GB2389417A

GB2389417A - A detector/indicator for an insulated water pipe which indicates the presence of water under the insulation

Info

Publication number: GB2389417A
Application number: GB0213132A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leonard O'hara
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-07
Filing date: 2002-06-07
Publication date: 2003-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-07
Also published as: GB2389417B; GB0213132D0

Abstract

A water detector/indicator for indicating the presence of water under the insulation of a water pipe, comprises a water deflector plate 1 which is fixed to the pipe, a feed tube 2 which carries any water detected to a collection chamber which includes a transparent upper section 3 for indication purposes, and an opaque lower section 4 which hides an indicator float 5 when water is not present. The water detector/indicator may also include an electronic indicator (not shown) which fits below the collection chamber 3, 4 and incorporates a high intensity LED which, when energised, flashes to indicate the presence of water in the chamber.

Description

\ 2389417

WATER UNDER INSULATION INDICATOR

This invention relates to a device to indicate the presence of water under insulation for example on pipework.

Water under insulation can lead to corrosion if not detected early enough and in certain industries can be extremely hazardous. This means that companies and resources have to be put in place to inspect insulated pipe work regularly to confirm it is free of corrosion or replace pipe work which is corroded.

According to the present invention water under insulation would be detected and indicated by visual means, the indicator consists of a deflector plate, which is flush with the bottom of the pipe and inside the insulation, this channels the water down a collector tube to an indication chamber which is outside the insulation. The indication may be either by a mechanical indication or electron): light indication or both together.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Fig 1. Shows the indicator in the passive condition with no alarm float indication showing, the float is hidden in the lower part of the indication chamber "4" which is constructed of opaque material therefore showing no alarm float.

Fig 2. Shows in elevation the indicator in the alarm condition. Where the indicating float is clearly visible in the chamber "3" which is constructed of clear material.

Referring to the drawings the indicator comprises of a deflector plate "1" a collector tube or plate "2", an indication chamber "3" and "4" and a float "5" The indicator chamber "3" and "4" may be attached to the collector tube "2" by a threaded boss to permit emptying of the chamber.

6" is the depth of the insulation showing that the collection of water is done under the insulation and is not normally visible, but that the indication is outside and visible.

The operation is as follows, if water enters insulation on a pipe it is normally through the top of the insulation, which has more than likely been damaged and the waterproof seal broken allowing ingress of water. Water on a pipe will always run to the lowest point i.e. the bottom of the pipe to start with and then to the lowest point on the pipe run.

The indicators would be installed at periodic distances along the pipe so that any water running down the bottom of the pipe would reach the indicator "1", where it would be deflected into the indication chamber "3" and "4" raising the float "5" and giving indication of water present under the insulation. The float "S" would stay in the indicating position until physically removed and the water in the indicating chamber "3" and "4" emptied out.

Electronic display may be incorporated to provide protection on pipe work, which is not readily visible, or where it would not be easy or practical for people walking about in their daily duties to see the float indication.

Again the electronic circuit is activated when water enters the chamber "C" and "D", as the float "F" rises to the indicating position the electronic circuit is energised by the float moving from the bottom of the chamber, and indicates by means of high intensity LED's, these may flash on and off for up to I week with the integral battery.

Claims

- 3 Claims

1. A water collector / indicator which can be f xed to pipes of varying sizes, the collector Indication chamber will protrude outside any insulation on the pipes.

2. The Indicator as claimed In claim 1 will indicate the presence of water under the insulation

3. The indicator as claimed in claim 1 will also indicate the approximate locality of any leak In the Insulation protection which has allowed the water ingress.

4. The indicator as claimed In claim I can have more than one method of Indication, a mechanical float, a flashing LED lamp signallmg.

5. The indicator as claimed in claim I, once activated In the alarm mode will indicate indefinitely m the mechanical mode and for 1 week m the other modes.

6. The indicator as claimed In claim 1, once activated in the Aladdin mode can have the alarm chamber part replaced without having to remove the complete unit or remove any lagging.