GB2319634A - Fluid leak detection apparatus - Google Patents
Fluid leak detection apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2319634A GB2319634A GB9714097A GB9714097A GB2319634A GB 2319634 A GB2319634 A GB 2319634A GB 9714097 A GB9714097 A GB 9714097A GB 9714097 A GB9714097 A GB 9714097A GB 2319634 A GB2319634 A GB 2319634A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- shut
- valve
- leak detection
- flow switch
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
- F17D5/00—Protection or supervision of installations
- F17D5/02—Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
Abstract
Fluid leak detection apparatus is designed for a fluid supply system of the kind having hot and/or cold water supply conduits 1, 5 and branch conduits 2, 6 to the appliances. The apparatus comprises a fluid supply shut-off valve 7, 8 and a first flow switch 9, 10 connected in each water supply conduit. Each first fluid flow switch is actuated when the fluid flow at that point exceeds a first predetermined value. Each branch conduit 6 has a second fluid flow switch 11-17 which is actuated when the fluid flow at that point exceeds a second predetermined value. Control means (figure 2) determines whether first and second switches are actuated. In normal operation both switches are actuated, but in the event of a leak only the first fluid flow switch is actuated, and on determining this the controller then operates to close the shut-off valve 7, 8. This provides a simple and rapid way of detecting the presence of a leak and shutting off the water supply in response. A timed delay before closing the valve and an audio/visual alarm can be incorporated.
Description
APPARATUS FOR FLUID LEAK DETECTION
The present invention relates to apparatus for the detection of fluid leaks particularly but not exclusively leaks in a domestic water supply.
There are various types of known fluid leak detection systems. Generally these include the use of water meters to monitor the flow rate of the water at one or more locations in the water supply. The flow rates at different locations are compared over a period of time and a decision is made based on this information whether or not a leak is present in the system. The flow meters used in this type of system emit pulses at a rate indicative of the fluid flow rate. Systems of this kind require a relatively complex combination of flow meters timers and processing software to evaluate the information. If the leak is significant a substantial amount of water can be lost (and therefore significant damage can be caused) in the timed comparison and the evaluation period before any alarm signal is activated.
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided fluid leak detection apparatus for a fluid supply system comprising a fluid supply conduit and at least one fluid outlet conduit. the apparatus comprising a fluid supply shut-off valve connected in a fluid supply conduit, a first flow switch in the fluid supply conduit and which is actuated when the fluid flow exceeds a first pre-determined value, a second fluid flow switch in said outlet conduit and which is actuated when the fluid flow exceeds a second pre-determined value. and control means that operates to close the shut-off valve when only the first fluid flow switch is actuated.
Preferably the control means incorporates a timer that provides a delay of a predetermined period between the actuation of one of said first and second flow switches and operation of the shut-off valve to check that the flow switch remains in the actuated condition for that predetermined period before operating the shut-off valve. This check ensures that the shut-off valve is not closed for a predetermined period of time, thereby allowing for errors caused by transient conditions.
An audio and/or visual alarm may be provided to indicate when a shut-off valve has been operated.
Preferably there is a plurality of outlet conduits each having a second fluid flow switch.
Preferably there is both a hot and cold supply conduit each having a shut-off valve and a first fluid flow switch.
A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical domestic water supply system fitted with the leak detector of the present invention; and
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the present invention showing input and output control signal paths.
Referring now to the drawings. figure 1 shows a typical domestic water supply layout comprising a main cold water supply conduit 1 with a plurality of branch conduits 2 that connect to household appliances such as bathroom and kitchen taps 3.
The main cold supply conduit 1 feeds into a hot water tank 4 the output of which is a main hot water supply conduit 5 with branch conduits 6 corresponding to those in the cold supply conduit 1. The main cold water supply conduit 1 additionally has a branch conduit to a WC which has no hot water supply.
The beginning of each main supply conduit 1,5 is fitted with a normally closed shut-off valve 7,8 and an adjacent flow switch 9,10. Each shut-off valve 7,8 is actuable via a microswitch in response to an electrical signal C,. C2 from a control unit (described below) to close the respective supply conduit 1,5. The microswitch is activated to cut off the power supply to the shut-off valve thereby causing it to revert to its normally closed condition. Closure of each valve 7.8 may be effected by. for example, solenoid or motor operation. Each flow switch 9,10 comprises. for example, a reed switch plunger mechanism with an electrical output signal Sl. S2. The flow switch status as indicated by the output signal Sl. S2 toggles when the volumetric water flow rate in the conduit exceeds or falls below a predetermined value (for example 1.25 litres per minute). A flow switch of this type is commercially available from RS components under stock nos. 257-076 and 257-082.
Each branch conduit 2.6 is also fitted with a flow switch 11-17 at a location adjacent the appliance. These flow switches 11-17 are designed so that the switch status signal S3 to S9 toggles (between on and off) when the volumetric flow rate in the respective branch conduit 2,6 exceeds or falls below a predetermined value (for example 0.5 litres per minute). A flow switch 18 is also connected in the pipeline immediately prior to the hot water tank 4. This switch emits a signal 510 when it is triggered by a predetermined flow rate.
Any electrical 'on' signals Sl to Sl(, generated by the flow switches 9-18 are transmitted to a control unit (see figure 2) that monitors the status of the signals Sl to S lo and sends control signals C1, C2 to the shut-off valves 7,8 to cause them to open or close as necessary. The control unit incorporates a timer (not shown).
With the shut-off valves 7,8 both open. water flows in the normal operative state along the main cold water supply conduit 1 to the hot water tank 4. If cold water is demanded by any appliance (e.g. by flushing the WC or turning on the tap in the kitchen) cold water is supplied along the respective branch pipe 2. Similarly hot water flows from the hot water tank 4 along the main hot water conduit 5 and into the branch pipes 6 associated with any appliances which are demanding hot water. In this normal operative state the flow rates of water in the various conduits will exceed the threshold of the flow switches 9 to 18 and any active signals Sl to Slo will be transmitted to the control unit. the output signals Cl. C2 of which will be inactive.
In the event that no appliances are in use the flow switches 9 to 1 8 transmit no signals to the control unit thereby representing their passive state and again the outputs C1, C2 of the control unit will both be inactive. However, in the event of a leak in either the hot or cold water supply and when appliances connected to that supply are not in use, only one or both of the flow switches 9 and 10 in the main supply conduit 1 or 5 will be active. When the signals S S2 received by the control unit represent this set of circumstances the control unit will transmit a control signal C1 or
C2 to activate the relevant shut-off valve 7.8. The timer in the control unit will only permit transmission of this control signal if the condition is maintained for a predetermined period to allow for errors caused by transient conditions. For example.
when an empty system is being charged with water it is necessary to avoid closure of the shut-off valves. The length of predetermined period can be set by the user.
When one or both valves have been shut down an alarm (visual, audible or both) will be activated.
Provision may be made for manual override of the system if one or both of the shut-off valves are activated. When a shut-off valve is closed it remains closed until it is manually opened. Since each shut-off valve is normally closed it is fail safe so in the event of power loss each valve will be closed.
The apparatus conveniently enables isolation of hot and cold water supplies separately.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a flow switch is provided in a supply pipe that is external to the domestic premises and interconnects the internal conduits to the water main. The switch may be positioned. for example, adjacent an external stop tap. This arrangement permits the detection of leaks in the external water supply by making use of the same techniques described above. In normal use the external flow switch will generate a signal that is indicative of flowing water and this is compared to the signal S1 generated by the inlet flow switch 9. Provided both signals are active there is no leak. However should the external flow switch transmit a signal and the inlet flow switch 9 there must be a leak in the external pipework. This condition is detected by the control unit and the supply is shut down. The user can then inform the water supply companv. If necessary an additional flow switch to that in the inlet pipe (flow switch 9) may be provided if a lower rate of flow detection is required.
It will be appreciated that the above described apparatus for leak detection may be applied to other water supply apparatus such as a central heating systems or an industrial water supply.
Claims (9)
1. Fluid leak detection apparatus for a fluid supply system comprising a fluid supply conduit and at least one fluid outlet conduit. the apparatus comprising a fluid supply shut-off valve connected in a fluid supply conduit. a first flow switch in the fluid supply conduit and which is actuated when the fluid flow exceeds a first predetermined value, a second fluid flow switch in said outlet conduit and which is actuated when the fluid flow exceeds a second pre-determined value, and control means that operates to close the shut-off valve when only the first fluid flow switch is actuated.
2. Fluid leak detection apparatus according to claim 1. wherein the control means incorporates a timer that provides a delay of a predetermined period between the actuation of one of said first and second flow switches and operation of the shut-off valve to ensure that the flow switch remains in the actuated condition for that predetermined period.
3. Fluid leak detection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. wherein an audio and/or visual alarm may be provided to indicate when a shut-off valve has been operated.
4. Fluid leak detection apparatus according to claim 1. 2 or 3, wherein there is a plurality of outlet conduits each having a second fluid flow switch.
5. Fluid leak detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. wherein there is both a hot and cold supply conduit each having a shut-off valve and a first fluid flow switch.
6. Fluid leak detection according to any preceding claim wherein said first predetermined value is larger than said second predetermined value.
7. Fluid leak detection apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the shut-off valve is normally closed.
8. A water supply system having fluid leak detection apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.
9. Fluid leak detection apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1997/003216 WO1998023936A1 (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1997-11-24 | Apparatus for fluid leak detection |
EP97913330A EP0939889A1 (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1997-11-24 | Apparatus for fluid leak detection |
AU50628/98A AU5062898A (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1997-11-24 | Apparatus for fluid leak detection |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9624384.5A GB9624384D0 (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1996-11-23 | Apparatus for fluid leak detection |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9714097D0 GB9714097D0 (en) | 1997-09-10 |
GB2319634A true GB2319634A (en) | 1998-05-27 |
Family
ID=10803372
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9624384.5A Pending GB9624384D0 (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1996-11-23 | Apparatus for fluid leak detection |
GB9714097A Withdrawn GB2319634A (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1997-07-04 | Fluid leak detection apparatus |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9624384.5A Pending GB9624384D0 (en) | 1996-11-23 | 1996-11-23 | Apparatus for fluid leak detection |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (2) | GB9624384D0 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1106904A3 (en) * | 1999-12-08 | 2002-08-21 | Innovatherm Prof. Dr. Leisenberg GmbH & Co. KG | Method and apparatus to locate pressure losses |
GB2377311A (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2003-01-08 | Gareth Paul Kinsey | Fluid Flow control with automatic valve closure to protect premises when abnormal flow conditions are sensed. |
US6520003B1 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2003-02-18 | Alan Fox | Fluid leakage detection device |
WO2006014891A1 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2006-02-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Systems and methods for detecting and eliminating leaks in water delivery systems for use with appliances |
DE102012010039A1 (en) * | 2012-05-15 | 2013-11-21 | Philipp Kofmane | Volume damage protection device i.e. water damage protection device, for e.g. automatic closing of hot water lines for transporting water in home, has closure unit including integrated control motor, which is controllable by closure unit |
US8606413B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2013-12-10 | David John Picton | Water management system |
WO2019053385A1 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2019-03-21 | France Prefa Concept | Hydraulic integrator and method for centralised management of the hydraulic network of a plant |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106015946A (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2016-10-12 | 梁森 | Leakage monitoring device for tap water pipeline |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2193361A (en) * | 1986-01-17 | 1988-02-03 | Ik Trading Aps | Central heating system and water system and method for controlling the tightness thereof |
US4892114A (en) * | 1989-04-13 | 1990-01-09 | M. C. Aerospace Corporation | Flow-sensing shutoff valve |
-
1996
- 1996-11-23 GB GBGB9624384.5A patent/GB9624384D0/en active Pending
-
1997
- 1997-07-04 GB GB9714097A patent/GB2319634A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2193361A (en) * | 1986-01-17 | 1988-02-03 | Ik Trading Aps | Central heating system and water system and method for controlling the tightness thereof |
US4892114A (en) * | 1989-04-13 | 1990-01-09 | M. C. Aerospace Corporation | Flow-sensing shutoff valve |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6520003B1 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2003-02-18 | Alan Fox | Fluid leakage detection device |
EP1106904A3 (en) * | 1999-12-08 | 2002-08-21 | Innovatherm Prof. Dr. Leisenberg GmbH & Co. KG | Method and apparatus to locate pressure losses |
GB2377311A (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2003-01-08 | Gareth Paul Kinsey | Fluid Flow control with automatic valve closure to protect premises when abnormal flow conditions are sensed. |
WO2006014891A1 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2006-02-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Systems and methods for detecting and eliminating leaks in water delivery systems for use with appliances |
US8606413B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2013-12-10 | David John Picton | Water management system |
DE102012010039A1 (en) * | 2012-05-15 | 2013-11-21 | Philipp Kofmane | Volume damage protection device i.e. water damage protection device, for e.g. automatic closing of hot water lines for transporting water in home, has closure unit including integrated control motor, which is controllable by closure unit |
WO2019053385A1 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2019-03-21 | France Prefa Concept | Hydraulic integrator and method for centralised management of the hydraulic network of a plant |
FR3071260A1 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2019-03-22 | France Prefa Concept | HYDRAULIC INTEGRATEUR AND METHOD FOR THE CENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT OF THE HYDRAULIC NETWORK OF AN INSTALLATION |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9714097D0 (en) | 1997-09-10 |
GB9624384D0 (en) | 1997-01-08 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |