BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a fluid flow control valve assembly, and more particularly to a sprinkler system control valve assembly having a test, drain and adjustable pressure relief valve.

In order to comply with certification and licensure requirements, automatic fire sprinkler systems are required to be periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”). Under such standards, a pressure test is periodically performed on a sprinkler system to ensure that the system does not leak.

Generally, the pressure test requires pressurizing the system downstream from the control valve, i.e., between the control valve and the sprinklers, to a testing pressure greater than the normal operating pressure limit, e.g., a 200 psi testing pressure. The system must maintain the testing pressure level for two hours in order to pass.

To perform the test, a pump is connected with the control valve assembly and operated to increase the pressure within the system to the testing pressure. One drawback of conventional sprinkler systems is that the pressure relief valve of the sprinkler system, designed to vent when the pressure within the system exceeds normal operating pressure, opens before reaching the testing pressure, thereby preventing the system from reaching the testing pressure. Therefore, prior to initiating the pressure test, the water within the system must be drained and the pressure relief valve must be removed and replaced with a plug. Thereafter, upon completion of the test, the water within the system must be drained once again to re-install the pressure relief valve. Such a process is clearly inefficient, wasting both time and resources.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to manufacture a control valve assembly having an adjustable pressure relief valve, capable of being adjusted to remain closed during the pressure test, and, thereafter, re-adjusted back to the normal setting thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a test, drain and adjustable pressure relief module for a sprinkler system. The module comprises a single body having three independent and fluidly connectable flow ports. A first port of the three flow ports is fluidly connectable at an inlet side thereof to the sprinkler system, the inlet side of the first port being an inlet of the module. A second port of the three flow ports has an adjustable pressure relief valve removably mounted to an outlet of the second port, the adjustable pressure relief valve being biased into a closed position and a threshold pressure required to open the valve and discharge fluid being selectively adjustable. A third port of the three flow ports has an open outlet end configured to removably connect with a drainage pipe, the outlet of the third port being an exit port of the module. The first, second and third ports form a Tee connection and have an internal flow valve therebetween to selectively direct flow between an outlet of the first port and at least one of an inlet of the second port and an inlet of the third port.

