JPH02289730A - Valve controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To increase an operation speed and a reliability by providing a duck bill having an orifice into an atmospheric pressure pipe leading the atmosphere to a sensor chamber having a pressure sensor valve and fully opening the pressure sensor valve. CONSTITUTION: A first sensor chamber 75, a diaphragm 81 having pressure plate 84, a second sensor chamber 87, a valve sphere part 105 closing a valve seat 108, and a first controller chamber 120 are provided in a valve controller 15. Also, a duck bill 204 having an orifice 177 is provided in an atmospheric pressure pipe 117 leading the atmospheric pressure into the chamber 87. When a fluid level inside a storage tank rises and a pressure acts on a pressure sensor port 21, and a valve lever 99 is pressed by the pressure plate 84 to raise the sphere part 105 so as to communicate the second sensor chamber 87 with the first controller chamber 120. At the same time, the second sensor chamber 87 is evacuated instantaneously to more press the lever 99 so as to lead the atmospheric pressure assuredly into the first controller chamber 120. Thus, an operation speed and a reliability can be increased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a valve controller that controls the opening and closing of a control valve installed in a discharge pipe of a vacuum wastewater conveyance system.

[Prior Art] Compared to the commonly used gravity flow type sewage conveyance system, a vacuum type sewage conveyance system requires some kind of power for its operation. In addition, vacuum wastewater conveyance systems differ from gravity-type wastewater conveyance systems, which have a simple mechanism, in that the operation of the control mechanism is complex, and high processing precision is required during manufacture. However, gravity and positive pressure wastewater conveyance systems are not cost effective in all types of use locations.

The development of control valves and control mechanisms used in vacuum wastewater conveyance technology has improved vacuum wastewater conveyance systems, increased their reliability, and reduced the cost of installing and maintaining the systems. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for reducing the power required to operate vacuum wastewater conveyance systems. Along with this, a large number of techniques have been proposed regarding vacuum type wastewater conveyance systems and control means thereof.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] However, the mechanisms of these proposals are extremely complicated;
There were problems in terms of practicality. Furthermore, if the location where the sewage conveyance system is installed is hot and humid, or if it is exposed to low temperatures and often produces condensate, the reliability of the system decreases and problems such as malfunction occur.

Here, U.S. Patent No. 4,373,838 discloses a sensor/controller module that deals with the above problem, but the sensor/controller module is not activated when the liquid level of the storage tank upstream of the control valve rises. There is a problem in that when the control valve should be opened, accurate operation cannot be guaranteed. That is, with only the orifice of the atmospheric pressure tube in the sensor controller module of U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,838,
When opening the control valve, a series of actions in which the valve lever of the valve provided in the second sensor chamber is lifted to raise the pressure in the first controller chamber to atmospheric pressure may not be performed accurately.

The present invention was proposed in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a valve controller that is suitably used in a vacuum wastewater conveyance system and that does not cause malfunction.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The valve controller of the present invention is a valve controller that controls the opening and closing of a control valve installed in a discharge pipe of a vacuum sewage conveyance system. a pressure sensor equipped with a pressure sensor valve that communicates with the storage tank and opens and closes in response to a predetermined pressure within the storage tank; a three-way valve that switches the control valve between an open position and a closed position; and a pressure sensor valve that opens and closes the pressure sensor valve. A duckbill with an orifice is interposed in the atmospheric pressure pipe for introducing atmospheric pressure into the sensor chamber provided with the pressure sensor valve.

Here, the pressure sensor includes a first sensor chamber having a sensor port communicating with a storage tank, a second sensor chamber having a pressure sensor valve, and a diaphragm and a pressure plate separating the first and second sensor chambers. It is preferable that it contains.

Further, the differential pressure response means includes a first controller chamber in which a port that is opened and closed by a pressure sensor valve is formed and a dip tube is opened, and a rod of a three-way valve passes through the first controller chamber and is arranged around the rod. Preferably, the control chamber includes a second control chamber containing a compressed spring, and a diaphragm and pressure displacement plate to which the ends of the rod are attached and which separate the first and second control chambers.

When carrying out the present invention, it is preferable to arrange an air filter within the atmospheric pressure pipe.

Further, in order to respectively connect the first and second controller rooms to a controller room that communicates with a vacuum port that communicates with the vacuum side of the discharge pipe of the vacuum wastewater conveyance system,
Preferably, the controller chamber communicating with the vacuum port includes a two-port plate fitted with a two-tube mounting adapter. Preferably, the controller chamber communicating with the vacuum port is provided with an umbrella-shaped check valve.

Furthermore, in order to properly seal the three-way valve rod,
Preferably, seals are provided both on the side facing the second controller chamber and on the side facing the controller chamber communicating with the vacuum boat.

Preferably, the rod of the three-way valve is provided with a groove that functions as a passage for vacuum pressure and fluid. The lubricant for this rod is a fluorosilicone compound (FIoo+osilicone CoIIlpo).
und) and the lubricant is preferably applied to the areas that come into contact with the seal.

It is also preferable that a counting mechanism for counting the number of operating cycles of the valve controller is connected via a piping adapter.

Preferably, no orifice is formed in the sensor port.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a surge suppressor be interposed in the sensor pipe connecting the sensor port and the storage tank.

The valve controller of the present invention includes a wastewater storage tank, a discharge pipe connected at one end to the storage tank and the other end to a collection station to convey wastewater from the storage tank to the collection station, and between the storage tank and the collection station. A control valve installed in the discharge pipe of the storage tank to selectively control the conveyance of wastewater from the storage tank to the collection station, and a means for maintaining the pressure in the discharge pipe between the storage tank and the collection station at low pressure or vacuum pressure. the control valve is actuated by a differential pressure applied thereto to selectively open and close the discharge pipe to selectively transport wastewater from the storage tank to the collection station; and the control valve and the discharge pipe are actuated to open and close the discharge pipe. a differential pressure actuated device for controlling the conveyance of sewage from the storage tank to the collection station, the differential pressure actuated device including pressure sensor means having one end in pressure communication with the storage tank; The sensor means is closed to prevent fluid flow therethrough, and the pressure sensor means is in pressure communication with the control valve via a differential pressure responsive element disposed between the sensor means and the control valve. and means for alternately communicating the differential pressure response element to a low pressure or vacuum pressure source in the discharge pipe and a relatively high pressure source; and further pressure sensor means for detecting pressure fluctuations due to liquid level fluctuations in the storage tank. and actuating the differential pressure responsive element in response to a predetermined pressure in the storage tank to open the discharge pipe to permit conveyance of wastewater from the storage tank to the collection station; and in response to another predetermined pressure in the storage tank. including means for responsively closing the control valve by actuating the differential pressure responsive element in the opposite manner as described above; Preferably, the pressure sensor means is used in a vacuum sewage conveyance system including means for maintaining the pressure sensor means in such a manner that the pressure sensor means is not in communication with the pressure sensor means.

Here, the vacuum sewage conveyance system is preferably provided with means for automatically draining the condensate. The means for automatically discharging condensate preferably includes a continuously operating condensate discharging element and an intermittently operating condensate discharging element.

Preferably, the vacuum wastewater conveyance system is also provided with means for controlling successive actuation intervals of the differential pressure responsive element. The vacuum sewage conveyance system is then preferably provided with various means for controlling successive operating intervals of several differential pressure responsive elements.

Further, the means for alternately communicating the differential pressure responsive element of the vacuum wastewater conveyance system to a low pressure or vacuum pressure in the discharge pipe and a relatively high pressure source ensures that the pressure sensor means and the differential pressure responsive element are operable and Preferably, pressure communication actuation means are provided to prevent unexpected cycling of the differential pressure actuated device.

[Function] According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, since the atmospheric pressure pipe that introduces atmospheric pressure into the sensor chamber provided with the pressure sensor valve is equipped with a duck bill having an orifice, the storage tank When the liquid level rises and the pressure sensor valve is opened, the amount of air flowing from the atmospheric pressure pipe into the sensor chamber provided with the pressure sensor valve is restricted. As a result, the diaphragm and pressure plate that constitute the pressure sensor are displaced toward the sensor chamber, and the valve lever of the pressure sensor valve is further pressed to fully open the pressure sensor valve. When the pressure sensor valve is fully opened, the duckbill is also fully opened, and the pressure in the first controller chamber of the differential pressure response means is quickly raised to atmospheric pressure.

Furthermore, the duckbill orifice allows air to flow back from the sensor chamber to the atmospheric pressure tube, so the pressure in the sensor chamber does not rise unnecessarily and the diaphragm and pressure plate are displaced toward the sensor chamber. It becomes easier to do.

In the present invention, if an air filter is disposed within the atmospheric pressure pipe, impurity particles and the like are prevented from entering the sensor chamber, so that malfunctions do not occur.

Further, in order to respectively connect a controller room communicating with a vacuum boat communicating with the vacuum side of the discharge pipe of the vacuum wastewater conveyance system and the first and second controller rooms,
If the controller chamber communicating with the vacuum port is provided with two boat plates to which adapters for attaching two pipes are attached, processing and assembly of parts will be facilitated.

If an umbrella-shaped check valve is installed in the controller room that communicates with the vacuum boat, even if the vacuum pressure in the discharge pipe drops when the control valve opens the discharge pipe, the valve controller will be isolated from the drop in vacuum pressure. This allows the timing of opening and closing of the control valve to be constant.

Further, by providing seals on both the side facing the second controller chamber and the side facing the controller chamber communicating with the vacuum boat, the rod of the three-way valve can be suitably sealed. That is, by providing seals on both sides, fluid (air) will not leak even if the pressure in either controller chamber becomes higher than the other.

Here, if a groove is formed in the rod of the three-way valve to function as a passage for vacuum pressure and fluid, processing is easier than forming a slot.

Further, by forming the groove, the cross-sectional area of the passage for vacuum pressure and fluid can be increased, and friction with the sealing portion etc. can be reduced.

In addition, if a surge suppressor is installed in the sensor pipe that connects the sensor port and the storage tank, it will be possible to prevent the controller from malfunctioning due to air flowing into the storage tank if the control valve suddenly closes the discharge pipe. .

Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the system comprises an atmospheric pressure gravity drain 1 which discharges sewage from a sewage generating point in a residence.

Gravity sewer pipe 1 is arranged to convey wastewater to storage tank 2 . The storage tank, like the gravity drain 1, is normally maintained at atmospheric pressure. Storage tank 2
A sensor pipe 3 is supported near the top of the tank, and extends to a position above the inlet opening 4 of the storage tank discharge pipe 5. The sensor pipe 3 is designated by the symbol 6 as a whole.
The sensor pipe 3 extends from the top support on the side of the valve bit, indicated by , and opens inside the valve pit.

A storage tank discharge pipe 5 extends from the storage tank 2 into the valve pit 6. Interposed in the storage tank discharge pipe 5 in the valve pit 6 is a control valve generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Details of the structure and operation of the control valve 10 can be found in Cleayer.
et al., US Pat. No. 4,171,853. In operation of a vacuum wastewater system in which the present invention is used, valve 10 is normally closed. In the range downstream of the control valve 10 of the discharge pipe 5, the pressure inside the pipe is maintained at low pressure or vacuum pressure. The vacuum section of the exhaust pipe 5 between the collection station and the control valve of the type shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,371, together with the collection station 12 shown in FIG. Maintained at low pressure or vacuum.

In operation of this system, wastewater is discharged from a source within the residence into a gravity drain 1 and from the gravity drain into a storage tank 2. When the inside of the storage tank 2 is at a predetermined pressure, that is, when the contents of the storage tank 2 are ready to be discharged, the control valve 10 is opened by a valve controller to be described later. When the control valve 10 is opened, a relatively low pressure part or a vacuum part downstream of the valve 10 of the discharge pipe 5 and a relatively high pressure part or an atmospheric pressure part of the discharge pipe 5 upstream of the valve 10 are connected. A pressure difference is created between the two. Due to this pressure difference, storage tank 2
The contents of the waste water are rapidly discharged through the inlet opening 4 of the discharge pipe 5, passing through the control valve 5 and flowing through the vacuum section of the discharge pipe 5 to the collection station 12.

When the discharge of wastewater from the tank 2 via the discharge pipe 5 is completed, the control valve 10 is automatically closed and the vacuum wastewater conveying system in which the present invention is used returns to normal atmospheric conditions.

Referring to FIG. 1, control valve 10 includes an integrated valve controller, generally designated 15, the details of which are shown in cross-sectional views in FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring to FIG.

The placement of the valve controller 15 relative to the upper end of the valve 10 is best shown in FIG. This is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The pressure sensor pipe 18 is arranged such that the pressure of the sensor pipe 3 is transmitted to one end thereof, and the other end is connected to a pressure sensor port 21, which is located at the lowermost part of the valve controller 15. ing. Vacuum is supplied to the valve controller via a vacuum line 24 coupled to a surge tank 27, which is described in detail in US Pat. No. 4,171,853.

The surge tank 27 communicates with the vacuum section of the exhaust pipe 5, so that a constant low pressure or vacuum is supplied to the valve controller 15 via the vacuum line 24 and the vacuum boat 30. Atmospheric pressure is supplied from above the ground to the valve controller 15 via an air breather, generally designated by the reference numeral 33, which is connected to an atmospheric pressure pipe 36 and connected to a second
The atmospheric pressure tube supplies atmospheric pressure to the valve controller through atmospheric pressure port 39, as shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve controller 15 communicates with the differential pressure operated valve 10 via a valve connector 42, which connects to the upper end 11 of the valve 10. Valve controller 15
The valve connector boat 45 is arranged in such a manner that it is in pressure communication with the valve connector boat 45 . The construction and operation of valve connector 42 and differential pressure operated control valve 10 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,853.

The valve controller 15 is preferably made of impact resistant A.
B. S, (acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene) resin. The controller includes a generally cylindrical housing 48 which is molded by an assembly of generally cylindrical and axially aligned molded elements 51, 54, 57, 60, 63. There is.

The assembly of molding elements is axially secured by a series of radially aligned through-bolts 66 and maintained fluid-tight by annular seals 69 between the molding elements.

The sensor port 21 opens into a first sensor chamber 75 which is connected to the wall 78 of the cylindrical shaped element 51.
and a flexible diaphragm 81 formed of nitrile or other suitable elastomeric material. Diaphragm 81 is joined to a pressure plate 84 which extends generally axially within second sensor chamber 87 . Diaphragm 81 effectively seals sensor chambers 75, 87 against fluid flow and conversion after the valve controller is assembled.

A base plate 90 is fixed to the wall 93 of the molding element 54 by two screws 96. 10 for the base plate 90
A valve lever 99 is pivotally supported at 2 and carries a nylon valve bulb 105 for closing a flexible nitrile elastomer valve seat 108 in port 111. , where the port 111 is located at the lowest position of the housing 48.

The boat 111 is generally axially aligned with the sensor port 21 . A torsion spring 114 is interposed between the valve lever 99 and the base plate 90 at the shaft support attachment point 102, and the torsion spring normally biases the valve lever 99 and the base plate 90 apart. Then, the valve bulb portion 105 is seated (on the valve seat) to enter the normal standby state shown in FIG. The second sensor chamber 87 communicates with the atmosphere via an atmospheric pressure pipe 117. Then, the valve ball portion 105 and the valve seat 1
08 is closed as shown in FIG. 2 in the standby state, the atmospheric pressure in the second sensor chamber 87 is maintained, and air and fluid are prevented from entering the sensor chamber in the standby state. Ill.

When the valve bulb 105 and the valve seat 108 are opened, the boat 111 brings the second sensor chamber 87 and the first controller chamber 120 into fluid communication. Dip tube 123 extends through annular wall 126 of housing 48.
protrudes, and the dip tube extends downwardly within the first controller chamber 120 and protrudes and opens just above the bottom of the annular wall 126.

A diaphragm 129 made of a flexible nitrile elastic body is provided on the opposite side of the wall 93 in the first controller chamber 120.
The diaphragm forms, together with the wall 135 of the molding element 57, a second controller chamber 132. A generally cylindrical rod 138 is secured to the diaphragm 129 by a screw 139, which screw is connected to the diaphragm 129.
9 and one end of the rod 138 via a pressure shifting plate 140. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, rod 138 extends laterally from diaphragm 129 generally aligned with the axis of housing 48 and extends through an aperture 141 in wall 135 and seal 210. The seal is attached to the wall 13 by three screws 143.
It is fixed at 5. As shown in Figure 3, the rod 138
A fluid seal 144 is provided to prevent fluid or pressure from leaking from the second controller chamber 132 through the opening 141 through which the controller chamber 132 passes. A compression spring 147 is fitted onto the rod 138 and the diaphragm 12
The thrust plate 150 and the pressure shifting plate 123 are biased so as to maintain the valve 9 in the normal standby position shown in FIG.

Another controller room 153 is formed opposite the second controller room 132 with a wall 135 in between, and this controller room 153 opens to the vacuum line 24 via the vacuum boat 30, and the vacuum line is It communicates with the vacuum side of the tube 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the rod 138 has a groove 212 formed therethrough in a radial direction. In the standby position shown in Figure 2,
Groove 212 is housed within controller chamber 153 to prevent vacuum or low pressure from escaping therefrom.

Walls 159 of molding element 60 define an end wall of controller chamber 153 and a wall of chamber 162. This chamber 162 receives the distal end of the rod 138, which carries a three-way valve head 165.

Chamber 162 is provided with a pair of three-way valve seats 168, 171 which are coaxially aligned with rod 138 and three-way valve head 165. When in the standby state shown in FIG.
pressure communication with chamber 162 and valve connector port 45. Valve seat 171 is coaxially aligned with atmospheric pressure port 39 and remains open in the standby condition of FIG.
Atmospheric pressure is applied to chamber 162 and valve connector boat 45 via.

Atmospheric pressure tube 117 is connected to atmospheric pressure boat 39 at opening 174.
is connected to. To control the movement of air through atmospheric pressure tube 117, an orifice 177 is provided within the atmospheric pressure tube adjacent opening 174. This orifice 177 is preferably 0.16 cm (0.063 inch) in diameter. Furthermore, the communication of air flow and pressure through the chambers 87, 120, 132, 153 and the rate of equalization within said chambers are controlled by a dip tube 123, which has a variable needle adjustable by a screw. It is coupled to valve 180. Adjusting needle valve 180 changes the fluid flow rate in dip tube 123 and first controller chamber 120. Fluid communication between the first controller chamber 120 and the controller chambers 132, 153 is as follows:
This is done via dip tube 123 and connection tube 183.

The needle valve 180 and the connecting tube 183 are integrally surrounded by a housing 198, and the housing 198 is fixed to the cylindrical housing 48 of the valve controller 15. The housing 198 has a snap-fitting lid 2
Since it is opened and closed by 01, the internal members can be easily accessed.

In normal operation, if a pressure of less than 4 inches of water gage is present at the pressure sensor port 21, the sensor and controller module 15 remains in the standby state shown in FIG. Second sensor chamber 87
The pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure inside the controller chamber 120 and the low pressure or vacuum pressure inside the first controller chamber 120, and the torsion spring 11
4, the valve bulb 105 and the valve seat 108 are in a sealed state as shown. As a result, no airflow occurs between the sensor portion and the controller portion of the valve controller 15. In addition, no fluid flow occurs between the first sensor chamber 75 and the second sensor chamber 87 when the valve controller 15 operates. Therefore, even if the atmospheric pressure port 39 remains open during the standby state of the valve controller, by restricting air or fluid passage through the second sensor chamber 87 in the operating mode of the module, the standby state Energy savings can be achieved by blocking air or fluid flow through the module.

Sewage accumulates in the storage tank 2 and passes through the sensor pipe 3 to the pressure sensor port 21 at a gauge pressure of approximately 11.4 c of water column.
When a pressure of approximately 4.5 inches is applied, the pressure plate 84 carried by the diaphragm 81 is urged into engagement with the valve lever 99 due to the increase in pressure within the first sensor chamber 75 . In other words, the pressure plate 84 presses against the torsion spring 114 so that the valve lever 99 pivots around 102, and lifts the valve bulb 105 from the valve seat 108, as shown in FIG. .

As a result, the second sensor chamber 87 and the first controller chamber 1
A fluid communication state and an atmospheric pressure communication state are established between the orifice 177 and the atmospheric pressure port 39 at the same time.
Atmospheric pressure introduced into the second sensor chamber 87 from the atmospheric pressure pipe 117 through the opening 174 enters the first controller chamber 120 through the valve seat 108 and the port 111.

Orifice 177 of atmospheric pressure tube 117 and duckbill 2
04 is designed to instantaneously bring the inside of the second sensor chamber 87 into a vacuum state when the valve bulb 105 lifts in response to an increase in the pressure inside the storage tank 2. This ensures that atmospheric pressure is introduced into the first controller chamber 120 when the valve bulb 105 is reliably lifted. In addition to this, in order to enable the cycle to be repeated as the above-mentioned members operated by differential pressure act in succession and complete such a cycle;
No vacuum is generated in the second sensor chamber 87, and the valve bulb 105
The opening and closing of the valve seat 108 and the valve seat 108 are reliably repeated.

When atmospheric pressure is introduced into the first controller chamber 120 and the internal pressure becomes low pressure or higher than vacuum pressure, the diaphragm 129 and the first controller chamber 1
20 and the second controller chamber 132 causes the diaphragm 129 and rod 138 to move to the right position as shown in FIG.

When the rod 138 moves to the right, the three-way valve head 16
5 leaves the three-way valve seat 168 and seats on the three-way valve seat 171. And three-way valve head 165
The three-way valve seat 171 closes the atmospheric pressure port 39 and allows atmospheric pressure to enter the chamber 162 and the valve connector port 45.
, acts to prevent introduction into the valve connector 42. As shown in FIG.
Groove 212 formed in provides pressure and fluid communication between controller chamber 153 and chamber 162, thereby providing vacuum line 24 and vacuum port 30.
low pressure or vacuum pressure is introduced into chamber 162. The influence of low or vacuum pressure from controller chamber 153 reduces the atmospheric pressure communicating to control valve 10 through valve connector 42 and valve connector port 45, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,371. , the control valve 10 is activated.

The low pressure or vacuum pressure then acts on the activated control valve 10, which opens the discharge pipe 5 and introduces the waste water, which is the contents of the storage tank 2, into the discharge pipe through the inlet opening 4. urge Since the pressure inside the storage tank 2 is atmospheric pressure, a pressure difference is generated between the control valve 10 and the lower pressure or vacuum pressure downstream, and this pressure difference causes the wastewater to be quickly discharged into the discharge pipe and to the collection station. 12 immediately.

A pressure drop occurs due to the discharge of wastewater from the storage tank 2,
This pressure drop affects the sensor diaphragm 81 via the sensor pipe 3 . As a result, the member operated by the differential pressure of the valve controller in which the valve controller of the present invention is used starts operating in the opposite manner to that described above.

The pressure drop acting on diaphragm 81 acts on pressure plate 84 and forces it away from lever 99 so that valve bulb 105 is forced onto valve seat 108 by torsion spring 114 and opens port 111. closed to prevent atmospheric pressure from being introduced into the first controller chamber 120. On the other hand, the chamber 153 communicated with the groove 212
, 162 decreases. At the same time that the pressures in the first and second controller chambers 120, 132 are equalized, the action of the compression spring 147 causes the diaphragm 129 and the rod 138 to move to the left. Rod 1
With the leftward movement of 38, the three-way valve head 165 separates from the three-way valve seat 171 and the atmospheric pressure port 39 opens to the chamber 162 again. Atmospheric pressure is then reintroduced via valve connector port 45 and valve connector 42 . This pressure change causes control valve 1
0 is closed. first and second controller rooms 120;
By equalizing the pressure of 132, the three-way valve head 165
seats on three-way valve seat 168 to close controller chamber 153 and prevent low or vacuum pressure from being introduced into chamber 162.

Here, the pressure in the controller chambers 120, 132, 153 becomes equal to the vacuum pressure in the discharge pipe 5.

The operation of sewage conveyance systems typically occurs at relatively low temperatures and high humidity, resulting in frequent condensation and air exchange in components exposed to low temperatures. Therefore, when the valve controller 15 is installed as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor port 21 is located at the lowest end of the controller. With this positioning, the condensate formed in the first sensor chamber 75 flows freely from the sensor chamber into the sensor pipe 3, and during the evacuation of the contents of the storage tank 2, the deposits in the pipe are evacuated. be done. The sensor port 21 not only acts as a condensate drain, but also during the drain cycle, when the control valve 10 is suddenly moved to the closed position, the sensor element will move unexpectedly, allowing air flow into the storage tank 2. It also has the effect of preventing

Condensate may also form in the second sensor chamber 87 into which atmospheric pressure is introduced via the atmospheric pressure boat 39, opening 174, orifice 177, and atmospheric pressure tube 117. Thus, when the valve controller 15 is installed as shown, the port 111 is arranged to be at the lowest end of the controller so that condensate is removed from the second sensor chamber 87 while the control valve is in the actuated state. It is allowed to flow into the first controller chamber 120. First controller room 120
The condensate deposited on the dip tube 1 and the condensate that flowed into the controller chamber via the boat 111 are
23, the needle valve 180, the connecting tube 183, the controller chamber 153, and the vacuum port 30, and are intermittently discharged from the first controller chamber 120 to the exhaust pipe 5. This intermittent discharge is automatically performed when a pressure difference is created between the controller chambers 120 and 153 by opening the port 111. The high pressure or vacuum pressure generated in the first controller chamber 120 through the port 111 is
Via the dip tube 123, the condensate deposited in the chamber is conveyed and pressed to a controller chamber 153 at low pressure or vacuum pressure.

In the action of this valve controller, the sensor port 21 continuously drains condensate from the first sensor chamber 75, while the deposits in the second sensor chamber 87 and the first controller chamber 120 are removed by the controller. h mouth-
It is automatically and intermittently discharged as soon as the valve 10 opens.

In the illustrated embodiment, an air filter 202 is arranged as a filter in the atmospheric pressure tube 117 to collect impurity particles or plastic shavings. These impurity particles or plastic shavings are found in the vent line through which atmospheric pressure is introduced and lodge between the valve bulb 105 and the valve seat 111. Impurity particles or plastic shavings may damage the valve bulb 105.
Stopping between the valve seat 111 and the valve seat 111 adversely affects control and requires early repair or parts replacement. By providing the air filter 202, it is possible to remove impurity particles large enough to adversely affect control.

Additionally, simply providing the orifice 177 of the atmospheric pressure pipe 117 will not allow the valve lever 99 and the valve bulb 105 to work correctly when the pressure in the first controller chamber 120 rises to atmospheric pressure during operation of the valve controller. It has been found that this is insufficient to provide a guarantee.

However, the illustrated embodiment uses a sensor variable orifice duckbill (Sensor Variable Orifice Duckbill).
Fice Duckbill) 2 0 4 is provided and works well. That is, sensor support 21
The increase in pressure from the valve presses on the diaphragm 81 which presses on the valve lever 99 and at the same time the valve ball 105 begins to move away from the valve seat 108. At this point, the pressure increase in the first controller chamber 120 is very slow and the pressure in the first
The amount of air that enters controller chamber 120 is small. The sensor variable orifice duckbill 204 limits the amount of air passing through the atmospheric pressure tube 117, causing the vacuum to draw the diaphragm 81 inward and the valve seat 10.
8 is fully opened. When the valve seat 108 is sufficiently opened, the sensor variable orifice duckbill 204 is also sufficiently opened, and the pressure inside the first controller chamber 120 is increased to atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the sensor variable orifice duckbill 204 has a 0.020 inch diameter orifice to allow air to flow back through the atmospheric pressure tube 117. The backflow is necessary when the diaphragm 81 is pressed inward, and the backflow does not cause an increase in pressure within the second sensor chamber 87, while the differential pressure that moves the diaphragm 81 increases.

Additionally, the illustrated embodiment includes improvements to improve product quality and reduce the need for repairs. Conventional valve controller components have a shorter than desired lifespan, and assembly of the components is time consuming and difficult. On the other hand, in the illustrated embodiment, by installing a two-pipe mounting adapter on two boat plates 206, a tee (lee) in piping work is provided.
Eliminates the need for installation. Here, the two boat plates and the two pipe attachment adapters are joined using a solvent.

The two-pipe mounting adapter is connected to the controller chamber 153, and the controller chamber includes an umbrella-shaped check valve 208.
is installed. This umbrella-shaped check valve 208 is
This valve is installed in place of the check valve 195 provided in the branch pipe 192 in US Pat. No. 4,373,838, and is completely new.

Mere provision of the seal shown at 144 in FIGS. 2 and 3 does not reliably seal the opening for rod 138 between controller chambers 132 and 153. Although the seal 144 can prevent airflow from the controller chamber 153 to the second controller chamber 1-32, it can prevent an increase in the degree of vacuum in the controller chamber 153 and a second actuation of the valve controller.
The second controller chamber 13 generated by c7cliB)
2 towards the controller chamber 153 cannot be prevented.

In the illustrated embodiment, U.S. Pat.
Seal 2 in place of the rod bearing 142 in Figures and Figure 3.
10, the air flow from the second controller chamber 132 to the controller chamber 153 is also sealed. In other words, there are seals 144 and 144 on each side of the opening for the rod 138 between the controller chambers 132 and 153, respectively.
212, airflow in either direction is blocked.

2 and 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,838, slots 1 in the rod are used as vacuum or fluid passageways.
56 is formed. However, forming such slots requires manual machining to remove machining chips. In contrast, the illustrated embodiment does not have a slot, but instead has two grooves on both sides of the rod.
10 is formed. The vacuum or fluid passage through the grooves 210 is twice the size of the passage through the slots, reducing friction and the higher airflow speeds allow for faster operation of the valve controller.

In addition, fluorosilicone compounds (Fluorosil
The use of lubricant (icone compound) increases the life of the seal, reduces friction, and prevents disadvantages such as solidification of the lubricant due to low temperatures. Here, only the area of the rod 138 in contact with the seals 144, 210 is lubricated.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, a piping adapter 214 is provided which connects to a counting device that operates under vacuum pressure and counts the operating cycles of the valve controller. and,
The adapter is provided with a cap.

In valve controllers used in sewage conveyance systems, pressure fluctuations occur in the system depending on the conditions of use. And to provide a valve controller that can be used anywhere, U.S. Patent No. 43738
Orifice 72, shown at No. 38, needs to be removed. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor port 21
is not provided with such an orifice.

Although not clearly illustrated, the sensor pipe 3 connecting the sensor port 21 and the storage tank 2 is provided with a sensor surge suppressor. The purpose of the sensor surge suppressor is to prevent air from flowing into the storage tank when the control valve suddenly closes, causing the sensor to start (Set Off).
) is to prevent the situation from occurring.

It should be noted that the material of the valve controller of the present invention is selected to be transparent, and the transparent material provides a visual indication of operation and contamination by water and dirt. This provides maintenance and sales benefits. While the main body of the valve controller is transparent, malfunctions in the control can be diagnosed by visually displaying its actions. Note that as the transparent material, for example, corrosion-resistant plastic is used.

[Effect of the invention] The effects of the present invention are listed below.

(1) Faster operation.

(2) No malfunction occurs.

(3) Less friction and mechanical interference during operation.

(4) It is easy to manufacture, reducing the cost and labor required.

(5) Can handle sudden opening and closing of control valves.

(6) Long product life.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a wastewater conveyance system using the valve controller of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the valve controller in a standby state, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the valve controller in the operating state. . 15...Valve controller τra 202...Air filter 204...Sensor variable duckbill 206...
・2 port plate 208...umbrella check valve 21
0●...Seal 212...Groove 214...Piping adapter Patent applicant: Ebara Corporation Barton Mechanical Contractors, Fig.

Claims (1)

[Claims] A valve controller that controls the opening and closing of a control valve installed in a discharge pipe of a vacuum wastewater conveyance system, which is in pressure communication with a storage tank upstream of the control valve and responds to a predetermined pressure within the storage tank. a pressure sensor equipped with a pressure sensor valve that opens and closes the control valve; a three-way valve that switches the control valve between an open position and a closed position; and a differential pressure response means that operates the three-way valve in response to the opening and closing of the pressure sensor valve. , a valve controller characterized in that a duckbill with an orifice is interposed in an atmospheric pressure pipe that introduces atmospheric pressure into a sensor chamber provided with a pressure sensor valve.