CA2015672C - Hydrant thawing machine - Google Patents

Hydrant thawing machine

Info

Publication number
CA2015672C
CA2015672C CA 2015672 CA2015672A CA2015672C CA 2015672 C CA2015672 C CA 2015672C CA 2015672 CA2015672 CA 2015672 CA 2015672 A CA2015672 A CA 2015672A CA 2015672 C CA2015672 C CA 2015672C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
water
cabinet
hose
suction
pump
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA 2015672
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2015672A1 (en
Inventor
Max A. Ross
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF OTTAWA-CARLETON
Original Assignee
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF OTTAWA-CARLETON
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF OTTAWA-CARLETON filed Critical REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF OTTAWA-CARLETON
Priority to CA 2015672 priority Critical patent/CA2015672C/en
Publication of CA2015672A1 publication Critical patent/CA2015672A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2015672C publication Critical patent/CA2015672C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03BINSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B7/00Water main or service pipe systems
    • E03B7/09Component parts or accessories
    • E03B7/14Devices for thawing frozen pipes

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Applications Or Details Of Rotary Compressors (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

A machine for thawing fire hydrants and the like. Within a thermally insulated cabinet, on a truck or trailer, are housed a water reservoir tank, a water heater, a delivery hose to extend from within the cabinet into a hydrant body, a circulating system and pump for delivering water from the heater (water delivered to the delivery hose to be at a predetermined pressure and temperature), a nozzle at the end of the delivery hose for vaporizing water leaving the hose into steam, a suction hose to extend from within the cabinet into the hydrant body, a suction pump associated with the suction hose to enable withdrawal of water collecting at the bottom of the hydrant body through the suction hose, and an appropriate power source for the circulating pump, suction pump and other electrical components. The machine according to the present invention provides an efficient and safe apparatus for thawing hydrants. All components are operational in outdoor temperatures as cold as -40°C (-40°F).

Description

R~ POUND OF THB INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for thawing fire hydrants and the like, and more particularly relates to an apparatus which is designed to melt ice which has collected at the lower end of the body of a fire hydrant.
The proper functioning of fire hydrants even in cold (below freezing) temperatures is absolutely necessary. Cold temperatures may result in the freezin7 of water within the body of the hydrant a condition which may seriously impede or prevent the operation of the hydrant. While the seal which stops the flow of water to a fire hydrant is located well below ground, at the lower end of a tubular body intended to feed water from water mains to the hydrant, often such seals leak or water collects at the bottom of the tubular body, on top of the seal, where it is prone to freezing. When water freezes in this position, it may not be possible to open the seal when it is desired to activate a fire hydrant.
As a result, most urban centres exposed to cold weather tend to inspect fire hydrants for such freezing during cold weather conditions on a regular basis. When a frozen hydrant is located, it is conventional to dispatch to that hydrant a truck with a large water boiler mounted on it. Steam from the boiler is directed down the hydrant body to melt the ice, and the condensed water from the steam and melted ice are drawn out of the hydrant body by means of a venturi mechanism mounted on the same hose which provides the steam. Due to the high pressure nature of the boiler, these systems are difficult to maintain and can cause serious injury if improperly maintained or operated. As well, they are not fuel efficient and tend to use large amounts of energy, particularly in very cold weather, since they must be run constantly.
Steam cleaning machines are known, for example for cleaning machinery and equipment. These units may consist of trailer mounted water reservoirs, with heaters and pumps mounted thereon, whereby pressures of, for example 2760 KPa to 41400 KPa (400 psi to 6,000 psi) are generated in hoses leading to a hand-held release nozzle. The pressures generated in such systems are extremely high, and the steam produced is adequate, for example to clean an engine or large scale equipment. These prior art devices however are unsuitable for thawing hydrants. Their pressures are too high for safe and effective operation in the narrow confines of a hydrant body. As well they do not operate well in cold temperatures, the components tending to freeze or operate sluggishly and ineffectively.
It is an object of the present invention to produce a fire hydrant thawing machine which overcomes many of these problems of these prior art devices.

SUNNARY OF THE lNv~ ON

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for melting ice in fire hydrant bodies and the like. The apparatus comprises a thermally insulated cabinet with doors to provide access to its interior. Enclosed within and by the cabinet are a water reservoir tank, a water heater for heating water from the reservoir to a predetermined temperature, a delivery hose which extends from the cabinet into a hydrant body, a circulating system and pump to deliver water to the delivery hose at a predetermined pressure, a nozzle at the end of the delivery hose to vaporize the water leaving the hose into steam, a suction hose which extends from within the cabinet into the hydrant body, a suction pump to be associated with the suction hose enabling withdrawal of water collecting at the bottom of the hydrant body, through the suction hose, and an appropriate power source for the circulating pump and suction pump.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to prevent the water in the apparatus from freezing, means are provided to recycle water from the reservoir through the circulating system when water is not being used for thawing.
The apparatus according to the present invention operates effectively even in cold weather, since all components are designed to be operational in cold temperatures and the insulation of the cabinet and the generation of heat within that cabinet keeps all of the components of the system safe from freezing. The apparatus works best at water pressures of about 690 KPa (100 psi) and a water temperature of about 300 C (570 F). The equipment is less bulky and more fuel efficient than the previously used steam boiler apparatus and lends itself to be turned on and off, as required, thereby being cheaper to operate.
The water heater unit can heat water to the required operating temperature much faster than the previously used steam 201567~

boilers which produce steam within the boiler units themselves. In addition, the water heater produces water at the required operating temperature both continously and indefinitely, provided the fuel tanks and water reservoir are refilled.
The operation of the previously used steam boiler is like a batch process. The boiler heats a quantity of water to steam and that batch of steam is drawn off to thaw the hydrant. When the batch of steam is depleted, the thawing operation must stop while the boiler is refilled and another batch of steam is produced.

BRIEF DBBCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE l is a perspective view of a hydrant thawing apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1, with the cabinet top broken away;
FIGURES 3 and 4 are respectively back and front elevation views of the apparatus of FIGURE 1, with the back and front walls of the cabinet respectively broken away;
FIGURE 5 is a schematic flow chart of the water heating and steam generation system of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIGURE 6 is a schematic view of the melt water drainage system of the apparatus of the present invention; and FIGURE 7 is an example embodiment of a control panel lay-out for the apparatus of the present invention.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILBD DESCRIPTION OF THE lNV~. ~ lON

In the drawings, similar features have been given similar reference numerals.
Turning to FIGURES 1 and 2, there is illustrated an apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention for melting ice which has collected in the bottom of tubular hydrant body 4 extending below hydrant 6. Apparatus 2 may be trailer mounted or form the rear part of a truck, in either case so that it is readily mobile and may be carried to the site for thawing a hydrant 6 as required.
Apparatus 2 comprises an insulated cabinet 8 having a plurality of doors 10 which provide ready access to its interior.
As can be seen in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, within cabinet 8 on flooring 11 are a number of interacting components including a water reservoir tank 12 which may be readily filled from the exterior through port 14, a water heater 16, a delivery hose 18 to extend from within cabinet 8 into hydrant body 4, a suction hose 20 201567~

similarly to extend from within cabinet 8 into hydrant body 4. A
circulation pump 22 is provided for delivering water from reservoir 12 through heater 16 to hose 18 under pressure. A suction pump 24 is associated with suction hose 20 to withdraw water from hydrant body 4. An appropriate electrical generator 26 (FIGURE 3) which may be gas driven, is also provided.
Water reservoir tank 12 is preferably centrally mounted within cabinet 8, for purposes of stability and may, for example, be a 1.1 cu.m. (240 gallon) tank. As can be seen in FIGURE 5, which illustrates the circulating system for delivering water from tank 12 to delivery hose 18, pump 22 draws water from tank 12, pressurizes it and passes it through coils 30 which are located in water heater 16. Water heater burner 28, which may for example be oil-fired, heats water in coils 30 to a temperature of between for example 250 C to 325 C (482 F to 617 F). Pump 22 brings downstream water to a pressure of for example between 520 KPa to 860 KPa (75 psi and 125 psi.). Water is preferably heated to 300 C (570 F) and pressurized to 690 KPa (100 psi.). The heated, pressurized water is passed to delivery hose 18 having an appropriate nozzle 32 which may be remotely opened and at which the heated, pressurized water is flashed to steam. In operation nozzle 32 is preferably positioned adjacent to ice which has formed at the bottom of hydrant body 4. Appropriate controls for temperature (to shut off the wat~er heater if the temperature of the water being heated exceeds a predetermined value, e.g. 350 C) and pressure are provided, including water level sensor 34 and temperature sensor 36 in water tank 12, high pressure cut out means 38, high temperature 201~672 cut off 40, temperature regulator 42, pressure relief vent 44 and pressure relief valve 46 as illustrated. These sensors and controls are monitored through control panel 48. Power from generator 26 is distributed through power panel 47 and control panel 48 to pump 22 and burner 16, as illustrated.
In FIGURE 5, it can be seen that the water circulation system for the present invention also provides for recycling of water, through recycle valve 50, back to reservoir 12, when water is not being passed through nozzle 32 and when for example, burner 28 is not operating. This feature assists in preventing water in the system from freezing even in the coldest of weather, for example when doors 10 may be open. As well, water heater coils 30 and the water lines can be drained as a further feature to prevent freezing, when the unit is not in use, through tank outlet valve 51a, drain valve 51b and/or pressure vent 44. High pressure surges (transients) are vented by pressure relief valve 46 to reservoir 12. This valve is activated when pressure, for example, exceeds 860 KPa (125 psi.).
If the temperature of the water becomes excessive, as a result of heating from burner 28, high temperature cut off means 40 will activate to turn off the burner through control panel 48 as illustrated. Similarly, the flow of water can be cut off for example if the pressure of the water becomes too high, through high pressure cut out means 38. This switch is activated when pressure for example exceeds 2400 KPa (350 psi.). If the water level in water tank 12 becomes too low, level sensor 34 will be activated again through control panel 48, and will cause pump 22 to be turned 201567~

off.
Delivery hose 18 and suction hose 20 are preferably mounted on powered reels 52 (FIGURE 5) and 54 (FIGURE 6) respectively.
As can be seen in more detail in FIGURE 6, suction hose 20, under action by suction pump 24, which pump is powered by generator 26, withdraws melt water from the bottom of hydrant body 4 and discharges it through outlet 56.
Removable fuel storage tanks 58 for gas for generator 26 and oil for burner 28, are provided in fuel compartment 60 within cabinet 8.
A typical lay-out for control panel 48, for the apparatus described herein, is illustrated in FIGURE 7. That control panel is situated within cabinet 8, preferably near one of the doors 10 so that it is readily accessible to a worker from the outside, and carries the switches, water (and fuel) level indicators, water temperature indicator, switches for the various components and indicator lights to indicate whether the various components of the apparatus are operational or not.
As can be seen in FIGURES 3 and 4, care has been taken to ensure that the components are elevated from the floor within cabinet 8. This is to minimize difficulties which may otherwise be caused because of the large amounts of water which may be present during operation of the apparatus. In addition, supports 60 are fixed to the floor by welding and the components bolted to the supports. This approach minimizes the effects of corrosion on the bolts and ensures easy removal of components. As well, as much as g possible, as can be understood in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, the various components are modular, in that they are located within cabinet 8 and interconnected so that they may be readily removed from the cabinet on an individual basis, to facilitate servicing or replacement.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an apparatus for melting ice in fire hydrant bodies and the like that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.

Claims (2)

1. An apparatus for melting ice in fire hydrant bodies and the like, the apparatus comprising a thermally insulated cabinet with doors for providing access to its interior, enclosed within and by the cabinet being:
(a) a water reservoir tank;
(b) a water heater for heating water from the reservoir to a temperature in the range of about 250°C to 325°C;
(c) a delivery hose to extend from within the cabinet to the bottom of a hydrant body;
(d) a circulating system and pump for delivering water to the delivery hose to be at a pressure in the range of about 75 psi to about 125 psi;
(e) nozzle means at the end of the delivery hose for vaporizing water leaving the hose into steam;
(f) a suction hose to extend from within the cabinet to the bottom of the hydrant body;
(g) a suction pump associated with the suction hose to enable withdrawal of water collecting at the bottom of the hydrant body, through the suction hose; and (h) means to power the circulating pump and suction pump.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising 7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein electrical power to electrical components is provided by a generator mounted within the cabinet.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the generator is gas-driven and wherein the water heater is oil-fired.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a control panel located within the cabinet near one of the doors, on which panel are positioned manually operable controls for the hot water heater, circulating pump, suction pump and generator.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 mounted on a truck.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1 mounted on a trailer.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising within the cabinet, storage reels for the delivery hose and suction hose.

13. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the generator is gas-driven.
CA 2015672 1990-04-27 1990-04-27 Hydrant thawing machine Expired - Fee Related CA2015672C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2015672 CA2015672C (en) 1990-04-27 1990-04-27 Hydrant thawing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2015672 CA2015672C (en) 1990-04-27 1990-04-27 Hydrant thawing machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2015672A1 CA2015672A1 (en) 1991-10-27
CA2015672C true CA2015672C (en) 1994-08-02

Family

ID=4144867

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2015672 Expired - Fee Related CA2015672C (en) 1990-04-27 1990-04-27 Hydrant thawing machine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2015672C (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10072398B2 (en) 2016-05-02 2018-09-11 Ion Irrigation Management Inc. Outdoor water service enclosure and system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10072398B2 (en) 2016-05-02 2018-09-11 Ion Irrigation Management Inc. Outdoor water service enclosure and system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2015672A1 (en) 1991-10-27

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