EP0445122A4 - Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system - Google Patents
Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler systemInfo
- Publication number
- EP0445122A4 EP0445122A4 EP19890910800 EP89910800A EP0445122A4 EP 0445122 A4 EP0445122 A4 EP 0445122A4 EP 19890910800 EP19890910800 EP 19890910800 EP 89910800 A EP89910800 A EP 89910800A EP 0445122 A4 EP0445122 A4 EP 0445122A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- check valve
- valve
- arrangement
- alarm
- inlet
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 51
- 230000001629 suppression Effects 0.000 title claims description 31
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 88
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 claims description 75
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 39
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- WWYNJERNGUHSAO-XUDSTZEESA-N (+)-Norgestrel Chemical compound O=C1CC[C@@H]2[C@H]3CC[C@](CC)([C@](CC4)(O)C#C)[C@@H]4[C@@H]3CCC2=C1 WWYNJERNGUHSAO-XUDSTZEESA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 235000012206 bottled water Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000614 poison Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000007096 poisonous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
- E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems
- E03B7/072—Arrangement of flowmeters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
- A62C35/68—Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to alarm valves and double check valve arrangements and more particularly relates to alarm valves and double check valve arrangements for use in fire suppression, water sprinkler systems.
- a typical fire suppression water sprinkler system as installed in many buildings includes an array of individual fire sprinklers which are supplied with water through a main conduit and various branch conduits.
- the individual fire sprinklers are generally provided with a member that melts when the ambient temperature reaches a predetermined level indicative of a fire. The melting of the member opens the fire sprinkler to spray water in order to suppress the fire.
- the individual fire sprinklers are provided with meltable members so that the spray of water will hopefully be limited to the region of the building where the fire is present. In this way, the extent of water damage may be minimized.
- Such fire suppression systems also oftentimes have one or more alarms that detects the flow of water through the main conduit and through branch conduits to indicate that a fire has started.
- the alarm typically triggers an audible signal to warn occupants of the building that a fire has started and may also send an appropriate signal directly to a fire department.
- a waterflow indicator alarm is typically provided for each floor or main branch of the main water supply conduit.
- the waterflow indicators generally include a member which extends into the passageway of the conduit. A flow of water, even from a single sprinkler is sufficient to move the member and trigger the alarm.
- such waterflow indicator alarms are electrically connected to an audible alarm signal generator as well as to light panels to indicate the area in which the fire has occurred.
- the alarm valve is constructed essentially as a check valve and includes a valve member or clapper that is normally held closed by static line pressure or by a spring such as when all of the individual sprinklers are closed.
- a valve member or clapper that is normally held closed by static line pressure or by a spring such as when all of the individual sprinklers are closed.
- the clapper in the alarm valve lifts off of its seat, water under pressure is . permitted to flow into a retarding chamber.
- the retarding chamber prevents false alarms due to surges or minor water pressure fluctuations.
- the water drives a motor to sound an alarm.
- the flow of enough water into the retarding chamber may trigger an electrical alarm as a redundancy.
- the alarm may also be triggered electrically in response to a sensing of a flow of water through the valve (typically, a riser check valve) by a paddle switch. In this arrangement, the alarm is generally electrically operated rather than mechanically operated.
- Fire suppression systems which include water sprinklers are oftentimes in fluid communication with the community water supply system or with whatever source of potable water is available in the vicinity.
- the water within the fire suppression system itself can remain within the piping for a con- siderable period of time and is considered to be stagnant water.
- a pumper provided by the fire department will be connected to an inlet in communication with the fire suppression system in order to provide additional water and/or pressure in the event of a fire.
- the pumper may be in turn in communication with a source of non-potable water which could potentially enter the potable water supply in a backflow condition. Accordingly, it is desirable, and frequently required by ordinance that a backflow prevention device be provided between the arrangement of sprinklers and the water main conduit.
- the backflow prevention is provided by a pair of spring loaded check valves that are located upstream of the alarm valve and at the connection of the fire suppression system to the potable water supply.
- Two check valves are required in order to provide an assurance that there will not be a backflow of stagnant water into the potable water supply.
- the use of two check valves in the backflow prevention device is also required by ordinance.
- the two check valves are arranged so that both check valves are spring loaded in a closed configuration under normal pressure conditions.
- each check valve results in a pressure drop in the main conduit across the check valve.
- the main conduit has a supply pressure of 60 psi
- the pressure downstream of the first check valve may be 54 psi.
- the second check valve will also provide a pressure drop of perhaps 3 psi resulting in a pressure of 51 psi downstream of the second check valve. If all of the sprinklers remain closed and the supply pressure is maintained, the first and second check valves will remain closed.
- the first and second check valves will both open to enable water to be supplied to the arrangement of sprinklers.
- the first and second check valves are arranged to remain closed (or will close if they should happen to be open due to one or more of the sprinklers having opened) .
- the second check valve will prevent the water in the piping downstream of the second check valve from flowing back through the second check valve.
- the first check valve will provide a redundant protection against a backflow of the stagnant water into the main supply conduit.
- the check valves may be fouled and remain open when they should be closed. If at least one of the check valves should not be fouled and closes normally, a backflow of stagnant water into the potable water supply would be prevented.
- the passageway between the first and second check valves can be provided with a hydraulically actuated relief valve and a vacuum breaker valve that together form a reduced pressure zone in the passageway. Under normal conditions, both the hydraulically actuated relief valve and the air/vacuum valve are closed. However, if both of the check valves should fail, the water which flows back through the second check valve is drained out of the system through the hydraulically actuated relief valve. This relief valve opens whenever the supply pressure (e.g. 60 psi) in the main conduit upstream of the first check valve is not sufficiently greater (typically about a 2 psi differential is required) than the pressure in the passageway between the two check valves.
- the supply pressure e.g. 60 psi
- the air/vacuum valve also opens whenever there is zero water pressure or a negative water pressure (i.e. the water is being urged for example by gravity or by a vacuum upstream of the two check valves or by water downstream of the two check valves to flow in a direction opposite to the normal flow direction) in the passageway between the two check valves. In this way, air is permitted to enter the main conduit through the first check valve and a siphonage of stagnant water is prevented.
- To provide a separate alarm valve and a pair of check valves as a backflow prevention device typically requires that three separate check valves and three associated OS&Y gate valves (one on each side of the first two check valves and one upstream of the alarm valve or "third check valve" which is oftentimes remote from the first two check valves) be provided in the main water supply conduit.
- the need for two of the OS&Y gate valves and one of the check valves is eliminated.
- the two OS&Y gate valves can be eliminated because according to the present invention, one OS&Y gate valve performs the task of isolating the backflow preventer for testing and also the task of isolating the alarm valve and downstream system for service and resetting, if necessary.
- the OS&Y valve downstream of the backflow preventer is used only to create a static condition for testing and can be eliminated in the arrangement of the present invention because a water sprinkler system (i.e., the alarm valve and the closed system provided by the arrangement of sprinkler valves and associated piping) is static in its normal mode.
- a water sprinkler system i.e., the alarm valve and the closed system provided by the arrangement of sprinkler valves and associated piping
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement which is efficient and economical by minimizing the number of check valves and OS&Y gate valves which are required in the system.
- Another object of the present invention is to eliminate two OS&Y gate valves which are normally installed upstream and downstream of a standard design double check valve, reduced pressure zone, backflow prevention device to provide a static condition for testing the backflow prevention device.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement for a fire suppression system which minimizes the total pressure drop in the system due to the use of check valves.
- the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement includes a first check valve which is provided in the main conduit upstream of the arrangement of individual sprinklers and an alarm valve formed by a second check valve which is provided in the main conduit downstream of the first check valve and upstream of the arrangement of individual sprinklers.
- An alarm is provided to indicate when the alarm valve is open.
- Fluid com ⁇ munication is provided between the first check valve and the alarm valve and, in a preferred embodiment, a relief valve is arranged to provide a drain in response to the hydraulic pressure in the main conduit of the fire suppression system.
- the alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement includes only two check valves which are provided in the main conduit.
- a plumbing fitting for use in a fire suppression system is provided to connect a check valve and an alarm valve to one another to provide a double check valve backflow preventer and an alarm valve arrangement.
- the plumbing fitting includes a conduit adapted to couple the plumbing fitting to the check valve upstream of the plumbing fitting and to couple the plumbing fitting to the alarm valve downstream of the plumbing fitting.
- a drain is provided for draining the plumbing fitting in response to the hydraulic pressure in the main conduit of the fire suppression system.
- a combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement for a fire suppression, water sprinkler system having a main conduit and an arrangement of individual water sprinklers downstream of the main conduit, includes a first check valve provided in the main conduit upstream of the arrange ⁇ ment of individual sprinklers.
- An alarm valve including a second check valve is provided in the main conduit downstream of the first check valve and upstream of the arrangement of individual sprinklers.
- An alarm is provided to indicate when the alarm valve is open.
- a passageway provides fluid communication between the first check valve and the alarm valve with a valve providing communication between the passageway and the atmosphere when the hydraulic pressure in the passageway falls or becomes zero or negative or falls below a first predetermined amount.
- a relief valve is provided for draining the passage- way in response to the hydraulic pressure in the main conduit of the fire suppression system.
- a backflow preventer is provided with an impeller flow sensor or another flow detector to detect leaks and possible unauthorized use of water without the need for bypass piping and an additional backflow preventer for the bypass piping.
- Fig. 1 is a front view of a combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement in a fire suppression water sprinkler system according to the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a double check valve, backflow preventer according to the prior art
- Fig. 3 is a front view of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement of Fig. 1
- Fig. 4 is a top view in partial cross-section of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement of Fig. 3
- Fig. 5 is a right side view of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement of Fig. 3;
- Fig. 6 is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement according to the present invention with the first check valve and the alarm valve shown in partial cut away;
- Fig. 7 is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement which uses an angle valve, spring loaded closed;
- Fig. 8 is a side view of yet another preferred embodiment of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement which uses a stop-check valve, spring loaded closed;
- Fig. 9 is a side view in partial cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 10 is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 11 is a side view in partial cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 12 is a side view in partial cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 13 is a side view in partial cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 14 is a side view in partial cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 15 is a front view of another embodiment of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention arrangement in a fire suppression water sprinkler system according to the present invention
- Fig. 16 is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the combined alarm valve and backflow prevention device according to the present invention including an improved flow detection arrangement according to the present invention
- Fig. 17 is a top view of the arrangement of Fig. 16;
- Fig. 18 is a side view of the arrangement of Fig. 16.
- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to Fig. 1, an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a main conduit 30 for supplying water.
- the conduit 30 supplies a branch conduit 32 by way of a Tee fitting 34.
- a branch valve 36 is provided for each branch conduit 32 with the branch valve '36 operable to permit or to interrupt the flow of water through the branch conduit 32.
- the water flow switch 38 Downstream of the branch valve 36 is provided a water flow switch 38.
- the water flow switch 38 is of suitable, conventional design and typically includes a paddle or other member (not shown) which extends into the branch conduit 32. The paddle is connected to a switch which is closed when the flow of water through the branch conduit is sufficient to move the paddle a predetermined amount. Closure of the switch provides an electrical signal which may be used.to trigger a fire alarm 39 or to alert a fire department.
- test and drainage valve 21 Downstream of the water flow switch, preferably another Tee fitting is provided with a test and drainage valve 21 provided in communication with the branch conduit as shown and described in more detail in United States Patent No. 4,741,361 of McHugh.
- the test and drainage valve 21 is arranged so as to communicate with a drain (not shown) as desired.
- the individual fire sprinklers 40 are provided with a member that melts when the ambient temperature reaches a predetermined level indicative of a fire. Upon melting, the member opens the fire sprinkler to spray water to suppress the fire.
- a water meter 42 is typically provided adjacent to the location where the main conduit 30 enters the premises. The water meter is provided between a first outside stem and yoke (OS&Y) gate valve 44 and a second OS&Y gate valve 46.
- OS&Y outside stem and yoke
- a strainer 48 Immediately adjacent to the second gate valve 46 is a strainer 48 which may be provided if desired.
- FIG. 2 it is convention- al in the prior art to provide a double check valve/ backflow preventer in the main conduit 30.
- a typical backflow preventer is provided by Watts Regulator of Lawrence, Mass., as Model No. 909.
- Another suitable, conventional backflow preventer was provided by Lawler Backflow Preventer Department, Fluid Handling Division of ITT of Chicago, Illinois under various model numbers such as the RZ (reduced zone-double check) series.
- the Lawler backflow preventers generally have a bottom tapping for the hydraulic relief valve on the check valve (not shown) .
- Such a backflow preventer is generally provided between third and fourth OS&Y gate valves 50, 52. Between the third and fourth OS&Y gate valves 50, 52 are first and second check valves 54, 56. Each of the check valves 54, 56 is spring loaded and includes a test cock 58.
- the first and second check valves are connected by a plumbing fitting 60 which provides a passageway between the two check valves.
- the plumbing fitting 60 includes a hydraulically actuated relief valve 90 which is normally maintained in a closed configura ⁇ tion by a line 62 which is in fluid communication with the main conduit upstream of the first check valve 54.
- a line 62 which is in fluid communication with the main conduit upstream of the first check valve 54.
- the relief valve will open to drain the passageway through a port 64.
- the port 64 is provided above an air gap fitting 66 which drains into a pipe 68.
- the arrangement according to the present invention includes an OS&Y gate valve 51 and the first check valve 55.
- the arrangement also includes a suitable, conventional alarm valve 70 such as is available from the Viking Corporation of Hastings, Michigan.
- the alarm valve 70 includes a check valve (see alarm valve 70' of Fig. 6) which is formed by a clapper 110 which is received by a seat 112 of the alarm valve 70.
- the clapper 110 is spring loaded (not shown) since local ordinances typically require that the backflow preventer include two spring loaded check valves.
- the clapper 110 is normally closed and can be closed by a backflow of water in the main conduit 30 through the alarm valve but will open to permit a flow of water downstream as required by the individual sprinklers 40.
- an alarm port 72 (see also Fig. 2) is opened when the clapper in the alarm valve opens.
- the alarm port 72 is connected by a line 74 to a retarding chamber 76.
- the retarding chamber prevents false alarms which may be otherwise caused by surges and pressure fluctuations.
- a pressure switch 78 is closed and an electrical signal is supplied to the fire alarm 39 through a wire 80.
- the water from the retarding chamber is supplied by a conduit 81 to drive a water motor 82.
- the water motor in turn drives a mechanical alarm 84 as a redundancy in the event of a loss of electrical power.
- an alarm valve 70 may be replaced by a swing check valve for riser pipe application 70' (see Fig. 15) , which can be con ⁇ figured to accept a main drain valve and also can be tapped on each side of the clapper for the inclusion of pressure gauge and test valve piping.
- a swing check valve for riser pipe application 70' see Fig. 15
- an electric alarm flow switch 310 is installed downstream of the riser check valve and is electrically connected to the alarm 39.
- an alarm valve according to the present invention may include, but is not limited to, an alarm valve which hydraulically drives a mechanical alarm when triggered and also may include a swing check valve for riser pipe applica- tion together with the appropriate flow switch arrangement to electrically actuate an alarm.
- the alarm port 72 may preferably be releasably sealed by an auxiliary valve (not shown) which is spring loaded.
- the auxiliary valve further prevents a false alarm due to pressure surges.
- a plumbing fitting 86 is provided to connect the first check valve 55 with the alarm valve 70.
- the plumbing fitting 86 may have flanges 88 at each end so as to facilitate connection with matching flanges on the first check valve 55 and the alarm valve 70.
- Other coupling arrangements such as the use of threaded couplings may be provided in the plumbing fitting 86 (and the other fittings as well) as desired and as will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art of pipe-fitting.
- the various fittings can be connected by other suitable, conventional arrangements such as by clamp and groove couplings, etc.
- the plumbing fitting 86 has the flanges 88 oriented at 90 degrees with resp'ect to one another. Such an arrangement enables the first check valve to be oriented horizontally and enables the alarm valve
- the plumbing fitting 86 (the second check valve) to be oriented vertically.
- the plumbing fitting 86 could have the flanges 88 arranged linearly or at another angle to one another. The right angle configuration is preferred for the plumbing fitting, however, as described below, since such an arrangement facilitates the proper orientation of a hydraulically actuated relief valve 90 with respect to the first check valve 55.
- the plumbing fitting 86 includes a port 92 which is adapted to receive an air/vacuum valve 94 such as is available from the Empire Specialty Co., Inc., of Mars, Pennsylvania. Another suitable vacuum relief valve is provided by Watts Regulator of Lawrence, Mass. (see the air/ vacuum valve 94 ' of Fig. 13) .
- the air/vacuum valve is normally closed when the passageway provided by the plumbing fitting 86 is pressurized. When the passageway is not pressurized, the air/vacuum valve 94 provides communication between the atmosphere and the passageway to prevent a siphoning action in the main conduit 30 through the first check valve as described below.
- the plumbing fitting 86 is also provided with a port 96 which is adapted to receive a suitable, conventional hydraulically actuated relief valve 90.
- the hydraulically actuated relief valve is in com ⁇ munication with the main conduit 30 through the line 63.
- the hydraulically actuated relief valve When the pressure in the main conduit 30 upstream of the first check valve 55 is greater than the pressure in the passageway of the plumbing fitting 86, the hydraulically actuated relief valve is closed. When the pressure in the main conduit 30 upstream of the first check valve 55 is less than the pressure in the passageway of the plumbing fitting 86, the hydraulically actuated relief valve is open. When the relief valve 90 is open, the passage ⁇ way in the plumbing fitting 86 is in communication with the port 64 that drains into the air gap fitting 66. The air gap fitting 66 conducts the water into a pipe 68 to a drain 98 (see Fig. 1) .
- the port 96 in the plumbing fitting 86 is preferably vertically lower than the lowermost edge of the seat of the first check valve 55 (see Fig. 6) .
- the sizing of the relief valve is typically designated by ordinance, and preferably conforms to ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) Standard No. 1013.
- a meter detector check valve By adding a bypass piping from a location upstream of the first check valve 55 to a location downstream of the first check valve 55, a meter detector check valve can be added to control wastage or theft of water in a manner that is conventional in the art of check valve backflow preventers.
- the OS&Y gate valve 50 is preferably provided with a test port 100 adjacent to the first check valve 55.
- the alarm valve 70 is likewise provided with a first test port 102 upstream of the clapper of the check valve and a second test port 104 downstream of the clapper.
- the test ports and test cocks of the OS&Y valve 50, the first check valve and the alarm valve are used during installation and periodic testing of the fire suppression system in a manner which is conventional in the art for double check valve backflow prevention devices.
- the first check valve 55' and the alarm valve 70' are provided in a common housing 106.
- the housing 106 eliminates the need for a separate plumbing fitting to connect the alarm valve and the first check valve together and likewise eliminates the need for the associated flanges or threaded openings. Such an arrangement reduces the installation cost of such a system by eliminating the time needed for connecting the alarm valve to a plumbing fitting and for connecting the first check valve to the plumbing fitting.
- FIG. 7 a further preferred modification of the present invention is illustrated.
- An angle Y-pattern stop-check valve 150 (preferably an OS&Y valve as shown in the drawing) which is spring loaded to close is used in place of both the gate valve 50 and spring-loaded check valve 55 of Fig. 3.
- Such an angle stop-check valve 150 is preferably rated for 175 lb. or higher water service and is provided with a soft seat to give more positive shut-off character ⁇ istics than metal seats.
- the valve 150 can be made by modification of a standard 250 lb.
- iron stop-check valve of the type available from Crane Co., Park Ave. , New York, N.Y. Necessary modifications of such a standard valve are (i) provision of a soft seat and (ii) provision of a spring for closure bias. The combination of the angle stop-check valve 150 with the alarm valve 70 and the fitting 86 provides a double check valve back flow preventer.
- Fig. 8 Yet another preferred embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 8.
- a straight-way Y-pattern stop-check valve 160 (again, preferably an OS&Y valve) is used in place of the angle stop-check valve 150 of Fig. 7.
- all reference numerals in common with those of Fig. 3 refer to identical elements.
- the straight-way Y-pattern stop-check valve 160 is also spring loaded to close and is used in place of both the gate valve 50 and spring-loaded check valve 55 of Fig. 3.
- Such a straight-way Y-pattern stopcheck valve 160 is preferably rated for 175 lb. or higher water service and includes a soft seat to give more positive shut-off characteristics.
- the valve 160 can be made by modifying a standard 250 lb. iron stop ⁇ check valve of the type available from Crane Co. , Park Ave., New York, N.Y. Necessary modifications include (i) providing a soft seat, and (ii) providing a spring for closure bias. As with the assembly of Fig.
- Fig. 8 of the straight-way stop-check valve 160 with the alarm valve 70 and the fitting 86 provides a double check valve back flow preventer.
- Fig. 8 is further provided with the line 63 connected between the upstream side of the check valve element in the stop ⁇ check valve 160 and the hydraulically actuated relief valve 90, as well as the port 64 and the associated air gap fitting 66, this assembly also becomes a reduced pressure zone back flow preventer.
- the stop-check valves 150, 160, of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, respectively can be of the Y-pattern, the globe pattern, the angle pattern or any other suitable conventional configuration. It is, however, important that the valves be spring- loaded to close.
- the first check valve is oriented horizontally because the particular type of check valve which is illustrated in the figures is intended to be oriented horizontally when in use.
- the main conduit 30 for supplying water could be oriented vertically and the first check valve 55 oriented horizontally through the use of an elbow as is conventional in the art of backflow preventers.
- the need for an elbow is eliminated if the first check valve includes coupling flanges which are oriented at 90° to one another as shown, for example, in Fig. 7.
- the housing 255 includes a coupling flange 257 to facilitate coupling of the housing 255 with the upstream gate valve 51.
- the coupling flange 257 is oriented linearly with a coupling flange 259 which is provided on the other end of the housing 255.
- the alarm valve 70 may be oriented directly vertically above the main water supply conduit 30 through the gate valve 51.
- an interior passageway through the housing includes a generally upwardly oriented, first portion 261 which is provided at an angle with respect to the vertical.
- the first check valve 55' is provided at the end of the first portion 261 of the interior passageway and serves the function which has been described in connection with the first check valve 55 of the embodiment of Fig. 1.
- a second portion 263 of the interior passageway is oriented generally downwardly and then upwardly to the second flange coupling 259.
- the port 96 may be provided in the second portion of the interior passageway vertically lower than the lowermost portion of the first check valve 55' and the air/vacuum valve 94 may be connected through the conduit 92 above the first check valve 55' so as to provide communication between the atmosphere and the second portion of the interior passageway to prevent a siphoning action in the main conduit 30 through the first check valve 55.
- the plumbing fitting 86' includes a dip or depressed portion so that the port 96 is vertical- ly lower than the lowermost portion of the seat of the first check valve 55.
- the plumbing fitting 86" is provided with an exaggerated elbow so that the port 96 may be clearly located vertically lower than the lowermost portion of the seat of the first check valve 55. In the embodiment of Fig. 11, however, the second check valve 70 is located vertically higher than the first check valve 55. With reference to Fig. 13, the plumbing fitting
- the second check valve (the alarm valve 70) is oriented substantially below or at least at the same vertical elevation as the first check valve 55.
- the port 96 is again located vertically lower than the lowermost portion of the seat of the first check valve 55.
- the stop-check valve 150 of Fig. 7 may be replaced with an iron body auto stop check valve 150' (and preferably an OS&Y valve) so long as the valve check is spring biased closed.
- the iron body auto stop check valve 150' is also arranged as an OS&Y valve by modifying the stem and handle in a manner which is readily apparent to one skilled in the art of stop check valves.
- the plumbing fitting 86' ' is preferably provided between the first check valve (the auto stop check valve 150') and the alarm valve 70.
- the port 96 may be clearly located vertically lower than the lowermost portion of the seat of the first check valve (the auto stop check valve 150') .
- an arrangement which is similar to that of Fig. 9 replaces the first check valve 55' with a stop check valve 55".
- the stop check valve 55'' is spring loaded to close and is used in place of both the gate valve 50 and the spring-loaded check valve 55 of Fig. 3.
- the present invention has been described with reference to a conventional "wet-pipe" fire suppres ⁇ sion, water sprinkler system.
- the present invention is likewise applicable to dry-pipe systems and to systems which may be filled with fluids other than water (such as glycerin or ethylene glycol or other poisonous substances) wherein it is desirable to provide a double check valve backflow preventer and an alarm valve to indicate that at least one sprinkler has opened.
- meter piping may be installed from upstream of the first check valve to downstream of the alarm valve to thereby provide the function of a "detector check" to indicate the use of water in the system.
- a flow detector or a double detector arrangement which allows the water utility to detect leaks or unauthorized use of water.
- meter piping may be installed from upstream of the first check valve to downstream of the alarm valve to thereby provide the function of a "detector check" to indicate the use of water in the system.
- an alarm and backflow preventer according to the present invention is disclosed wherein the first check valve 55''' is provided with an impeller-type, flow sensor 312 such as is available from Data Industrial of Pocasset, MA.
- the sensor 312 is provided integrally within the backflow preventer and is preferably provided integrally in the housing for the first check valves.
- the sensor 312 may alternatively be any suitable conventional flow sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, a microswitch sensor or an optical sensor.
- the conventional bypass piping and the accompanying additional backflow preventer for the bypass piping has been replaced by the flow sensor 312 in order to provide leakage detection and the detection of possible unauthorized use of water in the fire protection system.
- the replacement of the bypass piping with the flow sensor 312 may be provided in a combined alarm valve and backflow preventer according to the present invention or may be provided in a conventional backflow preventer (such as double check valve or reduced pressure zone style) according to the prior art.
- a water meter is also provided in order to measure the amount of water usage. The metering depends upon the differen ⁇ tial in pressure drop across the bypass backflow prevention device being less than the pressure drop across the backflow prevention device for the main conduit.
- the meter in the bypass piping will be able to record a leakage or an unauthorized flow of water in the fire protection system.
- bypass piping requires an excessive pressure drop across the backflow preventer for the main conduit which provides a major problem in fire protection systems in many areas of the country. For example, if the average pressure in a water line supplying a fire protection main conduit has a pressure of 50 psi, a loss of 10 psi due to the bypass piping arrangement reduces the available pressure by 20%.
- bypass piping and the associated bypass backflow prevention arrangement (with its need for a pressure differen ⁇ tial with respect to the backflow preventer of the main conduit) is deleted and instead, a relatively highly sensitive impeller flow sensor or another alternative sensor as described above is provided in the first check valve.
- the impeller flow sensor would then rotate in response to any measurable flow through the first check valve.
- the flow sensor would be connected either mechanically or electrically to a flow monitor 314 that would be installed outside of the first check valve.
- the monitor could be linked either directly or through a transmitter to send a recording signal to a remote location. Upon flow through the first check valve, the sensor would cause the recorder to record the amount of flow through the conduit.
- the first check valve will be closed due to the spring bias and due to the pressure differential across the check valve.
- the pressure drop across the first check valve may be 6 psi depending upon the size of the system, the type of check valve and the upstream pressure in the main conduit.
- the check valve in the alarm valve 70 will also be closed due to the pressure drop across the check valve of perhaps 3-5 psi. Therefore, if the pressure in the passageway between the first check valve and the alarm valve is 54 psi, the pressure downstream of the alarm valve will be about 50 psi. In such a normal configuration, the hydrau- lically actuated relief valve will be closed and the air/vacuum valve which are provided in the passageway between the first check valve and the alarm valve will likewise be closed.
- the first check valve and the alarm valve will open to supply water to the sprinklers.
- the flow of water through the alarm valve will also result in a flow of water to the retarding chamber which is sufficient to trigger an electrical alarm and to drive a water motor to sound a mechanical alarm.
- the first check valve and the alarm valve should remain closed (or should close if they were initially open) .
- the hydraulically actuated relief valve should open if the pressure in the main conduit falls below the pressure in the passageway between the first check valve and the alarm valve.
- the air/vacuum valve should open if the pressure in the passageway should become zero or negative (or fall below some predetermined value) .
- the first check valve should foul and fail to close, but the alarm valve closes properly, a backflow will be prevented by the alarm valve.
- the first check valve should close properly but the alarm valve should foul and fail to close, the backflow will be prevented by the first check valve.
- the hydraulically actuated relief valve will open to allow the backflow from the main conduit downstream of the alarm valve to drain.
- the air/vacuum valve will open to allow air to flow into the main conduit through the first check valve to prevent a siphoning of stagnant water through the first check valve. In this way, a backflow of stagnant water into the main conduit upstream of the first check valve is completely prevented.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Check Valves (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US24707388A | 1988-09-21 | 1988-09-21 | |
US247073 | 1988-09-21 | ||
US25083488A | 1988-09-29 | 1988-09-29 | |
US250834 | 1988-09-29 | ||
US26931488A | 1988-11-10 | 1988-11-10 | |
US269314 | 1988-11-10 | ||
US335381 | 1989-04-10 | ||
US07/335,381 US4991655A (en) | 1988-11-10 | 1989-04-10 | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0445122A1 EP0445122A1 (en) | 1991-09-11 |
EP0445122A4 true EP0445122A4 (en) | 1992-05-13 |
Family
ID=27500245
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19890910800 Withdrawn EP0445122A4 (en) | 1988-09-21 | 1989-09-20 | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0445122A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU633513B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA1308332C (en) |
WO (1) | WO1990003201A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5297635A (en) * | 1988-09-21 | 1994-03-29 | Back-Flo Alarm Valve Co., Inc. | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system |
DE19615268A1 (en) * | 1996-04-18 | 1997-10-23 | Total Feuerschutz Gmbh | Fire extinguishing system |
CN101224327B (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2011-06-29 | 中芯国际集成电路制造(上海)有限公司 | Current misinformation canceller for fire fighting system wet alarm valves |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1428645A (en) * | 1922-09-12 | Insulation | ||
US857321A (en) * | 1904-04-06 | 1907-06-18 | Thomas Waltz | Globe, angle, and check valve. |
US1414723A (en) * | 1917-11-17 | 1922-05-02 | Automatic Sprinkler Company | Meter alarm valve |
GB321085A (en) * | 1928-12-03 | 1929-10-31 | Automatic Sprinkler Company | Booster pump apparatus for fire extinguishing sprinkler systems |
US2505761A (en) * | 1946-10-31 | 1950-05-02 | Russell W Gieseler | Fire protection automatic sprinkler system |
US2558175A (en) * | 1947-02-03 | 1951-06-26 | Russell W Gieseler | Fire protection automatic sprinkler system |
US3837358A (en) * | 1971-12-06 | 1974-09-24 | Cla Val Co | Backflow preventer valve assembly |
SE401278B (en) * | 1976-09-29 | 1978-04-24 | Tour & Andersson Ab | WITH METIN INSTRUMENT FITTED VALVE FOR FLOWING MEDIUM |
US4489746A (en) * | 1982-05-28 | 1984-12-25 | Mueller Co. | Backflow preventer apparatus |
-
1989
- 1989-09-20 AU AU42285/89A patent/AU633513B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1989-09-20 EP EP19890910800 patent/EP0445122A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1989-09-20 CA CA000612077A patent/CA1308332C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1989-09-20 WO PCT/US1989/004008 patent/WO1990003201A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
No further relevant documents have been disclosed. * |
See also references of WO9003201A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1990003201A1 (en) | 1990-04-05 |
EP0445122A1 (en) | 1991-09-11 |
CA1308332C (en) | 1992-10-06 |
AU4228589A (en) | 1990-04-18 |
AU633513B2 (en) | 1993-02-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US4991655A (en) | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system | |
US5390744A (en) | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system | |
US6396404B1 (en) | Double check valve assembly for fire suppression system | |
US7592921B2 (en) | Apparatus for flow detection, measurement and control and method for use of same | |
US6333689B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for water flow fire alarm | |
US6741179B2 (en) | Apparatus for flow detection, measurement and control and system for use of same | |
US5154232A (en) | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system | |
US5251653A (en) | Control system for automatic fluid shut-off | |
US6239708B1 (en) | Apparatus for water flow measurement | |
US6333695B2 (en) | Apparatus for flow detection, measurement and control and method for use of same in a fire sprinkler system | |
US9265980B2 (en) | Flow control assembly for a fire sprinkler system | |
US6081196A (en) | Apparatus and method for multipurpose residential water flow fire alarm | |
US5425393A (en) | Backflow prevention and detection system | |
US6357467B1 (en) | Automatic water supply shutoff valve | |
US6681802B2 (en) | In-line valve arrangement for fire suppression water sprinkler system | |
US5494068A (en) | Gas leak sensor shutoff valve and method for installation | |
US6341622B1 (en) | Pressure relief valve and arrangement for fire suppression water sprinkler system | |
CA1308332C (en) | Combined alarm and back-flow prevention arrangement for fire suppression sprinkler system | |
US4895018A (en) | Gas leakage detector | |
WO2001014788A1 (en) | Method and equipment concerning pressure deliverance system for gas or liquid | |
KR200414294Y1 (en) | Alarm valve drain connector with test orifice and transparent checkout | |
JP3172835B2 (en) | Sprinkler fire extinguishing equipment | |
JP7428563B2 (en) | Drain valve with integrated terminal test valve, flowing water detection device, and sprinkler fire extinguishing equipment | |
JPH1054470A (en) | Gas leak sensing cutoff valve provided with reset protective unit, and detachable pipe coupling | |
WO2007022578A1 (en) | Fire sprinkler system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19910319 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
|
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 19920326 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A4 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19940105 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19950401 |