AU694206B2

AU694206B2 - Valves and diverting systems

Info

Publication number: AU694206B2
Application number: AU21631/95A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Basil Reudolphus Wild
Original assignee: Marwil Pollution Control Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Marwil Pollution Control Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1994-06-14
Filing date: 1995-06-14
Publication date: 1998-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2015-06-14
Also published as: AU2163195A

Description

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WrIF, LII_- LL-L~~ i i -1 ill Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

a,..r 4.4, 4 6 44414 Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: BASIL REUDOLPHUS WILD BASIL REUDOLPHUS WILD

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SANDERCOCKS PATENT ATTORNEYS Suite 6, 50-54 Robinson Street, DANDENONG VIC 3175 VALVES AND DIVERTING SYSTEMS Invention Title: Details of Associated Provisional Application(s): No(s): Australian Provisional Application No. PM6330 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 1 950613.CMSDAT219id.fli,1

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t la- I TITLE: VALVES AND DIVERTING SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION 1 5 This invention relates to valves and diverting systems.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION It is common at industrial plants to provide a wash pad on 10 which trucks and buses may be located for the purposes of washing the trucks or buses with water containing various cleaning materials such as powerful industrial detergents.

It is no longer permissible to allow waste water and cleaning solutions which falls from trucks and buses as a result of such cleaning operations to flow to waste into 95o613,csspe.83,widxaP.1 ;jr 2 *r r r a r r rr r: D r r r r r rr r rr roi cs\r r

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sbir r r r rr~ r r~rr rrr rrirr r r the ground or via publicly owned sewer lines or direct to publicly owned storm water drains or to rivers and creeks.

Instead, such waste water must be collected for disposal in an approved manner. Collection is usually in a holding tank.

However, such wash pads are usually located in the open air and inevitably it will rain on the wash pad and it is undesirable to pass rain water to such a holding tank as the volume of the tank might need to be increased and the actual volume of liquid to be disposed of in approved manner would greatly increase.

However, as the wash pad must be considered to be contaminated, an initial amount of rain that falls on such a wash pad must be considered to become contaminated.

The present invention has particular application to the 20 cleaning of buses, trucks, transport and delivery vehicles, cranes, fork lifts, large plant and equipment, Council equipment and etc.

However, the present invention also has application to 25 pollution areas such as petroleum depots, food processing plants, fish and produce market loading areas, abattoirs, chemical tanker loading areas, wineries, breweries and roadways in a chemical process or open storage areas.

30 The present invention in either automatic or manual form may be used in:- Main discharge drain from Chemical Process Plants, Outlets from oil and petroleum storage areas, or where it is desirable to isolate a designated tanker filling discharge area while product is being transferred.

i 9So613xmssp083,widap,2 L 1_ i j j L L i:l: l -3- Abattoir and waste rendering operations, to be used in storm water diversion systems.

Discharge from sewerage and waste treatment plants, and Flood control to stop reverse flows.

It is an object of the present invention to provide valves, diverters and wash pads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides:-

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a drainage area, for example a wash pad, having a drainage pit to which waste water or rain water falling on the pad will drain, 9 a first outlet from the pit, 20 a second outlet from the pit at a location thereon above said first outlet, *e SI means for detecting rain, 9*tt means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit, controller means and a director means, and constructed and arranged such that, under a first condition of operation the director means is in a condition such that waste Swater collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, SA 98060 1,cmsspe. 148,wild.cap,3 i 1 1 1 4 under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller means will put the director means into a condition in which it prevents or restricts flow via the first outlet and thereafter the controller means is operative on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, and to, thereafter, put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

The present invention also provides such a pit.

The present invention also provides such a controller.

PREFERRED FEATURES OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the director means comprises a diverter Ioeoo: *valve.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention provides:j a drainage area, for example a wash pad, having a drainage pit to which waste water or rain water falling on the pad will drain, a first outlet from the pit, a second outlet from the pit, means for detecting rain, means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit, 95G3,ansspc.083,iIdd.cap, 4 controller means and a diverter valve, and constructed and arranged such that, under a first condition of operation the valve is in a condition such that waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller means will put the valve into a condition in which it prevents or restricts flow via the first outlet and thereafter the controller means is operative on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the valve in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, and to, thereafter, put the valve in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

25 Discharge from the first outlet and/or the second outlet may be by pump or gravity.

Preferably the arrangement is that the pit will be flushed a predetermined number of times before the director means is put in said condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

That predetermined number of times may be adjustable, A pump is preferably connected to the first outlet.

The pump is preferably de-energised at such times when flow 950613,mnsspc.083,wildap i 6 of water from the pit via the first outlet is prevented or restricted.

The second outlet is preferably positioned above the first outlet.

The second outlet is preferably normally open to the pit.

The level of detection of water in the pit for the director means to be put in a condition to allow water to flow from the pit is preferably below the second outlet.

The valve is normally in open condition but might be operated as normally in closed condition.

In another aspect the director means comprises a pump.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention provides 44* 20 a drainage area, for example a wash pad, having a drainage pit to which waste water or rain water falling S'on the pad will drain, 25 a first outlet from the pit, a second outlet from the pit, means for detecting rain, means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit, controller means and a pump, and constructed and arranged such that, 950613,cmsspe.083,wildxap,6 1 -7under a first condition of operation the pump is in a condition such that waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller means will put the pump into a condition in which it prevents or restricts flow via the first outlet and thereafter the controller means is operative on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the pump in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, and to, thereafter, put the pump in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

Where the director means is a pump it is preferably not 20 caused to pump until the pit has filled to the predetermined level.

A specific embodiment of a drainage area, being a .ash pd, in accordance with this invention together with a pit, a 25 valve, and controller means in accordance with this invention will also be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wash pad, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve in one condition, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve in anothecondition, i 9S0613.sspe.083ild.cap,7

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Figure 4 is a top plan view of the valve, Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of the valve, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another wash pad, and Figures 7a 7k is an eleven part circuit diagram of a controller.

INTEGER LIST 1. Wash pad 2. Drainage pit 3. First outlet 4. Second outlet 6. Valve 7. Base 8. Supports 9. Sealant 20. Valve seat J 21. Valve outlet 22. Valve closure 23. Power connections 24. Shaft 25 25. Lifting handles 26. Valve connecting clips 27. Plate 28. Valve operator 29. Top cover 30 31. Strainer basket 32. Water level sensor *1455b DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH RESPECT TO THE DRAWINGS In the drawings is shown a wash pad 1 which comprises a general concrete surface into which has been embedded a drainage pit 2 formed of concrete material.

950613,msspe.83,wildap,8 69 I 950613,CMSDAT219,wild.fil,l I -9- The drainage pit 2 is provided with a first outlet, which is a lower outlet, and which is connected to a trade waste.

The first outlet 3 will normally be associated with a pump for pumping trade waste to an appropriate holding tank for later processing or disposal.

T Jcated at a higher level above the first outlet 3 is a second outlet 4.

The second outlet 4 will normally be connected to a storm water drain or other approved outlet.

Within the drainage pit 2 is a valve 6.

The valve 6 comprises a base 7 which is supported above the bottom of the drainage pit S 5 2 by means of supports 8.

I It i, The base 7 is sealed with the drainage pit 2 by means of sealant 9 such as to define chambers above and below the base 7.

The chamber below the base 7 is in communication with the first outlet 3 and the chamber above the base 7 is in communication with the second outlet 4.

The valve 6 has a valve outlet 21 defined by a valve seat A valve closure 22 is provided for engaging with the valve seat 20 and thereby closing the valve outlet 21.

The valve closure 22 is shown in closed position in Figure 3 and in open position in Figure 2.

Lifting handles 25 extend upwardly from the valve 6.

St 980601,cmsspe. 148,wild.cap,9 1

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10 The supports 8 support a plate 27 on which is located a valve operator 28.

The valve operator 28 may be any convenient valve operator such as solenoid, pneumatic or hydraulic but we presently prefer to use a pneumatic cylinder with an internal spring return for the valve operator 28.

A top cover 29 is provided on the drainage pit and a strainer basket 31 is located in that top cover 29.

A water level sensor 32 is located within the drainage pit and determines an upper level of water.

Also associated with the wash pad is a rain detector, not shown, and a controller, not shown.

The manner in which the apparatus of Figure 1 operates will now be described.

0 In the normal course of operation, the valve closure 22 will be in the open position as shown in Figure 2 and when in that position a truck or other vehicle may be located on the wash pad and washed down with water containing cleaning 25 solutions.

The waste water and cleaning solutions will pass via the valve outlet 21 to the first outlet 3 and will be pumped or otherwise collected for later processing or disposal.

It is preferably the case that when washing is complete the S"i valve closure 22 is in the closed position shown in solid line.

If it ware to rain when the wash pad was not in use then Swater would collect in the drainage pit 2 and would gradually rise until it had reached a level at which the 95O613,crnsspe.83;ildxcap,1 I (i

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r Cf j i Bi ii ana constructea anq arrangeu suun tnau, under a first condition of operation the director means is in a condition such that waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, /2 11 water level sensor 32 operated on the controller.

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01I rC r r. r r Under such conditions the controller operates to move the valve closure 22 to the open position shown in Figure 2 so as to dispose of the rain water via the first outlet 3.

On the water level falling sufficiently, the valve closure 22 would again be put into the closed condition of Figure 3 and thereafter the drainage pit would again commence filling with rain water.

The valve closure 22 can be caused to open and close as many times as is desired or as is required by regulations to achieve a satisfactory flushing of the drainage pit.

When the drainage pit has been flushed the desired number of times with rainwater, the controller operates such that the valve closure 22 is maintained in closed position as shown in Figure 3 and further rainwater will rise above the 20 level normally at which the water level sensor 32 would operate and then can exit via the second outlet 4 to a storm water drain or other approved outlet.

The wash pad shown in Figure 6 is similar to that shown in Figure 1 and like reference numerals denote like parts.

However, the wash pad shown in Figure 6 is simpler than that of Figure 1 in that valve 6, base 7, supports 8, sealant 9, valve seat 20, valve outlet 21, valve closure 30 22, shaft 24, lifting handles 25, valve connecting clips 26, plate 27 and valve operator 28 have been eliminated and in lieu there is a pump 41 having a pump outlet 42.

Further, the first outlet 3 has been modified to be a line 43 extending from the pump outlet 42.

The manner in which the apparatus of Figure 6 operates will 950613cmsspe.083i ldrxapII the first outlet I ./3 12 now be described.

In the normal course of operation a truck or other vehicle may be located on the wash pad and washed down with water containing cleaning solutions.

The waste water and cleaning solutions will pass into the drainage pit 2 via the strainer basket 31 and will commence to fill the pit 2.

On the commencement of such a washing operation, the pump 41 may be commenced to pump so that waste water and cleaning solutions will be pumped via the pump 41 through pump outlet 42 to the line 43 from which the waste water and cleaning solutions can be collected for later processing or disposal.

Alternatively, the pump 41 need not be commenced operating at the commencement of such a washing but instead the water level in the pit may be allowed to rise until the level is such as to activate the water level sensor 32 to cause the pump to commence pumping.

At the completion of such a washing when the pit 2 is substantially empty the pump 41 can be turned off by the controller.

If it were to rain when the wash pad was not ir use then water would collect in the drainage pit 2 and would 30 gradually rise until it had reached a level at which the water level sensor 32 operated on the controller.

Under such conditions the controller operates to cause the Spump 41 to pump rain water from the pit 2 via the line 43.

On the water level falling sufficiently, the pump 41 can be turned off and the pit 2 would again commence filling with S950613 sspe.083,wild.cap,12 -13rain water.

The pump 41 can be caused to pump as many times as is desired or as is required by regulations to achieve a satisfactory flushing of the pit 2.

When the drainage pit has been flushed the desired number of times with rainwater, the controller operates such that the pump 41 is not set to pumping and further rainwater will rise above the level normally at which the water level sensor 32 would operate and then can exit via the second outlet 4 to a storm water drain or other approved outlet.

By both the above apparatus there is good and proper collection of what is properly trade waste but after a proper flushing that which is merely rain water can pass via the second outlet 4 to a storm water drain and not go to trade waste to provide disposal problems.

*t 9 S 15 An eleven part circuit diagram of a suitable controller is shown in Figures 7a 7k.

9 9. 9 In Figures 7a 7k the capital letters A U show connections between various parts of the controller.

The controller shown in Figures 7a 7k functions as described above and additionally can be caused to automatically or manually be used to cause flow to outlet 3 or to line 43 on commencement of a washing operation.

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Claims

1. A drainage area, for example a wash pad, having a drainage pit to which waste water or rain water falling on the pad will drain, a first outlet from the pit, a second outlet from the pit at a location thereon above said first outlet, means for detecting rain, means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit, controller means and irri a director means, and constructed and arranged such that, under a first condition of operation the director means is in a condition such that t waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, t Cf under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller means will put the director means into a condition in which in which it prevents or restricts flow via the first outlet and thereafter the controller means is operative on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, and to, thereafter, put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet. 980601,cmsspe. 148,wild.cap,14 result of such cleaning operations to flow to waste into 950613xcmsspcW83,wiIdcap

2. A drainage area as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a waste pump is provided to take waste from the first outlet and/or the second outlet.

3. A drainage area as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the controller is such that the pit will be flushed a predetermined number of times before the director means is put in said condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

4. A drainage area as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the predetermined number of times is adjustable.

A drainage area as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit is such as to put the director means in a condition to allow water to flow from the pit via the first outlet when the water level is below the second outlet.

6. A drainage area as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the director means comprises a diverter valve.

7. A drainage area, for example a wash pad, having a drainage pit to which waste water or rain water falling on the pad will drain, a first outlet from the pit, 9,99.. t p t% *C I 9r 4 I. J *I 4D i t 9 CC (C I t a second outlet from the pit at a location thereon below said first outlet, means for detecting rain, means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit, controller means and 9S0601,crsspe.148,wildcap,15 1 -16- a pump connected to said first outlet only, and constructed and arranged such that, under a first condition of operation the pump is in a condition such that waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller means will put the pump into a condition in which it prevents or restricts flow via the first outlet and thereafter the controller means is operative on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the pump in a condition such that water in the pit will t flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, 4 6" and to, thereafter, put the pump in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

8. A drainage area as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the controller is such that the pump, after detection of rain, is not caused to pump until the rain water has reached said predetermined level.

9. A controller when used in the drainage area of Claim 1 as the controller means thereof, wherein the controller is operative under a first condition of operation when waste water has collected in the pit to cause the director means to operate such that the waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller is operative to put the director means into a condition in which it prevents or Irestricts flow via the first outlet, 0ti 0 980601,cmsspe.148,wild.cap,16 WWLL-LUVL cultl aLLMaSU;U ;Ui 1 LIHIL) i: :i ii r; under a first condition of operation the director means is in a condition such that waste water collected i, the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, 980601,cmsspe.148,wild.cap,3 -17- and thereafter the controller is operative, on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, and to, thereafter, put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the second outlet.

A controller as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the controller is operable to so flush the pit a preselected number of times.

11. A controller as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein under conditions in which the drainage area is not in use and it is not raining the controller puts the director means in a condition in which it prevents or restricts flow via the first outlet.

12. A drainage area substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A controller substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 7a to 7k of the accompanying drawings. 9 3 9 4y i I0 I rr t tr r 't «fC r V 2 5 Dated this 2 n d day of June, 1998. SANDERCOCK COWIE PATENT ATTORNEYS FOR BASIL REUDOLPHUS WILD 980601,cmsspe.148,wildcap,17 a i I: -18- ABSTRACT A drainage area, for example a wash pad, having a drainage pit to which waste water or rain water falling on the pad will drain, a first outlet from the pit, second outlet from the pit at a location thereon above said first outlet, means for detecting rain, means for detecting the level of liquid in the pit, controller means and a director means, and constructed and arranged such that, 20 under a first condition of operation the director means is in a condition such that waste water collected in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet, under a second condition of operation after the detection of rain the controller means will put the director means into a condition in which in which it prevents or restricts flow via 25 the first outlet and thereafter the controller means is operative on the pit filling to a predetermined level, to put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow from the pit via the first outlet to flush the pit, and to, thereafter, put the director means in a condition such that water in the pit will flow k from the pit via the second outlet. II(F 1 6 1I 9. V, C C rI C t 0, t t 4 0 C C C CC C C L It CC 98060 I,cmsspe.

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