WO2020230124A1 - System and methods for fluid flow analysis - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for fluid flow analysis in a plurality of pipes carrying fluids comprising: a plurality of flow measuring devices, wherein each device is attached to one of the plurality of pipes, wherein each device provides flow measurement data; and a flow data processing engine in data communication with the plurality of flow measuring devices for collecting and analyzing the flow measurement data; wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data that a backflow event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes, wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data that a leak event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes, wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data the location of a leak event relative to one or more of the plurality of flow measuring devices in one of the plurality of pipes, and wherein each flow measuring device comprises two ultrasonic transducers.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR FLUID FLOW ANALYSIS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application 62/846,702 filed May 12, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a flow analysis device and more specifically to a clamp-on ultrasound flow measuring device used in a system and method for analyzing system fluid flow.

BACKGROUND

An ultrasonic clamp-on metering system consists of ultrasonic-transducers which are mounted on the outer wall of a conduit/pipe carrying a fluid (liquid or gas). The transducers need to be coupled to the pipe walls such that the ultrasonic signals traveling between the transducers traverses the fluid to be monitored. A typical setup for the ultrasonic transducers on the pipe is to mount one transducer opposed to the other at a specific angle.

When the transducers are receiving an adequate signal from each other they are considered as calibrated. Setup and calibration of clamp-on ultrasonic device typically requires manual calibration of the transducers, mounting them at the right location and manually adjusting their angles. Thus the setup of such clamp-on ultrasonic devices is time consuming and complex, typically requiring a technician with specific tools and know-how. Some mechanisms first attach a static transducer to the conduit wall and afterwards calibrate the second one accordingly. Other mechanisms demand manual calibration of both transducers.

Pipe diameter is an important factor when using clamp-on measurement tools. Ultrasonic transducers can measure flow speed but not volume unless the pipe diameter is known. An ultrasonic measurement device can detect the same flow speed at two pipes with different diameters but in order to calculate volume, the pipe diameter must be added to the equation. Usually, the pipe diameter parameter is entered manually into the software or the device is designed for a specific pipe diameter, where the diameter is preconfigured.

Ultrasonic flow measurement devices used for conduit leak detection are typically preconfigured for operation, usually during the manufacturing process or at the time of installation. These pre-configuration setups lack the ability to change operation parameters during device lifetime e.g. leakage alert criteria, broadcasting periods and other important parameters. Some leak events like pipe burst are visible and easy to detect and one can easily determine the point of leakage. Other leak events may be hidden and/or display relatively low flow and detecting and finding such leaks is harder since the leak origin is not easy to find and fix. There is a need to determine which pipe is the broken one in order to start the search and repair procedure.

A further limitation of some existing flow measurement tools is an inability to detect backflow of a fluid towards the fluid source such as in piping systems with no non return valve is installed or in complex private fluid networks such as farms, where contaminated fluid may flow back into clean fluid.

There is therefore a need for ultrasonic flow measurement systems that are easier to install and setup, that enable better detection of small leak events and that can detect backflow events.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments relate to a system and method for fluid flow analysis. The system as proposed herein comprises a clamp-on flow measurement device and a flow analysis system that gathers data from multiple flow measurement devices for leak detection and fluid flow management. The proposed device comprises a single housing including two ultrasonic transducers adapted to fit a wide range of pipe sizes and materials. Further the device auto-detects the pipe diameter and performs automatic calibration thus simplifying the installation and setup process. According to some embodiments a system for fluid flow analysis in a plurality of pipes carrying fluids comprises: a plurality of flow measuring devices, wherein each device is attached to one of the plurality of pipes, wherein each device provides flow measurement data; and a flow data processing engine in data communication with the plurality of flow measuring devices for collecting and analyzing the flow measurement data; wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data that a backflow event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes.

In some embodiments, the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data that a leak event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes. In some embodiments, the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data the location of a leak event relative to one or more of the plurality of flow measuring devices in one of the plurality of pipes. In some embodiments, each flow measuring device comprises two ultrasonic transducers.

In some embodiments, the horizontal distance between the transducers is fixed. In some embodiments, the angle of the transducers relative to the pipe is fixed. In some embodiments, the fixed angle is between 20 to 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal distance is between 5-7cm. In some embodiments, the fixed angle is 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal distance is 6cm.

In some embodiments, the transducers comprise a couplant for ensuring ultrasonic coupling of the transducers with pipe. In some embodiments, the couplant comprises silicone. In some embodiments, each transducer is mounted on a clamp arm and wherein the clamp arms are joined by a joining arm. In some embodiments, the joining arm comprises a Scott Russel linkage.

In some embodiments, each flow measuring device comprises a pipe diameter sensor. In some embodiments, the pipe diameter sensor comprises a microswitch array mounted on the joining arm. In some embodiments, the pipe diameter sensor comprises a light source mounted on one clamp arm and a photodiode mounted on the opposite clamp arm. In some embodiments, the flow measuring device is adapted for automatic calibration based on the measured pipe diameter. In some embodiments, the joining arm comprises a unidirectional closing mechanism. In some embodiments, the flow data processing engine performs machine vision analysis of photographs of installed flow measuring devices to determine installation factors. In some embodiments, the installation factors include one or more of pipe material, pipe manufacturer, pipe diameter, indoor or outdoor position, industrial or residential installation, or exposure to weather extremes. In some embodiments, the flow data processing engine performs risk analysis for an installation based on the installation factors correlated with one or more of installation location, leak events or backflow events.

In some embodiments, the flow data processing engine evaluates and updates a usage profile of a flow measuring device. In some embodiments, each transducer is mounted in an enclosure and wherein the enclosures are joined by a joining means. In some embodiments, the joining means comprises magnets. In some embodiments, each flow measuring device comprises a pipe diameter sensor. In some embodiments, the pipe diameter sensor comprises a light source mounted on one enclosure and a photodiode mounted on the opposite enclosure. In some embodiments, the flow measuring device is adapted for automatic calibration based on the measured pipe diameter.

According to other embodiments, a method for fluid flow analysis in a plurality of pipes carrying fluids comprises: providing a plurality of flow measuring devices, wherein each device is attached to one of the plurality of pipes, wherein each device provides flow measurement data; providing a flow data processing engine in data communication with the plurality of flow measuring devices for collecting and analyzing the flow measurement data; and determining by the flow data processing engine that a backflow event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes based on the flow measurement data.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining based on the flow measurement data that a leak event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining based on the flow measurement data the location of a leak event relative to one or more of the plurality of flow measuring devices in one of the plurality of pipes. In some embodiments, each flow measuring device comprises two ultrasonic transducers. The term“ultrasonic transducer” or“transducer” as used herein refers to a device for generating and receiving ultrasonic signals and providing measurement of received ultrasonic signals. A pair of transducers sending and receiving ultrasonic signals to one another are herein said to“communicate”.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present disclosure involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present disclosure, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the disclosure could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

As used herein the terms“machine learning”,“computer vision” or“artificial intelligence” refer to use of algorithms on a computing device that parse data, learn from the data, and then make a determination or generate data, where the determination or generated data is not deterministically replicable (such as with deterministically oriented software as known in the art).

Although the present disclosure is described with regard to a “computing device”, a "computer", or“mobile device”, it should be noted that optionally any device featuring a data processor and the ability to execute one or more instructions may be described as a computer or computing device, including but not limited to any type of personal computer (PC), a server, a distributed server, a virtual server, a cloud computing platform, a cellular telephone, a cart-mounted tablet, an IP telephone, a smartphone, or a PDA (personal digital assistant). Any two or more of such devices in communication with each other may optionally comprise a "computer network".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects, embodiments and features disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like elements may be numbered with like numerals in different figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1J are illustrative line drawings of a flow measuring device in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A-2C are illustrative line drawings of a flow measuring device in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3B are illustrative representations showing the connection of multiple flow measuring devices in a flow analysis network in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3C is an illustrative representation showing a flow data processing engine using multiple flow measurement devices to detect fluid flow changes in specific segments of a pipe network in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments relate to a system and method for fluid flow analysis. FIGS. 1A-1J are illustrative line drawings of a flow measuring device in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, device 100 comprises two ultrasonic transducers 110 mounted onto clamp arms 112. Transducers 110 may be mounted on and communicate with each other through a hollow object, such as a pipe 120, for measuring the flow of a fluid 122 therein. The shape of device 100 as shown and the positioning of transducers 110 should not be considered limiting.

Device 100 further comprises an adjustable joining arm 114 to allow adjustment of the spacing between clamp arms 114 for attachment of device 100 to any suitable pipe 120 diameter. In some embodiments, joining arm 114 comprises a unidirectional closing mechanism to prevent unintentional opening of clamp arms 112. In use, joining arm 114 is adjusted to tighten clamp arms 112 such that both transducers are firmly pressed against pipe 120. In some embodiments, tightening of clamp arms 112 locks device 100 in place. FIGS. 1B-1D show device 100 clamped onto pipes 120 of different diameters.

FIG. IE shows a side view of device 100 clamped onto a pipe 120. As shown, transducers 110 are angled with respect to pipe 120 and face each other. Transducers 110 comprise a couplant 116 for ensuring ultrasonic coupling of transducers 110 with pipe 120. As shown couplant is shaped so as to make ultrasonic coupling contact with both of transducer 110 and pipe 120. In use, joining arm 114 is tightened such that coupling 116 of both transducers 110 is firmly pressed against pipe 120. Non-limiting examples of couplant 116 include silicone or other material providing ultrasonic coupling. Couplant 116 is further chosen to be durable, easy to manufacture and assemble, and be resistant to environmental changes over time.

FIGS. IF and 1G an adjusting mechanism for attaching of device 100 to varying pipe diameters. As shown above, device 100 comprises transducers that are angled at a fixed angle. The use of a fixed angle and fixed horizontal distance between transducers 110 simplifies both manufacture and installation of device 100 such as on pipe 120A. The angle used is chosen to overcome Snell’s law for multiple pipe sizes and materials while aligning the transducers to face each other. Tests by the inventors have shown that ½” to 2” pipes may be effectively monitored with a fixed transducer angle of between 20 to 30 degrees and a fixed distance of between 5-7 cm between the transducers.

For larger pipe diameters such as pipe 120B the angle of transducers 110 will remain the same but the horizontal distance between the transducer 110 will need to be increased. In some embodiments, device 100 comprises a linkage mechanism 150 such as a Scott Russell linkage for enabling selection of an appropriate horizontal distance for any pipe size without the need for any expertise by the installer. As shown, pipe 120B would have transducers 110 positioned further away from each other at the correct horizontal distance fixed by the linkage mechanism 150 such that transducers 110 (having fixed angles) face each other for effective communication and flow monitoring.

Device 100 further comprises pipe diameter measuring sensors 130 attached to clamp arms 112. Automatic sensing of the pipe diameter enables automatic calibration for further simplifying device installation. Non-limiting examples of sensors 130 include microswitch arrays (FIG. 1H) or photodiodes combined with LEDs (FIG. II).

As shown in FIG 1H, joining arm 114 comprises microswitch array 140. As clamp arms are moved closer or further apart micro switches 140 are activated thus giving an indication of the spacing of clamp arms 112 and thus pipe 120 diameter.

As shown in FIG II, opposite clamp arms 112 comprises one or more LEDs 142 (or other light source) and a photodiode 144. As clamp arms are moved closer or further apart the light level from LED 142 decreases or increases as detected by photodiode 144 thus giving an indication of the spacing of clamp arms 112 and thus pipe 120 diameter.

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1 J, clamp arms 112 comprise clamp extensions 118 protruding from each of clamp arms 112 for surrounding of pipe 120 such that device 100 better grips pipe 120 to prevent unintentional removal of device 100.

Device 100 further comprises a controller 132, communications 134 and user interface 136. Controller 132 is a computing device as defined herein for controlling the operation of device 100. Controller 132 is in data communications with all of transducers 110, sensors 130, communications 134 and user interface 136.

Communications 134 provides wired or wireless data communications between device 100 and central server 320 (FIG. 3 A). In some embodiments, communications 134 provides wired or wireless data communications between device 100 and mobile device 314 (FIG. 3 A). User interface 136 comprises screens, indicators and user input devices for enabling user interaction with device 100.

FIGS. 2A-2C are illustrative line drawn depictions of a flow metering device in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, device 200 comprises two ultrasonic transducers 210A mounted within first enclosure 212 and 210B mounted within second enclosure 213. Transducers 210 may be mounted on and communicate with each other through a hollow object, such as a pipe 120, for measuring the flow of a fluid 122 therein. The shape of device 200 as shown and the positioning of transducers 210 should not be considered limiting.

Enclosures 212 and 213 are held together by joining means 214 such that device is held in position on pipe 120. Joining means 214 comprises a bolt and nut arrangement such as shown in FIG. 2 A or a set of magnets such as shown in FIG. 2C. Joining means 214 may be adjusted for attachment of device 200 to any suitable pipe 120 diameter. In some embodiments, joining means 214 comprises a unidirectional closing mechanism to prevent unintentional opening of device 200.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of device 200 attached onto a pipe 120. As shown, transducers 210 are angled with respect to pipe 120 and face each other. Transducers 210 comprise a couplant 216 for ensuring ultrasonic coupling of transducers 210 with pipe 120. As shown couplant is shaped so as to make ultrasonic coupling contact with both of transducer 210 and pipe 220. The shape of couplant shown should not be considered limiting. As described above with reference to FIGS. IF and 1G, device 200 also makes use of fixed angle transducer 210 with fixed horizontal distance for use with a known effective range of pipe diameters.

In use, joining means 214 are tightened such that coupling 216 of both transducers 210 is firmly pressed against pipe 120. Non-limiting examples of couplant 216 include silicone or other suitable ultrasonic coupling material.

Device 200 further comprises pipe diameter measuring sensors 230. Automatic sensing of the pipe diameter enables automatic calibration for further simplifying device installation. Non-limiting examples of sensors 230 include micro switch arrays (such as shown in FIG. 1H) or photodiodes combined with LEDs (such as shown in FIG. II).

Device 200 further comprises a controller 232, communications 234 and user interface 236. Controller 232 is a computing device as defined herein for controlling the operation of device 200. Controller 232 is in data communications with all of transducers 210, sensors 230, communications 234 and user interface 236.

Communications 234 provides wired or wireless data communications between device 200 and central server 320 (FIG. 3 A). In some embodiments, communications 234 provides wired or wireless data communications between device 200 and mobile devices 314 (FIG. 3 A). User interface 236 comprises screens, indicators and user input devices for enabling user interaction with device 200. FIGS. 3A-3B are illustrative representations showing the connection of multiple flow measuring devices in a flow analysis network in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B flow analysis network 300 comprises flow measuring devices in data communication with data center 320. Flow measuring devices may be any of devices 100 or 200 as described above. Mobile devices 314 are in data communication with data center 320 and devices 100, 200, 310, via comms network 312.

Communications between the components of network 300 takes place over communications (comms) network 312. Comms network 312 is one of, or a combination of the Internet and a private comms network. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3B, devices 100, 200 use low power short range communications to provide flow data to a local hub 330 that relays communication with data center 320. Alternatively or additionally devices 100, 200 relay communication to a nearest available device 100, 200 to limit power requirements.

Data center 320 comprises flow data processing engine 322. Flow data processing engine 322 is a computing device as defined herein. Flow data processing engine 322 provides data processing and machine learning functionality as described further herein. In some embodiments, network 300 also comprises devices 310 representing any commercially available flow measuring devices that communicate with flow data processing engine 322 using a provided API. The number of devices 100, 200, and 310, mobile devices 314, and interconnection of these entities as shown in FIG. 3A is illustrative and should not be considered limiting.

In use, a flow measurement device 100, 200 is first positioned and then tightened onto a pipe 120, with both transducers 110, 210 firmly pressing against the surface of pipe 120. Using the device user interface 136, 236, a user defines one or more parameters including but not limited to: the pipe 120 material, fluid type, data center name, mobile device connection, and so forth. Pipe diameter is automatically detected, such as by sensors 130, 230. Devices 100, 200 perform automatic calibration based on the input and detected parameters and may then perform flow measurement of the fluid within pipes 120. Flow measurements comprise at least speed, volume and flow direction. Transducers 110, 210 detect flow speed, volume and direction inside of pipe 120 using ultrasound signals sent to one another. Backflow events are determined based on fluid flow detected in a direction that is opposite to the expected direction. Backflow detection is made possible by the angled installation of transducers 10, 210 and the horizontal distance between them. Device 300 is also setup, calibrated and configured according to its specific requirements and may then perform flow measurement of the fluid within pipes 120.

Flow data processing engine 322 gathers flow data from all of devices 100, 200 and 310 and applies machine learning techniques to determine one or more of:

• Leak event detection;

• Leak event location;

• Backflow event detection;

• Backflow event location;

• Fluid usage patterns based on time, weekday and date;

• Leak trends based on location, time, weekday and date

In some embodiments, the determined events, patterns, and/or trends are communicated via the user interface 324 of flow data processing engine 322. In some embodiments, events are reported to mobile devices 314 such as of owners of the pipes where events have been detected.

In some embodiments, photographs are provided of installations of devices 100, 200, 310 to flow data processing engine 322. Using machine vision techniques, engine 322 performs analysis of the photographs to determine installation factors such as the material, manufacturer and diameter of the pipe, indoor or outdoor position, industrial or residential installation, exposure to weather extremes and so forth. Such determined factors can be correlated with other data such as location and leak occurrence as part of a risk analysis of an installation or of one of the included factors. Non-limiting examples of such a risk analysis may determine that a particular construction project is leak prone, or that a specific pipe is leak prone.

Mobile devices 314 access devices 100, 200 directly to monitor flow measurements and/or make configuration changes to devices 100, 200. Mobile devices 314 access flow data processing engine 322 to view historical data and determined leaks and flow trends. In some embodiments, flow data processing engine 322 provides alerts such as for leaks or backflow events to mobile devices 314. Flow data processing engine 322 can evaluate the usage profile of devices 100, 200 and update the configuration of the devices accordingly. Since flow data processing engine 322 is constantly learning from collected flow data, configuration parameters such as leak criteria, or alert time frames or measurement algorithms at runtime may be amended.

As shown in FIG. 3C, flow data processing engine 322 enables combined use of multiple devices 100, 200 to detect fluid flow changes in specific segments of a pipe network 370 to detect and to locate a leak based on flow changes in specific pipe segments. As shown larger inlet pipe 350 is monitored by device 200A. Inlet pipe 350 splits into four separate pipes 352, 354, 356, and 358 respectively monitored by devices 200B-200E. Flow data processing engine 322 collects flow data from devices 200A- 200E to determine expected usage of network 370. Thus, flow behavior that does not conform to expected usage may indicate a leak or other issue.

As shown, pipe 352 has developed a leak 360 while the other pipes are functioning normally. When fluid flows through the inlet pipe 350, the increased flow due to the leak is detected and recorded. The fluid then flows through the four smaller pipes 352, 354, 356, and 358. The devices 200C-200E on the three functioning pipes would provide normal flow measurements. Device 200B on pipe 352 with the leak 360 would record a relatively weakened ultrasonic signal from the reduced flow caused by the upstream leak. Thus flow data processing engine 322 would identify that there is a leak in pipe 352 enabling not only detection of the leak by increased or changed flow rate at device 200A but also indicating where the leak is in network 370 based on the data from device 200B.

It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise" "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

While this disclosure describes a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of such embodiments may be made. The disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for fluid flow analysis in a plurality of pipes carrying fluids comprising:

a. a plurality of flow measuring devices, wherein each device is attached to one of the plurality of pipes, wherein each device provides flow measurement data; and

b. a flow data processing engine in data communication with the plurality of flow measuring devices for collecting and analyzing the flow measurement data;

wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data that a backflow event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data that a leak event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the flow data processing engine is adapted for determining based on the flow measurement data the location of a leak event relative to one or more of the plurality of flow measuring devices in one of the plurality of pipes.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein each flow measuring device comprises two ultrasonic transducers.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the horizontal distance between the transducers is fixed.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the angle of the transducers relative to the pipe is fixed.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fixed angle is between 20 to 30 degrees.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the fixed horizontal distance is between 5-7cm.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the transducers comprise a couplant for ensuring ultrasonic coupling of the transducers with pipe.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the couplant comprises silicone.

11. The system of claim 4, wherein each transducer is mounted on a clamp arm and wherein the clamp arms are joined by a joining arm.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the joining arm comprises a Scott Russel linkage.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein each flow measuring device comprises a pipe diameter sensor.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the pipe diameter sensor comprises a microswitch array mounted on the joining arm.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the pipe diameter sensor comprises a light source mounted on one clamp arm and a photodiode mounted on the opposite clamp arm.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the flow measuring device is adapted for automatic calibration based on the measured pipe diameter.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the joining arm comprises a unidirectional closing mechanism.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein flow data processing engine performs machine vision analysis of photographs of installed flow measuring devices to determine installation factors.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the installation factors include one or more of pipe material, pipe manufacturer, pipe diameter, indoor or outdoor position, industrial or residential installation, or exposure to weather extremes.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the flow data processing engine performs risk analysis for an installation based on the installation factors correlated with one or more of installation location, leak events or backflow events.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the flow data processing engine evaluates and updates a usage profile of a flow measuring device.

22. The system of claim 4, wherein each transducer is mounted in an enclosure and wherein the enclosures are joined by a joining means.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the joining means comprises magnets.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein each flow measuring device comprises a pipe diameter sensor.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the pipe diameter sensor comprises a light source mounted on one enclosure and a photodiode mounted on the opposite enclosure.

26. The system of claim 24, the flow measuring device is adapted for automatic calibration based on the measured pipe diameter.

27. A method for fluid flow analysis in a plurality of pipes carrying fluids comprising:

a. providing a plurality of flow measuring devices, wherein each device is attached to one of the plurality of pipes, wherein each device provides flow measurement data;

b. providing a flow data processing engine in data communication with the plurality of flow measuring devices for collecting and analyzing the flow measurement data; and

c. determining by the flow data processing engine that a backflow event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes based on the flow measurement data.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising determining based on the flow measurement data that a leak event has occurred in one of the plurality of pipes.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising determining based on the flow measurement data the location of a leak event relative to one or more of the plurality of flow measuring devices in one of the plurality of pipes.

30. The system of claim 27, wherein each flow measuring device comprises two ultrasonic transducers.