ES2440084A2 - Method and device for connecting to a water distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting to a water distribution system, comprising: an intake (B1) installed on a pipeline (A) of the system a pipe (G) connecting the intake to the user's equipment, said pipe being provided with a usage meter (H) and a means (C) for opening/closing the pipe upstream from the meter. A sealing means (RCD) is provided downstream from the intake (B1), which means can close automatically when a flow threshold value is exceeded either intentionally or unintentionally, and which can also be opened or closed by means of a remote control such that a curb box is no longer necessary.

Description

DEVICE FOR CONNECTION TO A WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND INSTALLATION AND USE PROCEDURE OF THE SAME

The invention relates to a device for connection to a distribution network

of water, of the type in which it is used: an outlet installed on a network duct; a pipe that connects the socket to the user's installation, this pipe can be equipped with a consumption meter; and a closing means I opening the pipeline course above the counter. Also part of the present invention are the methods of

installation and use of said connection device.

Currently, the connection to the water network is carried out in the manner illustrated in Figure 1 of the attached drawings. A ditch is dug in the ground to expose an area of conduit A of the water network, then:

a socket B1 is made on the duct with the help of a socket clamp B; a tap is installed and immediately under the tap; a kind of box D, called tabernacle, is arranged above the tap tap e to cover it; an elongated tube E extends vertically from the tabernacle D towards the floor surface, mainly the road; a keyhole F is installed on the upper end of the elongated tube E, the upper part of the mouth F emerging on the floor surface, and being provided with a cover; a pipe G connects the conduit A, from the socket, to the user's installation; a counter H, or counter system is installed on the pipeline G course below the tap tap G, to measure user consumption. A non-return valve, often accompanied by an upstream drain and a downstream drain, prevents any return of water from the user to the network. The trench or excavation is closed next and the connection does not leave

appear on the surface more than the closing plate of the mouth F. It is still possible, with the help of a maneuvering key 1, after opening the mouth F, opening or closing the tap e which is at a certain depth below ground surface.

In case of breakage of the pipeline G, or significant leakage on the user side, the water losses and the expenses generated will only be stopped after the closure of the tap e, if the incident is detected.

The consequences can be annoying, mainly: significant water losses, sinking of the road, sinking of the user's property, flooding of the meter installation, infiltrations and other inconveniences. In addition, the installation and maintenance of the elongated tube device E and the keyhole are relatively expensive.

The object of the invention is, above all, to provide a connection device that can be opened or closed remotely, which ensures improved protection in case of breakage of the connection pipe, or significant leakage on the user side, and which It can be installed very easily.

According to the invention, the device for connection to a distribution network of the type defined above is characterized in that a sealing means that can be automatically closed when a flow limit value is exceeded, whether voluntary, is installed downstream of the outlet or involuntarily, and that can be opened by a remote control, so that a connection key mouth is no longer necessary, and because to ensure the opening of the sealing means when closed, a counter-pressure is exerted down the course of the shutter.

The closing of the sealing means can be caused by creating an excess of flow down the outlet by abruptly opening a tap, after the partial emptying of the user installation.

Advantageously, a hydraulic or pneumatic counter-pressure is exerted, in particular with the help of a cylinder and piston assembly connected momentarily to the pipe.

It is possible to provide, near the surface of the ground, a reference means of the socket located in depth, mainly when the keyhole is suppressed.

The invention also relates to a device for connection to a water distribution network, comprising:

an outlet installed on a network conduit;

a pipe that connects the socket to the user's installation, being able to

be equipped with a meter; and a closing means I opening the pipeline course above the counter,

this device being characterized because it comprises, course below the

takes, a shutter that can be closed automatically when

a flow limit value is exceeded, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and

which can be opened by a remote control, so that it is not

necessary and to a connection key mouth.

Advantageously, the sealing means is provided so that its opening is remotely controlled by an overpressure, mainly hydraulic

or pneumatic

A means for exerting a counter-pressure is provided downstream of the sealing means. This means for exerting a counter-pressure can comprise a cylinder and piston assembly that can be momentarily connected to the pipe. The sealing means may be provided to allow a minimum flow rate to be passed in the closed position.

The sealing means may comprise a valve requested by an elastic means at the opening and by the flow of water at closing. The sealing means is designed to be mechanically unlocked remotely and is advantageously made of a material that is easy to destroy with the help of a long flexible wire introduced into the pipe in the case of irreversible blocking of the sealing means in the closed position. The sealing means may comprise a non-return valve.

The invention consists, apart from the provisions set forth above, in a number of other provisions, which will be explained more explicitly below by way of embodiments described with reference to the attached drawings, but which are not in any way limiting. In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical schematic section of a connection according to the state of the art. Figure 2 is a schematic vertical section of a connection according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a partial diametral section, on an enlarged scale, of an example of sealing means according to the invention, in the case of a new connection.

Figure 4 is a diametral section in the case of an existing connection. Figure 5 is a section, similar to Figure 3 or Figure 4, of a variant

of the sealing means partially represented.

Figure 6 is another variant of the sealing means.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the remote control of the opening of the sealing means that is closed, and

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the use of a long (flexible) wire for the installation of a sealing, unlocking or destruction means of a closed sealing means in the closed position.

With reference to figure 2, it appears that, for the connection of a user, a socket 81 is provided on the conduit A with the help of a socket clamp as in the case of figure 1, with a pipe G connecting the conduit A to the user installation. A tap C constitutes a closing means I opening the pipeline G course above the counter H.

According to the invention, an RCD sealing means that can be automatically closed when a flow limit value is exceeded in the sense that it goes from conduit A to the installation of the user is installed, downstream of the outlet 81. The opening of the sealing means RCD can be controlled remotely, so that the key mouth F and the elongated tube E are no longer necessary.

According to the example of figure 2, after the excavation of the trench for the installation of the intake clamp 8 and the conduit G, the trench assembly has been closed without a keyhole F with tabernacle D having been installed and elongated tube E. To locate, on the surface, the place of the intake 81 on the conduit A, a reference 1 can be incorporated in the ground or in the trench, mainly formed by an easily detectable plate, preferably metallic and magnetic.

A tap 2 with a counter is generally provided above the counter H, while a tap 3 after the counter can be provided down the counter H. The taps 2 and 3 are generally of the "integral flow valve" or tap type spherical male, that is, in the open position, the valve ensures a passage, the section of which is substantially the same as that of the pipe.

A non-return valve 4 is also provided in the installation of the user, for example, under the tap 2 and the counter H. A drain 5a is also provided above the valve 4 and a drain 5b down the valve 4. The traps 5a and 5b can be integrated in the non-return valve

Four.

Case of a new connection

The RCD shutter means is installed during connection to the network.

Preferably, it is positioned in a section of the pipeline G, as indicated in figure 3, in the vicinity of the shutter C; for this, it is inserted into the tip of the tube, then blocked by a support collar K. against the end of the pipe G with the help of a threaded sleeve M on a threaded bushing

N. The sleeve M comprises a flange m1 with a conical internal surface, surrounding the pipe G. The stacking of an O-ring J, a washer R and a grooved grooved ring U can be tightened between the end of the washer NY the flange m1. The ring comprises a truncated conical surface joined to that of the flange m1, such that the axial tightening causes a radial tightening of the pipeline G by the ring U.

The RCD sealing means can also be installed, as indicated in

Figure 4: course above, in or course below the tap or plug C for charging; in the G channel, along this channel;

or at the meter level, in which case it is mostly treated as protection against excessive flow. The installation of the RCD sealing means at the meter level can be

perform:

either course above, or inside, or course below tap 2 in front of the meter;

either course above, or inside, or course below tap 3 after counter 3, if one exists;

either course up, or in the check valve 4.

A flexible element or flexible elongated wire 6 (Figure 8) can be used for the installation of the RCD sealing means, as explained in more detail below for an existing connection.

Case of an existing connection

The sealing means RCD can also be installed in an existing connection, such as that of Figure 1.

In this case, after closing the tap C, the sealing means RCD is installed from the counter H, which has been disconnected to allow access to the inside of the pipeline G and to introduce the sealing means there

Convict.

The Reo shutter can be installed: course below the plug-in shutter e of Figure 1,

or along the G pipe.

The sealing means Reo can also be installed at the level of the counter H, which acts in this case primarily as protection against excessive flow. The Reo shutter is then installed:

either course above, or inside, or course below tap 2 in front of the meter;

either course above, or inside, or course below tap 3 after counter 3, if one exists;

either course up, or in the check valve 4.

In the case of an existing connection, the installation of the ReO sealing means, mainly when it is necessary to introduce it into the G-channel, is secured with the help of a flexible element 6 (Figure 8) or "flexible elongated wire" which is inserted into a point 7 of the pipeline G, for example after having disconnected the counter H to be able to access the inside of the pipeline. The ReO sealing means is installed at the end of the flexible elongated wire 6, which is coupled in the pipeline over a length corresponding to the desired position for the ReO sealing means. The flexible elongated wire 6 can then be removed leaving in place the Reo sealing means comprising claw hooks to the pipe, as explained in more detail on the subject of Figure 4.

It is also possible to install the ReO sealing means without the use of a flexible element, either at the level of the counter H, or at the level of a fitting, after disconnecting the meter or fitting to access the inside of the pipe.

After the installation of the ReO sealing means, in the case of an existing connection, the keyhole F can be suppressed. However, the elongated tube E will be retained and a metal cap will be placed on the upper end of the elongated tube E, which will facilitate its detection and prevent its filling.

An example of an automatic shut-off means in case of excessive flow is shown, for example, by document FR 2 916 511. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of an automatic shut-off means ReO in the case of excessive flow. The ReO sealing means comprises

a cylindrical body 8, mainly of plastic material, in which a valve 9 is housed, whose rod 10 is guided in axial sliding by a sleeve 11 carried by radial arms 12, for example in number of three distributed at 120 °, integral with the body 8. There is a sufficient passage between the arms 12 for the circulation of the liquid from the right to the left according to figure 3, as indicated by arrow 13. The valve 9 is requested to open by a spring 14 which is supported , on the one hand, against the valve and, on the other hand, against a stop 15 attached to the cylindrical body 8. Course below the valve 9, according to the direction of the arrow 13, a sealing seat 16 is provided, consisting mainly of an o-ring held in relation to the body 8.

A seal 18 is provided on the periphery of the body 8, course below. The gasket 18 can be applied tightly against the inner wall of the pipe G, allowing the displacement of the sealing means RCD in this conduit. The body 8 is also equipped, on its periphery, with claws 17, on the side of its upper end, which are suitable for retaining the sealing means RCD in the G-channel, against a displacement in the direction of the circulation 13, allowing the sliding in the opposite direction for the introduction of the sealing means RCD in the pipeline G.

The spring 14 is adjusted to keep the valve 9 open and to allow the passage of water around the valve 9 into the joint 16, as long as the flow rate does not exceed a certain limit. When this limit is exceeded, the valve 9, under the effect of the force exerted by the water velocity, is closed by compressing the spring 14 and leaning against the gasket 16. The water pressure upstream of the valve 9 keeps the valve closed. .

Figure 5 illustrates a variant embodiment, according to which the sealing means RCD also ensures the function of a non-return valve thanks to a sealing seat consisting mainly of an O-ring 19 provided above the valve 9. In case of circulation in the opposite direction to the arrow 13, that is, in case of a fluid return, the valve 9 is pushed to the right to be applied tightly against the joint 19 and prevent the return circulation.

Figure 6 illustrates a valve variant of Figure 5, in the form of a double valve 9a, 9b, with a seal 16 forming a seat. In case of excessive flow, valve 9a is applied against gasket 16, while in case of fluid return, valve 9b is applied against gasket 16.

Automatic closing of the RCD shutter

Automatic closing of the ReD sealing means occurs when the water flow through the ReD shutter, following the direction of arrow 13 (figure 3), exceeds a certain limit. This excessive flow can be caused as follows.

The tap 2 in front of the counter of the user installation is closed, while the tap 3 after the counter, if it exists, is open. The installation is drained by the opening of trap 5b.

After the partial emptying of the installation, an abrupt opening of the tap 2 is carried out in front of the meter, which causes an important water jump and an excessive flow that causes the closing of the ReD sealing means.

To prevent a circulation of water, mainly in a basement, through the trap 5b, which could be annoying, a connection of the trap 5b to a water recovery system, consisting of a nozzle, a flexible tube and a reservoir, can be provided.

According to a first variant, the simple emptying of the meter installation may be sufficient to ensure the excessive flow caused by the closing of the ReD sealing means. To do this, tap 2 and tap 3 are closed; the meter installation is then emptied by the trap 5a; the abrupt opening of the tap 2 then allows sufficient excessive flow to be created.

According to a second variant, the control of the closing of the sealing means ReD can be caused by the maneuvering of a cylinder and piston assembly 20 (figure 7) connected, for example, to the level of a maneuver purge 21 to create a sudden depression and a flow balance greater than that caused by the closure of the shutter means ReD. The maneuvering purge 21 can be, for example, the trap 5a or any other available orifice located along the pipe

G.

In addition, the closure of the ReD sealing means occurs during a downward pressure drop caused by an abrupt channeling or excessive flow in the user installation that exceeds the previous regulation of the sealing means.

Re-opening of the ReD shutter

The reopening of the ReO sealing means is remotely controlled. It is obtained by re-pressing the part under the ReO, after closing the traps 5a and 5b as well as the tap 3.

Putting back into pressure, or the exercise of an overpressure in the part below the ReO sealing means can be obtained by maneuvering the cylinder and piston assembly equipped with a pressure valve connected to the level of the maneuver purge 21 The device 20 is intended to create a pressure greater than that of the network that keeps the valve 9 resting against the gasket 16. This overpressure can be obtained by connecting the chamber 20a, located on the side of the piston 20b opposite to the bleed 21, to a pressure source by a fitting 22, while the other chamber 20c is filled with water. The pressure source may consist of a pressurized gas bottle, for example a carbonic gas bottle.

In general, the maneuver purge 21 is the trap 5a. After the reopening of the ReO valve 9, it is sufficient to close the tap 2 in front of the meter and reset the drain plug on the purge 5a, then reopen the taps 2 and 3 slowly so as not to activate the ReO trigger.

The cylinder and piston assembly 20 connected to the level of the purge 21 may be the same as mentioned with respect to the closure of the sealing means ReO, then being its inverse function.

In order to avoid a long rise in pressure, the sending of a liquid, mainly of water, allows this pressure setting time to be considerably limited.

The opening could also be obtained by a slight leakage rate caused at the level of the ReO, for example by holes of reduced diameter provided in the valve 9. This flow rate will allow the recovery of the pressure of the part that is downstream of the sealing means. ReO, after tap closure

2.

It is also possible to provide a limited flow rate when the ReO shutter means is closed, to ensure a minimum feed down course of this shutter means.

However, the unlikely hypothesis is contemplated, according to which the ReO sealing means would remain in the closed position, despite a hydraulic overpressure exerted from the course side below. By introducing a flexible elongated wire 6, as illustrated in Figure 8, it is possible to unlock or destroy the blocked RCD sealing means in the closed position to restore water circulation. In the event that there is a destruction, it is sufficient to install a new RCD sealing means, for example a dozen centimeters downstream of the position where the preceding RCD is located.

The placement of the RCD sealing means according to the invention, course above an installation, protects the course side below it and, therefore, all the fitting fittings that are connected there. In this way, the meter will be protected against use with prolonged excessive flow, which can destroy its components and distort its actions.

It is possible to use an RCD sealing means downstream or inside the tap C (figure 1) and without overpressure of the keyhole. The resetting of the sealing means RCD can then be obtained by maneuvering the tap tap C. The sealing means RCD then acts only as a protection against excessive flow.

The RCD sealing means for water adduction is adapted for drinking water and is designed to preserve its performance with good resistance to scale, disinfection products and others.

Claims (15)

1. Device for connection to a water distribution network, in which employs: a socket (81) installed on a conduit (A) of the network; a pipe (G) that connects the socket to the user's installation, this pipe can be equipped with a consumption meter (H); and a closing means I opening (e) of the pipeline course above the counter, characterized in that it comprises, course below the outlet (81), a means of sealing (ReO) that includes a valve (9) requested by an elastic means (14) at the opening and by the water flow at closing means for fixing the sealing means (ReO) to the pipe (G) a seat of tightness (16) so that the sealing means (ReO) can be closed automatically when a flow limit value is exceeded, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and can be opened by a remote control, so that a keyhole is no longer necessary of connection.

2.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the remote control for opening the sealing means (ReO) comprises a means for exerting a counter-pressure down the sealing means (ReO).

3.

Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the counter-pressure down the sealing means (ReO) is carried out by hydraulic or pneumatic means.

Four.

Device according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the means for exerting a counter-pressure comprises a cylinder and piston assembly

(20) that can be connected momentarily to the pipe (G).

5.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing means (ReO) is provided to allow a minimum flow rate to be passed in the closed position.

6.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sealing means (ReO) can be destroyed with the help of a long flexible wire (6) introduced in the pipe in the case of irreversible blocking of the sealing means in position closed.

7.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sealing means (ReO), which can be closed automatically, comprises a non-return valve (9, 19; 9b, 16).

8.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reference means (1) of the socket (81) located in depth is provided near the floor surface.

9.

Procedure for using the device described in claims 1 to 8 in connection to a water distribution network, as a means of protection in case of pipeline breakage (G) or significant flow leakage from the user side, when automatically closed the sealing means (ReO) when a flow limit value is exceeded.

10.

Method of use according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure of the sealing means (ReO) is caused by creating an excess of flow down the outlet, by abrupt opening of a tap (2), after the partial emptying of the installation of the Username.

eleven.

Method of use according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that to ensure the opening of the sealing means (ReO) when closed, a hydraulic or pneumatic counter-pressure is exerted downstream of the sealing means.

12.

Method of use according to claim 11, characterized in that the hydraulic counter-pressure is exerted with the aid of a cylinder and piston assembly (20) momentarily connected to the pipe (G).

13.-Installation procedure of the device described in claims 1 to 8 in a connection to a water distribution network, characterized in that when it is a new connection the sealing means (ReO) is installed downstream of the outlet ( 81) in a section of the pipeline G, by introducing the device at the tip of the tube, axial or radial clamping means having been provided. 14. Installation procedure according to claim 13 wherein the clamping means comprise a support collar K that locks the device against the end of the pipeline G with the aid of a sleeve M threaded on a threaded bushing N. 15.-Procedure for installing the device described in claims 1 to 8 in a connection to a water distribution network, characterized in that when it is an existing connection the means of 5 shutter (ReD) is installed downstream of the socket (81) with the help of a flexible element 6 that is inserted in a point 7 of the pipeline G and moves the shutter means ReD to the desired position, then withdrawing the flexible element 6, the sealing means ReD being fixed in position by means of claw hooks to the pipe. 16. 16. Procedure for installing the device described in claims 1 to 8 in a connection to a water distribution network, characterized in that the ReD sealing means is installed, without the use of a flexible element, or at the level of the counter H, or at the level of a fitting, after disconnecting the counter or fitting to access the inside of the 15 channeling.