Ames Company, Inc.

Lester B Engelmann

An apparatus and method for automatic and remote testing of check valves and backflow preventers. Pressure sensors have ports in communication with chambers upstream and downstream from a check valve to be tested. The sensors may be pressure transducers or pressure switches, of single stage, differential, or 'dead band' design. Zero or substantially zero liquid flow through the check valve is confirmed either by an existing water flow meter or an auxiliary water flow switch. Upstream and downstream pressures are sampled, and the differential pressure therebetween is compared with predetermined standards and a pass/fail report is rendered. The report may be stored and communicated by hard wire or wireless means, to a remote facility where like information is received from a plurality of check valve sites. One of the three disclosed embodiments teaches an apparatus and method for testing a backflow preventer including a pressure relief valve operating on the reduced pressure principle.

Method and apparatus for automatic remote testing of backflow preventers

An apparatus and method for automatic disablement of a pressure relief valve used in connection with a backflow preventer in a fire line. A normally open solenoid valve is included in a pressure sampling line, extending from an inlet, or upstream chamber to one side of the pressure relief valve. A water flow switch, interconnected to a power supply and the solenoid valve, is provided in the fire line. In response to water flowing through the fire line, the switch conducts, actuating the solenoid to a closed position. The solenoid thereby hydraulically isolates the inlet sensor line leading to the pressure relief valve. By maintaining high pressure in this portion of the sensor line, the pressure relief valve is effectively disabled. Thus, even if a check valve malfunction occurs, the pressure relief valve will not open and cannot cause a catastrophic loss of water pressure in the fire line.

Apparatus and method for automatically disabling pressure relief valve

A water strainer, water meter, and crossover check valve structurally and functionally integrated within a single housing having a single access port. A water strainer, including a screened portion and a solid floor, diverts debris from the water flow path into a collection chamber in the bottom portion of the housing. The water strainer defines an interior volume within the housing, designed to pass strained water and protect the impeller assembly of the water meter located therein. A strainer outlet pipe, extending from an outlet port into the interior volume of the housing, may be included to house both the impeller and the check valve. The single access port provides for service of the interior components and removal of collected debris.

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Woodland, CA, United States of America

Lester B Engelmann