GB2472678A

GB2472678A - A fluid leak prevention arrangement in a mains pipe

Info

Publication number: GB2472678A
Application number: GB201012270A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Charles Sales
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-12
Filing date: 2010-07-21
Publication date: 2011-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-21
Also published as: GB0914125D0; GB201012270D0; GB2472678B

Abstract

An apparatus 2 for preventing fluid leaking from a fluid system comprises a mains inlet pipe 8, a plurality of distribution pipes 11, a control valve 14 positioned on the mains pipe and a timer 12 set with a predetermined time, e.g. 6 minutes. The valve is controlled by a timer to shut off the mains supply in the event that fluid passes through the pipe for longer than the specified time. A remote control 16 is also provided to reset the valve once it has shut. Preferably the control valve is a spring-biased solenoid valve, while the remote control is portable and wireless. The fluid in the pipe may be drinking water or alternatively heating oil or domestic gas. Preferably a flow detector / sensor 42 is provided downstream of the control valve. A manual bypass valve 38 may be provided. An arrangement as above if installed in a house will ensure that a prolonged leakage does not occur.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING FLUID LEAKAGE FROM

A FLUID SUPPLY SYSTEM IN A PREMISES

This invention relates to apparatus for preventing fluid leakage from a fluid supply system in a premises.

Virtually all premises have a fluid supply and damage to a premises from fluid leaking from a fluid supply system can often be substantial. If the fluid is water, then water damage may cause ceilings to collapse and ruin furniture. If the fluid is gas, then an explosion may occur. It is known to provide apparatus for preventing the fluid leakage. The known apparatus operates such that it firstly detects for the fluid leakage, and secondly shuts down a mains fluid supply from a mains inlet pipe after a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be of the order of ten minutes, with the predetermined period being necessary to make sure that the fluid leakage is accurately detected and not confused with normal use of the fluid. A disadvantage of the known apparatus is that the mains fluids supply is always in an on condition, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. With the mains fluids supply always being on day and night, there is always the potential for a fluid leak and the damage likely to be caused by the fluid leak. This in turn is a cause of concern to many persons occupying premises.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for preventing fluid leakage from a fluid supply system in a premises: (a) the fluid supply system comprising: (1) a mains inlet pipe which provides a mains fluid supply to the premises, and (ii) plurality of distribution pipe which are fed from the mains inlet pipe and which distribute the fluid to different parts of the premises; and (b) the apparatus comprising: (i) timer means which is settable with a chosen time period, (ii) valve means which is positioned in the mains inlet pipe and which operates to close the mains inlet pipe consequent upon the lapse of the time period set on the timer means, and (iii) remote control means for causing the timer means to be reset with the time period, and the valve means to re-open the mains inlet pipe, and (c) the apparatus is such that in use: (I) It operates to a default state in which the mains inlet pipe is closed by the valve means when the time period set on the timer means lapses, so that the mains fluid supply is then automaticafly turned off and there is no possibility of continued mains leakage from the mains inlet pipe, and (ii) the mains inlet pipe is re-opened by operation of the remote control means by a person when the person requires the mains fluid supply.

The apparatus of the present invention provides an advance over the above mentioned prior, art. More specifically, with the apparatus of the present invention, the person firstly has the peace of mind that the mains inlet pipe is.

not always open. Once the apparatus has operated to the default state, the mains inlet pipe is shut and there is then no potential for leakage of fluid, for example water, from the mains inlet pipe upstream of the valve means. The apparatus of the present invention is secondly advantageous in that the person is able to have the further peace of mind in knowing that if the premises is left empty, then the mains inlet pipe will automatically be closed after the lapse of the time period set on the timer means. This time period can be any suitable and appropriate time period convenient to the user and it may be, for example, from two minutes -two hours, depending upon the fluid in question and the use to which the fluid is to be put. The apparatus of the present invention is thirdly advantageous in that the remote control means gives the person convenience of operation. The apparatus of the present invention is fourthly advantageous in that it can avoid insurance companies having to pay out large sums of money for insurance claims for water or other fluid damage. The apparatus of the invention may be used for the control of all water passing through the premises at all water outlets.

The apparatus may be one in which the valve means is a solenoid valve means. With a solenoid valve means, the timer means may operate to cut electrical power to the solenoid valve means in order to cause operation of the solenoid valve means to close the mains inlet pipe. The solenoid valve means may have a spring-biased obturator which actually does the closing of the mains inlet pipe. The valve means may be other than a solenoid valve means if desired.

The apparatus of the present invention may be one in which the remote control means is portable so that it can be carried by the person for convenience, or placed where desired by the person for convenience. Thus, for example, the remote control means may be carried by the person in a pocket or a bag, or the remote control means may be placed by the person in a kitchen or other place where the person is most likely to be at the time when fluid is required.

The apparatus of the present invention may include valve means at each water supply outlet, for example at taps, toilet, baths and sinks. The valve means may be a button. The button is preferably coloured blue.

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the fluid is water. Other types of fluid may however be employed so that, for example, the fluid may alternatively be gas or heating oil.

The apparatus of the present invention may include flow detector means. The flow detector means may be a flow detector switch positioned downstream of the valve means.

The apparatus of the present invention does not use a device for detecting floods or leaks. The apparatus simply uses a timer running down from a preset period. The preset period is preferably 6 minutes but it may be longer or shorter as required. At the expiry of the preset period, the apparatus shuts the mains water supply off. The premises is thus such that a leak can only occur when a person is in the premises and using the water. Further, when the water is being used it can only be used for the preset period and then the apparatus will shut off the water supply until the apparatus is restarted.

The present invention also extends to the combination of the apparatus of the invention and the fluid supply system.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows apparatus for preventing fluid leakage from a fluid supply in a premises; Figure 2 is an electrical circuit showing how remote control means forming part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 operates; Figure 3 illustrates the lay-out and operation of parts of the apparatus of the invention; and Figure 4 is a block circuit diagram of remote control means for the parts of the apparatus shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown apparatus 2 for preventing fluid leakage from a fluid supply system 4 in a premises 6.

The fluid supply system 4 comprises a mains inlet pipe 8 which provides a mains fluid supply 10 to the premises 6. The fluid supply system 4 also comprises a plurality of distribution pipes 11 which are fed from the mains inlet pipe 8 and which distribute the fluid to different parts of the premises 6.

The apparatus 2 comprises timer means 12 which is settable with a chosen time period. S * The apparatus 2 further comprises valve means 14 which is positioned in the mains inlet pipe 8 and which operates to close the mains inlet pipe 8 consequent upon the lapse of the time period set on the timer means 12.

The apparatus 2 further comprises remote control means 16 for causing the timer means 12 to be reset with the time period, and the valve means 14 to re-open the mains inlet pipe 8.

The apparatus 2 is such that in use it operates to a default state in which the mains inlet pipe 8 is closed by the valve means 14 when the time period set on the timer means 12 lapses, so that the mains fluid supply 10 is then automatically turned off and there is no possibility of continued mains fluid leakage from the mains inlet pipe 8. The apparatus 2 is also such that the mains inlet pipe 8 is re-opened by operation of the remote control means 16 by a person when the person requires the mains fluid supply.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the apparatus 2 is located on a board 18 and is inserted between a first part 20 of the mains inlet pipe 8 and a second part 22 of the mains inlet pipe 8.

The valve means 14 is a solenoid valve means. The solenoid valve means operates such that the timer means 12 cuts electrical power to the solenoid valve means to cause operation of the solenoid valve means to close the mains inlet pipe 8. The actual closing.of the mains inlet pipe 8 may be effected by a spring-biased obturator forming part of the solenoid valve means. Power for the timer means 12 is obtained from a fused spur or a switch 24 and a cable 26.

The remote control means 16 is portable so that it can be carried by the person for convenience, or placed where desired by the person for convenience. The remote control means 16 has a transmitter 28 which sends wireless signals 30 to a receiver 32. The wireless signals 30 may be radio frequency signals or signals of other appropriate frequencies.

In the apparatus 2 shown in Figure 1, the fluid is water. Also shown in Figure 1 is an isolating service valve 34 at the inlet part of the apparatus 2, and an isolating service valve 36 at an outlet part of the apparatus 2. The apparatus 2 further comprises an isolating service valve 38 in a pipe 40 which allows the solenoid valve 14 to be bypassed if necessary, for example for repair.

The apparatus 2 also comprises flow detector means comprising a flow detector switch 42. The pipe 40 also enables the flow detector switch 42 to be bypassed.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a circuit 44 which forms part of the apparatus 2. In Figure 2, the remote control means 16 is shown as sending the wireless signals 30. Also shown in Figure 2 is the valve means 14 in the form of the solenoid valve. Also shown in Figure 2 is the flow detector switch 42 and the receiver 32.

The receiver 32, a terminal connector block 46 and a bypass timer 48 are connected as shown and they are provided in a housing 50. The bypas.s timer 48 forms part of the timer means 12 shown in Figure 1.

Electrical power is provided from the switch fused spur or switch 24.

A cable 52 is Used to reset the time means 12. A common live cable 54 is used to power the internal timer relay of the timer means 12. A common neutral cable 56 is the system cable. A live cable 58 holds the solenoid valve in the open position during the timer period set on the timer mean 12. A live cable 60 initiates operation of the timer means 12 on activation of the flow detector switch 42.

A common neutral cable 62 serves the apparatus. A common live cable 64 powers an internal switch of the flow detector switch 42. The apparatus 2 has a common earth cable 66.

The apparatus of the present invention may be such that a valve in the form of a blue button is provided at each water outlet. The blue button can be fixed or removable from its mounting, for example on a wall where the water supply comes in from different parts of the premises such for example as a house. When water is needed, the blue button simply needs to be pressed. A master switch/valve that turns the water off may be in the form of a red button which may be situated in a hail or on a landing upstairs for easy access.

The flow detector switch 42 initiates the timer means 12 to operate the length of time preset into the apparatus. When the preset time has expired, the apparatus 2 operates to the default state, i.e. the valve means 14 in the form of the solenoid valve operates to shut off the water supply.

The apparatus 2 may be installed and may operate as follows to control water in a premises.

The main part of the apparatus 2 is installed between the mains inlet pipe and the multiple distribution pipes.

The main part of the apparatus 2 comprises (i) the solenoid-operated * valve, which is spring-loaded to default to the closed (no flow) position; (ii) the flow sensor, to determine when the water is flowing; and (iii) the remote * receiver and control/timer unit, which receives the signals from multiple remote control transmitters, and which uses the solenoid to switch on or off the flow of water in accordance with preset time settings and/or remote control instructions. There is also a bypass route to allow the water to flow in case of breakdown of the apparatus 2.

Each remote control transmitter can transmit one or more of three commands, i.e. STOP, SHORT, or LONG. Individual remote control transmitter units may have a single button with just one command function, or alternatively multiple buttons, allowing one transmitter to be used for more than one purpose. The transmitters may operate on radio frequencies, and may be battery powered to permit semi-permanent installation or portable use.

The STOP command will switch off the supply of water immediately, by closing (i.e. removing power from) the solenoid valve if the water is currently flowing.

The SHORT command opens the solenoid valve to allow water to flow for a preset maximum time, for example 6 minutes. The time is chosen to be suitable for filling a basin, having a shower, etc. The SHORT command then closes the valve to stop water flow. During a SHORT on-period, the flow sensor is used to monitor the water flow, and as soon as the water stops flowing (for example a tap is closed), the solenoid valve will immediately be closed. Another SHORT command is issued in order to permit water flow again. Each time aSHORT command is transmitted, the solenoid valve will remain open for the maximum time from the moment the command is issued, thereby permitting uninterrupted water flow for more than the preset time if required.

The LONG command opens the solenoid valve to allow water to flow for a preset maximum time, for example 120 minutes, to enable a full cycle of a washing machine to become completed without interruption to the water supply. The flow sensor does not operate during a LONG on-period. The LONG on-period overrides any SHORT command instructions.

Appropriate remote control transmitters may be placed in each location in a building where control of the water supply is required. For example, a SHORT remote control transmitter could be placed in the bathroom, or near the kitchen sink. A LONG remote control transmitter could be placed by the washing machine.

The actual preset times are programmed in firmware in the control unit, and then may be adjusted during manufacture, but not normally by the user.

Figure 3 shows in simplified form the construction and operation of the parts of the apparatus of the invention. Mains input power 68 is shown inputting into controlled electronics 70 comprising the timer 12, the receiver 32, and control logic circuit means 72. The parts of the apparatus shown on * the board 18 are controlled by the remote control means 16, which as shown * * in Figure 1 comprises three remotely located push buttons 74, 76, 78. Fluid flow is shown in Figure 3 by the arrows 80.

Figure 4 shows control electronics 82 comprising the remote control receiver 32, the timer 12 and the control logic circuit means 72. The receiver * 32 is able to transmit long, short or off signals via the illustrated line 84 to the control logic circuit means 72. Short message signals from the flow detector 42 pass along line 86 to the control logic circuit means 72. The control logic circuit means 72 is in two-way communication by lines 88, 90 with the timer means 12. The timer means 12 is able to provide long or short time periods as required. The control logic circuit means 72 outputs via line 92 to the valve 14.

The apparatus 2 may stop and start a water or other fluid flow by means of wireless wave frequencies or other frequencies. This stopping and starting of the flow may be all over the premises where appropriate switches and valves are fitted.

A user of the apparatus 2 is able to have peace of mind in that the mains inlet pipe 8 is not always in a continuous open mode, thereby providing a continuous potential for fluid leakage and damage caused as a result of the fluid leakage. The apparatus 2 is convenient to operate via the remote control means 16. The apparatus 2 is able to stop and start the fluid, for example water, as the fluid enters a premises. The apparatus 2 is thus able to remove the risk of flooding due to a water leak because the apparatus 2 turns the water off at the mains. With the apparatus of the present invention, the only time a leak or a flood can happen is when a person is in the property and is using water. If a teak or a flood should happen at this time, then all the person has to do is to press an off button, for example a:red off button, and the water will stop.

The' apparatus of the present invention preferably has a bypass facility in the form of a bypass valve. A person is then able to bypass the apparatus of the present invention simply by operating the bypass valve, i.e. turning the bypass valve on. The bypass valve in the on condition will then enable normal water or other fluid mains flow to be provided to the premises. The bypass facility may be advantageous in the event of a malfunction in the apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention is easily able to be maintained and repaired. The apparatus may be in the form of a unit on a wall. In this case, a flexible hose may be used to provide fluid to the unit. If the unit is lifted off the wall, it can be maintained and repaired as necessary, and then hung back on the wall.

If desired, the apparatus of the present invention may have a switch, for example a button that may be coloured blue, that is positioned at all the water outlets in the premises. If water is needed at an appropriate outlet, then it is simply necessary to press the button for that outlet.

The apparatus of the present invention may be such that there are two further switches in the form of two further buttons which may be coloured red.

One such which may be on the ground floor of a premises whilst the other switch may be on the top floor of the premises. This gives a person a quick response in shutting water off if a leak or a flood should occur. It is simply * necessary for the person to press the appropriate button and the water will be shut off.

The apparatus of the present invention is able to stop water running * when the water supply is left on, by operating to the default state and shutting off the water supply in a preset finite period, for example in six minutes. In dealing with water leaks and floods, the apparatus of the present invention is able to save water that would otherwise be wasted, and this can amount to millions of gallons if the apparatus of the present invention is installed in enough properties such for example as domestic households.

If the apparatus of the present invention is used in a household and a person wishes to use a washing machine, then the person just have to turn on an appropriate control in the form of, for example, a I 3amp sender, and the water will run as long as the person needs it. The water supply can be turned off when the person has finished, and the apparatus of the present invention will go back to its on and off periodic cycle, which is preferably a six minute cycle but may be any other desired time.

The apparatus of the present invention is able to stop over-filling of a bath with water. This is advantageous in that the variety of existing gadgets for stopping baths overfilling are rendered obsolete by the apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention is able to stop dripping taps and overflow pipes because the water is turned off at the mains.

The apparatus of the present invention is able to save water because a person only has to press the appropriate switch such for example as the above mentioned blue button, in order to obtain water. The water flow is shut down at the end of the preset period, which may be six minutes, and this shutting down of the water stops a person wasting water insofar as persons often use water or leave taps running when the water is not needed.

If a person should forget to press the switch such for example as the blue button when using the toilet, the next time anyone uses a switch anywhere in the premises, water will fill the cistern in the toilet.

As indicated above, the apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it avoids persons going back to premises such for example as their homes and finding out that a lot of water damage has been caused by a flood or a leak. The present invention is able to prevent this happening because the mains water supply will have been turned off at the mains substantially all the time the person has been out. Hitherto, mains water has been controlled by taps and this has been the case for hundreds of years. Now, with the apparatus of the present invention, the mains water is able to be controlled at the mains where it comes into the premises.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it gives the ability to turn the mains water supply off at the stopcock, every time a person stops using the water in a house or other premises. Because there is no pressure in the pipes all over the house or other premises, there is less risk of flooding due to water expanding in the pipes and freezing, and causing the pipes to burst. Because there is no water pressure in the pipes, there is less chance of a pipe bursting.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiment of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings has been given by way of example only and that modifications may be expected. Thus, for example, the timer means:12 may be such that any desired time period can be set on it by the user, or alternatively it may be such that one of a series of pre-programmed time periods may be chosen by the user. The water may alternatively be another type of fluid, for example gas or heating oil, Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings, and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSApparatus for preventing fluid leakage from a fluid supply system in a premises: (a) the fluid supply system comprising: (I) a mains inlet pipe which provides a mains fluid supply to the premises, and (ii) plurality of distribution pipe which are fed from the mains inlet pipe and which distribute the fluid to different parts of the premises; and (b) the apparatus comprising: (i) timer means which is settable with a chosen time period, (iii) valve means which is positioned in the mains inlet pipe and which operates to close the mains inlet pipe consequent upon the lapse of the time period set on the timer means, and (iii) remote control means for causing the timer means to be reset with the time period, and the valve means to re-open the mains inlet pipe, and (c) the apparatus is such that in use: (i) it operates to a default state in which the mains inlet pipe is closed by the valve means when the time period set on the timer means lapses, so that the mains fluid supply is then automatically turned off and there is no possibility of continued mains leakage from the mains inlet pipe, and (ii) the mains inlet pipe is re-opened by operation of the remote control means by a person when the person requires the mains fluid supply.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the valve means is a solenoid valve means.
3. ApparatUs according to claim I or claim 2 in which the remote control means is portable so that it can be carried by the person for convenience, or placed where desired by the person for convenience.
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claim in which the fluid is water.
5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including flow detector means.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which the flow detector means is a flow detector switch positioned downstream of the valve means.
7. Apparatus for preventing fluid leakage from a fluid supply system in a premises, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
8. The combination of the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and the fluid supply system.