GB2298017A - Double piping water supply/ducting system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has connections between elements 4, 5 forming the outer pipes of the system such as to facilitate easy access to inner pipes 2, especially at joints, and associated fittings 3 by the elements to be mutually axially displaceable. The elements 4, 5 mutually seat 9 and at the system ends at 8 against end fittings e.g. a tap 1. To collect and detect any leakage water from inner pipes 2, containers with concave bottom sumps are located between elements 4 with electrical water detectors. The elements 5 may be transparent and may telescopically slide on elements 4 or be screw-threaded to them.

Description

WATER SUPPLY/DUCTING SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to dealing with the leakage of water or other liquids/fluids from pipes provided for facilitating the transfer of such liquids/fluids between locations..

In particular, the present invention is concerned with the problems arising from the leakage of water from water supply pipes in premises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known to convey water for drinking and other purposes by way of piping which is incorporated into the fabric of the associated building/premises in such manner that the pipes are concealed and thus not visble.

A very wide usage of such concealed water supply and utilisation piping in private and commercial properties is in connection with central heating systems using water heated radiators. Generally, such radiators are installed in every room, passageway etc., of a building. This being the case it will be clear that it is necessary to provide a relatively complex network of piping interconnecting each radiator, washing facility, sanitary facility to their respective water supply sources. By concealed is implied that the piping is located within wall structures, buried below floor level or otherwise hidden so as to eliminate a visible array of pipes which is considered to be asthetically undesirable. A further function of elimnating a visible arrray is that it prevents the pipes hindering free movement through passageways and/or cleaning and decorating.

As will be appreciated, such a complex network of piping involves a very large number of individual pipe lengths resulting in many connections of various types for interconnecting the individual pipe lengths to each other and also for interconncting the various pipes to the various water utilisation units.

It is also extremely well known that suth piping networks are prone to water leakege for a variety of reasons; including joint breaking; freezing; formation of holes from corrosion; fatigue cracking; faulty workmanship; faulty materials etc.

In some cases the leakage makes itself immediately apparent thereby rapidly and clearly indicating the location/source of the leakage. However, it has been found that for a very large number of leakages from concealed piping, the fact that a leak or leaks is/are present may take a very long time to provide, to an obsever, an indication that a leak or leaks is/are present in the system.

Normally, the first indication of a leakage is damage to a wall structure; woodwork, decoration staining etc., and perhaps a direct presence of surface water.

As is well known even if a leak has been detected/observed the location at which the presence of a leak in the piping network is noted is often not the actual location in the network at which the leak has occured.

As is likewise well known fact that leakages occuring within a 'buried' piping network/system and remaining undetected for what may be a lengthy period even years, can result in a great deal of damage to any part of the building structure which is being continuously subjected to the presence of the water. Such damage includes i.e., rotting of internal timbers; breaking down of plaster work; damage to building foundations; breaking-up of wooden strip floors; bubbling away of paintwork; loosening of floor/wall tiles and wall coverings; corrosion and so forth; damage to ceilings; the creation of conditions leading to fungus attacks and structural weakening.

Furthermore, in the case of concrete including structures the leakage water could under certain conditions produce alkali reactions within the concrete resulting in damage to the concrete.

THE PRIOR ART As a possible solution to the problem it has been proposed to provide double piping systems in which the piping carrying the liquid is contained in an outer piping so that if the liquid carrying piping (inner piping) develops a leak any liquid leaking therefrom is contained within the outer piping. One such double piping system is disclosed in United States Patent No 4 723 441 in which concentric lengths of pipe are connected end to end to provide a required liquid conducting double piping system.

In this double piping system the inner and outer pipes are connected end to end by jointing arrangements of such construction that each joint arrangement serves to connect both the inner and outer pipes so that any opening of the outer pipes automatically opens the immediately adjacent inner pipe connection.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a double piping system in which connections between the inner and outer pipes are separate and effectively independent of each other whereby mantenance is facilitated.

A further object is to facilitate the detection of such leaks whilst at the same time constraining the freedom of flow to leakage water.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION Broadly, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a double piping system, wherein connections between elements forming the outer pipes of the system access are. such as to facilitate easy access to inner pipes and associated fittings.

Prefearbly, the double piping system comprises sleeves axially displaceable of the end regions of outer pipes ends for interconnecting such ends in a fluid tight manner.

In a preferred system a sleeve axially displaceable of the end regions of the outer pipes is provided at locations where inner pipes of the double piping system are operationally connected with components associated with the inner pioes for interconnecting such outer pipe ends in a fluid tight manner with the components.

Conveniently, the end regions of the sleeves are connected in fluid tight manner to the associated outer pipes ends by a readily freeable connection means.

Preferably, the space between the inner and outer networks of pipes is arranged to duct any leakage water to a location at which the water can do no harm.

Conveniently, protective devices can be utilised for arranging that leakage of water from the innner pipes triggers operation of the protective device which, in turn, can initiate alarms shut-off valves etc.

Preferably, the sleeves are dimensionally large enough to provide a loose fit over the outer pipes, and wherein the sleeves are securable in place using a sealing material that is easily softened when it is required to displace the sleeve for the purposes of gaining access to the inner pipes.

Conveniently, the sealing material comprises a heat softenable mastic, adhesive or a soft solder form of jointing compound..

In an alternative arrangement the ends of the outer pipe lengths are threaded, and the sleeves are suitably threaded at each end thereof such that the threads thereof can engage with the threads on the outer pipes.

Junction boxes can be provided in the vicinity of joints occuring in the system of inner pipes, at connections between inner pipes and water utilisation devices or at locations of major changes in inner pipe run directions, and wherein the outer pipes are connected between the junction boxes.

In a practical installation the outermost ends of the outer pipes can be left unterminated or, if desired, the pipes are connected to armatures or to further sections of piping as considered appropriate in any particular installation. Thus, what ever the nature of the association of the outer piping with the inner water carrying piping it is ensured that convenient access is always available to such inner piping network so as to facilitate the repair thereof in the event that repairs are required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how to carry the same into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of a first application of a double pipe system incorporating the concepts of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view illustrating the arrangment of Figure 1 when applied to the location of connection between the adjacent ends of two lengths of water carrying inner pipes; Figure 3 schematically illustrates an arrangement for enabling the presence of a water leak from a buried water carrying inner pipe; and Figure 4 schematically illustrates an arrangement for enabling the presence of a water leak to be detected in the case where the piping is concealed within a wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to Figure 1 which illustrates the connection of a standard tap 1 to a water supply pipe 2, the connection being any form of joint/connection 3 used for such purposes. The pipe 2 is effectively shrouded by an outer pipe 4 which effectively extends for the full length of the piping associated with the tap 1 but terminates a short distance from the actual tap joint 3.In accordance with the concepts of the invention arrangements are provided for enabling relatively easy access to the joint region 3, As shown, the arrangement includes a sleeve 5 which is relatively easily telescopically slidable lengthwise of the outer surface 6 of the outer pipe 4 and which, in its position as shown relative to the pipe 4, has one end 7 readily releasably secured in the vicinity 8 of the connection 3 in such manner as to provide a water tight seal with respect to said region, and at its other end 9 in a readily releasable manner to the outer surface 6 of the outer pipe 4.' The end connections of the sleeve 5 form a water proof seal with the region 8 and the pipe surface 6.It will be noted that with this arrangement of the outer pipe 4 and the sleeve 5 any water escaping from a leak at the connection 3 will flow into the annular space 10 between the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 4 and the sleeve 5 thereby preventing water escaping from the connection 3 from adversly affecting the surounding environment.

Figure 2 illustrates the arrangement of Figure 1 when applied to the location of a connection 11 between the adjacent ends 12 and 13 of two water carrying pipe lengths 2A and 2B. The associated ends 14 and 15 of the outer pipes 4A and 4B are spaced relative to the actual joint 11 between the water carrying pipes 2A and 2B and are effectively interconnected by the sleeve 5. As in the case of Figure 1 the ends 7 and 9 of the sleeve 5 are telescopically engageable with the adjacent ends 14 and 15 of the outer pipes and these ends are secured by jointing media 16 in readily releasable manner to the outer pipes 4A and 4B.

When it is considered necessary to gain access to the joint region 11 between the water carrying pipes 2A and 2B the jointing 16 between the sleeve ends 14 and 15 and the outer pipes 4A and 4B is released and the sleeve 5 is displaced lengthwise of a convenient one of the outer pipes 4A and 4B, It will be appreciated that arrangements (not shown) are conveniently provided for enabling the volume 10 between the outer pipes and the water carrying pipes to be drained or at least effectively drained of any water that may have accumulated in the volume. It will be further appreciated that it would be convenient to form the sleeves from a transparent material so that it can be readily noted whether or not an accumulation water is present.

As indicated above, the primary purpose for the use of the outer piping is to provide a means for preventing any water leaking from a joint or connection within the water carrying pipework from leaking into the surrounding structure of a building.

One of the problems with the leakage from hidden pipework is the determination of the possible location of a leak.

Experience has shown that in, for example, a long length of buried piping including a number of separate pipe lengths connected in prolongation of each other, if a leak occurs a visible indication of the leak does not necessarily correspond to the actual location of the leak.

Thus, whilst the occurance of a leak may be indicated by the presence of water in surrounding building structures, the location at which the leakage water can be observed is often remote from the actual leakage as a result of the flow of the leakage water from the joint to the location at which it is noticed.

With the object of at least reducing this difficulty it is proposed in accordance with an aspect of the invention to provide means for monitoring/detecting leakage at a joint or other possible leakage location in a concealed piping.

One such arrangement for doing this is shown in Figure 3 which schematically illustrates arrangements for detecting a leakage water.

In the Figure 3 the water carrying inner pipe is illustrated at 2C, the outer pipes at 4C and 4D. As may be seen both forms of the pipes are located below a flooring 17.

As will be noted from the Figure 3 the water carrying piping 2C passes through a chamber 18 which can be regarded as a junction box, having what ever form considered appropriate for a particular pipework installation i.e., of a generally rectangular form with a concavely or otherwise shaped base 19 which provides a sump region 20 located lower than the remainder of the base 19.

The sump region 20 effectively provides a sump for any water that may enter the box 18 as a result of leakage at any junction that may be provided between the water carrying pipes within the boundaries of the box 18 or by water draining from a leakage point outside the box 18 into the box. Conveniently, the box 18 is closed with an inspection cover 21 that can be arranged to be flush with the floor 17 and/or can provide a decorative cover.

A water presence detection means 22 is provided at said lowermost region 20 of the box 18, the detection means 22 being arranged to produce a signal characteristic of the presence of water. The detection means 22 can, for example, be connected by way of electrical wiring 23 to a signal detection point (not shown) whereby in the event that water collects within the region 20 its presence is indicated at the signal detection point.

It will be appreciated that on an indication of the presence of water in the premises, the inspection cover 21 that is considered to be the most appropriate to the location at which water leakage is noticed can be removed to reveal the collection of water. It is possible that once the inspection cover has been removed there may well be an indication of the extent of water collection or even the rate of water collection within the sump region.

It will also be appreciated that, if in a situation in which the water appearing from the region has not leaked from 'the joint or any joint located within the junction box, it can be readily ascertained from which direction the water has entered into the detection zone by observation of the ends af the annular space 10 between the inner and outer pipes.

It will be understood that the provision of the detection means 22 such as indicated in Figure 3 enables a complex underfloor piping network to be conveniently divided into zones by suitable positioning of the detection means 22 so that in the event of a water leakage occuring the precise location of a leak can be rapidly and effectively narrowed down to a particular zone or place. In practice, this possibility can make the matter of leak detection relatively simple and in so doing reduces the not infrequent condition that long lengths of buried piping have to be revealed by removing flooring in order to trace back from the location at which the leakage indication water had appeared to find the actual position of a leak.

In the case where the piping is concealed within a wall an arrangement similar to that discussed in relation to Figure 3 can be adopted. Figure 4 shows one such arrangement. Since the components of Figure 4 are essentially similar to those discussed in relation to Figure 3 they have been identified by the same reference numerals and a detailed description is not thought necessary.

In general, it will be appreciated that with the proposals of the invention should water leakage occur in a piping system the resulting leakage water would either accumulate in the sumps to be detectable at an early stage or in the case of installations in which it is not always convenient to provide such sumps the provision of the outer piping enables the leakage water to be conducted to a position at which. it can be easily and safely observed, where it can do no harm or where it can trigger a conveniently located detection device.

Thus, in an installation incorporating the proposals of the invention on discovering the leakage water the tracing of its origin can be easily effected by successively opening junction boxes to inspect for the presence of water/moisture.

When the leakage has been traced to a particular point on the inner pipe, the latter can be repaired in conventional manner after releasing the outer sleeve associated therewith if a sleeve is involved. In a situation in which a leakage has been traced to a fault on the inner pipe lying between adjacent junction boxes or between an armature and a junction box, then the ends of this particular length of pipe are cut free and the entire pipe section removed by withdrawal from the outer pipes, which now functions as a conduit channel. A new section of replacement pipe for carrying pipe is threaded through the outer pipe as required, and the ends jointed in conventional manner. This operation is facilitated by the use of the presently available relatively flexible pipes.

It will be appreciated that it is possible by appropriate choice of the size of the outer pipes for the latter to carry more than one water carrying inner pipe.

It is convenient to note that in the case of thermally insulated pipes their insulation could well be improved by the presence of the outer pipe which latter could if considered advantageous also be thermally insulated.

In practice, any suitable material may be used for the outer pipes. Thus they can comprise metals, plastics material or the like.

In practice also it is necessary that they should be water tight and capable of being connected as required to other lengths of piping or any other components involved in a piping network/system.

A further advantage of the proposals of the invention is that whenever it is necessary to break into the inner pipe network, for example, to replace a defective joint; to extend the inner pipe system, to replace a length of inner pipe, etc., it is possible to install elements of an outer pipe system since by reason of the use of the mastic type of sealant the newly introduced conections/pipe lengths of the inner pipe system can be provided with local outer pipe facilities.

It is also possible to use longituninally sleeves longitudinally split into two portions which may be totally separate one from the other or such as to be effectively hinged-one to the other but which may readily engaged over the outer pipes ends thereby facilitating their attachment. After such engagement the sleeves are formed into the cylindrical form and the two portions The secured one to the other by any convenient means i.e., by use of adhesives, tying; cramping means of the like.

Claims (11)

1. A double piping system, wherein connections between elements forming the outer pipes of the system access are such as to facilitate easy access to inner pipes and associated fittings.

2 A double piping system as claimed in claim 1, and comprising sleeves axially displaceable of the end regions of outer pipes ends for interconnecting such ends in a fluid tight manner.

3. A double piping system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, and comprising a sleeve axially displaceable of the end regions of the outer pipes at locations where inner pipes of the double piping system are operationally connected with components associated with the inner pioes for interconnecting such outer pipe ends in a fluid tight manner with the components.

4. A double piping system as claimed in claim 2 or 3, and wherein the end regions of the sleeves are connectable in fluid tight manner to the associated outer pipes ends by a readily freeable connection means.

5. A double piping system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, and wherein the space between the inner and outer pipes is arranged to duct any leakage water to a location at which the water can do no harm.

6. A double piping system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, and including protective devices for arranging that leakage of water from the inner pipes triggers operation of the protective device.

7. A double piping system as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the sleeves are dimensionally large enough to provide a loose fit over the outer pipes, and wherein the sleeves are securable in place using a sealing material that is easily softened when it is required to displace the sleeve for the purposes of gaining access to the inner pipes. -

8. A double piping system as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the sealing material comprises a heat softenable mastic, adhesive or a soft solder form of jointing compound.

9. A double piping system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ends of the outer pipe lengths are threaded, and wherein sleeves are suitably threaded at each end thereof such that the threads thereof can engage with the threads on the outer pipes.

10. A double piping system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein junction boxes are provided in the vicinity of joints occuring in the system of inner pipes, at connections between inner pipes and water utilisation devices or at locations of major changes in inner pipe run directions, and wherein the outer pipes are connected between the junction boxes.

11. A double piping system constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.