GB256001A - Improvements in or in connection with the supply and distribution of gas, water and other fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

256,001. Pillinger, G. C., and Sunderland, L. June 2, 1925. Controlling.-In a supply and distribution system for gas, water or other fluid, a pressure-augmenting means such as a centrifugal or other pump placed at some point in the system is arranged so that when normal conditions exist fluid can flow directly through the pressure-augmenting means into a reservoir while when the demand for the fluid exceeds the supply the pressure-augmenting means are brought into action electrically until normal conditions are restored. In the apparatus shown, water from the main 11 flows through the centrifugal or other pump 12 into the reservoir 14 from which it is drawn off as required through the service pipe 15. The pump 12 is driven by an electric motor 16 which is started and stopped by the needle 48 of the pressure gauge 17 engaging with contacts 46, 47. The electric circuit comprises a main switch 24, 25, fusible cut-outs 28, 29, a circuit breaker A, a motor starter B, and a relay C. The circuit breaker A includes a series coil 31, a shunt coil 32, a drag coil 33 and a switch 34, an ammeter 35 being connected between the coils 31, 33. The motor starter B comprises a solenoid 43 operating an arm 37 which is movable in relation to the studs 38 of a resistance which is cut out of the armature circuit and inserted in the field circuit. The relay C comprises a switch blade 52 carried by a member 53 which is rocked by energizing windings 44, 45 so as either to break or to complete at terminals 50, 51 a circuit in shunt with the solenoid 43. When needle 48 is in contact with the contact 47 a circuit is completed from the supply mains through the relay winding 45, thereby operating the switch blade 52 to shortcircuit the solenoid 43 of the motor starten B. As the pressure falls the electric circuits remain unaffected until the needle 48 reaches the contact 46 when a circuit including the relay winding 44 is closed and the switch blade 52 is opened to remove the short-circuit on the solenoid 43. The solenoid 43 then raises the arm 37 into contact with the resistance studs 38 and starts the motor 16 which runs until normal pressures conditions are restored, when the circuit including the relay winding 45 is completed by the needle 48 engaging with the contact 47. As a modification the electric motor 16 may be arranged to start up an internal-combustion engine driving the pump 12 and the motor may act as a generator for charging a secondary battery supplying current to the system when required. As a further modification the diminution of pressure in the supply system may be arranged to actuate an electric relay operating a valve controlling a supply of compressed air for starting up the internal-combustion engine driving the pump.