GB1561601A - Flow diversionmeans - Google Patents

Description

(54) FLOW DIVERSION MEANS (71) We, GARY CLIFFORD and MORGAN & STANLEY PTY. LTD. of 11 Beck Street, Clontarf in the State of Queensland, 4019, and 93 Fortescue Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane, in the State of Queensland, 4000, respectively, both Commonwealth of Australia, an Australian citizen and an Australian Company, respectively, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to flow diversion means and in particular, it relates to flow diversion means for selectively discharging fluids emanating from different sources.

In a particular installation, the invention is adapted to be installed in an uncovered wash down area, used for example, for cleaning vehicles or the like. Such an open area is normally provided with storm water drainage to drain away excess surface water, often into a stream. When the area is used as a wash down area, the surface water or other fluid used for washing purposes is polluted and cannot be discharged into a stream without polluting the stream.

The invention is adapted to be installed to divert the polluted wash water away from the storm water outlet and say, into a waste disposal system.

In an instance when the process water or fluid cannot be discharged directly into the storm water, the problem can be and is often overcome by erecting a roof over the area to be used and the process water or fluid is discharged directly into a waste disposal system, the roof being necessary to prevent storm water entering the system and overloading same. Of course, this method of solving the problem, while effective, is very expensive, especially if a large area has to be covered. Also there are other instances where it would be desirable to selectively direct spillage towards different collection stations. For instance, in a refueling bay. Normally, in such an area, the surface water or other fluid or spillage is discharged to a treatment system for removal of the pollutants prior to discharge to the sewage.However, spilled fuel could be selectively collected for recycling purposes instead of discharging same with the other pollutants.

Accordingly it is the object of the present invention to provide means for the alternate collection of different liquids running off a surface which will prove reliable and efficient in operation. It is also the object of the invention to provide means for the alternate collection of different liquids that will operate automatically to selectively divert them to appropriate outlets. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given only by way of an illustrative example of a preferred embodiment of collection means according to the invention, installed for use in an open wash down area.

According to the present invention for the alternate collection of different liquids at least one of which is a process liquid from a supply pipe running off a surface, comprises valve means adapted to control the flow of liquid through an appropriate outlet at a common drainage station, means biasing said valve means to a first position in which a first outlet from the common drainage station is normally closed and a second outlet from the common drainage station is normally open, and control means connected between said supply pipe for process liquid and said valve means for causing, upon commencement of flow through said supply pipe, actuation of said valve means to open said first liquid outlet and close said second liquid outlet from the common drainage station.

According to a further aspect of the invention means for the alternate collection of different liquids running off a surface one of which is a process liquid from a supply pipe comprises a sump-like receptacle for the liquid, first and second outlet means from said sump-like receptacle and an outlet valve assembly in said sump-like receptacle operable to place either said first or said second outlet means in communication with said sump-like receptacle, said outlet valve assembly being normally biased to maintain said second outlet means in liquid communication with said sumplike receptacle, there being further provided control means connected operatively to said supply pipe and communicating with operating means for said outlet valve assembly whereby upon supply of process liquid from said supply pipe, said outlet valve assembly is operated automatically to close said second outlet means and simultaneously open said first outlet means so that process liquid entering said sump from said supply pipe will be diverted through said first outlet means. Preferably the said second outlet means is spaced above first outlet means.

Thus, the said surface may comprise an open floor on which can be deposited storm water as well as process liquids of, e.g., a cleaning installation, and then the said second outlet means is adapted for connection to a storm water mains and said first outlet means is adapted for connection to a waste treatment system.

The control means is preferably operable by fluid pressure when said operative connection to said supply pipe includes a control hose communicating with said supply pipe and said control means in such manner that pressure build-up in said supply pipe is transmitted to said outlet valve assembly to actuate same, it being further preferred to include a valve for controlling flow through said supply pipe which is further provided with flow restricting means between its outlet and the valve controlling flow therethrough and when said control hose is connected operatively to said supply pipe at a position intermediate said valve controlling flow through said supply pipe and said flow restricting means.The control means themselves may comprise a fluid actuated telescopic ram assembly, which may comprise a pair of rams each connected to a respective valve member adapted to cooperate with the respective outlet means.

According to a further feature of the invention said first and second outlet means are disposed substantially at right angles to one another and said outlet valve assembly comprises a pair of valve members adapted for operative cooperation with a respective outlet means and supported on a valve frame assembly adapted for pivoted connect ing to said sump in such manner that either valve member may be moved pivotally, alternately into or out of engagement with the respective outlet means and wherein said control means includes a bellows connected operatively to said control hose and adapted upon expansion to pivot said frame.With such construction, said first outlet means may comprise a valve seat adapted to be arranged at the bottom of said sump about a vertical axis and said second outlet means may comprise a valve seat adapted to be arranged at the side of said sump about a horizontally extending axis.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a typical installation of the invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a sump made in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the sump illustrated in Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 is a titan view of an alternate form of sump made in accordance with the present invention.

The drawings illustrate a sump assembly 10 adapted for installation in an uncovered area for collection and drainage of storm water and collection and drainage of a process fluid which say, may issue from any one of a plurality of hoses 9. Such an uncovered area may be used for example as a wash down area for vehicles. Normally, the sump 10 is used to drain storm water from the area, and for this purpose it is provided with an open top 11 through which run-off may enter and flow into the sump 10, and a storm water outlet 12 through which the storm water can flow for discharge into a stream or the like.

When the area is used for washing down vehicles the wash down fluid is contaminated with pollutants removed from the dirty vehicles and accordingly, it is undesirable to discharge the pollutants into a stream and pollute same. Accordingly, the sump assembly 10 is provided with a lower outlet 13 adaptde for discharge of the contaminated process fluid to a waste treatment system prior to discharge to the sewage.

As shown schematically in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the outlets 12 and 13 are provided with co-operating valve members 14 and 15 respectively which are supported on a common pivot frame 16 pivoted about a horizontal axis 17 intermediate the valve members 14 and 15 so that either valve member may be moved alternatively into engagement with the respective outlet to close same. Normally, the weight of the valve members and the frame 16 is sufficient to cause the valve assembly to pivot in the direction of arrow A to maintain the lower valve member 15 in operative engagement with the outlet 13 to close same and to maintain the upper valve member 14 spaced from the upper storm water outlet 12. Under normal conditions run-off water entering the sump 10 fills the lower portion or the sump 10 and drains through the storm water outlet 12.

A bellows 18 is provided disposed between the base 19 of the sump 10 and the lower arm 20 of the pivot frame 16 and arranged so that upon inflation thereof expansion causes upward movement of the lower arm 20, disengagement of the valve member 15 with the lower outlet 13 and engagement of the upper valve member 14 with the storm water outlet 12. Thus when the bellows 18 is in its inflated condition the lower outlet 13 is opened and the storm water outlet 12 is closed. For automatic actuation of the bellows 18 there is provided a control hose 21 communicating with the respective supply pipes 22 adapted for supply to the process fluid, for example wash down water, to the hoses 9.

As shown the supply pipes 22 are connected through a main control valve 23 the water main 24. Each supply pipe 22 is provided with its respective control cock 25 for controlling flow of water to and from the hoses a. Each supply pipe 22 is provided with restricting means 26 at the side of the connection of the control hose 21 remote from the cock 25. The restriction can be in the form of an orifice plate in order to ensure that upon flow of water through the pipes 22, a minimum velocity head in the portion of the pipe upstream of the restricting means and in the control hose 21 to cause inflation of the bellows 18 and thus actuation of the valve assembly.

Thus, whenever a hose 9 is utilised to wash down a vehicle so that run-off liquid is produced containing contaminants or pollutants, the bellows 18 is automatically operated to open the lower outlet 13 so that such run-off will be discharged therethrough and not through the storm water outlet 12 which has been correspondingly closed. Between the connection of the control hose 21 and the respective supply pipes 22 there is provided a non-return valve 28 to ensure that the operational velocity head is maintained irrespective of the hoses in use and the condition of the other hoses.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the sump 10a in which the upper storm water outlet 12a and the lower sewage outlet 1 3a are both provided in one side 30 of the rectangular shaped sump 10a.

The respective valve members 14a and 15a are supported at the end of the movable ram of a pair of fluid actuated telescopic ram assemblies 31 adapted to be connected to the supply hose 21. As shown the hose connection to the telescopic ram controlling the valve member 14a is at the rear of the piston of the ram while the connection to the hydraulic ram controlling the valve member 15a is at the front of the piston of the ram. The rams are provided with internal return springs so as to maintain them in their normal operative disposition, that is, the valve member 14a remote from the storm water outlet 12a and the valve member 15a cross the lower outlet 13a.As the pressure in the supply line 21 increases the valve members 1 4a and 1 5a are moved to their reverse positions for flow of process fluid through the lower outlet 13a. The connections to the respective rams are provided with adjustment means whereby the rate of retraction and extension of the rams may be selectively varied to provide the degree of overlap between the time of opening and closing of the respective outlets depending oI1 the operating conditions.

Such regulation may be also provided in the previous embodimeiit by providing a selectively adjustable needle valve in the line 21. The needle valve being adjustable to regulate closing speed to ensure that all polluted liquid is drained through the lower outlet prior to the storm water outlet being opened.

Of course the apparatus according to the invention may be installed in covered areas where it is desired to selectively divert a particular process fluid for separate collection for normal drainage from the area.

The sumps are provided with upper and lower ledges for supporting a grate and a removable strainer in known manner and, if desired, a pressure switch or mechanical switch may be associated with the valve assembly to operate audible or visual devices to signify the condition of the valve means, saystorm water open or closed.

It will of course be realised that many other modifications of constructional detail and design may be made to the abovedescribed embodiments by persons skilled in the art. However, all such variations and modifications as will be apparent to such persons are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth in the appended claims.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. Means for the alternate collection of different liquids running off a surface one of which is a process liquid from a supply pipe, comprising a sump-like receptacle for the liquid, first and second outlet means from said sump-like receptacle and an out

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (11)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. engagement with the respective outlet to close same. Normally, the weight of the valve members and the frame 16 is sufficient to cause the valve assembly to pivot in the direction of arrow A to maintain the lower valve member 15 in operative engagement with the outlet 13 to close same and to maintain the upper valve member 14 spaced from the upper storm water outlet 12. Under normal conditions run-off water entering the sump 10 fills the lower portion or the sump 10 and drains through the storm water outlet 12. A bellows 18 is provided disposed between the base 19 of the sump 10 and the lower arm 20 of the pivot frame 16 and arranged so that upon inflation thereof expansion causes upward movement of the lower arm 20, disengagement of the valve member 15 with the lower outlet 13 and engagement of the upper valve member 14 with the storm water outlet 12. Thus when the bellows 18 is in its inflated condition the lower outlet 13 is opened and the storm water outlet 12 is closed. For automatic actuation of the bellows 18 there is provided a control hose 21 communicating with the respective supply pipes 22 adapted for supply to the process fluid, for example wash down water, to the hoses 9. As shown the supply pipes 22 are connected through a main control valve 23 the water main 24. Each supply pipe 22 is provided with its respective control cock 25 for controlling flow of water to and from the hoses a. Each supply pipe 22 is provided with restricting means 26 at the side of the connection of the control hose 21 remote from the cock 25. The restriction can be in the form of an orifice plate in order to ensure that upon flow of water through the pipes 22, a minimum velocity head in the portion of the pipe upstream of the restricting means and in the control hose 21 to cause inflation of the bellows 18 and thus actuation of the valve assembly. Thus, whenever a hose 9 is utilised to wash down a vehicle so that run-off liquid is produced containing contaminants or pollutants, the bellows 18 is automatically operated to open the lower outlet 13 so that such run-off will be discharged therethrough and not through the storm water outlet 12 which has been correspondingly closed. Between the connection of the control hose 21 and the respective supply pipes 22 there is provided a non-return valve 28 to ensure that the operational velocity head is maintained irrespective of the hoses in use and the condition of the other hoses. Fig. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the sump 10a in which the upper storm water outlet 12a and the lower sewage outlet 1 3a are both provided in one side 30 of the rectangular shaped sump 10a. The respective valve members 14a and 15a are supported at the end of the movable ram of a pair of fluid actuated telescopic ram assemblies 31 adapted to be connected to the supply hose 21. As shown the hose connection to the telescopic ram controlling the valve member 14a is at the rear of the piston of the ram while the connection to the hydraulic ram controlling the valve member 15a is at the front of the piston of the ram. The rams are provided with internal return springs so as to maintain them in their normal operative disposition, that is, the valve member 14a remote from the storm water outlet 12a and the valve member 15a cross the lower outlet 13a.As the pressure in the supply line 21 increases the valve members 1 4a and 1 5a are moved to their reverse positions for flow of process fluid through the lower outlet 13a. The connections to the respective rams are provided with adjustment means whereby the rate of retraction and extension of the rams may be selectively varied to provide the degree of overlap between the time of opening and closing of the respective outlets depending oI1 the operating conditions. Such regulation may be also provided in the previous embodimeiit by providing a selectively adjustable needle valve in the line 21. The needle valve being adjustable to regulate closing speed to ensure that all polluted liquid is drained through the lower outlet prior to the storm water outlet being opened. Of course the apparatus according to the invention may be installed in covered areas where it is desired to selectively divert a particular process fluid for separate collection for normal drainage from the area. The sumps are provided with upper and lower ledges for supporting a grate and a removable strainer in known manner and, if desired, a pressure switch or mechanical switch may be associated with the valve assembly to operate audible or visual devices to signify the condition of the valve means, saystorm water open or closed. It will of course be realised that many other modifications of constructional detail and design may be made to the abovedescribed embodiments by persons skilled in the art. However, all such variations and modifications as will be apparent to such persons are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth in the appended claims. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. Means for the alternate collection of different liquids running off a surface one of which is a process liquid from a supply pipe, comprising a sump-like receptacle for the liquid, first and second outlet means from said sump-like receptacle and an out

let valve assembly in said sump-like receptacle operable to place either said first or said second outlet means in communication with said sump-like receptacle, said outlet valve assembly being normally biased to maintain said second outlet means in liquid communication with said sump-like receptacle, there being further provided control means connected operatively to said supply pipe and communicating with operating means for said outlet valve assembly whereby upon supply of process liquid from said supply pipe, said outlet valve assembly is operated automatically to close said second outlet means and simultaneously open said first outlet means so that process liquid entering said sump from said supply pipe will be diverted through said first outlet means.

2. Collection means according to Claim 1, wherein said second outlet means is spaced above said first outlet means.

3. Collection means according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said surface comprises an open floor for collecting storm water run-off from said floor as well as process liquids discharged on to said floor, and wherem said second outlet means is adapted for connection to storm water mains and said first outlet means is adapted for connection to a waste treatment system.

4. Collection means according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein said control means is operable by fluid pressure and wherein said operative connection to said supply pipe includes a control hose communicating with said supply pipe and said control means in such manner that pressure build-up in said supply pipe is transmitted to said outlet valve assembly to actuate same.

5. Collection means according to Claim 4, wherein said supply pipe includes a valve for controlling flow therethrough and is further provided with flow restricting means between its outlet and the valve controlling flow therethrough and wherein said control hose is connected operatively to said supply pipe at a position intermediate said valve controlling flow through said supply pipe and said flow restricting means.

6. Collection means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control means comprises a fluid actuated telescopic ram assembly.

7. Collection means according to Claim 6, wherein said telescopic ram assembly comprises a pair of rams each connected to a respective valve member adapted to co-operate with the respective outlet means.

8. Collection means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second outlet means are disposed substantially at right angles to one another and said outlet valve assembly comprises a pair of valve members adapted for operative co-operation with a respective outlet means and supported on a valve frame assembly adapted for pivoted connecting to said sump in such manner that either valve member may be moved pivotally, alternately into or out of engagement with the respective outlet means and wherein said control means includes a bellows connected operatively to said control hose and adapted upon expansion to pivot said frame.

9. Collection means according to Claim 8, wherein said first outlet means comprises a valve seat adapted to be arranged at the bottom of said sump about a vertical axis and said second outlet means comprises a valve seat adapted to be arranged at the side of the said sump about a horizontally extending axis.

10. Means for the alternate collection of different liquids at least one of which is a process liquid from a supply pipe running off a surface, said means comprising valve means adapted to control the flow of liquid through an appropriate outlet at a common drainage station, means biasing said valve means to a first position in which a first outlet from the common drainage station is normally closed and a second outlet from the common drainage station is normally open, and control means connected between said supply pipe for process liquid and said valve means for causing, upon commencement of flow through said supply pipe, actuation of said valve means to open said first liquid outlet and close said second liquid outlet from the common drainage station.

11. Means for the alternate collection of different liquids substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.