GB2445946A

GB2445946A - Apparatus for introducing antifreeze into a water supply system

Info

Publication number: GB2445946A
Application number: GB0701249A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Sedgwick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-20
Filing date: 2007-01-23
Publication date: 2008-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-23
Also published as: GB0701249D0; GB2442963A; GB0620802D0; GB2445946B

Abstract

A water supply system 8 is provided with means 10 for introducing an anti-freeze substance 20 into the system in response to flow of water through the system. The introducing means is suitably a pump or may be operated by the flow of water which, in use draws the antifreeze into the system e.g. by creating a pressure differential between the water flow and the antifreeze substance. Preferably a non-return valve 22 is positioned between the introducing means 10 and the water source 12. The system may comprise hot and cold water supply arrangements. The system is suitable for recreational or temporary accommodation, whereby the system allows a protective arrangement against frost induced pipe damage during seasonal disuse.

Description

S 1 2445946 Title: Improvements in or relating to water supply systems

The present invention relates to an improvement in water supply systems, particularly, but not exclusively to water supply systems in temporary accommodation, such as cabins, static and dynamic caravans, boats and recreational vehicles and homes.

There has been a growing trend in the use of recreational vehicles and homes. Many recreational vehicles and homes are connected to site facilities to supply the homes and vehicles with power and water. Referring to Figure 1, an example of a water supply system I found in recreational vehicles and homes is shown. Water is supplied from the mains via a pipe 2 and valve 3. The water supply I is split into two to supply cold water for drinking via tap 4 and to supply water for a boiler 4 to produce hot water. Electricity is used to provide power for a heating element of the boiler 4. Hot water is generally provided on demand, : * wherein the boiler 4 detects a flow of water in the system when a hot water tap 6 is opened, this action switches on the heating element to heat up the water. As **** *: shown in Figure 1, the water supply systems of recreational vehicles and homes * .20 are similar to an open water supply system found in permanent buildings. The . : : term open water supply system means a non-circulation or a non-loop system.

****** * * Recreational vehicles and homes are often used during the spring and summer seasons when there are extended periods of good weather and daylight.

However, during the winter season, recreational vehicles and homes are less frequently used. During cold weather, pipes can burst due to formation of ice in them particularly when there is no water flow due to lack of use. In such circumstances, the cost of repairing the pipe work and its components can be expensive.

It is an object of the invention to provide a water supply arrangement that aims to alleviate the above-mentioned problems of existing water supply systems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a water supply system having means for introducing an anti- freeze substance into the system in response to flow of water through the system.

Preferably the system further comprises a double check valve or non- : return valve positioned between the introducing means and a water source. The double check valve or non-return valve prevents the anti-freeze substance S...

contaminating the water source.

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: Preferably the anti-freeze is mixed with the water and the concentration of :5:.:: anti-freeze is varied upon the level of protection required. For example, a ratio of approximately 1 part anti-freeze to 1 part water can used if the ambient

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temperature is approximately -20 C or a ratio of approximately I part anti-freeze to 4 part water can used if the ambient temperature is approximately -5 C.

Preferably the introducing means is further provided with a non-return valve. The non-return valve prevents the water from diluting the anti-freeze substance.

Preferably the introducing means is operated by either AC power supply or DC power supply. Preferably the AC power supply is either 240V or 11 5V.

Preferably the DC power supply is either 12V or 24V.

Preferably the introducing means is a diaphragm pump. Preferably the system is further provided with a flow switch. Preferably the flow switch operates the diaphragm pump in response to flow of water through the system.

Preferably the flow switch is controlled by a switchable fused spur. Preferably the fused spur supplies power to the flow switch, which then operates the diaphragm pump in response to flow of water. S... * S S...

*:. Alternatively the introducing means is operated by the flow of water, :20 which in use draws the anti-freeze substance into the system. Preferably the introducing means is operated by creating a pressure differential between the water flow and the anti-freeze substance. Preferably the introducing means is a variable introducing means adapted to vary the amount of anti-freeze substance to be drawn into the system.

Preferably, the introducing means can be switched off when the anti-freeze substance is not required.

Alternatively, a bypass is provided to bypass the introducing means when the anti-freeze substance is not required. Preferably a valve is further provided to prevent water flow operating the introducing means when the anti-freeze substance is not required. Preferably a valve is provided to close the bypass when the anti-freeze substance is required.

Alternatively, a valve is provided between the introducing means and an anti-freeze source. The valve prevents the introducing means from drawing the anti-freeze substance into the system when the anti-freeze substance is not required.

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Preferably the introducing means is a hydrodynamic pump. Preferably, **..

* :*.. the introducing means is a venturi pump. Alternatively, the introducing means is a turbine. * * * S S a

Preferably the anti-freeze substance contains a colorant. Preferably the colorant is of a food-grade type. Preferably the anti-freeze substance is biodegradable. Preferably the anti-freeze substance is of a food-grade type.

Preferably the anti-freeze substance contains anti-corrosion inhibitors. Preferably the anti-freeze substance contains anti-algae inhibitors. Alternatively, the anti-freeze substance is propylene.

Preferably the system comprises hot and cold water supply arrangements.

Preferably the water source is a main water supply. Alternatively, the water source system is from a portable water container or cartridge.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a water supply system for a recreational or temporary accommodation comprising means for introducing an anti-freeze substance into the system in response to flow of water through the system.

Preferably the recreational or temporary accommodation is a house or vehicle. Preferably the house is a cabin. Preferably the vehicle is a static or *** dynamic caravan. S... S* *

S S S

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* 20 According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of introducing an anti-freeze substance in a water supply system 5:h15 comprising means for introducing said anti-freeze substance into the supply in response to flow of water through the system.

Preferably the system comprises hot and cold water supply arrangements.

Preferably each of the hot and cold water supply arrangements comprises a S tap at its terminal end.

Preferably the method further comprises opening the taps, allowing the flow of water to operate the introducing means to draw the anti-freeze substance into the system, allowing the water to flow until the colorant of the anti-freeze substance is visible in the outflow from the taps and turning off the taps.

Preferably the anti-freeze substance can be removed from the water supply system by bypassing the introducing means, turning on the taps and allowing water to flow and turning off the taps when the colorant of the anti-freeze substance disappears from the outflow of the taps.

Alternatively, the anti-freeze substance can be removed from the system *... by closing a valve positioned between the introducing means and an anti-freeze S..

source, turning on the taps and allowing water to flow and turning off the taps *: .20 when the colorant of the anti-freeze substance disappears from the outflow of the taps. * * .

Alternatively, the anti-freeze substance can be removed from the water supply system by stopping the introducing means, turning on the taps and allowing hot and cold water to continually flow and turning off the taps when the colorant of the anti-freeze substance disappears from the outflow of the taps.

An embodiment of this invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an example of a conventional water supply system; Figure 2 shows a water supply system according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows an internal view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows an internal view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows an internal view of the second embodiment of the apparatus in its first mode of operation according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows an internal view of the second embodiment of the apparatus in its second mode of operation according to the present invention; Figure 7 shows an internal view of a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and :.* Figure 8 shows an internal view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.

A conventional water supply system has been described above with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings.

Referring to Figure 2, a water supply system 8 comprising device 10 having a diaphragm pump 18 for introducing an anti-freeze substance 20 into the system 8 according to the present invention. The anti-freeze substance 20 is mixed with the water in the water supply system 8, wherein the anti-freeze substance 20 is a CoolFiow FX8O (TM) anti-freeze. Alternatively, propylene glycol can be used as the anti-freeze.

When the system 8 remains dormant during winter months, the presence of the anti-freeze prevents the water from solidifying into ice. A double check valve or a non-return valve 22 is connected between the diaphragm pump 18 and the mains water supply 12 to prevent the anti- freeze from contaminating the mains water supply 12. The water supply system 8 is split into two circuits to supply cold water for drinking via tap 14 and to supply water for a boiler 16 to produce hot water. * 0 * .** **** * * **

*:*. Referring to Figure 3, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is *.20 shown, in which the diaphragm pump 18 is fluidly connected between mains :.. water supply 12 and the system 8 and the diaphragm pump 18 is an electrically :" operated pump in response to flow of water passing through a flow switch 24.

The flow switch 24 is controlled by a switchable fused spur 26, wherein the fused spur 26 is further connected to an electrical distribution unit 28, which is connected to the flow switch 24 and diaphragm pump 18. To operate the diaphragm pump 18, the fused spur 26 is switched on to supply power to the flow switch 24. When the taps 15, 16 are turned on, the flow switch 24 detects the water current and switches on the diaphragm pump 18 to introduce the anti-freeze into the water system 8. Alternatively, the device 10 can be fluidly connected to a portable water container or a cartridge. A further non-return valve 30 is provided between the pump 18 and the water supply system 8, so that the valve 30 prevents water from diluting the anti-freeze source 20.

The anti-freeze contains a food grade pigment to allow the user to assess whether the water exiting the taps 14, 15 contains the anti-freeze.

To flush the anti-freeze substance 20 out of the system 8, the fused spur 26 is switched off to cut off the power supply to the flow switch 24 and diaphragm pump 18 and the taps are turned on. The absence of the pigment from the outflow of the taps 14, 15 indicates that the anti-freeze has been flushed out of the system * S ** * * . S * . The diaphragm pump 18 is a variable pump adapted to vary the * concentration of anti-freeze in the system 8. In another embodiment (not shown), :: an additional valve is provided to vary the concentration of the antifreeze. The concentration of anti-freeze is varied upon the level of protection required.

Higher concentration of anti-freeze is required if the temperature is lower. For example; a ratio of approximately I part anti-freeze to 1 part water can used if the ambient temperature is approximately -20 C or a ratio of approximately I part anti-freeze to 4 part water can used if the ambient temperature is approximately -5 C.

Referring to Figures 4 to 8, a second embodiment is shown, in which a fluid operated pump 35 is connected to the anti-freeze source 20. The anti-freeze is introduced into the system 8 when the fluid operated pump 35 is in operation.

The fluid operated pump 35 is a variable pump, such that the concentration of the anti-freeze can be varied. In another embodiment (not shown), an additional valve is provided to vary the concentration of the anti-freeze.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a bypass 34 and the fluid operated pump 35 are arranged in parallel. The device 10 further comprises valves 36, 38 connected to the bypass 34 and fluid operated pump 35 respectively. Referring to Figure 5, the device 10 . in its operational mode is shown, in which the valve 36 is closed and the valve 38 S...

is opened to allow water flow to operate the fluid operated pump 35 and draws the *20 anti-freeze into the system 8. To operate the fluid operated pump 35, taps 14, 15 must also be opened.

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0*S**S Referring to Figure 6, to flush the anti-freeze out of the system 8, the valve 38 must be closed and the valve 36 and taps 14 and 15 must be opened to allow water flow to bypass the fluid operated pump 35 and rendering the fluid operated pump 35 inoperative. In another embodiment (not shown), the bypass 34 can be insulated.

Referring to Figure 7, another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the fluid operated pump 35 is a switchable pump. To introduce the anti-freeze into the system 8, the fluid operated pump 35 and taps 14, 15 are turned on to allow water flow to operate the fluid operated pump 35. The pigment from the anti-freeze exiting the taps 14, 15 indicates that the anti-freeze is present in the system 8.

To flush the anti-freeze out of the system 8, the fluid operated pump 35 is switched off and the taps 14, 15 are turned on. The absence of the pigment from the outflow of the taps 14, 15 indicates that the anti-freeze has been flushed out of the system 8. S... * .

Referring to Figure 8, a further embodiment of the present invention is *.20 shown, in which a valve 40 is provided to restrict the supply of the anti-freeze into the system 8. To introduce the anti-freeze into the system 8, the valve 40 and taps 14, 15 are turned on. The pigment from the anti-freeze exiting the taps 14, 15 indicates that the anti-freeze is present in the system 8.

To flush the anti-freeze substance 20 out of the system 8, the valve 40 is turned off and the taps are turned on. The absence of the pigment from the outflow of the taps 14, 15 indicates that the anti- freeze has been flushed out of the system 8.

The anti-freeze contains anti-algae and anti-corrosion inhibitors to prevent the formation of algae and corrosion in the system 8. The anti-freeze is of a food grade type and based on refined vegetable extracts such as CoolFiow FX8O (TM').

The fluid operated pump 35 is a pump adapted to vary the concentration of anti-freeze in the system 8. In another embodiment, the fluid operated pump 35 can be a venturi, hydrodynamic or turbine pump. * * * *** *S.* * S **.* *. * * . * * ** *0* * * * * * * *** *

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S S 55 S S * S

Claims

Claims 1. A water supply system having means for introducing an

anti-freeze substance into the system in response to flow of water through the system.
2. A water supply system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a double check valve or non-return valve is positioned between the introducing means and a water source.
3. A water supply system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the introducing means is further provided with a non-return valve.
4. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the introducing means is operated by either AC or DC power supply.
5. A water supply system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the AC power supply is either 240V or 1 15V * S.. * S *a..

*:*.
6. A water supply system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the DC power supply is either 12V or 24V. * * * . * *S. *
7. A water supply system as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the introducing means is a diaphragm pump.

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8. A water supply system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the system is further provided with a flow switch.
9. A water supply system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flow switch operates the diaphragm pump in response to flow of water through the system.
10. A water supply system as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the flow switch is controlled by a switchable fused spur.
11. A water supply system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fused spur supplies power to the flow switch, which then operates the diaphragm pump in response to flow of water.
12. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the introducing means is operated by the flow of water, which in use draws the anti-freeze substance into the system. * * S..
13. A water supply system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the introducing means is operated by creating a pressure differential between the water flow and . :1.. the anti-freeze substance.

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14. A water supply system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the introducing means is a variable introducing means adapted to vary the amount of anti-freeze substance to be drawn into the system.
15. A water supply system as claimed in claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein a bypass is provided for the introducing means when the anti-freeze substance is not required.
16. A water supply system as claimed in claim 15, wherein a valve is provided to prevent water flow operating the introducing means when the anti-freeze substance is not required.
17. A water supply system as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein a valve is provided to close the bypass when the anti-freeze substance is required.
18. A water supply system as claimed in claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein a valve is provided between the introducing means and an anti-freeze source, in which the valve is turned off when the anti-freeze substance is not required. 0* * * * * * I*
19. A water supply system as claimed in claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein, the introducing means can be switched off when the anti-freeze substance is not

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required.
20. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the introducing means is a hydrodynamic pump.
21. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the introducing means is a venturi pump.
22. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the introducing means is a turbine.
23. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the concentration of anti-freeze is varied upon the level of protection required, further comprising means for varying the concentration.
24. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the concentration of anti-freeze is varied upon the ambient temperature, further comprising means for varying the concentration.

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25. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein *. : the anti-freeze substance contains a colorant. * I.

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26. A water supply system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the colorant is of a * * * food-grade type.
27. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims I to 26, wherein the anti-freeze substance is biodegradable.
28. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims I to 27, wherein the anti-freeze substance is propylene glycol.
29. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims I to 28, wherein the anti-freeze substance is of a food-grade type.
30. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the anti-freeze substance contains anti-corrosion inhibitors or anti-algae inhibitors.
31. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the system comprises hot and cold water supply arrangements.
32. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 31, wherein the water source is a main water supply. * . ***.
33. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 31, the water source system is from a portable water container or cartridge. * * * * * **. . *

* *
34. A recreational or temporary accommodation comprising a water supply system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33.
35. A recreational or temporary accommodation as claimed in claim 34, wherein the recreational or temporary accommodation is a house or vehicle.
36. A recreational or temporary accommodation as claimed in claim 35, wherein the house is a cabin.
37. A recreational or temporary accommodation as claimed in claim 35, wherein the vehicle is a static or dynamic caravan.
38. A method of introducing an anti-freeze substance in a water supply system comprising means for introducing said anti-freeze substance into the supply in response to flow of water through the system.
39. A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the introducing means is an electrically operated introducing means controlled by the flow of water, which, in use, draws the anti-freeze substance into the system. I. * . S...
40. A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the introducing means is a fluidly operated introducing means driven by the flow of water, which, in use, draws the anti-freeze substance into the system.

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41. A method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the introducing means is operated by creating a pressure differential between the water flow and the anti-freeze substance.
42. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the introducing means is a variable introducing means adapted to vary the amount of anti-freeze substance to be drawn into the system.
43. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the anti-freeze substance contains a colorant.
44. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the colorant is of a food-grade type.
45. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the anti-freeze substance is biodegradable.

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46. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the anti- *"* freeze substance is of a food-grade type. * * S

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47. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 46, wherein the anti-

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*SSS*S. . . . . . . . -* freeze substance contains anti-corrosrnn inhibitors or anti-corrosion properties.

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48. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein the anti-freeze substance contains anti-algae inhibitors or anti-algae properties.
49. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the system comprises hot and cold water supply arrangements.
50. A method as claimed in claim 49, wherein each of the hot and cold water supply arrangements comprises a tap at its terminal end.
51. A method as claimed in claim 50, further comprising the step of opening the taps, allowing the flow of water to operate the introducing means to draw the anti-freeze substance into the system, allowing the water to flow until the colorant of the anti-freeze substance is visible in the outflow from the taps and turning off the taps.
52. A method as claimed in claim 51, further comprising the step of varying the concentration of anti-freeze upon the level of protection required. S. * S * a.. a'..
53. A method as claimed in claim 51, further comprising the step of varying * : : the concentration of anti-freeze upon the ambient temperature. S.. *
54. A method as claimed in claim 53, further comprising increasing the *S*S.S concentration of anti-freeze as the ambient temperature drops.
55. A method as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the anti-freeze substance can be removed from the water supply system by stopping the introducing means, turning on the taps and allowing hot and cold water to continually flow and turning off the taps when the colorant of the anti-freeze substance disappears from the outflow of the taps.
56. A method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the introducing means is a diaphragm pump.
57. A method as claimed in one of claims 38 to 56, wherein the anti-freeze substance is removed from the water supply system by bypassing the introducing means, turning on the taps and allowing water to flow and turning off the taps when the colorant of the anti-freeze substance disappears from the outflow of the taps.
58. A method as claimed in one of claims 38 to 56, wherein the anti-freeze substance is removed from the system by closing a valve positioned between the introducing means and an anti-freeze source, turning on the taps and allowing water to flow and turning off the taps when the colorant of the anti-freeze S..

substance disappears from the outflow of the taps. * * * * * *5S *

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59. A method as claimed in claim 57 or 58, wherein the introducing means is a hydrodynamic pump.
60. A method as claimed in claim 59, wherein the hydrodynamic pump is a venturi pump.
61. A method as claimed in claim 59, wherein the hydrodynamic pump is a turbine.
62. A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 61, wherein the anti-freeze substance is propylene glycol.
63. A water supply system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 2 to 8.
64. A recreational or temporary accommodation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 2 to 8. * * * *** **..
65. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 2 to 8. *** * * * * * * *** * * * *