A flushing device includes an enclosure having an access opening; a discharge conduit; a fluid system conduit; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening and movable to proximate the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform and in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the flushing valve operatively connected to a flushing controller, the flushing valve controllable by the flushing controller; and a meter mounted on the top surface of the platform, the meter including a meter inlet and a meter outlet, the meter inlet in fluid communication with the flushing valve, the flushing valve in fluid communication with the meter and the fluid system conduit, the meter outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to flushing devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to flushing devices for use in fluid distribution systems, such as automated potable water flushing devices for use in water distribution systems, within an enclosure having a movable platform.

BACKGROUND

Flushing devices may be used to flush water periodically from water systems. There are many reasons for flushing water systems, including water quality improvement, water age management and stagnation, contaminants, and disinfectants. Additionally, some water systems are in regions where freezing temperatures may be present on occasion during some or all of the calendar year.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a flushing device including an enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an interior and an exterior of the enclosure, the inner surface and the outer surface further defining an access opening proximate an upper portion of the enclosure, the inner surface and the outer surface further defining a conduit outlet and a conduit inlet; a discharge conduit; a fluid system conduit, the fluid system conduit connectable with a fluid system; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening and movable to proximate the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform and in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the flushing valve operatively connected to a flushing controller, the flushing valve controllable by the flushing controller; and a meter mounted on the top surface of the platform, the meter including a meter inlet and a meter outlet, the meter inlet in fluid communication with the flushing valve, the flushing valve in fluid communication with the meter and the fluid system conduit, the meter outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit.

Also disclosed is a flushing device including an enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an access opening proximate an upper portion of the enclosure; a platform within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform; and a U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe mounted on the platform and in fluid communication with the flushing valve, the U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe accessible from the access opening, the platform movable proximate to the access opening by interaction with the U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe.

Also disclosed is a flushing device including an enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an interior and an exterior of the enclosure, the inner surface and the outer surface further defining an access opening proximate an upper portion of the enclosure, the inner surface and the outer surface further defining a conduit outlet and a conduit inlet; a discharge conduit; a fluid system conduit, the fluid system conduit connectable with a fluid system; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening and movable to proximate the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform, the flushing valve having a flushing valve inlet and a flushing valve outlet, the flushing valve inlet in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the flushing valve outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit; and a freeze control valve having a freeze valve inlet and a freeze valve outlet, the freeze valve inlet in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the freeze valve outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit, the freeze control valve openable under freezing conditions to allow fluid communication between the fluid system conduit and the discharge conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a flushing device and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The flushing device includes an enclosure, a platform, and a flushing valve. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed flushing device is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One embodiment of a flushing device100is disclosed and described inFIG. 1. The flushing device100includes an enclosure150having an inner surface152and an outer surface154. The inner surface152and the outer surface154define an interior166, an exterior168, an access opening156, and a lower opening158. The access opening156is defined proximate an upper portion172of the enclosure150and the lower opening158is defined proximate a lower portion174of the enclosure150. The inner surface152and the outer surface154also define a discharge outlet162and a fluid system inlet164proximate to the lower portion174in the current embodiment. The enclosure150may be formed out of a material with beneficial insulating properties. In the current embodiment, enclosure150is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The lower opening158may be capped with a bottom cap (not shown) made of aluminum, PVC or other suitable material. The diameter of the enclosure150is typically between 21″ and 30″. In the current embodiment, the diameter of enclosure150is 21″.

The flushing device100also includes a platform110situated within the enclosure150. The platform110includes a top surface112and a bottom surface114. The top surface112faces the access opening156. In the current view, the platform110is shown in a lowered position resting on lower platform stop116. In the current embodiment, the lower platform stop116is a rim around the interior166of the enclosure150. The enclosure150also includes two upper platform stops118a,b(118bshown inFIG. 2), though any number of upper platform stops118may be present in various embodiments. In the current embodiment, the upper platform stops118a,bare stop blocks spaced opposite of each other on the interior166of the enclosure150proximate to the access opening156. In the current embodiment, the platform110is movable and rotatable between the lowered position shown inFIG. 2and a raised position shown inFIG. 3wherein the platform110rests on the upper platform stops118a,b. In some embodiments, the platform110may be raised and extended above enclosure150via the access opening156. The depths of the flushing device100typically measure between 30″ and 96″ but may be shallower or deeper depending on the environment.

The enclosure150also includes a fluid system conduit142and a discharge conduit144. In the current embodiment, the discharge conduit144provides a path for the water to exit the flushing device and extends from platform110to the discharge outlet162of the enclosure150. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit144may extend from platform110through discharge outlet162to an external termination point. The fluid system conduit142provides a path for water to enter the flushing device and extends to the fluid system inlet164. In some embodiments, the fluid system conduit142may extend from platform110through fluid system inlet164to an external termination point. In the current embodiment, the fluid system conduit142is connectable to a fluid system, and the discharge conduit144and the fluid system conduit142are reverse coiled one inside the other, with the fluid system conduit142coiled within the discharge conduit144. In the current embodiment, the discharge conduit144and the fluid system conduit142are made of flexible1″ diameter thermal coils, allowing platform110to be raised and lowered while still connected to the termination points. The length of the thermal coil discharge conduit144and the fluid system conduit142are typically between 30″ and 142″. In the current embodiment, the length of the thermal coil discharge conduit144and the fluid system conduit142is 36″.

Mounted on the platform110are a meter120, a dechlorinator130, and a flushing valve140. The meter120and the dechlorinator130are mounted on the top surface112of the platform110. The flushing valve140is mounted on the bottom surface114in the current embodiment, with the platform110between the flushing valve140and the access opening156. A flushing controller146is also mounted to the top surface112and is wired to the flushing valve140. An encoder receiver transmitter (“ERT”)148is also wired to the flushing controller146. The meter120, the dechlorinator130, and the flushing valve140are in fluid communication with each other and the discharge conduit144and the fluid system conduit142. A pair of eyebolts122a,bmay be bolted into the platform110and connected to a lifting rope124, which may be used to raise and lower the platform110. In the current embodiment, the flushing valve140is a Storm Manufacturing Group Superior 950-100 valve, though the flushing valve140may be other models in various embodiments, and may be user defined. In the current embodiment, the meter120is a Mueller Systems/Hersey MVR Compact160, though the meter120may be other models in various embodiments, and may be user defined.

The flushing device100also includes a foam pad160and a cover170. The foam pad160fits within the enclosure150and serves as an insulator against freezing by trapping the relatively warm air rising from the earth, keeping the air around the meter above freezing. The foam pad160may be moved up and down within the enclosure150depending on the depth of the permafrost. The cover170covers the access opening156. The cover170and the foam pad160are removable to permit access to the platform110. One end of the lifting rope124may be placed on top of the foam pad160to allow easy access to the lifting rope124. The ERT148may also be placed on top of the foam pad160to allow the ERT148to send and receive signals.

FIG. 1also shows a first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190mounted on the platform110substantially below the platform110with a portion of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190extending through the platform110. The first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190is used to route water throughout the system and to provide a secure and precise locations for connecting the various components, e.g. meter120and dechlorinator130.

A second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192(shown inFIG. 7) is also mounted on the platform110substantially below the platform110with a portion of the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192extending through the platform110. The first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190connects the meter120to a backflow preventer220(shown inFIG. 2) mounted on the top surface112, and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192connects the backflow preventer220to the dechlorinator130. Additional U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipes may be included if needed based upon component placement and water routing needs. The U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipes provide an efficient method to route fluid throughout the device in such a small space while providing a rugged conduit.

FIG. 2shows a top view of the flushing device100with the cover170and the foam pad160removed. As shown inFIG. 2, the platform110includes two notches218a,bspaced opposite of each other around the edge of the platform110. The two notches218a,bare sized to accept the two upper platform stops118a,b. The platform110may be raised to allow the two upper platform stops118a,bto pass through notches218a,b, and the platform110may be thereafter rotated to allow the platform110to rest on two upper platform stops118a,bin the raised position.

The platform110also includes an access hole210extending therethrough from the top surface112to the bottom surface114. The access hole210allows access to the underside of the platform110between the platform110and the lower opening158from the access opening156. The first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192may be reached through the access hole210, and the platform110may be raised by interaction with either or both of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192.

As shown inFIG. 2, the meter120, the dechlorinator130, and the backflow preventer220are arranged approximately parallel to each other in the current embodiment. The backflow preventer220is located between the meter120and the dechlorinator130. The meter120include a meter inlet222and a meter outlet224, the backflow preventer220includes a backflow preventer inlet226and a backflow preventer outlet228, and the dechlorinator130includes a dechlorinator inlet132and a dechlorinator outlet134. In the current embodiment, fluid flows from the fluid system into the fluid system conduit142, through the flushing valve140, into meter120, through the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190, into backflow preventer220, through the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192, into dechlorinator130, and through discharge conduit144.

Further, as shown inFIG. 2, in the current embodiment, a discharge conduit connector242is mounted in the discharge outlet162and a fluid system conduit connector244is mounted in the fluid system inlet164. The discharge conduit connector242connects to the discharge conduit144and may also be connected to a discharge system. The fluid system conduit connector244connects to the fluid system conduit142and may also be connected to the fluid system. The fluid system may be a municipal water system or any other system where it may be desirable to flush fluids periodically, such as to remove stagnant water from the system. The discharge system may be a sewer, well, reservoir, body of water, or any other system where fluid may be flushed.

FIG. 3shows a perspective view of the flushing device100with the cover170and the foam pad160removed and with the platform110in the raised position. As shown inFIG. 3, when the platform110is in the raised position, the meter120, the backflow preventer220, and the dechlorinator130are raised above the access opening156. When the flushing device100is placed in a pit, bringing the platform110to the raised position brings the meter120, the backflow preventer220, and the dechlorinator130to ground level to access these components and enables easier maintenance of the flushing device.

FIG. 4shows a perspective detail view of the platform110in the raised position. As shown inFIG. 4, the backflow preventer220includes four relief valves422a,b,c,d. The four relief valve422a,b,c,dare spaced along the backflow preventer220to relieve air buildup within various sections of the backflow preventer220. In the current embodiment, the backflow preventer220is a double check valve, though other backflow preventers220may be present in various embodiments. In the current embodiment, the double check valve is a Wilkins-Zurn 350XL-1, though the backflow preventer220may be other models in various embodiments, and may be user defined.

Also shown inFIG. 4is a lock valve430connected to the meter inlet222. The lock valve430is a ball valve in the current embodiment and includes a rotatable locking cap432. The locking cap432includes an upper locking tab434, and the locking valve430also includes a lower locking tab436. The locking cap432may be rotated to align the upper locking tab434with the lower locking tab436, closing the valve and preventing fluid from entering the meter120. A lock may thereafter be inserted through the upper locking tab434and the lower locking tab436, locking the flushing device100closed. Removing the lock and rotating the locking cap432so that the upper locking tab434is turned ninety degrees from the lower locking tab436opens the lock valve430, allowing fluid flow through the lock valve430to the meter120. In the current embodiment, the lock valve430is a Mueller Co. Mueller angle dual check valve, though the lock valve430may be other models in various embodiments, and may be user defined.

FIG. 5shows an exploded perspective view of the flushing device100.FIG. 6shows a perspective view of the platform110. As shown inFIG. 6, the backflow preventer220also includes an inlet manual shutoff valve626proximate to the backflow preventer inlet226and an outlet manual shutoff valve628proximate to the backflow preventer outlet228in the current embodiment. Also as shown inFIG. 6, the dechlorinator130includes a dechlorinator control valve632that may be adjusted to control the rate of dechlorination. In the current embodiment, the dechlorinator130is a standard pool chlorinator Pentair Water Rainbow Model #320 with dechlorination tablets used instead of chlorinaton tablets, though other dechlorinators130may be present in various embodiments, and may be user defined. In the current embodiment, fluid is passed over the dechlorination tablets within the dechlorinator130to dechlorinate the fluid. Also as shown inFIG. 6, the flushing controller146may be screwed to the top surface112.

Also shown inFIG. 6are meter connection cutouts612a,b, backflow preventer connection cutouts614a,b, and dechlorinator connection cutouts616a,bdefined in the platform110. The meter connection cutouts612a,ballow connection of the meter120with the flushing valve140and the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190, respectively, through the platform110. The backflow preventer connection cutouts614a,ballow connection of the backflow preventer220with the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192, respectively, through the platform110. The dechlorinator connection cutouts616a,ballow connection of the dechlorinator130with the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192and the discharge conduit144, respectively, through the platform110. The meter connection cutouts612a,b, backflow preventer connection cutouts614a,b, and dechlorinator connection cutouts616a,bare sized to allow the connections between the components to be tightened against the top surface112and the bottom surface114of the platform110or to the U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipes190,192, as applicable, to mount the components.

FIGS. 7-11show various perspective views of the platform110. As shown inFIG. 7, the flushing valve140is connected to the flushing controller146by wiring742running through the access hole210of the platform110. The flushing controller146thereby communicates with the flushing valve140to open and close the flushing valve140. Additionally, the flushing controller146may adjust the flow of fluid through the flushing valve140to less than maximum flow (open) and greater than minimum flow (e.g. closed). The flushing controller146may be programmed to periodically open and close the flushing valve140. In the current embodiment, the flushing controller146may open the flushing valve140for one to 960 minutes eight times a day.

Shown inFIGS. 7-10is a freeze control valve710mounted on the bottom surface114of the platform110by a mounting bracket716and a U-bolt718, though the freeze control valve710may be mounted to the platform110in various locations by various methods in various embodiments. Inlet tubing712of the freeze control valve710connects the freeze control valve710to the flushing valve and thereby is in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit142. Outlet tubing714of the freeze control valve710connects the freeze control valve710to the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and thereby is in fluid communication with the discharge conduit144. In various embodiments, the inlet tubing712and the outlet tubing714may be connected in various locations to place the freeze control valve710in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit142and the discharge conduit144, respectively.

In the current embodiment, the freeze control valve710contains a temperature sensing device. The temperature sensing device detects the temperature of the fluid within the flushing device100, measuring for freezing conditions, and triggers the freeze control valve710to open under predetermined temperatures, such as freezing condition temperatures, to prevent freezing of the fluid within the flushing device100. For example, freezing condition temperatures may be any temperature 40 degrees Fahrenheit and colder. When the freeze control valve710opens, the fluid bypasses the flushing valve140to allow fluid to flow from the fluid system conduit142to the discharge conduit144. When the temperature sensing device detects that the fluid within the freeze control valve710is no longer within the range of the predetermined temperatures, the freeze control valve710closes. In various embodiments, the freeze control valve710may open to varying degrees depending on the severity of the freezing conditions, allowing a small trickle of fluid to flow under mild freezing conditions and high flow for severe freezing conditions, for example. For example, when the temperature reduces to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the freeze control valve710may open and allow a small amount of water to flow. When the temperature reduces to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the freeze control valve710may open fully to allow the maximum amount of fluid to flow. In the current embodiment, the freeze control valve710is a Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc. FP-100, though the freeze control valve710may be other models in various embodiments, and may be user defined.

FIG. 10shows that the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192are accessible through the access hole210of the platform110. By reaching through the access hole210, by hand or by other instruments, such as with a hook, one or both of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192may be raised or lowered to thereby raise or lower the platform110. The first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192are capable of supporting the platform110and all the components of the flushing device100mounted thereon, including the meter120, the backflow preventer220, and the dechlorinator130. If the platform110were to be removed from the enclosure150the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192may also bear the weight of the platform110and the components of the flushing device100mounted thereon when the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190and the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192are placed on a resting surface, such as the ground adjacent to the enclosure150.

FIG. 12shows a side view of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190. In the current embodiment, the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192is substantially similar to the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190, though the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192may not be similar to the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190in various embodiments. The first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190includes a first end1210, a second end1220, a lateral portion1230, a first bend1240, and a second bend1250. The first bend1240connects the first end1210to the lateral portion1230, and the second bend1250connects the second end1220to the lateral portion1230. The first end1210includes upper threads1212and lower threads1214, and second end1220includes upper threads1222and lower threads1224. The lower threads1214,1224are below platform110when the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190is mounted to the platform110and are used to secure the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190to platform110. The upper threads1212,1222are located on the portion of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190extending through the platform110and provide a connection point for the various components. In addition to providing a secure connection for various components, the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190enables precise location of the components. The meter connection cutouts612a,b, backflow preventer connection cutouts614a,b, and dechlorinator connection cutouts616a,bare all sized to accept the first end1210or the second end1220of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190, or corresponding ends of the second U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe192.

FIG. 13shows a detail view of the first end1210. As shown inFIG. 13, the first end1210includes a crimped portion1310. The crimped portion1310includes a hexagonal cross-section, creating six flat surfaces around the periphery of crimped portion1310, though various cross-sections may be used in various embodiments. The crimped portion1310gives the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190a grippable portion that may be secured with a gripping mechanism such as pliers to firmly hold the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190in place during installation of the first U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe190on the platform110.