US20130264294A1 - Building Air Conditioner Evaporator Condensation Management System - Google Patents

Building Air Conditioner Evaporator Condensation Management System Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130264294A1
US20130264294A1 US13/629,737 US201213629737A US2013264294A1 US 20130264294 A1 US20130264294 A1 US 20130264294A1 US 201213629737 A US201213629737 A US 201213629737A US 2013264294 A1 US2013264294 A1 US 2013264294A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
waste
route
air conditioner
condensation
recycle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/629,737
Inventor
James Andrew McDermott
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/629,737 priority Critical patent/US20130264294A1/en
Publication of US20130264294A1 publication Critical patent/US20130264294A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
    • F24F13/222—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate for evacuating condensate
    • F24F2013/227—Condensate pipe for drainage of condensate from the evaporator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
    • F24F2013/228—Treatment of condensate, e.g. sterilising
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/86485—Line condition change responsive release of valve

Definitions

  • This invention pertains to residential and commercial air conditioning systems, and more specifically, the routing of condensation produced by the air conditioners evaporator component.
  • This invention enables this condensation to be automatically re-routed to an alternate location in the event of a blockage, or to be recycled instead of routing to waste. It also prevents the entry of foreign matter (debris, insects, vermin, etc.) into the waste route which can result in a blockage, and it allows for the easy addition of mold controlling chemicals into the entire drainage route to waste, to prevent mold buildup.
  • This invention came about as a result of several condensation overflow conditions due to a blockage in the route to normal building waste, causing substantial water damage and raising the potential for the growth of mold.
  • the recycling benefit was desired after experiencing a severe drought (2011—worst drought on record in the State of Texas, USA) during which vegetation needlessly died while air conditioning condensation produced by millions of air conditioning units routed to waste.
  • the OBJECT of this invention is to prevent water damage to the structure due to condensation overflow from the building's air conditioning system because of a blockage in the route to waste or recycle, to provide the option to recycle non-drinkable water for use in applications such as garden and lawn watering, toilet flushing etc., to secure the route to waste from foreign object entry, and to accommodate mold prevention treatment in the route to waste.
  • the first component of this invention replaces a small (14 inch section) of the existing condensation line to waste (normal route) with a unique length of PVC pipe containing the following components, starting with the connection to the air conditioner side: a 1 inch offset/step down, then a fill tube (for adding mold controlling chemicals) with removable cap extending 12 inches vertically, then a manual valve with waste or recycle positions and outlets to each, then a 1 ⁇ 2 inch offset/step down and step up, with the higher route automatically capturing condensation that cannot route to waste or recycle (due to a blockage in either route), with an outlet that can be connected to an alternate point.
  • the second component protects the route to waste from foreign object entry and it consists of a PVC pipe extending 12 inches above the existing waste/P-Trap route with a removable cap, and two connection points, one for connecting to the waste line between the first component of this invention and this component and the second for connecting to the existing building waste/P-trap.
  • the removable cap accommodates inspection and cleanout if required.
  • the inside and outside diameters the PVC components for this invention can be made to vary in either inches or centimeters to accommodate most if not all standard and non-standard air conditioning systems and building waste connections.
  • FIG. 1 depicts the two components (A and B) of this invention, as well as the existing components to which this invention interfaces.
  • FIG. 2 depicts the claims of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 See Also FIG. 1
  • Component “A” in FIG. 1 above is defined in detail (starting with the connection to the air conditioner) as follows:
  • Component “B” of FIG. 1 is a 12 inch vertical pipe sized to fit the existing route to waste, with an inlet connection sized to fit the connection of pipe or tubing from component “A”.
  • the vertical portion of component “B” has a screw on removable cap, which is removed to inspect the flow of condensation, and as a cleanout access point if needed.
  • the screw on cap ensures the route to waste is completely enclosed, blocking out foreign objects, insects, vermin, etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Duct Arrangements (AREA)

Abstract

This invention is a new approach to managing water, in the form of condensation, produced by the air conditioning process. Components “A” and “B” are unique, seamless and are molded as shown in FIG. 1; and to the best of this inventors knowledge (based on extensive searching) they do not exist anywhere.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This invention was originally filed as a Provisional Utility Patent on Sep. 29, 2011, and was assigned Application No. 61/540,810.
    • STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • Not Applicable
    • REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
  • Not Applicable
    • BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION
  • This invention pertains to residential and commercial air conditioning systems, and more specifically, the routing of condensation produced by the air conditioners evaporator component. This invention enables this condensation to be automatically re-routed to an alternate location in the event of a blockage, or to be recycled instead of routing to waste. It also prevents the entry of foreign matter (debris, insects, vermin, etc.) into the waste route which can result in a blockage, and it allows for the easy addition of mold controlling chemicals into the entire drainage route to waste, to prevent mold buildup.
  • This invention came about as a result of several condensation overflow conditions due to a blockage in the route to normal building waste, causing substantial water damage and raising the potential for the growth of mold. The recycling benefit was desired after experiencing a severe drought (2011—worst drought on record in the State of Texas, USA) during which vegetation needlessly died while air conditioning condensation produced by millions of air conditioning units routed to waste.
    • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THIS INVENTION
  • The OBJECT of this invention is to prevent water damage to the structure due to condensation overflow from the building's air conditioning system because of a blockage in the route to waste or recycle, to provide the option to recycle non-drinkable water for use in applications such as garden and lawn watering, toilet flushing etc., to secure the route to waste from foreign object entry, and to accommodate mold prevention treatment in the route to waste.
  • The first component of this invention replaces a small (14 inch section) of the existing condensation line to waste (normal route) with a unique length of PVC pipe containing the following components, starting with the connection to the air conditioner side: a 1 inch offset/step down, then a fill tube (for adding mold controlling chemicals) with removable cap extending 12 inches vertically, then a manual valve with waste or recycle positions and outlets to each, then a ½ inch offset/step down and step up, with the higher route automatically capturing condensation that cannot route to waste or recycle (due to a blockage in either route), with an outlet that can be connected to an alternate point.
  • The second component protects the route to waste from foreign object entry and it consists of a PVC pipe extending 12 inches above the existing waste/P-Trap route with a removable cap, and two connection points, one for connecting to the waste line between the first component of this invention and this component and the second for connecting to the existing building waste/P-trap. The removable cap accommodates inspection and cleanout if required.
  • The inside and outside diameters the PVC components for this invention can be made to vary in either inches or centimeters to accommodate most if not all standard and non-standard air conditioning systems and building waste connections.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
  • FIG. 1 depicts the two components (A and B) of this invention, as well as the existing components to which this invention interfaces.
  • FIG. 2 depicts the claims of this invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION See Also FIG. 1
  • Component “A” in FIG. 1 above is defined in detail (starting with the connection to the air conditioner) as follows:
      • Component “A” is 14 inches in length and is made of molded PVC, incorporating the various components (fill pipe, offsets, control valve, etc.). For easy understanding component “A” shows a pipe size of ¾ inch inside diameter, however component “A” can be made to any size.
      • Component “A” is installed by removing 14 inches of existing pipe that connects the air conditioning unit's evaporator component/condensation output to building waste.
      • Connections to the air conditioning unit, and all other connections, are made using PVC fittings (and glue where appropriate), or rubber couplings with clamps, or fitted/threaded PVC, or other pipe/hose connection components, as required.
      • Two inches to the right of component “A's” connection to the air conditioning unit is a 1 inch offset/step down. This step down helps prevent mold controlling chemicals (which can be added to the system via the 12 inch vertical fill pipe immediately to the right of the step down) do not back up into the air conditioners evaporation unit, but instead stay within the waste line.
      • The 12 inch fill tube immediately following the 1 inch offset/step down is used to enter mold controlling chemicals if desired. The screw on cap ensures that foreign objects do not enter the system when access is not needed.
      • To the right of the fill tube is a short section of pipe which connects to the “Condensation Waste/Recycle Control Valve”. When the valve is turned to the down position, condensation follows the path to waste and cannot follow the path to recycle. When the valve is turned to the up position, condensation follows the pull of gravity and routes to the recycle outlet. A hose or any other form of pipe is connected to the recycle outlet and routed to the exterior of the building, or any other desired location. Should the recycle path become clogged, condensation will back up into the valve area and then follow the path to waste, automatically.
      • Following the waste/recycle control valve is a short length of pipe which connects to two paths and incorporates a ½ inch offset/step down and a ½ inch step up. This design ensures that if the route to waste becomes clogged, condensation will back up into the waste route until it reaches a level slightly higher than the ½ inch step up. At that point condensation will route via the automatic overflow protection outlet. A hose or any form of pipe is connected to the overflow protection outlet and routed to the exterior of the building, or any other desired location.
      • The length of pipe for the automatic overflow route is shorter (2 inches) than the length of pipe to waste so that connectors/couplings/unions/etc can be attached to each without interfering with each other.
      • Condensation blockage/backup note: the design of the 1 inch offset/step down immediately to the right of the connection to the air conditioner evaporator condensation outlet ensures that the remaining components of component “A” remain sufficiently lower than the air conditioner's evaporator output pipe, ensuring that any blockage of condensation will not backup into the evaporator unit, but will instead route via the automatic overflow path.
      • Components “A” and “B” are connected by using a common PVC pipe or hose connector (usually the remaining part of the original pipe or hose that connected the air conditioner's evaporator component to waste.)
  • Component “B” of FIG. 1 is a 12 inch vertical pipe sized to fit the existing route to waste, with an inlet connection sized to fit the connection of pipe or tubing from component “A”. The vertical portion of component “B” has a screw on removable cap, which is removed to inspect the flow of condensation, and as a cleanout access point if needed. The screw on cap ensures the route to waste is completely enclosed, blocking out foreign objects, insects, vermin, etc.

Claims (4)

1. This invention protects the structure from water and mold damage by automatically routing air conditioner condensation to an alternate route in the event the normal route (to waste or recycle) becomes blocked.
2. This invention provides a recycle option, whereby air conditioner condensation can be routed to a rain barrel or other use instead of routing to waste.
3. This invention facilitates the addition of mold fighting chemicals in the waste route (such as bleach) if desired, while preventing these chemicals from entering the air conditioner evaporator unit.
4. This invention protects the route to waste from intrusion by foreign material, insects, vermin, etc by sealing the connection to building waste, as well as providing an inspection and cleanout point.
US13/629,737 2011-09-29 2012-09-28 Building Air Conditioner Evaporator Condensation Management System Abandoned US20130264294A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/629,737 US20130264294A1 (en) 2011-09-29 2012-09-28 Building Air Conditioner Evaporator Condensation Management System

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US201161540810P 2011-09-29 2011-09-29
US13/629,737 US20130264294A1 (en) 2011-09-29 2012-09-28 Building Air Conditioner Evaporator Condensation Management System

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Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3454043A (en) * 1967-01-09 1969-07-08 Burke L Harper Fluid drainage disposal system
US4230174A (en) * 1978-10-20 1980-10-28 Eubank Marcus P Damper assembly
US4915133A (en) * 1989-03-15 1990-04-10 Harrison C L Scott Valve device for piping systems
US5114594A (en) * 1991-02-26 1992-05-19 Rosebrock Linda L Rainwater diverter
US6261443B1 (en) * 1996-12-20 2001-07-17 Bertil Eriksson System for handling drain waters of different degrees of contamination
US20010030161A1 (en) * 2000-04-12 2001-10-18 Takachiro Corp. System and method for utilizing rainwater collected at buildings
US6328882B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2001-12-11 Joel Hl. Rosenblatt Residential waste water recycling system
US6363967B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2002-04-02 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Flow merging and dividing device and heat exchanger using the device
US6584995B2 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-07-01 Atwood M. Kimbrough HVAC enviro-clean valve
US6651690B1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-11-25 Gregory Coogle Chemical delivery system for air conditioning drainage pipes
US20060096639A1 (en) * 2004-11-05 2006-05-11 Gregory Coogle Condensate drain tray connector
US7047998B2 (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-05-23 Mckee David Gravity flow drain extension for a condensation drain line
US7096885B2 (en) * 2003-08-29 2006-08-29 Renewability Energy Inc. Non-pressurized flow-splitting water supply system
US7331357B2 (en) * 2005-08-19 2008-02-19 New Pig Corporation Leak diverter
US20080128030A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-05 David Lewis Systems and methods for the collection, retention and redistribution of rainwater and methods of construction of the same
US20080190494A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-08-14 Kurt Niece Water Processing System and Method
US20090056346A1 (en) * 2007-09-05 2009-03-05 Zatarain Jesus M Conduit trap and condensation recovery device
US20110283730A1 (en) * 2010-05-18 2011-11-24 William Scott Tudor Apparatus and method to recover and dispense potable water

Patent Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3454043A (en) * 1967-01-09 1969-07-08 Burke L Harper Fluid drainage disposal system
US4230174A (en) * 1978-10-20 1980-10-28 Eubank Marcus P Damper assembly
US4915133A (en) * 1989-03-15 1990-04-10 Harrison C L Scott Valve device for piping systems
US5114594A (en) * 1991-02-26 1992-05-19 Rosebrock Linda L Rainwater diverter
US6261443B1 (en) * 1996-12-20 2001-07-17 Bertil Eriksson System for handling drain waters of different degrees of contamination
US6363967B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2002-04-02 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Flow merging and dividing device and heat exchanger using the device
US6328882B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2001-12-11 Joel Hl. Rosenblatt Residential waste water recycling system
US20010030161A1 (en) * 2000-04-12 2001-10-18 Takachiro Corp. System and method for utilizing rainwater collected at buildings
US6584995B2 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-07-01 Atwood M. Kimbrough HVAC enviro-clean valve
US6651690B1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-11-25 Gregory Coogle Chemical delivery system for air conditioning drainage pipes
US7096885B2 (en) * 2003-08-29 2006-08-29 Renewability Energy Inc. Non-pressurized flow-splitting water supply system
US7047998B2 (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-05-23 Mckee David Gravity flow drain extension for a condensation drain line
US20060096639A1 (en) * 2004-11-05 2006-05-11 Gregory Coogle Condensate drain tray connector
US7331357B2 (en) * 2005-08-19 2008-02-19 New Pig Corporation Leak diverter
US20080190494A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-08-14 Kurt Niece Water Processing System and Method
US20080128030A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-05 David Lewis Systems and methods for the collection, retention and redistribution of rainwater and methods of construction of the same
US20090056346A1 (en) * 2007-09-05 2009-03-05 Zatarain Jesus M Conduit trap and condensation recovery device
US20110283730A1 (en) * 2010-05-18 2011-11-24 William Scott Tudor Apparatus and method to recover and dispense potable water

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