US2416025A

US2416025A - Anti-water-hammer device

Info

Publication number: US2416025A
Application number: US616638A
Authority: US
Inventors: Shaff Aaron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1945-09-15
Filing date: 1945-09-15
Publication date: 1947-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 1964-02-18

Description

F6). i SHAFF ANTI-WATER HAMMER DEVICE Filed Sept; 15, 1945 INVENTOR. .Hazmn Shaft. 41 I Mm v ATTORNEY? Patented Feb. 18, 1947 1 Claim.

My invention relates to devices for eliminating the pounding phenomena observed in water systems, popularly known as water hammering. This phenomena is the result of a disturbance more or less violent which takes place in water pipes from the sudden closing of the taps or valves in the system. The sudden closing, stops the onrushing water in the system, and the energy of the moving water expiates itself in producing a water hammer which is annoying, as well as damaging to the water pipe system. The resulting strain tends to loosen fittings and connections and sometimes produces a breaking in the system.

It is known in the art that the water hammer and its effects may, in a measure, be mitigated by providing at some preferred point in the system a sealed air chamber, connecting with the pipes of the system itself the air in the air chamber acting as a cushion or shock absorber, permitting the onrushing water, when the tap or valve is suddenly closed, to spend its momentum in compressing the air of the air chamber.

In devices of this character, it is important that for the continuous and efficient working of the air chamber that it contain an adequate air cushion at all times.

In the current practice in the art, however, the air cushion in the course of use is relatively quickly absorbed or entrapped in the water of the system, rendering the air chamber ineffective to prevent water hammering. The air chamber becomes water logged, the water in the system gradually rising to fill it and replacing the air cushion which is essential to practical use. In current devices, it is necessary to completely remove the same frequently, and either replace the same, or to recondition the same for further use. This necessitates the use of skilled plumbing help and consequent expense and the temporary closing of the water supply with resulting inconvenience.

My invention has for its object the provision of means lor cushioning and absorbing the shock produced by the water phenomenon known as water hammering, in which means are provided for assuring an adequate air cushion in the air chamber under all circumstances of use.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device containing an air chamber, with means for easily replenishing the air which may be absorbed or entrapped therefrom in use, without the need of removing the device.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved device of the kind mentioned, in which the air cushion in the air chamber may be readily and quickly replenished when dissipated, without the need of removing the device or stopping the flow of water in the system.

Another object of my invention is to provide a simple device of the kind in question which may be readily and quickly reconditioned for use by the average householder without resort to skilled plumbing help.

My invention also has for its object such other advantages as hereinafter are made to appear.

It will be obvious to those versed in the art to which my invention relates that the same may be incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawing is submitted therefore for the purpose of showing the preferred embodiment of my invention whereby the disadvantages current in the art may be obviated in which Fig. l is an elevated view in perspective showing the combination of parts entering into my invention. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary and enlarged section of Fig. 1, taken along line 22, viewed in the direction of the arrow, showing the air intake valve, and the water drain valve in section. Fig. 3 is a section in elevation of Fig. 2, taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2, viewed in the direction of the arrow, showing the water intake valve and air intake valve in section.

Similar numerals refer to similar throughout the several views.

My invention is also in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the construction as herein set forth and claimed.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, Fig. 1 represents an anti-water hammer device embodying my invention in perspective showing the relation of the various parts. The device has an air chamber a, sealed at the top by cap I and at the bottom by cap 8. The air chamber and associated parts are preferably made of brass or bronze but any other type of material may be used provided it is capable of withstanding the ressures of the Water systems to which it is applied. Leading into the air chamber is valve 9, having its inlet 9, afiixed airtight to cap 1, and its outlet ill. Valve key M operates to open and close valve Leading into the air chamber through the bottom cap 8, is valve i2, having its inlet I3, afiixed airtight to cap 8. Valve key I! serves to open and close valve 12. Leading out of valve 52 is drain valve M, it being secured airtight to valve :2. Turn cap 86 serves to shut and open drain valve i l.v

In Fig. 3 the air inlet valve 9 is shown in detail. At its end it enters air chamber 6 through parts neck 9. The upper part of neck 9' is shaped concave to form a valve seat H, to receive the lower corresponding concave end I I of valve key ll. Valve key H is threaded at H", and is screwed into corresponding threads cut in the upper portion of the bore of valve 9.

Valve key I l is square shaped at its top to receive key 31 which is adapted to screw valve key H to fit tight into valve seat l when the valve is to be closed, and to unscrew valve key ll away from seat l5 when the valve is to be open.

The water inlet valve 12 is a modified globe valve, adapted to the objects of the invention. Its body is securely and airtightedly aiiixed to the bottom cap 3. Valve I 2 has a neck It. End 36 is threaded and adapted to be connected on to the water system 38, one means of connection being shown as comprising threaded pipe 40 and T connection 39. Within the valve body 12 and integral therewith are walls 2l,and 28 dividing the valve body into

sections

24 and 25, each opening into the other through a circular aperture 26. The walls 2! and 28 constitute one continuous dividing section in the center of which is aperture 26. The area of walls 2? and 28 adjacent the aperture are ground to form a continuous valve seat 28, which is adapted to receive valve key 29. Valve key 28 terminates in an enlarged section 22 adapted to receive securely a washer 23. The valve key 25, is enlarged to form a threaded portion 25' which screws in and out of corresponding threads in casing 18 which surrounds and keeps valve key 28 in position. Casing 18 is screwed onto neck I9 of valve body IE to form a water tight joint, and the key passing through casing 58 is packed to render the casing surrounding it water tight. By operation of wheel ll affixed to valve key 20, washer 23 is brought to bear against valve seat 28' closing aperture 26, or is removed therefrom to open said aperture permitting the water supply to be cut oil or to enter the air chamber. When the valve is closed the water from the water system 38 enters. section 24 of valve body i2, being completely shut off from the air chamber. When valve is open the water in the water system 38 rises further passing through the aperture 26, enters section 25, and continues to rise in air chamber 6 until the pressure reaction of the air enclosed in the air chamber becomes equal to the water pressure. In Fig. 3 the water is shown as 29.

In Fig. 2, there is shown the parts of drain valve l4 and its relation to the water inlet valve i2. A cross section along line 22 of Fig. 1 is shown. Drain valve I l enters into valve 12, through a hollow neck 33 which is secured into the body of valve 44 airtight and opens into section 25 of valve body [2. Neck 33, bears threads 31, and its end is ground smooth to serve as a valve seat 33'. Turn cap i6 is threaded within, the thread corresponding to threads 3i, being adapted to screw on to the threaded portion of neck 33. The inside of turn cap I6 is ground flat and adapted to correspond with valve seat 33 when screwed down against valve seat 33' to form an air tight valve. Washer 34 serves to assure a water tight valve. Turn cap it has bored through its side aperture it. When turn cap i6 is unscrewed away from valve seat 33' suiliciently the valve is opened and water is permitted to pass through neck 33 and to drain out of aperture iii.

In operation my invention functions in the following manner. Ata chosen point in the water system 38, my device is aifixed, one way of aflixing the same being shown in Figure 1. The water inlet valve I2 and drain valve Id are each securely closed, and the air intake valve 9 is open prior to afiixing the device to the water system.

To place the device in operation key 31 is turned to securely close air intake valve 9, air chamber 6 being full with air at atmospheric pressure. Then valve i 2 is opened and the water in the water system 38 enters through section 24, passes through aperture 26, then into section 25, and rises in the air chamber until the air pressure in the air chamber balances the water pressure. The result is an air cushion in the air chamber. The device is now part of the water system and is adapted to obviate water hammering and to readily furnish under all circumstances of use a readily available air cushion, easily and quickly replenished when diminished by water absorption or other means. There is no need for removing the device once aifixed, the air being replenished by the simple arrangement of parts as disclosed.

In the course of use of my invention when water hammering is again noted, it is indicative of a need for more air in the air chamber, that in the course of use the air has been absorbed or entrapped so that there is not a sufiicient air cushion to operate as a shock absorber. In that event my invention permits the following means of replenishing the air cushion without disturbing the flow of water in the system itself and without the need of removing the device nor the need of skilled adjustment. The device may by my simple arrangement of parts be put into use within a few minutes whereas in the current art, a considerable length of time will elapse before other devices can be readjusted to use again.

In restoring my device'to its original state, I first close valve i2 by turning key 20 by means of wheel ll against valve seat 28, closing aperture 25. This shuts oh the water from the air chamber 6. I then open drain valve M by unscrewing cap l 6, and open air valve 9. The action of these two valve openings is to permit the water to quickly drain out of the air chamber. When completely drained, which is a matter of a few minutes, I close valve is, airtight again and then close valve Q airtight. This leaves the air chamber full of air at atmospheric pressure as originally. I then open valve i2 permitting the water in the water system to again rise into the air chamber until the reaction of the air under pressure equals the water pressure. A sufficient air cushion results. The device is again ready for normal use. It is thus apparent what advantageous purposes my invention serves, and the ease with which it may be made to function over a long period of time, under all circumstances of use.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates that the same may be made in several different constructions although my invention is described with a great degree of particularity. My showing is to exemplify merely the preferred embodiment of my invention. For example, in place of the globe valve used as a Water intake valve, a gate valve or similar valve may be used, and in place of the needle valve used for air intake or the drain valve asshown, other valves may be used Without departing from the essence of my invention.

Various changes in the form, properties, and the details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the principle of sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

A device for eliminating water hammer in systems conducting fluids under pressure, having an air chamber and an air cushion therein; means adapted for aifixing the air chamber to said system; valve means comprising a valve seat, and a valve key to operate said valve, sealed to and opening into said air chamber, adapted for making said air chamber accessible to the fluid in said system, to permit said fluid to enter said air chamber and compress the air cushion therein, under normal circumstances of use, and adapted to shut off said air chamber from the fluid in said system when the air cushion therein is to be replenished; valve means, comprising a valve seat, and a valve key to operate said valve, sealed to and opening into the upper portion of said air chamber, adapted to allow the air from without to communicate with the air within said air chamber when said air chamber remains shut 01f REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,525,517 Smith Feb. 10, 1925 1,950,107 Guinn Mar. 6, 1934 2,220,079 Cornell Nov. 5, 1940