Key information

Title
DOME INTERFACE
Application number
20241007
Case type
National
Status
26.01.2026 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
07.10.2024
Effective date
07.10.2024
Publicly available
26.01.2026
Next annual fee due
31.10.2027
Applicant
AIWELL HOLDING AS (NO)
Owner
AIWELL HOLDING AS (NO)
Inventor
Asle Johnsen (NO)
Agent
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS (NO)
Granted
26.01.2026
Patent number
349450
Expiry date
07.10.2044

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
A system and method for draining water is provided. The invention achieves its objectives by a dome interface (200) between gravity (214, 224) and siphonic (212, 222) drainage circuits of a drainage system (100) for a fluid, a manhole system (200) comprising a dome interface, a drainage system comprising at least one manhole, wherein the least one manhole comprises a dome interface, and a method for adjusting a valve (340).

Publications

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Documents

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Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 29.01.2026 09-01 Saksbehandling 20241007(349450) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20241007)
22.10.2025 08-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 UT PT Meddelelse om patent ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 30.09.2025 07-04 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P44449NO00 Patenttekst ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 30.09.2025 07-03 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P44449NO00 Norsk kravoversettelse ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 30.09.2025 07-02 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P44449NO00 Besvarelse ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 30.09.2025 07-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 31.03.2025 06-02 Saksbehandling 20241007 UT PT report 07:29:12
31.03.2025 06-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 UT Realitet patent ACAPO AS
 14.11.2024 05-02 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 14.11.2024 05-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN PDF_643161787 ACAPO AS
 05.11.2024 04-03 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P20955NO00 Overdragelse ACAPO AS
 05.11.2024 04-02 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P20955NO00 Fullmakt ACAPO AS
 05.11.2024 04-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO AS
 09.10.2024 03-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 UT Formalia 1 ACAPO AS
 09.10.2024 02-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 UT Infobrev til oppfinner ACAPO AS
 07.10.2024 01-03 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P20955NO00 Tegninger ACAPO AS
 07.10.2024 01-02 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN P20955NO00 Søknadstekst ACAPO AS
 07.10.2024 01-01 Saksbehandling 20241007 INN Søknadsskjema Patent ACAPO AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
34945015 Background of the InventionField of the InventionThe invention relates to drainage in general and more specifically a system and a method for draining water, in particular surface water and sewer water.10 Background ArtState of the art is reflected in drainage systems, such as municipal drainage systems, that transport waste waters from buildings and drains into a drainage system that leads to a recipient, typically a treatment plant or a pipe leading out at sea. Drainage systems are typically buried underground and has not been updated 15 while the cities have grown in size. This has over time caused a growing capacity problem, leading in turn to flooded streets and basements. Heavy rainfalls puts the drainage systems under stress, and there is a growing risk of downstream flooding. When the drainage system reaches the limit of drainage during heavy rainfalls, the water is not drained away from the surface, and may cause accidents for instance 20 due to aquaplaning on roads. Another problem is related to backflow of water, as the water may flow back through the pipes and out of another gutter, creating a flood. This is especially undesirable if drainage from buildings are connected to the same system, as large water damage may occur to the building.25 In a traditional drainage system for use in surface water, fluid from inlets are collected and guided in branch pipes and main pipes, typically via one or more manholes and collection tanks to a recipient, possibly including a water processing plant. The flow is based upon water flowing by its own weight, and is called "gravity flow" or "gravity drainage". Manholes, pipes and manifolds are open and allow air to 30 be let into the drainage system and thereby the amount of liquid that the system can handle is limited. WO 2014/209133 discloses a system whereby the "gravity flow" is replaced by a "full current flow" wherein no gas is flowing together with the water. "Full current flow" is also known as "siphonic drainage" or "siphonic flow" in prior art. WO 2019/226055 discloses a system for drainage of surface water, the system 35 comprises a number of tanks being connected to a main pipeline leading water to a 3494502recipient. Each tank has at least one outlet for leading water from the tank to the main pipeline, and a corresponding lid, the lid is limiting the outlet until the water is at a predetermined level in the tank. The system further comprises a check valve arranged downstream of the outlet of each tank, preventing water from entering the 5 tank from the main pipeline, and at least one air bleeder valve and at least one siphonic drainage regulator arranged between a tank and the recipient.These traditional systems are complex and parts such as check valves are subject to wear and require servicing.10WO2019226055A1 discloses, according to its abstract, a system for drainage of surface water, the system comprises a number of tanks being connected to a main pipeline leading water to a recipient.CN217460811U discloses, according to a translation of its abstract, a drainage 15 device, and belongs to the technical field of drainage. Aiming at the back-overflow phenomenon in the existing drainage device, especially the back-overflow problem caused by the sudden increase of air pressure in a water outlet, the utility model provides the drainage device which comprises a container, an inner cover and an inner cylinder, a movable plate is arranged in the inner cylinder, the opening and 20 closing of the inner cylinder can be controlled according to the pressure, the backoverflow of sewage and foul gas can be effectively prevented, and the safety of the drainage device is improved.WO2017151150A1 discloses, according to its abstract, a no overflow, siphonic overflow device for the prevention of water overflowing a vessel during an25 unattended filling operation through the use of a siphonic overflow device in place of the existing conventional overflow drain pipe connected to the conventional waste water pipe of a bathtub.WO20140131A1 discloses, according to its abstract, a drainpipe structure using an improved manhole, comprising: an improved manhole including a lower manhole and 30 an upper improved manhole arranged on the lower manhole; a lower conduit connected to the lower manhole; and an upper conduit arranged above the lower conduit and connected to the upper improved manhole.There is therefore a need for a method and a system to overcome the above35 mentioned problems. 3494503Summary of the InventionProblems to be Solved by the InventionTherefore, a main objective of the present invention is to provide a system and 5 method for draining water.Means for Solving the ProblemsThe objective is achieved according to the invention by dome interface as defined in the preamble of claim 1, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 1, 10 a manhole system as defined in the preamble of claim 8, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 8, a drainage system as defined in the preamble of claim 12, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 12, an auxiliary drainage system as defined in the preamble of claim 14, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 14, a method for starting operation of an auxiliary 15 drainage system as defined in the preamble of claim 15, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 15, a method for ending operation of an auxiliary drainage system as defined in the preamble of claim 16, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 16, a method for adjusting a valve as defined in the preamble of claim 17, having the features of the characterising portion of claim 17.20A number of non-exhaustive embodiments, variants or alternatives of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.In a first aspect of the invention, a dome interface between gravity and siphonic 25 drainage circuits of a drainage system for a fluid is provided, wherein the dome interface comprises: a surface for receiving water from a gravity drainage circuit, a dome having an upper closed end and a lower open end, wherein the lower open end is provided above the surface, separated by a gap to allow fluid from the gravity circuit to flow through the gap and into an interior of the dome, a pipe having an 30 upper and a lower end, wherein the upper end is located inside the dome above the gap, and the lower end is connected to the siphonic drainage circuit, wherein the surface is further provided with at least one means from the group comprising means for slowing down the water, means for reducing turbulence, means for coalescing bubbles and means for centrifugal separation, for improved air separation from the 35 water. 3494504The effect of this is that one can ensure siphonic flow from a gravity flow source while reducing the amount of air ingested into the siphonic flow, improving the siphonic flow rate, thus increasing the efficiency.5 In one embodiment, the upper end of the pipe defines an area that is smaller than an area defined by the gap. The effect of this is that this further improves exclusion of air from entering the siphonic flow.In one embodiment, the dome interface further comprises a valve for throttling the 10 upper end of the pipe. This makes it possible to adjust the flow rate through a dome interface, which is useful when several manholes are connected in series, each having a dome interface.In one embodiment, the gap is provided with means for closing when the water is at 15 a first lower level, and means for opening when the water is at a second upper level.This further improves reduction of air ingested into the siphonic flow.In one embodiment, the dome is provided with valve that open in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of water through the valve. The technical effect of 20 this is that forces due to the flow will not act on the valve so as to close the valve.In one embodiment, the dome interface further comprises means for lowering a pressure inside the dome temporarily during opening of at least one of the gap and the valve. This reduces the pressure acting on valve parts until the valve has been 25 opened, and is especially beneficial for valves where the forces due to the flow act on the valve along the direction of opening.In one embodiment, the means for lowering a pressure inside the dome is a valve admitting air inside the dome.30In a second aspect of the invention, a manhole system is provided, comprising a dome interface, wherein the manhole system further comprises: an attachment with an inlet pipe assembly to a upstream drainage, wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an inlet pipe for siphonic drainage surrounded by an inlet pipe for gravity 35 drainage, and an attachment with an outlet pipe assembly to a downstream drainage, wherein the outlet pipe assembly comprises an outlet pipe for siphonic drainage surrounded by an outlet pipe for gravity drainage, wherein the inlet pipe for 3494505siphonic drainage is connected to the outlet pipe for siphonic drainage, forming part of a siphonic drainage system, which is connected to the pipe of the dome interface, the inlet pipe for gravity drainage is connected to the surface for receiving water, and the outlet pipe for gravity drainage is blocked inside the manhole with a block, to 5 ensure all water from the inlet pipe for gravity reaches the surface for receiving water.The effect of this is that new or existing manholes can be upgraded for more efficient siphonic flow.10 In one embodiment, the manhole system further comprises a raised threshold at least partially surrounding the surface for receiving water to ensure a minimum water level inside the manhole before water flows to the surface for receiving water. This ensures a minimum water level, thus reducing exclusion of air from entering the siphonic flow.15In one embodiment, the manhole system further comprises an overflow path for excessive water inside the manhole to overflow into the outlet pipe for gravity drainage. This provides added safety in case there should be a problem with the siphonic drainage system.20In one embodiment, the manhole system further comprises a raised part provided inside the inlet pipe for gravity drainage, for directing water to the surface. This provides further efficiency in transferring water to the surface and then to the dome interface. This raised part can be formed as a saddle for convenient and stable 25 positioning on and at least partially around a siphonic pipe for simplified retrofit in existing manholes.In a third aspect of the invention, a drainage system is provided, comprising at least one manhole, wherein the least one manhole comprises a dome interface.30In one embodiment, the drainage system further comprises a valve provided on a siphonic drainage circuit, to prevent implosion by admitting air when the under pressure exceed a threshold.35 In a fourth aspect of the invention, an auxiliary drainage system is provided, comprising an auxiliary drainage pipe having an upper and a lower end, wherein the auxiliary drainage pipe is provided with an upper valve at the upper end and a lower 3494506valve and the lower end, wherein the lower valve is positioned near a recipient, preferably as a gooseneck, wherein the auxiliary drainage system further comprises at least one auxiliary drainage branch pipeline comprising a proximal end fluidically connected to the auxiliary drainage pipe, and a distal end connected to a siphonic 5 drainage pipe of a respective manhole system via a check valve, wherein the auxiliary drainage system, when filled with water, operate as a siphonic system, and extract water from the siphonic drainage pipe, thus providing added capacity.The technical effect of this is to provide added capacities such as in emergencies, and the means for use of such systems.10In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method for starting operation of an auxiliary drainage system, comprising the steps:a closing the lower valve and opening the upper valve;b fill the auxiliary drainage pipe with water from a manhole system near 15 the upper end of the auxiliary drainage pipe; andc when the auxiliary drainage pipe is substantially filled with water, closing the upper valve and opening the lower valve.The technical effect is that the system quickly enters siphonic flow.20 In a sixth aspect of the invention, a method for ending operation of an auxiliary drainage system according to claim 15, comprising the steps:a closing the lower valve.The technical effect is that the system is closed controllably and can quickly re-enter siphonic flow.25In a seventh aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a valve for throttling an upper end of a pipe, in a drainage system comprising at least two manholes, wherein the least one manhole comprises a dome interface, comprising the steps:a) start with all valves in the manholes in an open position,30 b) starting at a second to lowermost manhole as a present manhole for adjustment,c) throttle a respective valve until a manhole below the present manhole reaches a sufficient capacity for drainage, andd) progress to a manhole upstream of the present manhole as the new present 35 manhole for adjustment.The technical effect is that the system comprising a plurality of manholes can be tuned for efficient flow when upstream manholes provide siphonic flow. 3494507The present invention attains the above-described objective by a dome interface between gravity and siphonic drainage circuits of a drainage system.5 Effects of the InventionThe present invention comprises a technological advantage over known systems and methods by use of a dome interface, that provides an interface between gravity and siphonic drainage systems.10 The present invention provides several further advantageous effects:it makes it possible to connect the gravity drainage system into the siphonic drainage system with few or no moving parts,it is efficient in reducing or avoiding air ingestion into the siphonic drainage 15 system, letting it operate efficiently,it avoids complexities and moving parts such as check valves,if necessary, it is easy to adjust using a throttling valve,it reduces or in cases also avoids hydraulic hammers, and instead achieves smooth self regulation.20Brief Description of the DrawingsThe above and further features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims and together with advantages thereof will become clearer from consideration of the following detailed description of an [exemplary] embodiment of 25 the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.The invention will be further described below in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings, wherein:Fig. 1A shows a typical drainage system, wherein manholes can be upgraded 30 with a system according to an embodiment of the invention,Fig. 1B shows an embodiment wherein gravity drainage is augmented with siphonic drainage by adding a pipe inside existing pipes,Fig. 2A shows a cross section of a dome interface,Fig. 2B shows a variant of the dome interface of Fig.2A,35 Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a manhole provided with a dome interface, Fig. 4 shows an auxiliary drainage system. 3494508Description of the Reference SignsThe following reference numbers and signs refer to the drawings:100 The drainage system102 Source103 Branch pipeline104 Recipient105 Safety valve110 Upstream drainage112 Upstream pipe for siphonic drainage114 Upstream pipe for gravity drainage120 Downstream drainage122 Downstream pipe for siphonic drainage124 Downstream pipe for gravity drainage140 Auxiliary drainage system152 Auxiliary drainage pipe154 Auxiliary drainage pipe upper valve156 Auxiliary drainage pipe lower valve157 Auxiliary drainage pipe gooseneck outlet 162 Auxiliary branch pipeline164 Auxiliary branch check valve200 Manhole, tank204 Water level inside manhole210 Manhole inlet assembly, attachment212 Inlet pipe for siphonic drainage214 Inlet pipe for gravity drainage216 Raised part220 Manhole outlet assembly, attachment222 Outlet pipe for siphonic drainage223 Block, outlet pipe for siphonic drainage block 224 Outlet pipe for gravity drainage230 Raised threshold232 Upper end of raised threshold234 Water level inside raised threshold240 Overflow system 3494509242 Overflow threshold244 Overflow path to manhole outlet300 Dome interface310 Surface for receiving water320 Dome322 Upper closed end324 Lower open end326 Gap328 Valve330 Pipe332 Pipe upper end334 Pipe lower end340 Valve, throttle valve350 Dome pressure control system352 Dome air inlet valveDetailed Description of the InventionVarious aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference 5 to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in 10 the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an 15 apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. 34945010The invention will be further described in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings, wherein Fig.1A shows a typical drainage system 100, wherein manholes 200 can be upgraded with a system according to an embodiment of the invention. Manholes 200 collect water from 5 sources 102 via branch pipelines 103 and upstream manholes, and lead the collected water downstream, possibly via further manholes down to a recipient 104. A manhole is connected to upstream manholes via upstream drainage pipes 110, and downstream manholes via downstream drainage pipes 120.10 Fig. 1B shows an embodiment wherein gravity drainage is augmented with siphonic drainage by adding a pipe inside existing pipes, so that the upstream drainage pipe 110 comprises an upstream pipe 112 for siphonic drainage inserted inside an upstream pipe 114 for gravity drainage and/or the downstream drainage pipe 120 comprises an downstream pipe 122 for siphonic drainage inserted inside an15 downstream pipe 124 for gravity drainage.The present invention builds upon the existing infrastructure by adding further functionality into manholes.20 Principles forming the basis of the inventionThe inventor has recognised that drainage systems that also comprise siphonic drainage, the interface between gravity and siphonic drainage systems can be the cause of excessive air being ingested into the siphonic drainage parts and thus cause the siphonic drainage to switch into gravity drainage. This leads to reduction in 25 capacity and can be undesirable.The inventor has found that a structure comprising a raised pipe covered by a dome or a bell jar, will provide an improved interface between gravity and siphonic drainage circuits on a drainage system.30Fig. 2A shows a cross section of a dome interface 300, which comprises a surface 310 for receiving water from a gravity circuit 114, 224, and a dome 320 having an upper closed end 322 and a lower open end 324, wherein the lower open end is provided above the surface, separated by a gap 326 to allow fluid from the gravity 35 circuit 124 to flow through the gap 326 and into an interior of the dome 320, a pipe 330 having an upper 322 and a lower 324 end, wherein the upper end is located 34945011inside the dome above the gap, and the lower end is connected to the drainage circuit.The surface 300 is shown as flat, but could have any shape as long as it allows 5 water to flow over the surface and past the gap 326 and into the dome 320. The surface 300 is also important in defining a lower part of the gap. In embodiments, the surface also plays a role in further reducing air ingestion. Water flow admitted into the manhole through the gravity circuit can contain air and bubbles. By letting this flow cross the surface before reaching the gap, the calmer flow will let air and 10 bubbles escape the water before the water reaches the gap. A surface that is wide and/or smooth compared to the inlet pipes will improve the air water-separation. In embodiments, the surface can be provided with further features such as baffles and spirals to further improve air separation from the water, such as by further calming or slowing down the water, reducing turbulence, coalescing bubbles or centrifugal 15 separation.The gap 326 is provided at a lower part of the dome interface. This is preferred in order to reduce air ingestion. Air bubbles will naturally escape upwards, especially large bubbles with large buoyancy, and thus escape the gap. Finely dispersed small 20 bubbles will take longer time to ascend, then again these represent an equally tiny air volume and will therefore have no practical impact on siphonic drainage flow.The dome 320 is shown as having a domed upper closed end 322 and an lower open end 324. The dome shape is convenient, but the technical effect will still be 25 present with, say, a flat upper end. The term dome in this context should be understood as any structure with a closed upper end that will admit a pipe. The open end 324 defines the upper part of the gap 326. The dome is positioned above the surface 310 so to define the gap 326. It may be fixed to the surface using legs or separators, or fixed to the pipe 330 or to any other parts of the manhole by means 30 that is within the skill of a person skilled in the art. The drawings show the gap extending around the entire 360°, which will be efficient in admitting as much water as possible across the gap. Nevertheless, it is within the scope of the invention to have a gap that is interrupted in parts, such as support or attachment structures.35 The pipe 330 comprises an upper 322 and a lower 324 end. The upper end 322 of the pipe 330 extends to a position inside the upper closed end 322 of the dome 330. The raised position is a position above the upper part of the gap, and together with 34945012the rest of the dome interface, ensures that the dome interface reduces or entirely avoids air ingestion into the siphonic circuit. Thus the dome interface is an interface between the gravity circuit that is open to air, and the siphonic circuit where air should be avoided. The lower end 324 of the pipe 320 is connected to the siphonic 5 drainage circuit. In the drawings, the pipe is shown as crossing the surface 310 and connecting to the siphonic circuit below the surface. It is fully within the scope of the invention to use different geometries, such as the pipe turning sideways and connecting to the siphonic drain circuit provided aside instead of below.10 In use, the water flows onto the surface and the water level is raised until the water level submerges the gap and then the upper end of the pipe. At that point, experiments show that siphonic flow starts, and sucks water from the surface past the gap and into the siphonic drainage circuit. To maintain the siphonic flow, it is desirable to balance the area of the gap with the effective area of the pipe.15 Experiments have shown that it is preferable in a system with multiple dome interfaces that the effective area of the pipe should be smaller than the area of the gap, and to adjust these to the typical water flow into the inlet to the surface, the upper end of the pipe of the dome interface can be provided with a throttling valve. That way, the gap can be sized for future growth in flooding, while the adaption to 20 current conditions can be adapted with the throttling valve. Typically the valve is adjusted less frequently than annually.To adjust the throttling valves of a system with more than one manhole system 200, one starts with the vales in a fully open position. During rainfall, if one manhole 25 system is unable to drain sufficient amounts of water, the valve immediately upstream of said manhole is throttled until the manhole is again able to drain sufficient amounts of water to keep up with the rainfall.Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a manhole system 200 provided with a dome30 interface 300, wherein the dome interface is the embodiment shown in Fig.2A. The manhole system 200 further comprises an attachment 210 with an inlet pipe assembly to a upstream drainage 110, wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an inlet pipe 212 for siphonic drainage surrounded by an inlet pipe 214 for gravity drainage, and an attachment 220 with an outlet pipe assembly to a downstream 35 drainage 120, wherein the outlet pipe assembly comprises an outlet pipe 222 for siphonic drainage surrounded by an outlet pipe 224 for gravity drainage, wherein the inlet pipe 212 for siphonic drainage is connected to the outlet pipe 222 for siphonic 34945013drainage, forming part of a siphonic drainage system, which is connected to the pipe 320 of the dome interface 300, the inlet pipe 214 for gravity drainage is connected to the surface 310 for receiving water, and the outlet pipe 224 for gravity drainage is blocked inside the manhole with a block 223, to ensure all water from the inlet pipe 5 for gravity reaches the surface 300 for receiving water.The outlet pipe for siphonic drainage is provided with a block 223, ensuring no direct flow from the inlet pipe 214 for gravity drainage into the outlet pipe 224 for gravity drainage. The block can be provided as part of the manhole outlet assembly 220. 10In order to further limit the air ingestion into the siphonic drainage system, the inventor has realised that the manhole system can be provided with a raised threshold 230 that provides a threshold before the water reaches the surface 310. The upper end 232 of the raised threshold 230 defines a water level 234 inside 15 raised threshold, indicated by a short line. The threshold can surround the surface or be provided on the side between the inlet pipe for gravity drainage 214 and the surface 310. This also provides a water retention effect and delays water drainage. This delays means any rain water will have time to pick up the rate of flow before starting the siphonic flow at a more optimum flow rate.20In case of blockage, damage or other problems, it is desirable to provide the manhole with a second means for draining water. An overflow path 240 is formed by an overflow threshold 242, which is raised to a position above the raised threshold 230. Fig.3 shows a situation where the water level 204 inside manhole 200 has 25 exceeded the overflow threshold 242, and water flows along a an overflow path 244 and into the outlet pipe for gravity drainage 244 and then the downstream pipe for gravity drainage 124. In preferred embodiments, the block 233 is provided upstream from the overflow path, for a more compact solution.30 It has been realised that the it is advantageous to provide the manhole inlet assembly 210 with a raised part 216 in order to more efficiently direct the water coming through the inlet pipe 214 for gravity drainage and to the surface 310. In embodiments, this raised part is provided like a saddle over the inlet pipe 212 for siphonic drainage. The block 223 can be attached to the raised part 216, and can 35 also be part of it as a single combined unit. 34945014In practice, water in the upstream gravity drainage pipe is led into the siphonic drainage pipe by use of the dome interface. The upstream siphonic drainage pipe continues substantially unbroken into the siphonic drainage pipe, but is joined by the siphonic output from the dome interface. Typically, the upstream siphonic drainage 5 pipe comes from an upstream manhole system, whereas the upstream gravity drainage pipe is fed by sources 102 via branch lines 103 below the upstream manhole system.Drainage systems 100 may have a siphonic system already installed, operating as 10 disclosed by prior art. If not, the siphonic pipes can easily be installed inside the existing pipe networks, thus separating the siphonic and the gravity flows. To install a manhole system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention into an existing manhole, the manhole inlet assembly 210 is connected to the upstream drainage 110, and the manhole outlet assembly 220 is connected to the downstream drainage 15 120.In a variation of the dome interface 200 disclosed earlier, the gap 326 is adjustable and opens only when there is sufficient water to start the siphonic flow. The determination of sufficiency can be by for instance flow rate or by water level. The 20 dome interface 200 is then provided with means for closing the gap 326 when the water is at a first lower level, and means for opening the gap 326 when the water is at a second upper level. Typically the first lower level is a level above a threshold where air is drawn into the siphonic drainage system.25 In a system where the gap opens by raising the dome, there is a risk that the pressure will force the dome down, thus closing the gap, especially in the period before the gap is fully open. There are several ways round this problem, such as lowering the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the dome.30 One solution is to use a valve 328 where the closing member, such as a plate, is moved substantially perpendicular to the force, so that the force due to the pressure difference is not a force that acts on the closing member to close the gap.Fig. 2B shows one such embodiment where the valve 328 uses a closing member 35 slidably positioned against an opening provided on the surface of the dome. In a first closed position, the closing member is positioned so that it closes against the opening, and is opened by sliding the closing member along the surface of the 34945015dome, until the opening is uncovered. Once the opening is uncovered, the pressure difference decreases, and it becomes easier to open the gap and also keep the gap in an open position.5 In a further improvement, the low pressure inside the dome is temporarily relieved by admitting air into the inside of the dome. Once the conditions for opening the flow of water into the dome has been established, typically by a dome pressure control system 350, a valve 352 admits air to the inside of the dome, and the gap is opened and/or the closing member is brought into the open position, and the air admittance 10 is stopped. Tests show that the amount of air sucked into the siphonic drainage system is so small that the siphonic flow is not interrupted. The combination with the opening of the closing member is also beneficial in that it further lowers the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the dome, further improving the process of opening the gap without the risk of unintended closing.15It has been found that the system disclosed herein is able to create a sufficient under pressure that can be used to drain overflowing manholes during flooding.Fig. 4 shows an auxiliary drainage system 140 comprising an auxiliary drainage pipe 20 152 having at each end an upper valve 154 and a lower valve 156, wherein the lower valve 156 is positioned near the recipient 104, wherein the auxiliary drainage system further comprises at least one auxiliary drainage branch pipeline 162. The auxiliary drainage system is adapted for deployment on the ground, such as along a road. Each branch pipeline 162 is comprises a proximal end fluidically connected to the 25 auxiliary drainage pipe 152, and a distal end connected to the siphonic drainage pipe 212, 222 of a respective manhole via a check valve 164.The term “near recipient” in this context means in a position that ensures the water is directed to the recipient while also low enough with respect to the opposite proximal 30 end that the difference in height will ensure flow.The auxiliary drainage system is adapted for deployment on the ground, such as along a road. This means the water level in the siphonic drainage pipe 212, 222 should not be more than about 10 m below the auxiliary drainage pipe 152 so that 35 the under pressure in the auxiliary drainage pipe 152 should be able to raise the water from the siphonic drainage pipe and into the auxiliary drainage pipe. 34945016In use, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary drainage pipe is closed, and the pipe is filled with water from the first manhole. The check valves 164 prevent water from flowing into the siphonic drainage pipes. When the pipe has been filled with water, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary drainage pipe is opened, and the upper valve 154 5 is closed. At this point, the auxiliary drainage system will operate as a siphonic system, and will extract water from the siphonic drainage pipes, thus providing added capacity.Preferably the auxiliary drainage system outlet is provided with a gooseneck 157 10 outlet, preferably submerged below the water level of the recipient. This ensures water remains in the gooseneck, acting as a water lock.When the inflow of water into the system ends, it is desirable to keep the pipe full. Preferably, when the inflow ends, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary drainage pipe 15 is closed, thus keeping the pipe filled with water, ready for a rapid start when water again starts flowing in. During rapid start, only a little water might be needed to fill the pipe, or if sufficiently full, the lower valve 156 of the auxiliary drainage pipe is opened, and the upper valve 154 is closed, starting the siphonic flow.20 The auxiliary drainage system will in parts be subjected to a strong under pressure.It is strongly desirable that the system is dimensioned for this, possibly protected by valves, to avoid implosion and damages.Best Modes of Carrying Out the Invention25 Figs. 1A and 1B show a safety valve 105 provided on the drainage system. The purpose is to protect the drainage system from under pressures that could lead the drainage pipes to implode. The use of these safety valves can be combined with the embodiments disclosed above, and will avoid implosion related damages.30 In some preferred embodiments, all branch lines leading in to a manhole are directed to the dome interface, while the entire drainage pipes between manholes are dedicated to siphonic flow, thus without space taken up by pipes 114, 124 for gravity drainage. This leaves a large cross section for siphonic drainage and thus a improvement in capacity.35For improved efficiency, manholes feeding gravity flow water downstream, are in embodiments provided with an gooseneck pipe that have the inlet close to the 34945017bottom of the manhole, rising up to a height that defines when flow starts, and then descends towards a manhole provided with a dome interface. When the water level in the manhole exceeds the top of the gooseneck, siphonic flow will start. When the water level falls below the inlet, air is ingested and the flow is reduced, until the 5 gooseneck is filled with water and the flow stops. A submerged outlet is preferred.More preferably, the gooseneck pipe inlet opening is provided with means to retain water in the gooseneck when the water level decreases below a threshold. Such means can be valves, electromechanical valves or ball valves where the ball is 10 raised by the water level inside the manhole, thus uncovering the inlet, and when the water level falls below the threshold, the ball closes the inlet.Preferably the gooseneck is provided with a check valve to prevent backflow into the manhole.15In an alternative, the manhole is sealed. Where air normally exchanges freely with ambient air through a lid, the lid is closed and substantially air tight in this embodiment. Tests have shown that with a manhole having an inlet pipe for water into the manhole, the inlet pipe is positioned submerged below a level at which the 20 gooseneck pipe starts flowing, the gooseneck will be able to enter siphonic flow and a check valve is no longer needed for preventing backflow into the manhole.The diameter of the gooseneck can be smaller than the inlet pipe into the manhole, since siphonic flow provides far greater flow rates than for gravity flow.25Preferably, the gooseneck pipe entry comprises a dome interface.Alternative EmbodimentsA number of variations on the above can be envisaged. For instance the exits of the 30 pipes can be provided with gates to prevent backflow and ingress of debris.Industrial ApplicabilityThe invention according to the application finds use in drainage systems, in particular drainage systems for draining rain water where the existing infrastructure uses gravity flow and has insufficient capacity to handle flow from rainwater.35
Claims
34945018Claims1. A dome interface (200) between gravity (214, 224) and siphonic (212, 222) drainage circuits of a drainage system (100) for a fluid, wherein the dome interface 5 (200) comprises:a surface (300) for receiving water from a gravity drainage circuit (114, 214), a dome (320) having an upper (322) closed end and a lower (324) open end, wherein the lower open end is provided above the surface (300), separated by a gap (326) to allow fluid from the gravity circuit to flow through the gap and into an interior 10 of the dome (320),a pipe (330) having an upper (332) and a lower (334) end,wherein the upper end is located inside the dome (320) above the gap (326), andthe lower end is connected to the siphonic drainage circuit (112, 122, 15 212, 222),characterised in that wherein the surface (300) is further provided with at least one means from the group comprising means for slowing down the water, means for reducing turbulence, means for coalescing bubbles and means for centrifugal separation, for improved air separation from the water.202. The dome interface (200) according to claim 1, wherein the upper (332) end of the pipe (330) defines an area that is smaller than an area defined by the gap.3. The dome interface (200) according to one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising 25 a valve (340) for throttling the upper end (332) of the pipe (320).4. The dome interface (200) according to one of claims 1 – 3, wherein the gap (326) is provided with means for closing when the water is at a first lower level, and means for opening when the water is at a second upper level.305. The dome interface (200) according to claim 1, wherein the dome (320) is provided with valve (328) that open in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of water through the valve (328).35 6. The dome interface (200) according to one of claims 4 or 5, further comprising means (350) for lowering a pressure inside the dome (320) temporarily during opening of at least one of the gap (326) and the valve (328).349450197. The dome interface (200) according to claim 6, wherein the means for lowering a pressure inside the dome (320) is a valve (352) admitting air inside the dome (320).58. A manhole system (200) comprising a dome interface according to one of claims 1 – 4, wherein the manhole system (200) further comprises:an attachment (210) with an inlet pipe assembly to a upstream drainage (110), wherein the inlet pipe assembly comprises an inlet pipe (212) for siphonic drainage 10 surrounded by an inlet pipe (214) for gravity drainage, andan attachment (220) with an outlet pipe assembly to a downstream drainage (120), wherein the outlet pipe assembly comprises an outlet pipe (222) for siphonic drainage surrounded by an outlet pipe (224) for gravity drainage,wherein the inlet pipe (212) for siphonic drainage is connected to the outlet 15 pipe (222) for siphonic drainage, forming part of a siphonic drainage system, which is connected to the pipe (320) of the dome interface (300),the inlet pipe (214) for gravity drainage is connected to the surface (310) for receiving water, andthe outlet pipe (224) for gravity drainage is blocked inside the manhole with a 20 block (223), to ensure all water from the inlet pipe for gravity reaches the surface (300) for receiving water.9. The manhole system (200) according to claim 8, further comprising a raised threshold (230) at least partially surrounding the surface (310) for receiving water to 25 ensure a minimum water level inside the manhole (200) before water flows to the surface for receiving water.10. The manhole system according to one of claims 8 or 9, further comprising an overflow path (240, 242, 244) for excessive water inside the manhole to overflow into 30 the outlet pipe (124, 224) for gravity drainage.11. The manhole system according to one of claims 8 – 10, further comprising a raised part (216) provided inside the inlet pipe (214) for gravity drainage, for directing water to the surface (310).353494502012. A drainage system comprising at least one manhole according to one of claims 8 – 11, wherein the least one manhole comprises a dome interface according to one of claims 1 – 7.5 13. The drainage system according to claim 12, further comprising a valve (105) provided on a siphonic drainage circuit (112, 122, 212, 222), to prevent implosion by admitting air when the under pressure exceed a threshold.14. An auxiliary drainage system (140), comprising an auxiliary drainage pipe 10 (152) having an upper and a lower end, wherein the auxiliary drainage pipe is provided with an upper valve (154) at the upper end and a lower valve (156) and the lower end,wherein the lower valve (156) is positioned near a recipient (104), characterised in that the auxiliary drainage system further comprises at least 15 one auxiliary drainage branch pipeline (162) comprising a proximal end fluidically connected to the auxiliary drainage pipe (152), and a distal end connected to a siphonic drainage pipe (212, 222) of a respective manhole system (200) according to one of claim 9 – 12 via a check valve (164),wherein the auxiliary drainage system (140), when filled with water, operate 20 as a siphonic system, and extract water from the siphonic drainage pipe (212, 222), thus providing added capacity.15. A method for starting operation of an auxiliary drainage system (140) according to claim 14, comprising the steps:25 a closing the lower valve (156) and opening the upper valve (154);b fill the auxiliary drainage pipe (152) with water from a manhole system near the upper end of the auxiliary drainage pipe (152); andc when the auxiliary drainage pipe (152) is substantially filled with water, closing the upper valve (156) and opening the lower valve (154).3016. A method for ending operation of an auxiliary drainage system (140) according to claim 14, comprising the steps:a closing the lower valve (156).35 17. A method for adjusting a valve (340) according to claim 3 for throttling an upper end (332) of a pipe (320), in a drainage system comprising at least two34945021manholes according to one of claims 8 – 11, wherein the least one manhole comprises a dome interface according to claim 3, comprising the steps:a) start with all valves in the manholes in an open position,b) starting at a second to lowermost manhole as a present manhole for5 adjustment,c) throttle a respective valve until a manhole below the present manhole reaches a sufficient capacity for drainage, andd) progress to a manhole upstream of the present manhole as the new present manhole for adjustment.1034945022PATENTKRAV1. Et klokkegrensesnitt (200) mellom selvfalls- (214,224) og fullstrømsavløpskretser tilhørende et avløpssystem (100) for et fluid, idet domgrensesnittet (200) omfatter:5 en overflate (300) for mottak av vann fra en selvfalls-avløpskrets (114, 214),en klokke (320) med en øvre (322) lukkede ende og en nedre (324) åpne ende, idet den nedre åpne enden er tilveiebrakt over overflaten (300) separert med en åpning (326) for å tillate fluid fra selvfallskretsen til å strømme igjennom åpningen og inn i et indre av klokken (320),10 et rør (330) med en øvre (332) og en nedre (334) ende,idet den øvre enden er lokalisert inne i klokken (320) over åpningen (326), ogden nedre enden er koblet til fullstrømsavløpskretsen (112, 122, 212, 222),15 karakterisert ved at overflaten (300) er videre tilveiebrakt med minst et middel fra gruppen omfattende midler for å bremse vannet, midler for å redusere turbulens, midler for koalesering av bobler og midler for sentrifugalseparasjon, for forbedret separasjon av luft fra vann.20 2. Klokkegrensesnittet (200) ifølge krav 1, idet den øvre enden (322) av røret (330) definerer et areal som er mindre enn arealet definert av åpningen.3. Klokkegrensesnittet (200) ifølge krav 1 eller 2, ytterligere omfattende en ventil (340) for å strupe den øvre enden (332) av røret (320).254. Klokkegrensesnittet (200) ifølge krav 1 – 3, idet åpningen (326) er tilveiebrakt med midler for lukking når vannet når et første nedre nivå, og midler for åpning når vannet når et andre øvre nivå.30 5. Klokkegrensesnittet (200) ifølge krav 1, idet klokken (320) er tilveiebrakt med en ventil (328) som åpner i en retning normal på strømningsretningen vann gjennom ventilen (328).349450236. Klokkegrensesnittet (200) ifølge krav 4 eller 5, ytterligere omfattende midler (350) for å senke trykket inne i klokken (320) midlertidig under åpning av minst ett av åpningen (326) og ventilen (328).5 7. Klokkegrensesnittet (200) ifølge krav 6, idet midlene (350) for å senke trykket inne i klokken (320) er en ventil (352) som slipper inn luft i klokken (320).8. Et kum-system (200) omfattende et klokkegrensesnitt ifølge ett av krav 1 – 4, idet kum-systemet (200) videre omfatter:10 en tilkobling (210) med en innløpsrørsammenstilling til et oppstrøms avløp (110), idet innløpsrørsammenstillingen omfatter et innløpsrør (212) for fullstrømsavløp omgitt av et innløpsrør (214) for selvfallsavløp, ogen tilkobling (220) med en utløpsrørsammenstilling til et nedstrøms avløp (120), idet utløpsrørsammenstillingen omfatter et utløpsrør (222) for15 fullstrømsavløp omgitt av et utløpsrør (224) for selvfallsavløp,idet innløpsrøret (212) for fullstrømsavløp er koblet til utløpsrøret (222) for fullstrømsavløp, og danner del av et fullstrømsavløp, som er koblet til klokkegrensesnittets (300) rør (320),innløpsrøret (214) for selvfallsavløp er koblet til overflaten (310) for mottak 20 av vann, ogutløpsrøret (224) for selvfallsavløp er blokkert inne i kummen med en blokk (223) for å sikre at alt vann fra innløpsrøret for selvfall når overflaten (300) for mottak av vann.25 9. Kum-systemet (200) ifølge krav 8, videre omfattende en hevet terskel (230) som i det minste delvis omgir overflaten (310) for mottak av vann for å sikre et minimumsvannivå inne i kummen (200) før vannet flyter til overflaten for mottak av vann.30 10. Kum-systemet (200) ifølge krav 8 eller 9, videre omfattende en overløpsbane (240, 242, 244) for overløp av vann inne i kummen for å renne over i utløpsrøret (124, 224) for selvfallsavløp.11. Kum-systemet (200) ifølge krav 8 – 10, videre omfattende en hevet del (216) 35 tilveiebrakt inne i innløpsrøret (214) for selvfallsavløp for å lede vann til overflaten (310).3494502412. Et avløpssystem omfattende minst en kum ifølge et av krav 8 – 11, idet minst en kum omfatter et klokkegrensesnitt ifølge et av krav 1 – 7.5 13. Avløpssystemet ifølge krav 12, videre omfattende en ventil (105) tilveiebrakt på en fullstrømsavløpskrets (112, 122, 212, 222) for å forhindre implosjon ved å slippe inn luft når undertrykket overstiger en terskel.14. Et sekundært avløpssystem (140), omfattende et sekundært avløpsrør (152) 10 med en øvre og en nedre ende, idet det sekundære avløpsrøret er tilveiebrakt med en øvre ventil (154) og ved den øvre enden en nedre ventil (156) ved den nedre enden,idet den nedre ventilen (156) er posisjonert nær en resipient (104),karakterisert ved at det sekundære avløpssystemet videre omfatter minst et sekundært avløpsgrenrør (162) omfattende en nærliggende ende i fluidforbindelse 15 med det sekundære avløpsrøret (152) og en fjerntliggende del som er koblet til et fullstrømsavløpsrør (212, 222) for et respektive kum-system (200) ifølge et av krav 9 – 12 via en tilbakeslagsventil (164),idet det sekundære avløpssystemet (140), når det er fylt med vann, drives som et fullstrømssystem, og trekker vann fra fullstrømsavløpsrøret (212, 222) og 20 derved tilveiebringer tillagt kapasitet.15. En fremgangsmåte for å start drift av et sekundært avløpssystem (140) ifølge krav 14, omfattende trinnene:a stenge den nedre ventilen (156) og åpne den øvre ventilen (154);25 b fylle det sekundære avløpsrøret (152) med vann fra et kum-system nær den øvre enden av det sekundære avløpsrøret (152); ogc når det sekundære avløpsrøret (152) er i hovedsak fylt med vann, stenge den øvre ventilen (154) og åpne den nedre ventilen (156).30 16. En fremgangsmåte for å avslutte drift av et sekundært avløpssystem (140) ifølge krav 14, omfattende trinnene:a stenge den nedre ventilen (156).17. En fremgangsmåte for å justere en ventil (340) ifølge krav 3 for å strupe en 35 øvre ende (332) av et rør (320) i et avløpssystem omfattende minst to kum-system34945025ifølge et av krav 8 – 11, idet minst ett kum-system omfatter et klokkegrensesnitt ifølge krav 3, omfattende trinnene:a) stert med alle ventilene i kum-systemene i en åpen posisjon,b) start ved et nest nederst kum-system som det aktuelle kum-systemet for 5 justering,c) strup en respektiv ventil inntil et kum-system under det aktuelle kumsystemet når en tilstrekkelig kapasitet for avløp, ogd) fortsett til et kum-system oppstrøms for det aktuelle kum-systemet som det nye aktuelle kum-systemet for justering.1015
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Patent classes

IPC classesE03F 1/00E03F 5/10E03F 5/20CPC classesE03F 1/00E03F 5/106E03F 5/20

Citations

WO 2019226055 A1 (A1)CN 217460811 U (U)WO 2017151150 A1 (A1)WO 2014014231 A1 (A1)

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Owners
AIWELL HOLDING AS
Bjellandveien 14 3172 VEAR NO (TØNSBERG Municipality, Vestfold county)Org. number: 989084267Inventors
Asle Johnsen
Wilhelm Wilhelmsens vei 14 B 3112 TØNSBERG NO (TØNSBERG Municipality, Vestfold county)

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ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Org. number: 932214636

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Edvard Griegs vei 1 5059 BERGEN NO (BERGEN Municipality, Vestland county)
Org. number: 932214636
Reference: P44449NO00

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