Pump failure protection for liquid transmission pipelines

Abstract

In order to more effectively control the operation of surge valves in pumping stations through relatively long pipelines where liquid is pumped to an elevated discharge circuit and avoid excessive waste of water, where there is provided an electric solenoid to effect opening and subsequent closing of the surge valve and an electric circuit that responds to abnormal conditions which will result in a pressure surge of water with the unscheduled pump stoppage due to mechanical or electrical failure. This circuit operates to open the solenoid valve in time for the surge valve to open before the actual pressure surge of water arrives and closes after the surge has spent at least most of its force, so that liquid will be spilled for only a safe period of time. At the same time, the circuit will effect the successive display of pilot lights to indicate its condition at any time. There are also provided battery charging and indicating circuits to meet the charging requirements of the battery under different conditions to which it is subjected and also display battery circuit condition indicating lights. Provision is made for indicating the condition of a battery circuit which provides energy in the event of power failure to assure proper operation, along with a power supply circuit, and there are modifications to meet special conditions.