METHOD FOR ISOLATING AN APPLIANCE IN A PLUMBING SYSTEM

• US 20080142086A1
• Filed: 10/29/2007
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NIBCO Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Webstone Company Incorporated
• Inventors: Reck, Michael E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,644,730 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/15.22
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/0873 the plug being only rotatable around one spindle
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/0876 one connecting conduit having the same axis as the spindle
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 5/0605 with particular plug arrangements, e.g. particular shape or built-in means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0508 Ball valve or rotary ball valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86863 Rotary valve unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86871 Plug
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87169 Supply and exhaust
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87909 Containing rotary valve

Abstract

A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Claims

1. A method for isolating an appliance in a plumbing system comprising:

actuating a first valve from a first position to a second position, the first valve having a first flow path, a second flow path and a drain flow path, said first position configured such that a fluid source communicates with said appliance, said second position configured such that said fluid source communicates with said drain flow path;

attaching a flushing mechanism to the drain flow path of said first valve;

pumping a flushing fluid from said flushing mechanism into said drain flow path, said flushing fluid flowing through said system; and

actuating a second valve from a first position to a second position, the second valve having a first flow path, a second flow path, a relief flow path and a drain flow path, said first position configured such that said appliance communicates with said plumbing system, said second position configured such that said appliance communicates with said drain flow path, said flushing fluid flowing through said system and out said drain flow path of said second isolation valve.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first valve further comprises a relief flow path such that when said first valve is in either said first or second position, said relief flow path is in communication with said appliance.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said appliance comprises a tankless water heater.