GB2493158A

GB2493158A - Apparatus for detecting expansion of a frozen pipe and alerting a user to the detected expansion

Info

Publication number: GB2493158A
Application number: GB1112788.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Topping
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-23
Filing date: 2011-07-23
Publication date: 2013-01-30
Also published as: GB201112788D0

Abstract

Apparatus 10 for warning a user of a risk of a frozen pipe, the apparatus 10 comprising detection means 22, preferably an electrically conductive wire wrapped around the pipe, for detecting expansion of a section of pipe and alert means 36, 38 connected to the detection means 22 for alerting the user to the detected expansion of the pipe. The pipe may have zones of weakness, either internal (fig 2) or external grooves/ribs, such that the pipe component expands more readily than the pipework in which it is installed. The pipe may also have isolating valves 20 at either end so that it can be isolated from the section of pipework in which it is installed. The alert means may comprise a telephone dialler. A plurality of detection means may be used with a single alert means.

Description

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING FROZEN PIPES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system fe detecting frozen pipes.

Background to the Invention

Burst water pipes in domestic and residential properties are a major problem every winter. The Associate of British Insurers estimates that the insurance industry paid ou £644 million in insurance claims to homeowners and businesses due to damage caused by burst water pipes over the winter of 2010, and it is estimated that this figure will continuç to increase.

Damage to property does not occur when water pipes freeze in cold weather. The water pipes themselves are damaged when the water inside them freezes and causes the pipes to fracture, but the majority of damage is caused when the outside temperature rises and the frozen water pipes thaw, allowing water to escape from the fractures in the pipes and flood homes and offices.

Accordingly there is a need for a system which can detect when a water pipe is frozefl and alert the owner of the affected home or business so that the water supply to the affected pipe can be isolated and action taken to repair any damage to the pipe before the water in it thaws, thereby preventing water damage to property.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for warning a user of a risk of a frozen pipe, the apparatus comprising detection means for detecting expansion of a section of pipe and alert means connected to the detection means for alerting the user to the detected expansion of the pipe.

The apparatus of the present invention allows a user to be alerted to the risk of a frozen pipe as soon as the water in the pipe has frozen. This early warning enables the user to take appropriate remedial action before the water in the pipe melts, thereby reducing the risk of damaged caused by water leaking out through fractures in the pipe caused by the expansion of the water as it froze.

The detection means may comprise an electrically conductive wire which can be wrapped around the section of pipe such that if the section of pipe expands the electrically conductive wire will break.

The alert means may comprise an electrical circuit which is configured to activate alarm means if the electrically conductive wire breaks.

The section of pipe may comprise a pipe component that can be installed in a section of pipework, the pipe component having a zone of weakness such that the pipe component expands more readily than the pipework in which it is installed.

The pipe component may be of a plastics material.

The zone of weakness may be provided by a groove on an internal surface of the pipe component.

Alternatively, the zone of weakness may be provided by a groove on an external surface of the pipe component.

The pipe component may be provided with a rib on an inner surface thereof.

Alternatively, the pipe component may be provided with a rib on an outer surface thereof.

The apparatus may further comprise connectors at either end of the pipe component, the connectors having valves such that the pipe component can be isolated from the section of pipework in which it is installed.

The alert means may comprise a telephone dialler which is configured to dial or send a text message to a pre-programmed telephone number.

The electrically conductive wire may be provided in a sleeve which can be wrapped around the section of pipe.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for warning a user of a risk of frozen pipes, the system comprising a plurality of detection means, each of the detection means being configured to detect expansion of one of a plurality of sections of pipe, and alert means connected to the plurality of detection means for alerting the user of detected expansion of one or more of the plurality of sections of pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, strictly by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure I; and Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a circuit which is suitable for use in the apparatus of Figure 1.

Description of the Embodiments

Referring first to Figure 1, an apparatus for warning a user of a risk of frozen pipes is shown generally at 10. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 the apparatus comprises a pipe component 12 made of a plastics material which can be installed in a section of pipework of a building during an initial build stage or can be retro-fitted to existing pipework.

As is shown in Figure 2, the pipe component 12 is provided on its inner surface with grooves 14, which provide zones of weakness in the pipe component 12, with ribs 16 being formed between the grooves 14 to ensure that the pipe component 12 is able to carry water at mains pressure. These zones of weakness ensure that the pipe component 12 expands (and possible fractures) more readily than the surrounding pipework in which it is installed.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the pipe component 12 is provided on its outer surface with grooves 14, which provide zones of weakness in the pipe component 12, with ribs 16 being formed on the outer surface of the pipe component 12 between the grooves 14 to ensure that the pipe component 12 is able to carry water at mains pressure. These zones of weakness ensure that the pipe component 12 expands (and possibly fractures) more readily than the surrounding pipework in which it is installed.

Connectors 18 are provided at either end of the pipe component 12 to allow the pipe component 12 to be installed in a section of water pipe in a domestic or commercial building, either during the initial build stage or at a later date. The connectors 18 are made of a metal such as brass and are provided with valves 20 such as ball vales which enable the pipe component 12 to be iso]ated from the supply of water flowing through tije section of water pipe in which they are installed. The connectors 18 are connected to tlL ends of the pipe component 12 by push fit connectors, compression fittings or any other connection method suitable for establishing a watertight connection between the plastics pipe component 12 and the connectors 18. Similarly, the connectors 18 may be connected to the section of water pipe in which the pipe component is installed by any suitable means, such as compression fittings, push fit connectors or the like.

Detection means is provided for detecting expansion of the pipe component 12 due to expansion of water in the pipe component 12 as it freezes. En the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the detection means comprises an electrically conductive wire 22 which is wrapped tightly around the outside of the pipe component 12. In some embodiments the pipe component 12 may be provided with grooves around its outer surface in which the electrically conductive wire 22 can be received to retain the electrically conductive wire 22 in position.

The electrically conductive wire 22 is of a type that will break when stretched by expansion of the pipe component 12 due to expansion of water in the pipe component 12 as it freezes. For example, the electrically conductive wire 22 may have a very small gauge (i.e. have a small diameter and cross-sectional area). Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the gauge of conductive wire and will be able to select a conductive wire of an appropriate gauge for the purpose of implementing the invention.

The electrically conductive wire 22 forms part of a detector circuit, the rest of which is shown schematically at 24 in Figure 1. The circuit 24 includes a current source whidh causes current to be passed through the electrically conductive wire 22 and alarm means which is activated when the current in the electrically conductive wire 22 stops flowing because the electrically conductive wire 22 has broken due to expansion of the pipe component 22 around which the electrically conductive wire is wrapped.

It is important that the current passing through the electrically conductive svire 22 is sufficient to create a circuit, but does not generate enough heat as to artificially increase the temperature of the pipe component 12 affecting the freezing action of water passing through it.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary detection circuit. It will be appreciated that the circuit of Figure 3 is a very simple detection circuit, and that many other detection circuits could also be used in the present invention.

The circuit of Figure 3 includes a first resistor 30 which is connected in series with a second resistor 32 and the electrically conductive wire 22 (shown in Figure 3 as a normally closed switch) between a positive terminal and a ground terminal of a power supply such as a battery. A base of a transistor 34 is connected to a node between the first and second resistors 30, 32, whilst the emitter of the transistor 34 is connected to the ground terminal of the power supply. An alarm made up of an LED 36 and a speaker 38 connected in parallel is provided between the positive terminal of the power supply and the collector of the transistor 34.

In normal operation of the circuit 24 the electrically conductive wire 22 is intact and thus current flows from the positive terminal of the power supply through the first and second resistors 30, 32 to the ground terminal of the power supply. Thus, the voltage at the base of the transistor 34 is insufficient to turn the transistor 34 on, and the LED 36 and speaker 38 remain switched off.

In the event that water in the pipe component 12 freezes, the electrically conductive wire 22 breaks. Thus, the current path from the positive terminal of the power supply to the ground terminal via the first and second resistors 30, 32 is broken, and current flows into the base of the transistor 34, causing it to switch on. This in turn causes current to flow from the positive terminal of the power supply through the LED 36, speaker 38 and the collector and emitter of the transistor 34 to the ground terminal, causing the LED 36 to be illuminated and the speaker 38 to sound. Thus, a user of the apparatus 10 can be warned of the expansion of the pipe component 12 and can isolate the water supply and take remedial action such as replacing the pipe component and checking and repairing damage to any surrounding pipework before the frozen water melts and leaks out of any fractured pipework.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 the pipe component 12 replaces a section of pipework, but it will be appreciated that the principles of the present invention can be applied in a variety of other ways. For example, the electrically conductive wire 22 can be wrapped around an existing section of pipework at a location that is thought to be vulnerable to freezing (provided of course that appropriate insulation is provided between the pipework, which may be eLectrically conductive, and the electrically conductive wire). Alternatively, the electrically conductive wire may 22 be provided in a sleeve of fabric, paper or any other suitable material which can be wrapped around a vulnerable section of pipework. Such a sleeve may also be provided with the pipe component 12 to protect the electrically conductive wire 22 during storage, transport and installation of the apparatus 10.

In alternative embodiments, alternative means may be provided for detecting expansion of a section of pipework due to water in the pipework freezing. For example, a strain gauge arrangement may be used, with the change in current flowing in a conductive element of the strain gauge being used to indicate expansion of the pipework and the alarm being activated on detection of such a change in current.

In some embodiments the alarm may be replaced or supplemented by alternative or additional means of alerting a user to the expansion of the pipe component 12. For example, a telephone dialler may be triggered on detection of expansion of the pipe component to dial or send an SMS text message to one or more pre-programmed telephone numbers to alert the user of the apparatus 10 to the expansion of the pipe component 12.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1 a single pipe component is used, but it will be appreciated that a plurality of pipe components 12 could be used to monitor vulnerable sections of pipework. In this case the detection means 22 of the individual pipe components may be linked to a single central alarm system, which may be, for example, a computer system which is configured to provide a display showing the status of each of the pipe components 12 and to provide a visual and audible alarm, and optionally one or more telephone calls or text message alerts in the event that one or more of the pipe components 12 expands indicating a risk of frozen pipework and resulting damage to property.

The present invention has been described above in the exemplary context of monitoring water pipes in a residential or commercial building, but it will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to larger scale applications such as water mains, drainage systems and the like, which are equally vulnerable to fracturing due to the expansion of water in freezing temperatures.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. Apparatus for warning a user of a risk of a frozen pipe, the apparatus comprising detection means for detecting expansion of a section of pipe and alert means connected to the detection means for alerting the user to the detected expansion of the pipe.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the detection means comprises an electrically conductive wire which can be wrapped around the section of pi1e such that if the section of pipe expands the electrically conductive wire w11 break.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the alert means comprises an electrical circuit which is configured to activate alarm means if the electrically conductive wire breaks.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the section of pipe comprises a pipe component that can be installed in a section pipework, the pipe component having a zone of weakness such that the pipe component expands more readily than the pipework in which it is installed.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the pipe component is of a plasti4s material.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the zone of weakness is provided by a groove on an internal surface of the pipe component. I 7. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the zone of weakness is provided bya groove on an external surface of the pipe component.8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the pipe component is provided with a rib on an inner surface thereof.9. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the pipe component is provided with a rib on an outer surface thereof 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9 further comprising connectors at either end of the pipe component, the connectors having valves such that the pipe component can be isolated from the section of pipework in which it is installed.II. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alert means comprises a telephone dialler which is configured to dial or send a text message to a pre-programmed telephone number.
2. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein the electrically conductive wire is provided in a sleeve which can be wrapped around the section of pipe.13. A system for warning a user of a risk of frozen pipes, the system comprising a plurality of detection means, each of the detection means being configured to detect expansion of one of a plurality of sections of pipe, and alert means connected to the plurality of detection means for alerting the user of detected expansion of one or more of the plurality of sections of pipe.</claim-text>