Apparatus for the enhancement of water quality in a subterranean pressurized water distribution system

• US 6,880,566 B2
• Filed: 10/20/2003
• Issued: 04/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mueller International LLC (Mueller Water Products Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Michael R. Newman
• Inventors: Newman, Michael R.
• Primary Examiner(s): DRODGE, JOSEPH W
• Application Number:
  US10/691,289
• Publication Number:
  US 20040079689A1
• Time in Patent Office: 547 Days
• Field of Search: 137/377, 137/561.R, 137/561.A, 137/563, 137/565.01, 137/565.27, 137/565.35, 169/16, 210/97, 210/137, 210/167, 210/170, 210/194, 210/258, 210/747, 405 36- 49, 405/52, 405/128
• US Class Current: 137/377
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/006 Arrangements or methods for cleaning or refurbishing water conduits
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/08 Arrangement of draining devices, e.g. manual shut-off valvesdraining devices in general F16K, F16L
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/18 Water
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/402 Distribution systems involving geographic features
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7043 Guards and shields
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8158 With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8593 Systems

Abstract

An apparatus for the enhancement of water quality is provided for purging a low flow area of a subterranean water distribution system. The apparatus can include: a water carrier system for transporting water through the apparatus, a flow control valve for adjusting the flow rate of water through the system; a programmable solenoid controller for activating and deactivating the flow control valve; electronic and/or optical sensing devices for measuring water quality; a data access and programming port; and an electronic control system. The components cooperate to provide a means for automatically measuring water quality and then purging water from the low flow area as required. The apparatus can discharge directly to a below ground drain such as a storm drain, sewer or drain field. Alternatively, the apparatus can have an above ground downwardly directed discharge.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the enhancement of water quality in a subterranean pressurized water distribution system, said apparatus comprising:

a flow controlled passage for pressurized water having an inlet adapted for fluid connection to said subterranean pressurized water distribution system, said flow controlled passage having a conduit for directing pressurized water received in said inlet to a routing conduit for initially directing said pressurized water upwardly, said flow controlled passage further including a discharge housing operatively positioned with respect to the routing conduit to receive pressurized water from the routing conduit and redirect said pressurized water downwardly, whereby discharge of said pressurized water upwardly or laterally, and its associated dangers are avoided during purging of the subterranean pressurized water distribution system; and

a flow control valve disposed along said flow controlled passage for permitting and prohibiting the flow of pressurized water through the flow controlled passage, further comprising a splash guard positioned directly below the discharge housing to receive pressurized water from the discharge housing and reduce erosion to the underlying ground.

2. An apparatus for the enhancement of water quality in a subterranean pressurized water distribution system, said apparatus comprising:

a flow controlled passage for pressurized water having an inlet adapted for fluid connection to said subterranean pressurized water distribution system, said flow controlled passage having a conduit for directing pressurized water received in said inlet to a routing conduit for initially directing said pressurized water upwardly, said flow controlled passage further including a discharge housing operatively positioned with respect to the routing conduit to receive pressurized water from the routing conduit and redirect said pressurized water downwardly, whereby discharge of said pressurized water upwardly or laterally, and its associated dangers are avoided during purging of the subterranean pressurized water distribution system; and

a flow control valve disposed along said flow controlled passage for permitting and prohibiting the flow of pressurized water through the flow controlled passage wherein the discharge housing includes a dissipator.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the dissipator provides a circuitous path to dissipate energy in the pressurized water flow.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a splash guard positioned directly below the discharge housing to receive pressurized water from the discharge housing and reduce erosion to the underlying ground.