EP3048205B1 - System separator assembly - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

1. (a) ein im wesentlichen rohrförmiges Gehäuse mit einem Einlass und einem Auslass;
2. (b) einen stromaufwärtigen Rückflussverhinderer;
3. (c) einen stromabwärtigen Rückflussverhinderer, wobei zwischen stromaufwärtigen und stromabwärtigen Rückflussverhinderer ein Mitteldruckraum mit Mitteldruck gebildet ist;
4. (d) eine im montierten Zustand der Systemtrenneranordnung nach unten ragende Gehäuseöffnung, über welche eine Verbindung des Mitteldruckraums nach außen herstellbar ist;
5. (e) ein strömungsmäßig zwischen stromaufwärtigen Rückflussverhinderer und stromabwärtigen Rückflussverhinderer angeordnetes Ablassventil zum Ablassen von Flüssigkeit, wobei
6. (f) der stromaufwärtige und der stromabwärtige Rückflussverhinderer gemeinsam koaxial in einer im Wesentlichen rohrförmigen Patrone angeordnet sind; und
7. (g) das Gehäuse eine weitere Gehäuseöffnung aufweist, welche eine Breite aufweist, bei welcher die Patrone in radialer Richtung aus dem Gehäuse entfernbar ist.

The invention relates to a system separator arrangement for physically separating an upstream fluid system with input pressure from a downstream fluid system or a delivery point with a discharge pressure by means of a discharge valve

1. (a) a substantially tubular housing having an inlet and an outlet;
2. (b) an upstream backflow preventer;
3. (c) a downstream backflow preventer, wherein a medium pressure medium pressure space is formed between upstream and downstream backflow preventers;
4. (D) a in the assembled state of the system separator arrangement downwardly projecting housing opening, via which a connection of the medium-pressure space can be produced to the outside;
5. (e) a drainage valve disposed fluidly between upstream non-return valve and downstream non-return valve, wherein
6. (f) the upstream and downstream non-return valves are coaxially disposed in a substantially tubular cartridge; and
7. (G) the housing has a further housing opening, which has a width at which the cartridge in the radial direction is removable from the housing.

System dividers (also referred to as "pipe dividers") are used to safely prevent backflow of liquid from a downstream liquid system into an upstream liquid system. The upstream fluid system may be a public drinking water system, to which a hose or, for example, a temporary tap can be connected. A variety of system separators are known in which the downstream fluid system is a heating system. It must be absolutely avoided that contaminated water or dirt from the tap or from the heating system during refilling or topping up the heating system or when tapping back into the drinking water system.

There are so-called backflow preventer. These are spring loaded valves which allow fluid flow in only one direction, namely from the upstream to the downstream system. Such backflow preventers can be leaking. Therefore, e.g. For drinking water and heating water a separation of the liquid systems alone by backflow preventer not allowed. There must be a physical separation of the fluid systems so that in case of failure between the systems a connection to a drain and to the atmosphere is made. System separators include an upstream backflow preventer connected to the upstream liquid system and a downstream backflow preventer. In known system separators, a pressure-controlled bleed valve is arranged between the non-return valves, which creates a passage from the upstream liquid system to the downstream liquid system when there is a sufficient pressure differential between the two liquid systems so that the liquid can safely flow only from the upstream to the downstream liquid system. If this pressure drop does not exist, the drain valve establishes a connection of the space between the backflow preventers with the atmosphere and a drain.

State of the art

System dividers are disclosed in a variety of publications, for example DE 42 17 334 A1 . DE 102 14 747 . DE 10 2007 030 654 A1 . DE 20 2009 001 957 U1 or DE 10 2005 031 422 ,

In system separators of the Applicant for heating systems, the drain valve is a displaceable in a valve body piston. This piston has a central passage and at its downstream end face an annular valve seat, which comes to a valve-tight ring seal axially to the plant. The passage then establishes an atmosphere-closed connection between the upstream and downstream fluid systems. The upstream backflow preventer sits in the passage. As a result, acts on the piston against an effective spring in the opening direction, the pressure difference between the inlet pressure in the upstream fluid system and a medium pressure, which is established in a medium-pressure space between the piston and the downstream non-return valve. For a flow to the downstream system can take place, even this pressure difference must exceed a predetermined, determined by the spring force measure. The drain valve body is arranged coaxially with the non-return valve.

If, for example, a low-pressure heating system from a drinking water system is to be filled via the system separator, the inlet pressure in the drinking water system initially forces the piston of the discharge valve against the action of the spring acting on it into its operating position in which it connects to the drinking water system Atmosphere and interrupts the process and establishes a connection between drinking water system and heating system. Then, the upstream and downstream backflow preventers are pressed. It flows drinking water to the heating system and fills it up or down.

The downstream system is then filled to an outlet pressure that is below the inlet pressure. In normal operation, the difference between inlet pressure and outlet pressure is determined by the pressure drop at the backflow preventer, that is by the strength of the springs of the non-return valve. The intermediate pressure is in accordance with the pressure drop across the upstream backflow preventer and the pressure drop across the upstream backflow preventer. The Pressure difference between inlet pressure and medium pressure must be greater than a limit determined by the loading spring of the valve body of the drain valve.

It is a requirement for system separators with a connection size DN15, for example of the type BA, that they can be maintained "in situ". The valve must allow all relevant functional parts to be serviced or replaced without having to remove the valve. Known system separators therefore have a comparatively complex construction, which leads to pressure losses.

EP 1 830 009 A1 shows a system separator with a drain valve. A part of the housing is formed as a cartridge, which is arranged between two bridges, which hold the input-side and output-side parts of the system separator. The cartridge must be screwed together telescopically to be removed from the housing can. The manufacture and assembly of such a housing is complicated and expensive. The elements in the cartridge must be precisely positioned. When the cartridge is telescoped for removal, positioning relative to the downward vent is lost.

US 2004/0134537 A1 discloses a modular arrangement in which two backflow preventers are arranged in a common cartridge. A drain with a drain valve is not provided at all. The cartridge protrudes into the opening, so that the cartridge itself closes the opening. Accordingly, the cartridge must have fasteners and test connections and be made of pressure-resistant material. That makes the cartridge expensive. It is then no longer suitable as an economic exchange part readily.

WO 00/70246 discloses an arrangement with two backflow preventers with a drain valve. It is envisaged that the part of the housing itself is removed, in which the backflow preventer are located.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a simply constructed system separator, which allows the maintenance and replacement of components, without the fitting must be replaced.

• (h) das Gehäuse im Bereich der Patrone durchgehend rohrförmig ausgebildet ist;
• (i) die weitere Gehäuseöffnung sich über die gesamte Länge der Patrone erstreckt und mit einem Deckel verschließbar ist; und
• (j) das Ablassventil einen koaxialen, verschieblich in der Patrone in dem Gehäuse geführten und federbeaufschlagten Kolben umfasst, welcher in Abhängigkeit von den Druckverhältnissen in einer Durchflussstellung, bei welcher Wasser durch vom Einlass zum Auslass strömt, die nach unten ragende Gehäuseöffnung verschließt und in einer Trennstellung zur Trennung des stromaufwärtigen von dem stromabwärtigen Flüssigkeitssystem die nach unten ragende Gehäuseöffnung freigibt.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that

• (H) the housing in the region of the cartridge is formed continuously tubular;
• (i) the further housing opening extends over the entire length of the cartridge and can be closed with a lid; and
• (J) the discharge valve comprises a coaxial, spring-loaded piston guided displaceably in the cartridge in the housing and closing in a flow-through position in which water flows through from the inlet to the outlet, depending on the pressure conditions Separation position for the separation of the upstream of the downstream liquid system releases the downwardly projecting housing opening.

The arrangement according to the invention allows the removal of the cartridge with all the essential components transversely to the flow direction. As a result, a simpler housing shape is possible, which is particularly economical to produce. The housing is continuously tubular. As a result, the pressure loss can be minimized.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing made of brass or other pressure-resistant material used to the water pressure and the cartridge is made of plastic or other material, which does not withstand the water pressure used. The water pressure, which can reach high values, is absorbed by the housing. The cartridge serves only to create a component in which the components are combined and which can be removed as a whole. Accordingly, it may be formed thin-walled and manufactured as a simple injection molded part.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lid is completely removable and can be screwed to the housing. The lid may alternatively be hinged to the housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid on a radial Prüfstutzen, which is aligned with a radial Prüfstutzen in the cartridge. The stopper, which can be closed with a stopper, allows pressure measurement in the medium pressure chamber of the system separator.

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. An embodiment is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig.1

is a perspective view of a system separator with removable lid.

Fig.2

is a cross section through the system separator FIG. 1 ,

Figure 3

is an exploded view of the system separator FIG. 1 ,

Figure 4

is a cross section through a removable system separator cartridge for the system separator FIG. 1 in detail with the drain valve closed.

Figure 5

is a cross section through the system separator cartridge off FIG. 4 with the drain valve open.

Figure 6

is an exploded view of the system separator cartridge off FIG. 4 ,

Description of the embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a system separator, generally designated 10. The system separator 10 has a substantially tubular housing 12 made of brass or other pressure-resistant material. At the left end in the illustration, an inlet-side connecting piece 14 is formed with an external thread 18 on the housing 12. The connecting piece 14 forms an inlet with inlet pressure. At the right end in the illustration, an outlet-side connection nozzle 16 with an external thread 20 is integrally formed on the housing 12. The outlet-side connecting piece 16 forms an outlet with outlet pressure. The inlet-side connecting piece 14 can be connected with a connecting piece 22 and a drinking water supply via a pipe. Depending on the intended use, a heating or service water system or a tapping point can be connected to the outlet-side connecting piece with a connecting piece 24 and via a pipe. The connecting piece 22 has an external thread 21 on the side of the pipeline. With the external thread 21, the connector 22 is screwed into the pipeline. The housing side, the connector 22 has a relation to the connector 22 freely rotatable coupling nut 23 with an internal thread. The housing 12 of the system separator 10 can then be screwed to the union nut 23 and rotated to a desired angular position. In the same way, the outlet-side connector 24 is screwed.

The flow direction through the system separator 10 is illustrated by arrows 26 and 28. The inlet-side connecting piece 14 forms an inlet in which inlet pressure prevails. A closable with a plug 30, side access 32 is used to measure the inlet pressure. The outlet-side connecting piece 16 forms an outlet, prevails in the outlet pressure. A closable with a stopper 34 access 36 is used to measure the output pressure.

Between inlet and outlet, the housing 12 has an enlarged diameter and forms a central region 38. In this region 38, a substantially tubular cartridge 40 is arranged. The cartridge 40 is an injection molded part, which is made of inexpensive plastic. Flat annular projections 42 and 44 at both ends secure the position of the cartridge 40 within the area 38. In addition, square and circular projections 46 and 48 are provided on the outside of the cartridge 40. The projections 46 and 48 engage in corresponding recesses 50 on the Inner wall of the housing 12. This is in the exploded view in FIG. 3 clearly visible.

The housing 10 is formed in two parts and has a semi-cylindrical cover 52 in the area 38. The lid 52 is completely releasable in the present embodiment. For fastening the lid 52 four screws 54 are provided. The screws 54 respectively screw the cover 52 on a protruding, integrally formed on the housing 12 nut 92. The composite assembly is in FIG. 1 to recognize. FIG. 3 shows the dissolved lid 52.

In the cartridge 40, a piston-shaped valve closing body 56 is guided axially movable sealingly. This is in FIG. 4 and 5 again shown in detail. The valve closing body 56 opens and closes against the spring pressure of a spring 64, a drain 58 which extends in the radial direction downwards. FIG. 4 shows the valve closing body 56 in a passage position in which the drain 58 is closed. FIG. 5 shows the arrangement with the drain valve open. The spring 64 is supported on an annular spring abutment 66. On the spring abutment 66 a plurality of projections 68 are formed, which extend in the axial direction to the inlet and are arranged in a circle. The spring 64 is guided on the projections 68. The spring abutment 66 forms, with a seal 44, the valve seat for the drain valve 56 formed with the valve closing body.

The drain 58 is formed by a nozzle 60, which is formed in the radial direction of the cartridge 40. The nozzle 60 protrudes into a socket 62, which is formed coaxially with the nozzle 60 to the housing 12. An outlet funnel 94 is clipped to the lower edge of the nozzle 60 on the nozzle 62. This is in FIG. 2 clearly visible.

In the valve closing body 56, a compensation piston 70 is guided in the axial direction. With the compensation piston 70 opening and closing of the drain valve is avoided at very small pressure fluctuations of the inlet pressure. The operation of such a compensation piston is from the DE 10 2006 030 973 B3 known and therefore need not be described again here. An alternative embodiment (not shown) operates with a cartridge 40 without compensating pistons.

The compensation piston 70 serves as a valve seat for an upstream backflow preventer 72 with a seal 74. The seal 74 is held in position by a screw ring 78 screwed into the compensation piston 70. The backflow preventer 72 has a spring 76 with stronger spring force than the comparatively weak spring force of the spring 64.

A downstream, cartridge-shaped backflow preventer 80 is inserted from the downstream side of the cartridge 40 into the spring abutment 66. The cartridge 40 also has on both sides of end pieces 82 and 84, which are screwed with an external thread 86 in the cartridge 40. In addition, a sieve 98 is arranged on the inlet side between end piece 82 and valve closing body 56 in the cartridge 40.

Upstream of the upstream backflow preventer 72, there is inlet pressure. Downstream of the downstream backflow preventer 80 there is outlet pressure. Between the backflow preventers 72 and 80, a medium pressure chamber 88 is formed with medium pressure.

For example, to fill a heating system or the like, a barrier is opened. Due to the increased inlet pressure, the valve closing body 56 is pushed to the right. The drain 58 is closed. This is in FIG. 4 shown. Subsequently, the backflow preventers 72 and 80 open. Water can flow from the inlet to the outlet. When the pressure difference between inlet pressure and medium pressure drops, due to pressure fluctuations in the inlet pressure, for example, the drain valve opens. This is in FIG. 5 shown. This prevents water from flowing back into the upstream drinking water system. It flows through the drain to the outside, as is common in system separators. The pressure in the medium-pressure space can be detected via an access 90.

The described arrangement has all the features of a commercial system separator. However, the arrangement can be manufactured and maintained considerably less expensive. The cartridge 40 can be easily removed after opening the lid 52 and serviced or replaced. The linear arrangement provides a lower flow resistance than conventional arrangements.

Claims (4)

1. System disconnector assembly (10) for physically disconnecting an upstream liquid system with inlet pressure from a downstream liquid system with outlet pressure by means of a drain valve, comprising

   (a) an essentially tube-shaped housing (12) with an inlet and an outlet;

   (b) an upstream backflow preventer (72);

   (c) a downstream backflow preventer (80), wherein a middle pressure chamber (88) with middle pressure is formed between the upstream and the downstream backflow preventer;

   (d) a housing opening (58) directed downwards when installed for establishing a connection from the middle pressure chamber (88) towards the outside;

   (e) a drain valve for draining liquid arranged in the flow between the upstream backflow preventer (72) and the downstream backflow preventer (80); wherein

   (f) the upstream and the downstream backflow preventer (72, 80) are both coaxially installed in an essentially tube-shaped cartridge (40); and

   (g) the housing (12) is provided with a further housing opening having a width enabling the removal of the cartridge (40) in a radial direction from the housing (12),
   characterized in that

   (h) the housing (12) is continuously tube-shaped in the range of the cartridge;

   (i) the further housing opening extends along the entire length of the cartridge (40) and is configured to be closed by a lid (52); and

   (j) the drain valve comprises a coaxial piston (56) which is shiftably guided in the housing and biased by a spring, which piston closes the downwards directed housing opening (58) depending on the pressure conditions in a flow position where water flows from the inlet to the outlet and which releases the downwards directed opening (58) in a disconnecting position for disconnecting the upstream from the downstream liquid system.
2. System disconnector assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (12) is made of brass or another material which withstands water pressure upt to the used water pressure and the cartridge (40) is made of plastic material or another material which does not withstand the used water pressure.
3. System disconnector assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (52) is fully removeable and screwed to the housing (12).
4. System disconnector assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (52) is provided with a radial test socket which is aligned with a radial test socket in the cartridge.

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