US 6,345,770 B1 · Modular manifold

Abstract

A modular manifold is adapted for use with hydronic circulation systems including a plurality of first and second thermal exchange zones having respective zone supply and zone return lines. The modular manifold includes a plurality of modules, each of which includes a selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of each selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism is in fluid communication with a respective zone supply line of the zone of the hydronic circulation system. Each module further includes a common return conduit section secured to the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism. A common supply conduit section is secured to the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism of each module. The common supply conduit section is in fluid communication with the inlet of the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism. The modules are adapted and constructed to be connected together, with the collective common return conduit sections fitting together to form a common return conduit in communication with the return lines of the thermal exchange zones, and the collective common supply conduit sections fitting together to form a common supply conduit. The selectively actuatable fluid control mechanisms can be provided as any suitable control mechanism, such as zone pumps or zone valves. A connecting conduit having a first end connected to the common return conduit and a second end connected to the common supply conduit can be provided in the form of a U-bend. An injection mechanism having an inlet connected to a source of thermal exchange fluid and an outlet connected to the connecting conduit can also be provided. The injection mechanism can be provided as an injection pump or an injection mixing valve. A temperature gauge can be connected to the connecting conduit at a location downstream from the injection mechanism outlet. The temperature gauge indicates the temperature of fluid flowing into the common supply conduit. Tee connectors can be provided to connect the modules together, and can include a return inlet conduit connected to the zone return line of the first thermal exchange zone.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A modular manifold for hydronic circulation systems including first and second thermal exchange zones having respective zone supply and zone return lines, the modular manifold comprising the following:

a first module including the following:
a first selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the first selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism being in fluid communication with the zone supply line of the first zone of the hydronic circulation system;
a first common return conduit section secured to the first selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism;
and
a first common supply conduit section secured to the first selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism, the first common supply conduit being in fluid communication with the inlet of the first selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism;
and
a second module including the following:
a second selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the second selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism being in fluid communication with the zone supply line of the second zone of the hydronic circulation system;
a second common return conduit section secured to the second selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism;
and
a second common supply conduit section secured to the second selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism, the second common supply conduit being in fluid communication with the inlet of the second selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism;
whereby the first and second modules are adapted and constructed to be connected together, with the first common return conduit section and second common return conduit section fitting together to form a common return conduit in communication with the return lines of the first and second thermal exchange zones, and the first common supply conduit section and the second common supply conduit fitting together to form a common supply conduit.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular manifold

Life of this patent

Modular manifold

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20