GB2491153A

GB2491153A - System for leakage prevention and pressure regulation in fluid pipe systems

Info

Publication number: GB2491153A
Application number: GB1108757.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jacob Saada; Chai Konstantini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-25
Filing date: 2011-05-25
Publication date: 2012-11-28
Also published as: GB201108757D0

Abstract

Pipe leakage is prevented by monitoring fluid flow at various fittings and pipes in a pipe system, and upon detection of larger inflows than outflows, fluid supply to sections of the pipe system or the system as a whole is stopped. Furthermore, fluid pressures are controlled in all pipe sections to optimize their compliances with devices connected to the pipe network.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR LEAKAGE PREVENTION AND PRESSURE REGULATION

BACKGROUND

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid pipe systems, and more particularly, to a system for leakage prevention and pressure regulation.

2. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART [0002] Occasionally pipe systems break, causing significant damage to a household or a facility which they supply. Pipe leakage or breaking often happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and require quick reparation to avoid further damages.

[0003] U.S. Patents Nos. 6939470, 5974862, 3807220, 4883087 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050246112, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, disclose various leak detection system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a system for leakage prevention and pressure regulation, comprising: a controller, at least one electrically controllable valve installed at at least one pipe origin of a pipe system, the valve controllable by the controller, at least one input sensor connectable to the at least one pipe origin, each input sensor arranged to measure incoming fluid flow through a corresponding one of the at least one pipe origin and to communicate the measured input flow to the controller, at least one output sensor connectable to at least one pipe end, each output sensor arranged to measure outgoing fluid flow through a corresponding one of the at least one pipe end and to communicate the measured output flow to the controller, wherein the controller is arranged to compare the communicated input and output flows to identify discrepancies therebetween, and immediately upon identification of discrepancies, to stop fluid supply to the pipe system by closing the at least one electrically controllable valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0006] In the accompanying drawings: Figures 1 and 2 are high level schematic illustrations of a system for leakage prevention and pressure regulation, according to some embodiments of the invention; Figure 3 is a high level schematic illustration of a part of the system for regulating water temperature, according to some embodiments of the invention; and Figure 4 is a high level flowchart illustrating a leakage prevention method, according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0008] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 are high level schematic illustrations of a system 100 for leakage prevention and pressure regulation, according to some embodiments of the invention.

System 100 monitors flow through a pipe system 90 and prevents leakage therefrom.

[0010] System 100 comprises input sensors 120 connected to pipe system 90 at pipe origins 91 and output sensors 130 connected to pipe system 90 at pipe ends 92. Input sensors 120 and output sensors 130 may be inserted into pipes or fittings of existing pipe system 90 or be designed within pipes or fittings before installation of pipe system 90.

[0011] Input sensors 120 and output sensors 130 are arranged to measure flow speed, volume or throughput at their position, and communicate the measured input and output fluid flow to a controller 140. The communication may be wireless, e.g. via a a communication link 99.

[0012] System 100 further comprises electrically controllable valves 110, controllable by controller 140 (e.g. via communication link 99), and arranged to stop fluid flow into pipe system 90 upon receiving a respective control signal from controller 140. Valves 110 may be quickly operating or preloaded safety valves.

[0013] Controller 140 is arranged to compare the communicated input and output flows to identify discrepancies therebetween, and immediately upon identification of discrepancies, to stop fluid supply to pipe system 90 by closing electrically controllable valve 110.

[0014] Controller 140 may further comprise user interface such as a graphic user interface (GUI) 141 arranged to display data concerning pipe system 90 and fluid flows in the system, as well as various maintenance data, and further allow a user defined system characteristics and input apparatus characteristics. GUI 141 may be part of controller 140, or may communicate with controller 140 via communication link 98.

[0015] In cases pipe system 90 comprises flow splitting fittings such as tees or crosses having one (or more) input and at least two outputs, these fittings may be equipped with output sensors 130 inserted at the at least two outputs. System 100 may comprise a compound sensor 125 in such fitting. Compound sensor 125 may comprise for example two input sensors 120A for the origins of the pipes outgoing from the fitting, and even an output sensor 130A at an entrance to the fitting, to monitor leakage through the fitting itself and proper operation of sensors 120A, or to provide sensor redundancy.

[0016] Pipe system 90 may he divided into specified segments 93, each defined by at least one pipe origin 91A and at least one pipe end 92A. System 100 may further comprise input and output sensors 120, 130 at the origins and ends of each segments 91A, 92A, respectively, and controller 140 may be arranged to identify discrepancies communicated input and output flows to stop fluid supply to specified segments 93 in which discrepancies between input and output flow are identified.

[0017] Controller 140 may be arranged to compare input and output flows in respect to each pipe segment in pipe system 90. Controller 140 may comprise a map of pipe system and analyze all flow data in the map to detect leakage spots. System 100 may comprise several valves 110, and controller may stop flow through several valves 110 to stop fluid supply to a leaking section while providing fluid to non-leaking sections. When input and output sensors 120, 130 are connected before and after a water using device (e.g. boiler 95 in Figure 3), an identified flow discrepancy may he used to indicate device malfunction.

[0018] A difference between input and output flows is used as indication of a leakage or a breakdown of pipe system between respective sensors 120, 130 and require immediate cessation of fluid supply to prevent fluid damages. In particular, pipes tend to break upon initiation of fluid flow. In such a case a leakage may be detected when fluid is supplied at origin 91 but does not reach end 92, in which case, immediate stopping of fluid supply is necessary. Controller 140 is arranged to stop the fluid supply immediately, and inform the user via the interface.

[0019] Valves 110 may be located at each pipe origin 91A of each segment 93, or just in several critical locations in pipe system 90. Valves 110 may he positioned in close proximity to sensors 120, 130 to achieve a close coupling of sensing and operating elements in system 100 (Figures 1-3).

[0020] Valves 110 may be pressure adjustment valves (e.g. needle valves, pressure regulators), that define fluid pressure in the pipe. Controller 140 may be arranged to determine, via corresponding valve 110, a fluid pressure in each specified segment. For example, controller 140 may determine the required pressure according to the location of devices in pipe system 90 (for example, special shower heads in the household or emergency showers in a laboratory may receive a full pressure water supply, while

S

simple taps or toilets may receive a reduced pressure water supply to spare water). The fluid pressures may be determined by the user via user interface 141. As exemplified in Figure 2, fluid pressure in different segments 93 (e.g. with different inputs 91A, 91B and different outputs 92A, 92B, or possibly coinciding input or outputs) may be regulated by valves 110, e.g. 3 bar in output 92A and 6 bar in output 92B.

[0021] In embodiments, valves 110 may be placed only at beginnings of segments 93, to allow stopping fluid flow into segment 93 immediately upon leakage detection.

[0022] Sensors 120, 130 may be identical and the differentiation between input sensors and output sensors 130 may be purely related to the network geometry. Furthermore, output sensor 130 from one segment 93 may function as input sensor 120 to the adjacent segment 93.

[0023] Figure 3 is a high level schematic illustration of a part of system 100 for regulating water temperature, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0024] System 100 may regulate fluid temperature by operating pressure adjustment valves 110 to mix cold an hot water at variable pressure levels, according to their respective temperatures. For example, regarding boiler 95 having an internal temperature sensor 95A, water pressure of hot water exiting boiler 95 may be reduced to yield a user determined temperature of a mixture of the hot water having the reduced pressure and cold water (possibly also of variable pressure). This method may complement or replace an existing water mixer 96, such as a single lever bath mixer.

[0025] Generally, controller 140 may be arranged to define a fluid pressure of a hot fluid and a fluid pressure of a cold fluid to yield a user specified fluid temperature of their mixture.

[0026] Alternately, a direct connecting pipe 94 may he installed. Pipe 94 may controllably introduce cold water (at a specified pressure) into the hot water pipe (possibly of variable pressure), to yield a maximal achievable hot water temperature, in order to prevent burning. Pipe 94 is also considered a segment 93 in system 100, and water flow therethrough is controlled by controller 140 over corresponding valve 110, and with the same constellation of sensors such as compound sensor 125. The amount of water mixed through pipe 94 may be regulated in respect to temperature measurements of the hot water by thermometer 95A, communicating with controller 140.

[0027] The fluid pressures as well as the mixing levels of hot and cold water may be determined by the user via user interface 141, either directly or as desired temperatures.

In Figure 3, communication is carried out by communication modules 111 (depicted as small antennas), connecting sensors 120, 130 and valves 110 via communication link 99 to controller 140.

[0028] System 100 may further comprise a user interface 97, such as a graphical user interface implemented with a touch screen, that controls water mixer 96, as well as pressure valves 110 that control its inputs, and also boiler 95. User interface 97 may receive temperature measurements from a temperature sensor 95B at the warm water pipe and from temperature sensor 95A in boiler 95, and allow a user define the required water temperature of the mix. According to user definition, user interface 97 may regulate pressures of incoming pipes and the temperature in boiler 96, to provide the required water temperature at minimal energy expenditure, at a specified amount, or according to any other user defined parameter.

[0029] System 100 may operate in a wide variety of pipe systems 90, from a simplest one comprising a single pipe, through system 90 having a single origin 91 and a single end 92 -in both cases system 100 may comprise single input sensor 120 and single output sensor 130 -to complex pipe system 90 with multiple origins 91 and end 92, as subdivided into several sections 93 that may be monitored and protected from leakage independently of each other.

[0030] System 100 may further monitor devices or apparatuses being part of pipe system 90, such as pumps, boilers (e.g. boiler 95) and various household machines. Each device may have specified operation characteristics such as typical fluid consumption and fluid output and typical temporal patterns of operation. Controller 140 may compare the comparisons of input and output flows to the specified characteristics, to detect deviations from the expected operational pattern, which may result from a leakage, and alert the user or immediately stop fluid supply to the device.

[0031] Sensors 120, 130 may comprise mass flow sensors such a vane meter sensor or a hot wire sensor, microsensors, velocimeters etc. [0032] Tn contrast to prior art applications, system 100 protects a whole pipe system 90 and may supervise and in case of leakage disconnect all sections 93 in pipe system 90.

System 100 is arranged to deal with multiple inputs 91 and outputs 92 of pipe system 90, and compare incoming and outgoing flow across any section 93 in pipe system 90.

System 100 may be adapted to monitor any type of pipe network, for example gas pipe networks, oil pipe networks, sewage pipe networks, household pipe networks, industrial pipe networks conducting various liquids and gases, and so forth.

[00331 Figure 4 is a high level flowchart illustrating a leakage prevention method 150, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0034] Method 150 may comprise the following stages: measuring at least one incoming fluid flow and at least one outgoing fluid flow at origins and ends of a pipe system (stage 155), comparing the input and output flows, to detect a discrepancy therebetween (stage 160), e.g. for each pipe section in the system (stage 161), and immediately upon detection of the discrepancy, stopping fluid supply to the pipe system (stage 165), e.g. by controlling a valve at an entrance of the pipe system (stage 170).

[0035] Method 150 may further comprise dividing the pipe system into specified segments, and carrying out the measuring, the comparing and the stopping in respect to the specified segments (stage 157).

[0036] Method 150 may further comprise evaluating the detecting discrepancy in respect to specified operation characteristics of apparatuses in the pipe system (stage 162).

[0037] The measurement sensors may be inserted into an existing pipe system (stage 152), or be incorporated within pipe fittings and installed with a new pipe system.

[0038] Method 150 may further comprise regulating fluid pressure in each specified segment (175), for example to comply with device specifications or to yield a specified mixture temperature of a cold and a hot fluid streams by regulating their pressures.

[0039] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

[0040] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0041] Furthermore, it is to he understood that the invention can he carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0042] The invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0043] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

[0044] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, hut rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A system comprising: a controller, at least one electrically controllable valve installed at at least one pipe origin of a pipe system, the valve controllable by the controller, at least one input sensor connectable to the at least one pipe origin, each input sensor arranged to measure incoming fluid flow through a corresponding one of the at least one pipe origin and to communicate the measured input flow to the controller, at least one output sensor connectable to at least one pipe end, each output sensor arranged to measure outgoing fluid flow through a corresponding one of the at least one pipe end and to communicate the measured output flow to the controller, wherein the controller is arranged to compare the communicated input and output flows to identify discrepancies therebetween, and immediately upon identification of discrepancies, to stop fluid supply to the pipe system by closing the at least one electrically controllable valve.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pipe system is divided into specified segments, each defined by at least one pipe origin and at least one pipe end, and further comprising input and output sensors at the origins and ends of each segments, wherein the controller is arranged to identify discrepancies between communicated input and output flows to stop fluid supply to the specified segments in which discrepancies between input and output flow are identified.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a valve at each pipe origin that is controllable by the controller, wherein stopping the fluid supply in a specified segment is carried out by closing the corresponding valve.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the valves are pressure adjustment valves and wherein the controller is arranged to determine, via the corresponding valve, a fluid pressure in each specified segment.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the controller is further arranged to define a fluid pressure of a hot fluid and a fluid pressure of a cold fluid to yield a user specified fluid temperature of their mixture.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a user interface associated with a water mixer and a temperature sensor arranged to measure hot water temperature, wherein the user interface is arranged to receive user specified water demand and supply the demand by controlling water pressure by the pressure valves on hot and cold inputs according to the measured hot water temperature.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the specified segments is a pipe controlled by the controller via a valve and arranged to mix cold water into hot water to yield a user specified maximal temperature of the mixture.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pipe system comprises one origin and one end, and the system comprises one input sensor and one output sensor.
9. Thc system of claim 8, whcrcin the pipe system comprises a single pipe.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein input and output sensors are inserted into pipe fittings.
ii. The system of claim 1, wherein the input and output sensors are integrated in pipe fittings.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the pipe system comprises at least one flow splitting fitting having one input and at least two outputs with output sensors inserted at the at least two outputs.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to compare input and output flows in respect to each pipe segment in the pipe system.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to monitoring leakage from at least one device with specified operation characteristics that is connected to the pipe system, by comparing input and output flows in respect to the device and stopping fluid supply to the device when a difference between the input and output flows differs from the specified operation characteristics.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the input and output scnsors comprise mass flow sensors.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the input and output sensors comprise microsensors.
17. A leakage prevention method, comprising: measuring at least one incoming fluid flow and at least one outgoing fluid flow at origins and ends of a pipe system, comparing the input and output flows, to detect a discrepancy therebetween, and immediately upon detection of the discrepancy, stopping fluid supply to the pipe system.
18. The leakage prevention method of claim 17, wherein the stopping fluid supply is carried out by controlling a valve at an entrance of the pipe system.
19. The leakage prevention method of claim 17, further comprising dividing the pipe system into specified segments, and carrying out the measuring, the comparing and the stopping in respect to the specified segments.
20. The leakage prevention method of claim 19, further comprising regulating fluid pressure in each specified segment.
21. Thc leakage prcvention method of claim 17, further comprising evaluating the detecting discrepancy in respect to specified operation characteristics of apparatuses in the pipe system.
22. The leakage prevention method of claim 17, further comprising inserting measurement sensors into an existing pipe system.
23. The leakage prevention method of claim 17, wherein the comparison is carried out for each pipe section in the system.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A system comprising: a controller, at least one electrically controllable valve installed at at least one pipe origin of a pipe system, the valve controllable by the controller, at least one input sensor connectable to the at least one pipe origin, each input sensor arranged to measure incoming fluid flow through a corresponding one of the at least one pipe origin and to communicate the measured input flow to the controller, at least one output sensor connectable to at least one pipe end, each output sensor arranged to measure outgoing fluid flow through a corresponding one of the at least one pipe end and to communicate the measured output flow to the controller, wherein the controller is arranged to compare the communicated input and output C\i flows to identify discrepancies therebetween, and immediately upon identification of discrepancies, to stop fluid supply to the pipe system by closing the at least one C) electrically controllable valve, wherein the pipe system is divided into specified segments, each defined by at least 0) one pipe origin and at least one pipe end, and further comprising input and output sensors at the origins and ends of each segments, wherein the controller is arranged to identify discrepancies between communicated input and output flows to stop fluid supply to the specified segments in which discrepancies between input and output flow are identified, said system further comprising a valve at each pipe origin that is controllable by the controller, wherein stopping the fluid supply in a specified segment is carried out by closing the corresponding valve, wherein the valves are pressure control valves and wherein the controller is arranged to determine, via the corresponding valve, a fluid pressure in each specified segment, and wherein said system furthermore comprises a hot fluid supply, a cold fluid supply and a fluid mixer system to mix said hot fluid and said cold fluid, and wherein the controller is further arranged to control a fluid pressure of the hot fluid and a fluid pressure of the cold fluid to yield a user specified fluid temperature of their mixture, via said pressure control valves.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is water and further comprising a user interface associated with said water mixer and a temperature sensor arranged to measure hot water temperature, wherein the user interface is arranged to receive user specified water temperature and/or pressure demand and supply the demand by controlling water pressure by the pressure valves on said hot and cold supplies according to the measured hot water temperature.3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the specified segments is a pipe whose fluid pressure is controlled by the controller via a valve and arranged to mix cold water from the cold water pipe into hot water in the hot water pipe, to yield a user specified maximal temperature of the mixture.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pipe system comprises one origin and one end, and the system comprises one input sensor and one output sensor.5. The system of claim 4, wherein the pipe system comprises a single pipe.C) 6. The system of claim 1, wherein input and output sensors are inserted into pipe C fittings.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the input and output sensors are integrated in pipe r fittings.8. The system of claim I, wherein the pipe system comprises at least one flow splitting fitting having one input and at least two outputs with output sensors inserted at the at least two outputs.9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to compare input and output flows in respect to each pipe segment in the pipe system.10. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to monitoring leakage from at least one device with specified operation characteristics that is connected to the pipe system, by comparing input and output flows in respect to the device and stopping fluid supply to the device when a difference between the input and output flows differs from the specified operation characteristics.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the input and output sensors comprise mass flow sensors.12. A leakage prevention method, comprising: measuring at least one incoming fluid flow and at least one outgoing fluid flow at origins and ends of a pipe system, comparing the input and output flows, to detect a discrepancy therebetween, and immediately upon detection of the discrepancy, stopping fluid supply to the pipe system, wherein the stopping fluid supply is carried out by controlling a valve at an entrance of the pipe system, the leakage prevention method, further comprising dividing the pipe system into specified segments, and carrying out the measuring, the comparing and the stopping in respect to the specified segments, regulating fluid pressure in each specified segment, evaluating the detecting discrepancy in respect to specified operation characteristics of apparatuses in the pipe system, inserting measurement sensors into an existing pipe system, and, wherein the comparison is carried out for each pipe section in the system. a) r