US20060127184A1 - Aquifer recharge valve and method - Google Patents
Aquifer recharge valve and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060127184A1 US20060127184A1 US11/352,136 US35213606A US2006127184A1 US 20060127184 A1 US20060127184 A1 US 20060127184A1 US 35213606 A US35213606 A US 35213606A US 2006127184 A1 US2006127184 A1 US 2006127184A1
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- Prior art keywords
- valve
- piston
- pipe section
- hydraulic fluid
- hydraulic
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
- E03B3/32—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water with artificial enrichment, e.g. by adding water from a pond or a river
- E03B3/34—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water with artificial enrichment, e.g. by adding water from a pond or a river of underground water
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
- E21B34/10—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by control fluid supplied from outside the borehole
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
- E21B34/10—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by control fluid supplied from outside the borehole
- E21B34/101—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by control fluid supplied from outside the borehole with means for equalizing fluid pressure above and below the valve
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
- E21B34/12—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of casings or tubings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/40—Protecting water resources
- Y02A20/406—Aquifer recharge
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively injecting water into an aquifer to recharge the aquifer, for example during a rainy time of year when water is more available for use in recharging the aquifer.
- the ground itself is used as a water storage facility.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,353 shows one form of valve that is not prone to leakage.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pipe section provided with a plurality of water recharge orifices.
- FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the pipe of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of an aquifer recharge valve.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a cylinder mount usable in the recharge valve of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the mount of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the mount of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the pipe section of FIG. 1 and shows an exemplary pattern of water recharge orifices.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary well with a recharge valve of FIG. 1 installed.
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the valve closed and showing water being pumped from the well.
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the valve open and water being recharge into the aquifer.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an application in which the valve is positioned below the pump.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an application with the valve positioned above the pump (similar to FIG. 7 ).
- FIG. 12 illustrates one form of control for shifting the valve between open and closed positions with the valve shown in a closed position in FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 except the valve is shown shifted to an open position in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a recharge valve assembly.
- FIG. 15 illustrates the recharge valve assembly embodiment of FIG. 14 rotated about 90 degrees from the position of the recharge valve assembly shown in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a top view of the recharge valve assembly embodiment of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe section portion of the recharge valve assembly embodiment of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap for insertion into one end of the pipe section of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of one form of a piston slidable along an extension portion of the end cap of FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 20 is a top view of the piston of FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view through the piston of FIG. 19 , taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 19 , and with the piston installed on an end cap extension within the recharge valve assembly of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 22 is a partially exploded perspective view of a form of valve and push rod structure which may be included in the recharge valve assembly of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view through the recharge valve assembly of FIG. 14 with the valve shown in an open position.
- FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the recharge valve assembly of FIG. 14 with the valve shown in a closed position.
- FIGS. 25 and 26 are like FIGS. 23 and 24 with a biasing member, such as a coil spring, positioned in a hydraulic chamber.
- a biasing member such as a coil spring
- FIG. 27 is a top view of an alternative form of recharged valve assembly embodiment.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap for insertion into one end of the pipe section of FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe section portion of the recharge valve assembly embodiment of FIG. 27 .
- FIG. 30 is a vertical sectional view of one form of a piston slidable along an interior surface portion of the pipe section of FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 31 is a top view of the piston of FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view through the piston of FIG. 30 , taken along line 32 - 32 of FIG. 31 and with the piston coupled to exemplary piston supporting rods within the recharge valve assembly of this embodiment.
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a form of valve and rod structure which can be included in the recharge valve assembly of this embodiment.
- FIG. 34 is a vertical sectional view through the valve of FIG. 33 and piston of FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view through the recharge valve assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 27-34 with the valve shown in one open position.
- FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view of the recharge valve assembly of FIG. 35 with the valve shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe section portion of another form of recharge valve assembly embodiment with water recharge orifices positioned closer to an upper end portion of the pipe section in comparison to the position of the water recharge orifices of the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view through a recharge valve assembly embodiment utilizing a pipe section of the form shown in FIG. 37 with the valve shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 39 is a longitudinal section view of the recharge valve assembly of FIG. 38 with the valve shown in one open position.
- FIGS. 40 and 41 are like FIGS. 35 and 36 , except that a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring in this example, is provided to bias the valve toward a closed position.
- a biasing mechanism such as a coil spring in this example
- FIGS. 42 and 43 are like FIGS. 38 and 39 , except that a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring in this example, is provided to bias the valve toward open positions.
- a biasing mechanism such as a coil spring in this example
- the description proceeds with reference to several embodiments.
- the present invention is directed toward novel and unobvious features and method acts relating to improvements to an aquifer recharge valve and system both alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another.
- FIG. 1 shows a pipe section 10 for inclusion in a pump column of a well.
- pipe section 10 may be a six inch inside diameter steel pipe having threads 12 , 14 at its opposite ends for coupling to associated pipe components.
- the pipe section 10 includes at least one aquifer recharge outlet through which water may pass to recharge an aquifer.
- a plurality of aquifer recharge outlets are provided at spaced locations about the circumference of the pipe section 10 . This reduces the aquifer mining that can take place when water passes through an aquifer recharge orifice toward the aquifer, with the mining being more of a problem if only one large orifice is used.
- the orifices may be of any suitable shape and pattern.
- FIG. 1 the aquifer recharge orifices are arranged in a spiral pattern along a pipe section portion 16 with some of these orifices being indicated at 18 in FIG. 1 .
- the pipe section 10 may be of any suitable length and in FIG. 1 is shown as a twenty foot pipe section. Typically, pipe section 10 ranges from about five feet to about twenty feet, although again this is variable. As another example, the length of an exemplary pipe section in the form of the FIG. 14 embodiment described below is twenty-eight inches. As yet another example, the pipe section of the FIGS. 29 and 37 embodiments can be even shorter, such as twenty-four inches, or less, for some valves.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical sectional view through a portion of pipe section 10 containing an exemplary aquifer recharge valve in accordance with one embodiment.
- the illustrated FIG. 2 embodiment comprises a valve 20 positioned within the interior of pipe section 10 and movable between a first position (shown in FIG. 2 ) in which the valve 20 does not overlie and seal the orifices 18 to a second position in which the valve 20 overlies and closes these orifices.
- the pipe section 10 is shown in FIG. 2 with the valve 20 above the apertures 18 .
- Other orientations may be used.
- the pipe section 10 may be inverted from the position shown in FIG. 2 . In such a case, the valve 20 would be below the openings 18 and would be shifted upwardly to cover the openings.
- valve 20 comprises a tube having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameter of pipe section 10 .
- the outside diameter of valve 20 may be 5 and 15/16 inches.
- valve 20 is ideally of a material with some flexibility such that when the valve is positioned to overlie apertures 18 , the water pressure within pipe section 10 (the head in the pump column) forces the valve outwardly to provide a good seal of openings 18 against leakage. Because valve 20 is positioned inside pipe section 10 , the water pressure in the pipe column assists in maintaining the valve in a closed position as water is being pumped from the well.
- Valve 20 may be of any suitable material. As a desirable example, valve 20 may be of a polymer material and may be formed, as by machining or otherwise, as a seamless cylinder. In addition, the valve 20 may be nine inches to one foot long.
- valve 20 may have a one-half inch thick wall and be formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene so that it has some resiliency to assist in accomplishing the seal. This material also slides easily against the interior wall of the pipe section 10 .
- the valve 20 is not limited to this specific material.
- suitable valve materials include: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); HDPE (high density polyethylene); Nylon (Zytel); or any other semi-rigid or resilient material. Multi-material components may also be used.
- the valve 20 may be positioned within a support structure, such as a cage structure.
- a support structure such as a cage structure.
- One form of a cage structure is indicated generally at 24 .
- the illustrated cage structure is of a durable material with stainless steel being a specific example.
- Cage structure 24 comprises upper and lower cross-pieces 28 , 30 with the valve 20 retained between the cross-pieces.
- top and bottom pieces 28 , 30 comprise annular rings. These rings may, for example, have a one inch height and one inch thickness.
- the rings when used with a six inch inside diameter pipe section 10 may have an outer diameter of, for example, 5 and 15/16 inches.
- a plurality of braces, some being indicated at 32 extend longitudinally and may be bolted or otherwise fastened to the respective top and bottom pieces 28 , 30 .
- Braces 32 are included and are spaced apart at 90 degree intervals about the rings 28 , 30 .
- Braces 32 may comprise, as a specific example, one-quarter inch diameter stainless steel thrust rods. The respective ends of the thrust rods may be inserted into associated holes drilled in the top and bottom pieces 28 , 30 . The rods may be held in place within such holes by respective set screws extending through the rods from the interior surface of the top and bottom pieces.
- the top and bottom pieces need not be annular in shape but do permit the passage of water past these pieces.
- a drive mechanism is provided for shifting the cage and thus the valve between the open and closed positions. It should be noted that a plurality of open positions are provided depending upon the number of apertures 18 that are exposed.
- the drive mechanism comprises at least one, and in this case two, valve closing cylinders 40 and at least two valve operating cylinders 42 .
- the cylinders 40 , 42 in the illustrated form are single action cylinders, although dual action cylinders may be used as an alternative.
- the piston end 44 of cylinder 40 is pivotally coupled to an ear or mount 46 which projects outwardly from top piece 28 .
- the cylinder housing end 48 of cylinder 40 is pivoted to a mount 50 which is coupled, for example bolted, to the pipe section 10 or to a mount coupled thereto.
- Extension of cylinders 42 shifts valve 20 upwardly in the FIG. 2 example and exposes the apertures 18 with the number of apertures that are exposed depending upon the extent of the upward shifting of the valve 20 .
- extension of cylinders 40 shifts the cage 24 and valve 20 downwardly in the FIG. 2 example.
- valve 20 When valve 20 is in a fully closed position, the valve overlies all of the apertures 18 .
- the cylinders 40 and 42 may be operated cooperatively to position the valve 20 at any desired position.
- mount 50 comprises a curved wall 60 having a back surface 62 which may conform to the curvature of the interior of pipe section 10 .
- the wall 60 also has a concave front surface 63 in this example.
- First and second fastener receiving openings 64 , 66 may be provided at either side of the longitudinal centerline of mount 50 . Openings 64 , 66 may, for example, be sized to receive 2-1 ⁇ 2 inch stainless steel fine threaded bolts. The bolts may each be inserted through an associated aperture in pipe section 10 and through one of the respective openings 64 , 66 .
- a respective nut, for example, at the interior of the pipe section 10 may be used to secure each of these bolts.
- Lock washers (not shown) may also be used.
- mount 50 may be of stainless steel with wall 60 being 3 ⁇ 8 inch in thickness. Although variable, the mount may have a width w of three inches and may be of the same height. The width x indicates that portion of the edge of wall 60 visible in the front view. The dimension y indicates that portion of the rear wall 62 which is visible in the side view shown in FIG. 5 .
- a cylinder mount portion 70 is secured, as by welding the welds 72 to the interior surface 63 of wall 60 .
- the cylinder mount portion 70 may be of any suitable configuration, although in the form shown the portion 70 is depicted as being of a generally triangular shape. Although variable, mount portion 70 may extend the full height of piece 60 . Portion 70 may be of a durable material. As a specific example, portion 70 may be one-half inch in thickness and of stainless steel. A fastener receiving opening 76 extends through mount portion 70 .
- the cylinder housing end 48 is fastened, for example by a bolt, extending through a mounting opening in the cylinder housing end and through opening 76 to thereby mount the cylinder in place.
- the cylinders have an eight inch stroke, although this is variable, and may depend in part upon the length of that portion of the pipe section 10 which includes the aquifer recharge apertures. That is, although not required, a desirable construction involves having a sufficient cylinder stroke to move the valve 20 enough of a distance to open all of the aquifer recharge apertures when the valve is shifted to its full open position and to close all of the aquifer recharge apertures when the valve is shifted to its fully closed position.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the section of pipe 16 having the apertures 18 .
- at least one such aperture is provided.
- This approach disperses the water being used to recharge the aquifer through a plurality of openings and reduces the mining of the aquifer that could otherwise take place by a high volume of water passing through one or only a few apertures toward the aquifer.
- the size and number of apertures may be varied for a particular application. That is, for a given head pressure during recharging of a well and a desirable flow rate of recharge water into the aquifer, one can determine the number and size of apertures that are required.
- openings are provided which are each one-fourth inch in diameter. These openings are desirably arranged in a spiral pattern as shown in FIG. 6 as opposed to being in respective rings with each ring being at the same elevation. As a result, the integrity and strength of the pipe is increased. Although less desirable, the openings may be arranged in rings or other arrangements. In addition, as the valve is moved upwardly or downwardly, the change in the exposed orifices is almost linear. This facilitates the control of a flow rate during aquifer recharge operations. As shown in FIG. 6 , for one of the apertures 18 , the apertures may have rounded edges 80 at the interior side of the pipe section 10 to facilitate the smoother flow of water through the apertures during an aquifer recharge operation. This also reduces the possibility of the apertures scratching the valve 20 as it is slid past the apertures.
- the flow rate through all the apertures is about 1970 gallons per minute. In general, this flow would be distributed equally through the various apertures. In this example, it is assumed that all forty apertures are open.
- a well 100 is indicated and extends downwardly from ground surface 102 .
- the upper portion of the well has a well casing 104 which in this example ends at 106 .
- the well casing may be any depth and typically depends on soil conditions.
- a well is typically cased deep enough to minimize the possibility of collapsing of the walls of the well.
- the lower uncased portions of the well are indicated at 108 , 110 and 112 .
- a pump column is indicated at 114 with pipe section 10 being included in the pump column.
- One or more pump bowls are indicated at 116 with respective impellers (not shown) driven by an electric or other motor 118 located at the well head 120 .
- a screen is illustrated at 122 for blocking the passage of grit into the pump bowls 116 .
- a check valve 124 restricts the downward flow of water through the valve toward the pump bowls.
- the static water level in the well is indicated in this example at 126 .
- a conventional vacuum 128 maintains a vacuum in the line in a conventional manner to self-prime the pump.
- a flow rate meter 130 (with a McCrometer Model MW506, Option #10 with bi-directional capabilities (indicates flow in each direction) from McCrometer of Hemet, Calif. being one suitable example) to monitor the water flow rate.
- a portion of a water discharge pipe (during pumping operations) is indicated at 132 .
- Pipe 132 may function as a supply pipe during aquifer recharge operations. Pressure at the well head may be monitored by a pressure gauge 134 . It should be noted that other types of pumps may be used as the aquifer recharge valve is not limited to use with the type of pump depicted in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 7 in which the well is being operated in a normal pumping operation.
- the valve 20 has been shifted to a closed position to block the flow of water through apertures 18 .
- water passes screen 122 and flows in the direction indicated schematically by arrows 133 to the surface of the well and through discharge pipe 132 .
- the water is indicated schematically at 134 exiting from pipe 132 .
- Check valve 124 prevents the backflow of water through pump bowls 116 .
- the water level 126 ′ is schematically shown as having a concave dip as water is being drawn from the aquifer into the pump column. No water is shown flowing through openings 18 as these openings are closed in this specific example.
- valve 20 is closed (or remains closed if it is already closed) to block the flow of water through the apertures 18 .
- the pump is turned on to force water to the surface to fill up the pump column (if it is not already full).
- the pump is then shut off.
- the check valve 124 holds the column of water in the pump column. One fills the column and any pipe connected thereto with water so that air is not injected into the aquifer during recharge operations. Any such injected air can plug the aquifer.
- a pump such as surface pump 148 , is then energized to deliver water from a source 150 (such as a reservoir, lake, stream, tank or other storage area) in a direction indicated schematically by arrows 152 into pipe 132 and the well head.
- a positive pressure is maintained at the well head such as 10-20 psi.
- the valve is then opened by raising the cage with the extent of the valve opening being controlled to match the water flow rate into the well head at the surface.
- a controller such as a programmable logic controller, may be used to control the positioning of the valve so that these flow rates are maintained in a manner that keeps a positive pressure at the well head. Thus, if the pressure drops, the valve 20 may be shifted to close the valve to a greater extent.
- the valve 20 may be opened to a greater extent.
- the valve 20 may be controlled by a hydraulic motor coupled to the respective cylinders 40 , 42 and operable in response to the controller as explained below. As shown in FIG. 9 , under these conditions the water level 126 is shown elevated as water is being injected into the aquifer through the openings 18 .
- Check valve 124 in this example, prevents the water from flowing backward through the pump bowls.
- the valve 20 may be closed to block the openings 18 .
- the valve 20 may be opened to drain the water column to its static level (see FIG. 7 ).
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the construction described in connection with FIG. 7-9 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative construction in which the check valve 124 and aquifer recharge valve are positioned below the pump bowls and suction of the pump.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a control useful in controlling the opening and closing of the valve 20 .
- valve 20 is shown shifted to a closed position.
- a hydraulic pump 160 is coupled by a line 162 to a hydraulic pump control valve 164 .
- Valve 164 is coupled to a line 166 extending from pump control valve 164 to the cylinder housing end of the cylinders 42 .
- a line 168 may be coupled from control valve 164 to the cylinder housing end of the cylinders 40 .
- line 168 is coupled to one end portion 170 of a chamber 171 .
- a piston 172 is positioned within chamber 171 .
- An indicator such as a rod 174 , is coupled to piston 172 and projects outwardly from chamber 171 .
- a second chamber 176 is coupled by a line 178 to the cylinder housing end of the respective cylinders 40 .
- valve 164 When valve 164 is in the position shown in FIG. 12 , hydraulic fluid is passed through line 168 into chamber 170 to drive piston 172 to the left in this figure. Piston 172 in turn forces hydraulic fluid from chamber 176 into line 178 and to the cylinder housing end of cylinders 40 to extend cylinders 40 and drive the valve 20 to a closed position. At the same time, hydraulic fluid is bled from the cylinder housing end of cylinders 42 via line 166 . The position of the exposed end of rod 174 provides a visual indication of the extent to which the valve 20 is closed.
- Indicia and a pointer on the rod which moves along the indicia may be used to indicate the valve position.
- the rod comprises one form of a piston extension.
- Other mechanisms for detecting and visually indicating the position of the piston, and thereby of the recharge valve, may also be used.
- Remote indication of the valve position may also be provided.
- a potentiometer may be coupled to rod 174 and be included in a circuit which provides an electrical signal at a remote location (spaced from the rod and desirably spaced from the well head) to indicate the position of the rod and thus the position of valve 20 .
- the valve is shown in its fully closed position.
- the fully opened position is also indicated in FIG. 12 .
- Components 160 , 164 and 171 are typically above the ground where they are readily accessible and where it is easy to visually observe the position of rod 174 .
- piston rod 174 is movable in the direction as indicated by arrows 180 to various positions between the fully closed and fully opened position.
- a programmable logic controller 182 receives an input signal on line 184 which corresponds to the pressure P at the well head. Controller 182 is programmed to send a signal along line 186 to hydraulic pump control valve 164 to control the operation of the control valve to in turn shift the valve 20 toward open or closed positions to maintain the pressure at the well head within desired limits (e.g., 10 to 20 psi).
- a monitor or other visual display device 190 may also be included to provide further indications of the operating conditions of the system during aquifer recharging. Other indicators may alternatively be used.
- the lines 166 , 178 may be one-fourth inch diameter stainless steel tubing.
- the volume of chambers 170 , 176 may be such that movement of piston rod 174 between the open and closed positions corresponds to the movement of the valve 20 between respective fully open and fully closed positions.
- one exemplary control valve 164 is a Model No. 202-304 solenoid valve from Chief Manufacturing.
- a suitable logic controller 182 is a Panel View Model 300 controller from Allen Bradley.
- FIG. 13 shows valve 20 as it is shifted to its fully opened position.
- hydraulic fluid is delivered through line 166 to the housing end of cylinders 42 to extend these cylinders and shift the valve 20 upwardly in FIG. 13 .
- hydraulic fluid passes from the housing side of cylinders 40 through line 178 and into chamber 176 . Fluid from chamber 170 is bled through line 168 .
- control systems for controlling the operation of cylinders 40 and 42 to shift the valve 20 may be used as alternatives.
- mechanisms such as a manual two-way spool valve may be used to control the shifting of valve 20 .
- the apertured area of pipe section 10 is indicated by the number 16 in FIG. 14 .
- the apertures may be of any suitable size and pattern such as the size and pattern shown in FIG. 6 and as previously described. Consequently, the apertures will not be discussed further in connection with this embodiment.
- FIG. 14 may use a valve 20 and other components as previously described. Also, the operation of the valve of FIG. 14 may be as previously discussed and may use a control system as described above.
- the illustrated recharge valve assembly 198 comprises first and second end members, such as end caps 200 , 200 ′ respectively inserted into the top and bottom of the pipe section 10 of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 14 .
- Exemplary end cap portions 200 , 200 ′ are described in greater detail below and may be identical to one another.
- a first coupler 204 mounted to the exterior of housing 10 , defines an internal passageway 205 ( FIG. 17 ) communicating with the interior of a portion of housing 10 through a corresponding port or passageway 206 in the housing.
- a hydraulic line fitting 208 ( FIG. 14 ) may be secured to coupling 204 , such as being threaded into a threaded fitting receiving portion of the coupling.
- a hydraulic line (not shown in FIG.
- a tapered deflector 210 may be positioned at the underside of fitting 204 (and may, for example, be a part of fitting 204 ). The deflector 210 deflects the valve assembly away from obstructions as the valve assembly and well pipe containing the assembly is lowered into a well. Deflector 210 also shields the coupling 204 .
- a second coupler 212 defines a hollow interior passageway 213 communicating through a port 214 ( FIG. 17 ) with the interior of the housing or pipe section 10 .
- Coupler 212 may be internally threaded so as to receive a hydraulic line fitting 216 ( FIG. 15 ) and the lower end of a hydraulic line section 218 .
- the upper end of line section 218 terminates in a hydraulic fitting 220 that may be coupled to a hydraulic line, such as line 166 ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ), when the valve assembly is in use.
- a tapered shield or deflector 222 may be positioned below coupler 212 and functions in the same manner as deflector 210 .
- the ports 206 , 214 that communicate through respective openings 205 , 213 of the respective couplings 204 , 212 , are desirably offset from one another so that fittings 208 , 220 clear one another at the upper end of the illustrated recharge valve assembly.
- the recharge valve assembly 198 may be used in other orientations, such as inverted from the orientation shown in FIG. 14 .
- the couplers 204 , 212 may also be inverted.
- the respective end caps 200 , 200 ′ may be inserted into the respective ends of pipe section 10 and desirably are threaded into the pipe section.
- retainers such as set screws 230 , 232 ( FIG. 15 ), may be used to engage the respective end caps 200 , 200 ′ to prevent them from separating from the pipe section 10 during use.
- the illustrated set screws 230 , 232 are each threaded through a respective set screw receiving opening of the pipe section 10 and into engagement with the respective end caps.
- end cap 200 ′ may be identical to end cap 200 .
- portions of end cap 200 ′ are assigned the same number as corresponding portions of end cap 200 , except that a prime (′) is added to the components of end cap 200 ′.
- End cap 200 ′ is desirably of an annular construction with a body 240 ′ ( FIG. 17 ) provided with a longitudinally and axially extending water flow opening 242 ′.
- the water flow opening 242 ′ may be circular in cross-section and may have a diameter that is varied depending upon factors such as the diameter of the well pipe with which the recharge valve assembly 198 is to be used.
- a valve for use with 6 inch outside diameter well pipe may have end cap openings that are 2.872 inches, as a specific example.
- the end cap openings in this example, are approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- a recharge valve assembly for eight inch well pipe may have end caps with respective longitudinally extending openings that are 4 inches in diameter.
- a recharge valve assembly for ten inch well pipe may have end caps with center openings of about 6 inches in diameter. Again, these dimensions may be varied.
- the length of the valve assembly may be relatively short. For example, length L in FIG. 17 may be 28 inches. Because of the shortness of recharge valve assembly of the illustrated example, even with a somewhat restricted opening 242 , little pressure loss occurs across the recharge valve as water flows through the valve assembly.
- the end cap 200 is provided with first and second blind holes 244 , 246 which are diametrically located across the end cap body 240 and are exposed at the surface of the body of the end cap 200 .
- a tool such as a wrench having projecting pegs positioned for insertion into the respective openings 244 , 246 , may be used to tighten the valve end cap 200 within the end of pipe section 10 and also to remove the end cap 200 , as desired.
- End cap 200 ′ is desirably also provided with corresponding blind holes.
- FIG. 17 one form of pipe section 10 for the valve assembly of FIG. 14 is illustrated.
- the illustrated pipe section 10 has exterior threads 12 , 14 at the respective ends of the pipe section for coupling to other lengths of well pipe when the valve assembly is installed for use.
- the upper end portion of pipe section 10 has internal threads 250 for threadedly receiving external threads 258 ( FIG. 23 ) on the body 240 of end cap 200 for use in threadedly interconnecting these members.
- the lower end of pipe section 10 is provided with internal threads 252 ( FIG. 17 ) for threadedly receiving a threaded portion 258 ′ ( FIGS. 18,23 ) of the end cap 200 ′.
- annular tapered wall section 254 Interiorly (meaning toward the center of pipe section 10 ) of threads 250 , an annular tapered wall section 254 , of a diameter that is reduced in a direction extending inwardly into the interior of pipe section, is provided for engaging a corresponding shoulder 260 ( FIG. 23 ) of cap member 200 to limit the extent to which cap member 200 may be inserted into the pipe section. Therefore, when cap member 200 is threaded into the pipe section 10 and shoulder 260 bottoms out against wall section 254 , the position of cap member 200 is at a known established location.
- a similar tapered annular shelf 256 ( FIG. 17 ) is provided at the lower end of the pipe section 10 .
- a first wall section 264 is positioned inwardly of tapered section 254 .
- Wall section 264 is of a first cross-sectional dimension, and in this example, is a right cylinder having a diameter D 1 .
- the dimension D 1 may be varied depending upon the size of the recharge valve assembly, such as being of the diameter of the well pipe with which the valve assembly is to be used. Although variable, for a pipe section 10 having a six inch outside diameter, dimension D 1 may be, for example, about 5.4 inches.
- a portion of the wall surface 264 in this embodiment desirably defines a portion of a hydraulic chamber 265 ( FIGS. 23,24 ) as explained below.
- the assembly desirably includes a piston stop for limiting the motion of one or more pistons within the valve assembly.
- the piston stop comprises a shelf 266 of an annular configuration that is formed in the interior surface of pipe section 10 at the inward end of wall section 264 .
- a valve guiding wall section 272 of a second cross-sectional, in this example diameter D 2 is positioned inwardly of shelf 266 .
- the valve 20 may slide along wall section 272 to respectively open and close the openings 18 through the pipe section 10 depending upon whether, and to the extent, the valve 20 overlies the openings 18 .
- an upper portion of wall section 272 is provided without the openings 18 .
- the valve 20 When the valve 20 is moved to a position adjacent the upper portion of wall section 272 , the valve desirably does not impede the flow of water through the openings 18 .
- the valve Conversely, as the valve is shifted downwardly in FIG. 17 to a position which overlies some or all of the openings 18 (all of them desirably being overlaid when the valve is in its lowermost position), the flow of water through openings 18 is impeded or blocked. The extent of such blockage depends upon the valve position.
- the diameter D 2 may also be varied. In one specific example, the diameter D 2 is 5 inches for a six inch outside diameter pipe section 10 .
- the lower portion of pipe section 10 in the illustrated embodiment also comprises a wall section 274 positioned inwardly of annular tapered wall section 256 .
- Wall section 274 may also be a right cylinder and desirably defines a portion of a hydraulic chamber 265 ′ ( FIGS. 23,24 ) in this specific example.
- Wall section 274 may have the same diameter D 1 as wall section 264 .
- the inwardmost end of wall section 274 terminates in an annular piston stop 276 which is like stop 266 .
- Other forms of a piston stop may be used in the lower portion of the pipe section.
- FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary lower end cap 200 ′.
- Cap 200 ′ comprises external threads 258 ′ for threading into the threads 252 of the pipe section 10 .
- An annular tapered shoulder section 260 ′ of end cap body 240 ′ is provided to engage annular wall surface 256 of pipe section 10 when these components are assembled.
- the body 240 ′ of end cap 200 ′ may also comprise a cylindrical wall portion 278 ′ having an outside cross-sectional dimension, such as a diameter, that desirably corresponds to and is slightly less than the diameter D 1 .
- End cap wall portion 278 ′ desirably is sealed against the wall section 274 when end cap 200 ′ is in place.
- wall section 278 ′ may be provided with at least one inwardly extending seal receiving groove 280 ′ within which a seal, such as an O-ring 282 ′, is placed.
- the O-ring 282 ′ seals the space between wall section 274 and wall portion 278 ′ and thus seals the base of the recharge valve assembly and the hydraulic chamber 265 ′ ( FIGS. 23,24 ) at this location.
- the body 240 ′ desirably has a wall portion or section 284 ′ that is of a reduced cross-sectional dimension at a location adjacent to wall section 278 ′.
- the wall section 284 ′ is positioned further inwardly into pipe section 10 than the wall section 278 ′.
- an annular passageway 287 ′ ( FIG. 23 ) is provided to facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluid through opening 214 and into the hydraulic fluid receiving chamber 265 ′ as described below.
- Body 240 ′ may include an annular shelf or piston stop surface 285 ′ operable to limit the movement of a piston in the direction toward the adjacent end of the pipe section 10 . Other forms of piston stop may be used.
- Body 240 ′ also comprises, in this embodiment, a piston guide such as a cylindrical piston engaging wall section 286 ′.
- Wall section 286 ′ is of a reduced diameter in comparison to wall section 274 .
- the wall section 286 ′ terminates in an end portion 288 ′.
- the fluid flow opening 242 ′ passes axially through projection 286 ′ and through the other portions of body 240 ′ to the exterior end cap 200 ′.
- the wall surface 286 ′ comprises one form of an annular piston guiding surface along which a piston may be shifted.
- the wall surface 286 ′ desirably defines a portion of the hydraulic chamber 265 ′.
- Other portions of the chamber 265 ′ are defined, in this example, by the sections 284 ′, 285 ′ of the end cap 200 ′ and by a portion of wall section 274 . This will become more apparent from the discussion below.
- FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 illustrate an exemplary form of annular piston 300 ′ that may be employed in the recharge valve assembly 198 of FIG. 14 .
- the construction of the piston 300 ′ may be varied.
- the recharge valve assembly desirably comprises a double acting hydraulic cylinder with, in reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 , upper and lower pistons, 300 , 300 ′. Since these pistons are desirably identical, although not required, only lower piston 300 ′ will be described in detail. Components of piston 300 ′ that correspond to components of piston 300 are assigned the same number, but with a prime (′) designation.
- the illustrated piston 300 ′ comprises an annular body 302 ′.
- the body 302 ′ defines upper and lower spaced apart wear ring receiving grooves 304 ′, 306 ′ extending inwardly into the body.
- a seal receiving groove 308 ′ is provided intermediate to and spaced from the respective grooves 304 ′ and 306 ′.
- a wear ring 310 ′ is positioned within groove 304 ′ and a second wear ring 312 ′ is positioned within groove 306 ′.
- the wear rings 310 ′, 312 ′ may, for example, be of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or other low friction durable material.
- each wear ring 310 ′, 312 ′ is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the body 302 ′ so that, when in position, the wear rings bear against the wall surface 274 (or surface 264 in the case of piston 300 and its wear rings).
- the O-ring 314 ′ seals the space between the piston 300 ′ and the adjoining wall section 274 .
- the periphery of piston 300 ′ defines an exterior annular piston surface 315 ′ for sliding along a portion of wall section 274 .
- the piston body 302 ′ also defines upper and lower inwardly extending interior wear ring receiving grooves 320 ′, 322 ′ that are spaced apart from one another and an inwardly extending interior seal receiving groove 324 ′ between the grooves 320 ′, 322 ′.
- Respective wear rings 326 ′, 327 ′ are received in the respective grooves 320 ′, 322 ′.
- at least one seal such as an O-ring 328 ′, is received within the groove 324 ′.
- the O-rings 314 ′, 328 ′ are typically of rubber or other suitable seal material.
- the wear rings 326 ′, 327 ′ may be of the same material as wear rings 310 ′, 312 ′.
- the interior diameter of wear rings 326 ′, 327 ′ is less than the interior diameter of piston body 302 ′ so that the wear rings 326 ′, 327 ′, when the piston is in position, slide along surface 286 ′ and separate the piston body 302 ′ from the end cap wall surface 286 ′.
- the O-ring 328 ′ is sized to seal the gap between end cap wall surface 286 ′ and the piston 300 ′.
- Other suitable approaches for sealing a piston relative to an interior pipe section wall surface and end cap projection may also be used.
- the illustrated piston also defines an annular interior piston surface positioned for sliding along the piston guide, in this case, along wall surface 286 ′.
- Surfaces 329 ′ and 333 ′ are separated from one another by the annular surface 315 ′.
- the piston 300 ′ thus corresponds to the lower piston of the recharge valve assembly oriented as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 .
- the piston surfaces 329 , 329 ′ ( FIGS. 23,24 ) are each coupled to the valve 20 by a respective pusher or force applying structure, such as a piston to valve engaging structure.
- plural push rods which may be of stainless steel or other suitable material, comprise a form of piston to valve engaging structure.
- four upper push rods 350 , 352 , 354 and 356 are shown. As shown in FIG. 23 for three of these rods, the upper ends of these push rods engage the lower surface 329 of the piston 300 .
- FIG. 22 shows an exemplary push rod to valve subassembly. Although a set of four push rods are shown in FIG. 22 in position at each end of valve 20 , the number of push rods may be varied. In the embodiment of FIG. 22 , the push rods are spaced equally about the circumference of a right cylindrical valve 20 . In the case of a valve assembly for use with eight inch well pipe, six push rods is a desirable exemplary number.
- Each of the push rods desirably comprises a piston bearing surface such as surface 359 for push rod 350 , surface 360 for push rod 352 , surface 362 for push rod 354 , and surface 364 for push rod 356 . These surfaces bear against the corresponding adjacent major surface of one of the pistons during operation of the valve assembly.
- Each of the push rods desirably comprises a stem portion of reduced cross-sectional dimension, such as stem portion 370 for push rod 350 .
- Stem portion 370 may be formed, for example, by machining a rod to reduce the diameter of an end portion of the rod to equal the diameter of the stem portion 370 .
- the unmachined end portion of the rod comprises a larger diameter push portion 371 of the push rod construction.
- An annular member such as a stainless steel washer 372 , may be inserted onto stem 370 and against the lower surface of push rod portion 371 and fastened in place, such as by welding.
- the diameter of member 372 is desirably slightly less than (e.g., 1/32 of an inch less than) the thickness of the valve 20 so that the edge of member 372 does not engage the adjacent sidewall of the pipe section.
- the valve 20 may have a thickness of one-half inch.
- the diameter of member 372 may, in this case, be, for example, 15/32 of an inch. These dimensions may be varied.
- the member 372 is provided to increase the surface area that bears against the adjacent end (e.g., end 390 in FIG. 22 ) of valve 20 .
- the end 390 is provided with a plurality of stem receiving openings such as opening 392 leading to a bore that extends through the valve 20 from end 390 to end 394 .
- the respective stems of the various push rods are each inserted into a respective associated opening.
- the stems are desirably sized such that the end of a stem of one push rod bears against the end of the stem of the opposed push rod.
- a rod section or spacer may be positioned in each bore to engage the ends of the stem portions inserted in the bore. For example with reference to FIG.
- the valve 20 may be shifted between a closed and various open positions by applying hydraulic pressure to the appropriate side 333 , 333 ′ of either piston 300 , 300 ′.
- hydraulic fluid is delivered via line 166 and port 214 is delivered into the hydraulic fluid chamber 265 ′ defined by wall section 284 ′, stop surface 285 ′, a portion of wall section 286 ′, the underside 333 ′ of piston 300 ′, and a portion of wall section 274 ). This urges piston 300 ′ upwardly in the example of FIG. 23 and shifts the valve 20 upwardly.
- valve 20 an upward force is applied by piston 300 ′ to the respective push rods (e.g., push rod 350 ′, 352 ′ and 354 ′) against the undersurface 394 of valve 20 .
- the valve may be shifted entirely to its full open position as shown in FIG. 23 with piston surface 333 of piston 300 against stop surface 285 and piston surface 329 ′ of piston 300 ′ against stop surface 276 .
- the motion of valve 20 may be interrupted at a location which partially opens the valve. When open, fluid may flow through the openings 18 that are no longer covered by the valve 20 .
- FIG. 24 the valve is shown shifted to a fully closed position (shifted downwardly in the example of FIG. 24 ).
- the valve 20 overlies all of the openings 18 (with piston surface 329 of piston 300 against stop surface 266 and piston surface 333 ′ of piston 300 ′ against stop surface 285 ′).
- This is accomplished by delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid via line 168 and through port 206 into the hydraulic chamber 265 (defined by a portion of wall section 284 , wall section 285 , stop surface 285 , the top side 333 of piston 300 , and a portion of wall section 286 ).
- the valve is urged downwardly in the example of FIG. 24 to a closed (or partially closed) position.
- hydraulic fluid exerts pressure on side 333 of piston 300 that results in force being applied via piston side 329 and through push rods (e.g., 350 , 352 and 354 ) to the upper valve surface 390 .
- hydraulic fluid is being delivered via line 166 in FIG. 23 to chamber 265 ′, it is being bled from the chamber 265 at the upper side 333 of piston 300 via port 206 and line 168 .
- fluid in the chamber 265 ′ at the underside 333 ′ of piston 300 ′ is being removed via line 166 .
- FIGS. 25 and 26 is like the embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24 except that a biasing mechanism has been included for urging the valve 20 to a closed position overlying apertures 18 , such as in the event of a failure of hydraulic pressure.
- This biasing mechanism comprises a mechanism for applying resistance in opposition to movement of the valve toward open positions.
- elastic or other biasing mechanisms may be used on either side of the valve as required to apply force in the desired direction
- one form of biasing mechanism comprises a coil spring 400 positioned within chamber 265 above the valve 20 in this example.
- the chamber 265 has been elongated in this example in the axial direction of the valve assembly to accommodate the positioning of the spring 400 therein.
- FIG. 25 illustrates the spring 400 being compressed as the valve 20 is shifted toward valve open positions.
- FIG. 26 illustrates the expansion of the coil spring as the valve 20 is shifted to a closed position.
- the coil spring is compressed so as to store energy and to apply a biasing force against the valve as the valve is shifted in this direction.
- the spring 400 will expand to shift the valve to a closed position as shown in FIG. 26 .
- One exemplary coil spring is of a durable resilient material, such as spring steel. The force applied by the spring is not critical, and be varied while still being sufficient to close the valve under such conditions.
- a six-inch diameter valve is a coil spring with a spring rate of about 42.1 pounds per inch that applies about 200 pounds of force to the valve when the spring is in its least compressed state in the valve (e.g., compressed from an uncompressed length of 15 inches to a length of 10.25 inches when in the least compressed position in the valve) and that applies about 410 pounds of force to the valve when the spring is in its most compressed state in the valve (e.g., compressed to a length of 5.25 inches).
- other types of biasing mechanisms including other types of springs may be used.
- the spring 400 would be positioned below the valve.
- FIGS. 27-36 illustrate yet another embodiment of an exemplary valve assembly construction.
- the valve of these figures is used for aquifer recharge purposes only as a flow path through the valve assembly has been eliminated, in this example, by capping the lower end of the pipe section included in the assembly.
- one or more, and most desirably only one, fluid actuated piston is used to shift the valve within the pipe section.
- the valve is shifted, in these examples, in the opposite direction upon relieving of fluid pressure by the pressure exerted by the head of water in the pipe column.
- a biasing mechanism can be provided to assist in this valve shifting, but is desirably eliminated in the interest of mechanical simplicity.
- a hydraulically actuated piston is operated to shift the valve from a closed position to one or more open positions. Upon relieving of hydraulic fluid pressure on the valve, the water column closes the valve.
- FIGS. 27-36 numbers for elements corresponding to elements in the embodiment of FIGS. 16-24 are the same and hence will not be discussed in detail. In some cases, a double prime (′′) has been added to these numbers (see for example comparing FIG. 28 with FIG. 18 ), but again the components correspond to one another and will not be discussed in detail other than to mention some differences that are desirably included in the FIGS. 27-36 embodiment.
- FIG. 29 the pipe section is indicated at 401 .
- the upper portion of the pipe section having a diameter D 1 as in FIG. 17 has been eliminated in FIG. 29 because no upper piston is utilized in this embodiment. Consequently, the valve assembly 10 using pipe section 401 can be of a reduced length in comparison to the pipe section of FIG. 17 .
- An exemplary pipe section length L for a 6-inch ID diameter valve is 24 inches, although this can be varied.
- the interior diameter D 2 is extended to the upper end of the pipe section and thus interior wall section 272 extends from stop 276 to the upper end of this pipe section.
- FIG. 29 desirably only one hydraulic supply line is used.
- the upper hydraulic supply port and connectors have been eliminated.
- the exterior threads 14 found in FIG. 17 have been eliminated in the embodiment of FIG. 29 because they are optional and unneeded when the assembly is coupled to the bottom end of pipe inserted into a well.
- comparing the end cap 200 ′′ of FIG. 28 with the end component of FIG. 18 illustrates that the FIG. 28 end cap has no waterful passageway therethrough.
- the surface 285 ′′ has no fluid flow passageway therethrough.
- the piston guide 286 ′′ in FIG. 18 has been eliminated from FIG. 28 , although it could be used with passageway 242 ′ capped.
- the FIG. 28 construction of the end cap 200 ′′ is somewhat simpler than the construction of end 200 ′ of FIG. 18 .
- the piston 300 ′′ of this embodiment differs in some respects from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-21 .
- the piston of FIG. 30 can be made with no fluid flow passageway through the piston.
- the internal annular grooves and guide members found in the FIG. 21 embodiment of the piston can be eliminated.
- the piston body 302 ′′ can be, for example, a monolithic body having annular grooves extending inwardly from the side wall or periphery of the body to accommodate the respective guide members 304 ′′, 306 ′′ and seal 308 ′′.
- the upper surface 329 ′′ of the piston desirably supports the valve or is provided with a coupling mechanism for engaging valve supports.
- threaded openings 402 , 404 , 406 and 408 are provided in communication with the upper surface 329 ′′ of the piston for receiving respective valve supports, such as rods 354 ′′, 356 ′′, 350 ′′, and 352 ′′.
- the lower end portions 416 , 418 , 420 and 422 of the respective rods 354 ′′, 356 ′′, 350 ′′ and 352 ′′ are each threaded for threading into an associated respective threaded opening of the piston 300 ′′.
- an upper annular washer 429 is positioned in abutting relationship to upper end 390 of valve 20 .
- a lower annular washer 423 is positioned in abutting relationship to the lower end surface 394 of valve 20 .
- the respective rods 350 ′′ through 356 ′′, in this example, desirably extends entirely through respective openings provided in the wall of valve 20 between ends 390 and 394 .
- the upper ends of these rods are desirably threaded to receive respective lock nuts to hold the valve and piston sub-assembly together.
- These nuts are indicated in FIG. 33 by the numbers 426 , 428 , 430 and 432 as shown in this figure.
- a retainer such as a stop
- a retainer is provided in this example to retain the valve in the desired position along the respective support rods.
- a washer one being indicated at 424 in FIG. 33 in association with rod 356 ′′
- a washer can be secured to each rod as by welding (see welds 425 in FIG. 34 ), to limit the downward shifting of the valve and to provide a backup against which the respective lock nuts can be tightened.
- Other forms of fasteners, stops and valve/piston components can be used.
- FIG. 34 illustrates this exemplary construction in greater detail and again shows welds 425 securing washers 424 in place.
- the washers 424 can be, for example, sized similarly to components 372 in FIG. 22 so as to be spaced from the walls of the pipe section when the valve is actuated.
- the piston 300 ′′ is positioned within the portion of pipe section 401 having the diameter D 1 with the rod receiving openings facing upwardly.
- the ends of the respective rods are then threadedly coupled to the piston.
- the washer 423 is placed on the rods (the washer being provided with respective openings to accommodate the rods with the washer 423 sliding downwardly into contact with the upper surface of the washers 424 .
- the valve is then placed onto the rods with the lower surface 394 of the valve abutting the upper surface of the annular washer 423 . Thereafter, the washer 429 is installed and the lock nuts are tightened.
- hydraulic fluid is delivered via pathway 166 to chamber 265 ′′ causing the piston 300 ′′ to shift upwardly.
- the valve 20 is positioned above the apertures 18 in an open position, such as in a full open position shown in FIG. 35 .
- Water can then be delivered through the pipe column and through the apertures 18 and into the aquifer to recharge the aquifer.
- the piston 300 ′′ shifts downwardly and moves the valve 20 to a position overlying the apertures 18 to thereby fully close the apertures.
- the valve can also be shifted to intermediate positions between these fully open and fully closed positions by varying the delivery of hydraulic fluid via pathway 166 to the chamber 265 ′′.
- the pipe section 401 ′ is like the pipe section 401 of FIG. 29 , except that the apertures 18 have been shifted to an upper region of the pipe section 401 ′ which is higher than the positioning of the apertures 18 in the embodiment of FIG. 29 .
- numbers in common with components of the FIG. 29 embodiment are the same.
- valve assembly using pipe section 401 ′ is much like the embodiments of FIGS. 35 and 36 except that the application of hydraulic pressure shifts the valve upwardly to close the passageways through the apertures 18 when the valve is in a fully closed position.
- the column of water in the pipe section shifts the piston to a lower position and exposes the apertures 18 .
- the valve can be shifted to various intermediate positions between the fully open and fully closed positions.
- Optional biasing mechanisms can be used to assist the shifting of the valve in the valve assemblies of FIGS. 35, 36 and of FIGS. 38 and 39 .
- a desirable example is a coil spring such as described above in connection with FIGS. 25 and 26 .
- a spring 435 is shown in position between shelf 439 and an annular washer in a to bias the valve 20 toward a closed position.
- the shelf acts as a stop for the upper end of the spring.
- Other retainers can alternatively be used.
- washer 429 rests on the upper ends of the rods 350 ′′, 352 ′′ and 354 ′′ in this example and provides a bearing surface for the lower end of the spring 435 .
- FIGS. 42 and 43 Other spring bearing members may alternatively be used.
- a spring 451 is shown in a position to bias the valve 20 toward an open position.
- the lower end of the spring in this example bears against the upper surface of the piston 300 ′′.
- the upper end of the spring in this example bears against a stop, such as an annular shelf 453 .
- valve assembly is desirably used in an application where recharging of the aquifer is to be accomplished and wherein water is not drawn from the well.
- recharge water can be delivered through the well and well pipe through the apertures and into the aquifer.
- water is desirably not drawn from the well as any drawn water would have to travel from the aquifer through the apertures and into the well pipe.
Abstract
An aquifer recharge valve assembly comprises a valve movable along the interior of a pipe section to open and close aquifer recharge openings through the pipe section. The position of the valve controls the extent to which the recharge openings are available for delivery of recharge water into the aquifer. The valve may be a seamless resilient cylinder which expands due to well head pressure to assist in sealing the recharge openings when the valve is closed.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/940,787, filed Sep. 13, 2004, entitled “Aquifer Recharge Valve and Method”, invented by Kent R. Madison and is considered to be a part of the disclosure of the following application and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively injecting water into an aquifer to recharge the aquifer, for example during a rainy time of year when water is more available for use in recharging the aquifer.
- In many geographic areas, wells are the primary source of water for use in agriculture and for other purposes. In addition, in many areas there is a so-called rainy or wet season where excess water is available. This excess water may be stored in ponds or reservoirs. This excess water may selectively be reintroduced into an aquifer to replenish or recharge the aquifer so that the water stored in the aquifer is then available for pumping from a well during drier times of the year.
- In effect, the ground itself is used as a water storage facility.
- Various types of recharge valves have been used in the past for delivery of water to an aquifer for recharging the aquifer. However, these known devices suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, they may be prone to leakage. Consequently, when water is being drawn from the well during a normal pumping operation, some of the water that would otherwise be drawn from the well leaks through the recharge valve.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,353 shows one form of valve that is not prone to leakage.
- Therefore, a need exists for an improved aquifer recharge valve assembly and method.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pipe section provided with a plurality of water recharge orifices. -
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the pipe ofFIG. 1 showing an embodiment of an aquifer recharge valve. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a cylinder mount usable in the recharge valve ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the mount ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the mount ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the pipe section ofFIG. 1 and shows an exemplary pattern of water recharge orifices. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary well with a recharge valve ofFIG. 1 installed. -
FIG. 8 is a view similar toFIG. 7 with the valve closed and showing water being pumped from the well. -
FIG. 9 is a view similar toFIG. 7 with the valve open and water being recharge into the aquifer. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an application in which the valve is positioned below the pump. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an application with the valve positioned above the pump (similar toFIG. 7 ). -
FIG. 12 illustrates one form of control for shifting the valve between open and closed positions with the valve shown in a closed position inFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 13 is a view similar toFIG. 12 except the valve is shown shifted to an open position inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a recharge valve assembly. -
FIG. 15 illustrates the recharge valve assembly embodiment ofFIG. 14 rotated about 90 degrees from the position of the recharge valve assembly shown inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a top view of the recharge valve assembly embodiment ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe section portion of the recharge valve assembly embodiment ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap for insertion into one end of the pipe section ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of one form of a piston slidable along an extension portion of the end cap ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 is a top view of the piston ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view through the piston ofFIG. 19 , taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 19 , and with the piston installed on an end cap extension within the recharge valve assembly ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 22 is a partially exploded perspective view of a form of valve and push rod structure which may be included in the recharge valve assembly ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view through the recharge valve assembly ofFIG. 14 with the valve shown in an open position. -
FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the recharge valve assembly ofFIG. 14 with the valve shown in a closed position. -
FIGS. 25 and 26 are likeFIGS. 23 and 24 with a biasing member, such as a coil spring, positioned in a hydraulic chamber. -
FIG. 27 is a top view of an alternative form of recharged valve assembly embodiment. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap for insertion into one end of the pipe section ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe section portion of the recharge valve assembly embodiment ofFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 30 is a vertical sectional view of one form of a piston slidable along an interior surface portion of the pipe section ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 31 is a top view of the piston ofFIG. 30 . -
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view through the piston ofFIG. 30 , taken along line 32-32 ofFIG. 31 and with the piston coupled to exemplary piston supporting rods within the recharge valve assembly of this embodiment. -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a form of valve and rod structure which can be included in the recharge valve assembly of this embodiment. -
FIG. 34 is a vertical sectional view through the valve ofFIG. 33 and piston ofFIG. 30 . -
FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view through the recharge valve assembly of the embodiment ofFIGS. 27-34 with the valve shown in one open position. -
FIG. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view of the recharge valve assembly ofFIG. 35 with the valve shown in a closed position. -
FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pipe section portion of another form of recharge valve assembly embodiment with water recharge orifices positioned closer to an upper end portion of the pipe section in comparison to the position of the water recharge orifices of the embodiment shown inFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view through a recharge valve assembly embodiment utilizing a pipe section of the form shown inFIG. 37 with the valve shown in a closed position. -
FIG. 39 is a longitudinal section view of the recharge valve assembly ofFIG. 38 with the valve shown in one open position. -
FIGS. 40 and 41 are likeFIGS. 35 and 36 , except that a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring in this example, is provided to bias the valve toward a closed position. -
FIGS. 42 and 43 are likeFIGS. 38 and 39 , except that a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring in this example, is provided to bias the valve toward open positions. - The description proceeds with reference to several embodiments. The present invention is directed toward novel and unobvious features and method acts relating to improvements to an aquifer recharge valve and system both alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another.
-
FIG. 1 shows apipe section 10 for inclusion in a pump column of a well. For example,pipe section 10 may be a six inch inside diameter steelpipe having threads pipe section 10 includes at least one aquifer recharge outlet through which water may pass to recharge an aquifer. However, desirably a plurality of aquifer recharge outlets are provided at spaced locations about the circumference of thepipe section 10. This reduces the aquifer mining that can take place when water passes through an aquifer recharge orifice toward the aquifer, with the mining being more of a problem if only one large orifice is used. As explained in greater detail below, the orifices may be of any suitable shape and pattern. InFIG. 1 the aquifer recharge orifices are arranged in a spiral pattern along apipe section portion 16 with some of these orifices being indicated at 18 inFIG. 1 . Thepipe section 10 may be of any suitable length and inFIG. 1 is shown as a twenty foot pipe section. Typically,pipe section 10 ranges from about five feet to about twenty feet, although again this is variable. As another example, the length of an exemplary pipe section in the form of theFIG. 14 embodiment described below is twenty-eight inches. As yet another example, the pipe section of theFIGS. 29 and 37 embodiments can be even shorter, such as twenty-four inches, or less, for some valves. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical sectional view through a portion ofpipe section 10 containing an exemplary aquifer recharge valve in accordance with one embodiment. - The illustrated
FIG. 2 embodiment comprises avalve 20 positioned within the interior ofpipe section 10 and movable between a first position (shown inFIG. 2 ) in which thevalve 20 does not overlie and seal theorifices 18 to a second position in which thevalve 20 overlies and closes these orifices. Thepipe section 10 is shown inFIG. 2 with thevalve 20 above theapertures 18. Other orientations may be used. For example, thepipe section 10 may be inverted from the position shown inFIG. 2 . In such a case, thevalve 20 would be below theopenings 18 and would be shifted upwardly to cover the openings. This inverted orientation is more desirable if the well is to be used a greater extent for recharge applications as the recharge water would not have to flow past valve supporting structures to reach these openings. When open, as shown inFIG. 2 , a flow path (indicated schematically by arrows 22) exists through the center of thepipe section 10 and outwardly through theorifices 18. Desirably, thevalve 20 comprises a tube having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameter ofpipe section 10. For example, ifpipe section 10 has an inside diameter of six inches, the outside diameter ofvalve 20 may be 5 and 15/16 inches. In addition,valve 20 is ideally of a material with some flexibility such that when the valve is positioned to overlieapertures 18, the water pressure within pipe section 10 (the head in the pump column) forces the valve outwardly to provide a good seal ofopenings 18 against leakage. Becausevalve 20 is positioned insidepipe section 10, the water pressure in the pipe column assists in maintaining the valve in a closed position as water is being pumped from the well.Valve 20 may be of any suitable material. As a desirable example,valve 20 may be of a polymer material and may be formed, as by machining or otherwise, as a seamless cylinder. In addition, thevalve 20 may be nine inches to one foot long. As a specific example,valve 20 may have a one-half inch thick wall and be formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene so that it has some resiliency to assist in accomplishing the seal. This material also slides easily against the interior wall of thepipe section 10. Thevalve 20 is not limited to this specific material. Other examples of suitable valve materials include: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); HDPE (high density polyethylene); Nylon (Zytel); or any other semi-rigid or resilient material. Multi-material components may also be used. - The
valve 20 may be positioned within a support structure, such as a cage structure. One form of a cage structure is indicated generally at 24. The illustrated cage structure is of a durable material with stainless steel being a specific example.Cage structure 24 comprises upper andlower cross-pieces valve 20 retained between the cross-pieces. In the specific form shown, top andbottom pieces diameter pipe section 10 may have an outer diameter of, for example, 5 and 15/16 inches. A plurality of braces, some being indicated at 32, extend longitudinally and may be bolted or otherwise fastened to the respective top andbottom pieces such braces 32 are included and are spaced apart at 90 degree intervals about therings Braces 32 may comprise, as a specific example, one-quarter inch diameter stainless steel thrust rods. The respective ends of the thrust rods may be inserted into associated holes drilled in the top andbottom pieces - A drive mechanism is provided for shifting the cage and thus the valve between the open and closed positions. It should be noted that a plurality of open positions are provided depending upon the number of
apertures 18 that are exposed. In one specific form, the drive mechanism comprises at least one, and in this case two,valve closing cylinders 40 and at least twovalve operating cylinders 42. Thecylinders cylinder 40, with the other cylinders being similarly mounted, thepiston end 44 ofcylinder 40 is pivotally coupled to an ear or mount 46 which projects outwardly fromtop piece 28. Thecylinder housing end 48 ofcylinder 40 is pivoted to amount 50 which is coupled, for example bolted, to thepipe section 10 or to a mount coupled thereto. Extension ofcylinders 42shifts valve 20 upwardly in theFIG. 2 example and exposes theapertures 18 with the number of apertures that are exposed depending upon the extent of the upward shifting of thevalve 20. Conversely, extension ofcylinders 40 shifts thecage 24 andvalve 20 downwardly in theFIG. 2 example. Whenvalve 20 is in a fully closed position, the valve overlies all of theapertures 18. Thecylinders valve 20 at any desired position. - One form of
mount 50 is shown inFIGS. 3-5 , it being understood that any suitable mounting structure may be used. The structure illustrated inFIGS. 3-5 is mechanically simple and strong. With reference to these figures, mount 50 comprises acurved wall 60 having aback surface 62 which may conform to the curvature of the interior ofpipe section 10. Thewall 60 also has a concavefront surface 63 in this example. First and secondfastener receiving openings mount 50.Openings pipe section 10 and through one of therespective openings pipe section 10 may be used to secure each of these bolts. Lock washers (not shown) may also be used. As a specific example, mount 50 may be of stainless steel withwall 60 being ⅜ inch in thickness. Although variable, the mount may have a width w of three inches and may be of the same height. The width x indicates that portion of the edge ofwall 60 visible in the front view. The dimension y indicates that portion of therear wall 62 which is visible in the side view shown inFIG. 5 . Acylinder mount portion 70 is secured, as by welding thewelds 72 to theinterior surface 63 ofwall 60. Thecylinder mount portion 70 may be of any suitable configuration, although in the form shown theportion 70 is depicted as being of a generally triangular shape. Although variable,mount portion 70 may extend the full height ofpiece 60.Portion 70 may be of a durable material. As a specific example,portion 70 may be one-half inch in thickness and of stainless steel. Afastener receiving opening 76 extends throughmount portion 70. Thecylinder housing end 48 is fastened, for example by a bolt, extending through a mounting opening in the cylinder housing end and through opening 76 to thereby mount the cylinder in place. - In a typical construction, the cylinders have an eight inch stroke, although this is variable, and may depend in part upon the length of that portion of the
pipe section 10 which includes the aquifer recharge apertures. That is, although not required, a desirable construction involves having a sufficient cylinder stroke to move thevalve 20 enough of a distance to open all of the aquifer recharge apertures when the valve is shifted to its full open position and to close all of the aquifer recharge apertures when the valve is shifted to its fully closed position. -
FIG. 6 illustrates the section ofpipe 16 having theapertures 18. Again, it should be noted that at least one such aperture is provided. However, it is more desirable to include a plurality of apertures spaced about the circumference ofpipe section 10. This approach disperses the water being used to recharge the aquifer through a plurality of openings and reduces the mining of the aquifer that could otherwise take place by a high volume of water passing through one or only a few apertures toward the aquifer. The size and number of apertures may be varied for a particular application. That is, for a given head pressure during recharging of a well and a desirable flow rate of recharge water into the aquifer, one can determine the number and size of apertures that are required. In the illustrated embodiment, forty openings are provided which are each one-fourth inch in diameter. These openings are desirably arranged in a spiral pattern as shown inFIG. 6 as opposed to being in respective rings with each ring being at the same elevation. As a result, the integrity and strength of the pipe is increased. Although less desirable, the openings may be arranged in rings or other arrangements. In addition, as the valve is moved upwardly or downwardly, the change in the exposed orifices is almost linear. This facilitates the control of a flow rate during aquifer recharge operations. As shown inFIG. 6 , for one of theapertures 18, the apertures may have roundededges 80 at the interior side of thepipe section 10 to facilitate the smoother flow of water through the apertures during an aquifer recharge operation. This also reduces the possibility of the apertures scratching thevalve 20 as it is slid past the apertures. - In the illustrated example with forty apertures of one-fourth inch diameter and with a valve head pressure of 520 feet of head, the flow rate through all the apertures is about 1970 gallons per minute. In general, this flow would be distributed equally through the various apertures. In this example, it is assumed that all forty apertures are open.
- If single action cylinders are used, the cylinders are always pushing against and reinforcing the cage.
- In one specific application shown in
FIG. 7 , a well 100 is indicated and extends downwardly fromground surface 102. In this example, the upper portion of the well has a well casing 104 which in this example ends at 106. The well casing may be any depth and typically depends on soil conditions. A well is typically cased deep enough to minimize the possibility of collapsing of the walls of the well. The lower uncased portions of the well are indicated at 108, 110 and 112. A pump column is indicated at 114 withpipe section 10 being included in the pump column. One or more pump bowls are indicated at 116 with respective impellers (not shown) driven by an electric orother motor 118 located at thewell head 120. A screen is illustrated at 122 for blocking the passage of grit into the pump bowls 116. Acheck valve 124 restricts the downward flow of water through the valve toward the pump bowls. The static water level in the well is indicated in this example at 126. Aconventional vacuum 128 maintains a vacuum in the line in a conventional manner to self-prime the pump. A flow rate meter 130 (with a McCrometer Model MW506,Option # 10 with bi-directional capabilities (indicates flow in each direction) from McCrometer of Hemet, Calif. being one suitable example) to monitor the water flow rate. A portion of a water discharge pipe (during pumping operations) is indicated at 132.Pipe 132 may function as a supply pipe during aquifer recharge operations. Pressure at the well head may be monitored by apressure gauge 134. It should be noted that other types of pumps may be used as the aquifer recharge valve is not limited to use with the type of pump depicted inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment ofFIG. 7 in which the well is being operated in a normal pumping operation. In this case, thevalve 20 has been shifted to a closed position to block the flow of water throughapertures 18. As the pump operates, water passesscreen 122 and flows in the direction indicated schematically byarrows 133 to the surface of the well and throughdischarge pipe 132. The water is indicated schematically at 134 exiting frompipe 132.Check valve 124 prevents the backflow of water through pump bowls 116. In this figure, thewater level 126′ is schematically shown as having a concave dip as water is being drawn from the aquifer into the pump column. No water is shown flowing throughopenings 18 as these openings are closed in this specific example. - Next assume it is desired to shift from the conditions of
FIG. 7 orFIG. 8 to the aquifer recharge operation shown inFIG. 9 . In making this transition, thevalve 20 is closed (or remains closed if it is already closed) to block the flow of water through theapertures 18. The pump is turned on to force water to the surface to fill up the pump column (if it is not already full). The pump is then shut off. Thecheck valve 124 holds the column of water in the pump column. One fills the column and any pipe connected thereto with water so that air is not injected into the aquifer during recharge operations. Any such injected air can plug the aquifer. A pump, such assurface pump 148, is then energized to deliver water from a source 150 (such as a reservoir, lake, stream, tank or other storage area) in a direction indicated schematically byarrows 152 intopipe 132 and the well head. A positive pressure is maintained at the well head such as 10-20 psi. The valve is then opened by raising the cage with the extent of the valve opening being controlled to match the water flow rate into the well head at the surface. A controller, such as a programmable logic controller, may be used to control the positioning of the valve so that these flow rates are maintained in a manner that keeps a positive pressure at the well head. Thus, if the pressure drops, thevalve 20 may be shifted to close the valve to a greater extent. If the pressure rises, thevalve 20 may be opened to a greater extent. Thevalve 20 may be controlled by a hydraulic motor coupled to therespective cylinders FIG. 9 , under these conditions thewater level 126 is shown elevated as water is being injected into the aquifer through theopenings 18.Check valve 124, in this example, prevents the water from flowing backward through the pump bowls. When it is desired to stop recharging the aquifer, thevalve 20 may be closed to block theopenings 18. In addition, thevalve 20 may be opened to drain the water column to its static level (seeFIG. 7 ). -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the construction described in connection withFIG. 7-9 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative construction in which thecheck valve 124 and aquifer recharge valve are positioned below the pump bowls and suction of the pump. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a control useful in controlling the opening and closing of thevalve 20. - In
FIG. 12 , thevalve 20 is shown shifted to a closed position. In this example, ahydraulic pump 160 is coupled by aline 162 to a hydraulicpump control valve 164.Valve 164 is coupled to aline 166 extending frompump control valve 164 to the cylinder housing end of thecylinders 42. Aline 168 may be coupled fromcontrol valve 164 to the cylinder housing end of thecylinders 40. However, in the illustrated embodiment,line 168 is coupled to oneend portion 170 of achamber 171. Apiston 172 is positioned withinchamber 171. An indicator, such as arod 174, is coupled topiston 172 and projects outwardly fromchamber 171. Asecond chamber 176, at the opposite side ofpiston 172 fromchamber 170, is coupled by aline 178 to the cylinder housing end of therespective cylinders 40. Whenvalve 164 is in the position shown inFIG. 12 , hydraulic fluid is passed throughline 168 intochamber 170 to drivepiston 172 to the left in this figure.Piston 172 in turn forces hydraulic fluid fromchamber 176 intoline 178 and to the cylinder housing end ofcylinders 40 to extendcylinders 40 and drive thevalve 20 to a closed position. At the same time, hydraulic fluid is bled from the cylinder housing end ofcylinders 42 vialine 166. The position of the exposed end ofrod 174 provides a visual indication of the extent to which thevalve 20 is closed. Indicia and a pointer on the rod which moves along the indicia may be used to indicate the valve position. The rod comprises one form of a piston extension. Other mechanisms for detecting and visually indicating the position of the piston, and thereby of the recharge valve, may also be used. Remote indication of the valve position may also be provided. For example, a potentiometer may be coupled torod 174 and be included in a circuit which provides an electrical signal at a remote location (spaced from the rod and desirably spaced from the well head) to indicate the position of the rod and thus the position ofvalve 20. InFIG. 12 , the valve is shown in its fully closed position. The fully opened position is also indicated inFIG. 12 .Components rod 174. In general, during an aquifer recharge operation,piston rod 174 is movable in the direction as indicated byarrows 180 to various positions between the fully closed and fully opened position. Aprogrammable logic controller 182 receives an input signal online 184 which corresponds to the pressure P at the well head.Controller 182 is programmed to send a signal alongline 186 to hydraulicpump control valve 164 to control the operation of the control valve to in turn shift thevalve 20 toward open or closed positions to maintain the pressure at the well head within desired limits (e.g., 10 to 20 psi). A monitor or othervisual display device 190 may also be included to provide further indications of the operating conditions of the system during aquifer recharging. Other indicators may alternatively be used. - Typically, food grade hydraulic fluid is used so as to protect the water supply in the event the hydraulic fluid leaks from the system. Although other lines may be used, the
lines - The volume of
chambers piston rod 174 between the open and closed positions corresponds to the movement of thevalve 20 between respective fully open and fully closed positions. - Although other components may be used, one
exemplary control valve 164 is a Model No. 202-304 solenoid valve from Chief Manufacturing. Asuitable logic controller 182 is aPanel View Model 300 controller from Allen Bradley. -
FIG. 13 showsvalve 20 as it is shifted to its fully opened position. In this case, hydraulic fluid is delivered throughline 166 to the housing end ofcylinders 42 to extend these cylinders and shift thevalve 20 upwardly inFIG. 13 . At the same time, hydraulic fluid passes from the housing side ofcylinders 40 throughline 178 and intochamber 176. Fluid fromchamber 170 is bled throughline 168. - Other control systems for controlling the operation of
cylinders valve 20 may be used as alternatives. For example, mechanisms such as a manual two-way spool valve may be used to control the shifting ofvalve 20. - With reference to
FIG. 14 , another form ofrecharge valve assembly 198 comprises a pipe section orhousing 10 having at least one water flow opening, and more desirably a plurality ofopenings 18, extending through the pipe section. The apertured area ofpipe section 10 is indicated by thenumber 16 inFIG. 14 . The apertures may be of any suitable size and pattern such as the size and pattern shown inFIG. 6 and as previously described. Consequently, the apertures will not be discussed further in connection with this embodiment. - The embodiment of
FIG. 14 may use avalve 20 and other components as previously described. Also, the operation of the valve ofFIG. 14 may be as previously discussed and may use a control system as described above. - The illustrated
recharge valve assembly 198 comprises first and second end members, such asend caps pipe section 10 of the valve assembly shown inFIG. 14 . Exemplaryend cap portions first coupler 204, mounted to the exterior ofhousing 10, defines an internal passageway 205 (FIG. 17 ) communicating with the interior of a portion ofhousing 10 through a corresponding port orpassageway 206 in the housing. A hydraulic line fitting 208 (FIG. 14 ) may be secured tocoupling 204, such as being threaded into a threaded fitting receiving portion of the coupling. A hydraulic line (not shown inFIG. 14 ) may be connected to fitting 208 when the valve assembly is in use. This line may, for example, correspond to theline 168 in previously described embodiments, such as the embodiments ofFIGS. 12 and 13 . A tapereddeflector 210 may be positioned at the underside of fitting 204 (and may, for example, be a part of fitting 204). Thedeflector 210 deflects the valve assembly away from obstructions as the valve assembly and well pipe containing the assembly is lowered into a well.Deflector 210 also shields thecoupling 204. In addition, in the embodiment ofFIG. 14 , asecond coupler 212 defines a hollowinterior passageway 213 communicating through a port 214 (FIG. 17 ) with the interior of the housing orpipe section 10.Coupler 212 may be internally threaded so as to receive a hydraulic line fitting 216 (FIG. 15 ) and the lower end of ahydraulic line section 218. The upper end ofline section 218 terminates in ahydraulic fitting 220 that may be coupled to a hydraulic line, such as line 166 (FIGS. 12 and 13 ), when the valve assembly is in use. A tapered shield ordeflector 222 may be positioned belowcoupler 212 and functions in the same manner asdeflector 210. Theports respective openings respective couplings fittings - It should be noted that the
recharge valve assembly 198 may be used in other orientations, such as inverted from the orientation shown inFIG. 14 . In such a case, thecouplers - As explained below, the
respective end caps pipe section 10 and desirably are threaded into the pipe section. In addition, retainers, such asset screws 230,232 (FIG. 15 ), may be used to engage therespective end caps pipe section 10 during use. The illustratedset screws pipe section 10 and into engagement with the respective end caps. - With reference to
FIGS. 16 and 18 ,end cap 200′ may be identical to endcap 200. For this reason, portions ofend cap 200′ are assigned the same number as corresponding portions ofend cap 200, except that a prime (′) is added to the components ofend cap 200′.End cap 200′ is desirably of an annular construction with abody 240′ (FIG. 17 ) provided with a longitudinally and axially extending water flow opening 242′. The water flow opening 242′ may be circular in cross-section and may have a diameter that is varied depending upon factors such as the diameter of the well pipe with which therecharge valve assembly 198 is to be used. For example, a valve for use with 6 inch outside diameter well pipe, that has approximately a 5 inch inside diameter, may have end cap openings that are 2.872 inches, as a specific example. In other words, the end cap openings, in this example, are approximately 3 inches in diameter. As another example, a recharge valve assembly for eight inch well pipe may have end caps with respective longitudinally extending openings that are 4 inches in diameter. Also, a recharge valve assembly for ten inch well pipe may have end caps with center openings of about 6 inches in diameter. Again, these dimensions may be varied. The length of the valve assembly may be relatively short. For example, length L inFIG. 17 may be 28 inches. Because of the shortness of recharge valve assembly of the illustrated example, even with a somewhat restrictedopening 242, little pressure loss occurs across the recharge valve as water flows through the valve assembly. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 16 , theend cap 200 is provided with first and secondblind holes end cap body 240 and are exposed at the surface of the body of theend cap 200. A tool, such as a wrench having projecting pegs positioned for insertion into therespective openings valve end cap 200 within the end ofpipe section 10 and also to remove theend cap 200, as desired.End cap 200′ is desirably also provided with corresponding blind holes. - With reference to
FIG. 17 , one form ofpipe section 10 for the valve assembly ofFIG. 14 is illustrated. The illustratedpipe section 10 hasexterior threads pipe section 10 hasinternal threads 250 for threadedly receiving external threads 258 (FIG. 23 ) on thebody 240 ofend cap 200 for use in threadedly interconnecting these members. In the same manner, the lower end ofpipe section 10 is provided with internal threads 252 (FIG. 17 ) for threadedly receiving a threadedportion 258′ (FIGS. 18,23 ) of theend cap 200′. Interiorly (meaning toward the center of pipe section 10) ofthreads 250, an annular taperedwall section 254, of a diameter that is reduced in a direction extending inwardly into the interior of pipe section, is provided for engaging a corresponding shoulder 260 (FIG. 23 ) ofcap member 200 to limit the extent to whichcap member 200 may be inserted into the pipe section. Therefore, whencap member 200 is threaded into thepipe section 10 andshoulder 260 bottoms out againstwall section 254, the position ofcap member 200 is at a known established location. A similar tapered annular shelf 256 (FIG. 17 ) is provided at the lower end of thepipe section 10. - A
first wall section 264 is positioned inwardly of taperedsection 254.Wall section 264 is of a first cross-sectional dimension, and in this example, is a right cylinder having a diameter D1. The dimension D1 may be varied depending upon the size of the recharge valve assembly, such as being of the diameter of the well pipe with which the valve assembly is to be used. Although variable, for apipe section 10 having a six inch outside diameter, dimension D1 may be, for example, about 5.4 inches. A portion of thewall surface 264 in this embodiment desirably defines a portion of a hydraulic chamber 265 (FIGS. 23,24 ) as explained below. The assembly desirably includes a piston stop for limiting the motion of one or more pistons within the valve assembly. Although various forms of a stop (e.g., projections) may be used, in one specific example, the piston stop comprises ashelf 266 of an annular configuration that is formed in the interior surface ofpipe section 10 at the inward end ofwall section 264. A valve guidingwall section 272 of a second cross-sectional, in this example diameter D2, is positioned inwardly ofshelf 266. Thevalve 20 may slide alongwall section 272 to respectively open and close theopenings 18 through thepipe section 10 depending upon whether, and to the extent, thevalve 20 overlies theopenings 18. - As can be seen in
FIG. 17 , in the orientation shown, an upper portion ofwall section 272 is provided without theopenings 18. When thevalve 20 is moved to a position adjacent the upper portion ofwall section 272, the valve desirably does not impede the flow of water through theopenings 18. Conversely, as the valve is shifted downwardly inFIG. 17 to a position which overlies some or all of the openings 18 (all of them desirably being overlaid when the valve is in its lowermost position), the flow of water throughopenings 18 is impeded or blocked. The extent of such blockage depends upon the valve position. The diameter D2 may also be varied. In one specific example, the diameter D2 is 5 inches for a six inch outsidediameter pipe section 10. The lower portion ofpipe section 10 in the illustrated embodiment also comprises awall section 274 positioned inwardly of annular taperedwall section 256.Wall section 274 may also be a right cylinder and desirably defines a portion of ahydraulic chamber 265′ (FIGS. 23,24 ) in this specific example.Wall section 274 may have the same diameter D1 aswall section 264. The inwardmost end ofwall section 274 terminates in an annular piston stop 276 which is likestop 266. Other forms of a piston stop may be used in the lower portion of the pipe section. -
FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplarylower end cap 200′.Cap 200′ comprisesexternal threads 258′ for threading into thethreads 252 of thepipe section 10. An annular taperedshoulder section 260′ ofend cap body 240′ is provided to engageannular wall surface 256 ofpipe section 10 when these components are assembled. Thebody 240′ ofend cap 200′ may also comprise acylindrical wall portion 278′ having an outside cross-sectional dimension, such as a diameter, that desirably corresponds to and is slightly less than the diameter D1. Endcap wall portion 278′ desirably is sealed against thewall section 274 whenend cap 200′ is in place. For example,wall section 278′ may be provided with at least one inwardly extendingseal receiving groove 280′ within which a seal, such as an O-ring 282′, is placed. The O-ring 282′ seals the space betweenwall section 274 andwall portion 278′ and thus seals the base of the recharge valve assembly and thehydraulic chamber 265′ (FIGS. 23,24 ) at this location. - The
body 240′ desirably has a wall portion orsection 284′ that is of a reduced cross-sectional dimension at a location adjacent towall section 278′. Thewall section 284′ is positioned further inwardly intopipe section 10 than thewall section 278′. As a result, anannular passageway 287′ (FIG. 23 ) is provided to facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluid throughopening 214 and into the hydraulicfluid receiving chamber 265′ as described below.Body 240′ may include an annular shelf orpiston stop surface 285′ operable to limit the movement of a piston in the direction toward the adjacent end of thepipe section 10. Other forms of piston stop may be used.Body 240′ also comprises, in this embodiment, a piston guide such as a cylindrical piston engagingwall section 286′.Wall section 286′ is of a reduced diameter in comparison towall section 274. Thewall section 286′ terminates in anend portion 288′. The fluid flow opening 242′ passes axially throughprojection 286′ and through the other portions ofbody 240′ to theexterior end cap 200′. Thewall surface 286′ comprises one form of an annular piston guiding surface along which a piston may be shifted. Thewall surface 286′ desirably defines a portion of thehydraulic chamber 265′. Other portions of thechamber 265′ are defined, in this example, by thesections 284′,285′ of theend cap 200′ and by a portion ofwall section 274. This will become more apparent from the discussion below. -
FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 illustrate an exemplary form ofannular piston 300′ that may be employed in therecharge valve assembly 198 ofFIG. 14 . The construction of thepiston 300′ may be varied. The recharge valve assembly desirably comprises a double acting hydraulic cylinder with, in reference toFIGS. 23 and 24 , upper and lower pistons, 300,300′. Since these pistons are desirably identical, although not required, onlylower piston 300′ will be described in detail. Components ofpiston 300′ that correspond to components ofpiston 300 are assigned the same number, but with a prime (′) designation. With reference toFIG. 19 , the illustratedpiston 300′ comprises anannular body 302′. Thebody 302′ defines upper and lower spaced apart wearring receiving grooves 304′,306′ extending inwardly into the body. In addition, aseal receiving groove 308′, is provided intermediate to and spaced from therespective grooves 304′ and 306′. Awear ring 310′ is positioned withingroove 304′ and asecond wear ring 312′ is positioned withingroove 306′. A seal, such as an O-ring 314′, is positioned within thegroove 308′. The wear rings 310′,312′ may, for example, be of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or other low friction durable material. The outside diameter of eachwear ring 310′,312′ is slightly greater than the outside diameter of thebody 302′ so that, when in position, the wear rings bear against the wall surface 274 (orsurface 264 in the case ofpiston 300 and its wear rings). The O-ring 314′ seals the space between thepiston 300′ and the adjoiningwall section 274. The periphery ofpiston 300′ defines an exteriorannular piston surface 315′ for sliding along a portion ofwall section 274. - As can best be seen in
FIG. 21 , thepiston body 302′ also defines upper and lower inwardly extending interior wearring receiving grooves 320′,322′ that are spaced apart from one another and an inwardly extending interiorseal receiving groove 324′ between thegrooves 320′,322′. Respective wear rings 326′,327′ are received in therespective grooves 320′,322′. In addition, at least one seal, such as an O-ring 328′, is received within thegroove 324′. The O-rings 314′,328′ are typically of rubber or other suitable seal material. The wear rings 326′,327′ may be of the same material as wear rings 310′,312′. The interior diameter of wear rings 326′,327′ is less than the interior diameter ofpiston body 302′ so that the wear rings 326′,327′, when the piston is in position, slide alongsurface 286′ and separate thepiston body 302′ from the endcap wall surface 286′. The O-ring 328′ is sized to seal the gap between endcap wall surface 286′ and thepiston 300′. Other suitable approaches for sealing a piston relative to an interior pipe section wall surface and end cap projection may also be used. The illustrated piston also defines an annular interior piston surface positioned for sliding along the piston guide, in this case, alongwall surface 286′. Opposed major annular piston surfaces, onesurface 329′ facingvalve 20 and theother surface 333′ facinghydraulic chamber 265′, are thus included in this piston construction.Surfaces 329′ and 333′ are separated from one another by theannular surface 315′. - In
FIG. 21 , thepiston 300′ thus corresponds to the lower piston of the recharge valve assembly oriented as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24 . The piston surfaces 329,329′ (FIGS. 23,24 ) are each coupled to thevalve 20 by a respective pusher or force applying structure, such as a piston to valve engaging structure. In one form, plural push rods, which may be of stainless steel or other suitable material, comprise a form of piston to valve engaging structure. In this example, with reference toFIG. 22 , fourupper push rods FIG. 23 for three of these rods, the upper ends of these push rods engage thelower surface 329 of thepiston 300.Lower push rods 350′,352′,354′ and 356′ are also shown inFIG. 22 . The lower ends of these latter push rods engage theupper surface 329′ ofpiston 300′ as shown inFIG. 23 forpush rods 350′,352′ and 354′.FIG. 22 thus shows an exemplary push rod to valve subassembly. Although a set of four push rods are shown inFIG. 22 in position at each end ofvalve 20, the number of push rods may be varied. In the embodiment ofFIG. 22 , the push rods are spaced equally about the circumference of a rightcylindrical valve 20. In the case of a valve assembly for use with eight inch well pipe, six push rods is a desirable exemplary number. For a valve assembly for ten inch well pipe, eight push rods are a desirable number. Each of the push rods desirably comprises a piston bearing surface such assurface 359 forpush rod 350,surface 360 forpush rod 352,surface 362 forpush rod 354, andsurface 364 forpush rod 356. These surfaces bear against the corresponding adjacent major surface of one of the pistons during operation of the valve assembly. Each of the push rods desirably comprises a stem portion of reduced cross-sectional dimension, such asstem portion 370 forpush rod 350.Stem portion 370 may be formed, for example, by machining a rod to reduce the diameter of an end portion of the rod to equal the diameter of thestem portion 370. The unmachined end portion of the rod comprises a largerdiameter push portion 371 of the push rod construction. An annular member, such as astainless steel washer 372, may be inserted ontostem 370 and against the lower surface ofpush rod portion 371 and fastened in place, such as by welding. The diameter ofmember 372 is desirably slightly less than (e.g., 1/32 of an inch less than) the thickness of thevalve 20 so that the edge ofmember 372 does not engage the adjacent sidewall of the pipe section. For example, for a recharge valve assembly for six inch well pipe, thevalve 20 may have a thickness of one-half inch. The diameter ofmember 372 may, in this case, be, for example, 15/32 of an inch. These dimensions may be varied. Themember 372 is provided to increase the surface area that bears against the adjacent end (e.g., end 390 inFIG. 22 ) ofvalve 20. - The
end 390 is provided with a plurality of stem receiving openings such asopening 392 leading to a bore that extends through thevalve 20 fromend 390 to end 394. The respective stems of the various push rods are each inserted into a respective associated opening. The stems are desirably sized such that the end of a stem of one push rod bears against the end of the stem of the opposed push rod. Alternatively, a rod section or spacer may be positioned in each bore to engage the ends of the stem portions inserted in the bore. For example with reference toFIG. 23 , the end ofstem 370 ofpush rod 350 bears against thecorresponding stem 370′ ofpush rod 350′ withmember 372′ bearing againstvalve end 394 and the correspondingmember 372 ofpush rod 350 bearing against theopposite valve end 390. Consequently, actuation forces are primarily borne by the push rods rather than being applied directly to thevalve sleeve 20. This minimizes the possibility of thevalve 20 buckling or being crushed or damaged if, for example, one of thepistons - In operation, with reference to
FIGS. 23 and 24 , thevalve 20 may be shifted between a closed and various open positions by applying hydraulic pressure to theappropriate side piston FIG. 23 , hydraulic fluid is delivered vialine 166 andport 214 is delivered into the hydraulicfluid chamber 265′ defined bywall section 284′, stopsurface 285′, a portion ofwall section 286′, theunderside 333′ ofpiston 300′, and a portion of wall section 274). This urgespiston 300′ upwardly in the example ofFIG. 23 and shifts thevalve 20 upwardly. That is, an upward force is applied bypiston 300′ to the respective push rods (e.g., pushrod 350′, 352′ and 354′) against theundersurface 394 ofvalve 20. The valve may be shifted entirely to its full open position as shown inFIG. 23 withpiston surface 333 ofpiston 300 againststop surface 285 andpiston surface 329′ ofpiston 300′ againststop surface 276. Alternatively, the motion ofvalve 20 may be interrupted at a location which partially opens the valve. When open, fluid may flow through theopenings 18 that are no longer covered by thevalve 20. - In contrast, in
FIG. 24 the valve is shown shifted to a fully closed position (shifted downwardly in the example ofFIG. 24 ). In this position, thevalve 20 overlies all of the openings 18 (withpiston surface 329 ofpiston 300 againststop surface 266 andpiston surface 333′ ofpiston 300′ againststop surface 285′). This is accomplished by delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid vialine 168 and throughport 206 into the hydraulic chamber 265 (defined by a portion ofwall section 284,wall section 285, stopsurface 285, thetop side 333 ofpiston 300, and a portion of wall section 286). As a result, the valve is urged downwardly in the example ofFIG. 24 to a closed (or partially closed) position. That is, hydraulic fluid exerts pressure onside 333 ofpiston 300 that results in force being applied viapiston side 329 and through push rods (e.g., 350,352 and 354) to theupper valve surface 390. As hydraulic fluid is being delivered vialine 166 inFIG. 23 tochamber 265′, it is being bled from thechamber 265 at theupper side 333 ofpiston 300 viaport 206 andline 168. Conversely, when hydraulic fluid is being delivered throughline 168 tochamber 265, fluid in thechamber 265′ at theunderside 333′ ofpiston 300′ is being removed vialine 166. - The embodiment of
FIGS. 25 and 26 is like the embodiment ofFIGS. 23 and 24 except that a biasing mechanism has been included for urging thevalve 20 to a closedposition overlying apertures 18, such as in the event of a failure of hydraulic pressure. This biasing mechanism comprises a mechanism for applying resistance in opposition to movement of the valve toward open positions. Although elastic or other biasing mechanisms may be used on either side of the valve as required to apply force in the desired direction, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 25 and 26 , one form of biasing mechanism comprises acoil spring 400 positioned withinchamber 265 above thevalve 20 in this example. Thechamber 265 has been elongated in this example in the axial direction of the valve assembly to accommodate the positioning of thespring 400 therein.FIG. 25 illustrates thespring 400 being compressed as thevalve 20 is shifted toward valve open positions.FIG. 26 illustrates the expansion of the coil spring as thevalve 20 is shifted to a closed position. Thus, as the valve is opened, the coil spring is compressed so as to store energy and to apply a biasing force against the valve as the valve is shifted in this direction. In the event of a failure of hydraulic pressure, thespring 400 will expand to shift the valve to a closed position as shown inFIG. 26 . One exemplary coil spring is of a durable resilient material, such as spring steel. The force applied by the spring is not critical, and be varied while still being sufficient to close the valve under such conditions. One specific example for a six-inch diameter valve is a coil spring with a spring rate of about 42.1 pounds per inch that applies about 200 pounds of force to the valve when the spring is in its least compressed state in the valve (e.g., compressed from an uncompressed length of 15 inches to a length of 10.25 inches when in the least compressed position in the valve) and that applies about 410 pounds of force to the valve when the spring is in its most compressed state in the valve (e.g., compressed to a length of 5.25 inches). Again, other types of biasing mechanisms including other types of springs may be used. In the event the valve embodiment ofFIGS. 25 and 26 is inverted, thespring 400 would be positioned below the valve. -
FIGS. 27-36 illustrate yet another embodiment of an exemplary valve assembly construction. The valve of these figures is used for aquifer recharge purposes only as a flow path through the valve assembly has been eliminated, in this example, by capping the lower end of the pipe section included in the assembly. In these embodiments desirably one or more, and most desirably only one, fluid actuated piston is used to shift the valve within the pipe section. The valve is shifted, in these examples, in the opposite direction upon relieving of fluid pressure by the pressure exerted by the head of water in the pipe column. A biasing mechanism can be provided to assist in this valve shifting, but is desirably eliminated in the interest of mechanical simplicity. - In the embodiments of
FIGS. 27-36 , a hydraulically actuated piston is operated to shift the valve from a closed position to one or more open positions. Upon relieving of hydraulic fluid pressure on the valve, the water column closes the valve. - In
FIGS. 27-36 , numbers for elements corresponding to elements in the embodiment ofFIGS. 16-24 are the same and hence will not be discussed in detail. In some cases, a double prime (″) has been added to these numbers (see for example comparingFIG. 28 withFIG. 18 ), but again the components correspond to one another and will not be discussed in detail other than to mention some differences that are desirably included in theFIGS. 27-36 embodiment. - In
FIG. 29 , the pipe section is indicated at 401. In comparison toFIG. 17 , the upper portion of the pipe section having a diameter D1 as inFIG. 17 has been eliminated inFIG. 29 because no upper piston is utilized in this embodiment. Consequently, thevalve assembly 10 usingpipe section 401 can be of a reduced length in comparison to the pipe section ofFIG. 17 . An exemplary pipe section length L for a 6-inch ID diameter valve is 24 inches, although this can be varied. InFIG. 29 , the interior diameter D2 is extended to the upper end of the pipe section and thusinterior wall section 272 extends fromstop 276 to the upper end of this pipe section. - In addition, in this
FIG. 29 embodiment, desirably only one hydraulic supply line is used. Thus, in comparison toFIGS. 16 and 17 , the upper hydraulic supply port and connectors have been eliminated. Also, theexterior threads 14 found inFIG. 17 have been eliminated in the embodiment ofFIG. 29 because they are optional and unneeded when the assembly is coupled to the bottom end of pipe inserted into a well. In addition, comparing theend cap 200″ ofFIG. 28 with the end component ofFIG. 18 , illustrates that theFIG. 28 end cap has no waterful passageway therethrough. Thus, in this example, thesurface 285″ has no fluid flow passageway therethrough. In addition, thepiston guide 286″ inFIG. 18 has been eliminated fromFIG. 28 , although it could be used withpassageway 242′ capped. Thus, theFIG. 28 construction of theend cap 200″ is somewhat simpler than the construction ofend 200′ ofFIG. 18 . - Also, with reference to
FIGS. 30, 31 , and 32, thepiston 300″ of this embodiment differs in some respects from the embodiment shown inFIGS. 19-21 . For example, in an embodiment wherein thepiston guide 286′ ofFIG. 18 is eliminated such as in the embodiment ofFIG. 28 , the piston ofFIG. 30 can be made with no fluid flow passageway through the piston. In this case, the internal annular grooves and guide members found in theFIG. 21 embodiment of the piston can be eliminated. - In the piston embodiment of
FIGS. 30-32 , thepiston body 302″ can be, for example, a monolithic body having annular grooves extending inwardly from the side wall or periphery of the body to accommodate therespective guide members 304″, 306″ and seal 308″. In addition, theupper surface 329″ of the piston desirably supports the valve or is provided with a coupling mechanism for engaging valve supports. Although other couplers can be used, in a mechanically simple example, threadedopenings upper surface 329″ of the piston for receiving respective valve supports, such asrods 354″, 356″, 350″, and 352″. More specifically, in this example, thelower end portions respective rods 354″, 356″, 350″ and 352″ are each threaded for threading into an associated respective threaded opening of thepiston 300″. - In the valve construction of
FIG. 33 , an upperannular washer 429 is positioned in abutting relationship toupper end 390 ofvalve 20. In addition, a lowerannular washer 423 is positioned in abutting relationship to thelower end surface 394 ofvalve 20. Therespective rods 350″ through 356″, in this example, desirably extends entirely through respective openings provided in the wall ofvalve 20 betweenends FIG. 33 by thenumbers FIG. 33 in association withrod 356″) can be secured to each rod as by welding (seewelds 425 inFIG. 34 ), to limit the downward shifting of the valve and to provide a backup against which the respective lock nuts can be tightened. Other forms of fasteners, stops and valve/piston components can be used. -
FIG. 34 illustrates this exemplary construction in greater detail and again showswelds 425 securingwashers 424 in place. Thewashers 424 can be, for example, sized similarly tocomponents 372 inFIG. 22 so as to be spaced from the walls of the pipe section when the valve is actuated. - During assembly of this embodiment, the
piston 300″ is positioned within the portion ofpipe section 401 having the diameter D1 with the rod receiving openings facing upwardly. The ends of the respective rods are then threadedly coupled to the piston. Thewasher 423 is placed on the rods (the washer being provided with respective openings to accommodate the rods with thewasher 423 sliding downwardly into contact with the upper surface of thewashers 424. The valve is then placed onto the rods with thelower surface 394 of the valve abutting the upper surface of theannular washer 423. Thereafter, thewasher 429 is installed and the lock nuts are tightened. This is only one exemplary desirable construction, and can be varied. - With reference to
FIG. 35 , hydraulic fluid is delivered viapathway 166 tochamber 265″ causing thepiston 300″ to shift upwardly. As a result, in this embodiment, thevalve 20 is positioned above theapertures 18 in an open position, such as in a full open position shown inFIG. 35 . Water can then be delivered through the pipe column and through theapertures 18 and into the aquifer to recharge the aquifer. At times when recharging of the aquifer is no longer required, or in the event of hydraulic fluid pressure failure, as shown byFIG. 36 , thepiston 300″ shifts downwardly and moves thevalve 20 to a position overlying theapertures 18 to thereby fully close the apertures. The valve can also be shifted to intermediate positions between these fully open and fully closed positions by varying the delivery of hydraulic fluid viapathway 166 to thechamber 265″. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 37 , thepipe section 401′ is like thepipe section 401 ofFIG. 29 , except that theapertures 18 have been shifted to an upper region of thepipe section 401′ which is higher than the positioning of theapertures 18 in the embodiment ofFIG. 29 . In the embodiment ofFIG. 37 , numbers in common with components of theFIG. 29 embodiment are the same. - In
FIGS. 38 and 39 , the operation of the valve assembly usingpipe section 401′ is much like the embodiments ofFIGS. 35 and 36 except that the application of hydraulic pressure shifts the valve upwardly to close the passageways through theapertures 18 when the valve is in a fully closed position. In contrast, upon relieving of hydraulic pressure, the column of water in the pipe section shifts the piston to a lower position and exposes theapertures 18. Again, the valve can be shifted to various intermediate positions between the fully open and fully closed positions. - Optional biasing mechanisms can be used to assist the shifting of the valve in the valve assemblies of
FIGS. 35, 36 and ofFIGS. 38 and 39 . Although other mechanisms for applying biasing forces can be used, a desirable example is a coil spring such as described above in connection withFIGS. 25 and 26 . Thus, in FIGS. 40 and 41, aspring 435 is shown in position betweenshelf 439 and an annular washer in a to bias thevalve 20 toward a closed position. The shelf acts as a stop for the upper end of the spring. Other retainers can alternatively be used. Also,washer 429 rests on the upper ends of therods 350″, 352″ and 354″ in this example and provides a bearing surface for the lower end of thespring 435. Other spring bearing members may alternatively be used. InFIGS. 42 and 43 , aspring 451 is shown in a position to bias thevalve 20 toward an open position. The lower end of the spring in this example bears against the upper surface of thepiston 300″. The upper end of the spring in this example bears against a stop, such as anannular shelf 453. - In the embodiments of
FIGS. 27-39 , the valve assembly is desirably used in an application where recharging of the aquifer is to be accomplished and wherein water is not drawn from the well. Thus, when the valve of these embodiments is in the open position, recharge water can be delivered through the well and well pipe through the apertures and into the aquifer. In contrast, water is desirably not drawn from the well as any drawn water would have to travel from the aquifer through the apertures and into the well pipe. - In this description, “at least one” and “a” both encompass one or more than one. In addition, the term “coupled”, encompasses direct connection and indirect connection of components through one or more other components.
- Having illustrated and described the principles of my invention with reference to several preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. I claim all such arrangements that fall within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (26)
1. An aquifer recharge valve assembly comprising:
a pipe section comprising a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface;
at least one aperture extending through the wall; and
a valve positioned within the interior of the pipe section and movable between a first closed position in which the valve overlies a portion of the interior surface of the wall and the at least one aperture and at least one open position wherein the valve is shifted so as to no longer overlie the at least one aperture at least in part such that aquifer recharge water may flow through the aperture and into the aquifer, wherein the valve has flexibility such that when the valve is in the closed position, a head of water pressure within the pipe section forces the valve outwardly against the overlaid at least one aperture;
a valve actuator for moving the valve between the first closed position and the at least one open position, the valve actuator comprising at least one hydraulic piston coupled to the valve, a first hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said at least one piston, said at least one piston being movable in a direction to urge the valve toward one of said first closed position and said at least one open position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said at least one piston.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein there is only one of said hydraulic pistons.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said hydraulic piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said first closed position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said hydraulic piston.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 comprising a biasing mechanism coupled to the valve to bias the valve toward said at least one open position.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the pipe section has a longitudinal axis and is blocked to prevent the flow of water through the pipe section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe section, and wherein upon relief of hydraulic fluid pressure on the hydraulic fluid delivered to the hydraulic fluid chamber, the piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said at least one open position in response to the pressure of water within the pipe section.
6. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said hydraulic piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward at least one open position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said hydraulic piston.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 comprising a biasing member coupled to the valve to bias the valve toward the first closed position.
8. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the pipe section has a longitudinal axis and is blocked to prevent the flow of water through the pipe section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe section, and wherein upon relief of hydraulic fluid pressure on the hydraulic fluid delivered to the hydraulic fluid chamber, the piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said first closed position in response to the pressure of water within the pipe section.
9. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the valve comprises a valve cylinder of a polymer material with an exterior surface that is sized to slide along a portion of the interior of the pipe section, the apparatus further comprising a valve coupler that couples the valve to the at least one hydraulic piston.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the valve cylinder comprises first and second valve end portions and a plurality of axially extending bores that extend between the first and second end portions of the valve cylinder, wherein the valve coupler comprises a plurality of coupling members respectively each extending through an associated bore, each coupling member having a first end portion coupled to the at least one hydraulic piston.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the coupling members comprise rods, wherein an end portion of each rod is threadedly coupled to said at least one hydraulic piston, and wherein at least one stop limits the movement of the valve along the rods toward the at least one hydraulic piston.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein there is only one of said hydraulic pistons positioned below the valve when the apparatus is installed for recharging an aquifer.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 in which the hydraulic piston is movable in a first direction upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the hydraulic piston, and a biasing member coupled to the piston to bias the piston in a direction opposite to said first direction.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 in which the biasing member comprises a coil spring.
15. A aquifer recharge valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve actuator comprises first and second hydraulic pistons coupled to the valve, a first hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the first piston and a second hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the second piston, one of the first and second pistons being operable to urge the valve toward said first closed position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said one of the first and second pistons, the other of the first and second pistons being operable to urge the valve toward at least one open position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the said other of the first and second pistons; and
a biasing member coupled to the valve and operable to bias the valve toward said first closed position.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the biasing member comprises a spring.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the spring comprises a coil spring positioned within the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said one of the first and second pistons.
18. An aquifer recharge valve assembly for a well comprising:
an elongated pipe section comprising a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface and being closed at one end portion thereof;
a plurality of apertures through the wall of an apertured portion of the pipe section, at least some of the apertures being at different locations along the length of the apertured portion of the pipe section;
a valve comprising first and second opposed end portions, the valve being positioned within the pipe section and comprising a cylindrical aperture closing section slidable along the interior surface of the wall between a first closed position and open positions, wherein when in the first closed position the aperture closing section overlies and closes the apertures, wherein when the aperture closing section is in open positions, the aperture closing section does not overlie and close the apertures, the flow rate through the valve being varied by the extent to which the apertures are not overlaid when the valve is in the various open positions, the valve being of a resilient material such that, upon installation of the valve assembly in a well, head pressure of water within the well urges the valve closing section outwardly and against the interior surface of the wall at least when the valve is in the closed position;
at least a first hydraulic piston coupled to the valve and positioned within the pipe section at least partially between the closed end portion of the pipe section and the valve, the first hydraulic piston also being coupled to the interior surface of the wall of the pipe section and being operable to shift the valve between the first closed position and open positions; and
a first hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the first piston, the first piston being operable to urge the valve toward one of said first closed position and said open positions upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid chamber.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein there is only one of said hydraulic pistons.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said hydraulic piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said first closed position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said hydraulic piston.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the pipe section has a longitudinal axis and is blocked to prevent the flow of water through the pipe section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe section, and wherein upon relief of hydraulic fluid pressure on the hydraulic fluid delivered to the hydraulic fluid chamber, the piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said at least one open position in response to the pressure of water within the pipe section.
22. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said hydraulic piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward at least one open position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said hydraulic piston.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the pipe section has a longitudinal axis and is blocked to prevent the flow of water through the pipe section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe section, and wherein upon relief of hydraulic fluid pressure on the hydraulic fluid delivered to the hydraulic fluid chamber, the piston is movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said first closed position in response to the pressure of water within the pipe section.
24. An apparatus according to claim 18 comprising a biasing member coupled to the valve and operable to apply a biasing force in opposition to the motion of the valve in response to the delivery of hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid chamber.
25. An aquifer recharge valve assembly for a well comprising:
an elongated pipe section comprising a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface and being closed at one end portion thereof;
a plurality of apertures through the wall of an apertured portion of the pipe section, at least some of the apertures being at different locations along the length of the apertured portion of the pipe section;
a valve comprising first and second opposed end portions, the valve being positioned within the pipe section and comprising an aperture closing section slidable along the interior surface of the wall between a first closed position and open positions, wherein when in the first closed position the aperture closing section overlies and closes the apertures, wherein when the aperture closing section is in open positions, the aperture closing section does not overlie and close the apertures, the flow rate through the valve being varied by the extent to which the apertures are not overlaid when the valve is in the various open positions, the valve being of a resilient material such that, upon installation of the valve assembly in a well, head pressure of water within the well urges the valve closing section outwardly and against the interior surface of the wall at least when the valve is in the closed position;
at least a first hydraulic piston coupled to the valve and positioned within the pipe section at least partially between the closed end portion of the pipe section and the valve, the first hydraulic piston also being coupled to the interior surface of the wall of the pipe section and being operable to shift the valve between the first closed position and the open positions;
a first hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the first piston, the first piston being operable to urge the valve toward one of said first closed position and said open positions upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid chamber;
wherein there is only one of said hydraulic pistons;
wherein the valve cylinder comprises first and second valve end portions and a plurality of axially extending bores that extend between the first and second end portions of the valve cylinder, a valve coupler comprising a plurality of coupling members respectively each extending through an associated bore, each coupling member having a first end portion coupled to the at least one hydraulic piston.
26. An apparatus according to claim 25 comprising a biasing member coupled to the valve and operable to apply a biasing force in opposition to the motion of the valve in response to the delivery of hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid chamber.
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US11/352,136 US20060127184A1 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2006-02-09 | Aquifer recharge valve and method |
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US10/940,787 US7156578B2 (en) | 2002-03-19 | 2004-09-13 | Aquifer recharge valve and method |
US11/352,136 US20060127184A1 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2006-02-09 | Aquifer recharge valve and method |
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US10/940,787 Continuation-In-Part US7156578B2 (en) | 2002-03-19 | 2004-09-13 | Aquifer recharge valve and method |
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US11/352,136 Abandoned US20060127184A1 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2006-02-09 | Aquifer recharge valve and method |
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EP2347195A1 (en) * | 2009-12-04 | 2011-07-27 | Cla-Val Company | Bi-directional valve system for an aquifer thermal energy storage, heating and cooling system |
US20120292012A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2012-11-22 | GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc. | Desalination subsurface feedwater supply and brine disposal |
US8522887B1 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2013-09-03 | Kent R. Madison | Aquifier flow controlling valve assembly and method |
US20160326869A1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2016-11-10 | Ge Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc. | Piston Design for Downhole Pulser |
US11536240B1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2022-12-27 | 3R Valve, LLC | Systems and methods of power generation with aquifer storage and recovery system |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20070274783A1 (en) * | 2006-05-25 | 2007-11-29 | Garich Enterprises, Inc. | Irrigation device and method |
EP2347195A1 (en) * | 2009-12-04 | 2011-07-27 | Cla-Val Company | Bi-directional valve system for an aquifer thermal energy storage, heating and cooling system |
EP2347195A4 (en) * | 2009-12-04 | 2012-07-04 | Cla Val Company | Bi-directional valve system for an aquifer thermal energy storage, heating and cooling system |
US20120292012A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2012-11-22 | GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc. | Desalination subsurface feedwater supply and brine disposal |
US8479815B2 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2013-07-09 | GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc. | Desalination subsurface feedwater supply and brine disposal |
US8522887B1 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2013-09-03 | Kent R. Madison | Aquifier flow controlling valve assembly and method |
US20130327547A1 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2013-12-12 | Kent R. Madison | Aquifier flow controlling valve assembly and method |
US20160326869A1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2016-11-10 | Ge Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc. | Piston Design for Downhole Pulser |
WO2016180787A1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2016-11-17 | Ge Energy Oilfield Technology | Improved piston design for downhole pulser |
US11536240B1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2022-12-27 | 3R Valve, LLC | Systems and methods of power generation with aquifer storage and recovery system |
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Legal Events
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