GB2577156A

GB2577156A - A leak detection system for use with heating apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2577156A
Application number: GB1909761.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grayson Chris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-07-07
Filing date: 2019-07-08
Publication date: 2020-03-18
Also published as: GB201909761D0; GB201811266D0

Abstract

A leak detection system for use with heating apparatus featuring a device 99 with a body 3 having an inlet 1 flowing from the heating apparatus overflow and a waste outlet 2. The body has an opening 5 for visual monitoring of the liquid passage and a sensor (13,14 fig. 3) to detect the presence of liquid in the body. The device also has an energy source and wireless transmitter (15 fig. 3) which sends a signal to a remote device when the sensor detects a liquid. The body, inlet and outlet may take the form of a tundish and the energy source may be a battery (20 fig. 7A) or a wired supply. The system may also feature a switch to isolate a supply to the inlet, the switch may include a solenoid switch which is activated when the sensor detects a leak or it may be a local, manual switch. A heating apparatus, typically a boiler is also claimed

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A leak detection system for use with heating apparatus

Abstract Title: Leak detection system with a window opening and in which a signal is transmitted to a remote device when a leak is detected (57) A leak detection system for use with heating apparatus featuring a device 99 with a body 3 having an inlet 1 flowing from the heating apparatus overflow and a waste outlet 2. The body has an opening 5 for visual monitoring of the liquid passage and a sensor (13,14 fig. 3) to detect the presence of liquid in the body. The device also has an energy source and wireless transmitter (15 fig. 3) which sends a signal to a remote device when the sensor detects a liquid. The body, inlet and outlet may take the form of a tundish and the energy source may be a battery (20 fig. 7A) or a wired supply. The system may also feature a switch to isolate a supply to the inlet, the switch may include a solenoid switch which is activated when the sensor detects a leak or it may be a local, manual switch. A heating apparatus, typically a boiler is also claimed

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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A LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH HEATING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a leak detection system. More particularly, but not exclusively the present invention relates to a leak detection system for use with a heating apparatus, such as a water heating apparatus. The heating apparatus may be part of a pressurised water heating system which includes a boiler.

Background

There is increasing interest in reducing so-called carbon footprint of buildings and appliances, as well as continuous efforts to reduce waste of resources. Efficient heating of buildings is a factor that more and more people are interested in.

In colder or temperate countries it is normal to have hot piped water heating systems for space heating. Such water heating systems may use central boilers and a pump to pump the heated water around radiators or convectors located in different rooms. When there is a fault or leak water may flow through an overflow.

Hot water cylinders, heaters, geysers and boilers often have a tundish which is a fitting installed on an overflow pipe which provides an air-gap and a visual window into the flow of water that may be present in an overflow pipe as a result of a fault or a system leak.

The tundish also prevents backflow or an unsanitary cross connection between an overflow or discharge pipe and a sewer line or drain.

A tundish may be installed on a pressure or pressure/temperature relief valve and discharge tube to provide a visual indication that water is flowing in the overflow pipe which can be an important safety observation where the discharge tube is piped to a termination that is not visible.

The tundish allows for visual inspection, to see if there is a drip. However if it is a slow leak the drip can be missed, and as often people do not realise that they should check the overflow pipe a leak may go undetected for a long period of time.

Prior Art

US 9 418 534 (BUCHAR) discloses a water heater pressure relief valve alarm monitors the state of a discharge pipe of a water heater and produces an audible alarm upon detection of water being discharged through the pipe.

US 9 105 175 (CANTOLINO et al) discloses a water sensor and alarm system for storage water heaters comprising an alarm housing, embedded battery, annunciator, and two bottom exposed fluid sensors separated by a stand-off.

US 4 569 312 (RIDDELL et al) discloses a hot water tank warning system in an overflow conduit.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a leak detection system for use with a heating apparatus comprising: a safety device having an inlet from the heating apparatus overflow, an outlet to a waste egress and an intermediate body; the intermediate body has at least one opening for visual monitoring of passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet; at least one sensor for sensing presence of liquid passing through the intermediate body, an energy source and a wireless transmitter, wherein detection of liquid within the intermediate body of the safety device, by the at least one sensor, triggers an alert signal to be transmitted to a remote device.

In this way the leak detection system detects presence of liquid within the intermediate body, which indicates that there is a leak (liquid leaking from the heating apparatus overflow) and transmits a signal to a remote device in order to alert a user immediately of the leak. Advantageously this allows the user to take immediate action to stop the leak and fix the problem causing the leak before any significant damage is caused.

The device may therefore advantageously be used to effectively detect leaks from the overflow pipe of a boiler or hot water tank.

Furthermore in the UK, it is common in new build properties for the boiler to be located in the garage, remote from the house, so an audible or visual alarm could be missed and thus requiring an alternative system to ensure a user is advised of a leak in a timely manner.

Preferably the safety device comprises a tundish that attaches to the overflow pipe of a boiler, as per a conventional tundish fitting. However the present invention includes an integrated leak sensor to detect presence of liquid, rather than having to rely on visual observation, and a means of transmitting a signal generated by the sensor to a remote device so that a user is directed notified of the leak.

The safety device (tundish) has at least one opening in the form of a window so that any liquid can be observed. The opening also provides an airgap to ensure that backflow is prevented and in order to not further pressurise a pressurised system.

The leak detection system includes at least one sensor to detect liquid. Preferably the at least one sensor is a drip sensor that is activated when liquid comes into contact with the sensor or part of the sensor.

Once the at least one sensor is activated a signal is triggered which is transmitted by the transmitter to a remote device that receives the signal. The signal is transmitted to a remote device in order to notify a user who is remote from the system, or perhaps to notify a plurality of users, such as a group of residents, or team from a maintenance company. In this way a user is instantly notified of a leak.

In some embodiments the activation of the sensor may trigger other actions such as the activation of an audible and visual alert to provide a local alert to a person or persons who are nearby.

In this way the system can provide both local and remote alerts.

At least one of the signals generated by the system is sent to a remote device. The remote device may be a portable device such as a smartphone or iPad, or another device such as a server, PC or network which processes the signal and sends it to a designated user, or plurality of selected users. The remote device has a receiver suitable for receiving the transmitted signal. Receipt of the signal generates a notification which may be an alert, text message, phone call or other appropriate notification. For example the signal may be received to a smartphone as a simple text message or through an installed and linked software application.

By transmitting an alert signal to a remote device this ensures that a user is aware of the fault and can arrange to look at the system to identify and fix the problem even when not on site.

The leak detection system has at least a transmitter to permit transmission of a signal to a remote device. Preferably the transmitter is arranged on the safety device (tundish), although it is appreciated that the transmitter may be located elsewhere, for example on the housing of the heating apparatus.

The transmitter is in communication with the at least one sensor. The communication may be wired or wireless, thus enabling the location of the sensor(s) and Transmitter(s) to be varied depending of the configuration and location of the system.

In some embodiments the device may include a transceiver to enable transmission and receipt of signals.

Preferably the signals are transmitted wirelessly, although it is appreciated that in some embodiments the signal may be transmitted through a wired network.

In some embodiments the safety device may include a GSM module or SIM card to assist with communication from the safety device to a remote device.

In other embodiments the safety device may include intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM) to assist with wireless communication with one or more remote device(s).

In still further embodiments the device may comprise a Wi-Fi (RTM) enabled transceiver or other radio or infrared wave transceiver to permit transmission of wireless signals.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a local interface, for example local control buttons or similar such that a user is enabled to programme controls or link equipment to the system.

In some embodiments of the device the energy source comprises at least one battery. Preferably the at least one battery is displaceable enabling the at least one battery to be replaced or to be removed for charging if the at least one battery is rechargeable.

In systems that are battery powered a means may be provided to indicate status of the battery(ies), for example to indicate power remaining, and will notify the user when the battery is getting low.

In some embodiments the at least one battery may be provided in a module that may be displaced. The module may contain the at least one sensor and the transmitter. Additionally the module may include means for providing local alerts, for example an audible for visual alert means.

In other embodiments the device is hard wired to a power supply so reliance on batteries is avoided and the device is independent of other devices linked to the system, such as a water heater.

In preferred embodiments it may be envisaged that the device will use an electronic sensor to detect water droplets or passage or water. For example the sensor may comprise a drip sensor that includes surface which receives leaked liquid.

It is appreciated that the at least one sensor may be capable of detecting moisture and/or humidity.

For example a preferred electronic sensor may be may include two spaced apart sensors, arranged to detect a drip within a defined internal volume of the body, between the two sensors. On detection of a drip the sensor activates the transmitter to transmit a signal.

The at least one sensor may comprise an ultrasonic sensor.

In some other embodiments the sensors may comprise two separate electrodes which pass through the internal volume of the intermittent body, where the ends outside the internal volume are connected with opposite poles of a voltage source. The electrodes may sense the flow of water and may be short circuited in a flow of water, generating acoustic, visual or digital warning signals.

In some embodiments the system also has a local alert signal, comprising a visual and/or audible alert signal. For example the system may include a loudspeaker for emitting an audible alert such as an alarm, and/or a light source such as one or more light emitting diode (LEDs) which illuminate or flash to alert a person to the leak.

The loudspeaker and/or light may be mounted on the safety device, for example being associated with the sensor and energy source, or may be located separately whilst still being in communication with the at least one sensor, so that the local alert is triggered when the sensor is activated.

The device of the present invention therefore advantageously automates leak detection therefore removing the risk of human error. As checking the overflow pipe is often forgotten, by have the system of checking for leaks automated the risk of generating large water bills due to a prolonged leak is removed because the user/home owner is alerted that there is a leak they are able to address the problem before it becomes significantly more costly.

It may be envisaged that the materials chosen should be capable of functioning with high temperatures, where overflow from boilers can be hot and any synthetic plastics specified should be capable of withstanding this.

In some embodiments part of the opening on the body may be covered by a transparent viewing panel, reducing the size of the opening but not the viewing area.

The viewing panel may be displaceable or removable to allow for cleaning and maintenance.

In some preferred embodiments the leak detection system includes a switch to turn off the source of liquid which is received through the inlet and/or to turn off the system linked with the liquid source. In this way when a leak is detected the source of liquid, typically water, from which the leak is generated can be turned off to limit damage, and/or part of the system, such as the heater can be turned off to prevent overheating or continuous unnecessary heating.

Preferably the switch may be a solenoid switch that is activated when a leak is detected so as to limit damage that may be caused by the leak and/or to deactivate a system that will be compromised during a leak, therefore improving safety.

A leak detection system including a switch also has the environmental advantage of preventing unnecessary energy loss should the system become compromised due to a leak. For example a switch to switch off the water heater to prevent further heating when the heater water is being leaked from the system.

It is appreciated that activation of the leak sensor may be the trigger for activating the switch, by transmitting a signal to the switch to bring about activation.

In some other embodiments of the leak detection system a local manual limiting switch may be provided that prevents free flow of liquid from the main source, for example water from a mains water supply. The local switch may be an isolator which blocks liquid flow.

Once the manual switch is activated, for example a button being pushed, dial turned, or lever being pulled, this stops liquid flow, thus stopping the leak until the cause of the leak is fixed.

By having a local switch the system with the leak detection system can be isolated rather than stopping a whole mains supply, for example a mains supply to a premises.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a device for apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view of operation of the sensors from the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the safety device;

Figure 7A shows the second embodiment of the safety device with the cover removed to reveal the components; and

Figures 7B shows a top view of the second embodiment revealing the drop sensor; and

Figure 8 shows an example of a leak detection system.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference generally to the embodiment shown in the figures there is generally shown an embodiment of a safety device 99 for use with a water heating apparatus (not shown), comprising an inlet pipe 1 from the apparatus overflow, an outlet pipe 2 to a waste egress (not shown) and an intermediate body 3. The body 3 has an opening 5 for visual monitoring of passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet, two sensors 13,14 for sensing presence of liquid within the body, an energy source (not shown) and a wireless transceiver 15. The leak detection system is arranged to recognise passage of liquid between the inlet and outlet and transmit an alert signal through the transceiver to a remote device, or plurality of devices.

The device thereby provides a ‘smart tundish’, able to detect leaks from outlet pipes, such as waste pipes of boiler systems.

Installing the device is envisaged to be quick and easy whereby the safety device (tundish) is located in between the two pipes, and uses compression nuts 10 and rubber olives 8,9 which are compressed as the nuts are tightened, gripping the pipes 1,2 and ensuring a good seal is achieved.

It is appreciated that the safety device may be retrofitted to a heating system, or installed as part of a heating system at installation.

The pictured safety 99 device comprises a replaceable AAA battery held in a battery holder 16 that can be replaced using a hatch 17 at the rear of the device.

The embodiment’s main printed circuit board (PCB) 15 has a loudspeaker such that when the battery is running low, an audible alert signal will emit a regular beep to inform the user.

Alternatively the device may be envisaged to be connected to the mains electrical supply during the initial installation of the heater.

The pictured embodiment comprises a device body 3 comprising a frustoconical bottom section 7 and an inverted frustoconical top section 6, joined together and between providing an internal volume that expands centrally.

The viewing window 5 is in the body top section 6.

The embodiment comprises a module 4 which comprises the battery holder 16, PCB 15, ultrasonic emitter 13, ultrasonic receiver 14, transceiver and loudspeaker.

The embodiment further includes a (light emitting diode) LED alert light 12 on the side of the body distal the module 4.

The pictured embodiment of the device uses the ultrasonic emitters and receivers to detect droplets falling through the body as well as featuring the viewing window to allow for visual inspection of passage of fluid, as well as moisture levels of the interior of the body’s internal volume.

The ultrasonic sensor is thereby provided by an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter is located on the inner face of the top section of the body, directed downwards through the internal volume. The receiver is located on the inner face of the bottom section of the body directed upwards through the internal volume.

The transceiver is arranged to utilise a local wireless internet router and cooperate with a local network.

If a drop is detected, a text will be sent through the router to a user’s phone or other electronic means, for example as an email message to the user’s email client.

In addition the module comprises the loudspeaker and an audible alarm will sound.

In addition or the alternative the LED alert light is utilised and a flashing light alert will be triggered.

Figures 6, 7A and 7B disclose a second embodiment of the invention. Like parts include the same references.

The second embodiment 200 has an inlet 1, an outlet 2 and a hollow intermediate body 3. The intermediate body 3 has two openings 5 provided at the inlet end of the body which allow user to easily observe the present or passage of any liquid from the inlet 1.

The intermediate body 3 has an enclosure 4 which contains the components. The enclosure is covered by a hatch 17.

The hatch 17 is displaceable so as to allow access to the components. The enclosure 4 contains a battery 20, a sensor 21, a light 12 and a transmitter 22. The sensor 21, light 12 and transmitter 22 are all connected to the battery 20.

The sensor 21 extends through the enclosure wall to a cavity within the intermediate body 3. The part of the sensor 21 extending into the intermediate body 3 is the sensing portion 21A that is activated on receiving a drop of liquid.

Figure 8 shows an example of the leak detection system 300. The system 300 has a heating apparatus 310 that has an overflow pipe 320 that connects to the inlet 1 of safety device 99, 200. The outlet 2 of the safety device 99,200 is connected to a waste egress 330.

The transmitter (not shown) of the safety device 99, 200 transmits a signal 340 on detection of a drop of water 350 that is leaking from the heating apparatus.

The signal 340 is transmitted to and received by a receiver (not shown) on a smartphone 360.

On receipt of the signal 340, the smartphone 360 displays a message on the screen ‘leak detected’.

The safety device 99, 200 also has local alerts comprising a flashing light 370 and an audible alert 380 that are emitted directly from the safety device.

In use the users:

Install the device in the same space as the un-vented hot water storage system

Install the device by fitting it as close as possible to (and below) the temperature/pressure relief valve outlet opening, with no more than 600mm of pipe between the valve outlet and the device.

Install the device and related equipment, meaning the water heater or storage tank in a location and position where the air gap provided by the device gives a view that permits observation of the viewing window.

The waste egress pipe receiving water from the device should extend vertically (down) at least 300mm below the tundish before any elbows or bends in the discharge pipework

Discharge piping must slope continually downwards on a slope of at least 1 in 200 (for the U.K. or 1/8 U.S.) and cannot be piped upwards

Discharge piping both before and after the device should be made of metal or other material that has been listed as capable of withstanding the hot water temperatures that may occur (e.g. in the U.K. part of BS 7291).

Discharge piping should be at least one pipe size larger than the nominal outlet size of the temperature I pressure relief valve unless its total equivalent hydraulic resistance exceeds that of a straight pipe 9m long, i.e. for discharge piping between 9m, and 18m the equivalent resistance length should be at least two sizes larger than the nominal outlet of the safety device; between 18 and 27 m this size increases to 3x, and further, bends must be taken into account when calculating the flow resistance. The citation given below provides additional details.

Discharge piping from the device and temperature/pressure relief valve should not be connected to a soil discharge stack (plumbing vent piping) unless it can be demonstrated that the discharge stack can safely tolerate the temperature of water discharged therein, includes fittings to prevent sewer gases from 5 passing back up and out of the device air gap, has no sanitary devices connected (toilets for example), and if plastic pipes are used they should be either (PB) to Class S of BS 7291-2:2006 or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) to class S of BS 7291-3:2006 and finally, the pipes must be continuously marked with a warning that no sanitary appliances should be connected to the 10 pipe.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in 15 particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A leak detection system for use with a heating apparatus, comprising: a safety device having an inlet from the heating apparatus overflow, an outlet to a waste egress and an intermediate body; the intermediate body has at least one opening for visual monitoring of passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet; at least one sensor for sensing presence of liquid within the intermediate body, an energy source and a wireless transmitter, wherein detection of liquid within the intermediate body of the safety device by the at least one sensor triggers an alert signal to be transmitted to a remote device.

2. A leak detection system according to claim 1 wherein the inlet, outlet and intermediate body are supplied in a tundish.

3. A leak detection system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the energy source is at least one battery.

4. A leak detection system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the energy source is a wired supply.

5. A leak detection system according to any preceding claim including a switch to turn off or isolate a liquid supply to the inlet.

6. A leak detection system according to claim 5 wherein the switch includes a solenoid switch that is activated when a leak is detected by the at least one sensor.

7. A leak detection system according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the switch is a local, manual switch.

8. A heating apparatus, such as a boiler, includes a leak detection system according to any preceding claim.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1909761.7