Patent Publication Number: US-2016238145-A1

Title: Shutoff valve in backflow prevention device with visual indicator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shutoff valves are widely used in backflow prevention applications where isolation of the backflow preventer, from the main water supply pressure, is required in order to properly test the functionality of the backflow preventer. Shutoff valves currently used in backflow prevention applications have limitations. Smaller backflow prevention applications tend to use ball valves. Small ball valves are cheap and flow control is simple. I.e., a 90 degree handle rotation changes the ball valve from open to closed and vice versa. In addition, the handle of the ball valve presents an easy visual indicator as to whether the valve is open or closed. However, ball valves get far more expensive as they get larger. Therefore, they are impractical for use as a shutoff valve in large backflow prevention applications. 
     For larger backflow prevention applications typically a gate valves are used. A gate valve is a valve that opens by moving a shut off wedge in and out of the fluid path opening or closing the valve. Gate valves require a high number of rotations of a handle or other mechanism for a user to change the gate valve from an open state to a closed state. This allows the gate valve to open and close slowly in order to avoid water hammer. Partial rotation of the gate valve handle allows the user to control partial flow through the valve for moderate user control of fluid flow. 
     However, it is extremely difficult to look at a Non Rising Stem (NRS) gate valve and determine immediately whether the valve is open or closed. Therefore, to allow for a visual indicator, a moving stem is added to the middle of the gate valve handle. This type of gate valve is called an Outside Stem and Yoke (OS&amp;Y) gate valve. As the handle is twisted counterclockwise, the stem raises giving a visual indicator that the gate valve is open. As the handle is twisted clockwise, the stem lowers giving a visual indicator that the gate valve is closed. 
     Further, most gate valves have a top cover inclosing the chamber in which the shut off wedge functions. This top cover allows for the maintenance and replacement of the shut off wedge without have to remove the valve from the main water line. Since most shut off wedges are elastomeric they wear out over time, making it necessary to replace the shut off wedge at times. 
     To review the OSY gate valve is preferred in many applications associated with backflow prevention because it has a stem for visual indication of opened and closed and the shut off wedge is accessible for maintenance. However the many components, including; stem, yoke, cover, handle and wedge chamber require a very large and therefor very expensive valve. 
     Occasionally, a butterfly valve is used as a shutoff valve in backflow prevention applications, because it has the simplicity of a quarter turn ball valve without the large size, weight and cost of gate valve. However, it is difficult to visually inspect the open or closed state of a butterfly from a distance. A flag may be added to the butterfly valve to allow a user to determine if the valve is opened or closed but typically the user must be quite close to the valve to make the determination. Therefore, regulations and/or traditions may restrict the use of butterfly valves when frequent inspection of the shutoff valve is required. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a shutoff valve that includes an easy visual indicator as to whether the shutoff valve is open or closed even when view from a distance. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One example embodiment includes a backflow prevention device. The backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a water flow stream. The housing includes an inlet configured to connect to a water supply and an outlet configured to connect to a system that uses water. The backflow prevention device also includes an upstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and an upstream indicator post. The upstream indicator post is substantially parallel to the water flow if the upstream butterfly valve is closed and is substantially perpendicular to the water flow if the upstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device further includes a downstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and a downstream indicator post. The downstream indicator post is substantially parallel to the water flow if the downstream butterfly valve is closed and is substantially perpendicular to the water flow if the downstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a pair of check modules located between the upstream butterfly valve and downstream butterfly valve. 
     Another example embodiment includes a backflow prevention device, configured such that the flow stream is oriented approximately horizontally. The backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a water flow stream. The housing includes an inlet configured to connect to a water supply and an outlet configured to connect to a system that uses water. The backflow prevention device also includes an upstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and an upstream indicator post. The upstream indicator post is approximately horizontal if the upstream butterfly valve is closed and is approximately vertical if the upstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device further includes a downstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and a downstream indicator post. The downstream indicator post is approximately horizontal if the downstream butterfly valve is closed and is approximately vertical if the downstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a pair of check modules located between the upstream butterfly valve and downstream butterfly valve. 
     Another example embodiment includes a backflow prevention device, configured such that the flow stream is oriented approximately horizontally. The backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a water flow stream. The housing includes an inlet connected to a water supply and an outlet connected to a system that uses water. The backflow prevention device also includes an upstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing. The upstream butterfly valve includes a disk, where the disk is configured to prevent water flow at a first position, allow water flow at a second position and rotate about an axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The disk includes a seal, where the seal is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface in the housing at the first position. The backflow prevention device further includes an upstream indicator post. The upstream indicator post is approximately horizontal if the upstream butterfly valve is closed and is approximately vertical if the upstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device additional includes a downstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing. The downstream butterfly valve includes a disk, where the disk is configured to prevent water flow at a first position, allow water flow at a second position and rotate about an axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The disk includes a seal, where the seal is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface in the housing at the first position. The backflow prevention device moreover includes a downstream indicator post. The downstream indicator post is approximately horizontal if the downstream butterfly valve is closed and is approximately vertical if the downstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device additionally includes an access port in the housing configured to provide a user with access to the upstream butterfly valve disk and the downstream butterfly valve disk. The backflow prevention device further includes a pair of check modules located between the upstream butterfly valve and downstream butterfly valve. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of the example of a backflow prevention device in which the shutoff valves are in the closed position; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the example of a backflow prevention device in which the shutoff valves are in the open position; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an isometric view of the example of a backflow prevention device in which the shutoff valves are in the closed position; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates an isometric view of the example of a backflow prevention device in which the shutoff valves are in the open position; 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates an isometric view of a partial cutaway of the example of a backflow prevention device in the open position; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an example of the flow indicator in the closed position; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an example of the flow indicator in the open position; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the opening or access port of a backflow prevention device; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the opening or access port of a backflow prevention device without the cover; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a butterfly valve. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
       FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E  (collectively “ FIG. 1 ”) illustrate an example of a backflow prevention device  100 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of the example of a backflow prevention device  100  in the closed position;  FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the example of a backflow prevention device  100  in the open position;  FIG. 1C  illustrates an isometric view of the example of a backflow prevention device  100  in the closed position;  FIG. 1D  illustrates an isometric view of the example of a backflow prevention device  100  in the open position; and  FIG. 1E  illustrates an isometric view of a partial cutaway of the example of a backflow prevention device  100  in the open position. The upstream and downstream butterfly valves of the backflow prevention device  100  allows for an entire water supply to be turned on or turned off at a single location. For example, the upstream and downstream butterfly valves of the backflow prevention device  100  can be used to control the water supply of a building, of a city region, etc. The backflow prevention device  100  can, therefore, allow a worker to shut a single valve (or series of valves) to eliminate water flow if an emergency occurs. 
       FIG. 1  shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include a housing  102 . The housing  102  is configured to contain the water flow within the backflow prevention device  100 . I.e., the housing  102  must be of sufficient strength to ensure that the backflow prevention device  100  can withstand the pressure of the water supply. Additionally or alternatively, the housing  102  is configured to align the other components of the backflow prevention device  100 . Such other components include an upstream butterfly valve, a downstream butterfly valve and a pair of check valve modules, as described below. I.e., the housing  102  can allow the internal and external components of the backflow prevention device  100  to be installed and proper spacing to be maintained among the components. The housing  102  can include a single component or an assembly of more than one component. I.e., the housing  102  can include a single structure or can include multiple structures attached to one another. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include an inlet  104 . The inlet  104  is configured to receive a water supply. I.e., the inlet  104  can be connected to a water supply and receive the water flow. In particular, the inlet  104  can include one or more coupling mechanisms which allow the backflow prevention device  100  to be connected to pipes, hoses or other devices which are configured to supply water. For example, the inlet  104  can include threading, grooves, flanges or other structures which allow attachment to the water supply. 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include an outlet  106 . The outlet  106  is configured to output water. I.e., the outlet  106  can be connected, either directly or indirectly, as a water supply to a building or system that uses water. In particular, the outlet  106  can include one or more coupling mechanisms which allow the backflow prevention device  100  to be connected to pipes, hoses or other devices which are configured to receive water. For example, the outlet  106  can include threading, grooves, flanges or other structures which allow attachment to the water output. After the water passes the outlet  106  the water flow can be divided as necessary. 
       FIG. 1  additionally shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include an upstream butterfly valve  108 a and a downstream butterfly valve  108   b  (collectively “butterfly valves  108 ”). The butterfly valves  108  can be used to control or regulate water flow through the backflow prevention device  100 . I.e., a user can close the upstream butterfly valve  108   a,  the downstream butterfly valve  108   b  or both as needed to control water flow. For example, closure of the upstream and downstream butterfly valves  108 a can allow maintenance of the check valve modules of the backflow prevention device  100 . Additionally or alternatively, shutoff of the downstream butterfly valve can allow a user to shutoff water supply to the pipe, hose or other device connected to the outlet  106  and, therefore, any building or structure receiving the water supply. The butterfly valves  108  offer a cost advantage over the use of gate valves or ball valve. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include a cover  110 . The cover  110  can be configured to close an access port in the housing  102 . In particular, the cover  110  can be removed to allow maintenance or replacement of components within the housing  102  including the check valve modules. I.e., a user can remove the cover  110  to access portions of the butterfly valves  108 . 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include a flow indicator  112 . The flow indicator  112  is an easily identifiable device for allowing a user to see whether the water is flowing through the housing or whether the water flow is currently shutoff. I.e., a user can inspect whether water is flowing through the backflow prevention device  100  from a distance. For example, an inspector could drive by an outdoor backflow prevention device  100  and visibly inspect the water flow without ever leaving the vehicle. 
       FIG. 1  additionally shows that the backflow prevention device  100  can include an upstream check valve module  114 a and a downstream check valve module  114 b (collectively “check valve modules  114 ”). The check valve modules  114  can prevent reverse flow within the backflow prevention device  100 . I.e., the check valve modules  114  can be configured to allow water to flow in a forward direction (left to right as shown in  FIG. 1E ) and prevent water flow in the reverse direction (right to left as shown in  FIG. 1E ). 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  (collectively “ FIG. 2 ”) illustrate an example of a flow indicator  112 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates an example of the flow indicator  112  in the closed position; and  FIG. 2B  illustrates an example of the flow indicator  112  in the open position. The flow indicator  112  provides a visual identification of the flow status of a shutoff valve. In particular, the flow indicator allows a user to visually inspect whether flow is occurring or has been shut off. 
       FIG. 2  shows that the flow indicator  112  can include a flow display  202 . The flow display  202  shows the current flow direction of water within the shutoff valve. I.e., if the flow display  202  is substantially parallel (within 10 degrees of parallel) to the direction of water flow (i.e., approximately horizontal—within 10 degrees of horizontal—when installed in a horizontally installed backflow prevention device) through the shutoff valve then water is currently flowing (i.e., the shutoff valve is open). However, if the flow display  202  is substantially perpendicular (within 10 degrees of perpendicular) to the direction of water flow (i.e., approximately vertical—within 10 degrees of vertical—when installed in a horizontally installed backflow prevention device) through the shutoff valve then water is currently not flowing (i.e., the shutoff valve is closed). 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the flow display  202  can include a pointer  204 . The pointer  204  points in the direction that water may currently flow. I.e., the pointer  204  can include an arrow which points the direction in which water will flow. Thus, a user can quickly ascertain whether water is currently flowing (pointer is substantially parallel to the direction of water flow through the shutoff valve) or currently not flowing (pointer is substantially perpendicular to the direction of water flow through the shutoff valve). 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the flow indicator  112  can include one or more labels  206 . The one or more labels  206  can provide a reference so that the user can ensure that the shutoff valve is in the desired state (i.e., open or closed) based on the position of the pointer  204  relative to the one or more labels  206 . For example, the one or more labels  206  can include “on” and “off” of “open” and “shut”, etc. 
       FIG. 2  additionally shows that the flow indicator  112  can include an indicator post  208 . The indicator post  208  can allow for inspection farther from the backflow prevention device  100 . I.e., the user must generally be close to see the flow display  202  and/or the one or more labels  206 . In contrast, the indicator post  208  can be seen from a great distance. The indicator post  208  can be oriented vertically when flow is occurring in a horizontally installed backflow prevention device and can be oriented horizontally when flow is not occurring in a horizontally installed backflow prevention device. This matches current tradition where a gate valve indicating post is raised when flow is occurring. Thus, inspectors do not have to learn a new convention for visual inspection. 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that the indicator post  208  may not be desirable in all locations. For example, in confined spaces no indicator post  208  or a smaller indicator post  208  may be desired. Thus, the indicator post  208  may be removable. For example, the indicator post  208  can include a hollow end that includes internal threads, allowing the indicator post  208  to be threaded or bolted onto the flow display  202 . Additionally or alternatively, the indicator post  208  can be made of a flexible material, such as rubber, to prevent damage to the indicator post  208  during use or if contact with the indicator post  208  occurs. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  (collectively “ FIG. 3 ”) illustrate an opening  300  of the backflow prevention device  100 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the opening  300  of the backflow prevention device; and  FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the opening  300  of the backflow prevention device without the cover  110 . The opening  300  can allow a user to access the internal components of the backflow prevention device  100 . I.e., the opening  300  can allow the user to access portions of the butterfly valves  108  which are normally not inline accessible, or to access check valve modules, either to ensure proper operation or to perform maintenance. 
       FIG. 3  shows that the opening  300  can include an access port  302 . The access port can include a segment of the housing  102  which is open. I.e., a portion of the housing  102  can be missing, forming the access port  302 . The access port  302  can allow the removal or insertion of components of the backflow prevention device or can allow the components to be checked or maintained. For example, the access port  302  can be a similar width as the housing  102 . I.e., the access port  302  can include a portion of a half cylinder of the housing  102  which is not present. 
       FIG. 3  also shows that the opening  300  can include a cover mount  304 . The cover mount  304  can allow a cover to be attached, as described below. In particular, the cover mount  304  can form or be proximate to the sides of the access port  302 . I.e., the cover mount  304  can be located at antipodal points along the housing  102  near the access port  302 . An antipodal point of a point on the surface of a circle is the point which is diametrically opposite to it—so situated that a line drawn from the one to the other passes through the center of the circle and forms a true diameter. 
       FIG. 3  further shows that the opening  300  can include a cover  110 . The cover  110  has a bend or curvature to it, with the radius of curvature being larger than the radius of curvature of the housing  102  at the opening  300 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that adding curvature to the cover  110  creates tangential tensile stresses when under pressure rather than bending moment stresses, typical of flat covers of similar purpose. I.e., the convex nature of the cover  110  allows the cover  110  to equalize the pressure over the entire surface, allowing the cover  110  to be thinner than if the cover  110  were flat. That is, a flat cover  110  would deform, to some degree, under pressure. In contrast, the curvature reduces the deformation of the cover  110 . Additionally or alternatively, the force imparted by the water within the housing is less likely to cause separation of the cover  110  from the housing  102 . 
       FIG. 3  additionally shows that the opening  300  can include an attachment  306 . The attachment  306  is configured to attach the cover  110  to the cover mount  304 . For example, the attachment  306  can include bolts, screws, clips, clamps or any other desired attachment. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the attachment  306  can be secured along the edges of the cover  110 . I.e., no support structure is necessary within the access port  302 , allowing a user to more easily access the interior portions of the backflow prevention device  100 . One of skill in the art will further appreciate that the curvature of the cover  110  allows the cover  110  to cover a longer distance without requiring the thickness of a flat cover. That is, the same thickness of cover  110  can have a longer distance between attachments  306  because of the curvature of cover  110  relative to a flat cover  110 . 
       FIG. 3  moreover shows that the opening  300  can include a seal  308 . The seal  308  can sealingly engage the cover  110  and the housing  102  along the perimeter of the cover  110 . That is, the seal  308  can provide a water tight connection between the cover  110  and the housing  112  when the cover is attached such that water is prevented from leaking out the cover  110  when water flows through the housing  102 . For example, the seal  308  can include an elastomer or other compressible material. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a butterfly valve  108 . The butterfly valve  108  can prevent all fluid flow. That is, the butterfly valve  108  can form a seal with the housing  102  preventing all water flow through the shutoff valve. For example, the butterfly valve  108  can be used to test the backflow prevention device or to perform maintenance on the backflow prevention device. 
       FIG. 4  also shows that the butterfly valve  108  can include an obstruction  402 . The obstruction  402  can be configured to mate with the internal surface of the housing  102 . I.e., the obstruction  402  can be placed perpendicular to the flow when desired, preventing flow within the housing  102 . In contrast, when the obstruction  402  is aligned parallel to the flow, the water can flow freely through the housing  102 . For example, the obstruction  402  can include a disk or otherwise be shaped to match the internal shape of the housing  102 . 
       FIG. 4  shows that the butterfly valve  108  can include a rotating means  404 . The rotating means  404  can connect the obstruction  402  to a knob  406  or control. I.e., a user can use the knob  406  to move the rotating means  404 , which moves the obstruction  402  into the desired position. That is, rotation of the rotating means  404  results in rotation of the obstruction  402 . For example, the rotating means  404  can include a shaft or other device. 
       FIG. 4  further shows that the housing  102  can include a sealing surface  408 . The sealing surface  408  can be a section of the housing  102  which is configured to receive the obstruction  402  in the closed position. 
       FIG. 4  additionally shows that the obstruction  402  can include a seal  410 . The seal  410  can be configured to ensure drip tight mating between the obstruction  402  and the seat  408 . I.e., the seal  410  can ensure that water does not leak past the obstruction  402  when in the closed position. For example, the seal  410  can include an O-ring or other compressible material. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.