GB2483681A - A Fluid Detection Tape and System Incorporating a Fluid Detection Tape - Google Patents

A Fluid Detection Tape and System Incorporating a Fluid Detection Tape Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2483681A
GB2483681A GB1015478.9A GB201015478A GB2483681A GB 2483681 A GB2483681 A GB 2483681A GB 201015478 A GB201015478 A GB 201015478A GB 2483681 A GB2483681 A GB 2483681A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
fluid
detection
tape
detection system
leak detection
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB1015478.9A
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GB201015478D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Rotherforth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Burstalert Ltd
Original Assignee
Burstalert Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Burstalert Ltd filed Critical Burstalert Ltd
Priority to GB1015478.9A priority Critical patent/GB2483681A/en
Publication of GB201015478D0 publication Critical patent/GB201015478D0/en
Publication of GB2483681A publication Critical patent/GB2483681A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01MTESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/04Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/16Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means
    • G01M3/165Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means by means of cables or similar elongated devices, e.g. tapes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01MTESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/04Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/16Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

Abstract

The fluid detection tape 10 has a substrate 12 which has a detection surface 18. A first electrode 14 and a second electrode 16 are disposed on the detection surface and extend longitudinally along the substrate. The first and second electrodes are disposed in a laterally spaced apart arrangement relative to each other. The tape also has fixing means, adhesive layer 20, operable to fix the tape to a surface. The system has an electrical signal generator (108, figure 3) in communication with the fluid detection tape and operable to generate a predetermined electrical signal upon detection of a fluid by the tape. The system also has flow control means (102) which operate to alter the flow of fluid upon receipt of a said predetermined logical signal.

Description

Fluid Detection Tape and Leak Detection System The present invention relates to fluid leak detectors and particularly fluid leak detectors such as, for example, devices which detect unwanted flow of water from burst pipes, water cisterns and domestic baths.
Leakage from domestic and commercial water supply systems can cause a significant amount of damage if they remain undetected. Typically, the longer a water leak is undetected the greater the resulting damage caused to a building and, consequently, the more expensive it is to repair. Consequently, there is a need for a system and device which detects the leakage of water as soon as possible.
An object of the present invention is to provide means for detecting the presence of liquid, particularly when the presence of liquid is indicative of a leak. It is also an object of the present invention to provide means for altering the flow of liquid upon detection of a leak.
According to the present invention there is provided a fluid detection tape comprising a substrate, having a detection surface, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the detection surface to extend longitudinally thereon, the first and second electrodes being disposed in a laterally spaced apart arrangement relative to each other, and fixing means operable to fix the tape to a surface.
The fixing means preferably comprises an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably disposed on a surface of the tape opposing the detection surface.
The tape preferably further comprises a peel layer disposed to removeably adhere to and cover the adhesive prior to fixing thereof to a said surface.
The first and second electrodes may be interdigitated relative to each other.
The substrate is advantageously made from a non-stretch plastics material.
The first and second electrodes may comprise aluminium.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a reel comprising a continuous role of fluid detection tape as described above.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a leak detection system comprising fluid detection means, an electrical signal generator in communication with the fluid detection means and operable to generate a predetermined electrical signal upon detection of a fluid, and flow control means operable alter the flow of fluid upon receipt of a said predetermined logical signal.
The fluid detection means is advantageously a leak detection tape as described above.
Preferably, upon contact of a said fluid the electrical capacitance of the fluid detection means is altered.
Accordingly, the electrical signal generator preferably comprises an oscillator operable to provide a change in the frequency of an electrical signal upon a change in the electrical capacitance of the fluid detection means.
Alternatively, upon detection of a said fluid the electrical resistance of the fluid detection means is altered.
Accordingly, the electrical signal generator is preferably operable to provide a change in the electrical signal upon a change in the resistance of fluid detection means. In which case, the electrical signal generator preferably comprises a pulse generator and a conductance bridge.
The flow control means preferably comprises a first microcontroller.
The flow control means advantageously comprises valve control means operable to alter the flow of fluid.
The flow control means preferably comprises one or more motorised valves suitable for filling within a fluid supply system.
The leak detection system preferably comprises one or more fluid detection indicators. The one or more fluid detection indicators may comprise optical indicators and/or audible alarm indicators.
The one or more fluid detection indicators are advantageously disposed in a separate control box.
The separate control box advantageously comprises a second microcontroller which is in communication with the first microcontroller.
The leak detection system advantageously further comprises a communications device operable to provide remote indication of a leak.
The communications device is preferably in communication with the second microcontroller.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a drawing showing a plan view of a fluid detection tape according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a further drawing of the tape of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a leak detection system according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of an alternative embodiment of a fluid detection tape according to the present invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of an alternative embodiment of a leak detection system according to the present invention for use with the tape of Figure 4.
Referring to figure 1, a fluid detection tape 10, according to the present invention, comprises a substrate 12, a first electrode 14 and a second electrode 16. Figure 1 shows only a portion of the tape 10 and in practice the tape is continuous and can be stored on a reel.
The substrate 12 has a detection surface 18 onto which the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are fixed in a laterally spaced apart arrangement in the longitudinal direction thereof.
Referring also to figure 2, the tape 10 further comprises an adhesive layer 20 and a peel layer 22. The adhesive layer 20 is disposed on an opposing surface (not shown) of the substrate 12 relative to the detection surface 18.
The peel layer 22 is disposed to cover the exposed adhesive layer 20 such adhesive layer 20 is disposed between the tape substrate 12 and the peel layer 22.
Referring to figure 3, a leak detection system 100, according to the present invention, comprises flow control means 102 and indicator means 104.
The flow control means 102 has one or more inputs 1061 to 106" (three are shown in the specific example of figure 3), an electrical signal generator means 108, electrically connected to a microprocessor 110, a flow controller 112 electrically connected to the microprocessor 110 and one or more control valves 1141 to I 14", electrically connected to the flow controller 112.
The inputs 106 are operable to receive electrical signals from fluid detection means which are, in this example, associated fluid detection tapes 101 to 102, as described above with reference to figures 1 and 2. The inputs 106 are preferably USB connectors or may be an alternative electrical connector suitable for receiving electrical signals.
The electrical signal generator means 108 comprises one or more signal processors 1161 to 116 (three are shown in the specific example of figure 3), each signal processor being associated with and electrically connected to an associated fluid detection tape 101 to 102. Each signal processor 1161 to 11 6 has a bipolar pulse generator 1181 to 11 8 and a conductance bridge 1201 to 1 20, which are electrically connected to the microprocessor 110. Using a bipolar pulsing technique mitigates electrolysis erosion.
The flow controller 112 comprises one or more valve controllers 1221 to l22. Each valve controller 1221 to l22 comprises a pulse detector 1241 to l24P, an amplifier 1261 to 126 and a bidirectional motor drive 1281 to 128. The pulse detector 124 comprises a pulse amplifier and detector circuit operable to determine when the valve 114 is moving by sensing motor commutator transients. When the transients stop the role is either fully shut or fully open depending on the drive direction. The bidirectional motor drive may be, for example, and H-type motor driver integrated circuit. Each valve controller is electrically connected to receive an electrical signal from an associated signal processor 1161 to I 16", through the microprocessor 110 and, in accordance with the received electrical signal, send a control signal to the control valves 1141 to 1 14 which are operable to control the flow of fluid in a fluid supply system 130.
The indicator means 104 has an indicator microprocessor 132, one or more optical indicators 1341 to 134, an audible alarm indicator 136 and a battery power supply 138. The indicator means 104 may additionally comprise communication means for remotely alerting a user of the detection of fluid. The communication means may be a telecommunications auto dialler 140.
The indicator means 104 may be positioned adjacent to the flow control means 102 or alternatively may be positioned remotely from the flow control means 102. The indicator microcontroller 132 is electrically connected to the flow control microcontroller 110 such that it is able to receive electrical signals therefrom.
However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment communication between the microcontrollers, 110 and 132, may be achieved using a wireless communications system.
The indicator means 104 additionally comprises an alarm cancel actuator 142, electrically connected to the indicator microprocessor 132 and operable to cancel activation of the optical and audible alarm indicators, 134 and 136, and a valve reset actuator 144, electrically connected to the indicator microprocessor 132 and operable to reset the valves 114 following closure thereof.
The specific embodiments described above are particularly applicable, although not limited, to the detection of leaks in water supply systems, such as, for example, domestic and commercial water supply systems. In such applications, the flow control means 102 may be disposed in a remote part of a building such as, for example, the roof space thereof and the indicator means 104 may be disposed in an amenable pad of a building in which it is easily accessible for controlling the leak detection system.
It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments any of the signal generator means 108, the microprocessor 110 and the flow controller 112 may be remote from each other, depending on the specific application, as opposed to being integrated into the flow control means 102 as described above. Similarly, for specific applications the indicator means 104 may be integrated with the flow control means 102.
Referring again to figures 1 and two, in use, the fluid detection tape 10 is stored as a continuous roll on a reel and cut to a desired length before being fixed to a surface of, or adjacent to, a fluid conduit such as, for example, a water pipe in a water supply system. This is done by removing the peel 22 from the adhesive 20 and applying the tape 10 to, or adjacent to, the surface of the fluid conduit with the detection surface 18 and electrodes, 14 and 16, exposed. The end of the tape 10 is connected to one of the USB inputs 106 of the flow control means 102 to form an electrical connection therewith.
If the fluid conduit leaks fluid runs over the detection surface 18 and forms an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes, 14 and 16, and thereby alters the electrical resistance thereof The change in electrical resistance is detected by the signal generator 108 which, upon detecting a change in the electrical resistance, generates and transmits a predetermined signal to the microprocessor 110. Upon receipt of the predetermined signal the microprocessor 110 instructs the flow controller 112 to activate the control valves 114 and thereby prevent further flow of the fluid around the fluid supply system 130. The motors 128 produce current transients due to the operation of their commutator. The amplifier pulse shaping circuit, 124 and 126, detect these transients and feeds them back to the microprocessor 110 as pulses. The microprocessor 110 thereby monitors the motion of the valve and is able to detect: the valve 114 at end of travel (e.g. fully closed or fully open); stiff valves (reduced rate of pulses); and seized valve (insufficient pulses).
Upon receipt of the predetermined signal the microprocessor 110 also communicates the detection of a leak to the indicator microprocessor 132 which activates the appropriate optical indicators 134, the audible alarm 136 and, if appropriate, the telecommunications auto-dialler 140.
The leak detection system, optical indicators 134 and audible alarm indicator 136 are manually cancelled by a user activating the alarm cancel actuator 142 and the and valves 114 are manually reset by a user activating the reset actuator 144. Following closure of the fluid supply system, in a preferred embodiment of the leak detection system, a user is prevented from re-opening the fluid supply system 130 again until it is empty of fluid.
Referring to figure 4, an alternative embodiment of a fluid detection tape 210, according to the present invention, comprises all the features of the fluid detection tape 10, as described with reference to figures 1 and 2, except the first electrode 214 and the second electrode 216 further comprise a plurality of first and second secondary electrodes, 215 and 217 respectively, extending laterally from the first and second electrodes, 214 and 216, in an interdigitated arrangement relative to each other.
Referring also to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the leak detection system 200, adapted for use with the fluid detection tape 210, has a signal generator 208 comprising one or more oscillators 2091 to 2O9 and a frequency detector 2111 to 21 I" associated with each oscillator 209. For example, three oscillators and associated frequency detectors are shown in Figure 5. The remainder of the system is the same as the system 100 as described with reference to figUre 3.
In use, the fluid detection tape 210 is fixed to an underside of a fluid conduit of a fluid supply system. The tape 210 acts as a capacitor and, due to the relative permittivity of fluid, such as water, being higher than that of air, the leaking of the fluid onto the tape will increase the electrical capacitance of the tape. This change in the capacitance is detected by the oscillator 209 as a reduction of oscillation frequency compared to the relatively constant frequency when no fluid is present on the tape.
The reduction in the frequency is detected by the frequency detector 211 which generates a predetermined signal which is transmitted to the microprocessor 210.
The remainder of the system operates as described above in relation to the system of figure 3.

Claims (1)

  1. CLAIMS1. A fluid detection tape comprising a substrate, having a detection surface, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the detection surface to extend longitudinally thereon, the first and second electrodes being disposed in a laterally spaced apart arrangement relative to each other, and fixing means operable to fix the tape to a surface.
    2. A fluid detection tape as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixing means comprises an adhesive.
    3. A fluid detection tape as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adhesive is disposed on a surface of the tape opposing the detection surface.
    4. A fluid detection tape as claimed in claims 1 or 2, further comprising a peel layer disposed to adhere to the adhesive prior to fixing thereof to a said surface.
    5. A fluid deteclion tape as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second electrodes are interdigitated relative to each other.
    6. A fluid detection tape as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate is made from a non-stretch plastics material.
    7. A fluid detection tape as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second electrodes comprise aluminium.
    8. A reel comprising a continuous role of leak detection tape as claimed in claims 1 to 7.
    9. A leak detection system comprising fluid detection means, an electrical signal generator in communication with the fluid detection means and operable to generate a predetermined electrical signal upon detection of a fluid, and flow control means operable alter the flow of fluid upon receipt of a said predetermined logical signal.
    10.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fluid detection means is a leak detection tape as claimed in claims 1 to 7.
    11.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein upon detection of a said fluid the electrical capacitance of the fluid detection means is altered.
    12.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electrical signal generator comprises an oscillator operable to provide a change in the frequency of an electrical signal upon a change in the capacitance of the fluid detection means.
    13.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein upon detection of a said fluid the electrical resistance of the fluid detection means is altered.
    14.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the electrical signal generator is operable to provide a change in the electrical signal upon a change in the resistance of fluid detection means.
    15.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the electrical signal generator comprises a pulse generator and a conductance bridge.
    16.A leak detection system as claimed in claims 9 to 15, wherein the flow control means comprises a first microcontroller.
    17A leak detection system as claimed in claims 9 to 16, wherein the flow control means comprises valve control means operable to alter the flow of fluid.
    18.A leak detection system as claimed in claims 9 to 17, wherein the flow control means comprises one or more motorised valves.
    19. A leak detection system as claimed in claims 9 to 18, further comprising one or more fluid detection indicators.
    20. A leak detection system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the one or more fluid detection indicators comprise at least one of optical indicators and/or audible alarm indicators.
    21.A leak detection system as claimed claim 20 or 21, wherein the one or more fluid detection indicators are disposed in a separate control box.
    22.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the separate control box comprises a second microcontroller which is in communication with the first microcontroller.
    23.A leak detection system as claimed in claims 9 to 22, further comprising a communications device operable to provide remote indication of the detection of a said fluid.
    24.A leak detection system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the communications device is in communication with the second microcontroller.
GB1015478.9A 2010-09-16 2010-09-16 A Fluid Detection Tape and System Incorporating a Fluid Detection Tape Withdrawn GB2483681A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1015478.9A GB2483681A (en) 2010-09-16 2010-09-16 A Fluid Detection Tape and System Incorporating a Fluid Detection Tape

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1015478.9A GB2483681A (en) 2010-09-16 2010-09-16 A Fluid Detection Tape and System Incorporating a Fluid Detection Tape

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GB201015478D0 GB201015478D0 (en) 2010-10-27
GB2483681A true GB2483681A (en) 2012-03-21

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6269135A (en) * 1985-09-20 1987-03-30 Kuraray Co Ltd Liquid leak detector
US6175310B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2001-01-16 Richard J. Gott Leak detection tape
US6639517B1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2003-10-28 James Chapman Leak detection mat and system
WO2005010837A2 (en) * 2003-07-18 2005-02-03 Detec Systems Llc Moisture detection sensors for building structures
JP2006098177A (en) * 2004-09-29 2006-04-13 Optrex Corp Water leak detection system
US20060125647A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2006-06-15 Touridan Inc. Aquarium water-level detector
US20060244616A1 (en) * 2005-04-01 2006-11-02 Clyde Hill Moisture sensing strips
US20090173143A1 (en) * 2008-01-09 2009-07-09 Yumin System Technology Co., Ltd. Leak sensor apparatus for sensing moisture
WO2009131280A1 (en) * 2008-04-24 2009-10-29 Yumin System Technology Co., Ltd. Leak sensor apparatus for sensing moisture
WO2010054753A1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2010-05-20 Ksb Aktiengesellschaft Degassing device for liquid-filled chambers with rotating components

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6269135A (en) * 1985-09-20 1987-03-30 Kuraray Co Ltd Liquid leak detector
US6175310B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2001-01-16 Richard J. Gott Leak detection tape
US6639517B1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2003-10-28 James Chapman Leak detection mat and system
WO2005010837A2 (en) * 2003-07-18 2005-02-03 Detec Systems Llc Moisture detection sensors for building structures
US20060125647A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2006-06-15 Touridan Inc. Aquarium water-level detector
JP2006098177A (en) * 2004-09-29 2006-04-13 Optrex Corp Water leak detection system
US20060244616A1 (en) * 2005-04-01 2006-11-02 Clyde Hill Moisture sensing strips
US20090173143A1 (en) * 2008-01-09 2009-07-09 Yumin System Technology Co., Ltd. Leak sensor apparatus for sensing moisture
WO2009131280A1 (en) * 2008-04-24 2009-10-29 Yumin System Technology Co., Ltd. Leak sensor apparatus for sensing moisture
WO2010054753A1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2010-05-20 Ksb Aktiengesellschaft Degassing device for liquid-filled chambers with rotating components

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