EP2140187A1

EP2140187A1 - Valve system for interrupting a fluid flow

Info

Publication number: EP2140187A1
Application number: EP06805475A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ilja Dzampajev
Original assignee: DZAMPAEVA TATJANA
Current assignee: DZAMPAJEV, ILJA
Priority date: 2006-10-20
Filing date: 2006-10-20
Publication date: 2010-01-06
Also published as: WO2008046368A1; DE112006004180A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve system (1) for interrupting a fluid flow in a fluid system as a reaction to a leak in the fluid system, having an inflow (2), an outflow (6), a valve (3) which is arranged between the inflow (2) and the outflow (6), a closure mechanism for closing the valve and a float element (10) which is arranged in a collecting container (12) and actuates the closure mechanism when the float element (10) experiences an upward floating movement on account of a fluid accumulation (9) which is formed in the collecting container (12) as a consequence of the leak.

Description

Valve system for interrupting a fluid flow

The invention relates to a valve system for interrupting a fluid flow in a fluid system.

State of the art

In practice, fluid systems such as water filtration systems, heaters, cooling systems, and the like leak or leak, which can result in fluid leakage from the fluid system. As a rule, this not only leads to a reduction in the efficiency of the fluid system but can also lead to flooding of the surrounding area and resulting damage to the device in the vicinity of the fluid system. When toxic substances are used in the fluid system, the environment and persons in the surrounding area of the system are also at risk.

In order to prevent leakage of large quantities of fluid due to the leakage in the fluid system and to allow a safe repair of the fluid system, it is necessary to detect a leak as early as possible and the inflow of the fluid into the system or in a portion of the system, which is suspicious, to show the leakage, to interrupt. A system that detects leakage in a fluid-carrying fluid system and then stops water flow is commonly referred to as an aqua-stop system.

One way to detect leaks is to compare the inflow of a fluid into the fluid system with the total outflow of the fluid from the fluid system, and to interrupt a fluid flow in the presence of a difference between inflow and outflow. In another approach to the problem of leakage, a fluid flowing from the fluid system is used directly as an indicator of the presence of a leak. In a prior art implementation of the latter method, the water flowing from a filter system due to leakage is collected and collected in a container located below the filter system. At a certain height above the bottom of the container, a strip of water-soluble material is arranged. The strip is connected via a clamp to one end of an actuating arm of a valve, which is located in a water inlet pipe of the filter system and can interrupt the water inlet into the filter system. By means of the strip, the actuating arm of the valve is held so that the valve is open. Also connected to the end of the actuating arm is one end of a tension spring, the other end of which is connected to a metal plate stationed on the valve and keeps the spring taut. When the height of the water accumulation in the container reaches the strip, it dissolves in the water and the now not held actuating arm of the valve is moved due to the tension in the spring in a position which closes the valve. Thus, the water flow into the filter system is interrupted.

After the leakage has been corrected, the Aqua-Stop system must be reset to allow free flow of water through the valve and to prepare the Aqua-Stop system for interrupting the flow of water in later leaks. For this purpose, not only the actuating arm of the valve must be returned to its original position and the spring connected to the end of the actuating arm to be re-tensioned, but the now partially resolved, serving as a holding device for the actuating arm strip must be replaced. This is a significant disadvantage of this aqua-stop system, since its operation requires a supply of strips for the holding device which is dependent on the reliability of the filter system against possible leakages. In addition, the dissolved in the water accumulation material of the holding device could contain pollutants, which then have to be separated from the water accumulation and disposed of separately.

Another major disadvantage of the Aqua-Stop system is that at an increased humidity or accumulation of condensation, for example under the sink, the strip could dissolve completely or partially, causing the Aqua Stop system and thus to a " False alarm "would result. The invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a valve system for interrupting a fluid flow, which is low maintenance and can be easily set back in an initial state.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a valve system according to the independent claim 1.

According to the invention, a valve system is provided for interrupting fluid flow in a fluid system in response to leakage in the fluid system, the valve system comprising an inflow, an outflow, a valve disposed between the inflow and outflow, and a buoyant body disposed in a collection container is arranged and actuates the closure mechanism when the buoyancy undergo a buoyancy due to a fluid accumulation formed as a result of the leakage in the collecting container.

Compared to the prior art, the invention has the advantage that the valve system can be easily returned to the initial state by disposing the Fluidan- collection, the locking mechanism is reset and the buoyancy body is set to its original position. Further, the fluid accumulation may be re-provided as fluid to the fluid system or, if the fluid is environmentally friendly, readily disposed of without first having to separate out of it an additionally dissolved material. Finally, the selection of a suitable material which dissolves in the fluid used does not apply to a strip holding the actuating arm. The only prerequisite for the selection of the buoyant body is that it buoys through the fluid accumulation. A further advantage of the valve system is that the possibility of a possible "false alarm" is almost ruled out, as it inevitably requires a fluid accumulation to trigger the valve system.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure mechanism for closing the valve comprises an actuating arm, which is formed from a starting position in sequence the buoyancy of the buoyant body to be transferred to an end position. This allows a simple operation of the valve by means of mechanical effects on the actuating arm. It is advantageous that the actuating arm is in operative connection only in its initial position with the lever element, whereby it is freely pivotable after the triggering of the valve system and thus unhindered, easier and faster überfuhrt in the final position. If the actuating arm itself has a sufficient weight, it can also independently, solely by the force of gravity, from the starting to the final position überfuhren. Here, the actuating arm of a solid, heavy material, for example. Metal can be produced. Alternatively, the center of gravity of the actuator arm may be displaced to its free end to provide greater leverage. In order that the actuating arm does not require so much force to close the valve, the conditions can additionally be significantly favored by the valve is lubricated with eg sufficient grease or oil to reduce friction.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closure mechanism comprises a lever element with a first lever arm connected to the buoyant body, a second lever arm for holding the actuating arm in its initial position and a lever holder arranged between the first lever arm and the second lever arm of the lever, by means of which the lever is rotatably mounted is. As a result, a buoyancy of the buoyant body mechanically act on the actuating arm, as by means of the lever, a mechanical coupling between the buoyancy body and the actuating arm is present. Compared with other types of coupling, the mechanical coupling has the advantage of a lower susceptibility to errors. Due to the rotatable mounting of the lever, it is also possible to provide an angle between the first and the second lever arm in the manufacture of the lever in order to make the valve system more compact. Finally, it is possible to determine a transmission ratio of a force transmission from the buoyant body to the actuating arm by means of an appropriate choice of the length ratios between the first and the second lever arm.

In an expedient continuation of the invention, a clamping element is provided, which is biased so that it can transfer the actuating arm from the starting position to the final position. This is a very depending on the choice of the clamping element Quick closing of the valve possible, thus reducing the reaction time of the valve system when leakage occurs.

In an expedient embodiment, the invention comprises a holding means, to which the valve, the clamping element and / or the locking mechanism is / are attached. This makes it possible to produce the valve system in a compact form. Furthermore, the arrangement of the individual components of the valve system by simply attaching the holding means, for example on a portion of the fluid system is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping element comprises a torsion spring, a compression spring and / or a tension spring. Each of these spring elements offers certain advantages. For example, while the tension spring allows easy handling, a compact design of the valve system is possible by means of a torsion spring. The use of a combination of different spring elements can combine different advantages. Alternatively, for a bias of the actuating arm, for transfer from the starting position to the end position, a weight can be used as a clamping element. In this case, the bias would be guaranteed solely by gravity.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises a ball valve or a rotary valve.

An embodiment of the invention is advantageous, in which the buoyant body comprises a material floating on water and / or a cavity. This embodiment is advantageous when water is used as the fluid in the fluid system. A water-floatable material may include, for example, cork, wood, polystyrene and similar cellulosic materials and / or artificial materials.

Description of preferred embodiments

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments with reference to drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a valve system with an inlet, an outlet, a valve, a closure mechanism for closing the valve and a buoyant body and shows

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 serve to illustrate the alternative embodiments.

1, the valve system 1 comprises an inlet 2 and an outlet 6. The valve system 1 can be installed in a fluid system by, for example, separating a tube in which fluid flow is to be interrupted in the presence of a leak in the fluid system. Subsequently, the inflow 2 and the outflow 6 of the valve system 1 are connected to the exposed by the separation pipe ends, that the fluid flow through the pipe must now flow over a valve disposed between the inlet 2 and the drain 6 of the valve system 1 valve 3.

The closure mechanism of the valve system 1 shown in the figure comprises an actuating arm 5, which is connected to the valve 3, and this can open and close by mechanical actuation. Preferably, the actuating arm 5 is rotatably mounted on the valve 3, so that changing an angle in which the actuating arm 5 is mounted, the valve 3 is transferred from an open to a fully closed state. Preferably, the angle change required to close the valve 3 is less than 180 °, about 90 °. In this case, the valve may comprise a rotary valve, a ball valve or similar valves.

The actuating arm 5 can be shaped differently depending on the position and design of the valve system 1. In contrast to Fig. 1, that in the figures. 2 and 3 shown executed so that it in its horizontal, parallel to the fluid flow direction position, the valve 3 closes. Thus, the valve 3 remains open in the vertical position of the actuating arm 5. In this construction of the actuating arm, it is in its vertical position in the starting position and in its horizontal position in the end position.

The valve system 1 also comprises a clamping element 4, which is designed in this embodiment as a torsion spring. The tensioning element 4 is arranged in the valve system 1 in this way. net, that it exerts a force on the actuating arm 5, which is able to displace the actuating arm 5 in an end position in which the valve 3 is closed. However, any other suitable spring element or a combination of spring elements may be used in addition to the torsion spring. Other spring elements in addition to the torsion spring are a compression spring and a tension spring. However, the use of a torsion spring as a clamping element 4 has the advantage that the valve system 1 can be formed in a very compact form. Further, a weight (not shown) may be used as a biasing element for biasing the actuator arm to bring it to the end position.

In order to keep the operating arm 5 in normal operation of the fluid system, i. H. in the absence of a leakage, to keep in an initial position so that the valve 3 remains open, a second lever arm 7 of a lever is provided in the illustrated embodiment. This second lever arm 7 is in the starting position, in normal operation of the fluid system, in operative connection with the free end of the actuating arm 5 and holds the actuating arm 5 thereof off, displaced by the clamping force, or gravity of the clamping element 4 in an end position 15 to become. The first lever arm 13 of the lever is connected to a buoyancy body 10.

The buoyant body 10 must be formed so that it buoys upon formation of a fluid accumulation 9. For example, the buoyant body 10 may be formed of a material capable of floating on the fluid. When water is used as the fluid of the fluid system, wood may be used as the material, for example. However, it is also possible to use another element than buoyancy body 10, which has a lower density than the fluid of fluid accumulation 9. For this purpose, the buoyant body 10 may comprise, for example, a cavity.

Because the lever in the illustrated embodiment is rotatably supported by means of a lever holder 8 arranged between the first lifting arm 13 and the second lever arm 7, a movement of the buoyant body 10 upward (see arrow I) due to the buoyancy in the fluid accumulation 9 by means of rotatable mounting in a movement of the actuating arm 5 holding the end of the second lever arm 7 to the right, away from the actuating arm 5, translated (see arrow II). Then the corresponding end of the actuating arm 5 exposed and the actuating arm 5 can be displaced by means of the force exerted by the clamping element 4 on the actuating arm 5 in the end position 15 (see arrow III). In this end position 15, the valve 3 is closed and the fluid flow from the inlet 2 to the drain 6 is thus interrupted.

In Fig. 1, a collecting container 12 is further shown, which can absorb fluid emerging from the fluid system. The fluid can form a fluid collection 9 in the collecting container 12, which causes buoyancy of the buoyant body 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the collecting container 12 is arranged below the valve system 1. However, this is not mandatory in other embodiments. However, the sump 12 must be positioned opposite the fluid system so that it can collect fluids leaking from the fluid system due to any leakage.

Finally, in Fig. 1, a holding means 11 is shown, on which the valve 3 and the lever holder 8 are fixed. Further, the holding means 11 is connected to the collecting container 12. However, the valve 3 and / or the lever holder 8 can also be connected directly to the collecting container 12. Suitable holding means 11 are agents of any shape and material composition which allow a stable holding of the individual components of the valve system 1. For example, the holding means 11 may be made of metal or plastic.

The closure mechanism used in the described embodiment of the valve system 1 is exclusively of a mechanical nature. However, in other embodiments it may also comprise other elements and components of the control technology. For example, electronic and / or pneumatic components may be provided.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, claims and drawings may be significant to the realization of the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any combination thereof.

Claims

claims

A valve system (1) for interrupting fluid flow in a fluid system in response to a leak in the fluid system, comprising a feed (2), a drain (6), a valve disposed between the feed (2) and the drain (6) (3) and a closing mechanism for closing the valve, characterized by a buoyant body (10) arranged in a collecting container (12) which actuates the closing mechanism when the buoyant body (10) due to a fluid accumulation formed as a result of the leakage in the collecting container (12) (9) experiences a buoyancy.

2. Valve system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure mechanism comprises an actuating arm (5) for closing the valve (3), wherein the actuating arm (5) is formed from a starting position due to the buoyancy of the buoyant body (10 ) to be transferred to an end position (15).

3. Valve system (1) according to claim 2, characterized gekennzei chnet, that the closure mechanism is a lever element with a with the buoyancy body (10) connected first lever arm (13), a second lever arm (7) for holding the actuating arm (5) its initial position and a between the first lever arm (13) and the second lever arm (7) of the lever arranged lever holder (8), by means of which the lever is rotatably mounted.

4. Valve system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a clamping element (4) which is biased so that it can transfer the actuating arm (5) from the starting position to the end position (15).

5. Valve system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized ichnet by a holding means (11) on which the valve (3), the clamping element (4) and / or the

Locking mechanism are attached / is.

6. Valve system (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the clamping element (4) comprises a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring and / or a weight.

7. Valve system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve comprises a ball valve or a rotary valve.

Valve system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the buoyancy element (10) comprises a material capable of flooding on water and / or a cavity.