 50 simultaneously. This in turn allows mains water to be supplied on demand through the outlet The mains water cannot flow into the second duct means 25 as the non-return valve 85 does not allow water to flow past it. In the event of a power failure the solenoid valve 50 will fail safe open. That is, the valve 50 will open and allow mains water to supply fixtures automatically through outlet The control means or switch board 45 in conjunction with the float switch operates in synergistic harmony to determine if there is rain water available for use, if not mains water is automatically sourced and used by the assembly 1.

The pump 75 is online once the float switch 80 in the storage tank 35 senses that there is rain water available for pumping into the second duct means 25. Once the float switch 80 reaches the predetermined level set by the installer, its sends a message to the control means or switch board 45 which allows power to supply the pump 75, pressure [R:\LIBLL]I 6841.doc:hxa switch 60, and power to the solenoid valve 50 which in turn shuts and does not allow the mains water to flow through the outlet 20. The stored rain water can now fulfil the demand as needed.

In more detail, the pressure switch 60 senses if there is a flow rate after the pressure cell 65 compensates for the flow. If a person flushes the toilet for example, the pressure cell 65 has stored rain water in it and supplies the toilet through outlet 20 to refill the demand of the user. This pressure system saves money by significantly increasing pump 75 efficiency and therefore minimising electricity consumption. The pump 75 does not cut into operation until the pressure switch 60 registers that the set pressure level has 1o dropped below a predetermined level and needs to be brought back to that set level. The pressure level is adjustable and the pressure cell 65 can be added to form a banked unit or the like.

Also stored rain water flowing through the water meter 90 can measure consumption then through the non-return valve 85 into the outlet 20 to supply the demand. The water cannot flow into the first duct means 5 as when the pump 75 is online there is power supplied to the solenoid valve 50, which shuts the valve 50 and closes the first duct means The control means 45 detects when a toilet is flushed, washing machine is used or a hose tap is used or other such application. When this demand is detected the control means 45 automatically supplies the fixtures with rain water if available in the storage tank 35 first and if not it switches to mains water supply next. If there is sufficient rain water storage the assembly 1 supplies the demand and then automatically switches off. If the rain water storage is depleted at any time during a demand cycle or prior to a demand cycle, the assembly 1 provides mains water to fill the demand.

In the case of a power failure/disturbance to the power supply, the assembly 1 automatically supplies mains water as a backup.

The assembly 1 could also include incorporating a manual override and reset button in the control means 45 or include a remote control, mobile phone link, Internet or satellite link or the like. The float 80 could be a probe or low-level switch with an electrical relay; or the solenoid valve could include a 12 volt battery with a piggy back set up transformer which plugs into a 240 volt supply to operate the solenoid valve so [R:\LIBLL]16841 doc:hxa opening and closing. Also the pump 75 could run off solar power or an electrical supply by photovoltaic cells, battery, generator, wind or a combination of the above or the like.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[R:\LIBLL 16841 .doc:hxa

Claims (21)

1. A pump assembly including: a first duct means having an inlet for connection to a mains water supply line and an outlet to deliver mains water to a user; a second duct means having an inlet for connection to a water storage reservoir and an outlet to deliver stored water to the outlet of said first duct means; control means operatively associated with said first and second duct means and said reservoir, to monitor and regulate the flow of said mains and stored water delivered through said outlet to said user; said first duct means including a valve electrically operable by said control means to regulate flow of mains water though said outlet; and wherein said second duct means includes a flow control apparatus to sense pressure within said second duct means so that said control means can determine when to energize said valve of said first duct means.

2. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said valve is moved to a closed position preventing flow of said mains water to said outlet when said stored water in said reservoir reaches a predetermined level.

3. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said valve is moved to a closed position preventing flow of said mains water to said outlet when pressure within said second duct means reaches a predetermined level.

4. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said valve is moved to an open position delivering mains water to said outlet if said control means loses power.

The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said valve is a solenoid valve.

6. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said flow control apparatus includes a pressure switch.

7. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said flow control apparatus includes a pressure cell.

8. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said flow control apparatus includes a pressure gauge. [R:\LIBLL]16841 .doc:hxa -11-

9. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir includes a pump operatively associated with said control means so that when energized said pump delivers stored water to said second duct means.

The pump assembly according to claim 9, wherein said pump is submerged in said stored water of said reservoir.

11. The pump assembly according to claim 2, wherein said control means is operatively associated with a level sensor located in said reservoir to indicate to said control means when said stored water reaches said predetermined level.

12. The pump assembly according to claim 11, wherein said level sensor 1o includes a float switch.

13. The pump assembly according to claim 3, wherein said control means is operatively associated with said flow control apparatus to indicate to said control means when said pressure reaches said predetermined level.

14. The pump assembly according to claims 9 or 10 when dependent on claim 2, wherein when said control means senses said stored water has reached said predetermined level said control means is able to move said valve to said closed position, energize said pump and said stored water can be delivered to said outlet.

The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said second duct means includes a non-return valve.

16. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said second duct means includes means to measure the amount of stored water delivered to said outlet.

17. The pump assembly according to claim 16, wherein said measurement means is a water meter.

18. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second duct means include means to service and test the said assembly.

19. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second duct means includes a strainer.

20. The pump assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second duct means includes an isolating valve. [R:\LIBLL16841 .doc:hxa

21. A pump assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Dated: 10 May, 2006 Vasco Enterprise Australia Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON [R:\LIBLL)16841.doc:hxa