Condensate collector arrangement for dry pipe sprinkler system
A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a float or a sensor which activates an alarm when a predetermined amount of condensate has been collected.
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The present invention relates to dry pipe sprinkler systems and in particular to a condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system with an alarm.
BACKGROUNDA dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a fire suppression system that is typically used in structures and areas that are oftentimes unheated and subject to freezing temperatures. The dry pipe sprinkler system includes a network of pipes including branch lines servicing sprinkler heads, risers, and feed mains for delivering water from a water supply to the branch lines. Under normal conditions, this network of pipes contains a pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen, which holds closed a dry pipe valve that connects the main supply pipes of main feeds of the sprinkler system to the water supply. When heat from a fire opens a sprinkler, the compressed gas is released from the system. The resulting drop in pressure causes the dry pipe valve to open, or trip, thereby releasing water into the main supply lines or main feeds.
When the network of pipes is filled with the pressurized gas and the ambient temperature lowers, condensate can collect in the network of pipes. If the condensate builds up in the system, then there is a risk that the condensate will freeze in the pipes. Freezing condensate can cause pipes to leak or burst, or inhibit the flow of water through the branch lines in the event of fire. For this reason, dry pipe systems often include one or more condensate collector arrangements (sometimes called “drum drips”) which collect condensate from the network of pipes. These drum drips are typically located at low points of the dry pipe system and usually include a drainage valve and a shut-off valve connecting the drum drip to a riser. A drum drip is drained of condensate by first closing the upper valve. This prevents pressurized gas from exiting the system when the drum drip is being drained. The drain valve is then opened and condensate is drained from the drum drip. Then the drain valve is closed again and the upper valve may be reopened to again allow condensate to be collected.
SUMMARYAccording to the disclosure, a condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a first valve with an inlet and an outlet. The first valve has a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the first valve. A second valve comprises an inlet and an outlet with the second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve. A collection chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the second valve. The collection chamber is generally elongate between the first valve and the second valve. A switch is operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A float member is provided downstream of the first valve member and upstream of the second valve member with the float member being configured to move upwardly in response to an accumulation of condensate in the collection chamber. The movement of the float member causes the switch to change between the open configuration and the closed configuration. An alarm is operatively connected to the switch, with the alarm being activated when the float member causes the switch to change between the open configuration and the closed configuration to indicate the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
In another embodiment, the condensate collector arrangement further comprises a pivot arm connected to the float about a first pivot and configured to rotate about a second pivot through an angle when the float moves upwardly. An actuator is disposed on the pivot arm, with the switch being caused to change configurations in response to movement of the pivot arm causing the actuator to move relative to the switch.
The switch may comprise a proximity switch configured to activate the alarm when the actuator is placed in operative proximity to the proximity switch by the rotation of the pivot arm through the angle. The proximity switch may be open when the actuator is distal from the proximity switch and the proximity switch may be closed when the actuator is proximal the proximity switch.
The actuator may be located at a first end of the pivot arm, and the second pivot may be provided between the actuator and the first pivot. The alarm may be battery powered.
The collection chamber may be generally cylindrical and the float may be provided substantially within the collection chamber. The first pivot and the second pivot may be provided within a housing for the first valve and the float may extend substantially into the collection chamber.
In another embodiment, the float may be configured to slide linearly along a shaft member in response to the accumulation of condensate in the collection chamber. The float member may be provided within an outlet of the first valve. The first valve member and the second valve member may be aligned with one another with the collection chamber extending longitudinally between the first valve member and the second valve member. The float member may be provided in fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve.
The first valve member may comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first outlet and the inlet being collinear, and with the float member being provided in the first outlet.
The first valve member may comprise a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first outlet and the inlet being collinear, and with the second outlet being oriented perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet, with the float member being provided adjacent the second outlet.
In another embodiment, a condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a first valve with an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first valve having a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlets of the first valve. The first valve member comprises a housing forming the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet, with the first outlet and the inlet being collinear. A second valve comprises an inlet and an outlet, with the second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve. A collection chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the second valve, with the collection chamber being generally elongate between the first valve and the second valve. A sensor is provided in fluid communication with the second outlet of the first valve. An alarm is operatively connected to the sensor, with the alarm being activated when the sensor indicates the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
The alarm may be battery powered. The collection chamber may be generally cylindrical. The first outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the second valve may be aligned with one another with the collection chamber extending longitudinally between the first valve member and the second valve member, with the sensor being provided within the second outlet of the first valve.
The first outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the first valve may be collinear, with the second outlet being oriented perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet, with the sensor being provided adjacent the second outlet.
In any of the embodiments of the condensate collector arrangement, the second valve may comprise a locking valve whereby movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the use of a key.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings.
With reference to
The upper portion 40 includes a normally open shut-off valve 16 which is in fluid communication with the network of pipes 5 through the fitting 7. The upper portion 40 also includes an alarm actuator 74 which is configured for activating an alarm system 70 when a predetermined amount of condensate collects in the collector portion 20. As such, the condensate collector arrangement 10 may be remotely monitored to detect the presence of the predetermined amount of condensate in the collector portion 20.
With reference now to
The upper portion 40 also comprises a member 44 with a proximity switch or reed switch 78 positioned adjacent the valve 16 by the member 44. The proximity switch 78 is contained within a housing 80 that is mounted on one end of the member 44.
A mechanism is disposed within the condensate collector arrangement 10 generally within the upper portion 40, the sleeve 38 and the chamber 22. The proximity switch 78 is closed or activated by a member or actuator 76 (such as a magnet) as condensate collects in the chamber 22.
In the embodiment of
With continued reference to
When there is no or relatively little condensate in the collector portion 20, an end 62 of the pivot arm 50 is biased upwardly by the weight of the float 52, as shown in
As noted above, in this embodiment the proximity switch 78 is provided within a housing indicated generally at 80. The proximity switch 78 is positioned relative to the end 62 of the pivot arm 50 so that when the pivot arm rotates through the angle θ, the switch actuator 76 is at a distance d (or less) from the end of the proximity switch 78. At this distance, the member or switch actuator 76 actuates the proximity switch 78 which in turn activates the alarm system 70, e.g., by closing (or opening) a circuit of the alarm system. In one embodiment, the proximity switch 78 may be a reed switch and the switch actuator 76 may be a magnet. The alarm system 70 is actuated when the magnetic field associated with the magnet 76 comes sufficiently close to the reed switch 78 to close (or open) the reed switch.
In operation, the condensate collector arrangement or drum drip 10 typically has the shut-off valve 16 placed in an open configuration and the drain valve 14 is in a closed configuration. In this initial condition, such as may occur immediately after initial installation of the dry pipe sprinkler system or after the condensate collector chamber 22 has been emptied, the chamber 22 has no condensate. As the ambient temperature drops, condensate begins to fill the chamber 22 of the collector portion 20. When the level of condensate reaches the lower end 56 of the float 52, the buoyancy of the float 52 in the condensate causes the float 52 to displace upwardly toward the valve 16, which causes the float arm 54 to rotate about the pin 58 and to urge the pivot arm 50 to rotate clockwise (i.e., upwardly) about the pin 60. After the pivot arm 50 has rotated through the angle θ, i.e., the position shown in
The alarm system 70 and/or the proximity switch 78 may be configured in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For instance, the alarm system may be configured to provide remote or local monitoring of the drum drip 10.
With reference now to
With reference to
In the float switch 200, a proximity switch (not shown) is provided within the shaft 204. When the level of the condensate in the chamber 22 is sufficiently low, the float member 201 remains at the bottom of the shaft 204 and is kept on the shaft by a nut 210. When the level of condensate rises to the position of the float member 201, the condensate causes the float member to rise which in turn closes (or opens) the proximity switch within the shaft 204. Closing (or opening) the proximity switch in turn sounds an alarm such as a buzzer 218 or lights an indicator light (not shown).
In the embodiment of
In addition, a manually operated switch 224 may be provided on the enclosure 222 to enable the alarm system and the battery to be tested, as desired.
The shut-off valve 16 and the float switch 200 of the embodiment of
One concern with the embodiment of
Alternatively, the alkaline battery may be replaced with hard wired lithium batteries (not shown) which have relatively long life operation down to temperatures of about −40° F. An on-off switch could be supplied so that the batteries are not drained during storage and shipment prior to installation. Also, a piezo style buzzer may be used to facilitate long battery life.
With reference now to
In the embodiment, lithium batteries 306 are preferably used and the buzzer 218 may be positioned within the enclosure 222. The water sensor 300 may include an adjustment or calibration screw 310 which is adjusted as needed during installation and/or during assembly. The manual switch 224 is provided adjacent the LED indicator light 304 and may be provided on the top (as shown) of the enclosure 222.
The water sensor 300 is securely mounted in the T-fitting by way of a collar 312 which is attached at the end of the T-fitting of the shut-off valve 16. In this way, condensate is prevented from flowing into the enclosure 222 even when the level of condensate has reached or exceeded the level of the water sensor 300.
The shut-off valve 16 and water sensor arrangement of
If desired, the enclosure 222 may be provided with both a red LED to indicate that the lithium batteries are low and a yellow LED which preferably blinks to indicate that the condensate level has reached the predetermined position (either sufficient to raise the float or to trigger the water sensor). The lithium batteries, although hard wired, are preferably replaceable so as to increase the useful life of the device.
With reference now to
When the float member 201 rises on the shaft 204, the switch closes (or opens) to indicate that the level of the condensate has risen to the predetermined amount and that the condensate chamber 22 should be emptied. In this arrangement, the possibility of condensate entering the enclosure 222 is reduced and the possibility of the float switch obstructing the flow of condensate into the chamber 22 is likewise reduced or eliminated.
In the embodiment of
With reference to
With reference now to
It should be noted that the float switch 200 should be installed in an upright configuration for proper operation. The water sensor 300 may be mounted in any suitable orientation.
With reference now to
The principles, preferred embodiments and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than as restrictive. Variations and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby.
Claims
1. A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:
- a first valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said first valve having a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the first valve;
- a second valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve;
- a collection chamber in fluid communication with the outlet of said first valve and the inlet of the second valve, said collection chamber being generally elongate between said first valve and said second valve;
- a switch operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration;
- a float member provided downstream of said first valve member and upstream of said second valve member, said float member being configured to move upwardly in response to an accumulation of condensate in said collection chamber, said movement of said float member causing said switch to change between said open configuration and said closed configuration; and,
- an alarm which is operatively connected to said switch, said alarm being activated when said float member causes said switch to change between said open configuration and said closed configuration to indicate the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
2. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, further comprising:
- a pivot arm connected to the float about a first pivot and configured to rotate about a second pivot through an angle when the float moves upwardly; and
- an actuator disposed on the pivot arm, said switch being caused to change configurations in response to movement of said pivot arm causing said actuator to move relative to said switch.
3. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 2, wherein said switch comprises a proximity switch configured to activate the alarm when the actuator is placed in operative proximity to the proximity switch by said rotation of the pivot arm through the angle.
4. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 3, wherein said proximity switch is open when said actuator is distal from said proximity switch and wherein said proximity switch is closed when said actuator is proximal said proximity switch.
5. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 4, wherein the actuator is located at a first end of the pivot arm, and wherein said second pivot is provided between the actuator and said first pivot.
6. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein said alarm is battery powered.
7. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 5, wherein said collection chamber is generally cylindrical and wherein said float is provided substantially within said collection chamber.
8. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 7, wherein said first pivot and said second pivot are provided within a housing for said first valve and wherein said float extends substantially into said collection chamber.
9. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 8, wherein said alarm is battery powered.
10. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein said float is configured to slide linearly along a shaft member in response to said accumulation of condensate in said collection chamber.
11. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 10, wherein said float member is provided within an outlet of said first valve.
12. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 11, wherein first valve member and said second valve member are aligned with one another with said collection chamber extending longitudinally between said first valve member and said second valve member, said float member being provided in fluid communication with the outlet of said first valve.
13. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 12, wherein said first valve member comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being collinear with said float member being provided in said first outlet.
14. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 12, wherein said first valve member comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being collinear, said second outlet being oriented perpendicular to said inlet and said first outlet with said float member being provided adjacent said second outlet.
15. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 14, wherein said alarm is battery powered.
16. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein the second valve comprises a locking valve whereby movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the use of a key.
17. A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:
- a first valve comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, said first valve having a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and said outlets of the first valve, said first valve member comprising a housing comprising said inlet, said first outlet, and said second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being collinear;
- a second valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve;
- a collection chamber in fluid communication with the outlet of said first valve and the inlet of the second valve, said collection chamber being generally elongate between said first valve and said second valve;
- a sensor provided in fluid communication with said second outlet of said first valve; and,
- an alarm which is operatively connected to said sensor, said alarm being activated when said sensor indicates the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.
18. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said alarm is battery powered.
19. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said collection chamber is generally cylindrical.
20. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said first outlet of said first valve and said inlet of said second valve are aligned with one another with said collection chamber extending longitudinally between said first valve member and said second valve member, said sensor being provided within said second outlet of said first valve.
21. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 20, wherein said first outlet of said first valve and said inlet of said first valve are collinear, said second outlet being oriented perpendicular to said inlet and said first outlet, with said sensor being provided adjacent said second outlet.
22. The condensate collector arrangement of Claim.21, wherein said alarm is battery powered.
23. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 22, wherein the second valve comprises a locking valve whereby movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the use of a key.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 17, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 22, 2009
Applicant: AGF Manufacturing, Inc. (Malvern, PA)
Inventor: George McHugh, IV (Malvern, PA)
Application Number: 11/826,671
International Classification: F25D 21/14 (20060101);