Comment by markenqualitaet | Hacker News Reader

Comment by markenqualitaet | Hacker News Reader

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markenqualitaet

Does anyone know, if there is research into hygenic aspects of Tesla valves compared to traditional ones? Like biofilm formation experiments?

I was yesterday wondering, if it would make sense to include these into household water piping to ensure mono directional flow, preventing contamination from dirty ends. Doesn't my faucet current create suction on the washing machine's connection? Then again a Tesla valve may be a bio-safespace itself, as there are probably pro-life areas around the turbulences, different water exchange rates and maybe even different gas (oxygen) concentrations.

Also why isn't the cold water line used to dehumidify the shower?

I assume my "smart" ideas about water infrastructure would mostly get me killed by legionella at some point. Excessive regulation on touching the water probably isn't just for killing the fun and creating jobs...

(I recently learned all water pipes are covered in biofilm after 2-3 years, even tho there is hardly any bacteria cell in my country's water. So, there seems to be a disgusting and probably fragile ecosystem to consider...)

I don't know how "leaky" a tesla valve is and if that leakiness (if it's non-zero) matters to the (pulsejet ? microfluids ?) applications it is used in.

Generally speaking, any volume of household/utility water is considered sewage if even one drop of sewage enters it.

In California, utility connections utilize double-check valves with inspection ports that allow an inspector to regularly check the expected pressure drop between the two check valves and ensure they are not leaking.[1][2]

I don't know if that is more, or less, aggressive than a Tesla valve with (for instance) 8 or 10 "segments".

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_check_valve

[2] https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/65889354

Thanks.

This made me checking the situation in Germany. Apperently the washing machine needs a backflow protection by law. Not sure mine has one as it's just a simple looking double faucet (washing machine + sink connection). Maybe that's going to the long list of "deadly" oversights by my landlord XD

Either way, I read modern washing machines prevent this also by their own valve systems. Guess that's the fancy thingy at the end of the water connection. Hope that stops whatever is making notable hydrogen sulfide in the freshwater inflow from spreading into my drinking water... What do they even eat??

For real washing machines and fridges are just increasingly disgusting if you start asking questions... Really glad for my immune system.

The flowback protection is usually directly attached to the water inlet of the washing machine.

It's not an optional thing that a landlord can skimp on, you'd have to replace the inlet entirely to get rid of it.

Thanks.

You mean e.g. this techy thing at the end of the inlet tube right? It's electrical and only opens when the machine needs water, correct? I think I read a warning about electrical hazards for this plastic tube.

On the downside, this valve probably doesn't allow flushing the inlet with some hypochlorite solution easily... Well knowing the drinking water is safe helps. Hydrogen sulfide is detectable in such low quantities, I am probably stressing over very little contamination anyway.

I wonder if you could reconstruct the whole of "western" civilization just from norms and regulations :)

> Doesn't my faucet current create suction on the washing machine's connection?

Even if it did, it doesn't create any flow, which would be necessary for the valve to function.

Probably a good point. I think I am making the tesla valve more than it is. I am prone to this. Thanks.

You raise an interesting point. I'd definitely want to test them under water main break scenarios, when a bunch of mud and sand &c make their way through the lines. A clear inspection port (whole side, really) would be super cool.

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