BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

Abstract

A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly, the method comprising: receiving an order for a replacement backflow prevention assembly to replace an existing backflow prevention assembly; assembling the replacement backflow prevention assembly, wherein the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes an inlet shut-off valve, an outlet shut-off valve, a spool spacer, and a backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer and the backflow prevention valve are disposed between the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve, the backflow prevention valve has a valve length that is shorter than a valve length of a backflow prevention valve of the existing backflow prevention assembly, and the replacement backflow prevention assembly has an assembly length that matches an assembly length of the existing backflow prevention assembly; and obtaining certification from an outside certifying authority regarding operational capabilities of the replacement backflow prevention assembly.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the inlet shut-off valve, the outlet shut-off valve, the spool spacer, and the backflow prevention valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly has a line size matching a line size of at least one component of the existing backflow prevention assembly.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising a step of shipping the replacement backflow prevention assembly from a place of manufacture to a location where the existing backflow prevention assembly is being replaced.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein assembling the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes securing the spool spacer to the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein assembling the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes securing the spool spacer to an outlet end of the inlet shut-off valve.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein assembling the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes securing the spool spacer to an inlet end of the outlet shut-off valve.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the spool spacer, the backflow prevention valve, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes grooves, and a plurality of couplings co-act with the grooves to secure the spool spacer to the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the spool spacer, the backflow prevention valve, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes flanges receiving a plurality of bolts therethrough to secure the spool spacer to the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein the spool spacer is secured to the backflow prevention valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly via threaded connections.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein the operational capabilities include hydrostatic and flow capabilities.

31. The method of claim 21, wherein a length of the backflow prevention valve and the spool spacer of the replacement backflow prevention assembly matches the valve length of the backflow prevention valve of the existing backflow prevention assembly.

32. A method of replacing a backflow prevention assembly, the method comprising: removing an existing backflow prevention assembly from a fluid line, the existing backflow prevention assembly having an assembly length, the existing backflow prevention assembly including a backflow prevention valve having a valve length; receiving an assembled replacement backflow prevention assembly that has been certified by an outside certifying authority regarding operational capabilities of the replacement backflow prevention assembly, the replacement backflow prevention assembly having an assembly length that matches the assembly length of the existing backflow prevention assembly, the replacement backflow prevention assembly including an inlet shut-off valve, an outlet shut-off valve, a backflow prevention valve coupled to one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve, and a spool spacer coupled to the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve; and securing the replacement backflow prevention assembly to the fluid line.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein at least one of the inlet shut-off valve, the outlet shut-off valve, the spool spacer, and the backflow prevention valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly has a line size matching a line size of the fluid line.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein a length of the backflow prevention valve and the spool spacer of the replacement backflow prevention assembly matches the valve length of the backflow prevention valve of the existing backflow prevention assembly.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein each of the spool spacer, the backflow prevention valve, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes grooves, and a plurality of couplings co-act with the grooves to secure the spool spacer to the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein each of the spool spacer, the backflow prevention valve, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes flanges receiving a plurality of bolts therethrough to secure the spool spacer to the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve.

37. The method of claim 32, wherein the spool spacer is secured to the backflow prevention valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly via threaded connections.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein the operational capabilities include hydrostatic and flow capabilities.

39. A method of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly, the method comprising: assembling a replacement backflow prevention assembly, wherein the replacement backflow prevention assembly includes an inlet shut-off valve, an outlet shut-off valve, a spool spacer, and a backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer and the backflow prevention valve are disposed between the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve, the backflow prevention valve has a valve length that is shorter than a valve length of a backflow prevention valve of an existing backflow prevention assembly, and the replacement backflow prevention assembly has an assembly length that matches an assembly length of the existing backflow prevention assembly; and obtaining certification from an outside certifying authority regarding operational capabilities of the replacement backflow prevention assembly.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one of the inlet shut-off valve, the outlet shut-off valve, the spool spacer, and the backflow prevention valve of the replacement backflow prevention assembly has a line size matching a line size of at least one component of the existing backflow prevention assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a backflow prevention valve in an open position;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the backflow prevention valve shown in FIG. 1, in a closed position;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a backflow prevention valve arrangement showing two check valves positioned in series;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a method of replacing a backflow prevention valve;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a replacement backflow prevention valve, shown in FIG. 4, made in accordance with the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a replacement backflow prevention valve of FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a replacement backflow prevention valve of FIG. 4 illustrating an alternative coupling arrangement;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of another replacement backflow prevention valve of FIG. 4 illustrating yet another alternative coupling arrangement; and

[0017] FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram showing an embodiment of a method of replacing a backflow prevention assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an example of a backflow prevention or check valve 5, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,331, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, the below described backflow prevention valve 5 is merely exemplary of a type of valve that may be used in connection with embodiments of the replacement methods described thereafter. Any suitable backflow prevention valve may used with the later described methods. Other examples of backflow prevention valves that may be suitable are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,543, 6,581,626 or 7,784,483, which are also hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0019] The backflow prevention valve 5 can include a check valve mechanism 10 and a check valve body 12. The check valve body 12 can be mounted within a conduit, such as a pipe. The check valve mechanism 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is removable from the check valve body 12. In an alternative embodiment, the check valve mechanism 10 may be integrally formed with the check valve body 12.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the backflow prevention valve body 12 includes a body interior wall 14, or inner surface, spaced from a central longitudinal axis L. The check valve mechanism 10 generally includes a valve seat 16, a seal retainer 18, and a linkage 20 extending between the valve seat 16 and the seal retainer 18. The check valve mechanism 10 is symmetric about the central longitudinal axis L of the check valve body 12 and the components in the upper half of FIG. 1 will be discussed with the understanding that identical components exist in mirror image in the lower half of FIG. 1. A direction of fluid flow in the check valve body 12 is identified by arrow 22.

[0021] The valve seat 16 has an interior wall 24 which defines an opening 26 through which fluid may flow. The interior wall 24 includes a first peripheral surface 28 extending in a longitudinal direction and a second peripheral surface 30 also extending in a longitudinal direction and positioned adjacent and upstream of the first peripheral surface 28. The first peripheral surface 28 and the second peripheral surface 30 each taper inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis L of the valve body 12 in the direction of fluid flow 22. The second peripheral surface 30 tapers more steeply towards the central longitudinal axis L of the valve body 12 than the first peripheral surface 28. A pair of opposing substantially parallel slot walls 31, one of which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, extend from the first peripheral surface 28 and the second peripheral surface 30 to the opening 26 and define a slot 32a therebetween. A similar pair of slot walls 31 defines a second slot 32b. Since these slots are identical, subsequent reference to them will be to slot 32. The peripheral surface of each slot 32 is made up of the first peripheral surface 28 and the second peripheral surface 30. In FIGS. 1 and 2 only one of the pair of slot walls 31 is illustrated because FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional views taken along a plane passing between the pair of slot walls 31.

[0022] The valve seat 16 includes a periphery 33 which conforms to the body interior wall 14 of the check valve body 12. The periphery 33 defines a groove 34 having an elastic ring 36 positioned therein. The elastic ring 36 conforms to and presses against the body interior wall 14 to create a fluid seal between the valve seat 16 and the body interior wall 14. The valve seat 16 has an upstream face 38 and a downstream face 40. The downstream face 40 includes a raised lip 42 surrounding the opening 26.

[0023] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, more than one check valve mechanism 10 may be positioned within the check valve body 12. FIG. 3 illustrates the backflow prevention device 5 having two check valve mechanisms 10, shown schematically in an in-line configuration and sharing a common longitudinal axis L. The check valve body 12 may be connected to a conduit, such as a pipe. The check valve body 12 may be connected to adjacent conduit by grooved pipe couplings by securing the flanges 13c, 13d illustrated in FIG. 3 to mating flanges on the conduit, or by any other means for connecting conduit known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] In general, FIG. 1 shows the check valve mechanism 10 in operation in an open position in which the seal retainer 18 is spaced away from the valve seat 16. When flow in the direction of the arrow 22 is encountered, which is sufficient to overcome the retention force provided by arms 72, the seal retainer 18 begins to separate from the valve seat 16 in the direction of fluid flow 22. Fluid may flow through the opening 26 in the direction of fluid flow 22 in the check valve body 12 and around the seal retainer 18. FIG. 2 shows the check valve mechanism 10 in a closed position in which the seal retainer 18 engages the valve seat 16 so that flow through the check valve mechanism 10 is prevented in the direction opposite to the direction of fluid flow 22. In FIG. 2, the check valve mechanism 10 is in the closed position in which the seal retainer 18 is in engagement with the valve seat 16. The rollers 98 at the second end 92 of each of the arms 72 are in contact with the second peripheral surface 30. A stem 70 projects through a sleeve 74 and into the opening 26. The downstream face 40 of the valve seat 16 faces an upstream face 50 of the seal retainer 18. A raised lip 42 engages a seal ring 60 so that a fluid tight seal exists between the valve seat 16 and the seal retainer 18. The elastic ring 36 positioned in the groove 34 conforms to and presses against the body interior wall 14 and provides a fluid tight seal between the valve seat 16 and the body interior wall 14. A torsion spring 96 at first end 90 of each of the arms 72 biases second end 92 of each of the arms 72 outwardly in the opening 26 so that each of the rollers 98 contacts and exerts a retention force on the second peripheral surface 30. The torsion springs 96 provide the retention force to the arms 72. The arms 72 thereby urge the seal retainer 18 into engagement with the valve seat 16 preventing fluid flow in a reverse direction.

[0025] Backflow prevention valves, such as those described above, need to be replaced from time-to-time. In many cases, the backflow prevention valve of a used assembly is no longer available because a particular manufacturer may have discontinued that particular model or, in some cases, the manufacturer is simply no longer in existence. In this situation, contractors have no choice but to use a new model or a replacement assembly from a new or different manufacturer. Referring to FIG. 4, oftentimes, the replacement assemblies do not match the footprint F left behind from a used valve 105 in connection with a used backflow prevention assembly 100, which needs to be replaced. In particular, replacement valves 205 of a backflow prevention assembly 200 may be shorter than the footprint F left by the valve 105 of the backflow prevention assembly 100 being replaced. Because backflow prevention assemblies, such as assembly 200 need to be certified by a qualified certifying agency in order to comply with various regulations, contractors are often bound to install assemblies that do not adequately account for the footprint F left by the valve 105 of used backflow prevention assembly 100. Such certifying agencies can include the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR), American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE), The American Water Works Association (AWWA), The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) International, for example. In this situation, contractors often must retrofit an assembly with a spool spacer secured to the outlet end of an outlet shut-off valve downstream of the outlet shut-off valve or to the inlet of an inlet shut-off valve upstream of the inlet shut-off valve, such those of assembly 100, so that the entire assembly fits between fluid supply conduit 305 and fluid exit conduit 310. The backflow prevention assembly 200 and method described below solves these deficiencies by accounting for the footprint F, which allows the backflow prevention assembly 200 to be certified from shut-off valve to shut-off valve from the place of manufacture before it reaches the replacement site.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 5, a backflow prevention assembly 200 may include a backflow prevention valve 205, a spool spacer 207, the inlet shut-off valve 220, and the outlet shut-off valve 225. The spool spacer 207 extends between an outlet end 206 of the valve 205 and the inlet end 224 of the outlet shut-off valve 225. An inlet end 204 of the valve 205 is secured to an outlet end 221 of the inlet shut-off valve 220 with each of the valve 205, spool spacer 207, inlet shut-off valve 220, and outlet shut-off valve 225 being in fluid communication with each other. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 the spool spacer 207 may extend between the inlet shut-off valve 220 and the inlet end 204 of the valve 205. The backflow prevention valve 205, as illustrated, may, for example, be a check valve having two check valve mechanisms 210 in an in-line configuration, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,331.

[0027] Optionally, the backflow prevention assembly 200 may include a plurality of couplings 230 for securing the spool spacer 207 to the backflow prevention valve 205 and the outlet shut-off valve 225. Additionally, the spool spacer 207 may be a grooved spool having spaced grooves 208. The couplings 230 may co-act with these grooves 208 to attach the spool 207 to the backflow prevention valve 205 and the outlet shut-off valve 225. The valve 205 can also include grooves 203, wherein valve inlet end 204 may also be secured to the outlet 221 of inlet shut-off valve 220 via couplings 230. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the spool spacer 207 may be flanged having flanges 208′. The valve 205 includes a flanged outlet end 206′, and the outlet shut-off valve 225 includes a flanged inlet 224′. Then, for example, spool spacer flanges 208′ could be bolted to the flanged outlet end 206′ of valve 205 and flanged inlet 224′ of outlet shut-off valve 225. In yet another alternative, illustrated in FIG. 8, the spool spacer 207 may include threaded connections 208″ for threadably engaging the spool spacer 207 to a threaded outlet end 206″ of the valve 205 and a threaded inlet 224″ of the outlet shut-off valve 225. However, any type of connection capable of securing the spool spacer 207 to the backflow prevention valve 205 and the outlet shut-off valve is contemplated.

[0028] The spool spacer 207 can be manufactured and/or cut to accommodate any length of footprint F left by used valve 105. When a backflow prevention assembly 100 needs to be replaced, the footprint F and the total distance between fluid supply conduit 305 and fluid exit conduit 310, shown in FIG. 4, can be measured. Then, based on the length of the replacement backflow prevention valve 205, the total distance between fluid supply conduit 305 and fluid exit conduit 310, and the measured footprint F, a spool spacer 207 can be manufactured, such that the entire length A of spool spacer 207 and replacement backflow prevention valve 205 is equal to the footprint F of the used valve 105. The backflow prevention assembly 200 can then be manufactured in its entirety including valve 205, spool spacer 207, inlet shut-off valve 220, and outlet shut-off valve 225 to any desired length. As noted above, backflow prevention assemblies often must be certified by relevant certifying authorities from inlet shut-off valve to outlet shut-off valve. By manufacturing the backflow prevention assembly 200 in the above-described manner, the entire backflow prevention assembly 200 can be certified and ready for installation without the need for retrofitting the assembly 200 to an existing fluid line by securing a spool spacer 207 downstream of the outlet shut-off valve 225 or upstream of the inlet shut-off valve 220. The assembly 200 is simply manufactured, certified by a relevant certifying authority or authorities, and shipped to a customer ready for installation. This method is summarized in the process flow diagram of FIG. 9. In an alternative embodiment, when a manufacturer receives the footprint F and the total distance between fluid supply conduit 305 and fluid exit conduit 310 measurements, a new certified valve assembly 200 may be fabricated without spool spacer 207. The replacement backflow prevention valve 205 may be fabricated to the exact dimensions of the used valve footprint F, such that the assembly 200 includes only a backflow prevention valve 205, inlet shut-off valve 220 and outlet shut-off valve 225.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, on site at a place of installation, the replacement backflow prevention assembly 200 can simply be set into place to where the used assembly 100 has been removed and secured to a fluid conduit 300 having a valve fluid supply conduit 305 and a valve fluid exit conduit 310. The inlet 219 of the inlet shut-off valve 220 is secured to valve fluid supply conduit 305, and the outlet 226 of outlet shut-off valve 225 is secured to the valve fluid exit conduit 310. The inlet 219 of the inlet shut-off valve 220 and the outlet 226 of outlet shut-off valve 225 may have flanged ends with flanges 218, 227, respectively. The flanges 218, 227 may be bolted to valve fluid supply conduit 305 and a valve fluid exit conduit 310, which include flanges 306, 309. This method of manufacturing a replacement backflow prevention assembly 200 and replacing a used backflow prevention assembly 100 can save hours of installation and machining time.

[0030] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.