WO2010055522A1 - Procedes et appareil de distribution d'eau et systemes les utilisant - Google Patents

Procedes et appareil de distribution d'eau et systemes les utilisant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010055522A1
WO2010055522A1 PCT/IL2009/001083 IL2009001083W WO2010055522A1 WO 2010055522 A1 WO2010055522 A1 WO 2010055522A1 IL 2009001083 W IL2009001083 W IL 2009001083W WO 2010055522 A1 WO2010055522 A1 WO 2010055522A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
pressure
plunger
accumulation
valve assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2009/001083
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English (en)
Inventor
Dan Mekler
Original Assignee
Dan Mekler
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dan Mekler filed Critical Dan Mekler
Publication of WO2010055522A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010055522A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
    • A01G25/02—Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation

Definitions

  • TITLE METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WATER DELIVERY
  • This invention relates to water delivery, for example in irrigation of plant production areas.
  • irrigation strategies were developed to permit cultivation of areas which did not receive sufficient rainfall and/or to extend a cultivation season in an area which receives natural precipitation during a limited season of the year.
  • Common irrigation technologies include, but are not limited to, flooding, sprinkler based systems and dripper based systems.
  • US 5,507,436 describes method and apparatus for converting pressurized low continuous flow to high flow in pulses.
  • US 3,903,929 describes an Irrigation conduit formed by extruding a flexible, imporous polymer in the form of a structure having first and second integral tubes connected by a common wall separating their interiors
  • US 5,531,381 describes pulsating drip laterals for use in irrigation and other applications.
  • US 5,353,993 describes an irrigation system including an irrigation line having a plurality of irrigation devices connected along its length, a water supply line extending parallel to the irrigation line, and a plurality of pulsator devices extending in parallel to each other from the water supply line to the irrigation line for feeding water into the irrigation line via a plurality of feeding points each spaced from the next by a plurality of irrigation devices.
  • US 4,609,154 describes a water irrigation apparatus including a water supply pipe and means for moving it over the ground to be irrigated, the water supply pipe including a plurality of coaxial tubes, and a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced radial ribs supporting the inner tube within and spaced from the outer tube. Water is inletted into the inner tube, and outletted therefrom along longitudinally-spaced points.
  • US 5,314,116 describes a pulsator adapted for use in irrigation and other systems requiring the uniform discharge of water or other liquids in intermittent pulses and at regular frequencies.
  • a broad aspect of the invention relates to delivery of water over an area, for example in irrigation of crops.
  • the water comprises other materials such as, for example, fertilizers, trace minerals, pesticides or activation agents for heterologous nucleic acid sequences in genetically modified organisms (GMO).
  • GMO genetically modified organisms
  • An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to an irrigation method and system in which a volume of water is alternately collected in one of a pair of similar accumulation zones and water pressure is applied to the second of the pair of similar accumulation zones to force the volume of water out of the first accumulation zone to thereby dispense it onto an area to be irrigated.
  • the use of a water pressure in the second zone to force the volume of water out of the first zone renders the water dispensing substantially independent of the water supply pressure to the first zone and dependent primarily or exclusively on the supply pressure of water to the second zone.
  • pressure in each of the two zones varies with a similar periodicity which is shifted by a half phase.
  • control of the water and/or the periodicity with which it varies contributes to the irrigation schedule and/or amount of water delivered per unit time.
  • the volume of water that can be dispensed at each dispensing event is determined by the volume of the accumulation zones.
  • an irrigation system includes a plurality of pairs of water accumulation zones disposed along and fed by a pair of substantially parallel water supply lines and a controller which provides a constant water pressure to one or the other of the water supply lines at a time.
  • the controller can be mechanical and/or electrical and/or electronic.
  • a flexible divider is interposed between the two water accumulation zones.
  • the flexible divider is formed of an elastic material (e.g. silicon or latex) or an inelastic material (e.g. Mylar).
  • each of the two water accumulation zones is provided as a balloon.
  • the balloons are formed of an elastic material (e.g. silicon or latex) or an inelastic material (e.g. Mylar).
  • one of the water accumulation zones is provided as a chamber with rigid walls and the other water accumulation zone is provided as a balloon deployed within the chamber.
  • An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to a valve assembly including a floating plunger with similar heads at each end provided within a housing fitted with a discharge regulator.
  • the plunger is assembled from two or more pieces.
  • one or more of the pieces are threaded and/or provided with a point of engagement for a tightening tool.
  • the discharge regulator allows water to exit the housing when pressure in the housing reaches a threshold.
  • the heads of the plunger may be tapered and/or ellipsoid and/or spherical.
  • 0.5 to 1.0 mm of linear travel of the plunger in response to a pressure applied to one of the heads causes pressure in the housing to exceed the threshold so that the discharge regulator releases water.
  • the valve includes first and second inlet ports capable of flow communication with first and second water accumulation zones respectively.
  • the plunger when the plunger is at one end of its travel path, it allows flow communication between one inlet port and a corresponding accumulation zone and flow communication between the non-corresponding accumulation zone and the housing.
  • the plunger during operation with water under suitable pressure, the plunger moves back and forth along its travel path in response to small pressure differentials (e.g. 0.5, 0.4, 0.3 atmosphere or lesser or intermediate differences) and/or differences in surface area exposed to an applied pressure.
  • small pressure differentials e.g. 0.5, 0.4, 0.3 atmosphere or lesser or intermediate differences
  • increasing a difference in cross sectional area of portions of the plunger head subject to pressure can compensate for decreasing pressure differential.
  • a relatively high pressure differential contributes to a rapid transfer of the plunger from one end of its travel path to the other end of its travel path.
  • a relatively high pressure differential e.g. 0.5 atmospheres
  • reduction in volume of a water accumulation zone causes pressure in the plunger housing to exceed a threshold, resulting in a discharge of water by the valve.
  • the threshold pressure is 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 or intermediate or greater pressures.
  • increasing the threshold pressure contributes to an ability of the valve to function in locations where hydrostatic pressure is high, for example when there is a large difference in elevation between the valve and a water source.
  • An aspect of some exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to coordination of control of a large number of pairs of water accumulation zones which each contain a volume of water and are deployed over a large area.
  • coordination of control contributes to uniformity of application of water over the area.
  • coordination of control is at the level of number of times each chamber is filled/emptied in a period of time.
  • complete temporal synchronization between chambers is not attempted.
  • soil properties and/or crop type and/or climatic conditions are considered when calculating distance between apparatus including water accumulation zones to be deployed in a field and/or operational parameters of the apparatus.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to deployment in a field or plantation having irrigation lines with multiple water delivery points, the lines characterized by a length of 700 M or 1000 M or more.
  • application of principles of the invention reduces a need to install water distribution lines, which are typically relatively wide lines (and also relatively expensive) that supply water to subservient irrigation lines, but do no actual irrigation themselves.
  • reduction of mains contributes to a reduction in irrigation system cost.
  • water supply pressure indicates a pressure with which a water source feeds or pumps water into a water supply line. While the water pressure is theoretically constant along the water supply line, relatively small local variations in pressure at different points along the line can occur. For example, in case of a long and narrow supply line, water pressure at distal points of the supply line may initially have a lower pressure than points that are proximal to the water source when filling begins. Also, in case of an area with an uneven terrain, e.g. a sloped area, variations in hydrostatic pressure may occur along the line's length due to variations in elevation. Furthermore, variations in actual pressure in the line may occur during the operational cycle. Variations in actual pressure in the water supply line may occur, for example when the water accumulation zones are being filled.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a controller operably connected to a primary water supply line in flow communication with two parallel water conduits operably connected to a plurality of water delivery apparatuses on an irrigation line.
  • pressure in the primary water supply line is substantially constant and the controller periodically directs water to one of two parallel water conduits and then the other of the two parallel water conduits in a cyclic manner.
  • the controller operates at intervals.
  • a water valve assembly including: a floating plunger with heads at opposite ends thereof in a housing; a discharge regulator responsive to a threshold pressure so as to permit discharge of water having a pressure exceeding the threshold; first and second water accumulation zones in pressure relationship such that a change in water pressure in one causes a corresponding change in pressure in the other; first and second inlet ports; flow paths defined within the housing that comprise one or more flow paths between the first and second inlet ports and the first and second water accumulation zones, respectively and one or more flow paths from each of the accumulation zones to the discharge regulator; the plunger is displaceable between first and second positions; in the first position the plunger provides for flow communication, through the respective flow paths, between the first inlet port and the first accumulation zone and between the second accumulation zone and the discharge regulator; and in the second position the plunger provides for flow communication, through the respective flow paths, between the second inlet port and the second accumulation zone and between the first accumulation zone and the discharge regulator.
  • a pressure differential between the first inlet port and the second inlet port causes the displacement of the plunger between the first and the second positions.
  • the water accumulation zones are defined by one or more reversibly deformable wall sections and expand upon water entry, the two accumulations zone are associated in manner such that each expansion is at least partially into a space occupied by the other.
  • At least one of the water accumulation zones is defined by reservoirs formed by one or more walls made of a reversibly deformable material.
  • both water accumulation zones are defined by reservoirs formed by one or more walls made of a reversibly deformable material.
  • At least one of the water accumulation zones is defined by a container made of a reversibly deformable material.
  • both water accumulation zones are defined by a container made of a reversibly deformable material.
  • the deformable material is a flexible or elastic material.
  • At least one of the water accumulation zones are defined by a balloon-like body.
  • the water accumulation zones are defined by a space formed within the housing divided by a reversibly deformable divider into the two accumulation zones.
  • the material is reversibly deformable so as to permit one of the accumulation zones to expand into the space occupied by the other.
  • threshold pressure is at least 2.5 atmospheres.
  • displacement of the plunger between the two positions is linear.
  • the housing permits the plunger 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm of linear travel.
  • the plunger is displaced upon pressure differential of less than 0.5 atmospheres.
  • a water dispensing apparatus including: a valve assembly as described hereinabove; a water dispensing outlet associated with the discharge regulator to dispense water discharged by the discharge regulator; and connectors adapted to connect the first and second inlet ports to first and second water supply lines respectively.
  • the water dispensing outlet is a drip-irrigation outlet or a sprinkler outlet.
  • an irrigation system including: a plurality of water dispensing apparatus as described above; first and second water supply lines connected via the connectors to the inlet ports; a controller adapted to periodically cause water to flow at a pressure exceeding the threshold pressure of the discharge regulator alternately in each of the first and second water supply lines.
  • an irrigation system including: first and second water supply lines extending from a water source; a plurality of water dispensing apparatuses each connected to the first and second water supply lines, each apparatus having two water accumulation zones and a valve assembly which regulates flow communication between the supply lines, the accumulation zones and a housing with a pressure threshold responsive discharge regulator; and a control unit configured to alternate flow between the first and second water supply lines so that:
  • a flow of water in the first water supply line causes water to enter the first water accumulation zone of each apparatus and discharge of water in the second water accumulation zone of each apparatus via the discharge regulator; and (ii) a flow of water in the second water supply line causes water to enter the second water accumulation zone of each apparatus and discharge of water in the first water accumulation zone of each apparatus via the discharge regulator.
  • the controller comprises a user input device.
  • the user input device is adapted for control of a periodicity with which switching between the first and second supply lines occurs.
  • the user input device is adapted for control of the pressure of the water dispensing phase.
  • the user input device is adapted for control of a duration of a resting phase during there is no flow in either water supply line.
  • a method of irrigation including: providing a plurality of water delivery apparatus with paired water accumulation zones; attaching each of the paired water accumulation zones of each apparatus to first and second water supply lines; providing water pressure in the first water supply line thereby filling the first water accumulation zone in each of the paired water accumulation zones of the individual apparatus; switching the water pressure to the second water supply line thereby coordinately emptying the first water accumulation zones by filling of the second water accumulation zones; re- switching by cessation of water supply to the second water supply line and re-institution of the supply of water to the first water supply line thereby coordinately emptying the second water accumulation zones by filling of the first water accumulation zones.
  • the method includes regulating periodicity of at least one of the switching and re-switching.
  • the method includes application of a duty cycle.
  • the method includes implementing a feedback loop based upon measurement of soil dampness.
  • water pressure provided in the supply lines is at least 3 atmospheres.
  • the method includes imposing a threshold pressure on each of the apparatus.
  • a valve assembly including: a floating plunger with heads at opposite ends thereof in a housing; a discharge regulator responsive to a threshold pressure in the housing; first and second inlet ports subject to inlet pressures and in flow communication with first and second water accumulation zones respectively; wherein the plunger allows: flow communication between one of the inlet ports subject to a higher inlet pressure and a corresponding accumulation zone; and flow communication between the non-corresponding accumulation zone and the housing.
  • the heads are spherical.
  • the threshold pressure is at least 2.5 atmospheres.
  • the housing permits the plunger 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm of linear travel.
  • the plunger is responsive to pressure differentials of less than 0.5 atmospheres.
  • a water dispensing apparatus including: a valve assembly as described above; at least one structure which defines the first and second water accumulation zones; connectors adapted to connect the first and second inlet ports to first and second water supply lines respectively.
  • the at least one structure which defines the first and second water accumulation zones comprises a flexible divider between the two zones.
  • the at least one structure which defines the first and second water accumulation zones comprises at least one balloon, optionally two balloons.
  • an irrigation system including: a plurality of water dispensing apparatus as described above; the first and second water supply lines in flow communication with each of the water dispensing apparatus via the connectors to the inlet ports; a controller adapted to periodically cause water to flow at a pressure exceeding the threshold pressure of the discharge regulator in alternately in each of the first and second water supply lines.
  • method refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of architecture and/or computer science.
  • Implementation of methods and/or systems of exemplary embodiments of the invention optionally involves performing or completing selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.
  • several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof.
  • selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit.
  • selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system.
  • selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.
  • Fig. 1 is a simplified flow diagram depicting events associated with a water distribution system according to exemplary embodiments of the invention
  • Fig. 2A is a cross sectional view of a water delivery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first operational state
  • Fig. 2B is a matching cross sectional view of the water delivery apparatus of Fig. 2A in a second operational state;
  • Fig. 3A is a cross sectional view of a water delivery apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first operational state
  • Fig. 3B is a matching cross sectional view of the water delivery apparatus of Fig. 2A in a second operational state;
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary switching mechanism according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an exemplary irrigation system according to some embodiments of the invention
  • Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a water delivery apparatus according to another additional exemplary embodiment of the invention prior to operation;
  • Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 6;
  • Figs. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating operation of a valve mechanism according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • Figs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are schematic diagrams illustrating operation of an apparatus similar to that depicted in Figs. 6 and 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • Various exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus, methods and systems for water distribution. Many of these exemplary embodiments share a common valve mechanism based upon a two headed floating plunger.
  • some embodiments of the invention can be used to irrigate crop production areas and/or supply drinking water to livestock.
  • Fig. 1 is a simplified flow diagram of a water distribution method generally indicated as 100 depicting events associated with operation of a water distribution system according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • water is supplied at a constant source pressure throughout an operational cycle, or multiple operational cycles. Constant source pressure can be achieved, for example, by use of a water tower, pump or any other means known in the art.
  • a plurality of water delivery apparatus with paired water accumulation zones is provided 110.
  • the paired water accumulation zones are provided as side by side or parallel units with matching volumes.
  • the paired water accumulation zones can be nested one within the other.
  • each of the paired water accumulation zones of an individual apparatus is attached 112 to one of a pair of similar water supply lines.
  • the similar water supply lines are shown as being parallel to one another. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the similar water supply lines are provided in a concentric or co-axial or nested arrangement.
  • the first operational cycle commences when water is provided 114 in a first water supply line of the pair of similar water supply lines.
  • the water is provided 114 at or below the constant source pressure.
  • Providing 114 causes filling 120 of a first water accumulation zone in each of the paired water accumulation zones of the individual apparatus. Typically, this stage of operation continues until all of the first water accumulation zones are filled.
  • a switch occurs with supply of water pressure to the first water supply line being interrupted and supply of water at the same pressure in a second water supply line beginning. Water pressure is not actively released from the first water supply line by the switching per se. In principle, the first water supply line remains full.
  • switch 122 of supply of water pressure from the first water supply line to the second water supply line moves a physical switch in each of the individual apparatus.
  • the physical switch includes a floating plunger as described in greater detail hereinbelow.
  • a complementary switch occurs with cessation of water pressure supply to the second water supply line and re-institution of the supply of water pressure to the first water supply line. This leads to a cyclic repetition of events beginning with filling 120.
  • regulation of method 100 is implemented by regulating periodicity 140 (e.g. of switching events 122 and/or 132) and/or application 150 of a duty cycle.
  • periodicity 140 e.g. of switching events 122 and/or 132
  • application 150 of a duty cycle.
  • the duty cycle may be defined in terms of minutes of operation per hour, hours of operation per day, days of operation per month or other relevant timing parameters.
  • the duty cycle is provided as a program (e.g. constantly on from 5AM to 7AM and 6PM to 8PM).
  • regulation can be based upon a feedback loop 170 which measures 160 soil dampness and switches the system on or off in order to maintain dampness in a desired range.
  • the water source pressure is high.
  • water might be supplied at 2, 3 or 4, atmospheres or intermediate or greater pressures.
  • each apparatus includes a water release valve with a threshold pressure set substantially below the source pressure of a specific embodiment being contemplated.
  • source pressure (SP) and threshold pressure (TP) are chosen to overcome a contribution of elevation (elevation pressure or EP) according to the following formula: TP+EP ⁇ SP.
  • the relatively high source pressures may suggest implementation of additional external connectors and/or or braces and/or supports at junctions between supply lines and apparatus.
  • additional external connectors and/or or braces and/or supports are not described in detail, although they are depicted in some of the figures.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select available external connectors and/or or braces and/or supports and modify or adjust them for use in the context of various exemplary embodiments of the invention without undue experimentation.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B are cross sectional views of a water delivery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first operational state depicted generally as 200 and a second operational state depicted generally as 201 respectively.
  • the cross section is transverse with respect to first and second water supply lines 210 and 212.
  • the depicted apparatus of Figs. 2 A and 2B features a "paired balloon" configuration in which a pair of inflatable balloons 250 and 252 deployed within the apparatus work in opposition to one another. Balloons 250 and 252 define a pair of water accumulation zones 240 and 242 respectively.
  • water pressure supplied in first water supply line 210 has caused water to flow through a first connecting conduit 230.
  • Conduit 230 is connected to water supply line 210 by a connector 211 and to a plunger housing 260 by an additional connector 231.
  • conduit 230 As water flows through conduit 230 into plunger housing 260, it displaces a floating switching plunger 262 leftwards so that a flow path 264 with first balloon 250 defining first water accumulation zone 240 is opened. Continued application of water pressure in supply line 210 causes balloon 250 to fill as shown in the figure.
  • balloon 250 As balloon 250 fills, it expands. Expansion is constrained by housing 220 so that first balloon 250 exerts pressure on second balloon 252.
  • two-headed plunger 262 has been displaced leftward so that second balloon 252 defining second water accumulation zone 242 is in fluid communication with a discharge regulator 270 via channels 266 and 268.
  • plunger 262 also blocks a flow of water outwards via connector 233 in this position so that it functions as a no-return valve with respect to second water supply line 212.
  • balloon 252 contains water, the water is forced outwards through discharge regulator 270 at this stage. In any operational cycle other than a first operational cycle, balloon 252 contains water.
  • Depicted exemplary discharge regulator 270 includes a valve seal 274 biased downwards by a spring 276.
  • a degree of bias provided by spring 276 determines a threshold pressure for the valve.
  • a degree of bias is adjustable, e.g. by rotating a screw cap 275. When water pressure on valve seal 274 exceeds the threshold, water exits the valve via channels 272.
  • Fig. 2B water pressure supplied in second water supply line 212 has caused water to flow through a second connecting conduit 232.
  • Conduit 232 is connected to water supply line 212 by a connector 213 and to plunger housing 260 by an additional connector 233.
  • plunger housing 260 As water flows through conduit 232 into plunger housing 260, it displaces switching plunger 262 rightwards so that channel of fluid communication 266 with second balloon 252 defining second water accumulation zone 242 is opened. Plunger 262 also blocks a flow of water outwards via connector 231 in this position so that it functions as a non-return valve with respect to first water supply line 210. In order to accommodate motion of plunger 262, the plunger is tooled so that it can move laterally (left to right in Figs. 2A and 2B) within plunger housing 260. This allows pressure of entering water to move the plunger against a slightly lower opposing pressure.
  • balloon 252 continues application of water pressure in supply line 212 to fill as shown in the figure. As balloon 252 fills, it expands. Expansion is constrained by housing 220 so that second balloon 252 exerts pressure on first balloon 250.
  • plunger 262 has been displaced rightward so that first balloon 250 defining first water accumulation zone 240 is in fluid communication with discharge regulator 270 via channels 264 and 268.
  • Water contained in balloon 252 is forced outwards through discharge regulator 270 at this stage via exemplary discharge regulator 270 as described above.
  • Cyclic switching between operational states 200 and 201 occurs as water pressure is alternately supplied in supply lines 210 and 211.
  • Exemplary apparatus Single balloon configuration
  • a single balloon 252 provided in housing 220 can be used to produce a similar effect.
  • balloon 252 functions as water accumulation zone 242 while housing 220 functions as water accumulation zone 240. Operation is as described above for the Paired balloon configuration.
  • Exemplary apparatus flexible divider configuration
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are cross sectional views of a water delivery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first operational state depicted generally as 300 and a second operational state depicted generally as 301 respectively.
  • the depicted apparatus of Figs. 3A and 3B features a "flexible divider" configuration in which housing 220 is bisected by a flexible divider 350 anchored to the housing (at 351 and 352 in this cross sectional view).
  • First water accumulation zone 340 is defined by housing 220 and divider 350 and second water accumulation zone 342 is defined by housing 220 and divider 350.
  • Channels 364 and 366 replace channels 264 and 266 respectively. Their functions are similar, although their physical configurations are slightly different because they do not need to engage and retain a balloon mouth.
  • valve seal 274 When water pressure on valve seal 274 exceeds the threshold, water exits the valve via channels 372.
  • Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view 600 of a water delivery apparatus according to another additional exemplary embodiment.
  • View 600 shows the exemplary apparatus prior to operation, i.e. empty of water.
  • the apparatus depicted in Fig. 6 features a "flexible divider" configuration in which housing 220 is bisected by a flexible divider 350 anchored to the housing (at 351 and 352 in this cross sectional view).
  • First water accumulation zone 340 is defined by housing 220 and divider 350 and second water accumulation zone 342 is defined by housing 220 and divider 350.
  • Channels 664 and 666 replace channels 364 and 466 respectively. Their functions are similar, although their physical configurations are slightly different in the depicted embodiment. All serve to allow flow communication between the inlet ports (631 and 633) and accumulation zones 340 and 342
  • Depicted exemplary discharge regulator 670 includes a seal 674 seated in place by a biased spring 676 which, together, are operable to permit release of water via channels 672 when water pressure exceeds a threshold determined by spring 676.
  • conduits 230 and 232 are replaced by water channels 630 and 632 respectively, built into walls of housing 220.
  • using built in channels and/or connector braces 613 and 614 contributes to a reduction in apparatus failure resulting from separation of connectors (e.g. 611, and 612) and/or ease of assembly and/or reduced production cost.
  • inlet ports 631 and 633 are in flow communication with water supply lines 210 and 212 respectively via built in channels 630 and 632.
  • floating plunger 662 either:
  • Inlet port 631 is in flow communication with accumulation zone 340 while accumulation zone 342 is in flow communication with the plunger housing (depicted as filled by plunger 662); or Inlet port 633 is in flow communication with accumulation zone 342 while accumulation zone 340 is in flow communication with the plunger housing (depicted as filled by plunger 662).
  • zones 340 and 342 are in pressure relationship such that a change in water pressure in one causes a corresponding change in pressure in the other.
  • pressure in zone 340 exceeds a threshold pressure determined by biasing of spring 676 against seal 674, water is released from zone 342 causing pressure in zone 342 to drop to the threshold pressure.
  • Fig. 7 is an exploded view 700 of the exemplary apparatus depicted in Fig. 6.
  • plunger 662 can be seen to be constructed of two parts 662A and 662B attachable, for example, via threads 762 and 764.
  • 662A can be inserted into plunger housing 260 and attached to 662b, for example by threads 762 and 764.
  • one or more of the plunger heads is provided with a tightening adaptation 763 configured to engage a tightening tool.
  • adaptation 763 can be configured to allow tightening by an Allen wrench, Phillips screwdriver or flat-head screw driver or any other tightening tool known in the art.
  • Housing 260 for plunger 662 can then be sealed by plunger housing caps 764 and 766 which are provided with holes to be aligned with conduits 630 and 632 respectively (see Fig. 6).
  • plunger 662 is provided in two pieces to facilitate assembly transverse to a division plane of housing 220.
  • the plunger is provided as a single piece and the division plane of housing 220 accommodates insertion of plunger 662 to housing 260 during assembly.
  • housing 220 can be seen to be constructed of two parts 220 A and 220B attachable, for example, via male connectors 702 and matching female connectors 704.
  • Connectors 702 and 704 can be, for example, threaded screws and unthreaded holes, bolts and nuts with matching threads, or welds (e.g. ultrasonic welds).
  • Flexible divider 350 and optional sealing gasket 750 are depicted between housing parts 220 A and 220B.
  • gasket 750 can be employed when divider 350 is provided as an inelastic material (e.g. mylar).
  • Water supply lines 210 and 212 are depicted with holes 710 adapted to receive connectors 611 and 612. When assembled, braces 613 and 614 (not visible in this view) will help hold water lines 210 and 212 to connectors 611 and 612.
  • discharge regulator cap 772 is screwed onto threads 773 to bias spring 676 against seal 674.
  • rotation of discharge regulator cap 772 can be used to control a degree of biasing provided by spring 676.
  • Figs. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating operational states 810 and 820 respectively of a valve mechanism according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • Single headed dashed arrows are indicative of a presence of water flow and flow direction.
  • Double headed dashed are indicative of diameters of circular cross sections Al and A2 respectively at the indicated positions on the depicted spherical plunger heads.
  • the area of a circle with diameter d is calculated as: ⁇ *(l/2*d) 2 .
  • opposing pressures are applied alternately to the two sides of first one plunger head, and then the other.
  • FIG. 8 A the figure depicts an operational state 810 in which water is flowing into the valve via a water supply conduit 812 (indicated by upwards dashed arrow).
  • Incoming water pushes on a right plunger head 830 with an applied pressure on cross-sectional area Al with force Fl proportional to Al.
  • a similar, or slightly smaller, pressure is applied to cross-sectional area A2 with a force F2 proportional to A2 as water flows upwards 816 and out of the valve emptying a left water accumulation zone 870 (Upward pointing dashed arrows on left and in center of diagram). Since Al is greater than A2, F2 is greater than Fl and the entire plunger (heads 830 and 850) moves to the left (solid arrow below diagram) allowing water to flow into the right water accumulation zone 880.
  • Fig. 8B illustrates schematically what occurs when the situation is reversed by canceling the flow in water supply conduit 812 and providing flow in a water supply conduit 814 (upward dashed arrow).
  • Al is now on the left side of left plunger head 850 and A2 is on the right side of plunger head 850.
  • the balance of forces is reversed and the entire plunger (heads 830 and 850) shifts to the right (solid arrow below diagram). This causes water to flow into accumulation zone 870 and outwards from accumulation zone 880 to exit 817 the valve.
  • Figs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are schematic diagrams illustrating operational states 900; 901, 902 and 903 respectively of an apparatus of the general type depicted in Figs.3A, 3B, 6 and 7. These figures serve to illustrate how an exemplary valve of the type depicted in Figs. 8A and 8B can be employed in an irrigation apparatus. It will be appreciated that operation of apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention is cyclic, so that the "beginning point" in this series of schematic diagrams is arbitrary.
  • Fig. 9A schematically represents a point 900 in the operational cycle of an exemplary apparatus at which filling of a right water accumulation zone 910 has caused a flexible barrier 930 to move leftwards into a left accumulation zone 920.
  • the plunger 950 which serves as a "switch” to control flow communication within the valve is positioned on the left at this stage. Accumulated water is depicted as cross hatched area.
  • a flow of water into right accumulation zone 910 is stopped (as indicated by an "X" in a right water supply conduit 911) and a flow of water in a left water supply conduit 921 is initiated (upward pointing arrow).
  • Fig. 9B schematically illustrates a point 901 in the operational cycle at which water entering the valve via left water supply conduit 921 pushes plunger 950 to the right so that water enters left water accumulation zone 920, moving barrier 930 rightwards, and forcing water out of right water accumulation zone 910 via the discharge regulator (not depicted here) as plunger 950 shifts rightward.
  • Fig. 9C schematically illustrates a point 902, one half operational cycle removed from that depicted in Fig. 9A, in the operational cycle at which, filling of left water accumulation zone 920 has caused flexible barrier 930 to move rightwards into right accumulation zone 910.
  • Plunger 950 which serves as a "switch” to control flow communication within the valve is positioned on the right at this stage. Accumulated water is depicted as cross hatched area.
  • a flow of water into left accumulation zone 920 is stopped (as indicated by an "X" in left water supply conduit 921) and a flow of water in right water supply conduit 911 is initiated (upward pointing arrow).
  • Fig. 9D schematically illustrates a point 903 in the operational cycle at which water entering the valve via right water supply conduit 911 pushes plunger 950 to the left so that water enters right water accumulation zone 910, pushing barrier 930 leftwards forcing water out of left water accumulation zone 920 via the discharge regulator (not depicted) as plunger 950 shifts leftward.
  • Continuation of filling will return the apparatus to fill status 900 depicted in Fig. 9A at which point flow in right water supply conduit 911 can be shut off and, when desired, flow in left water supply 921 conduit can be initiated as depicted in Fig. 9A.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary switching mechanism 400 suitable for use in the context of exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • Mechanism 400 is installed on a primary water supply 430 and governs distribution of water therefrom among water supply lines 210 and 212.
  • Depicted exemplary water supply 430 terminates at outlets 431 and 433.
  • a single pair of water supply lines 210 and 212 are depicted for clarity, multiple pairs of water supply lines 210 and 212 can be provided in parallel.
  • mechanism 400 is provided in a housing 420.
  • Depicted exemplary mechanism 400 includes a rotating element 410 integrally formed with or connected to a short pipe 412.
  • mechanism 400 includes a timer. Rotation of element 410 can bring short pipe 412 into three operational states:
  • a flow controller 450 e.g. a pump
  • a pressure regulator 440 can be installed on primary water supply 430 as depicted.
  • switching mechanism 400 can be controlled electrically, mechanically, electronically, hydraulically or combinations thereof.
  • Suitable alternate switching mechanisms include, but are not limited to, paired gate mechanisms.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an irrigation system 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Depicted exemplary irrigation system 500 includes a pair of water supply lines 210 and 212 extending from a central water source 530.
  • Water source 530 can be, for example, a reservoir, a water tower or an established water main.
  • Water supply lines 210 and 212 are substantially parallel to one another. Substantially parallel to one another indicates line 212 extends along the length of line 210. In some embodiments, the two lines are co-axial. In other cases, the two lines are fashioned as a single extruded unit (see Figs. 2A, 2B, 3 A and 3B). Optionally, line 212 could be wrapped around line 210 in a serpentine fashion or provided physically separate from water line 210.
  • a switching unit 560 alternately directs a flow of water into line 210 or 212.
  • switching unit 560 includes a pressure regulator and/or a pump.
  • Depicted exemplary irrigation system 500 also includes a plurality of water dispensing apparatuses (depicted generically as 510) each connected to water supply lines 210 and 212.
  • Each water dispensing apparatus 510 has two water accumulation zones (not visible in Fig. 5) in flow communication with a dispensing outlet (depicted generically as 540).
  • a change in pressure in one of the two water accumulation zones causes a change in pressure in a corresponding zone in the same apparatus.
  • a control unit 520 controls switching unit 560 to alternate pressure in lines 210 and 212 between two phases.
  • water enters first accumulation zones from water supply line 210 into and is dispensed from second accumulation zones.
  • water enters second accumulation zones from water supply line 212 into and is dispensed from first accumulation zones.
  • Source 530 and/or switching unit 560 maintain applied water pressure above a threshold pressure of a discharge regulator in dispensing outlet 540.
  • water pressure provided to water line 210 or 212 by water source 530 is held substantially constant in both phases.
  • other factors can contribute to hydrostatic pressure in lines 210 and/or 212 at various points along its length.
  • controller 520 includes a user input device 550.
  • User input device 550 can include one or more of a ten key keypad, a QWERTY keyboard, a mouse, a track ball, a touch-screen, a mobile telephone and a voice activated transponder.
  • controller 520 and user input device 550 are provided as a computer (e.g. a laptop computer, desktop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • user input device 550 is provided as a mobile telephone equipped to transmit signals to one or more controllers 550 attached to a switched telephone network.
  • user input device 550 is adapted for control of a periodicity with which pressure alternates between lines 210 and 212. This periodicity determines a time between the beginning of one phase and a subsequent phase.
  • user input device 550 is adapted for control of the pressure of the water supplied to line 210 and/or 212.
  • control of this pressure contributes to a force with which water is expelled from dispensing unit 540.
  • control of force with which water is expelled from dispensing unit 540 influences a distribution pattern of water from a specific unit 540.
  • increased expulsion force can partially offset a reduction in density of dispensing units 540 in a crop production area.
  • threshold pressure of individual dispensing units 540 can be regulated (e.g. by adjusting a degree of damping on a spring).
  • user input device 550 is adapted for control of a duration of each phase.
  • control of duration of each phase allows the user to provide sufficient time for all of units 540 to complete dispensing from one water accumulation zone and/or refill the corresponding second water accumulation zone.
  • increased pressure in a water line contributes to coordinated dispensing, not all of units 540 will be activated simultaneously. Therefore, in order to insure uniform distribution of water throughout a crop production area, a suitable duration of each phase must be implemented.
  • a water filling phase sufficiently long to allow filling of all of the water accumulation zones is desired.
  • reducing a number of dispensing cycles/day contributes to a reduction in an amount of water applied to a crop production area/day.
  • system 500 includes pressure sensor 532 in water line 210 and/or 212 and/or a soil moisture sensor 562.
  • controller 520 responds to signals emanating from sensors 532 and/or 562 to implement closed feedback loops.
  • controller 520 can be characterized as being designed and configured to periodically apply sufficient water pressure in a first water supply line to cause discharge of accumulated water previously delivered from a plurality of water dispensing apparatus 540 in flow communication with water line 210 and deployed therealong.
  • water is supplied to apparatus 510 according to a program.
  • the program includes a pause between dispensing events and/or pairs of dispensing events.
  • the program and/or pause can be entered via user input device 550.
  • the pause can be 6, 8, 10 or 12 minutes or lesser or greater or intermediate amounts of time.
  • a pause length may be selected in consideration of one or more of soil type, desired degree of soil dampness to be maintained and an amount of time needed to fill all of apparatus 510 in system 500.
  • Exemplary threshold pressure considerations Deployment of irrigation lines on a sloped surface causes variations in water pressure in the line resulting from gravitational effects. Each 10 m of change in elevation contributes approximately 1 atmosphere of pressure, with the highest pressures present at the lowest elevations.
  • each apparatus 510 is individually adjustable.
  • apparatus 510 and/or dispensing units 540 are preset at a manufacturing facility and several different threshold presets are used in a single system 500.
  • Labeling of threshold presets can be, for example, using numbers and/or colors and/or letters.
  • a field is divided into elevation zones and a single threshold preset is used for all apparatus 510 in any given zone.
  • surveyors mark elevation zones in a field prior to installation of an irrigation system.
  • use of a single threshold preset throughout an elevation zone contributes to variations in water distribution pattern for apparatus 510 within a zone.
  • water lines 210 and 212 can be constructed of metal or polymeric plastic.
  • housing 220 can be constructed of metal or polymeric plastic.
  • Suitable metals include but are not limited to copper, aluminum and steel and alloys thereof.
  • Suitable polymeric plastics include, but are not limited to polypropylene and polyvinylchloride, PMMA, polyamides, ABS, polyurethane and silicone.
  • balloons 250 and/or 252 and/or flexible divider 350 can be constructed of an elastic material such as, for example, silicone, latex, polyurethane or rubber. Alternatively or additionally, these portions can be constructed of an inelastic material such as Mylar.
  • spherical heads of plunger 662 are at least partially constructed of elastic material.
  • Suitable elastic materials for use in construction of spherical heads of plunger 662 include, but are not limited to rubber and/or silicone including thermoplastic rubber.
  • the elastic material is provided as a covering layer on spherical heads of plunger 662 while heads themselves are constructed of a rigid material. Exemplary design considerations
  • Design of specific apparatus considers what pressures will be applied to various components of the apparatus during use. Anticipated operational pressures and/or desired delivery volumes will influence choice of materials and/or thicknesses and/or apparatus dimensions. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to calculate from a set of operational pressures and desired delivery volume suitable thicknesses and dimensions using desired materials.
  • Choice of materials may also be influenced by factors not directly related to performance such as cost and/or weight and/or amenability to industrial production processes. In many cases these indirect factors lead to production of apparatus based primarily on polymeric plastics.
  • irrigation of a crop production area of olives including 100 trees per 100OM 2 .
  • a single apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment as described hereinabove is provided for each tree.
  • the 100 apparatus are deployed along 500-600 M of parallel water supply lines 210 and 212.
  • Each apparatus provides a single 25cc portion of water every 10-12 minutes, with alternate portions being supplied by opposite members of the pair of water accumulation zones.
  • apparatus 510 dampen the soil in a roughly circular area with a diameter of 50-70 cm. For a given soil type, increasing the size of a delivered portion of water, will increase the radius of the dampened area.
  • measurements of humidity are conducted periodically.
  • a desired depth e.g. 10- 15cm
  • irrigation is stopped.
  • the process is repeated at intervals (e.g. after one or two days) in accord with the specific crop being irrigated.
  • each tree receives 1.5 liters of water in 10 hours of irrigation. This represents a savings of approximately 30% in annual water consumption of irrigation water relative to previously available irrigation technologies. In many cases, the reduced water consumption is accompanied by superior plant growth and/or crop yield. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, since apparatus 510 are interchangeable, it is possible to change them and provide wider dispersion of each portion of water as the trees grow. Optionally, this contributes to growth of additional root hairs on plant roots.
  • apparatus and systems according to embodiments of the invention are useful in areas where the water has high mineral concentrations (e.g. calcium) and/or in scenarios where additives (e.g. fertilizers and/or herbicides and/or pesticides) and/or when partially treated wastewater are delivered via the irrigation system.
  • mineral concentrations e.g. calcium
  • additives e.g. fertilizers and/or herbicides and/or pesticides
  • efficient delivery of oxygen to the soil by apparatus and systems according to embodiments of the invention contributes to improvements in plant growth and/or crop yield.
  • efficient delivery of oxygen to the soil by apparatus and systems according to embodiments of the invention contributes to a reduction in concentration of fertilizers, minerals and growth promoters which need to be added to the water.
  • this reduction can be a six, eight, ten or twelve fold reduction or intermediate or greater fold reduction.
  • implementation of apparatus and systems according to embodiments of the invention contributes to diffusion of soil salts downwards so that they have less physiologic impact on a crop being grown in the irrigated area.
  • implementation of apparatus and systems according to embodiments of the invention contributes to a reduction in "mains" which supply water to subservient irrigation lines, but do no actual irrigation themselves.
  • reduction of mains contributes to a reduction in irrigation system cost.
  • implementation of apparatus and systems according to embodiments of the invention contributes to a reduction in mist or fog formation.
  • reduction of mist or fog formation contributes to a reduction in water consumed for irrigation.
  • features used to describe a method can be used to characterize an apparatus and features used to describe an apparatus can be used to characterize a method.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Flow Control (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble robinet de prise d'eau comportant un plongeur flottant (262) avec des têtes aux extrémités opposées de celui-ci dans un logement, un régulateur de décharge (270) réagissant à une pression seuil, une première et une seconde zones d'accumulation d'eau (240, 242) dans une relation de pression de sorte qu'un changement au niveau de la pression d'eau dans l'une provoque un changement correspondant en pression dans l'autre; des premier et second ports d'admission (264, 266); des trajets d'écoulement définis à l'intérieur du logement  qui comprend un ou plusieurs trajets d'écoulement entre le premier et le second ports d'admission et la première et la seconde zones d'accumulation d'eau, respectivement et un ou plusieurs trajets d'écoulement à partir de chaque zone d'accumulation en direction du régulateur de décharge. Le plongeur peut se déplacer entre une première et une seconde positions. Dans la première position, le plongeur (262) assure la communication d'écoulement, par le biais des trajets d'écoulement, entre le premier port d'admission (264) et la première zone d'accumulation (240) et entre la seconde zone d'accumulation (242) et le régulateur de décharge (270). Dans la seconde position, le plongeur assure la communication d'écoulement, par le biais des trajets d'écoulement respectifs, entre le second port d'admission (266) et la seconde zone d'accumulation (242) et entre la première zone d'accumulation et le régulateur de décharge.
PCT/IL2009/001083 2008-11-17 2009-11-17 Procedes et appareil de distribution d'eau et systemes les utilisant WO2010055522A1 (fr)

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US61/193,303 2008-11-17

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111066526A (zh) * 2020-01-15 2020-04-28 苏州帝瀚环保科技股份有限公司 净化空气花盆的补给座

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3762170A (en) * 1972-04-11 1973-10-02 D Fitzhugh Irrigation apparatus and methods
US3883074A (en) * 1972-02-18 1975-05-13 John W Lambert Hydraulic oscillator and systems utilizing the same
US5314116A (en) * 1992-01-21 1994-05-24 Wade Manufacturing Co. Pulsator for irrigation systems and the like
US5507436A (en) * 1990-09-10 1996-04-16 Ruttenberg; Gideon Method and apparatus for converting pressurized low continuous flow to high flow in pulses
WO2007102409A1 (fr) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-13 Toto Ltd. Dispositif de douche et cabine de douche

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3883074A (en) * 1972-02-18 1975-05-13 John W Lambert Hydraulic oscillator and systems utilizing the same
US3762170A (en) * 1972-04-11 1973-10-02 D Fitzhugh Irrigation apparatus and methods
US5507436A (en) * 1990-09-10 1996-04-16 Ruttenberg; Gideon Method and apparatus for converting pressurized low continuous flow to high flow in pulses
US5314116A (en) * 1992-01-21 1994-05-24 Wade Manufacturing Co. Pulsator for irrigation systems and the like
WO2007102409A1 (fr) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-13 Toto Ltd. Dispositif de douche et cabine de douche
EP1997408A1 (fr) * 2006-03-02 2008-12-03 Toto Ltd. Dispositif de douche et cabine de douche

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111066526A (zh) * 2020-01-15 2020-04-28 苏州帝瀚环保科技股份有限公司 净化空气花盆的补给座

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