CA2325409A1 - Water sensor device - Google Patents
Water sensor device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2325409A1 CA2325409A1 CA 2325409 CA2325409A CA2325409A1 CA 2325409 A1 CA2325409 A1 CA 2325409A1 CA 2325409 CA2325409 CA 2325409 CA 2325409 A CA2325409 A CA 2325409A CA 2325409 A1 CA2325409 A1 CA 2325409A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- sensor device
- housing
- sensors
- sensor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/18—Water
- G01N33/1886—Water using probes, e.g. submersible probes, buoys
Abstract
A water sensor device has water sensors mounted in a sensor body for sensing the properties of water, and a display for indicating outputs from the water sensors. The sensors and the display are interconnected by electrical circuitry which is accommodated in a water-tight space in the sensor body, and an electrical battery is provided for energizing the sensors and the display. The battery is provided in a housing which is removably fitted into the sensor body, and a consumable reference cell is provided in the housing. In addition pH and Redox sensors may be provided in the housing or they may be permanently mounted in the sensor body.
Description
~
~ CA 02325409 2000-11-07 Water Sensor Device The present invention relates to a water sensor device and is useful in particular, but not exclusively, for sensing the chemical and/or other properties of water being supplied to a swimming pool or a hot tub.
In order to test the water supplied to swimming pools and hot tubs, to ensure that the water has the correct chemical properties required to ensure the safety of uses of the swimming pools and the hot tubs and the correct functioning of ancillary systems, it has previously been necessary to employ chemical test kits and colorimetric evaluations.
Based on the results of measurements thereby obtained, various chemicals are added to the water in order to improve the chemistry of the water. These procedures are time-consuming and inconvenient.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel water sensor device which simplifies and facilitates the testing of the quality of water being supplied, for example, to a swimming pool or a hot tub.
According to the present invention, there is provided a water sensor device comprising a sensor body, water sensors mounted in the sensor body for sensing the properties of water, and a display for indicating outputs from the water sensors.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensors and the display are interconnected by electrical circuitry which is accommodated in a water-tight space in the sensor body, and an electrical battery is provided for energizing the sensors and the display.
The battery is preferably provided in a housing which is removably fitted into the sensor body, and pH and Redox sensors may be provided in the housing.
~ CA 02325409 2000-11-07 Water Sensor Device The present invention relates to a water sensor device and is useful in particular, but not exclusively, for sensing the chemical and/or other properties of water being supplied to a swimming pool or a hot tub.
In order to test the water supplied to swimming pools and hot tubs, to ensure that the water has the correct chemical properties required to ensure the safety of uses of the swimming pools and the hot tubs and the correct functioning of ancillary systems, it has previously been necessary to employ chemical test kits and colorimetric evaluations.
Based on the results of measurements thereby obtained, various chemicals are added to the water in order to improve the chemistry of the water. These procedures are time-consuming and inconvenient.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel water sensor device which simplifies and facilitates the testing of the quality of water being supplied, for example, to a swimming pool or a hot tub.
According to the present invention, there is provided a water sensor device comprising a sensor body, water sensors mounted in the sensor body for sensing the properties of water, and a display for indicating outputs from the water sensors.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensors and the display are interconnected by electrical circuitry which is accommodated in a water-tight space in the sensor body, and an electrical battery is provided for energizing the sensors and the display.
The battery is preferably provided in a housing which is removably fitted into the sensor body, and pH and Redox sensors may be provided in the housing.
2 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display comprises diodes controlled by a microprocessor in the the electrical circuitry and a cover secured to the sensor body and extending over the water-tight space, the cover being at least partly translucent to allow illumination of the diodes to be observed from the exterior of the water sensor device.
The electrical circuitry and the diodes are accommodated in a water-tight space, and the housing has a housing portion extending into the water-tight space and provided with an electrical connection between the battery and the electrical circuitry. The housing is sealed in a water-tight manner to the sensor body.
In use, the present water sensor device is installed in a pool or hot tub water pipe using a standard plumbing fitting, in such a way that the sensors are exposed to the water in the plumbing.
The present water sensor device is preferably provided with sensors for sensing the pH
and the chlorine content of the water, and may also indicate whether or not a pool filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
The present water sensor device may also include a sensor for detecting the total alkalinity of the water, which is of interest to pool users and maintainers because mineral salts have a tendency to precipitate in boilers and filters associated with swimming pools.
The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof given, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying the drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a view through a water sensor device embodying the present invention taken in vertical cross-section along the line 1 - 1 of Figure 4.
Figure 2 shows a view taken in cross-section along the line 2-2 of Figure l;
The electrical circuitry and the diodes are accommodated in a water-tight space, and the housing has a housing portion extending into the water-tight space and provided with an electrical connection between the battery and the electrical circuitry. The housing is sealed in a water-tight manner to the sensor body.
In use, the present water sensor device is installed in a pool or hot tub water pipe using a standard plumbing fitting, in such a way that the sensors are exposed to the water in the plumbing.
The present water sensor device is preferably provided with sensors for sensing the pH
and the chlorine content of the water, and may also indicate whether or not a pool filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
The present water sensor device may also include a sensor for detecting the total alkalinity of the water, which is of interest to pool users and maintainers because mineral salts have a tendency to precipitate in boilers and filters associated with swimming pools.
The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof given, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying the drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a view through a water sensor device embodying the present invention taken in vertical cross-section along the line 1 - 1 of Figure 4.
Figure 2 shows a view taken in cross-section along the line 2-2 of Figure l;
3 Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the water sensor device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows an underneath plan view of the water sensor device of Figure 1;
and Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram of a control circuit of the water sensor device of Figures 1 to 4.
As shown in the accompanying the drawings, a water sensor device indicated generally by reference numeral 10 has a sensor body 12 provided with a cover, indicated generally by reference numeral 13, which is formed by an annular molding 14 and a disk 16 fitted into the annular molding 14. The cover 13 is secured to the sensor body 12 by screws 15.
The disk 16 is made of transparent plastic material, and the molding 14 and the sensor body 12 are made of suitable plastic material.
A housing indicated generally by reference numeral 18 is fitted into the sensor body 12 and has an upper portion indicated generally by reference numeral 20 which projects into a water-tight space 22 formed in the housing and closed by the cover 13. The housing 18 also has a lower portion indicated generally by reference numeral 21, enclosing a battery compartment 23, and the upper portion 20 is heat-sealed to the lower portion 21 so as to close the top of the battery compartment 23. A sealing ring 24 is provided between the housing 18 and the sensor body 12 to provide a water-tight seal between these components.
The water-tight space 22 accommodates a circuit board 26 provided with a plurality of diodes 28.
The battery compartment 23 accommodates a battery 30 which, at its upper end, is connected by an electrical connection 32 extending through the top portion 20 of the housing 18 into electrical contact with the circuitry on the circuit board 26.
Figure 4 shows an underneath plan view of the water sensor device of Figure 1;
and Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram of a control circuit of the water sensor device of Figures 1 to 4.
As shown in the accompanying the drawings, a water sensor device indicated generally by reference numeral 10 has a sensor body 12 provided with a cover, indicated generally by reference numeral 13, which is formed by an annular molding 14 and a disk 16 fitted into the annular molding 14. The cover 13 is secured to the sensor body 12 by screws 15.
The disk 16 is made of transparent plastic material, and the molding 14 and the sensor body 12 are made of suitable plastic material.
A housing indicated generally by reference numeral 18 is fitted into the sensor body 12 and has an upper portion indicated generally by reference numeral 20 which projects into a water-tight space 22 formed in the housing and closed by the cover 13. The housing 18 also has a lower portion indicated generally by reference numeral 21, enclosing a battery compartment 23, and the upper portion 20 is heat-sealed to the lower portion 21 so as to close the top of the battery compartment 23. A sealing ring 24 is provided between the housing 18 and the sensor body 12 to provide a water-tight seal between these components.
The water-tight space 22 accommodates a circuit board 26 provided with a plurality of diodes 28.
The battery compartment 23 accommodates a battery 30 which, at its upper end, is connected by an electrical connection 32 extending through the top portion 20 of the housing 18 into electrical contact with the circuitry on the circuit board 26.
4 In addition to the battery 30, the housing 18 is provided with a reference cell comprising a silver/silver chloride electrode 35 immersed in a silver chloride solution 37 serving as an electrolyte, in an electrolyte compartment 39 in the housing. A porous plug 41 on the bottom of the housing allows for the diffusion of the charged ions and the completion of the electrical circuit between a pH sensor 33 and a Redox sensor 33A. The pH
sensor 33 is in the form of a glass bulb sensor of high impedance, which senses the pH
value of water diffusing into the pH sensor, and the Redox sensor 33A comprises a graphite or precious metal electrode adjacent to the pH sensor. Alternatively the pH and Redox sensors may be removed from the housing 18 and attached to the lower part of the sensor body 12. In this way, when the reference sensor electrolyte is exhausted or the battery is dead, only the housing 18 needs be replaced.
The sensor body 12 is formed with a frusto-conical lower portion 34 which is threaded for threaded engagement with a standard pipe fitting, which is not shown. The sensor body 12 is also formed with four or more through-openings 36 (Figure 2) for receiving other water quality sensors. These other sensors may comprise conductivity sensors, pressure sensors, and the pH and Redox sensors if these are not incorporated in the housing 18.
Referring now to Figure 3, which shows a plan view of the disk 16 forming part of the cover 13, it will be seen that a disk 16 days provided with the lettering indicating three water qualities, namely pH, chlorine and total alkalinity. Each of these qualities is associated with three window openings 40 through which illumination of respective diode 28 can be observed from the exterior of the water sensor device 10, the remainder of the disk surface being covered with paint.
The top surface of the disk 16 is also provided, as shown, with three different letterings indicating, respectively, "Too Low", "OK" and "Too High".
The electrical circuitry on the printed circuit board 26 is illustrated in the circuit diagram of Figure 5 and has input terminals T1 - T2, which are connected to the ph electrode, the chlorine electrode, the reference electrode, an alkalinity sensor and a temperature sensor, respectively. The terminals T1 and T2 are connected to a pair of high impedance differential amplifiers Al and A2, and switches S1- S4 connect to a microprocessor in the form of a microcontroller 42 which controls the diodes 28.
The present sensor device is not restricted to the sensors mentioned above but in addition, or alternatively, may be provided with sensors for temperature, etc. Also, by measuring the back pressure against a filter (not shown), and by comparing this measurement with a corresponding measurement value obtained when the filter is new, it is possible for the sensor device 10 to provide an indication of whether or not the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
The housing 18, containing the battery 13 and the reference cell, may be designed to have a battery capacity and a projected reference cell life such that the housing 18 and its contents form a replaceable unit which will last a complete pool season, i.e.
about 6-7 months, before needing replacement. At the beginning of each season, the owner or maintainer will install a replacement unit comprising a new housing 18 with its associated battery and sensors. The sensor device 10 will then automatically carry out a calibration sequence so that the water sensor device 10 would become fully operable in an automatic manner, i.e. without further human input.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements may be made in the above-described water sensor device.
For example, it is envisaged that the water sensor device may be equipped with a low power radio transmitter for transmitting numerical values of the various parameters of the water being monitored to a display unit, which may, for example, be mounted in the user's home. This would eliminate any need for the pool owner to visit a pool shed or pump room to view the water chemistry values.
Instead of employing a radio link for this purpose, it would also be possible to provide an electrical connection between the water sensor device and the display in the user's home.
It would also be possible to modify the present device so as to permit the user or maintainer of the pool not only to access the water chemistry values remotely but also to determine in advance the amount of chemicals required to be added to the water.
Furthermore, the present sensor device may be modified to act as a controller for metering devices dispensing appropriate quantities of chemicals, in liquid or dry form, into the pool water in order to maintain the water quality and balance automatically with minimal operator intervention.
sensor 33 is in the form of a glass bulb sensor of high impedance, which senses the pH
value of water diffusing into the pH sensor, and the Redox sensor 33A comprises a graphite or precious metal electrode adjacent to the pH sensor. Alternatively the pH and Redox sensors may be removed from the housing 18 and attached to the lower part of the sensor body 12. In this way, when the reference sensor electrolyte is exhausted or the battery is dead, only the housing 18 needs be replaced.
The sensor body 12 is formed with a frusto-conical lower portion 34 which is threaded for threaded engagement with a standard pipe fitting, which is not shown. The sensor body 12 is also formed with four or more through-openings 36 (Figure 2) for receiving other water quality sensors. These other sensors may comprise conductivity sensors, pressure sensors, and the pH and Redox sensors if these are not incorporated in the housing 18.
Referring now to Figure 3, which shows a plan view of the disk 16 forming part of the cover 13, it will be seen that a disk 16 days provided with the lettering indicating three water qualities, namely pH, chlorine and total alkalinity. Each of these qualities is associated with three window openings 40 through which illumination of respective diode 28 can be observed from the exterior of the water sensor device 10, the remainder of the disk surface being covered with paint.
The top surface of the disk 16 is also provided, as shown, with three different letterings indicating, respectively, "Too Low", "OK" and "Too High".
The electrical circuitry on the printed circuit board 26 is illustrated in the circuit diagram of Figure 5 and has input terminals T1 - T2, which are connected to the ph electrode, the chlorine electrode, the reference electrode, an alkalinity sensor and a temperature sensor, respectively. The terminals T1 and T2 are connected to a pair of high impedance differential amplifiers Al and A2, and switches S1- S4 connect to a microprocessor in the form of a microcontroller 42 which controls the diodes 28.
The present sensor device is not restricted to the sensors mentioned above but in addition, or alternatively, may be provided with sensors for temperature, etc. Also, by measuring the back pressure against a filter (not shown), and by comparing this measurement with a corresponding measurement value obtained when the filter is new, it is possible for the sensor device 10 to provide an indication of whether or not the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
The housing 18, containing the battery 13 and the reference cell, may be designed to have a battery capacity and a projected reference cell life such that the housing 18 and its contents form a replaceable unit which will last a complete pool season, i.e.
about 6-7 months, before needing replacement. At the beginning of each season, the owner or maintainer will install a replacement unit comprising a new housing 18 with its associated battery and sensors. The sensor device 10 will then automatically carry out a calibration sequence so that the water sensor device 10 would become fully operable in an automatic manner, i.e. without further human input.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements may be made in the above-described water sensor device.
For example, it is envisaged that the water sensor device may be equipped with a low power radio transmitter for transmitting numerical values of the various parameters of the water being monitored to a display unit, which may, for example, be mounted in the user's home. This would eliminate any need for the pool owner to visit a pool shed or pump room to view the water chemistry values.
Instead of employing a radio link for this purpose, it would also be possible to provide an electrical connection between the water sensor device and the display in the user's home.
It would also be possible to modify the present device so as to permit the user or maintainer of the pool not only to access the water chemistry values remotely but also to determine in advance the amount of chemicals required to be added to the water.
Furthermore, the present sensor device may be modified to act as a controller for metering devices dispensing appropriate quantities of chemicals, in liquid or dry form, into the pool water in order to maintain the water quality and balance automatically with minimal operator intervention.
Claims (10)
1. A water sensor device, comprising:
a sensor body;
water sensors mounted in said body for sensing properties of water; and a display for indicating outputs from said water sensor.
a sensor body;
water sensors mounted in said body for sensing properties of water; and a display for indicating outputs from said water sensor.
2. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 1, including a battery for energizing said sensors and said display.
3. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 2, including electrical circuitry interconnecting said sensors and said display, said electrical circuitry being accommodated in a water-tight space in said sensor body.
4. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said battery is provided in a housing which is removably fitted into said sensor body.
5. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 4, including a consumable reference cell in said housing.
6. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, including pH and Redox sensors in said housing.
7. A water sensor device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including openings extending through said sensor body for receiving respective ones of said sensors.
8. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said display comprises diodes controlled by said electrical circuitry, said diodes being accommodated in said water-tight space, a cover secured to said sensor body and extending over said water-tight space, said cover being at least partly translucent to allow illumination of said diodes to be observed from the exterior of said water sensor device.
9. A water sensor device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said battery is provided in a housing and which is removably inserted into said sensor body, said housing having a portion thereof extending into said water-tight space and an electrical connection on said housing portion between said battery and said electrical circuitry, a water-tight seal being provided between said housing and said sensor body.
10. A water sensor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said electrical circuitry includes a microprocessor responsive to said sensors for controlling said display.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2325409 CA2325409A1 (en) | 2000-11-07 | 2000-11-07 | Water sensor device |
| PCT/CA2001/001557 WO2002039107A1 (en) | 2000-11-07 | 2001-11-06 | Water monitoring device |
| AU2002213727A AU2002213727A1 (en) | 2000-11-07 | 2001-11-06 | Water monitoring device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2325409 CA2325409A1 (en) | 2000-11-07 | 2000-11-07 | Water sensor device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2325409A1 true CA2325409A1 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
Family
ID=4167590
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2325409 Abandoned CA2325409A1 (en) | 2000-11-07 | 2000-11-07 | Water sensor device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2002213727A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2325409A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002039107A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11521475B1 (en) * | 2015-08-31 | 2022-12-06 | Hitek Aqua Systems | System for and method remotely monitoring chemistry of recreational water facilities |
| CN107643383A (en) * | 2017-10-25 | 2018-01-30 | 沈阳大学 | A kind of Water quality monitoring device |
| CN108020643B (en) * | 2017-12-11 | 2020-11-03 | 广西驷马环保工程有限公司 | Water quality monitoring device for sewage treatment plant drainage |
| FR3075966A1 (en) * | 2017-12-25 | 2019-06-28 | Fortilink Sas | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE QUALITY OF WATER OF A SWIMMING POOL LOCATED IN THE WELL OF THE BOX OF A WATER SURFACE SAVING SWIMMING POOL (ALSO CALLED SKIMMER). |
| WO2020136310A1 (en) | 2018-12-24 | 2020-07-02 | PURECONTROL (anciennement Fortilink) | System for monitoring the quality of the water of a swimming pool located in the recess of the casing of a swimming pool water surface skimmer (also called a skimmer) |
| US20230410625A1 (en) * | 2022-06-20 | 2023-12-21 | Clint Morris | Sensing System for Pool Floating Device |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4018089A (en) * | 1976-05-05 | 1977-04-19 | Beckman Instruments, Inc. | Fluid sampling apparatus |
| US5169236A (en) * | 1990-09-10 | 1992-12-08 | Iest Lynn D | Digital spa thermometer |
-
2000
- 2000-11-07 CA CA 2325409 patent/CA2325409A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2001
- 2001-11-06 WO PCT/CA2001/001557 patent/WO2002039107A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-11-06 AU AU2002213727A patent/AU2002213727A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2002039107A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
| AU2002213727A1 (en) | 2002-05-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |