IE20100706A1 - A monitoring device and a method for monitoring flow of fluid through a pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

A monitoring device (1) for monitoring the rate of water flow through a pipe (2) comprises a flow meter (5) couples into the pipe (2) so that water flowing through the pipe flows through the water meter (5). The flow meter (5) comprises a reed switch (18) which produces pulsed electrical signals at a rate proportional to the rate of water flow through the pipe (2). A battery (20) powers a light emitting diode (22) and a piezoelectric sounder (25) through the reed switch (18) so that the light emitting diodes (22) flash at the rate at which the reed switch (18) produces the electrical pulses, and piezoelectrical sounder (25) produces a pulsed sound at a rate similar to the rate of the pulsed electrical signal from the reed switch (18). Thus, by observing the light emitting diodes (22) and listening to the piezoelectrical sounder (25), an indication of the rate of water flow through the pipe (2) can be determined. <Figure 1>

Description

“A monitoring device and a method for monitoring flow of fluid through a pipe” The present invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring flow of fluid through a pipe, and in particular, though not limited to a monitoring device for monitoring flow of water through a water supply pipe. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring flow of fluid through a pipe.

Leaking water pipes can result in a relatively high loss of water, which when the water is drinking water can result in relatively high costs being incurred by a water io supply utility, or the customer who is being supplied with water from the water supply utility, An example of a location where loss of water can be relatively high is on farms. Where animals are being grazed in fields, it is essential that the animals be provided with a supply of drinking water. Such drinking water supply, in general, is provided in an animal drinking trough, which, in general, is located in a field in which the animats are grazing, The drinking water is supplied to the drinking trough through a valve, which in general, is a ball valve or float controlled vaive in which a float, typically an air filled ball, floats on the water, and is mechanically coupled to the valve, so that when the water level in the water trough reaches a predefined level, the valve shuts off the water supply.

However, in the majority of farms the water supply to such water troughs are teed off from the water supply from the drinking water supply utility downstream of a water meter, which meters the quantity of water being drawn off from the mains water supply of the drinking water supply utility to the farm. Such animal drinking troughs are commonly located in fields which are quite remote from the water meter, and thus, the pipeline supplying the water from the water meter to the animal drinking trough can have a large number of joints, and where such pipelines are laid over the surface of the ground or in shallow trenches, the joints can become leaky due to .norma) wear and tear, such as a tractor driving over the joint, animals walking on the joint and the like. Additionally, ball valves may fail to adequately shut off the water supply, thus leading to a constant leakage of water into the trough. Such leaks can, over a period of a number of months, amount to quite a large quantity of water being wasted on a farm. In general, drinking water supply utilities charge for water drawn IE 10 07 06 fc 10 0708 off to a farm, and the charge is based on the volume of water drawn from the mains water supply. Additionally, water meters in general are only read by drinking water supply utilities once or twice a year, thus, leaving relatively large time intervals for water leakages to go undetected. Thus, where water leakage has been ongoing for some time, it can be up to a year before a farmer becomes aware of the leakage when a bill from the drinking water supply utility is received. Thus, leakages on farms can result in relatively high volumes of drinking water being lost before a farmer becomes aware of the leakage, and at that stage the farmer is faced with the relatively high cost of the additional drinking water which has been lost through leakage.

There is therefore a need for a device for monitoring the flow of water through a water supply pipe which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a monitoring device, and the invention is also directed towards providing a monitoring device for monitoring flow of a fluid through a pipe. Further, the invention is directed towards providing a method for monitoring flow of a fluid through a pipe.

According to the invention there is provided a monitoring device for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe, and for producing a signal in one of a visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of ffuid flow through the pipe, the device comprising a transducer adapted for attaching to the pipe for producing an electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe, and a first means for producing a signal in one of the visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of an analogue representation of the rate of fluid flow in the pipe in response to the electrical signal.

In one embodiment of the invention the first means for producing the one of the yisifchy and aurally perceptible signals comprises a light producing means, and ·' A. ’ advantageously, the first light producing means is responsive to the electrical signal produced by the transducer to produce a flashing light at a flashing rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow.

IE 1 0 07 06 In one embodiment of the invention the first light producing means comprises at least one light emitting diode, and preferably, a plurality of light emitting diodes.

In another embodiment of the invention the first means for producing the one of the 5 visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a first sound producing element.

Preferably, the first sound producing means is responsive to the electrical signal produced by the transducer to produce a pulsed sound, and the rate at which the sound is pulsed is proportional to the rate of fluid flow.

In one embodiment of the invention the first sound producing element comprises a piezoelectric sounder.

In another embodiment of the invention a first means for producing a visually perceptible signal and a first means for producing an aurally perceptible signal are provided.

In another embodiment of the invention the transducer comprises a flow meter. Preferably, the flow meter comprises a housing having a duct extending therethrough, the housing being adapted for connecting into the pipe so that fluid flowing through the pipe flows through the duct. Advantageously, a rotor having a plurality of radially extending vanes is rotatably mounted in the housing with the vanes extending into the duct, so that the fluid flowing through the duct acting on the vanes ofthe rotor rotates the rotor at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow, ideally, a switch means is located in the housing isolated from the duct and responsive to rotation of the rotor for producing the signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe.

Preferably/the switch means comprises a reed switch, the reed switch being ; ΐ · J resportsive to the proximity of at least one of the vanes for producing the electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe. Advantageously, the at least one vane ofthe rotor to which the reed switch is responsive for producing the electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe carries a magnet to which the reed switch is responsive. Ideally, the reed switch is located in the IE 1 0 07 06 housing externally ofthe duct, but adjacent the rotor.

In one embodiment ofthe invention the first means for producing the signal in one of the visually and aurally perceptible forms is powered by a battery, and preferably, the first means for producing the one ofthe visually and aurally perceptible signals is powered by the battery through the transducer. Advantageously, the battery is a rechargeable battery. Ideally, a charging means is provided for charging the battery, and the charging means is powered by a solar panel. Preferably, the solar panel comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells.

In a further embodiment of the invention a transmitting means is provided for transmitting the electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe produced by the transducer to a remote device. Preferably, the transmitting means comprises a wireless transmitter.

In one embodiment ofthe invention the monitoring device further comprises a remote device for receiving the transmitted signal from the transmitting means, the remote device comprising a second means for producing a signal In one of a visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of an analogue representation ofthe rate of fluid flow in the pipe in response to the electrical signal.

Preferably, the monitoring device further comprises a computing means for computing a parameter of fluid flow in the pipe, and a display means for displaying a numerical representation ofthe computed parameter. Advantageously, the computing means is adapted to compute the rate of fluid flow in fhe pipe. Preferably, the computing means is adapted to compute the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a first predefined time period, and the computed volume is numerically displayed on the display means, Ideally, the first predefined time period during ; ; , which(the Volume of fluid flowing through the pipe is computed is a twenty-four-hour t r . > period.

In one embodiment of the invention the computing means is adapted for computing the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a second predefined time period IE 1 ο 0 7 06 within the first predefined time period, and the computed value during the second predefined time period is numerically displayed on the display means, and preferably, the computing means is adapted for computing the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a plurality of the second predefined time periods.

Advantageously, each second predefined time period is approximately one hour. Ideally, the computed volumes of fluid flowing through the pipe which is computed during each of the previous twenty-three second predefined time periods are stored for subsequent display. io Preferably, the computing means is adapted to compute the average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during the first predefined time period, and to compare the computed volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in a just expired first predefined time period with a normal average volume value, and to produce a signal indicative ofthe current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe exceeding the normal average volume, In one embodiment of the invention a third means is provided for producing one of a visually perceptible signal and an aurally perceptible signal, and the third means is responsive to the signal produced by the computing means being indicative ofthe current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period exceeding the normal average volume for producing the one ofthe visually perceptible and aurally perceptible signals.

The invention also provides a method for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe comprising locating a transducer adjacent the pipe adapted for producing an electrical signal indicative ofthe rate of fluid flow through the pipe, and producing a signal in response to the electrical signal from the transducer in one of a visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of an analogue representation ofthe rate of fluid flow in the pipe.

Preferably, the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a light signal. Advantageously, the light signal is a flashing light signal which flashes at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow. fE 1 0 0 7 06 Preferably, the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a sound signal. Advantageously, the sound signal is a pulsed sound signal which is pulsed at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow.

Ideally, the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a light signal and a sound signal.

In one embodiment of the invention a signal representative of the electrical signal io indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe produced by the transducer is transmitted to a remote device. Preferably, the signal representative of the electrical signal produced by the transducer is wirelessly transmitted.

In one embodiment of the invention the method further comprises computing a parameter of fluid flow in the pipe, and displaying a numerical representation of the computed parameter of fluid flow in the pipe. Preferably, the computed parameter is the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a first predefined time period.

Ideally, the first predefined time period is a twenty-four-hour period.

In another embodiment of the invention the computed parameter is the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a second predefined time period within the first predefined time period, and preferably, the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe is computed during a plurality of the second predefined time periods. Advantageously, each second predefined time period is approximately one hour. Ideally, at the end of each first predefined time period, the numerical values of the fluid flowing through the pipe during each of the previous twenty-three second predefined time periods are stored for subsequent display, and preferably, the numerical values of the fluid flpvVin^ through the pipe during each of the plurality of second predefined time periods are sequentially displayed.

In another embodiment of the invention the computed parameter is the average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during the first predefined time period, and IE 1 0 0706 the computed volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period is compared with a normal average volume value, and a signal indicative of the current average volume exceeding the normal average volume is produced.

In another embodiment of the invention the signal produced in response to the current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period exceeding the normal average volume is a visually peroeptible signal.

In a further embodiment of the invention the signal produced in response to the current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period exceeding the normal average volume is an aurally perceptible signal.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that the monitoring device according to the invention provides a visual and/or an audible indication of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe, which can be readily identified and understood, Where the visually perceptible signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow is produced by a flashing light, and where the rate of flashing of the light is indicative of the flow rate, the rate of fluid flow through the pipe can be readily determined from the flashing rate of the light. Similarly, where the signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe is produced as an aurally perceptible signal which is pulsed at a rate indicative of the fluid flow rate, the rate of fluid flow can be readily determined from the pulse rate of the aurally perceptible signal. In fact, the invention essentially lies in the simplicity of the monitoring device and the simplicity with which a signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the . pipe is>presented.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of its simplicity, since the monitoring device is a relatively simple and inexpensive device which can be produced at relatively low cost, and gives an instant indication of the rate of fluid flow in the pipe by merely observing either the rate of flashing of the visually perceptible IE 1 0 07 06 signal or the pulse rate of the aurally perceptible signal. Additionally, the monitoring device can be mounted remote of an electrical power supply, since the device may be battery powered, and furthermore, when the monitoring device is adapted to be powered by a solar panel which in turn charges the battery of the monitoring device, the monitoring device requires iittle or no maintenance.

The Fact that the monitoring device can be mounted remotely of an electrical power supply is a particularly important advantage on farms, since the water meter of a mains water utility supplier which monitors the volume of water being drawn off from the mains supply is very often located remote from a supply of electrical power, and in general, the ideal location ofthe monitoring device according to the invention is immediately downstream of the water meter of the mains water utility supplier. Indeed, in general, such water meters are located adjacent a gateway to a farm, and by locating the monitoring device adjacent the water meter, the light emitting diode and the sounder are readily visually and aurally observable by a farmer entering or leaving the farm via the gateway thereof.

A further advantage ofthe invention is achieved when the device is provided with a facility for computing the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during first and second predefined time periods, and in particular, when the device is adapted for computing and storing the numerical values ofthe volumes of water flowing through the pipe during each one-hour period ofthe previous twenty-three hours of the just expired twenty-four-hour period, in that one can scroll through the numerical values of the volumes of water flowing through the pipe during each of the previous twenty25 three one-hour periods, and if during any one of the one-hour periods the volume of water flowing through the pipe shows that no water flowed through the pipe during one of those twenty-three one-hour periods, then that would be an indication that there are no leaks from the pipe. However, if during any of the one-hour periods ί '·. ’’ which aifeWcjht-time hours, fluid flow is detected, this could be an indication of a fluid 30 leak.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with IE 1 ο Ο 7 Ο 6 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a circuit diagram of a monitoring device according to the invention, Fig 2 is a circuit diagram of a monitoring device according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of a monitoring device according to another embodiment ofthe invention, and Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of a monitoring device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a monitoring device according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for monitoring the rate of fluid flow through a pipe 2, which in this embodiment of the invention is suitable for monitoring the rate of water flow through the pipe 2, and for producing a signal in both a visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of an analogue representation of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2. The monitoring device 1 comprises a main housing, which is illustrated only in broken lines 4 in Fig. 1, and which is of a plastics material, defining a hollow interior region within which the components of the monitoring device 1 are located.

A transducer, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a flow meter 5, is located in the main housing 4 for monitoring the rate of water flow through the pipe 2. The flow meter 5 comprises a sub-housing 7 having a duct 8 extending therethrough from an inlet port 9 to an outlet port 10. The iniet and outiet ports 9 and 10 are located outside the main housing 4 for facilitating coupling of the inlet port 9 to ah Upstream portion 11 of the pipe 2, and coupling of the outlet port 10 to a downstream portion 12 of the pipe 2, so that water flowing through the pipe 2 flows from the upstream portion 11 to the downstream portion 12 through the duct 8 in the sub-housing 7 of the flow meter 5.

IE 1 0 0 7 06 A rotor 15 is rotatably mounted in the sub-housing 7 ofthe flow meter 5, and comprises a plurality of radially extending, and circumferentially equi-spaced apart vanes 16 extending into the duct 8, so that water flowing through the pipe 2 acts on the vanes 16 to rotate the rotor 15. The rotational speed of the rotor 15 is proportional to the flow rate of water through the pipe. A switch means, in this embodiment ofthe invention a reed switch 18, is located in the sub-housing 7 sealably isolated from the duct 8, and is responsive to rotation of the rotor 15 for producing a pulsed signal indicative of the rate of rotation of the rotor 15. The reed switch 18 is alternately operable in an open circuit state and in a closed circuit state, io and the open circuit state is the normal operating state of the reed switch 18. A permanent magnet 19 is carried on one ofthe vanes 16 so that on each revolution of the rotor 15 the reed switch is operated into the closed state while the magnet 19 is proximal thereto for producing an electrical pulsed signal, the pulse rate of which is indicative of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2.

A rechargeable battery 20 located in the main housing 4 powers the monitoring device 1.

A first means for producing a visually perceptible signal indicative of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2 in this embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of first light emitting diodes 22, only one of which is illustrated in Fig. 1, and which are arranged in an array on a panel 23 formed by a portion of the main housing 4. The first light emitting diodes 22 are powered by the battery 20 through the reed switch 18, so that on each electrical pulse produced by the reed switch 18 the first light emitting diodes 22 flash, and the rate of flashing of the first light emitting diodes 22 is proportional to the rate of water flow through the pipe 2. Thus, by observing the first light emitting diodes 22, the rate of water flow through the pipe 2 can be readily determined from the flashing rate ofthe first light emitting diodes 2. if 5 ,. i A first means for producing an aurally perceptible signal indicative of the rate of water flow to the pipe 2 is also provided in this embodiment of the invention, and is provided as a first piezoelectric sounder 25, which is also mounted on the panel 23. The first piezoelectric sounder 25 is powered by the battery 20 through the reed IE 1 Ο Ο 7 Ο 6 switch 18, and accordingly, produces a pulsed sound in response to each pulsed electrical signal from the reed switch 18. Accordingly, the rate of water flow through the pipe 2 can similarly be determined from the first piezoelectric sounder 25 by noting the rate of the pulsed sound from the first piezoelectric sounder 25. An isolating switch 27 is provided for selectively isolating the first piezoelectric sounder 25 from the battery 21 in the event that the monitoring device 1 is to be operated in a silent mode.

A means for charging the chargeable battery 20 comprises a battery charger 28 io which is located within the main housing 4, and is powered by a solar panel 30. The solar panel 30 is mounted externally on the main housing 4 and comprises an array of photovoltaic solar cells (not shown).

In use, with the flow meter 5 coupled into the pipe 2 with the inlet port 9 coupled to the upstream portion 11 of the pipe 2 and the outlet port 10 coupled to the downstream portion 12 of the pipe 2 so that water flowing through the pipe 2 flows through the duct 8, and with the battery 20 placed in the main housing 4, the monitoring device 1 is ready for use. As water flows through the pipe 2, the rotor 15 is rotated, and the rotational speed of the rotor 15 is proportional to the linear speed of the water flowing through the duct 8, and in turn through the pipe 2. On each pass of the permanent magnet 19 past the reed switch 18, the reed switch is momentarily operated from the open state to the closed state to produce a pulsed electrical signal indicative of the rotational speed of the rotor 15, and in turn indicative of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2. The first light emitting diodes 22 and the first sounder 25 are operated in response to the electrical pulsed signal from the reed switch 18, and the first light emitting diodes 22 thus flash in response to each pulsed signal, and the first piezoelectric sounder 25 produces a pulsed sound in response to each pulsed electrical signal from the reed switch 18. By observing the flashing rate of the first light emitting diodes 22 and the pulse rate of the pulsed sounds produced by the first piezoelectric sounder 25, an indication of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2 can be immediately determined.

A high flashing rate of the first light emitting diodes 22, and a high puise rate of the IE 1 Ο Ο 7 ο β pulsed sound produced by the first piezoelectric sounder 25 are indicative of a high water flow rate through the pipe 2, while a low flashing rate and a low pulse sound rate are indicative of a low water flow rate through the pipe 2. When water is not being drawn through the pipe 2, the first light emitting diodes 22 and the first piezoelectric sounder 25 become inactive.

Thus, if a high water flow rate is determined at a time when water would not normally be drawn through the pipe 2, then most likely the high water flow rate would be as a result of a relatively large water leak. On the other hand, when a relatively high flow rate is determined at a time when the water flow through the pipe would normally be less than that determined, the determined relatively high flow rate would normally be an indication of a water leak. On the other hand, where relatively low water flow rate is determined at a time when water should not be drawn through the pipe, a water leak would likewise be indicated. Thus, by merely observing the rate of flashing of the first light emitting diodes 22 and the pulsed sound rate from the first piezoelectric sounder 25, one can readily obtain an indication of the likelihood of a water leak.

In general, the monitoring device is located adjacent a water meter (not shown) provided by a water supply utility, and in general, the monitoring device 1 is located with the flow meter 5 located adjacent and just downstream from the water meter of the water supply utility so that water leaks downstream ofthe water meter of the water supply utility are detected by the monitoring device 1.

Referring now to Fig 2 there is illustrated a monitoring device according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 40 for monitoring the rate of water flow through a pipe 2. The monitoring device 40 is substantially similar to the monitoring device 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The only difference between the monitoring device 40 and thetmonitoring device 1 is that a time-down timer operated relay 42 is connected in series between the reed switch 18 and the first light emitting diodes 22 as well as in series with the first piezoelectric sounder 25, The time-down timer operated relay 42 is provided to limit the time period during which the first light emitting diodes 22 and the first piezoelectric sounder 25 are activated in response to ¢10 0 7 o6 each electrical pulse from the reed switch 18, in order to guard against the possibility of the rotor 15 stopping with the magnet 19 adjacent to the reed switch 18 which would hold the reed switch 18 in the closed state continuously. Typically, the timer of the time-down timer operated relay 42 would be set to limit the time that the first light emitting diodes 22 and the first piezoelectric sounder 25 remain activated to a time period of not more than one second. After timing out, the timer of the timedown timer operated relay 42 is reset by the next pulse from the reed switch 18.

Otherwise, the monitoring device 40 and its operation is similar to the monitoring io device 1, Referring now to Fig. 3, there is illustrated a monitoring device according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, for monitoring water flow in a pipe 2. The monitoring device 50 is substantially similar to the monitoring devices 1 and 40, and in this embodiment of the invention the monitoring device 50 also comprises a time-down timer operated relay 42. However, in addition, the monitoring device 50 comprises a transmitting means, namely, a wireless transmitter 51 for transmitting wireless signals indicative of the pulse rate of the pulsed electrical signal from the reed switch 18 to a remote unit 52 which comprises a panel 53 having a second means for producing visually and aurally perceptible signals, namely, an array 54,of second light emitting diodes 55 and a second piezoelectric sounder 56. A radio receiver 58 is located in the remote unit 52 for receiving signals from the transmitter 51 which are indicative of the pulse rate of the pulsed electrical signals from the reed switch 18. The remote unit 52 may be battery powered or mains electricity powered. A control circuit 59 is responsive to the radio receiver 58 for operating the light emitting diodes 55 and the piezoelectric sounder 56 of the remote unit 52 to flash and produce a pulsed sound, respectively, . ’at & rate/corresponding to the signal received by the radio receiver 58. The remote unit 52 typically would be located in a dwelling house, for example, in a kitchen or the like, where the light emitting diodes 55 could be readily observed and the piezoelectric sounder 56 could be readily heard, Thus, in the case of the monitoring device 50, the water flow rate through the pipe 2 if 1 0 0 7 06 can be monitored for observing the first light emitting diodes 22 and the first piezoelectric sounder 25 in the main housing 4 ofthe monitoring device 50, and also by observing the second light emitting diodes 55 and the second piezoelectric sounder 56 of the remote unit 52.

Otherwise, the monitoring device 40 and its use is similar to the monitoring device 1.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a monitoring device according to a further embodiment ofthe invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The monitoring device 60 is substantially similar to the monitoring devices 1, 40 and 50, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment ofthe invention the monitoring device 60 is provided with a time down timer operated relay 42, and also with a transmitter 51 for transmitting signals indicative ofthe pulsed rate ofthe pulsed electrical signal from the reed switch 18.

However, in addition, the monitoring device 60 comprises a computing means, namely, a microprocessor 62 which reads the signals from the reed switch 18 and is programmed to compute a numerical value of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2. A display means, in this embodiment ofthe invention a visual display screen 63 is mounted in the main housing 4, and the numerical value of the rate of water flow through the pipe 2 is displayed numerically on the visual display screen 63.

Additionally, the microprocessor 62 is programmed to determine the volume of water flowing through the pipe 2 during a first predefined time period, which in this embodiment ofthe invention is a twenty-four-hour period, commencing at, for example, 12.00 midnight and terminating at 12.00 midnight twenty-four hours later, and the microprocessor 62 is programmed to store the computed numerical value of the water flowing through the pipe 2 during that twenty-four-hour period. The microprocessor 62 is also programmed to compute the numerical value of water : ; ,flowjng.;tljroticjh fjje pipe during a plurality of second predefined time periods of 30 approximately one hour during each first predefined time period, and to store the computed numerical value of the water flowing through the pipe 2 during each of the last twenty-three one-hour time periods. The microprocessor 62 is also programmed to compute an average volume of water usage during each first predefined time IE 1 0 07 06 period, namely, during the twenty-four-hour period. At the end of each twenty-fourhour first predefined time period, the microprocessor 62 is programmed to compare the average volume of water which flowed through the pipe 2 during the just expired twenty-four-hour first predefined time period with a normal average volume, which is pre-programmed into the microprocessor 62 and stored therein. In the event of the average volume of water flowing through the pipe 2 in the just expired twenty-fourhour period exceeding the normal average volume, the microprocessor 62 is programmed to operate a third means for producing a visually perceptible signal, namely, a warning light 65 in the panel 23. The microprocessor 62 is also io programmed to maintain a running total of the volume of water usage from a predefined date. The microprocessor 62 is also programmed to maintain and update the volume of water which flowed through the pipe in the previous one hour, which Is displayed on the visual display screen 63.

A menu button 66 located in the panel 23, which is interfaced with the microprocessor 62 facilitates scrolling through the menu under which the microprocessor 62 operates the visual display screen 63 to display data, and also facilitates scrolling through data which is computed and/or stored by the microprocessor 62, on the visual display screen 63. A select button 67 also located in the panel 23 is interfaced with the microprocessor 62 and allows data from the menu of data to be selected for display.

Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention a remote unit 70 is provided which comprises an array of light emitting diodes 55, a piezoelectric sounder 56, a visual display screen 74 and a warning light 78 which corresponds to the warning light 65 on the panel 23. The transmitter 51 transmits signals from the microprocessor 62 to the radio receiver 75, and a control circuit 76, which also comprises a microprocessor (not shown) operates the second light emitting diodes 55, the second piezoelectric sounder 56 and the visual display screen 74 as well as a ·, , warning jightWin response to signals received from the radio receiver 75. ' <·' ' j A menu button 77 in the panel 53 ofthe remote unit 70 is interfaced with the control circuit 76 for scrolling through a menu of data which may be displayed on the visual IE 1 0 07 06 display screen 74. A select button 79 in the panel 53 also interfaced with the control circuit 76 allows data of the menu of data to be selected for display on the visual display screen 74.

In use, the first light emitting diodes 22 in the panel 23 of the monitoring device 60 as well as the light emitting diodes 55 in the panei 53 of the remote unit 70 flash at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow through the pipe 2. The piezoelectric sounders 25 and 56 also produce a pulsed signal at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow through the pipe. In general, the visual display screen 63 and the visual io display screen 74 are operated under the control of the microprocessor 62 and the control circuit 76, respectively, to display the volume of water which flowed through the pipe 2 during the previous one-hour period. To view data relating to the volume of water which flowed through the pipe 2 during the previous first predefined twentyfour-hour time period, or any of the previous twenty-three one-hour second predefined time periods, or to view data relating to the average volume of water which flowed through the pipe during the previous first predefined twenty-four-hour time period, one operates the menu buttons 66 and 77 and the select buttons 67 and 79 in the panels 23 and 53, respectively, in order to display the required data, depending on on which visual display screen 63 and 74 the data is to be displayed.

Additionally, to view the average volume of water which flowed through the pipe 2 during the previous twenty-four-hour period, the appropriate ones of the select and menu buttons 66, 67, 77 and 79 are operated, depending on on which visual display screen 63 and 74 the data is to be displayed.

Otherwise, the monitoring device 60 and its operation is similar to that of the monitoring devices 1 and 50.

While the monitoring devices have been described as being solar powered through a qhargeabl^ befteiy, while this is advantageous, it is not essential, and in certain cases, it is envisaged that the monitoring devices may be powered solely by a battery. It is also envisaged that in certain cases the monitoring devices may be powered solely by the solar panel, however, in such cases, the monitoring devices would only operate during daylight hours.

IE 1 0 0 7 06 While the monitoring devices have been described as comprising a piezoelectric sounder, any other suitable sounder may be provided, and indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the monitoring devices may be provided without a sounder. It is also envisaged that the monitoring devices may be provided with either a light producing means only or a sounder.

Additionally, it is envisaged that the monitoring devices may be used indoors as well as outdoors, and where used indoors, in general would be provided without a solar panel, and the batteries may be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. Where rechargeable batteries are provided, it is envisaged that the batteries would be charged in a battery charger incorporated in the device from an AC mains.

It is also envisaged that instead of a plurality of first light emitting diodes, one single light emitting diode may be provided.

While the monitoring devices have been described as comprising a particular type of transducer, any other suitable transducer which is capable of producing an electrical signal which is representative of the flow rate of water through a pipe may be used.

It will also be appreciated that other suitable light producing means may be provided besides a light emitting diode.

While the device 60 has been described as comprising a microprocessor for computing various parameters of the flow of water through the pipe, it wiil be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the microprocessor could be programmed to compute other parameters of the flow of water through the pipe.

. It is also envisaged that the devices, and in particular the devices 50 and 60 may be provided with a module which wouid permit communication with the devices 50 and 60 via a mobile phone cellular network. In which case, the devices 50 and 60 would be provided with a module comprising a SIM card, which would allow text messaging to be carried out between a mobile phone and the devices 50 and 60. In the case of IE 10 Ο 7 Ο 6 IS the device 60, data stored by the microprocessor 62 could be read out from the microprocessor 62 as an SMS or a GMS text message on a mobile phone.

Additionally, control signals could be transmitted to the microprocessor 62 of the device 60 as SMS and GMS messages, and in which case, the device 60 may be provided with additional features, which would facilitate controlling of a valve in the pipe 2, such as, for example, a solenoid controlled valve for switching off the water supply, in the event of the detection of a leak. The solenoid valve would then be controlled through the microprocessor 62 in the device 60 by an SMS or a GMS text message. Needless to say, the device 60 may be provided with other features which would allow activation and deactivation and selecting the timing in a timer for activating and deactivating the supply of water to the pipe, or for activating and deactivating a central heating system or the like. The microprocessor 62 may also be programmed to send an SMS or a GMS text message to a predefined mobile phone number alerting to the fact that the average volume of water flowing through the pipe exceeded the normal average water flow through the pipe during the just expired first predefined twenty-four-hour time period.

Claims (61)

Claims 1. /£1 0 07 06

1. A monitoring device for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe, and for producing a signal in one of a visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of fluid flow through the pipe, the device comprising a transducer adapted for attaching to the pipe for

2. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the first means for producing the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a light producing means.

3. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 2 in which the first light producing

4. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 in which the first light producing means comprises at least one light emitting diode. 5. Volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in a just expired first predefined time period with a normal average volume value, and to produce a signal indicative of the current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe exceeding the normal average volume. 10 5 means for producing the signal in one of the visually and aurally perceptible forms is powered by a battery. 5 perceptible signal are provided.

5. A monitoring device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4 in which the first light producing means comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes. 5 producing an electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe, and a first means for producing a signal in one of the visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of an analogue representation of the rate of fluid flow in the pipe in response to the electrical signal, 10

6. A monitoring device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first

7. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 6 in which the first sound producing means is responsive to the electrical signal produced by the transducer to produce a

8. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 in which the first sound IS 100706 producing element comprises a piezoelectric sounder.

9. A monitoring device as claimed in any preceding claim in which a first means for producing a visually perceptible signal and a first means for producing an aurally 10. Visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a sound signal. 10 means is adapted to compute the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a first predefined time period, and the computed volume is numerically displayed on the display means.

10. A monitoring device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transducer comprises a flow meter. 10

11. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 10 in which the flow meter comprises a housing having a duct extending therethrough, the housing being adapted for connecting into the pipe so that fluid flowing through the pipe flows through the duct. 15

12. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 11 in which a rotor having a plurality of radially extending vanes is rotatably mounted in the housing with the vanes extending into the duct, so that the fluid flowing through the duct acting on the vanes of the rotor rotates the rotor at a rate proportional to the rate of fiuid flow. 20

13. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 12 in which a switch means is located in the housing isolated from the duct and responsive to rotation of the rotor for producing the signal indicative ofthe rate of fluid flowthrough the pipe.

14. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 13 in which the switch means

15. For subsequent display. 15 volume for producing the one of the visually perceptible and aurally perceptible signals. 15 period during which the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe is computed is a twenty-four-hour period. 15 20. A monitoring device as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 19 in which a charging means is provided for charging the battery, and the charging means is powered by a solar panel. 15.. . A rqopitoring^evice as claimed in Claim 14 in which the at least one vane of 15 means is responsive to the electrical signal produced by the transducer to produce a flashing light at a flashing rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow.

16. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which the reed switch is located in the housing externally of the duct, but adjacent the rotor,

17. A monitoring device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first

18. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 17 in which the first means for producing the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals is powered by the io battery through the transducer.

19. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 17 or 18 in which the battery is a rechargeable battery.

20. Pipe produced by the transducer is transmitted to a remote device. 20 second predefined time period within the first predefined time period, and the computed value during the second predefined time period is numerically displayed on the display means. 20 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells.

21. A monitoring device as ciaimed in Claim 20 in which the solar panel

22. A monitoring device as claimed in any preceding claim in which a transmitting means is provided for transmitting the eiectrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe produced by the transducer to a remote device.

23. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 22 in which the transmitting means comprises a wireless transmitter.

24. /'; $ mcinitoring device as claimed in Claim 22 or 23 further comprising a remote 25. Signal indicative of the current average volume exceeding the normal average volume is produced. 25 as illustrated in Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings. 25 adapted for computing the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a plurality of the second predefined time periods.

25. A monitoring device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a computing means for computing a parameter of fluid flow in the pipe, and a display means for displaying a numerical representation of the computed parameter. 25 comprises a reed switch, the reed switch being responsive to the proximity of at least one of the vanes for producing the electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe. 25 means for producing the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a first sound producing element.

26. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 25 in which the computing means is adapted to compute the rate of fluid flow in the pipe.

27. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 25 or 26 in which the computing

28. A monitoring device as claimed in Clam 27 in which the first predefined time

29. A monitoring device as ciaimed in Claim 27 or 28 in which the computing means is adapted for computing the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a 30. Predefined tjm^ period exceeding the normal average volume is a visually perceptible signal. 30 volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a first predefined time period. 30' '

30. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 29 in which the computing means is 30 device for receiving the transmitted signal From the transmitting means, the remote device comprising a second means for producing a signal in one of a visually and aurally perceptible form indicative of an analogue representation of the rate of fluid flow in the pipe in response to the electrical signal. 30 the rotor to whicfoW reed switch is responsive for producing the electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe carries a magnet to which the reed switch is responsive. IE 1 0 07 06 30 : pulsed souijid, apd/the rate at which the sound is pulsed is proportional to the rate of fluid flow.· ' ·-

31. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 in which each second predefined, time period is approximately one hour.

32. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 31 in which the computed volumes of fluid flowing through the pipe which is computed during each of the previous twenty-three second predefined time periods are stored for subsequent display. ΙΕ Μ «7 06

33. A monitoring device as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 32 in which the computing means is adapted to compute the average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during the first predefined time period, and to compare the computed

34. A monitoring device as claimed in Claim 33 in which a third means is provided for producing one of a visually perceptible signal and an auraliy perceptible signal, and the third means is responsive to the signal produced by the computing means being indicative of the current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period exceeding the normal average

35. A monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 1 ofthe accompanying drawings.

36. A monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 2 ofthe accompanying drawings.

37. A monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to and

38. A monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to and . as illustrated in Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings. • ι , ι 1 ί t '7 M 30

39. A method for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe comprising locating a transducer adjacent the pipe adapted for producing an electrical signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow through the pipe, and producing a signal in response to the electrical signal from the transducer in one of a visually and aurally perceptible form IE 1 Ο Ο 7 0 6 indicative of an analogue representation of the rate of fluid flow in the pipe.

40. A method as claimed in Claim 39 in which the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a light signal.

41. A method as claimed in Claim 40 in which the light signal is a flashing light signal which flashes at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow.

42. A method as claimed in any of Claims 39 to 41 in which the one of the

43. A method as claimed in Claim 42 in which the sound signal is a pulsed sound signal which is pulsed at a rate proportional to the rate of fluid flow. 15

44. A method as claimed in any of Claims 42 to 43 in which the one of the visually and aurally perceptible signals comprises a light signal and a sound signal.

45. A method as claimed in any of Claims 42 to 44 in which a signal representative ofthe electrical signal indicative ofthe rate of fluid flow through the

46. A method as claimed in Claim 45 in which the signal representative of the electrical signal produced by the transducer is wirelessly transmitted. 25

47. A method as claimed in any of Claims 42 to 46 further comprising computing a parameter of fluid flow in the pipe, and displaying a numerical representation of the computed parameter of fluid flow in the pipe. V A fl t -

48. - A method as claimed in Claim 47 in which the computed parameter is the

49. A method as claimed in Claim 48 in which the first predefined time period is a twenty-four-hour period. IE 1 0 0 7 06

50. A method as claimed in Claim 47 or 48 in which the computed parameter is the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during a second predefined time period within the first predefined time period.

51. A method as claimed in Claim 50 in which the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe is computed during a plurality of the second predefined time periods.

52. A method as claimed in Claim 50 or 51 in which each second predefined time io period is approximately one hour.

53. A method as claimed in any of Claims 50 to 52 in which at the end of each first predefined time period, the numerical values of the fluid flowing through the pipe during each of the previous twenty-three second predefined time periods are stored

54. A method as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 53 in which the numerical values of the fluid flowing through the pipe during each of the plurality of second predefined time periods are sequentially displayed.

55. A method as claimed in Claim 48 or 54 in which the computed parameter is the average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe during the first predefined time period, and the computed volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period is compared with a normal average volume value, and a

56. A method as claimed in Claim 55 in which the signal produced in response to the current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first

57. A method as claimed in Claim 55 or 56 in which the signal produced in IE 1 0 07 06 response to the current average volume of fluid flowing through the pipe in the just expired first predefined time period exceeding the normal average volume is an aurally perceptible signal.

58. A method for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe, the method being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

59. A method for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe, the method being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings,

60. A method for monitoring fiow of fluid in a pipe, the method being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings.

61. A method for monitoring flow of fluid in a pipe, the method being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings,