AU2021104671A4

AU2021104671A4 - Water pressure control apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2021104671A4
Application number: AU2021104671A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kevin Barnfield; Razmik Mikaelian
Original assignee: KRS VALVES Pty Ltd
Current assignee: KRS VALVES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-18
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2021-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-28

Abstract

Disclosed is a water pressure control apparatus for use in a reticulated water supply building to protect against damage from excessive or sudden overload of water pressure. The apparatus comprises a housing with an inlet and first and second outlets for directing the flow of water. The second outlet is inseparably formed with the T-section. The apparatus can further comprise a water pressure limiting valve that is adapted for being connected at the second outlet for maintaining downstream water pressure. The water pressure limiting valve comprises a valve housing, a port forming chamber for receiving and directing water, a sliding valve arranged at an outlet end of the port forming chamber for maintaining the downstream water pressure, and at least two adjacent radial seals in the housing arranged to engage with the sliding valve. 1/2 10 3 1 9 8 2 4 12 FIGURE 1 829_1 (GHMatters) P116138.AU.1.1

Description

1/2

10

3 1 9 8 2

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FIGURE 1

829_1 (GHMatters) P116138.AU.1.1

WATER PRESSURE CONTROL APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

A water pressure control apparatus is disclosed. A housing that can form part of the apparatus is disclosed. A pressure limiting valve for use in the apparatus in a water supply line is also disclosed.

The apparatus can protect water filters, fittings, fixtures, appliances and property in reticulated water supply buildings, including homes and offices against damage from excessive or sudden overload of water pressure.

The apparatus can allow for adjustment of flow rate and pressure of water between upstream and downstream of the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be mounted upstream of a water filtration unit to control the downstream pressure from the apparatus.

The apparatus may also comprise a pressure release valve to release back pressure from appliances such as coffee machines, chillers and ice machines when the apparatus is in use with one or more check valves (one-way valves) installed for backflow prevention of water.

In some forms, the apparatus may comprise more than one radial seal at each of its sealing positions to provide added security against water leakage.

BACKGROUND ART

Although pressure limiting valves for use upstream of water filters are known, they have design deficiencies whereby they often leak from where they are connected to a tee (to bypass water from the tee to water filters for filtration), they often leak due to back pressure from appliances when the pressure limiting valve is in use with one or more one-way valves installed for backflow prevention of water and they often leak from their single seals at each of their two sealing positions where their sliding piece or pressure operated piston operate slidingly.

It is known that the connections between tees and the pressure limiting valves leak from time to time causing damage to fixtures and buildings.

It is also known that back pressure from appliances such as coffee machines, chillers and ice machines downstream of pressure limiting valves build up in water filters and pressure limiting valves due to the fact that most pressure limiting valves include one or more one way valve(s) located at the inlet passageway of the pressure limiting valve. These one-way valves help build up pressure in water filters and pressure limiting valves causing damage to property.

These leak deficiencies are because present pressure limiting valves on the market do not come with a tee connected to them as a one-piece fitting, they do not have a pressure relief valve connected to them and they all have only one seal at each of their sealing positions where the sliding piece or pressure operated pistons operate to open or shut the pressure limiting valves.

It is to be understood that, for any prior art referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein is a water pressure control apparatus. The apparatus finds particular application in the protection of 'downstream' apparatus such as water filters, fittings, fixtures, appliances and property in reticulated water supply buildings, including homes and offices. Such protection can include protection against damage from excessive or sudden overload of water pressure.

In one form, the apparatus can comprise a housing, as set forth hereafter. In another form, the apparatus can comprise a water pressure limiting valve, as set forth hereafter.

The housing can be configured for use with the water pressure limiting valve. In this regard, the housing can take the form of a T-section. The housing can comprise an inlet at one end of a head of the T-section. The inlet can be for mains water supplied at mains pressure. The housing can also comprise an opposing first outlet located at an opposite end of the head of the T-section (e.g. the mains water can pass straight through the head of the T-section (i.e. with negligible or no pressure drop)). The housing can further comprise a second outlet located at an end of a stem of the T-section. The second outlet can be adapted for being connected to the inlet of a pressure limiting valve (e.g. that supplies water of reduced pressure to various of the 'downstream' apparatus such as water filters, fittings, fixtures, appliances, etc.).

In accordance with the disclosure, the second outlet can be inseparably formed with the T section. This can provide a 'leak-free', failproof housing configuration. For example, the housing may be in the form of a single piece (i.e. whereby the inlet, and first and second outlets, form an integral part of the T-section. In this regard, the housing may be cast or machined as/from a single piece (e.g. of a suitable metal such as stainless steel, brass, etc.).

In some embodiments, the housing may further comprise external and internal threads arranged at the second outlet. The external thread may be configured for engaging with an internal thread at one end of a housing of the pressure limiting valve. The internal thread may be configured for engaging with an external thread at one end of a port-forming member of the pressure limiting valve.

In some embodiments, the second outlet may be configured such that a rebate is defined internally of the second outlet. The rebate may be located between an internal wall of the second outlet and an external wall at said one end of the port-forming member. The rebate may be configured to receive therein one radial seal such as an O-ring. Or the rebate may be configured to receive a pair of radial seals such as a pair of O-rings. Such radial seal(s) may provide a seal between the second outlet and the port-forming member.

In some embodiments, the housing may further comprise at least one one-way valve disposed in the T-section. The at least one one-way valve may be located before (e.g. adjacent to) the second outlet.

In some embodiments, when at least one one-way valve is disposed in the T-section, a relief valve may be provided at a lateral outlet of the pressure limiting valve. The relief valve can relieve back pressure that can arise at the outlet of the pressure limiting valve.

Also disclosed herein is a water pressure limiting valve. The valve may cooperate with the housing as set forth above. The valve can be provided to ensure the supply of water of reduced pressure to the various 'downstream' apparatus such as water filters, fittings, fixtures, appliances, etc.

The valve can comprise a valve housing. The valve housing can be configured for connection to a supply of (e.g. mains) water. The valve can also comprise a port forming chamber for receiving and directing the water flowing into the water pressure limiting valve. The port forming chamber may form part of a port forming member, that can e.g. be a component of the valve. The valve can further comprise a sliding valve arranged at an outlet end of the port forming chamber. The sliding valve can be movable with respect to the port forming chamber outlet end between a flow-restricted position in which the sliding valve is located at the outlet end and a flow-permitted position in which the sliding valve is spaced from the outlet end. The sliding valve can be biased into the flow-permitted position (e.g. by a biasing member, such as a helical spring located within the valve). The bias can be overcome at a predetermined pressure of water at the outlet of the pressure limiting valve. The bias may serve to control the water pressure at the outlet of the pressure limiting valve. The sliding valve can be caused to slide by a certain pressure of water passing into the valve housing.

In accordance with the disclosure, at least two adjacent radial seals such as O-rings can be located in the valve housing. The at least two radial seals can be arranged to engage with the sliding valve at an external circumferential surface of the valve at each of, and when it moves between, the flow-restricted and flow-permitted positions. By providing at least two adjacent radial seals, the 'leak-free' performance of the water pressure limiting valve can be enhanced or improved.

In some embodiments, the valve may further comprise at least two further adjacent radial seals such as O-rings located in the valve housing. The at least two further radial seals may be arranged to locate at and engage with the sliding valve at an internal circumferential surface thereof as it moves between the flow-restricted and flow-permitted positions. The two further radial seals may be located at and may surround the port forming member at an external circumferential surface thereof.

In some embodiments, the valve may be configured for mounting to a housing as set forth above. Further, the valve may also comprise at least two adjacent additional radial seals such as O-rings. The at least two additional radial seals may be the same at least two radial seals as set forth above for the housing (i.e. the radial seals that are to be located in the rebate that is defined internally of the second outlet).

In some embodiments, the housing of the pressure limiting valve may comprise a single piece housing.

A water pressure control apparatus that comprises the housing and/or water pressure limiting valve may be such as to enable water pressure to be adjusted between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet of the apparatus. Such a water pressure control apparatus may comprise the T-section as set forth above. Such a water pressure control apparatus may comprise the water pressure limiting valve as set forth above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding other forms that may fall within the scope of the apparatus as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments of the water pressure control apparatus will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus, including preferred one-way valves and pressure relief valve, in accordance with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1, a cross sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with the disclosure, includes housing (1 and 2) serving as a body. The apparatus is provided with inlet port (3) and outlet ports (4 and 5). Through the inlet port (3) operating water is introduced. Through one of the outlet ports (4) water is discharged at prescribed pressure. Through outlet port (5), which is a supplementary port, water discharge pressure is practically unaltered when flowing from inlet port (3).

Operating water introduced at inlet port (3) and discharged at outlet port (4) must first flow through port forming chamber (6) formed at detachable housing section (1).

A pressure operated piston in the form of a sliding piece (7) is mounted within the housing section (2) downstream of port forming chamber (6) such that when liquid passes through the port forming chamber (6) the sliding piece (7), supported by a compression spring (8), will control the water pressure at the sliding piece outlet (9) and therefore at outlet port (4) of the apparatus housing section (2).

Two radial seals (10) formed by O-rings are positioned between the port forming member (6) and pressure operated piston (7).

Two radial seals (11) formed by O-rings are positioned between the sliding piece (7) and housing section (2).

A cylindrical sheet in the form of a disk (12) is mounted at the inner section of the sliding piece (7) such that, with an increase in pressure from the outlet port (4), the sliding piece (7) is forced towards port forming outlet (13) forcing the cylindrical sheet (12) to block the flow of water in a flow restricted position. Compression spring (8) is biased to a position where sliding piece (7) and cylindrical sheet (12) are spaced from the outlet in a flow permitted position, and only when the back pressure from outlet port (4) is greater than the combined pressure from port forming member outlet (13) and bias of the compression spring (8) will sliding piece (7) be forced into a flow restricted position.

Referring to Figure 2, a cross sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with the disclosure, includes housing (1 and 2) serving as a body. The apparatus is provided with inlet port (3) and outlet ports (4 and 5). Through the inlet port (3) operating water is introduced. Through one of the outlet ports (4) water is discharged at prescribed pressure. Through the outlet port (5), which is a supplementary port, water discharge pressure is practically unaltered when flowing from inlet port (3).

Operating water introduced at inlet port (3) and discharged at outlet port (4) must first flow through one-way valves (14) and port forming chamber (6) formed at detachable housing section (1).

Connected to the apparatus housing section (2) is a pressure relief valve with inlet port (15) and an outlet port (16). Through inlet port (15) operating water is introduced and through outlet port (16) water is discharged.

Operating water introduced at inlet port (15) and discharged at outlet port (16) must first flow through chamber (19) formed in housing (17 and 18) before being discharged.

Positioned in chamber (19) is a valve body (20) and valve sheet (21). By force of a compression spring (22) the valve body (20) forces the valve sheet (21) against the chamber

(19) closing the opening at the end of the inlet port (15) and therefore blocking the passage of operating water from the inlet port (15) into the chamber (19). At this position the relief valve is closed.

The pressure relief valve is open when the operating water is introduced with a pressure greater than the force of the compression spring (22) forcing the valve body (20) and the valve sheet (21) in the direction of the operating water.

Whilst the apparatus has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the apparatus can be embodied in many other forms. For example, the pressure limiting valve housing section (2) can be cast in one piece such that the housing of the pressure limiting valve is inseparable.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus.

Claims

1. A housing for use with a water pressure limiting valve, the housing being a T-section and comprising:

- an inlet at one end of a head of the T-section,

- an opposing first outlet at an opposite end of the head of the T-section, and

- a second outlet at an end of a stem of the T-section, the second outlet being adapted for being connected to the inlet of a pressure limiting valve,

wherein the second outlet is inseparably formed with the T-section.

2. A housing according to claim 1, the housing further comprising external and internal threads arranged at the second outlet, the external thread being configured for engaging with an internal thread at one end of a housing of the pressure limiting valve; the internal thread being configured for engaging with an external thread at one end of a port-forming member of the pressure limiting valve.

3. A housing according to claim 2, wherein the second outlet is configured such that a rebate is defined internally of the second outlet, the rebate located between an internal wall of the second outlet and an external wall at said one end of the port-forming member, the rebate being configured to receive therein one, or a pair, of radial seals such as O-rings to provide a seal between the second outlet and the port-forming member.

4. A housing according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one one way valve disposed in the T-section to be located before the second outlet, wherein when the at least one one-way valve is disposed in the T-section, a relief valve is provided at a lateral outlet of the pressure limiting valve.

5. A water pressure limiting valve, the valve being configured for mounting to a housing as set forth in any one of claims 1-4, the valve comprising:

- a valve housing, the valve housing configured for connection to the second outlet to receive a supply of water;

- a port forming chamber for receiving and directing the water supplied into the water pressure limiting valve;

- a sliding valve arranged at an outlet end of the port forming chamber, the sliding valve movable with respect to the port forming chamber outlet end between a flow-restricted position in which the sliding valve is located at the outlet end and a flow-permitted position in which the sliding valve is spaced from the outlet end, the sliding valve being biased into the flow-permitted position, with the bias being overcome at a predetermined pressure of water at the outlet of the pressure limiting valve;

- at least two adjacent radial seals such as O-rings located in the valve housing, the least two radial seals being arranged to engage with the sliding valve at an external circumferential surface of the valve at each of, and when it moves between, the flow restricted and flow-permitted positions.