WO2021068081A1

WO2021068081A1 - Adaptive fluid flow management device

Info

Publication number: WO2021068081A1
Application number: PCT/CA2020/051362
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nasser Mohieddin ABUKHDEIR; Christopher PEAREN; Bartek Zalewski; Michael Anthony EACRETT; Christopher Douglas EACRETT; Derek James THOMAS; Paul Andre GUILMAIN
Original assignee: Compression Capital Corp.
Priority date: 2019-10-09
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2021-04-15

Abstract

The present specification relates generally to flow management devices and specifically to an adaptive fluid flow management device for water service pipes which includes a housing, which defines a passage for fluid to flow therethrough, a rod, at least one torsion spring, at least one flap gate, and at least one aperture. The at least one flap gate being of a dimension that substantially covers an end of the housing and is configured to pivot about the rod such that, at rest, it is positioned perpendicular to an end of the housing. The at least one flap gate and a perimeter of an end of the housing define the at least one aperture, to allow fluid to flow therethrough. Also disclosed are methods of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter and calibrating a fluid flow management device.

Description

ADAPTIVE FLUID FLOW MANAGEMENT DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present specification relates generally to flow management devices, and specifically to an adaptive fluid flow management device for water service pipes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Water distribution systems transport water from a water source, such as a lake, to residential and commercial properties. The system of distributing water typically includes pipes for transporting water to treatment plants, storage facilities, pumping stations, and local water mains that, ultimately, convey water into residential and commercial properties via a water service pipe. As water is transported through a water distribution system, the transported water is subject to various changes in pressure which lead to cavitation - the formation of small, vapour- filled cavities in the flow of water. In particular, this occurs when local pressure approaches the saturation pressure in the presence of flow. When water experiencing cavitation passes through a residential or commercial property’s water meter, the meter will register a higher volumetric flow of water consumed.

[0003] To reduce cavitation, there are static or non-adaptive valve devices placed downstream from the water meter that permanently restrict or reduce the cross-sectional area of water service pipes, in order to increase pressure downstream of the water meter to reduce the likelihood of cavitation within the water meter, upstream. However, due to the non-adaptive nature of these devices, they impose a varying pressure drop and are unable to respond to the changes in variations in water flow rate, inherent to water distribution systems. Accordingly, non-adaptive devices may not perform as required when flow rate is low.

[0004] There are also dynamic devices that open as the pre-valve pressure increases and close as the post-valve pressure increases or other resistance is exerted against the closure, such as a compression spring; however, these devices are often not designed to adapt to pressure drops. This results in a similar failure as with static or non-adaptive devices, where at higher flow rates, because the cross-sectional area available to flow through these devices is fixed, this results in large pressure drops that can limit flow. Further, existing dynamic devices typically close at relatively low pre-valve pressures, therefore, the valve functionality may not lead to cavitation suppression and, additionally, may result in a blockage of water flow through the device. Similarly, these devices may also restrict backflow within waterlines because they often create a watertight seal when in a closed position, which can result in over pressurizing waterlines where there is no accompanying expansion tank.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improvement in the art. For example, an adaptive fluid flow management device that is responsive to various flow rates, eliminating flow disruption in circumstances when pre-device pressure is low, and allowing for back flow of water, thereby avoiding potential over pressurization of waterlines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an adaptive fluid flow management device, comprising: a housing, wherein the housing contains a first end and a second end, and whereby the housing defines a passage for fluid to flow therethrough; a rod, whereby the rod extends diametrically across the first end of the housing, affixing to opposite sides of a perimeter; at least one torsion spring, wherein the at least one torsion spring contains a helical central axis and two spring arms extending longitudinally away from the central axis at an angle, and whereby the central axis is configured to secure about the rod; at least one flap gate, wherein the at least one flap gate is of a dimension that substantially covers the first end of the housing, and whereby the at least one flap gate is configured to pivot about the rod and, at rest, is positioned perpendicular to the first end of the housing by receiving a resistive force from one of the two spring arms; and at least one aperture, wherein a dimension of the at least one aperture is defined by the at least one flap gate and the perimeter of the first end of the housing, and whereby the aperture is configured to receive fluid therethrough.

[0007] According to a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter, comprising: inserting the adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1 downstream from a water meter between a first piece and a second piece of a pipe; and securing the adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1 between the first piece and the second piece of the pipe, such that the at least one flap gate is configured to pivot about the rod towards the second end of the housing.

[0008] According to a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method of calibrating a fluid flow management device to achieve a desired pressure drop or reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline, comprising: measuring of either a pressure drop or reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline under one or more downstream point-of-use conditions; installing the fluid flow management device in a location upstream from the one or more points- of-use and downstream from a water meter; measuring the pressure drop or the reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline with the fluid flow management device installed under one or more downstream point-of-use conditions; and configuring at least one spring to apply a resistive force that accomplishes a desired reduction in pressure and volumetric flowrate.

[0009] Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00010] The principles of the invention may better be understood with reference to the accompanying figures provided by way of illustration of an exemplary embodiment, or embodiments, incorporating principles and aspects of the present invention, and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an adaptive fluid flow management device, according to an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. i;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a further side view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1; [0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device taken along line B-B of FIG. 5;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a back view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, with two torsion springs with central axes of equal length;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a back view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, with one torsion spring;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a back view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, with two torsion springs with central axes of different length and wire diameter;

[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are at rest;

[0022] FIG. 12A is a front cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are at rest;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are partially open;

[0024] FIG. 13 A is a front cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are partially open;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are fully open;

[0026] FIG. 14A is a front cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are fully open;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, whereby the flap gates are at rest: [0028] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline;

[0029] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1, installed in a waterline, with a portion of the waterline cut away;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter, according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter in a high-rise building, according to an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter in a high-rise building using the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1 on each floor, according to an embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter in a high-rise building using the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 1 in each suite, according to an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an adaptive fluid flow management device, according to an embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective, cut away view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG. 23 in an assembled configuration;

[0037] FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of an adaptive fluid flow management device, according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of an adaptive fluid flow management device, according to an embodiment; [0039] FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view of the adaptive fluid flow management device of FIG 24;

[0040] FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of an adaptive fluid flow management device, according to an embodiment; and

[0041] FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of an adaptive fluid flow management device, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and, in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain features of the invention.

[0043] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 1 to 29, an adaptive fluid flow management device 100 is generally configured to restrict the cross-sectional area of water service pipes, in order to increase upstream pressure and reduce cavitation as water is transported into residential and commercial properties. According to an embodiment, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 is positioned within a water service pipe, downstream from a water meter 1920, and within the commercial or residential property line. The reduction in cavitation may reduce measured water consumption 1930 as vapour, formed as result of cavitation, is suppressed as a result of the increased downstream pressure imposed by adaptive fluid flow management device 100. While adaptive fluid flow management device 100 restricts the cross-sectional area of a water service pipe, it is adaptable such that it will respond to changes in flow rate. For example, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 may impose a minimum cross-sectional area when flow rates are low and a maximum cross-sectional area when flow rates are high. Further, the minimum cross-sectional area of adaptive fluid flow management device 100 allows for back flow of water, avoiding potential over pressurization of waterlines. [0044] Adaptive fluid flow management device 100 may also assist with regulating changes in water flow, inherent to city/utility water supply 1910. For example, according to the embodiments shown in FIGs. 19 to 22, larger, multi-floor and multi -unit buildings often experience variable water pressure depending on the floor or suite to which water is transported via in-suite water delivery line 1940, which results in varying flow rates at the point-of-use. Floors and suites closest to the water main will often receive water at a higher pressure, due to use of a booster pump 1950, than those floors and suites farther away resulting in higher water flow rates at the point-of-use. This results in a higher volume of measured water consumption 1930. Where a booster pump 1950 is used, this can rectify the low pressure experienced farther from the water main. However, this typically results in all lower floors and closer suites being over serviced due to the overall increase in water pressure to the building. Installing adaptive fluid flow management device 100 in every unit or on every floor may regulate the water flow rate through imposing a hydrodynamic pressure drop across all units or all floors, further reducing water consumption 1930 and accounting for water pressure variation across the property. An adaptive fluid flow management device may also be installed within showers or faucets, upstream from a point-of-use, in order to provide the same effect.

[0045] Adaptive fluid flow management device 100 may be constructed from materials which provide the rigidity, strength and durability to restrict the circumference of a waterline pipe. According to an embodiment, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 may be constructed of aluminum, steel, plastics or composites or a combination of suitable materials, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, stainless steel, lead-free materials suitable for placement in potable water sources, and materials capable of passing finite element analysis. Manufacturing costs, desired lifespan, and reusability may be considerations in informing the choice of materials and construction technique and other design choices of adaptive fluid flow management device 100.

[0046] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 1 to 18 and 23 to 29, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 includes a housing 110 that has a first end 120 and a second end 130 that defines a passage for fluid to flow therethrough. According to an embodiment, housing 110 and first end 120 are substantially cylindrical, to accommodate installation in conventional water service pipes. According to a further embodiment, housing 110 includes a flange 160 radially disposed about the first end 120, which facilitates the installation of adaptive fluid flow management device 100. Adaptive fluid flow management device 100 may be inserted between a first piece 1210 and a second piece 1220 of a pipe and secured therebetween by using, for example, a threaded nut and bolt to sandwich flange 160 between first piece 1210 and second piece 1220 of a pipe. First piece 1210 and second piece 1220 may also be equipped with, according to a further embodiment, collars disposed around each pipe opening to further facilitate the securing of adaptive fluid flow management device 100 therebetween.

[0047] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 1, 2, 4, 6 to 15 and 17 to 18, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 further includes a rod 140 that extends diametrically across first end 120, affixing to opposite sides of a perimeter of first end 120. According to an embodiment, rod 140 preferably extends across a diameter of a substantially cylindrical housing 110, such that it bisects first end 120 into two equal halves. According to a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, rod 140 may be inserted into a casing that allows for the assembly of various components of adaptive fluid flow management device 100.

[0048] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 2, 4, 6 and 8 to 15, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 also includes at least one torsion spring 200. Torsion spring 200 contains a helical central axis, which secures about rod 140, and two springs arms extending longitudinally away from the central axis at an angle. According to an embodiment, torsion spring 200 may be calibrated to exert a resistive force that is tailored to the water pressure requirements of a residential or commercial property. For example, the helical central axis of torsion spring 200 may vary in length and diameter, in order to customize the resistive force of torsion spring 200. Further, more than one torsion spring 200 may be utilized to customize the resistive force of adaptive fluid flow management device 100. According to a further embodiment, the angle between the two spring arms may be calibrated at 180 degrees, in order to maintain adaptive fluid flow management device 100 in a closed configuration at rest, such that there is a restriction of the cross-sectional area of a water service pipe to increase upstream pressure. According to a further embodiment as shown in FIGs. 23 to 29, a similar mechanism 202 to that of a torsion spring may be used to exert a resistive force. [0049] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 1, 2, 6 to 15, 17 and 18, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 includes at least one flap gate 150. Flap gate 150 may be of a dimension that substantially covers first end 120 of housing 110, in order to increase upstream pressure and regulate fluid flowing through housing 110. According to an embodiment, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 includes two flap gates 150 that are similarly, and in some cases identically, dimensioned and positioned in a mirror configuration across first end 120. Flap gate 150 is also configured to pivot about rod 140 and, at rest, is positioned perpendicular to first end 120 by receiving a resistive force from at least one of the two spring arms of torsion spring 200. According to an embodiment, flap gate 150 is configured to pivot in one direction about rod 140 towards the second end 130 of housing 110. According to a further embodiment as shown in FIGs. 23 to 29, mechanism 202 ensures that the two flap gates 150 cannot fully open (as is depicted in FIG. 14).

[0050] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 6 to 10 and 12 to 15, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 includes at least one aperture 600. Aperture 600 is defined by flap gate 150 and the perimeter of first end 120 of housing 110. When adaptive fluid flow management device 100 is at rest, and flap gate 150 is perpendicular to first end 120, aperture 600 is configured to receive fluid therethrough. According to an embodiment, aperture 600 is two substantially crescent shaped passages positioned between each of flap gates 150 and a circumference of housing 110. Aperture 600 allows for water to flow through to a residential or commercial property even when flow rate is low and does not actuate flap gate 150 to open. Further, aperture 600 allows for backflow of water to freely flow from a residential or commercial property, avoiding over pressurization of waterlines.

[0051] According to embodiments shown in FIGs. 12 to 22, when adaptive fluid flow management device 100 is installed in a water service pipe 1600, it reduces the cross-sectional area of the water service pipe through which water is flowing. When there is the potential for cavitation to occur upstream of the adaptive fluid flow management device 100, it imposes a back pressure, thereby suppressing the formation of transient vapour-filled cavities.

[0052] According to an embodiment shown in FIGs. 13 and 14, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 is responsive to changes in downstream flow rate. The butterfly design of adaptive fluid flow management device 100, consisting of at least one flap gate 150 and at least one torsion spring 200, allows aperture 600 to increase in size in response to an increase in the downstream flow rate. A greater rate of flow exerts a greater force on at least one flap gate 150 opposite the force exerted by at least one torsion spring 200 to open the valve. This mechanism prevents an additional pressure drop occurring under conditions of increased flow.

[0053] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 15, adaptive fluid flow management device 100 permits the back flow of water across the device 100 through at least one aperture 600, which remains open independent of the flow of water. The at least one aperture also eliminates the possibility of complete valve closure and water supply being cut off when the pressure downstream of adaptive fluid flow management device 100 drops below the calibrated resistance of torsion spring 200.

[0054] An adaptive fluid flow management device may be calibrated such that it achieves a desired pressure drop or reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline. In order to calibrate the device, a measurement of either the pressure drop or reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline is obtained under one or more downstream point-of-use conditions. For example, the measurement may be obtained under a low demand condition, such as hand washing, and a high demand condition, such as showering. After obtaining these measurements, the device may be installed in a location upstream from one or more points-of-use and downstream from a water meter. The same measurements are then taken again under the one or more demand conditions with the device in place. If point-of-use function or cavitation suppression is not as desired, configuring the device such that one or multiple springs or similar mechanisms may be installed to accomplish the desired resistance and, thus, reduction in pressure and volumetric flowrate. This method of calibration may also be used for other fluid flow management devices, such as those that are static.

[0055] Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details but only by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adaptive fluid flow management device, comprising: a housing, wherein the housing contains a first end and a second end, and whereby the housing defines a passage for fluid to flow therethrough; a rod, whereby the rod extends diametrically across the first end of the housing, affixing to opposite sides of a perimeter of the housing; at least one torsion spring, wherein the at least one torsion spring contains a helical central axis and two spring arms extending longitudinally away from the central axis at an angle, and whereby the central axis is configured to secure about the rod; at least one flap gate, wherein the at least one flap gate is of a dimension that substantially covers the first end of the housing, and whereby the at least one flap gate is configured to pivot about the rod and, at rest, is positioned perpendicular to the first end of the housing by receiving a resistive force from one of the two spring arms; and at least one aperture, wherein a dimension of the at least one aperture is defined by the at least one flap gate and the perimeter of the first end of the housing, and whereby the aperture is configured to receive fluid therethrough.

2. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1, wherein the housing contains a flange radially disposed about the first end of the housing.

3. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1, wherein the device is positioned downstream from a water meter.

4. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 3, wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical.

5. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 4, wherein the rod extends across a diameter of the housing.

6. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 5, wherein the at least one flap gate is two flap gates of identical dimensions, positioned in a mirror configuration.

7. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 6, wherein the at least one aperture is two substantially crescent shaped apertures positioned between each of the two flap gates and a circumference of the housing.

8. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1, wherein the at least one torsion spring is more than one torsion spring.

9. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 8, wherein each of the more than one torsion spring contains central axes of different lengths and wire diameters.

10. The adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the two spring arms is 180 degrees.

11. Use of the adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1 to suppress upstream cavitation.

12. A method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter, comprising: inserting the adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1 downstream from a water meter between a first piece and a second piece of a pipe; and securing the adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1 between the first piece and the second piece of the pipe, such that the at least one flap gate is configured to pivot about the rod towards the second end of the housing.

13. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 12, wherein the housing is secured to the first and the second piece of the pipe by a flange radially disposed about the first end of the housing.

14. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 12, wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical.

15. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 14, wherein the rod extends across a diameter of the housing.

16. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 15, wherein the at least one flap gate is two flap gates of identical dimensions, positioned in a mirror configuration.

17. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 16, wherein the at least one aperture is two substantially crescent shaped apertures positioned between each of the two flap gates and the perimeter of the housing.

18. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 17, wherein the at least one torsion spring is more than one torsion spring.

19. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 18, wherein each of the more than one torsion spring contains central axes of different lengths and wire diameters.

20. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 19, wherein the angle between the two spring arms is 180 degrees.

21. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 12, wherein the adaptive fluid flow management device is installed on each floor of a high-rise building.

22. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 12, wherein the adaptive fluid flow management device is installed in each suite of a high-rise building.

23. The method of reducing a measured volume of water passing through a water meter of claim 12, wherein the adaptive fluid flow management device is adaptive to changes in pressure and flow-rate within a water system.

24. Use of the adaptive fluid flow management device of claim 1, wherein the adaptive fluid flow management device suppresses the formation of transient vapour-filled cavities within a water system.

25. A method of calibrating a fluid flow management device to achieve a desired pressure drop or reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline, comprising: measuring of either a pressure drop or reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline under one or more downstream point-of-use conditions; installing the fluid flow management device in a location upstream from the one or more points-of-use and downstream from a water meter; measuring the pressure drop or the reduction in volumetric flowrate in a waterline with the fluid flow management device installed under one or more downstream point-of-use conditions; and configuring at least one spring to apply a resistive force that accomplishes a desired reduction in pressure and volumetric flowrate.