FR2857749A1 - Detecting abnormal consumption of fluid in fluid distribution circuit, e.g. leak in circuit, comprises measuring fluid flow and calculating probability of abnormality - Google Patents

Abstract

To detect an abnormal consumption of fluid in a fluid distribution circuit, the following steps are repeated: measure the fluid flow; calculate the variation in flow between two consecutive measurements and the time the flow stays within a preset range of values; calculate a probability of abnormal flow from the measurement and the two variables and compare the probability with a preset threshold value. If the calculated probability is too high, sound an alarm : The circuit includes a counter (3) designed to make fluid flow measurements, and a means (4) of analyzing the measurements connected to the counter and means (5) of indicating abnormal consumption of fluid controlled by the means of analysis. The flow measurements are made at regular intervals. A preparation stage involves making a series of reference flow measurements during normal fluid consumption, and these measurements are stored in the means of analysis. The calculated measurements and probabilities are also recorded. An additional step involves cutting the fluid input using a device such as a valve, controlled by the means of indication. The means of indication can also send an alarm to a remote terminal. The fluid is water, a liquid chemical product, a gas or petrol. An independent claim is included for a device for detecting abnormal consumption of a fluid in a fluid distribution circuit designed to use the above process. The device is also connected to a series of inputs to receive signals such as temperature, the presence of vapor, voltage, etc. and the means of analysis can determine any dysfunction as a function of the signals received relative to a controlled parameter.

Description

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  The invention relates to a method for detecting an abnormal consumption of a fluid in a distribution circuit of this fluid, a detection device regulated according to such a method and a fluid distribution circuit comprising such a device.

  The invention applies in particular to water distribution circuits in an apartment, a building or a neighborhood. It also applies to fluid distribution circuits such as oil or gas in industrial installations. The invention is however not limited to these few examples.

  In the case of water distribution, water distribution systems in a building such as individual, collective dwellings, office buildings or other buildings including water distribution points are already known.

  In such buildings, the flow of water can be controlled by a water meter.

  However, the mere reading of the dial of the meter does not allow to conclude 20 on an abnormal consumption of water that it is a major leak of the type of rupture of pipes or a low continuous leak.

  And, in the absence of individuals, a major leak, such as a pipe break can not be detected and therefore stopped.

  In the case of a low and continuous leak, such as a flush leak, even the presence of individuals does not guarantee that the leak is detected.

  Thus, existing circuits do not provide effective, reliable and rapid means of control for detecting abnormal water consumption.

  Circuits known for other fluids pose the same problems.

  The object of the invention is to provide a method for overcoming some of the aforementioned drawbacks by providing an automatic detection of the abnormal consumption of fluid in a distribution circuit.

  For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for detecting an abnormal consumption of a fluid in a fluid distribution circuit, the circuit comprising in particular a counter able to perform fluid flow measurements, measurement analysis means connected to the meter and abnormal consumption means for alerting the fluid 10 controlled by the analysis means, an abnormal consumption corresponding in particular to a leak in the circuit.

  According to a general definition of the invention, the method comprises several cycles comprising the following steps: a measurement of the flow of fluid consumed is carried out using the measuring means; with the aid of the analysis means, two variables are calculated as a function of the flow measurement, a first variable being the flow variation between two consecutive measurements, a second variable being the elapsed time during which the flow rate remains in a predetermined flow rate range; using the analysis means, an abnormal consumption probability is calculated as a function of the measured flow rate and of the first and second variables; the calculated probability is compared with the aid of the analysis means to a threshold probability defined at in advance and stored in memory in the analysis means; if the calculated probability is greater than the threshold probability, a signal is transmitted to the warning means.

  The method may include the prior steps of: - Performing a series of fluid flow reference measurements as part of normal fluid consumption; - store the series of reference measurements in the means of analysis.

  The calculated measurements and probabilities can be stored in the analysis means.

  The probability of abnormal consumption can also be calculated as a function of the previous measurements and / or reference measurements, stored in the analysis means.

  The method may further include the step of shutting off the fluid supply using cut-off means such as a valve, the shut-off means being controlled by the warning means.

  The method may also include the step in which the alerting means sends an alert signal to a remote terminal.

  According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for detecting an abnormal consumption of a fluid in a fluid distribution circuit, the circuit comprising in particular a counter able to perform fluid flow measurements.

  The device comprises: means for analyzing fluid flow measurements connected to the meter, the analysis means calculating an abnormal consumption probability and comparing said probability with a threshold probability defined in advance; and means for alerting abnormal consumption of fluid controlled by the analysis means intended to signal an abnormal consumption of fluid.

  The analysis means may comprise a memory in which the fluid flow measurements and calculated probability values and threshold probabilities can be stored.

  The analysis means may further comprise an interface for programming the calculation of the probability.

  The device may further comprise a series of inputs able to receive signals, the series being connected to means for controlling parameters such as temperature, voltage, the presence of smoke, etc. , the control means being external to the device, the analysis means connected to the series being able to determine, as a function of the signal received, a malfunction relative to the controlled parameter.

  In another aspect, the invention relates to a fluid distribution circuit.

  The circuit comprises a meter capable of measuring a fluid flow and a device for detecting an abnormal consumption of fluid as described above.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge in the light of the description given below and the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention, associated with a distribution circuit of FIG. water and to a remote terminal; FIG. 2 shows the water consumption and the probability of abnormal consumption of water as a function of time for a building in the case of a continuous water leak; FIG. 3 represents the consumption of water and the probability of abnormal water consumption as a function of time for a building in the event of a pipe break; FIG. 4 represents the sequence of steps of the first cycle of the method according to the invention; - Figure 5 shows the sequence of steps of a cycle of the method according to the invention.

  The method and the claimed device have been described in the case of a water distribution system of a building. However, the invention is not limited to a water circuit. It is not limited to a building either.

  The invention also relates to all fluid distribution circuits such as oil, liquid chemicals and gases, in a building, a building portion, a city district, an industrial facility, etc. With reference to FIG. 1, the building is equipped with a water distribution circuit 1 equipped with a device for detecting abnormal consumption of water 2.

  The device 2 is intended to detect a water leak and to signal the malfunction so that it is stopped as quickly as possible.

  A water distribution circuit 1 further comprises a water inlet. The device 2 is preferably placed at this inlet or between this water inlet and the first water outlet.

  The circuit 1 also includes a set of water outlets: taps, water inlet washing machine, flush, etc. These different water outlets are connected to the general water supply through a set of pipes. The water circuit 1 is shown partially in Figure 1 by a pipe portion.

  The device 2 comprises a counter 3, analysis means 4 and warning means 5.

  In the embodiment shown, the device 2 is placed in a housing.

  In other embodiments, not shown, the various elements 3, 4, 5 can be placed at a distance from one another.

  The counter 3 gives a measurement of the volume of water arriving in the circuit. The dial of the counter 3 therefore indicates a total volume of water consumed corresponding to the total water consumption.

  Relative to a unit of time: per day, hour, second, this consumption becomes a flow of water. Flow and consumption are therefore linked.

  The counter 3 is equipped with a sensor able to record the instantaneous consumption: the flow of water at a time t. The sensor thus performs measurements of water flow. In the embodiment shown, a measurement is made every minute.

  In other embodiments, the measurement frequency may be different.

  In the device 2, the links between the various elements 3, 4, 5 are made using connection wires.

  In other embodiments not shown, the links can be made by other means such as radio signals, infrared signals, etc. The analysis means 4 are provided with a memory in which data are stored: the measurements made by the meter sensor 3 and other data entered by an operator.

  These other data are for example a series of reference measurements 30 corresponding to a profile of normal consumption of consumption of the water circuit by the users of the building.

  Alternatively, the reference measurements can be made by the sensor during normal operation, that is to say without leakage. They are then stored in memory of the analysis means 5 and ready to be used.

  The analysis means 5 are also provided with a computer capable of processing the different data. The computer uses for this purpose a calculation program entered in advance in the analysis means 4.

  The calculation program makes it possible to calculate, based on the measurements taken 10 of water flow, a probability of abnormal consumption of water.

  The probability of abnormal consumption of water is a value indicating the risk that the flow of water consumed at time t is greater than the water flow expected under normal conditions of use.

  This probability is calculated from three factors: the measurement of the flow at time t and two variables depending on this flow measurement: - a first variable: the flow variation between two measurements; a second variable: the elapsed time during which the flow rate remains within a range of predetermined values.

  The flow rate variation is simply calculated by subtracting the flow measurement made from the previous flow measurement.

  In the embodiment, the range of values that the flow can take is divided into regular intervals of a few liters per second. The measured flow rate is therefore always between two successive terminals. The second variable corresponds to the time during which the flow measurements remain between these two successive terminals.

  In the calculator, these three data are entered.

  Calculation history and reference measurements are also used.

  The algorithm comprises a minimum of 128 rules each giving a result corresponding to how the values of the rate, the first and the second variable are related to each other. All these results are compiled together to obtain a final result.

  In another embodiment, the algorithm may include a lower number of rules.

  Each rule is assigned a likelihood coefficient that expresses confidence in the conclusion.

  A rule may have other characteristics as a priority over another rule.

  The end result of this probability calculation is a probability of abnormal consumption of water, ie the measured water flow corresponds more or less to the statistically expected flow rate in view of the different data measured and / or taken into account.

  The analysis means 4 are then able to compare this result with a threshold probability. The threshold probability corresponds to the maximum acceptable risk by the user. Above this threshold, we consider that the risk is too high and that action must be taken.

  In the case of a water leak, the calculated probability therefore increases until the leak is stopped.

  The analysis means 4 are connected by means of connection wires to the warning means 5.

  In the embodiment shown, the alerting means 5 are a GSM modem capable of communicating with a cellular telephone.

  The alert means 5 include an entry and an exit.

  The input enables the alerting means 5 to receive a signal from the analysis means 4. This signal may be a simple pulse or the value of the calculated probability greater than the threshold probability.

  At the output, the warning means 5 emit a signal which can also be either a simple pulse or the value of the calculated probability.

  The transmitted signal is received by a remote terminal 6. The terminal 6 is a cellular telephone of a user or a maintenance operator.

  The housing of the device 3 is further provided with an interface enabling an operator to enter data and a program into the analysis means 4.

  This interface comprises in the embodiment a keyboard and a reading means such as a CD-ROM drive.

  According to a variant, the interface may consist of a receiver for receiving the information sent by the remote operator.

  The operator can enter data at any time via this interface.

  With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the relationship between the calculated probability and the water flow is now described.

  On the graph of the figure are represented on the abscissa the elapsed time and on the ordinate the flow of water expressed here in L / min.

  In FIG. 2, the measured flows are represented by peaks.

  We see high peaks of flows 7 distributed over time. They correspond to high water flows and therefore high water consumption. The peaks are isolated, it means that the consumption is high but short.

  This typically corresponds to the opening of a faucet with water use for a limited period.

  We also see beaches where the flow of water is zero, which means that no water is used.

  On the second half of the abscissa, we see a series of small peaks of flow 8. This means that water is used constantly and in small quantities. This is characteristic of a water leak. It can be a leaking faucet or a faulty seal between two pipes.

  In dashed lines, above the peaks, is shown the probability curve of abnormal consumption of water.

  When the probability is at O, it means that there is no risk of leakage. Probability increases as risk increases.

  The presence of high peaks does not particularly influence the probability curve. The influence of these high peaks is offset by the fact that the flow returns to a lower level very quickly and furthermore, it is expected that the flow 25 be high at certain times.

  On the other hand, we see that in the second half of the graph, the curve increases significantly and does not decrease. This is due to the continuous presence of small peaks synonymous with low but steady flow.

  In this figure, the threshold probability value has not been represented. If this were the case, an alert procedure would have been triggered when the calculated probability crossed the threshold, the leak would have been stopped and the calculated probability would have begun to decrease.

  The increase in the probability of abnormal consumption of water means that the existence of these small peaks and therefore of this continuous consumption of water corresponds with the time less and less to a situation of normal consumption of water.

  This further illustrates the fact that the calculation is not done simply with the instantaneous measurement of the flow rate. Indeed, in such a case, the mere finding of low water consumption at a time t would not allow to conclude a water leak.

  FIG. 3 is a graph of the same type as that of FIG. 2. The flow rate is represented not by peaks but by continuous representation.

  Figure 3 illustrates the case of a significant water leak of the type of a pipe break.

  The break occurs at point 9 and lasts until point 10.

  Before point 9, we see that the probability is almost 0.

  After point 9, the probability curve follows the flow curve with an offset. Indeed, the sharp increase in flow if it had been momentary would have been due to a large, sudden but short water use.

  As the consumption is prolonged, the probability of abnormal consumption, ie the probability that it will be a leak, increases and remains high until the leak is stopped.

  We observe after the corresponding point 10 on the ordinates to the value of the threshold probability, that the calculated probability will begin to decrease with the same offset as after point 9.

  This means that the alert was given and the leak stopped.

  According to a not shown variant of the embodiment, the device is further provided with an input series for signals, for example binary signals. The analysis means 4 are programmed to be able to process these signals. Each input is connected to means for controlling a parameter.

  The control means may be a smoke detector, a thermometer measuring the ambient temperature or any temperature of the building or installation, a voltmeter placed on the electrical circuit or the like and any other measuring or control device.

  With the aid of connection wires, radio waves or the like, these control means are capable of sending information such as the value of the parameter or simply a signal indicating an abnormal value of the parameter (temperature too high, absence of voltage, etc.) to the series of inputs the device 1.

  The signals are received and analyzed by the analysis means 4 and transmitted to the warning means 5 which treat them in the same way as the probability of abnormal consumption of water, namely that another signal is transmitted to a signal. monitoring center, an operator or a device to automatically resolve the malfunction.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the method according to the invention is now described.

  FIG. 4 represents the steps to be carried out prior to the repeated cycles of the method according to the invention.

  The analysis means 4 are programmed by entering, using the interface, the calculation algorithm and a threshold probability value, the limits of the ranges of flow values, the frequency of the flow measurements, and so on. (Step A).

  After visual and detailed inspection of the water circuit, a series of reference measurements are carried out, the circuit operating under normal conditions of use without leakage (Step B).

  These measurements are stored in memory of the analysis means 4 (Step C).

  According to one variant, a standard measurement profile adapted to the building concerned can be stored.

  Figure 5 shows the steps of the repeated cycle of the process.

  We describe a cycle which takes place after the unfolding of n cycles.

  The flow of water is measured using the meter sensor 3. (Step I) This measurement is transferred to the analysis means. Using this measure, the first and second variables are calculated. (Step 11) The algorithm is then calculated from these three variables. The result is the likelihood of abnormal consumption (Step IV).

  This probability is compared to the threshold probability (Step V).

  If the calculated probability is greater than the threshold probability, the information is transferred to the warning means which themselves will send a warning signal. The latter can be sent to an operator, a monitoring station or a remotely controllable valve so that it closes to cut off the water supply. (Step VI).

  The signal referred to in step VI is preferably a signal transmitted by GSM system. It is received by a terminal of the GSM telephone terminal type. The signal may notably be an SMS message.

  In the automated case where the warning means 5 act directly on a valve, the transmission of the information can be done by any means which is suitable in particular by connecting son when alert means 5 and arrival valve of water are nearby.

  o10 Another cycle begins at the end of the determined period of time.

  The method and the device according to the invention have been described in connection with a water distribution circuit in a building, but the invention applies to all fluid distribution circuits in an apartment, a building, a neighborhood of a city, a factory, an industrial facility etc.

Claims (14)

  1. A method for detecting an abnormal consumption of a fluid in a fluid distribution circuit (1), the circuit (1) comprising in particular a counter (3) capable of carrying out fluid flow measurements, means analysis (4) measurements connected to the meter (4) and warning means (5) for abnormal consumption of the fluid controlled by the analysis means (4), an abnormal consumption corresponding in particular to a leakage 10 in the circuit, the method comprising several cycles comprising the following steps: - a measurement of the flow of fluid consumed using the measuring means (4); with the aid of the analysis means (4), two variables are calculated as a function of the flow measurement, a first variable being the flow variation between two consecutive measurements, a second variable being the elapsed time during which the flow rate remains within a predetermined flow rate range; with the aid of the analysis means (4), an abnormal consumption probability is calculated as a function of the measured flow rate and the first and second variables; the probability calculated at a threshold probability defined in advance and stored in memory in the analysis means (4) is compared with the aid of the analysis means (4); if the calculated probability is greater than the threshold probability, a signal is transmitted to the warning means (5).   2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that flow measurements are made at regular intervals.   3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises the preliminary steps of: - Perform a series of fluid flow reference measurements in the context of a normal consumption of fluid; - store the series of reference measurements in the analysis means (4).   4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises the step of storing in memory in the analysis means (4) the calculated measurements and probabilities.   5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the probability of abnormal consumption is also calculated as a function of the previous measurements and / or reference measurements, stored in the analysis means (4).   6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises the step of cutting the fluid inlet by means of cutting means such as a valve, the means cutoff being controlled by the warning means (5).   7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises the step during which the alert means (5) send an alert signal to a remote terminal.   8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid is selected from the group consisting of: water, a liquid chemical, a gas, oil.   9. Device (1) for detecting an abnormal consumption of a fluid in a fluid distribution circuit (2), the circuit (2) comprising in particular a counter (3) capable of carrying out fluid flow measurements, the device (1) 30 being characterized in that it comprises: - means of analysis (4) of fluid flow measurements connected to the counter (3), the analysis means (4) calculating a probability of consumption abnormal and comparing said probability to a pre-defined threshold probability; and warning means (5) for abnormal consumption of fluid controlled by the analysis means (4) intended to signal an abnormal consumption of fluid.   10.Dispositif (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the analysis means (4) comprise a memory in which can be stored the fluid flow measurements and values of calculated probabilities and threshold probability.   11.Dispositif (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the analysis means (4) comprise an interface for programming the calculation of the probability.   12. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises a series of inputs for receiving signals, connected to means for controlling parameters such as temperature, the presence smoke, voltage, etc. the control means being external to the device (1), the analysis means (4) connected to the series being able to determine as a function of the signal received a malfunction relative to the controlled parameter.   13.Circuit (2) fluid distribution, characterized in that it comprises a counter (3) capable of measuring a fluid flow and a device for detecting an abnormal consumption of fluid according to one of claims 9 at 12.   14.Circuit (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that it dispenses a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, a chemical, liquid, a gas, oil.