AU2006233236A1 - Water valve - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: TYCO WATER PTY LIMITED A.C.N. 087 415 745 Invention Title: WATER VALVE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to Us: IN- 2

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WATER VALVE c O The present invention relates to water valves and components in water valves that can be used both at mains c 5 supply and at water meters.

IND Background of the Invention c, SMost Australian households have a water meter in the front ND 10 yard to measure water usage. Most water meters have a stop tap before the meter, which is used to isolate the water supply in case maintenance needs to be conducted on the meter or on fittings inside the house.

Common stop tap types are ball valves, T-head stop valves and gate valves. None of these traditional products allow for maintenance under pressure.

Most residential service connections require a valve of some description to isolate water at the water main in case maintenance of the service pipeline is required.

These valves have limitations in that they do not allow maintenance to be carried out under pressure. Valve internal components such as valve mechanisms cannot be removed for maintenance under pressure.

Where new services are required for connection to existing pressurised water mains, specialised under-pressure tapping valves are required. Current specialised tapping valves do not allow for the repair of the internal valve mechanisms under pressure.

Summary of the Invention In one aspect the present invention relates to a cartridge for a water valve comprising a first chamber having a water inlet, a second chamber having a water outlet, an H:\melindaf\keep\Speci'6\P62664 Water Valve.doc 27/10/06 IN 3

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orifice between the first and second chambers, a check valve within the first chamber that is movable to seat

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O against the orifice, and a spindle opening in the second chamber for receiving a spindle of a water valve.

In another aspect the present invention also provides a INDwater valve comprising a valve body including an inlet C spigot, an outlet spigot and a valve chamber, a spindle located through the valve body and having a closure member, and a cartridge in the valve body having a first chamber with a water inlet, a second chamber with a water C outlet, an orifice between the first and second chambers, a check valve within the first chamber that is movable to seat against the orifice, and a spindle opening in the second chamber for receiving the spindle whereby the spindle shuts off water flow through the cartridge and thereby through the water valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a water valve for right angle installation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the water valve of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a isometric sectional view of the cartridge of the water valve; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the cartridge; and Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are side sectional views illustrating H:\melindaf\keep\Speci's\P62664 Water Valve.doc 27/10/06 -O 4

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operation of the water valve.

O Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The Figures illustrate a mains supply cut-off water valve for installing in an angled connection, typically for INOcoupling to a water meter. While not shown, it is C understood that a similar version of the water valve M operating within the principle of the invention can be O 10 used for installing in in-line plumbing.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 water valve 10 has a valve body 11 and a spindle assembly comprising a spindle 12 and a T-head stop tap bonnet 14. Valve body 11 includes a valve chamber 16 which seats a cartridge 22, an inlet spigot 17 and an outlet spigot 18.

The cartridge is mounted in the valve body 11 by an interference fit, circlip, or by other suitable restraint means and hence can be removed for maintenance or replacement. The cartridge carries a check valve 26 located at a bottom end of the cartridge 22 which obstructs water flow through the cartridge when spindle assembly is removed from the water valve for maintenance or replacement.

The cartridge 22 has a spindle aperture 31 at its top surface to receive therethrough spindle 12. An in-flow aperture 32 is located at the bottom of the cartridge and at an opposite end to the spindle aperture. Water flows into valve 10 flows through inlet spigot 17 and into the cartridge through in-flow aperture 32. The cartridge also contains exit holes 33 spaced around the cylindrical wall of the cartridge at an upper end. In use water flows out of these exit holes and through outlet spigot 18.

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective illustrations of the H:\meindaf\keep\Speci8\P62664 Water Va3ve.doc 27/10/06

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cartridge.

O Cartridge 22 internally contains an upper chamber 27 and a lower chamber 28 separated by a seat 35 defining an C 5 orifice 23. Upper chamber 27 is substantially hollow and communicates with exit holes 33. Lower chamber 28 Icontains the check valve 26.

M On the side of the seat 35 facing the upper chamber 27, N 10 the seat is adapted to receive a closure member in the form of a spindle flange 36 of the spindle. The flange 36 supports a seal. Accordingly, spindle 12 extends into the valve body 11 and into the cartridge 22 and spindle flange 36 rests, when in a closed spindle position, upon seat On the side of the seat 35 facing the lower chamber 28, the seat is adapted to receive the sealing face 38 of check valve 26. The sealing face 38 supports a sealing member, such as an 0-ring 30 to form a tight seal between the check valve and seat 35. Check valve 26, guided by guides 39, slides in a retainer 40 in lower chamber 28 towards and away from seat 35. Retainer 40 (as best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) is a circular insert having ribs 41 extending radially to a centre point to support a check holder 42 in which a stem 29 of the check valve 26 locates and slides.

The check valve and retainer arrangement is inserted into the underside of cartridge 22 through in-flow aperture 32.

The ribs 41, are raised up against the bottom of the guides 39, which are higher than the in-flow aperture.

This minimises the interference of the ribs 41 and holder 42 on the water flow through the valve.

Guides 39 are formed integrally with the lower chamber, which is an advantageous feature of the design over known designs because it allows the check valve, and hence H:\melindaf\keep\Speci's\P62664 Water Valve.doc 27/10/06 -6-

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orifice 35, to be made larger, thereby increasing the flow rate of water through the water valve.

Figures 5(a) to 5(c) illustrate various stages of c 5 operation of the water valve. In the closed position illustrated in Figure spindle 12 is rotated to Ssealingly seat spindle flange 36 against seat 35 and shut C off flow of water through cartridge 22 and hence through Swater valve 10. A spindle stem 37, or protrusion, at the lowermost end of spindle 12 projects into the lower chamber 28 and abuts against a flat centre part of sealing face 38 of check valve 26 to push it away from seat against the pressure of water flowing through inlet spigot 17. In use, check valve 26 operates under the holding force of spindle 12 and the force of water flowing behind and around the check valve.

When water valve 10 begins to be opened, as illustrated in Figure spindle 12 is rotated to lift off seat 35 and allow water to flow through the cartridge around the check valve (in between the guides 39) and through the water valve. Stem 37 maintains contact with check valve 26 which moves closer to seat 35 as flange 36 moves away.

Even in the spindle's most open position, stem 35 projects into the lower chamber keeping check valve 26 clear of seat 35 to allow the flow of water around the check valve.

Repair and maintenance of the water valve requires complete removal of the spindle assembly to access both the spindle assembly and valve chamber 16. Figure illustrates water valve 10 with the spindle assembly disassembled from valve body 11. Spindle 12 is no longer able to apply a holding force on check valve 26, which as a result of mains pressure, moves towards and closes orifice 23 against the flow of water. Water is thereby prevented from flowing through valve 10 and works may be carried out, for example replacement of seals on the H:\melindaf\keep\Speci'9\P62664 Water Valvedoc 27/10/06 IND 7

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spindle assembly. Or the spindle assembly may be replaced Sby another type of head configuration.

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The embodiment of the water valve described herein is adapted for installation at a right angle bend, such as that used at water meters. It is understood that the INDinventive concept can also be used on valves for in-line C service where the valve configuration is adapted for M straight flow through one side of the valve to the other,

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rather than a flow turn direction of 900 as shown herein.

There will also be a need, from time to time, to repair or replace cartridge 22. The cartridge is designed to be removable from the valve chamber 16 and to include all operable components of the valve, that is check valve, seals, seat, etc., so that failure of any of the components can be easily addressed by replacing the cartridge with a new cartridge. Hence, all valve mechanisms in the water valve that could fail are able to be repaired or replaced because they are not fixed in the valve body.

Replacement of cartridges can be carried out under mains pressure using a cartridge replacement device (not shown).

The device is intended to remove a cartridge from a water valve under pressure and/or inserts a replacement cartridge under pressure with ease and without wastage of water.

The present water valve and cartridge system has the ability to provide swift valve maintenance while working under mains pressure and permit connection of domestic water services to existing pipelines under mains pressure.

There is a potential reduction in maintenance costs and a reduction in water wastage.

Benefits continue with the ability for bonnet connections H:\melindaf\keep\Speci 's\P62664 Water Valve.doc 27/10/06 8

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to be serviced, and valve functions changed while under full water mains pressure. It provides multiple O interchangeable valving options under pressure. Minimal downtime to water meter systems is experienced during maintenance and the present water valve can be retrofitted into most existing water meter assemblies.

C The valve is suitable for various sizes of water services Sand itself can be made in various sizes. It also minimises the threat of static electricity electrocution, and injury from high pressure discharge known to occur with existing systems.

Furthermore, for applications where the body is soldered to the service the cartridge can be inserted after the soldering ensuring no damage to the valve system.

The system has the ability to be used as a so-called 'Tapping Under Pressure Valve' off the main supply. The main supply can be tapped and then the cartridge can be inserted under full mains pressure utilising a cartridge exchange device. This eliminates the need for costly shut downs and other Occupational Health and Safety issues experienced with current maintenance practises.

The size of the orifice and check valve can be made larger as the cartridge also incorporates the guides for the check valve. For example, a 20mm inlet/outlet diameter water valve is able to have an increased check valve size from approximately 16mm diameter of known systems to approximately 19mm diameter. This same feature is extrapolated over other sizes. The increase in check valve and orifice size is beneficial as it allows for an increase in flow rate.

The present water valve incorporates the use of sealing products into the cartridge, such as O-rings, rather than H:\melindaf\keep\Speci's\P62664 water Valve.doc 27/10/06 9

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incorporating the sealing means into the valve body as is common. This in turn reduces the height and weight of the O water valve as the flat washers used in common valves require more height and a larger sealing surface.

Incorporation of sealing elements in the system allows a reduction in overall system size.

C Furthermore, the valve body fastens to the head assembly Sby way of an external thread on the valve body. This further assists in reducing the size of the overall water valve. This is made possible because the sealing means are carried by the cartridge and not by the valve body itself.

In terms of water sampling points in a plumbing network, the present valve provides for a simple source of water sampling where water sampling points can be easily relocated.

Of the more important advantages, the present system does not require isolation of the mains valve for shut off of the system to facilitate maintenance or repair of the full valve mechanism. Nor, as is also common, does the present system require freezing of the water upstream of the main in order to carry out works. It will also no longer be necessary to install a new service at the main if the valve fails as with current systems which is necessary because maintenance cannot be carried out under pressure.

With the present system maintenance can be carried out under pressure.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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Claims (13)

1. 2. The cartridge claimed in claim 1 wherein the cartridge is a cylindrical body with the spindle opening at one end of the body and the water inlet at the opposite end of the body.
2. 3. The cartridge claimed in claim 2 wherein the water outlet includes circumferential holes in walls of the second chamber.
3. 4. The cartridge claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the orifice is defined by a seat which on one side seats the check valve and on the other side seats a closure member of the spindle. The cartridge claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein guides are located in the first chamber to guide movement of the check valve towards the orifice under the force of flowing water and away from the orifice under the force of the spindle bearing against the check valve.
4. 6. The cartridge claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the check valve comprises a sealing member on one end of a central stem, the sealing member sealing against the orifice. H:\melindaf\keep\Speci'a\P62664 Water Valvedoc 27/10/06 -11- \O S7. The cartridge claimed in claim 6 wherein the O stem is centrally held in the cartridge by a retainer having a central stem holder and apertures through which water flows, the stem being adapted to slide within the stem holder. c 8. The cartridge claimed in claim 7 wherein the M retainer is removably attached to the cartridge at the (N inlet.
5. 9. The cartridge claimed in claim 8 wherein the retainer is inset in the inlet.
6. 10. The cartridge claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the inlet and spindle openings have seals to, in use, seal the cartridge in the water valve.
7. 11. A water valve comprising: a valve body including an inlet spigot, an outlet spigot and a valve chamber; a spindle located through the valve body and having a closure member; and a cartridge in the valve body having a first chamber with a water inlet, a second chamber with a water outlet, an orifice between the first and second chambers, a check valve within the first chamber that is movable to seat against the orifice, and a spindle opening in the second chamber for receiving the spindle whereby the spindle shuts off water flow through the cartridge and thereby through the water valve.
8. 12. The water valve claimed in claim 11 wherein the spindle's closure member is adapted to seat against the orifice in the second chamber so as to shut off water flow. H:\melindf\keep\Speci's\P62664 ater Valvedoc 27/10/06 ND 12
9. 13. The water valve claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 O wherein the spindle includes a protrusion on an underside of the closure member that bears against the check valve in the first chamber, the check valve being biased, in use, towards the orifice under the force of water flow. \O C r
10. 14. The water valve claimed in claim 13 wherein on M withdrawal of the spindle from the cartridge, the ND 10 spindle's protrusion withdraws from the first chamber and the check valve is allowed to seal against the orifice, thereby stopping water flow through the cartridge. The water valve claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the cartridge sealingly locates between an upper wall and a lower wall of the valve chamber.
11. 16. The water valve claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein water flowing through the cartridge exits the cartridge through the water outlet which constitutes holes located on the circumference of the second chamber, and thereafter exits the outlet spigot of the water valve.
12. 17. A cartridge for a water valve substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. 18. A water valve substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. H:\mellndaE\keep\Speci'\P62664 Water Valve.doc 27/10/06