GB2610834A

GB2610834A - Sewer channel insert

Info

Publication number: GB2610834A
Application number: GB2113254.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Flint Carl; Davies Phillipa; Gooberman-Hill Stephen; Torbett James
Original assignee: Amey OW Ltd
Current assignee: Amey OW Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-16
Filing date: 2021-09-16
Publication date: 2023-03-22
Also published as: GB2610834A8

Abstract

The insert comprises a cylindrical hollow body 202 with a slit along its longitudinal axis. A number of tabs 205,210 and at least one fluid sensor 230. The fluid sensor may be a capacitive sensor film that extends around 180 degrees of the surface of the cylinder such that the depth of flow can be measured. The insert may also have a local electronics package in communication with the sensor that can send an alarm to an operations sensor if the flow is above threshold value based on historical data. The local package may also be connected to a remote package with a telemetry system or a battery. Also claimed is a method of installing the insert by applying pressure to the tabs to make the body smaller and moving the insert into the channel.

Description

SEWER CHANNEL INSERT

FL ELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert for a sewer channel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sensor arrangement operable to be remotely inserted into a pipe in order to monitor fluid flow.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sewer systems, also referred to as sewerage, comprise a complex network of pipes running underneath populated areas. These pipes allow for the flow of fluid towards a general collection and/or processing area.

[0003] A sewer system may be vulnerable to damage, for example through ground shifts, root intrusion, pipe material deterioration, and blockage. Any damage accumulated negatively impacts the performance of the sewer system, for example by causing one or more pipes to leak fluid into a surrounding environment, or causing a blockage preventing a significant amount of fluid from passing through a particular pipe.

[0004] The monitoring of fluid flow through the pipes forming a sewer system allows for the monitoring of the health of the system. Maintenance may be performed where required, in order to keep the pipes flowing as intended. As the pipes forming a sewer system are often underground, monitoring of the pipes involves a risk to the health and wellbeing of maintenance workers.

SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects and/or embodiments seek to provide an insert operable to be remotely placed within a sewer channel and/or pipe, such that the installation is performed by a worker remote from the pipe [0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an insert for a sewer channel, comprising: a substantially cylindrical hollow body, comprising a slit along a longitudinal axis of the body; a plurality of tabs fixed to the body; and one or more fluid sensors.

[0007] Sewer channels require regular monitoring and maintenance in order to ensure that the fluid flow is within safe parameters. If a channel is blocked, for example owing to a build-up of foreign material, this significantly impacts the function of other local channels and the surrounding environment. For example, a blocked channel may cause local flooding or a system backup, leading to significant property damage and/or public health concerns.

[0008] In order to monitor the health of a sewer channel, there is provided an insert which may be safely and securely inserted within a channel by an operator. Lowering an operator down to the level of a sewer channel may involve risk to life, as well as time inefficiencies, both of which are compounded if there are multiple pipes to monitor. The operator may remain on the surface, and using an appropriate tool such as circlip pliers, pinch the tabs together to reduce the size of the slit along a longitudinal axis of the body. In such a way, the radius of the body itself is reduced, allowing the body to be inserted into a sewer channel. Once inserted, the pressure on the tabs is reduced, thereby allowing the body to spring back to its original radius, and effectively locking the body in place within the channel.

[0009] Optionally, the plurality of tabs each comprises at least one hole.

[0010] In order to reduce difficulty in gripping the tabs, a hole may be formed passing through each of the tabs. In such a way, the instrument used to apply pressure to the tabs may fit through the tabs themselves, lowering the risk of slipping or otherwise losing grip on the tabs during the installation procedure. The tabs may be referred to as "installation tabs", as they assist in the installation procedure of the insert.

[0011] Optionally, each of the plurality of tabs meets the body at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. Optionally, each of the plurality of tabs is fixed at one end of the body.

[0012] The tabs may serve a secondary purpose. As well as allowing for manipulation of the radius of the cylindrical body, they may act as barriers to stop the body being washed downstream by the force of the fluid flow through the sewer channel. By protruding from the body, optionally at substantially 90 degrees, the tabs protrude radially from the sewer channel and reduce the risk that the sewer channel insert will be dislodged.

[0013] Optionally, the arrangement comprises a first tab and a second tab.

Optionally, the first tab and the second tab are separated by the axial slit. Optionally, movement of the first tab and the second tab into physical contact reduces the external diameter of the body.

[0014] The use of two tabs provides an efficient use of material, and is sufficient to manipulate the tabs in order to produce the desired reduction in radius of the body. By putting one tab at each side of the axial slit, the tabs are operable to be forced together and the body deformed accordingly.

[0015] Optionally, the arrangement further comprises a capacitive sensor fixed to at least one tab, Optionally, the capacitive sensor is fixed to a tab positioned opposite the axial slit and/or at the lowest point of the insert when in use. Optionally, the arrangement comprises three tabs.

[0016] In an embodiment of the insert with three tabs, two of the tabs may be positioned one on each side of the axial slit, so as to modify the diameter of the body as desired. A third tab with a capacitive sensor fixed to its surface, optionally positioned opposite the axial slit and/or at the lowest point of the insert when in use, allows for further monitoring to take place of materials which are not passing through the body of the insert itself The capacitive sensor can be in the form of a sensor film. The fluid sensor within the film and the capacitive sensor of the third tab may be formed from the same materials.

[0017] In an example, the insert of this embodiment may be placed in a drainage channel adjacent a gully. The gully is arranged to accumulate solid material such as silt. By having a third tab with a capacitive sensor protruding into the space where silt can accumulate, the level of solid material may be monitored before any of the solid material flows through the drainage channel itself The capacitive sensor fixed to the third tab can be sufficiently sensitive so as to sense the different capacitive profile of silt compared to water. This can provide additional useful information to users monitoring the drainage channel without requiring physical inspection.

[0018] Optionally, at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of tabs is formed from a plastic material.

[0019] Plastic represents an inexpensive, corrosion-resistant material. Plastic, amongst other materials, may also provide the required strength necessary when force is being applied to the tabs during the installation process into the sewer channel.

[0020] Optionally, the fluid sensor is a sensor film. Optionally, the fluid sensor is fixed on an inner surface of the body. Optionally, the fluid sensor is arranged across 180 degrees of the inner surface of the body. Optionally, when in use, the fluid sensor is arranged such that the lowest point of the fluid sensor aligns with the lowest part of the inner surface of the body, and the highest point of the fluid sensor aligns with the highest part of the inner surface of the body. Optionally, the fluid sensor is operable to measure the depth of a liquid flow passing through the body.

[0021] A sensor film comprises a flexible film in which one or more capacitive sensors are embedded or mounted. The capacitive sensors may be separated by a fixed distance which is known to a control unit and/or operations centre. The flexible film incorporating the capacitive sensors is suitable for adhering to the inner surface of the sewer channel insert. As a result, the capacitive sensors are deployed in a sewer pipe in a low cost and effective manner. Since the capacitive sensors and film are laminate and adhere to an inner surface of the sewer, there is a low risk of debris and rag collecting on the capacitive sensors. There is also a low risk of damage to the sensors from sewage flow. By careful placement of the sensor film, a full 180 degrees of coverage may be provided such that the sensor is operable to detect a flow level between 0% and 100% of the capacity of the sewer channel.

[0022] Optionally, at least a portion of the body is formed from a resilient material.

Optionally, at least a portion of the body is formed from a plastic material.

[0023] A resilient material refers to a material which may be elastically deformed, and then substantially return to its original shape once the force causing the elastic deformation is reduced. If the body of the insert is made of such a material, then once the application of force to the tabs is be removed when the body is in place, the body springs back to a larger radius and hence is locked in position within the sewer channel. A plastic material may be appropriate for this purpose. The body is be biased into a rest position in which the tabs are splayed apart, and an insert position where tabs are forced together. Once the tabs are no longer forced together, the natural shape and material properties of the body cause the body to revert back to the rest position as far as possible.

[0024] Optionally, the external diameter of the body is substantially 200 millimetres and the internal diameter of the body is substantially 194 millimetres.

[0025] The abovementioned dimensions of the body correspond to fit with a number of conventional sewer channels. A wall thickness of 1.5 to 5 millimetres, optionally 3 millimetres, allows for the body to be sufficiently pliable to be manipulated by a user via the tabs, while maintaining sufficient strength to spring back into shape once the pressure on the tabs is reduced.

[0026] Optionally, the arrangement further comprises a local electronics package in electronic communication with the fluid sensor. Optionally, the local electronics package comprises a control unit. Optionally, the control unit is configured to send an alarm to an operations centre when a flow of liquid detected by the fluid sensor varies from a historical pattern according to a predetermined value and/or when a flow of liquid detected by the fluid sensor is above a threshold value. Optionally, the local electronics package is encased in a watertight capsule, optionally wherein at least a portion of the capsule is made of aluminium. Optionally, there is provided a remote electronics package in electronic communication with the local electronics package, comprising one or more of a battery; and/or a telemetry system. Optionally, the remote electronics package is in electronic communication with the local electronics package via a cable.

[0027] Once installed, it may be beneficial to remotely monitor the health of the sewer channel which includes a measure of flow of liquid through the insert. To perform this task, the insert may comprise a local electronics package, operable to transmit data received from the sensor to an operations centre. Such data may include an instruction to activate an alarm, if certain parameters regarding fluid flow are breached. This may provide an early warning system that an issue is occurring within a sewer channel, and so may be addressed before further damage is caused.

[0028] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of installing the insert of any preceding claim, comprising the steps of: gripping the plurality of tabs fixed to the body; applying pressure to the tabs so as to cause movement of a first tab physically closer to a second tab, thereby reducing the radial diameter of the insert; manoeuvring the insert such that at least a portion of the body is enclosed by a sewer channel; and reducing pressure to the tabs, thereby increasing the radial diameter of the insert.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a narrow-bore sewer serving three homes; [0031] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a sewer channel insert; [0032] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a sewer channel insert in use; [0033] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a sewer channel insert for use in drainage gullies; and [0034] Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 4 in use.

[0035] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a narrow-bore sewer serving three homes 110 (only two homes are visible in Figure 1 since one home is behind another). Each home 110 has a downpipe connected to a narrow bore sewer 106 that drains into a shared narrow bore sewer pipe 108 under a road connecting the homes. One of the narrow bore sewers 106 is shown with dotted lines to indicate its presence underground and it connects to a home 110 which is not visible since it is behind another home 110. Waste water from washing machines, baths, toilets and other appliances 112 in each home passes into the narrow bore sewer 106 and flows by gravity into the shared sewer 108 under the road.

[0037] Inspection chambers 104 are located at intervals along the shared narrow bore sewer 108 (such as every 40 to 50 metres). There may be an inspection chamber above every join in the sewers, and anywhere where a blockage might form, such as a sharp bend. A manhole cover can be used to seal the top of an inspection chamber which allows inspection of the shared narrow bore sewer 108. Located near to each inspection chamber 104 is a control unit 100 which is in communication with an operations centre 102 via any suitable communications network. Each control unit 100 is a small robust device which is powered by batteries or another power source at the control unit 100 In one example, the control unit is 8cm by 4cm by 3cm. In the example of Figure 1 an inspection chamber 104 is indicated by a dotted line over narrow bore sewer 108 downstream of a join between a narrow bore sewer 106 from a home 110. On the underside of the inspection chamber is a control unit 100 indicated as a rectangle in Figure 1. The control unit 100 is operable to receive data from one or more sensors in the shared narrow bore sewer 108 and sends the data, and/or analysis of the data, to the operations centre 102. Although only one control unit 100 and inspection chamber 104 is shown in Figure 1 there are many more in practice. Each control unit 100 sends data to the operations centre 102. The operations centre knows the topology of the narrow bore sewer, the one or more sensors, and the location of each sensor and control unit.

[0038] The operations centre 102 is remote of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 is able to trigger an alarm at the operations centre 102 when a blockage is detected or predicted in the shared narrow bore sewer 108. When an alarm is triggered an engineer is able to investigate the problem or predicted problem and carry out appropriate maintenance of the narrow bore sewer.

[0039] The alarm may be triggered by the one or more sensors in the in the shared narrow bore sewer 108. The use of an alarm triggered by such sewer-based sensors allows for a problem to be detected relatively early, compared with, for example, random site inspections and/or visually apparent issues on the surface of the ground. A problem which is detected earlier may be less expensive and/or time consuming to repair.

[0040] Therefore, sensors may be inserted within sewer pipes in order to provide a continuous monitoring system of the fluid flow therein. The installation of such sensors conventionally requires the lowering of a human operator into the sewer, which raises significant issues regarding risks to health and safety. Noxious gases accumulate in sewers which endanger the health of the operator, and the operator may further require winching in and out, thereby increasing the cost of installation.

[0041] In order to reduce the costs of installation of sensors, as well as minimising the risk to a human operator required to install the sensors, there is provided in Figure 2 an insert for a sewer pipe able to be installed remotely, and which comprises at least one sensor.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a sewer channel insert 200, comprising a substantially cylindrical hollow body 202. The cylindrical hollow body 202, alternatively referred to as a "cuff', "sleeve", or "stent", comprises a slit running axially along the body 202. This axial slit may run parallel to a fluid flow running through the insert once installed in a sewer pipe.

[0043] In such a way, the body 202 may be compressed and elastically deformed radially, reducing the radius of the body 202. When pressure on the body is reduced or removed, the radius of the body 202 then increases up to its original dimensions.

[0044] In order to elastically deform the body 202, the embodiment of this Figure provides two tabs 205, 210. Each of the two tabs 205, 210 is fixed to the body 202 at a 90 degree angle, extending radially from the body 202. In such a way, movement of the two tabs 205, 210 causes a reduction or increase in the overall radius of the body 202.

[0045] Each of the two tabs 205, 210 comprises a hole 215, 220. The or each hole 215, 220 may be reinforced to avoid damage to the two tabs 205, 210. The use of the holes 215, 220 allows for a tool such as a pair of circlip pliers to be inserted through the two tabs 205, 210 simultaneously. Manipulation of the circlip pliers, or other tool, may then be used to remotely alter the radius of the body 202.

[0046] The or each of the two tabs 205, 210 further comprises a local electronics package 225. The local electronics package 225 comprises a control unit, operable to send an alarm to the operations centre when a flow of liquid detected by a fluid sensor 230 varies from a historical pattern according to a predetermined value. The fluid sensor 230 is fixed inside the body 202, and may be in the form of a film sensor so as to minimise throttling of a flow passing through the cylindrical body 202. The fluid sensor 230 may be arranged to cover 180 degrees inside the body 202, such that the fluid may be sensed from the lowest point to the highest point in the insert 200 when in use.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the sewer channel insert 200 in use. There is shown a sewer channel insert 200 which has been installed within a sewer pipe 310, adjacent an inspection chamber 305. An inspection chamber 305 may be used to allow manual inspection of a sewer pipe, and so provides wider access to the sewer pipe if maintenance is required. Conventional maintenance may require a human engineer or other operator to be lowered close to the sewer pipe, and so the inspection chamber 305 may be large enough to accommodate such requirements.

[0048] On the ground surface, above the sewer system, caliper pliers are inserted into the holes 215, 220 of the tabs 105, 210. The tabs 105, 210 are moved closer together so as to reduce the diameter of the body 202. The sewer channel insert 200 is then lowered down to the sewer pipe 310 via the inspection chamber 305. Once inserted into the sewer pipe 310, the pressure on the tabs 105, 210 via the caliper pliers is reduced, allowing the radius of the body 202 to spring back, thereby locking the sewer channel insert 200 to the inner surface of the sewer pipe 310. The tabs 105, 210 further serve to prevent the sewer channel insert 200 being washed downstream by protruding radially from the body 202 and catching on the rim of the sewer pipe 310.

[0049] The body 202 of the insert may be formed from a single piece of material, optionally plastic. An injection moulding or plastics extrusion process may be used to manufacture the body, and the other parts of the insert such as the sensor may be attached subsequently.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a sewer channel insert for use in drainage gullies. The insert of this embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow body 202, similar to that of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. The body 202 comprises a slit running axially along the body 202 parallel to a fluid flow running through the insert once installed in a drainage gully. As in relation to the previous embodiments, this allows for the body 202 to be compressed and elastically deformed radially, reducing the radius of the body 202. When pressure on the body is reduced or removed, the radius of the body 202 then increases up to its original dimensions.

[0051] This elastic deformation may be performed by the two tabs 205, 210, each of which is fixed to the body 202 at a 90 degree angle, extending radially from the body 202. In such a way, movement of the two tabs 205, 210 causes a reduction or increase in the overall radius of the body 202. Each of the two tabs 205, 210 comprises a hole 215, 220, each of which may be reinforced to avoid damage to the two tabs 205, 210. The use of the holes 215, 220 allows for a tool such as a pair of circlip pliers to be inserted through the two tabs 205, 210 simultaneously. Manipulation of the circlip pliers, or other tool, may then be used to remotely alter the radius of the body 202 [0052] The or each of the two tabs 205, 210 further comprises a local electronics package 225. The local electronics package 225 comprises a control unit, operable to send an alarm to the operations centre when a flow of liquid detected by a fluid sensor 230 varies from a historical pattern according to a predetermined value. The fluid sensor 230 is fixed inside the body 202, and may be in the form of a film sensor so as to minimise throttling of a flow passing through the cylindrical body 202. The fluid sensor 230 may be arranged to cover 180 degrees inside the body 202, such that the fluid may be sensed from the lowest point to the highest point in the insert 200 when in use.

[0053] There is also provided in this embodiment a third tab 405. The third tab 405 is fixed to the body 202 at a 90 degree angle, extending radially from the body 202. Optionally, the third tab 405 is fixed to the body 202 opposite the axial slit at the lowest point of the body 202 when in use. The third tab 405 may be larger than each of the two tabs 205, 210, and in particular longer when measured radially from the centre of the body 202. Fixed to the third tab 405 is an additional capacitive sensor 410. This additional capacitive sensor 410 allows for the level of silt in a sump of a drainage gully to be measured, as described in greater detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0054] Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 4 in use in a drainage gully. A drainage gully is typically positioned adjacent a road, and is covered by a grating (not shown) with a sump 505 beneath it. The drain 510 is typically positioned approximately partway up the sump 505 wall. This allows silt and debris to be trapped at the base of the sump 505, rather than exiting via the drainage channel 510.

[0055] The use of the third tab 405, with the additional capacitive sensor 4102 allows for the level of silt in the sump 505 to be monitored, because silt has a different capacitive profile to water. Therefore, by having a third tab 405 with an additional capacitive sensor 410 protruding below the level of the drain 510, where the silt accumulates, the monitoring of the level of silt can be carried out and reported remotely to the necessary authorities.

[0056] It is appreciated that any or all of the abovementioned embodiments or methods may be implemented in non-sewer based fluid-flow systems, such as drinking water distribution, natural gas pipelines, and/or fluid flow systems within portable equipment.

[0057] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0058] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0059] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item refers to one or more of those items.

[0060] The operations of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual steps may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought.

[0061] The term "comprising" is used herein to mean including the elements identified, but that such elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional elements.

[0062] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure arid use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

An insert for a sewer channel, comprising: a substantially cylindrical hollow body, comprising a slit along a longitudinal axis of the body, a plurality of tabs fixed to the body; and one or more fluid sensors.
The insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tabs each comprises at least one hole.
The insert of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of tabs meets the body at an angle of substantially 90 degrees.
The insert of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is fixed at one end of the body.
The insert of any preceding claim, comprising a first tab and a second tab.
The insert of claim 5, wherein the first tab and the second tab are separated by the axial slit.
The insert of claim 6, wherein movement of the first tab and the second tab into physical contact reduces the external diameter of the body.
The insert of any preceding claim, further comprising a capacitive sensor fixed to at least one tab The insert of claim 8, wherein the capacitive sensor is fixed to a tab positioned opposite the axial slit and/or at the lowest point of the insert when in use.
10. The insert of any preceding claim, comprising three tabs.
II. The insert of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of tabs is formed from a plastic material.
12. The insert of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid sensor is a sensor film.
13. The insert of claim 9, wherein the fluid sensor is fixed on an inner surface of the body, optionally wherein the fluid sensor is arranged across 180 degrees of the inner surface of the body.
14. The insert of claim 11, wherein, in use, the fluid sensor is arranged such that the lowest point of the fluid sensor aligns with the lowest part of the inner surface of the body, and the highest point of the fluid sensor aligns with the highest part of the inner surface of the body.
15. The insert of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid sensor is operable to measure the depth of a liquid flow passing through the body.
16. The insert of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed from a resilient material.
17. The insert of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed from a plastic material.
18. The insert of any preceding claim, wherein the external diameter of the body is substantially 200 millimetres and the internal diameter of the body is substantially 194 millimetres.
19 The insert of any preceding claim, further comprising a local electronics package in electronic communication with the fluid sensor.
20. The insert of claim 18, wherein the local electronics package comprises a control unit.
21. The insert of claim 1920, wherein the control unit is configured to send an alarm to an operations centre when a flow of liquid detected by the fluid sensor varies from a historical pattern according to a predetermined value and/or when a flow of liquid detected by the fluid sensor is above a threshold value.
22. The insert of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the local electronics package is encased in a watertight capsule, optionally wherein at least a portion of the capsule is made of aluminium.
23. The insert of any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a remote electronics package in electronic communication with the local electronics package, comprising one or more of: a battery; and/or a telemetry system.
24. The insert of claim 23, wherein the remote electronics package is in electronic communication with the local electronics package via a cable.A method of installing the insert of any preceding claim, comprising the steps of gripping the plurality of tabs fixed to the body; applying pressure to the tabs so as to cause movement of a first tab physically closer to a second tab, thereby reducing the radial diameter of the insert; manoeuvring the insert such that at least a portion of the body is enclosed by a sewer channel; and reducing pressure to the tabs, thereby increasing the radial diameter of the insert.