Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Title: Well Water Removal and Treatrnent System
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a well water removal
snd treatment system and specifically relates to a well water removal and
treatment system having a pumping and withdrawal loop including a pump
motor with multi-stage pump end and a venturi nozzle mixing assembly
continually to entrain air into the water during the entire pumping cycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Well water is normally drawn out of the well by using a system
including either a jet pump motor with impeller above ground or by using a
system including a submersible pump motor and staged submersible pump
end.
In the jet pump system, the jet pump motor with impeller is
above the ground and is creating suction to draw water upwardly from the
well through the jet pump impeller. Most of the water leaving the jet pump
is recirculated back into the well through a well water ejector to help in
drawing the water from the well. The rest of the water leaving the jet pump
impeller is delivered to the water service system.
The maximum theoretical efficiency for a jet pump system is
approximately 30%. However, the majority of the jet pump well systems
operate in an efficiency range between 15% and 20%. The jet pump system
is less expensive and easier to maintain than the submersible pump.
In a submersible pump system, the pump motor, screened inlet
and submersible pump end are positioned in the well casing below the water
level. The submersible pump end has plural stages to develop high water
pressures of 100 to 120 psi to create a strong pressure effect and to forcibly
direct the water upwardly out of the well. Submersible pumps operate at
higher efficiencies, for example in the efficiency range of 40 to 60%, but
are subject to other disadvantages.
For example, submersible pumps are more expensive than jet
pumps. Also, submersible pumps are subject to additional operational
problems, increased maintenance and increased expenses due to their
submerged position in the well casing and due to particulate materials in the
well water.
These jet pumps and submersible pumps have been used in
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systems to remove cont~min~nts by filtering the raw well water. Two systems
removing well water contaminants by filtration are disclosed in McLean U.S. Patent
No. 3,649,532 and in Patterson U.S. Patent No. 4,430,228.
In the McLean patent, the pumped well water passes through a venturi
type apparatus to entrain air into the water, and this air laden water is then
introduced into a filter tank containing a filter bed. The air intake at McLean's
venturi is limited so as not to oxidize the iron contained in the water before it
enters the filtration bed. This filtration bed slowly raises the pH of the waterpassing therethrough while oxidizing and filtering the iron hydroxide and other
impurities therefrom. The single filtration tank McLean system has an air inlet that
must be closely controlled to avoid oxidation of the contz~min~nts until the water
enters the filter bed.
The Patterson patent also includes using an air injector to introduce air
in controlled quantities to form colloidal iron compounds in the water in the form
of invisible sols having charged micelles. The water with colloidalized iron having
charged micelles is passed through filter tank particulate material having opposite
surface charges capable of attracting, removing and collecting the dispersed iron
hydrate cells. The Patterson patent thus teaches closely controlling the injection of
air to create colloidalized, electrostatically charged, hydrated micelles which are
removed in a single filter tank having a specialized media bed preconditioned at the
factory to have an opposite electrostatic charge.
To improve upon the single tank filtering systems with closely
controlled, limited air inputs, two of the inventors of the present application
developed a system entraining substantially more air than required for oxidationpurposes and employing an aeration and precipitation tank in addition to a filter
tank. This iln~loved system is disclosed and claimed in Chandler U.S. Patent No.4,659,463 which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The systems
lltili7ing the invention disclosed in the Chandler patent have improved the quality
of water delivered to service when s~ti~f~ctory operating conditions exist.
In this regard, in order to entrain excess air substantially to oxidize the
cont~min~nts, a pressure differential of at least 15 psi across the
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venturi nozzle is required. When the Chandler system is retrofit into a jet
pump system, the required pressure differential across the air intake
manifold assembly may not always be enough to entrain sufficient excess
quantities of air. In such a situation, the jet pump could be replaced by a
relatively expensive submersible pump having the operational and
maintenance problems involved with submersion in well water. With either
type of pump, all the excess air had to be entrained in one pass through the
air mixing manifold and aeration and precipitation tank. While one pass
normally provides satisfactory results, certain water conditions may exist
where water quality could be enhanced by additional air exposure with
resultant additional oxidation of contaminants contained therein.
Moreover, certain abnormal operating conditions can exist which
are detrimental to the McLean, Paterson or Chandler well water systems
employing either type of pump. For example, if a faucet is inadvertently
left on in the house, the water continuously delivered to the house may
exceed the capacity of the system to withdraw water from the well,
particularly in a weak well situation. When this happens in a jet pump
system, the pump loses its prime, which at best requires the system to be
reprimed and restarted and which at worst results in pump motor or impeller
damage. When this happens with a submersible pump system, the
submersible pump, if equipped with valve or switch safeguards, will shut off
requiring restarting. If the submersible pump is not equipped with
safeguards or they fail, the submersible pump ultimately would no longer be
submerged and could experience air locking or pump damage.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In view of the above, the principal object of the present
invention is to provide a water removal and treatment system wherein the
well water is repeatedly exposed to excess air in a pumping and withdrawal
loop. The loop includes the pump, water drive line, ejector, water return
line, aeration and precipitation tank, pump inlet line and air inlet manifold.
The aeration and precipitation tank separates excess air and gases from the
water so that the water returning to the pump through the inlet line has very
little air, if any, entrained therein. Therefore, even if a faucet is left on,
the pump will only see water being continuously recycled in the loop to avoid
system damage.
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It is another object of the present invention to position the air
mixing manifold in the withdrawal and pumping loop to provide a large
pressure differential across the manifold continuously to entrain excess air
while the water repeatedly cycles within the loop. To this end, the air
mixing manifold is positioned between the drive line leading from the pump
to the well ejector and the return line from the well to the aeration and
precipitation tank.
It is still another object of the present invention to control the
water being delivered from the loop to filtration and service in proportion to
the pressure on the side of the loop returning from the well. A hydraulic
flow control regulator is inserted in the delivery line from the loop and is
controlled progressively to open when the pressure on the return side of the
loop exceeds a predetermined minimum level. When the loop pressure
decreases below the predetermined control level, the regulator
automatically closes to block the delivery line. Thus, if a faucet is left on ina weak well situation, the pump loop pressure will decrease resulting in the
regulator automatically closing to stop water delivery and to repeatedly
cycle the water in the closed loop until sufficient pressure is reattained in
the loop.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a high
pressure system operative to enhance contaminant removal, to provide high
system pressure for water delivery and to improve installation and
maintenance factors. This object is accomplished by having all system
components other than the ejector above ground, by utilizing a pumping loop
incorporating a jet pump motor with a multi-stage pump end, by entraining
air in excess quantities into the water as it repeatedly cycles through the
loop and by utilizing a high pressure air head to control both water delivery
to service and pump actuation. The pump, aeration and precipitation tank,
pressure tank and filter tank may be included in a pump house or in a
basement substantially to reduce outdoor installation and servicing problems
encountered particularly in the winter.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a properly
selected and installed system that requires no adjustments or regulations of
the system either in installation or during normal operation. The pumping
and withdrawal loop, the flow control regulator, the pressure vessel switch
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controls and a control valve on the filter tank provide automatic, long term
operating capability when the system components are properly matched with
one another, with the well and with service requirements.
The invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully
described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following
description and annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative
embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few
of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be
embodied.
DESCRIPIION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of the well water
removal and treatment system of the present invention partially broken
away for clarity of illustration, with the arrows schematically indicating
direction of water flow;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevation showing the portion of the well
casing containing the deep well water ejector, partially shown in section for
clarity of illustration;
Fig. 3 is an elevation partially in section taken generally along
the plane 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing a venturi nozzle air mixing assembly
fluidically ~onnecting the pressurized water drive line to the water return
line;
Figs. 3A-3C are partial elevations schematically illustrating
venturi entrainment of air and treatment chemicals into the water between
the drive and return lines in series (Fig. 3A), in plural cross-overs (Fig. 3B)
and in parallel (Fig. 3C);
Fig. 4 is a section of the water inlet manifold assembly on the
aeration and precipitation tank taken generally along the plane 4-4 in Fig. l;
Fig. 5 is a section of the water inlet manifold assembly taken
along the plane 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a partial elevation showing a well water ejector above
ground for a shallow water well;
Fig. 7 is an elevation of the preferred embodiment partially
broken away for clarity of illustration, with the arrows indicating water flow
direction;
Fig. 8 is a cross section taken along the plane 8-8 of Fig. 7
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showing another embodiment of an air mixirlg manifold assembly;
Fig. 9 is a vertical cross section through the water flow regulator
mounted on the top of the submersible pump end of Fig. 7;
Fig. 10 is a horizontal cross section of the water flow regulator
on the plane 10-10 in Fig. 9 showing the water circulation porting; and
Fig. 11 is an elevation of the well water removal and treatment
system of the present invention retrofit into an existing jet pump well
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The embodiments of the present invention all preferably include
a pumping and withdrawal loop, an air mixing manifold between the water
drive line and water return line and a hydraulic flow control regulator in the
water delivery line to service controlled by loop water pressure. These basic
system components can be incorporated in one system embodiment utilizing
the aeration and precipitation tank as the air pressure control or in a second
preferred system embodiment incorporating an additional pressure tank as
the air pressure control. These basic components can also be retrofit into an
existing jet pump well system. These exemplary embodiments and retrofit
embodiment are described in detail below.
First Embodiment
Turning now in more detail to the drawings and initially to Fig.
1, the well water removal and treatment system of the first embodiment of
the present invention, indicated generally at 1, includes a pump assembly,
indicated generally at 2. The pump assembly 2 includes a jet pump motor 3,
a pump adaptor manifold 4 and a multi-stage pump end 5. The pump adaptor
manifold 4 has a water intake 6 to allow the water to enter and pass
upwardly through the pump end 5 for pressurization as schematically
indicated by the arrow 7. A pump stand 8 is provided to allow vertical
adjustment of the pump assembly 2 according to the motor size being used
to provide proper alignment for associated piping. Although various size jet
pump motors and multi-stage pump ends may be used in the system
depending upon well depth and service capacity required, a 1-1/2 horsepower
jet pump motor and an eight stage pump end are preferred for a seven gallon
per minute service capacity system with a dynamic pumping level in the well
of approximately 125 feet or less. If the dynamic pumping level is between
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125 feet and 250 feet, a 2 HP motor and ~n 11 stage pump end are preferred
readily to provide the net lift required and the 7 gpm service capacity.
The water leaving the discharge port of pump end S at a pressure
preferably ranging between 90 psi and 140 psi passes into and through
pressurized water drive line 10, QS schematically indicated by arrows 11. As
shown in ~ig. 1, the pressurized water drive line 10 extends from pump end 5
into well casing 12. A well water ejector 13 is positioned in the well casing
12 below the ground approximately ten to fifteen feet below the static water
level 14 in the welL
As best shown in Fig. 2, the submerged well water ejector 13 has
the pressurized water drive line 10 connected thereto to direct pressurized
water into the inlet side of the U-shaped conduit 15, as schematically
indicated by arrow 16. The U-shape conduit 15 has a venturi nozzle,
indicated generally at 17, mounted in its outlet side.
The venturi nozzle assembly 17 includes a converging section 18,
a throat 19 and a diverging section 20. The pressurized water on the inlet
side of the U-shaped conduit lS of the deep well ejector 13 moves through
the venturi nozzle assembly 17 by passing through converging section 18,
throat 19 and diverging section 20. This water movement through venturi
nozzle 17 increases water velocity and decreases water pressure, which in
conjunction with the differential pressure between the pump and return side
of the system loop, creates a vacuum effect drawing well water upwardly
from the well through the withdrawal line 21 into the throat 19 of venturi
assembly, as schematically indicated by the arrows 22. The withdrawal line
21 has a bottom screen filter 23 thereon to keep sediment and debris in the
well water from passing into the deep well ejector 13. The foot valve 24 and
an additional check valve 25 can be inserted into withdrawal line 21 to retain
the system water within the system.
Preferably, approximately 20 gallons of water per minute are
pumped through the pressurized water drive line into the well. Although
some pressure is lost in the drive line, the water passing through deep well
ejector 13 is still at high pressure, preferably over a 100 psi. The high
pressure water passing through and around venturi nozzle assembly 17
enhances the suction created to provide a secondary pumping effect to draw
approximately 7 gallons of water per minute from the well.
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For shallow wells, the well water ejector 13 can be positioned
above ground as shown in Fig. 6. The well water withdrawal line 21 extends
upwardly out of well casing 12 to its connection with shallow well ejector 13.
For both shallow and deep wells, the system water and water
withdrawn from the well leave the ejector under the pressure and velocity
created by the pump 2 and by the secondary pumping effect of the ejector
13. For this purpose, a water return line 26 is connected to the well water
ejector outlet and extends upwardly out of the well casing 12. Although
drive line 10 and return line 26 are shown as spacially separated, the present
invention can also use concentric piping for lines 10 and 26 in a packer
fitting and ejector when the well casing is of smaller diameter. The term
ejector as used herein encompasses, but is not limited to, deep well ejectors,
shallow well ejectors and packer ejectors. Deep well, shallow well and
packer ejectors are commercially available from a number of suppliers
including Goulds Pump Co-, F. E. I~yers, Flint ~c Walling and Red Jacket
Pumps.
The water return line 26 has elbows and straight sections therein
leading to the top of the aeration and precipitation tank 27. An air mixing
manifold assembly, indicated generally at 28, is positioned between the
pressurized water drive line 10 and the water return line 26 above ground
level.
As best shown in Fig. 3, the mixing manifold assembly 28
includes a body 29 having two parallel bores 30 and 31 passing therethrough.
Bore 30 has the water drive line 10 passing therethrough, and the bore 31 has
the water return line 26 passing therethrough. A third bore 32 of smaller
diameter is at right angles to bores 30 and 31 and interconnects the same.
The third bore 32 has a venturi nozzle assembly indicated generally at 33
mounted therein.
The venturi nozzle assembly 33 includes an insert body 34
mounted in the third bore 32 and axially coextensive therewith. The insert
body 34 has a stepped passage 35 therethrough with two spacially separated
female thread sections 36 and 37 thereon. The thread section 36 threadably
mounts a converging passage component 39. The thread section 37
threadably mounts a diverging venturi nozzle component 40 in the stepped
passage 35 of insert 34. Converging passage component 39 and diverging
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g
passage component 40 are axially separated from one another as shown in
Fig. 3 to form a throat 41 therebetween. A portion of the pressurized water
passing through pressurized water drive line 10 is diverted through the
venturi nozzle 33, as schematically illustrated by arrow 43.
With the preferred system described, approximately one gallon
per minute of water passes through the converging passage component 39,
throat 41 and diverging passage component 40. This water movement
through venturi nozzle 33 increases water velocity and decreases water
pressure to create a vacuum effect in conjunction with the pressure
differential across mixing manifold assembly 28. This vacuum effect draws
air through a Schrader valve 43 and air bore 44 in body 29 into throat 41.
For air passage into the throat, the insert 34 is provided with an annular
groove 45 in its outer diameter, which groove communicates with inlet port
46 leading to throat 41.
The water in water return line 26 passing through bore 31 will
have a preferred pressure in an approximate range between 60 and 80 psi. A
pressure differential of approximately 30-60 psi is thus present across the
mixing assembly 28. A pressure differential of only 15 psi across the mixing
assembly is required to draw air, and thus the mixing assembly of the
present invention will draw substantial quantities of air during the entire
pump cycle.
The air is mixed into the water by its movement through
diverging passage component 40 and by its right angle entry into the water
passing through water return line 26. The venturi nozzle assembly 33 and its
air intake are designed to entrain as much air as possible in the water to
make sure sufficient oxygen exists in the water to obtain substantial
oxidation of the contaminants contained in the water. The venturi nozzle
assembly 33 is operative by entraining air to enhance oxidation of the
contaminants in the water and to slightly increase the pressure differential
between pressurized water drive line 10 and water return line 26.
This pressure differential across mixing manifold assembly 28
can be monitored by pressure gauges. As shown in Fig. 3, a threaded port 48
in body 29 communicates with pressurized water drive line 10. Threaded
port 48 is normally closed by receiving the threaded shank 49 on pressure
gauge 50. Similarly, a threaded port 51 in body 29 communicates with water
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return line 26. Port 51 receives the threaded shank 52 on pressure gauge 53.
The pressure gauge 50 provides a resding of the water pressure in
pressurized water drive line 10 at mixing manifold assembly 28, while
pressure gauge 53 provides a reading of the water pressure in water return
line 26 at mixing assembly 28. By comparing the respective pressure
readings on gauges 50 and 53, the pressure differential across the mixing
manifold assembly 28 between pressurized water circulation line 10 and
water return line 26 can be readily determined and monitored.
The venturi nozzle 33 of the mixing assembly 28 is designed for
easy assembly and maintenance. The ports 48 and 51 are diametrically
opposed to one another and in straight line alignment with the stepped
passage 35 through insert 34. By removing one or both of the pressure
gauges, direct access is provided to insert 34 to permit converging passage
component 39 and/or diverging component 40 to be threadedly removed from
or inserted into stepped passage 35. A screen filter may also be positioned
over the inlet to converging passage component 39 to block any particulate
contaminants or debris in the water from passing through venturi nozzle 33.
The water being drawn from the well may include contaminants
andtor a pH level requiring additional conditioning for service use. To this
end, the body 29 of venturi mixing nozzle 28 may have additional bores
therein to allow water treatment chemicals to be introduced into the water
stream. As shown in Fig. 3, a bore 55 in body 29 communicates with the
annular groove 45 on insert 34. The radially outer end of bore 55 is normally
closed by a plug 56. When required by the condition of the water, the plug
56 can be removed and a source of the required water treatment chemical
coupled thereto. The passage of water 43 through the venturi nozzle 33 and
the pressure differential across the mixing manifold assembly 28 creates a
vacuum effect drawing the water treatment chemical through bore 55,
groove 45 and inlet port 46 into the throat 41 of the venturi passage. The
water treatment chemical (for example, chlorine for infected wells or soda
ash for extremely low pH wells) is thus injected into and mixed with the
water in return line 26 leading to aeration and precipitation tank 27.
Additional chemical treatment ports can be provided in body 29 to allow
additional chemicals to be entrained in the water if required by the
condition of the water being treated.
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Alternatively, plural venturis can be utilized in series, in
p~rallel, or in separate crossovers, with one venturi being dedicated to air
and the additional venturi or venturis being dedicated to the chemical or
chemicals required. As shown in Fig. 3A, venturi 33A for air entrainment
(as represented by the arrow A) could be connected in series with venturi 33B
for chemical entrainment (as represented by the arrow C) between the drive
line 10 and return line 26. Alternatively, venturis 33A and 33B could be
connected in separate crossovers as shown in Fig. 3B or in parallel as shown
in Pig. 3C. Additional venturis could be employed in any arrangement
between the drive and return lines if additional treatment chamicals are
required by the well water being treated.
As best shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5, water return line 26 is
threadedly connected to a threaded port 58 in inlet manifold 59 at the top of
aeration and precipitation tank 27. The manifold 59 has a downwardly
extending externally threaded flange 60. The external threads on nange 60
threadedly mate with female threads in the cylindrical opening 61 of
aeration and precipitation tank 27, whereby inlet manifold 59 is removsbly
mounted on tank 27. The manifold 59 has a blind end bore 62 extending into
the flange portion 60 for communication with two vertically spaced nozzle
arrays indicated generally at 63.
As shown in Fig. 5, the first upper array of spray nozzles includes
nozzles 64A, 64B and 64C, respectively separated from one another by 90
circumferential increments. A second lower array of spray nozzles is
vertically separated from and either directly below the first array as shown
or circumferentially staggered from the first array. The second array of
nozzles inciudes nozzles 65A, 65B and 65C, respectively separated from one
another by 90 circumferential increments. -The water passing from return
line 26 into the blind end bore 62, as schematically indicated by arrow 66,
divides for passage through nozzles 64A-C and 65A-C.
The water passing through the six nozzles in the two arrays is
sprayed into air head 67 of tank 27. By employing six nozzles, the surface
area of the water sprayed (as indicated by the arrows 6~) is enlarged to
increase its exposure to the oxygen contained in the air head 67. This
oxygen exposure further enhances oxidation of the contaminants in the
water to form precipitants therein. Further as a result of spraying the air
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laden water into tank 27, the entrained air and any residual non-oxidized
gases in the water, such as H2S, methane, natural gas or the like, are
separated from the water resulting in a water column 69 in the bottom of
tank 27 and the air head 67 in the top of tank 27. Air head 67 is under
pressure and acts as the pressure head for the entire system.
The pressure in air head 67 is controlled for maintenance within
a selected pressure range, for example between 40 psi and 60 psi. ~or this
purpose, a pressure switch 70 is operatively connected to air head 67 by four
way coupling 71. A pressure gauge 72 is also connected to one branch of the
four way coupling 71 to display the system pressure existing in air head 67.
A pressure release valve 73 is connected to another branch of the four way
coupling 71 to vent air head 67 if an over pressurized condition exists.
The pressure switch 70 is electrically connected by wiring 75 to
pump motor 3 and by wiring 76 to a power supply. When the pressure in air
head 67 approaches the 40 psi lower limit, pressure switch 70 cuts in and is
operative in the control circuit to turn on pump motor 3. The pump then
continues to operate until the pressure in air head 67 builds up to
approximately 60 psi when switch 70 cuts out and deactivates pump motor 3.
The pump remains off until the pressure in air head 67 again approaches the
lower limit of 40 psi resulting in reactuation. The pneumatic pressure
control system for maintaining the pressure of air head 67 within the
exemplary range specified has safety features to prevent over or under
pressurization of the system.
To this end, pressure release valve 73 vents the air head 67 if the
pressure builds up beyond a predetermined upper safety limit, for example
70 psi. At the other end of the range, pressure switch 70 has a low pressure
safety cut off. If the pump is operating and the pressure air head 67 is
decreasing, the switch 70 will turn off the pump motor 3 when the low limit
safety cut off pressure, such as 30 psi, is reached. The safety features at
both ends of the pressure control operating range are provided to avoid
damage to the system components.
Air head 67 can also be vented through the intake manifold 59.
As shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5, intake manifold 59 has an L-shape air release
conduit 75 extending therethrough. A fl~>at valve assembly indicated
generally at 76, is connected to and extends downwardly from intake
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manifold 59 in fluid conllllullication with air release conduit 75. This float valve
assembly 76 is disclosed in detail in Chandler U.S. Patent No. 4,659,463.
The float valve assembly 76 includes upper tubular extension 77 having
cylindrical float guide 78 connected thereto and depending therefrom. The
S cylindrical float guide 78 has vertically spaced apertures 79 in the wall thereof. A
float valve body is contained in cylindrical float guide 78 and is normally heldagainst the upper end face thereof by its buoyancy in water column 69. By being
held against the upper face, the float valve body closes off the upper tubular
extension 77 thus precluding air from escaping air head 67 through tubular
extension 77 and air release conduit 75. However, as the air and gas separated
from the water build up in air head 67, the air and gas volume 67 in the tank
increases to cause the water level of water column 69 to decrease slightly for very
brief time increments.
When the water level 80 of water column 69 decreases, the float valve
body buoyantly held in such water will similarly move brietly downwardly. The
instantaneous downward float valve body movement results in the upper tubular
extension 77 being briefly uncovered. The excess air and gases in air head 67 can
then be vented to atmosphere by passing through upper tubular extension 77 and
air exhaust conduit 75 in inlet manifold 59. The vented air and gas travels through
a drain line 81 and vapour phase filter (not shown) to the atmosphere. When
sufficient air and gas have been vented, the water level 80 in tank 27 again quickly
rises to elevate the float valve therein into contact with the upper end face ofcylindrical valve guide 78 to block upper tubular extension 77.
Adjacent the lower end of aeration and precipitation tank 27, a first
outlet 83 is fluidically coupled to pump inlet line 84 leading to pump intake 6.Since air and other entrained gases are separated from the water in the aerationand precipitation tank 27, very little, if any, air will be entrained in the water
relull,hlg to pump 2 through pump inlet line 84.
A second outlet 85 adjacent the bottom of aeration and precipitation
tank 27 is coupled to water delivery line 86. A water flow regulator 87 is inserted
in the water delivery line 86 to control the water flowing therethrough to filter tank
88. The water flow regulator 87 controls
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the flow of water through delivery line 86 in proportion to the water
pressure on the return side of the pumping and withdrawal loop of the
system.
The pumping and withdrawal loop of the system includes pump 2,
drive line lO, well water ejector 13, return line 26, air mixing manifold 28,
aeration and precipitation tank 27 and pump inlet line 84. The water
pressure in the pumping loop can be sampled at any convenient point on the
return side of the pumping and withdrawal loop. As shown for convenience
in Fig. 1, the loop pressure is sampled from return line 26 as shown at 87A.
The pressure in return line 26 is monitored through the pressure
detection line 89 extending between water return line 26 and flow control
regulator 87. As the pressure in return line 26 exceeds a minimum control
pressure, for example, approximately 7 psi, the water flow regulator 87
begins to open to pass water through delivery line 86. When the water
pressure in the return line (or other return loop sampling point) equals or
exceeds an upper preselected control pressure, for example, approximately 8
psi, the water flow regulator is in its fully open position allowing the full 7
gpm gallons per minute to be delivered upon demand to service. The
structural and functional details of the water flow regulator 87 are
described in more detail below in conjunction with the description of the
preferred second embodiment.
Water flowing through water delivery line 86, as schematically
shown by arrow 92, is sprayed into the top of filter tank 88. The water then
pasæs downwardly through a filtration bed 93 as illustrated by arrows 94.
Preferably, the filter bed 93 is of mixed materials. This preferred mixed
media filtration bed is selected according to the water being treated and
may include calcium carbonate to assist pH control, BIRM catalyst material
sold by Clack Corporation to convert ferro ls oxides to ferric hydroxides for
precipitation and removal and non hydrous aluminum silicate material for
filtration. The water upon reaching the bottom of the mixed media filter
bed 93 passes upwardly through strainer basket 95 and riser tube 96. Water
leaving riær tube 96 can ælectively be delivered to service on demand as
indicated by arrow 97.
The filter tank 88 is preferably provided with an automatic
control valve 98, although a manual control valve could also be used. This
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control valve 98 has a means, such as a timer, periodically operative to
reverse water flow through the filter tank for automatically backwashing
the filter media bed. This control valve or similar type control valves are
available from a number of suppliers, including L.W. ~leckenstein, Inc. By
providing automatic backwashing, the system will periodically demand water
from the pressure vessel and/or pumping and withdrawal loop to occasionally
move water through the system even if the homeowner is away for extended
periods of time.
Although the operation of the well water removal and treatment
system of Figs. 1-6 is believed apparent from the above, a brief operational
statement is provided hereinafter for purposes of completeness.
During installation of the system, air head 67 of aeration and
precipitation tank 27 may be precharged with compressed air at
approximately 38 psi or at 2 psi below the switch cut-in setting. The pump,
aeration and precipitation tank, air mixing manifold and filter can all be
installed in a pump house or basement for ease of installation and subsequent
maintenance.
After installation, flow control regulator 87 is in its closed
position blocking water flow through water delivery line 86. To initiate
operation, pump 2 is primed with approximately 5 gallons of water and then
actuated. Pump 2 delivers prime water under high pressure sequentially
through drive line 10 and well water ejector 13 to begin withdrawing water
from the well. The system water and well water withdrawn then passes
under pressure through return line 26, aeration and precipitation tank 27 and
inlet line 84 to the pump intake 6 to complete the pumping and withdrawal
loop. The system water and water withdrawn are repeatedly cycled through
the pumping and withdrawal loop until sufficient water pressure is obtained
in the loop as monitored, for example, in water return line 26. During the
entire pumping cycle, ~ir is being entrained in the circulating water through
the air mixing manifold assembly 28. The pressure differential between the
water drive line 10 and water return line 26 assures that air will be entrained
into the water during the entire pumping cycle to enhance oxidation of the
contaminants contained therein for removal in the aeration and precipitation
tank 27 and/or filter tank 88.
Water will normally cycle through the pumping and withdrawal
13336~9
--16--
loop four or five times before sufficient water flow and pressure are built up
in the loop for the water withdrawn from return line 26 through pressure
detection line 89 to have sufficient pressure to begin opening the water flow
regulator 87 to deliver water to the filter tank 88. When flow regulator 87
opens, water can be delivered through delivery line 86 as demanded by the
user. During service demands with the pump running and the regulator open,
approximately 7 gpm of water would pass through delivery line 86, 20 gpm of
water would be pumped into the well under high pressure, and 27 gpm would
be returned from the well to the aeration and precipitation tank 27.
As the water cycles in the loop both before and after regulator
87 opens, the water is repeatedly exposed to excess air resulting in oxidation
of the contaminants in a high pressure water stream. This results in
substantially all of the contaminants being oxidized and formed into a slurry
type consistency. The high pressure water with contaminant slurry
entrained therein moves through the pump without damage and moves
through the filter with improved filtering action due to substantially
complete oxidation in a readily removable form. This filtration coupled with
chemical feed intake if necessary operates to remove iron, manganese,
sulfur and turbidity from the water while correcting pH, taste, odor and
color of the water.
When the air pressure in the air head 67 of aeration and
precipitation tank 27 reaches its upper normal operational limit, for example
60 psi, the pressure switch 70 on the aeration and precipitation tank cuts out
to shut off pump 2. The aeration and precipitation tank 26 then operates
like a conventional pressure tank to deliver water under pressure on demand
to the user. The water pressure in the return line 26 and in the tank 27 are
sufficient when the air in the aeration and precipitation tank is within its
operational limits to hold the water flow regulator in a proportionately open
position, with the spring in the water flow regulator being calibrated
accordingly. When the air pressure in the aeration and precipitation tank
reaches its lower limit, for example 40 psi, switch 70 cuts in to activate
pump 2 to circulate water in the system loop and to deliver water to the
user, on demand, until the upper air pressure limit of 60 psi is obtained in
the aeration and precipitation tank. As described above, the pressure
control has safety backup features in the case of malfunction to shut off the
-17- 1~331~39
pump if the pressure in air head 67 reaches 30 psi or to vent the tank 27 if
air head pressure reaches 70 psi.
Second Embodiment
Turning now to Figs. 7 through 10, the preferred second
embodiment is illustrated using the same reference numerals for psrts
common with the first embodiment for ease of illustration and description.
Pump 2 is mounted on the side of pressure tank 100 by bracket
101. Water is deliYered under high pressure from the multi-stage pump end 5
through drive line 10 and the ejector 13. The system water and the water
withdrawn f~om the well are then forced under pressure upwardly through
water return line 26 to aeration and precipitation tank 27. The water then
passes through manifold 59 and is sprayed into the air head 67 of aeration
and precipitation tank 27. Excess air and gases can be vented from air head
67 by float valve assembly 76. The water sprayed into tank 27 forms water
column 69.
The water in column 69 in the aeration and precipitation tank 27
passes from its bottom outlet 83 through inlet line 84 to the intake port 6 of
pump 2. The aeration and precipitation tank 27 preferrably does not have
rocks contained in the bottom thereof, slthough precipitation layer rocks
may be used in certain water conditions as illustrated by the rocks 102 in the
aeration and precipitation tank 27 of Fig. 1.
During pump operation, the water continuously cycles through
the pumping and withdrawal loop consisting of pump 2, drive line 10, ejector
13, return line 26, aeration and precipitation tank 27, inlet line 84 and air
mixing manifold 104. The air mixing msnifold 104 is operative to entrain air
into the water during the entire pumping cycle.
As best shown in Fig. 8, the air manifold assembly 104 in the
preferred embodiment includes a body 105 having parallel bores 106 and 107
passing therethrough. Bore 106 is Muidicslly coupled to water drive line 10,
and the second bore 107 is fluidically coupled to water return line 26. A
third bore 108 is at right angles to first and second bores 106 and 107 and
interconnects the same. A fourth bore 109 is at right angles to the first bore
106 and extends from the outer side of the assembly body 105 to the first
bore 106. Fourth bore 109 is co-axial with the third bore 108. The fourth
bore 109 is threaded to receive threaded shank 111 of insert 112.
1333639
-18--
Shank 111 of insert 112 at its forward end is provided with a
stepped bore 114 threadedly to receive a venturi nozzle unit 115. The one
piece venturi nozzle unit 115 has a converging nozzle section 39, throat 41
and diverging nozzle section 40, as generally described above. The water
enters the venturi nozzle unit 115 from drive line 10 via entrance channel 116
in insert 112 as schematically illustrated by arrows 117. The water leaves the
venturi nozzle unit 115 by exit channel 118 to enter return line 26, as
indicated by arrow 119.
The venturi suction effect at throat 41 cooperates with the air
intake 44 and chemical intake 55, if used, to entrain air and chemicals in the
water passing through venturi unit 115. The shank 111 of insert 112 has a
plurality of axially spaced, O-ring seals 117 therealong to seal insert 112 to
body 105 to make the air intake manifold assembly 104 water tight. For
maintenance purposes, insert 112 can be readily removed by screwing the
same out of body 105. The venturi nozzle unit 115 can then be screwed out of
insert 112 for total disassembly and maintenance.
The second bore 107 may also be pr~vided with a threaded port 120.
A pressure detection line 89 is coupled to port 120 and extends to the water
flow control regulator 87 mounted on the top of the submersible pump end 5.
As best shown in Fig. 9, the water flow control regulator 87
includes lower body 121 and upper body 122 threadedly secured together by
fasteners 123, with a sealing gasket 124 positioned therebetween. The lower
body 121 has a skirt 125 fitting over and cooperating with multi-stage pump
end 5. Water leaving the pump end 5 under high pressure passes through
pump port 126 into bore 127. ~ore 127 has an orifice 128 in its wall coupled to
water drive line 10. The high pressure water is thus free to enter drive line
10. A portion of the water may also divide and pass upwardly through bore
127 to lower water manifold 129 communicating with four equally
circumferentially spaced conduits 130 leading to upper water manifold 131.
Upper water manifold 131 is in fluid communication with water flow channel
132 passing through the flow control regulator. The water flow channel 132
has a movable valve stem 133 therein controlling the flow therethrough
depending upon the relative pressure in water pressure detection line 89.
The ~ater pressure detection line 89 is coupled to monitoring
port 134 in end cap 135 mounted on upper regulator body 122 by fasteners 136.
1333~39
-19-
Monitoring port 135 leads to pressure detection compartment 137. One wall
of the pressure detection compartment 137 consists of a regulating
diaphragm 138 marginally clamped between end cap 135 and diaphragm
clamping spacer 139 received in a complementary recess in upper body 122.
The under or backside of regulating diaphragm 138 is connected to an
extension 141 on valve stem 133 by an adjustable stop block 144. A recess 142
with vent 143 is behind the regulating diaphragm 139 so that the pressure in
pressure detection compartment 137 only acts against the bias on the other
end of valve stem 133.
To this end, a discharge plate 145 is received in annular seat 146
in lower body 121. The discharge plate 145 has a central stop shoulder 147 to
mount one end of spring 148. The other end of spring 148 is received in a
socket 149 in valve stem body 133. The bias of spring 148 is opposed to and
acts against the hydraulic pressure on the balancing diaphragm 139, with the
greater pressure controlling the position of the valve stem 133 relative to
its closed and open positions.
The valve stem 133 has a frusto-conical head 151 at its lower end,
which head selectively cooperates with valve seat 152 in the water flow
channel 131 to block or control the flow of water through water flow channel
132. When the frusto conical head 151 of valve stem 132 is in its closed
position against valve seat 152 as illustrated in ~ig. 9, water flow through
the channel 131 is blocked, and the water in bore 126 can only move through
water drive line 10. When the water pressure in pressure detection chamber
137 exceeds the spring force of spring 148, the head 151 of valve stem 132
moves away from valve seat 152 to permit flow through the water channel
132. The water then passes through circumferentially spaced holes 153 in
discharge plate 145 into the water delivery port 154 coupled to water
delivery line 86. The water pressure in the water flow channel 132 is
balanced to eliminate or minimize its effect on valve stem 133, so that valve
stem movement is controlled by the relative magnitude of the hydraulic
pressure in pressure detection chamber 137 compared to the force of spring
148.
To this end, a balancing diaphragm 155 is clamped between the
lower end of spacer 139 and a shoulder 156 on upper regulator body 122. The
radially inner portion of balancing diaphragm 155 is mounted on the valve
1333633
-20-
stem 132. The diaphragm 155 and spacer 139 cooperatively define a balancing
chamber 157. The balancing chamber 157 msy be in fluidic communication
with the water flow channel 132 through socket 149 and T-bore 158 in valve
stem body 132.
When the water flow channel 132 is closed by head 151 being
seated on valve seat 152, the area of balancing diaphragm 155 exposed to
water in the water channel 132 equals the area of the valve head exposed to
water in the water flow channel 132. Therefore, the water pressure in flow
control channel 131 acting upwardly against the diaphragm 155 is balanced by
the force of the water acting downwardly on the valve head 151. This
balancing results in the movement of valve stem 133 being exclusively
controlled by the relative force between pressure detection chamber 137 and
spring 148.
When the hydraulic pressure in detection chamber 138 acting on
the regulating diaphragm 139 exceeds the force of spring 148, the valve stem
133 begins to move downwardly resulting in valve stem head 151 moving away
from seat 152. Water passing through valve seat 152 can then pass upwardly
through socket 149 and T-bore 158 into balancing chamber 157. Thereafter,
the water pressure in balancing chamber 157 on one side of balancing
diaphram 155 equals the water pressure in the water flow channel 132 on the
other side of balancing chamber 157, thereby to negate or minimize any
effect of the water pressure in water flow channel 131.
Therefore, substantialk~r the only forces acting on the valve stem
132 while in its closed or open positions is the relative magnitude of the
hydraulic pressure in pressure detection compartment 137 versus the force of
spring 148. Thus as the water pressure in the pumping loop, as exemplified
by a sample from return line 26, reaches a selected minimum control
magnitude exceeding the spring force, the valve stem body 133 will begin to
move downwardly to open the valve and allow flow therethrough to water
delivery line 86 leading to pressure tank 100. After the sample water
pressure equals or exceeds an upper pressure, for example 8 psi, the valve
stem will be held in its fully open position which is limited by the stop block
144 engaging clamping spacer 139. The fully open position can be selectively
varied by changing the position of the stop block 144 relative to the
extension 141, thereby to change the stroke travel of valve stem 133 in
-21- 13336~9
accordance with service delivery requirements.
As best illustrated in Fig. ~, the water delivery line 86 is
preferrably coupled to pressure tank 100 below the water level 160 in the
tank. Delivery line 86 is provided with one or more check valves 161 to
preclude water flowing backwardly from the tank 100 through the delivery
line 86. Although an air to water pressure tank is illustrated and described,
any type of pressure tank could be matched to the system, including but not
being limited to, bladder and diaphragm pressure tanks.
The air pressure in air head 162 is used to control operation of
the pump 2 in conventional fashion. To this end, a pressure switch 163 is
connected to tank 100 and operates in the same manner as pressure switch 70
described in the context of the Fig. 1 embodiment. On demand, water passes
from the pressure tank 100 through line 86A, the filter tank 88 and then to
the user under the pressure of air head 162, as described above.
The operation of the embodiment of Fig. 7 is generally the same
as the operation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 except that the air pressure
head 162 in pressure tank 100 controls water delivery to the user rather than
the air pressure head in the aeration and precipitation tank 27 as in Fig. 1.
However, the following operational statement is provided for purposes of
completeness.
During installation of the Fig. 7 system, the pressure tank 100 is
precharged with compressed air at 38 psi or 2 psi less than switch cut in
pressure. The pump 2, aeration and precipitation tank 27, pressure tank 100,
air inlet manifold 104 and filter tank 88 are normally installed in a pump
house or basement for ease of installation and maintenance.
After installation, flow control regulator 87 is held in its closed
position by spring 148. The pump 2 is then primed and actuated. High
pressure water is then repeatedly cycled through the pumping and
withdrawal loop to begin withdrawing well water, to build up water pressure
and flow rates in the loop and to entrain air into the water in excess
quantities to initiate contaminant oxidation. Because of repeated cycling
under high pressures, the oxidated contaminants are believed to enter a
slurry type form in the water, which contaminants can be substantially
removed by the filter 88 before service delivery without adversely affecting
system equipment and without adversely affecting the quality of the water
-22- 13336~
delivered. Since the air head 162 in the aeration and precipitation tank is
not acting as the system pressure, the pressure in air head 162 can be
substantially less, for example 10 psi. This results in more efficient pumping
and water withdrawal than in the first embodiment since the pump in the
loop is effectively pumping against a 10 psi air head instead of a 40-60 psi airhead.
When the water in the loop on its return side reaches a
predetermined minimum control level, for example, approximately 7 psi, the
sampled water passing through detection line 89 will act against the
regulating diaphragm 138 to overcome the force of spring 148 to begin
moving valve stem 133 downwardly to open the valve. Pressurized water
then passes through regulator 87 into pressure tank 100. When sufficient
pressurized water has entered pressure tank 100, the water will pass
upwardly through delivery line 86A for passage through the media bed 93 in
filter tank 88. Water may then be delivered to service on demand as
indicated by arrow 97 provided sufficient air pressure exists in the air head
162 of pressure tank 100.
To this end, the pump 2 will continue operating to cycle water in
the pumping and withdrawal loop and to deliver some water to the pressure
tank until a selected air pressure is obtained in air head 162 of pressure tank
100. Eor example, when the air pressure in head 162 reaches 60 psi, the
switch 163 will shut off pump 2 and a water column reservoir 164 under
pressure will be present in tank 100. Thereafter, water can be delivered to
service on demand under the air pressure head 162 of the pressure tank 100.
After repeated service use demands, the water reservoir column
164 is reduced and the pressure in air head 162 decreases. When the air
pressure in head 162 reaches the lower operational limit, for example 40 psi,
switch 163 senses this pressure, cuts in and reactivates pump 2. Pump 2 then
cycles the water through the pu mping and withdrawal loop until the
hydraulic pressure on the return side of the loop equals or exceeds the
minimum control pressure. Thereafter, regulator 87 opens to allow some of
the water to be pumped into pressure tank 100 to replenish the reservoir
and/or to meet service demands.
Retrofit Embodiment
The well water removal and treatment system of the present
-23- 13~3~3~
invention may also be retrofit into existing jet pump systems as illustrated
in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, structural elements common to the other embodiments
carry the same reference numerals for ease of description and illustration.
An existing jet pump system will normally include a jet pump 17~,
a pressure tank 100 and a filter tank 88.
A new aeration and precipitation t~nk 27 will be inserted into the
system, and the system will be replumbed to accomodate the aeration and
precipitation tank 27. To this end, a venturi nozzle air intake manifold 171 is
inserted in a line between a drive line 10 and a water return line 26 to
entrain air into the water. A venturi 172 can be used in return line 26 to
further increase the pressure differential between the drive and return lines
when operating with a low pressure pump. The water with entrained air
leaving venturi nozzle manifold 171 enters return line 2~ at the throat of
venturi 172, as illustrated in Fig. 11.
A pump inlet line 84 can be installed between the lower end of
the aeration and precipitation tank 27 and the intake for jet pump 170. A
flow control regulator 87 can be mounted on the jet pump 170 and is
hydraulically controlled by a ~les~ul~ detection line 89 leading from aeration
and precipitation tank 27 to the flow control regulator 87. In this instance, it is
most convenient from a piping standpoint to sample the loop water on its
return side from the immediately sdjacent aeration and precipitation t~nk
27. The water delivery line 86 and check valve 161 are then inserted between
the flow control regulator 87 and the pressure tank 100 to complete the
retrofitting of the existing jet pump system. The operation of well water
removal and treatment system as retrofit into the existing jet pump system
is the same as described above.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that changes may be made
in the details of construction and configuration without departing from the
spirit of ~e invention as defined in the following claims. For example,
systems can be designed for specific wells with the structural components
matched for enhanced operational efficiency. Systems can be readily varied
to deliver 3 to 14 gallons per minute service delivery. For larger capacity
systems, the filtration tank diameter is increased, two filtration tanks in
parallel can be used and/or larger pumps can be employed.
