A tool and method clean and drain a water heater tank, removing water and sediment from the tank. An insert tube fits through the hot water outlet port to reach the bottom of the tank interior. A fitting connects the insert tube to a hose extending down the outside of the tank to the floor/ground to a drain or container that is lower than the bottom of the tank interior. After priming the tool by using the cold water inlet flow to fill the tool with water and sediment, the cold water inlet is disconnected from the water heater, venting the tank so that water and sediment are siphoned out of the tank through the tool to empty the tank. The tool and method work without unplugging or disconnecting a clogged water heater drain line, without using a compressor or pump, and without creating a wet, messy environment.

Systems and methods for removing liquids from the surface of a non-porous material are provided. In one system, a dual-chambered siphon device includes a first lower chamber having at least one inlet that allows liquid from a surface of a pool cover to enter the first lower chamber, a float positioned within the first lower chamber that is configured to change a position within the first lower chamber based on a level of liquid within the first lower chamber, a second upper chamber that is in fluid communication with the first lower chamber, and a flap valve that is actuated by the float. The flap valve may be configured to seal an outlet in the second upper chamber when the flap valve is in a closed position and unseal the outlet in the second upper chamber when the flap valve is in an open position.

Systems and methods for removing liquids from the surface of a non-porous material are provided. In one system, a dual-chambered siphon device includes a first lower chamber having at least one inlet that allows liquid from a surface of a pool cover to enter the first lower chamber, a float positioned within the first lower chamber that is configured to change a position within the first lower chamber based on a level of liquid within the first lower chamber, a second upper chamber that is in fluid communication with the first lower chamber, and a flap valve that is actuated by the float. The flap valve may be configured to seal an outlet in the second upper chamber when the flap valve is in a closed position and unseal the outlet in the second upper chamber when the flap valve is in an open position.

A system for supplying a liquid. A reservoir tank has a low level and a high level of the liquid. A pump is submerged in the liquid within the reservoir tank. The pump has an inlet to receive the liquid from a source outside of the reservoir tank and an outlet to deliver the liquid to a destination outside of the reservoir tank. A bleed path places the pump outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The bleed path has a bleed valve controlling the flow of liquid through the bleed path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank above the low level. A recirculation path places the pump inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The recirculation path has a recirculation valve controlling the flow of liquid through the recirculation path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank below the high level.

A system for supplying a liquid. A reservoir tank has a low level and a high level of the liquid. A pump is submerged in the liquid within the reservoir tank. The pump has an inlet to receive the liquid from a source outside of the reservoir tank and an outlet to deliver the liquid to a destination outside of the reservoir tank. A bleed path places the pump outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The bleed path has a bleed valve controlling the flow of liquid through the bleed path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank above the low level. A recirculation path places the pump inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The recirculation path has a recirculation valve controlling the flow of liquid through the recirculation path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank below the high level.

A centrifugal gas compressor with rotating hollow housing and an independently rotating, turbine compresses gas bubbles in capillary tubes and recovers energy from the liquid drain (sometimes a liquid recycler). The housing rotatably retains an internal spool having the turbine. Gas-liquid emulsion fed to the capillaries generates compressed gas-liquid emulsion at a radially distal annular region in an annular lake within the spool. Compressed gas leaves the lake and is ported away. A turbine blade edge in spilt over liquid drives the turbine, converting angular velocity/momentum into shaft torque as recovered energy. Blade captured liquid is recycled to capillary inputs.

A water detention system for detaining storm water having a side wall and a bottom floor; an inlet conduit for ingress of storm water; and a water discharging assembly, which includes a siphon, configured to pass storm water there through; and an outlet conduit for egress of storm water from the water discharging assembly. The inlet and outlet conduits are disposed through the side wall of the water detention system. A water discharging assembly for discharging storm water from a water detention system includes an outer enclosure; a first opening in the outer enclosure for ingress of water; a second opening in the outer enclosure for egress of water; and a siphon disposed within the outer enclosure; where, except of the first opening and the second opening, the outer enclosure is substantially fluid tight.

A centrifugal gas compressor with rotating hollow housing and an independently rotating, turbine compresses gas bubbles in capillary tubes and recovers energy from the liquid drain (sometimes a liquid recycler). The housing rotatably retains an internal spool having the turbine. Gas-liquid emulsion fed to the capillaries generates compressed gas-liquid emulsion at a radially distal annular region in an annular lake within the spool. Compressed gas leaves the lake and is ported away. A turbine blade edge in spilt over liquid drives the turbine, converting angular velocity/momentum into shaft torque as recovered energy. Blade captured liquid is recycled to capillary inputs.

The invention relates to a method for draining water from a tank (22), more particularly a clarification tank, wherein water is optionally drained via a draining apparatus while maintaining a substantially constant liquid level (23).

The invention relates to a method for draining water from a tank (22), more particularly a clarification tank, wherein water is optionally drained via a draining apparatus while maintaining a substantially constant liquid level (23).