NZ787719A - Systems, devices and computer-implemented methods for monitoring fire hydrant usage - Google Patents

Abstract

hydrant usage monitoring device is disclosed, comprising: at least one sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device; a transceiver for communicating with a hydrant usage monitoring system across a communication network; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal indicative of the ceasing of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; determine hydrant usage information associated with the hydrant based on the first and second sensor signals; and transmit at least one notification to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and the usage information. e controller is configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal indicative of the ceasing of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; determine hydrant usage information associated with the hydrant based on the first and second sensor signals; and transmit at least one notification to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and the usage information.

Description

A hydrant usage monitoring device is disclosed, comprising: at least one sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device; a transceiver for communicating with a hydrant usage monitoring system across a communication k; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal indicative of the ceasing of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; determine hydrant usage information ated with the hydrant based on the first and second sensor signals; and transmit at least one cation to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, the notification sing a hydrant identifier and the usage information.

NZ 787719 "Systems, devices and computer-implemented methods for monitoring fire t usage" Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally to systems, devices and computerimplemented methods for monitoring fire hydrant usage.

Background A fire hydrant ses a valve for controlling the flow of water out of the fire hydrant. “Spring-type” fire ts, commonly used in Australia, comprise a spring which biases a mushroom-shaped valve against a housing defining an aperture or e to prevent water from flowing out of the aperture. To use the hydrant, a standpipe is inserted from the te side of the aperture, moving the mushroom valve from the sealed state and allowing water to flow through the aperture.

The water comes from a pressurised pipe network connected to each of a ity of fire hydrants on a particular street or in a particular area, which allows a large quantity of water to be red through the apertures of the fire hydrants.

It is desired to provide systems, devices and er-implemented methods for monitoring usage of such fire hydrants.

Summary Some embodiments relate to a hydrant usage monitoring device, comprising: at least one sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device; a transceiver for communicating with a hydrant usage monitoring system across a communication network; and a controller configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal indicative of the ceasing of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; determine hydrant usage information associated with the hydrant based on the first and second sensor signals; and transmit at least one notification to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and the usage information.

Some embodiments relate to a hydrant usage monitoring device, comprising: at least one sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring ; a transceiver for communicating with a hydrant usage ring system across a communication network; and a controller configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal indicative of the ceasing of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; it a first cation and a second notification to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, wherein at least one of the first and second notifications comprise a hydrant identifier, and wherein the second notification is transmitted subsequent to the first notification.

The first and/or second sensor s indicative of t usage may be based on detection of fluid flow h the hydrant. The first and/or second sensor signals indicative of hydrant usage may be based on detection of movement of a value of the hydrant.

The controller may be ured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time. The usage information may comprise the first signal time and the second signal time. A first notification of the at least one notification may comprise the first signal time and a second notification of the at least one cation may se the second signal time.

The controller may be configured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time. The controller may determine a time interval between the first and second signal times, wherein the usage information may comprise the time interval.

The controller may be configured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time, determine a time interval between the first and second signal times, and determine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant based on the time interval, wherein the usage information comprises the volume of fluid drawn.

The controller may be further configured to receive a system signal from the monitoring system, wherein the system signal is a request to determine the state of a valve of the t, and responsive to the request, the controller may ine a status of the value and transmits a status update to monitoring system.

The at least one sensor may comprise a microphone configured to detect a frequency corresponding to a sound of water g through the fire hydrant, and wherein the first and second sensor signals may be an audio signals detected by the microphone.

The at least one sensor may comprise a limit switch configured to be activated by movement of a valve of the hydrant between a first and second state, and wherein the sensor signal sent from the at least one sensor may be an electrical signal corresponding to the activation of the limit switch.

The at least one sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The re sensor may be a strain gauge configured to detect strain on a housing or valve of the hydrant, and the strain may correspond to a known re of the water dispensed from the fire hydrant.

The transceiver may transmit the hydrant identifier, the sensor signals, and the signal times to the t usage monitoring system as separate notifications. The monitoring device may comprise a power source having at least one of a solar panel and a battery.

Some embodiments relate to a hydrant usage monitoring system, the hydrant usage monitoring system in ication with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring s across a communications network, the hydrant usage monitoring system comprising: one or more processors; and memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors are configured to cause the hydrant usage monitoring system to:: receive at least one notification from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and usage information associated with an instance of hydrant usage; determine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant during the instance of hydrant usage based on the usage ation.

The usage information may comprise one or more of (i) a start time and end time relating to the use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; and/or (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant.

Some ments relate to a hydrant usage monitoring system, the hydrant usage monitoring system in communication with a plurality of hydrant usage ring s across a communications network, the hydrant usage monitoring system comprising: one or more processors; and memory comprising instructions, which when ed by the one or more processors are configured to cause the hydrant usage monitoring system to: receive a first notification from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices; receive a second notification from the at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices, wherein the second notification is received subsequent to the first notification and wherein at least one of the first and second cations includes a hydrant identifier; determine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant based on receipt of the first and second notifications.

The system may be configured to determine stored t information and to use the stored hydrant information to determine the volume of fluid drawn. The stored hydrant information may comprise the hydrant make, model, specifications and ions, operating history data, installation date, location, and/or maintenance notes.

The system may be further configured to transmit at least one notification to a user, the notification comprising the hydrant identifier and the volume of fluid drawn as determined from the hydrant information and/or the first and second notifications.

The system may be r configured to update the stored hydrant information with the volume of fluid drawn according to the hydrant identifier. The system may be further configured to track usage of the hydrant over a period of time.

Some embodiments relate to a fire hydrant system sing: a fire hydrant comprising: a valve arranged to transition n a first state and a second stage, wherein when the value assumes the first state, the valve sealably engages with a seal of the fire hydrant to mitigate the water flow between the valve and the seal, and when the value assumed the second state, the valve is spaced apart from the seal to allow water flow; and a hydrant usage ring device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

The valve may comprise a stem connected to a plug. The plug may be configured to engage with the seal of the fire hydrant, and the stem may be configured to move the plug between the first state and the second state.

The hydrant usage monitoring device may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect the state of the valve.

The fire hydrant system may further comprise an or connected to the valve. The actuator may be configured to move the valve to the first state from the second state to mitigate the amount of water dispensed from the fire hydrant. The actuator may move the valve to the first state from the second state in response to an actuation signal received from the t usage monitoring device.

Some embodiments relate to a method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method comprising: receiving, at a controller of a hydrant usage monitoring device, a first sensor signal from a sensor of the hydrant usage monitoring device, the sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the t usage monitoring device and the first sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a first time; receiving, at the controller, a second sensor signal from the sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; determining hydrant usage information associated with the hydrant based on the first signal and the second signal; and transmitting at least one notification to a hydrant usage monitoring , the notification comprising a t identifier and the usage information.

The usage information may comprise at least one of: (i) a start time and an end time relating to use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; and (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant.

Some embodiments relate to a method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method sing: ing, at a ller of a hydrant usage monitoring device, a first sensor signal from a sensor of the hydrant usage monitoring device, the sensor for ing fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device and the first sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a first time; receiving, at the controller, a second sensor signal from the sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; transmitting, by the hydrant usage monitoring device, a first notification and a second notification to the t usage monitoring system, wherein at least one of the first and second notifications comprise a hydrant identifier, and wherein the second notification is transmitted uent to the first notification.

Some embodiments relate to a method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method operable by a hydrant usage monitoring system in ication with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring devices across a communications network, each coupled to at least one respective hydrant, the method comprising: receiving, from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring device, at least one notification, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and usage information associated with an ce of hydrant usage; and determining a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant during the instance of hydrant usage based on the usage information.

Some embodiments relate to a method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method operable by a hydrant usage monitoring system in communication with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring devices across a ications network, each coupled to at least one tive hydrant, the method comprising: receiving a first notification from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring receiving a second notification from the at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices, wherein the second notification is received subsequent to the first notification and wherein at least one of the first and second notifications includes a hydrant identifier; and determining a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant based on receipt of the first and second notifications.

The method may further se storing the determined volume in memory or in a database. The method may further comprise determining that maintenance is required for the hydrant based on the ined volume and a flow rate of the fluid, and transmitting an instructive text message, call, email, or communication to cause maintenance of the hydrant.

Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments are described in further detail below, by way of example, with nce to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a partially-sectioned perspective view of an e of a spring hydrant, part of the hydrant wall being removed to show the internal components, with a valve of the spring hydrant in a closed on to substantially prevent flow through the spring hydrant; Fig. 2 is a section view of the hydrant of Fig. 1, showing the valve in an open position to allow fluid to flow through the hydrant; Fig. 3 is a block m of a hydrant usage monitoring device for monitoring fluid flowing h the hydrant of Fig. 1, ing to some embodiments; Fig. 4 is a network diagram of a communications network comprising a plurality of the hydrant usage monitoring s of Fig. 3 in communication with respective hydrants, each of the hydrant usage monitoring devices in communication with a server, according to some embodiments; Fig. 5 is a process flow diagram of a method of monitoring fire hydrant usage, the method being implemented by a t monitoring device coupled to a hydrant, according to some embodiments; Fig. 6 is a process flow diagram of a method of monitoring fire hydrant usage, the method being implemented by a hydrant monitoring device coupled to a hydrant, according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description Spring-type fire hydrants, which are commonly used in Australia, comprise a spring which biases a valve to be in a sealed state to prevent water from flowing out of the hydrant. To use the t, a standpipe is inserted from the opposite side of the aperture, moving the valve from the sealed state and allowing water to flow h the aperture. The present disclosure relates generally to systems, devices and erimplemented methods for monitoring the flow of water through fire hydrants.

Some embodiments relate to a hydrant usage ring device coupled to a fire hydrant, the t usage monitoring device comprising at least one sensor arranged to determine when a valve of the fire hydrant is open, i.e., water is being drawn from the fire hydrant and to transmit a notification to a monitoring system, which may for example, be hosted by one or more servers. The notification may e an identifier of the fire hydrant. In some embodiments, the notification may comprise two messages. A first message may te that hydrant usage or operation has begun (for example, the valve has been activated and/or water is being drawn) and a subsequent second message, transmitted after the first message, may indicate that hydrant usage or operation has ceased (for example, the valve has been deactivated and/or water is no longer being drawn). In some ments, the hydrant usage monitoring device may be configured to determine the duration for which water is being drawn and the cation may include an indication of the on. In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device may be configured to determine a volume of water drawn from the fire hydrant based on the duration and known specifications relating to the fire hydrant (such as the water pressure, flow rate, size of the aperture(s) in the hydrant, and the time that the valve is open) and the notification itted to the monitoring system may comprise the identifier of the fire hydrant and the volume of water drawn.

Some embodiments relate to a fire hydrant monitoring system in communication with a ity of fire hydrant usage monitoring s across a communications network. The fire hydrant monitoring system may be configured to receive notifications from each of the plurality of hydrant usage monitoring devices to allow the fire hydrant monitoring system to determine the usage at each of a plurality of fire hydrants coupled to the tive fire hydrant usage monitoring devices. For example, the notification may include an identifier of the fire hydrant, and information to allow the fire hydrant monitoring system to determine a volume of water drawn from the fire hydrant, for example, at a given time. In some embodiments, the cation may comprise two messages. A first message may indicate that the hydrant usage or operation has begun (for example, the valve has been ted and/or water is being drawn), and a second subsequent message received after the first message may indicate that hydrant usage or operation has ceased (for example, the valve has been deactivated and/or water is no longer being drawn). In some embodiments, the cation may include a duration for which water was being drawn and the fire t monitoring system may access ation about the specifications relevant to the fire hydrant from a database based on the fire hydrant identifier to thereby determine a volume of water that was drawn from the fire hydrant. In some embodiments, the notification may comprise the identifier of the fire hydrant and the volume of water drawn.

The ability to monitor hydrant usage directly at the hydrant provides a more te measurement of usage compared to measuring usage across a section of the pipe network, for example. Monitoring the usage of the hydrants may allow the water utility or provider responsible for management of the fire hydrants to monitor the effects on the re in the rest of the pipe network. It also provides for an overview of fire hydrant usage, allowing for a comparison of usage in different areas.

Furthermore, in the event of damage to or unauthorised use of the hydrant, monitoring the usage of the hydrant allows maintenance personnel to be appropriately deployed to reduce the amount of water lost.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a -type fire hydrant 100. The hydrant comprises a housing 110, a valve 140, and a spring 150. The valve 140 ls the flow of fluid through the housing 110 of the hydrant 100. The t 100 comprises a yoke 160 which is configured to couple or t a standpipe (not shown) to the housing 110 so that fluid may flow from a fluid source (not shown) through the housing 110 and into the standpipe.

The fluid source, such as a water mains, may be pressurised so that fluid is dispensed from the hydrant 100 at flow rates and pressures sufficient for firefighting applications. For example, in Australia the hydrant 100 may have a minimum flow rate of 10 litres per second, and a minimum residual water pressure between 150kPa to 700kPa depending on the application and type of hydrant. The fluid may be 100% water, a flame-retardant liquid, or a mixture comprising water and flame-retarding additives. The fluid may have a viscosity similar to or lower than water to enable it to flow h the hydrant 100 and be dispensed from a hose or nozzle at high pressure.

The housing 110 comprises a body 112 which defines a cavity 114 in which the valve 140 and spring 150 are disposed, for example on a guide 116. The body 112 comprises an inlet end 118 and an outlet end 120. In some examples, the cavity 114 is wholly disposed between the inlet end 118 and the outlet end 120. The housing 110 comprises an inlet flange 122, and the body 112 defines an inlet re 124. The inlet flange 122 may be ed adjacent to the inlet aperture 124 at the inlet end 118. The inlet flange 122 is configured to be connected to a corresponding flange of the fluid source so that the fluid may flow into the cavity 114 via the inlet aperture 124.

The housing 110 further comprises an outlet flange 126, and the body 112 further defines an outlet aperture 128. The inlet aperture 124 and the outlet aperture 128 may be aligned so that the flow of the fluid is generally parallel to the udinal axis 130. The outlet flange 126 may be disposed adjacent to the outlet aperture 128 at the outlet end 120. Both the inlet flange 122 and the outlet flange 126 may extend transverse to a longitudinal axis 130 of the housing 110. The outlet flange 126 provides a structure for connecting the housing 110 to the yoke 160. The yoke 160 may similarly comprise a rim 162 or other structure for connecting with the outlet flange 126. The rim 162 and outlet flange 126 may each define respective holes or slots to receive a bolt, pin, latch, or similar removable fastener in order to couple the yoke 160 and the housing 110 so that the fluid passing through the housing 110 substantially passes h the yoke 160.

The housing 110 may comprise a lip 132 at the outlet end 120, wherein the lip 132 extends from the body 112 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 130 so as to be received in a recessed n 164 of the yoke 160. A gasket or O-ring 134 may be disposed at least partly in the recessed portion and compressed when the yoke 160 and the housing 110 are coupled, so as to seal the interface between the yoke 160 and the housing 110. The lip 132 may fully encircle the ter of the outlet aperture 128 to e a consistent sealing surface when pressed against the gasket 134. The gasket 134 defines an aperture 136 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outlet aperture 128. The aperture 136 may be adjacent to and concentric with the outlet aperture 128. A dust cap 138 may be present to cover the aperture 136 when the hydrant 100 is not in use (for example, when the ipe is not connected to the yoke 160). The dust cap 138 substantially prevents dust or other foreign material from entering the hydrant 100 or interfering with the flow of the fluid through the aperture 136, and protects the gasket 134 and the valve 140 (such as the dome or bell-shaped surface 146) from exposure to the elements.

The hydrant 100 has a closed state where fluid is not dispensed from the hydrant, and an open state where fluid is dispensed. In the closed state, shown in Fig. 1, the valve 140 is in a first state, wherein the spring 150 biases the valve 140 to press against the gasket 134 to form a seal which prevents or at least mitigates the flow of the fluid from g through the aperture 136. In the open state, the valve 140 is in a second state, wherein the valve 140 is spaced apart from the gasket 134 to allow the fluid to flow through the aperture 136. To put the t 100 in the open state (shown in Fig. 2), the standpipe is connected to the yoke 160, ting (depressing) the valve 140 to space it apart from the gasket 134. In the second state, the valve 140 may be disposed in any one of a variety of positions relative to the aperture 136, thereby allowing ent flow rates and/or fluid pressures.

Continuing to refer to Fig. 1, the yoke 160 may comprise a protruding feature or boss 166 to assist in aligning the aperture 136 with the standpipe in a substantially concentric arrangement. Fluid flowing through the aperture 136 may be guided by the boss 166 to flow into the standpipe. The yoke 160 may further comprise a retainer 168 for engaging with the standpipe to connect the standpipe to the yoke 160 and lock the ipe in position while the pressurised fluid flows through the re 136 and into the standpipe. The retainer 168 may comprise at least one hook-shaped arm configured to engage at least one tab or extension of corresponding size and shape which protrudes from the standpipe.

Fig. 2 shows the hydrant 100 in the open state, wherein a standpipe 200 is connected to the yoke 160. The ipe 200 comprises a tubular body 210 having an inlet end 220 which is configured to connect to the yoke 160. At least one tab or extension 230 is disposed on an outer wall 212 of the body 210 of the ipe 200.

The tabs 230 extend radially from the outer wall 212 and are configured to engage with the correspondingly-sized er 168 of the yoke 160. The retainer 168 is disposed away from the boss 166 so that when the inlet end 220 of the standpipe 200 is concentrically d with the boss 166 (and depressing the valve 140, as shown in Fig. 2), rotating the standpipe 200 causes the tabs 230 to engage with the retainer 168.

The hook-shape of the retainer 168 restricts vertical movement (movement substantially el to the longitudinal axis 130) of the tabs 230, thereby locking the standpipe 200 into position relative to the boss 166.

In some examples, the valve 140 comprises a plug 142 connected to a stem 144. The plug 142 may have a dome or bell-shaped surface 146 disposed opposite an inner surface 148. The stem 144 protrudes from the inner surface 148 so that the valve 140 has a generally mushroom-shaped profile. The guide 116 may comprise a sleeve 117 in which the stem 144 is received, so that in use, movement of the stem 144 is lly limited to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 130 (i.e. in a substantially vertical ion) so that the valve plug 142 is aligned with the aperture The spring 150 comprises a first end 152 connected to a second end 154 by a series of coils or windings 156. The first end 152 is placed in contact with the valve 140, and the second end 154 is placed in contact with the guide 116. Depressing ating) the valve 140 (for example, when the standpipe 200 is connected to the yoke 160) results in compression of the spring 150, causing the second end 154 to press firmly against the guide 116. In some examples, the valve stem 144 is elongate so as to receive the spring 150 along its length, and the first end 152 of the spring 150 is placed in contact with the inner surface 148 of the valve 140.

Fig. 3 shows a block m of a hydrant usage monitoring device 300 coupled to a hydrant, such as hydrant 100, and configured to monitor usage or operation of the hydrant 100. In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 is configured to monitor activation/deactivation of the valve of the hydrant 100 and/or fluid flow h the t 100.

The hydrant usage ring device 300 ses a controller 320 including one or more processors 330 and memory 340. The processor(s) 330 is ured to execute instructions stored in the memory 340 to cause the controller 320 to perform the described methods, including monitoring usage of the fire hydrant, as discussed in more detail below with reference to Fig. 5. For e, the controller 320 may be configured to determine usage information such as: (i) a start time and end time relating to the use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; and/or (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant.

A hydrant identifier, which may uniquely identify the hydrant to which the monitoring device 300 is coupled, may be stored in memory 340. The hydrant identifier allows a monitoring system (410, Fig 4) arranged to receive notifications about a plurality of hydrants to determine to which of the hydrant 100 each of the notifications relate. The hydrant identifier may be associated with GPS data to allow the monitoring system 410 to identify the location of the hydrant 100. In some embodiments, the hydrant identifier is included in metadata associated with a signal received from the hydrant usage monitoring device 400.

The hydrant usage monitoring device 300 comprises at least one sensor 310 to monitor hydrant usage. The controller 320 is configured to receive at least one signal from the at least one sensor 310 which indicates that operation or usage of the hydrant has begun or has ceased. For example, and as discussed in further detail below, the sensor(s) 310 may be configured to monitor activation/deactivation of the valve of the hydrant and/or water flowing through the hydrant..

Continuing to refer to Fig. 3, the t usage monitoring device 300 is in communication with a t usage monitoring system (410, Fig. 4) across a communications network (400, Fig. 4) via transceiver 350. The t usage monitoring device 300 icates with the hydrant usage monitoring system by exchanging data packets or pings, as part of a notification 352. The pings or notifications 352 may be transmitted wirelessly over the Internet via existing cellular networks, or itted through a hard-line connection such as Ethernet. The hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may be fitted with a SIM card to allow access to cellular networks.

The hydrant usage device 300 is configured to it information relating to the usage or ion of the fire hydrant to the monitoring system 410. For example, the information may relate to one or more ces of use of the hydrant and in some embodiments, may comprise, for each instance, one or more of: (i) a start time and end time relating to the use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant. In some embodiments, the t usage device 300 may transmit, to the monitoring system 410, a first notification indicative of when the hydrant operation begins, and a subsequent notification indicative of when the hydrant operation ends, from which the monitoring system 410 interprets the time period for which the hydrant was in use, and in some cases, the volume of fluid drawn.

As shown in Fig. 3, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 comprises at least one sensor 310 for ring hydrant usage or operation (for example, whether the valve is activated/deactivated and/or water flow through the hydrant 100). For example, the at least one sensor 310 may comprise one or more of: a position sensor, a motion sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor and an acoustic sensor. The hydrant usage monitoring device 300 is configured to receive from the at least one sensor 310 signals which can be interpreted to determine ation relating to usage or operation of the hydrant 100 and the water flow therethrough. The at least one sensor 310 may be disposed on or inside the t 100, for example on the g 110, or on the components of the hydrant 100, such as the valve 140, the spring 150, or the guide 116.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 310 comprises a combination of the various sensors disclosed herein. For example, the hydrant 100 may include a motion sensor disposed at the hydrant aperture 124, and a position sensor on the valve 140.

Where a ity of the at least one sensor 310 is used, the s received from each one of the plurality of sensors may be used to corroborate the other sensor signals, to improve the accuracy of the ation relating to the water flow or to at least reduce the likelihood of false positives (a signal which incorrectly indicates water flow).

In some embodiments, the hydrant usage ring device 300 monitors water flowing through the t 100 by a monitoring que comprising detecting and/or measuring the position of the valve 140 relative to the gasket 134 or the aperture 136. In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 monitors water flowing through the hydrant 100 by a monitoring technique comprising detecting and/or measuring movement of the valve 140 or movement of the water, for example when the water flows through at least one of the apertures 124, 128, 136. In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 monitors water flowing through the hydrant 100 by a monitoring technique comprising detecting strain induced on the hydrant 100 or its components when water flows through. In some embodiments, the t usage monitoring device 300 monitors water flowing through the hydrant 100 by a monitoring technique comprising detecting the pressure of the water flow. In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 monitors water flowing h the hydrant 100 by a monitoring technique comprising ing a ncy (or range of frequencies) of sound associated with the flow of water through the hydrant 100.

The hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may r the water flow ing to any of the monitoring techniques described above by operating in combination with a sensor configured to detect the connection of the standpipe 200 to the hydrant 100. In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 comprises a standpipe sensor 302. The standpipe sensor 302 is configured to detect whether the standpipe 200 is connected to the hydrant 100. For example, the standpipe sensor 302 may be a limit switch 302A positioned in the retainer 168, and the limit switch 302A is configured to be tripped when the tabs 230 of the standpipe 200 are fully engaged with the retainer 168. In some embodiments, activation of the standpipe sensor 302 indicates usage of the hydrant 100 (without the need for additional sensors such as sensor 310), as in order to activate the standpipe sensor 302 the ipe 200 has to move the valve 140 to the open state.

The controller 320 may receive a standpipe sensor signal 304 from the standpipe sensor 302 when the standpipe 200 is engaged with the hydrant 100. The controller 320 may be programmed to ret whether the valve is active and/or water is flowing and if the ipe 200 is engaged with the hydrant 100. For e, if the water flow or valve activation is detected (such as by any of the abovementioned monitoring techniques), but the standpipe sensor signal 304 is not present, the controller 320 may interpret this to mean that the valve 140 is in the open state without the standpipe 200. This may indicate a maintenance fault with the hydrant 100, or unauthorised tampering with the hydrant 100.

In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 comprises a valve state sensor 310. The valve state sensor 310 is configured to detect if the valve 140 is in the first state (corresponding to the closed state of the hydrant 100) or in the second state (corresponding to the open state of the hydrant 100). The flow rate and/or fluid pressure through the aperture 136 may be affected by the extent that the plug 142 is spaced apart from the gasket 134. Accordingly, the sensor 310 may be connected to the valve 140 or to the hydrant housing 110 to detect the movement of the valve 140 relative to the housing 110. For example, the sensor 310 may be attached to the guide 116, which extends from an internal wall of the housing 110. As noted previously, the gasket 134, which defines the aperture 136, is affixed to the housing 110 when in use (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2).

In some embodiments, the sensor 310 comprises a limit switch 310A which is tripped when a ular part of the valve stem 144 (such as an end portion) travels past the limit switch 310A, causing a first sensor signal 312A to be sent to the ller 320. When the valve stem 144 travels past the limit switch 310A in the te ion, the limit switch 310A is tripped again and sends a second sensor signal 312B to the controller 320.

In some embodiments, the sensor 310 comprises a strain gauge 310B, wherein a change in strain measured by the strain gauge 310B may be correlated to nt of the valve 140. The strain gauge 310B may be directly correlated to movement of the valve 140 by being affixed to coils of the spring 150, such that when the spring 150 is compressed (due to depression of the valve 140 while activating the valve), a change in strain is detected and transmitted as signal 312A to the controller 320. When the valve 140 is released (e.g. the standpipe 200 is removed), the spring 150 extends, and the uent change in strain is detected and transmitted as signal 312B to the controller 320. The strain gauge 310B may also be ed to the guide 116 where the second end 154 of the spring 150 is placed; as noted previously, compression of the spring 150 may cause the second end 154 to press firmly against the guide 116. This exerted force from the spring 150 may be detected by the strain gauge 310B and communicated to the controller 320 as signal 312A, and when the spring 150 is released, the change in strain is communicated to the controller 320 as signal 312B. Alternatively, the strain gauge 310B may be indirectly correlated to movement of the valve 140 by being affixed to the housing 110. When the pressurised fluid is passing through the housing 110 of the hydrant 100, the housing 110 (such as the body 112) experiences an increase in stress and strain as a result of the force and momentum of the rised fluid as it passes through the housing 110.

In some embodiments, the sensor 310 comprises a pressure sensor or a pressure gauge 310C. The pressure sensor or gauge 310C is configured to detect and/or e a pressure of the fluid flowing through the hydrant 100. The pressure sensor or gauge 310C may be configured to send a signal 312A when pressurised fluid flow is detected (indicating the valve 140 is in the open state), and a signal 312B when the pressurised fluid flow is no longer detected (indicating the valve 140 is in the closed state). The pressure gauge 310C may be configured to send the signal 312A only when pressure in a predetermined re range is detected, to reduce the hood of false alerts.

In some embodiments, the sensor 310 comprises an acoustic sensor, such as a microphone 310D, which is configured to detect a predetermined frequency or range of frequencies. The predetermined frequency or range of frequencies corresponds to the sound of fluid flowing h the hydrant 100. When the predetermined frequency or range of ncies is detected, the microphone 310D sends the signal 312A to the controller 320 to indicate that the fluid is flowing, and that therefore the valve 140 is in the open state. When the predetermined frequency or range of frequencies is no longer detected, the microphone 310D sends the signal 312B to the controller 320 to indicate that the fluid is no longer flowing, and that ore the valve 140 is in the closed state.

In some embodiments, the sensor 310 comprises a motion detector 310E.

When the motion detector 310E detects motion of the valve 140, it sends the signal 312A to the controller 320 to indicate that the fluid is flowing. The motion detector 310E may be an optical sensor which detects the disruption of a light beam. For example, the movement of the valve stem 144 past a specific point will interrupt the light beam, causing it to be undetected by the sensor 310E. The interruption of the light beam may be interpreted as the valve 140 being in the open state. When the valve stem 144 no longer interrupts the light beam, the detection of the light beam may be reted as the valve 140 being in the closed state. In some embodiments, the motion detector 310E detects nt of water. For example, the motion or 310E may be positioned at the inlet aperture 124 so that the flow of water through the aperture 124 rs the motion detector 310E to send the signal 312A to the controller 320 to indicate that the fluid is flowing.

The ller 320 is arranged to receive one or more signals from the sensor(s) 310 indicative of the usage of the fire hydrant 100. In some embodiments, the controller 320 is configured to receive the first signal 312A from the sensor(s) 310 indicative of the operation of the hydrant, for example, tion (opening) of the valve, and accordingly, the drawing of water from the hydrant 100. The controller 320 may also be configured to receive the second signal 312B from the sensor(s) 310 indicative of the ceasing of operation of the t, for example, the deactivation (closing) of the valve, and accordingly, that water is no longer being drawn from the hydrant 100.

In some embodiments, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may comprise a meter 360 for measuring the amount of fluid dispensed from the hydrant 100. The meter 360 provides a meter reading 362 which may be transmitted via the eiver 350 to the hydrant usage monitoring system. The meter reading 362 may comprise fluid flow rate and/or fluid flow quantity e).

In some embodiments, the hydrant 100 comprises an or 370 connected to the valve 140. The actuator 370 is configured to move the valve 140 to the first (closed) state from the second (open) state to mitigate the amount of fluid dispensed from the hydrant 100. The or 370 is in communication with the hydrant usage monitoring device 300. If the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 detects that the valve 140 is in the open state (valve sensor signal 312 is detected) and the standpipe 200 is not present (standpipe sensor signal 304 is not detected), the ller 320 may send an actuation signal to the actuator 370 to close the valve 140.

The hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may be configured to receive a signal from the hydrant usage monitoring system 410 to take a particular action concerning the hydrant 100. For example, the signal received by the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may contain instructions to cause the controller 320 to operate the actuator 370, or a status t to check the state or position of the valve 140.

The hydrant 100 and/or hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may comprise a power source 380 for ng the monitoring device 300. The power source 380 may be one of a solar panel, a battery, mains power, or a combination thereof.

The t usage ring device 300 is configured to be retrofitted to existing fire hydrants. In some embodiments, the t usage monitoring device 300 is packaged in a container which can be installed on or within the housing 110 of the hydrant 100. The container of the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 may be IP-rated to be substantially resistant to the ingress of dust and/or water. For example, the container may have a m IP66 rating to be able to withstand a water jet at 100kPa applied from a 3m distance.

The transceiver 350 may be disposed e the housing 110 to allow adequate cellular network reception or wireless connection strength. The or 370 may be disposed in the housing 110 while the other components of the hydrant monitoring system 300 may be disposed e the housing 110 so as to reduce or avoid interference with the flow of fluid through the housing 110.

Fig. 4 shows a communications network 400 comprising the hydrant usage monitoring system 410 and a plurality of the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 coupled to respective ones of the hydrants 100. The hydrant usage monitoring device 300 communicates with the hydrant usage monitoring system 410 over the communications k 400 to determine hydrant usage.

The hydrant usage monitoring system 410 may comprise one or more servers 420 configured to execute instructions stored therein to cause the hydrant usage monitoring system 410 to monitor usage of a network of hydrants by communicating with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring device 300 across communications network 400, and perform method 600, as described below.

The hydrant usage ring system 410 receives respective notification(s) 352A, 352B about each of the hydrants 100 in the network 400 to allow for monitoring of the usage of the particular hydrants 100. Information derived from the monitoring activity may be used to coordinate maintenance operations. For example, if one of the hydrants 100 is sending a nt or prolonged number of pings 352 (representing fluid flowing through the t 100), this may indicate that the hydrant 100 is leaking or otherwise dispensing fluid outside of normal operating parameters (such as ghting). In some embodiments, the monitoring system 410 may be configured to send a message to a registered user of the monitoring system 410, such as maintenance personnel, for example as an email or text message sent to a smartphone, to instigate the taking of some action.

As illustrated, the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 and the monitoring system 410 are configured to communicate with a database 430 across the communications network 400. The database 430 may comprise hydrant information 432 associated with each one of the hydrants 100 in the k 400. The hydrant information 432 may include information such as the make, model, specifications and dimensions, ing history data, installation date, location, and maintenance notes, for e. In some embodiments, the server 420 may update the hydrant information 432 based on the notifications 352A, 352B received from the hydrant usage monitoring device(s) 300 via the network 400. In some embodiments, hydrant information may be stored locally in memory of the t usage monitoring devices 300 and/or the monitoring system 410.

In some ments, the monitoring system 410 may comprise an output device 440 for outputting relevant data to a user. For example, the output device 440 may be a computer al, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or printer.

Fig. 5 is a process flow diagram representing a method 500 of monitoring fire t usage according to some embodiments. The method 500 may be performed by the controller 320 of the hydrant usage monitoring device 300, according to some embodiments.

At 502, the controller 320 receives a first sensor signal (such as the first signal 312A) which indicates usage or operation of the hydrant 100 to which it is coupled. For example, the first sensor signal may indicate that the valve 140 is open and/or that fluid is flowing through the hydrant 100. The controller 320 receives the first signal 312A at a first time. The first time (first signal time 314A) may be metadata associated with the first sensor signal 312A. The first sensor signal 312A may be received from any one of the sensors , or indeed any le sensor(s) capable of detecting operation or usage of the hydrant 100.

At 504, the controller 320 receives a second sensor signal (such as the second signal 312B) which tes usage or operation of the hydrant 100 to which it is coupled. For example, the second sensor signal may indicate that the valve 140 is closed (forming a sealed arrangement to mitigate the flow of fluid through the aperture 136), and/or that fluid flow through the hydrant is absent. The controller 320 receives the second signal 312B at a second time. The second time (second signal time 314B) may be ta associated with the second sensor signal 312B. The second sensor signal 312B may be received from any one of the sensors 310A-E or indeed any suitable sensor(s) capable of detecting operation or usage of the t 100.

In some embodiments, a sensor of the hydrant usage monitoring device 300, such as the sensor 310, senses the state of the valve 140. As previously disclosed herein, the sensor 310 may sense the state of the valve 140 by detecting events associated with the flow of fluid through the hydrant 100 (such as the sound frequency or the strain on the hydrant housing 110), or by detecting events associated with nt of the valve 140 (such as a strain on the spring 150 or the movement of the valve stem 144 past a ied point). The sensor 310 sends a sensor signal, such as the signals 312, 312A, 312B, with each event detected. For example, the increase of the sound frequency beyond a threshold (indicating fluid flow commencing) is a first event that causes the first sensor signal 312A to be sent, and the decrease of the sound frequency below the threshold ating fluid flow ceasing) is a second event that causes the second sensor signal 312A to be sent. As previously disclosed herein, the sensor 310 sends the sensor signal 312 to a controller 320 which transmits the signal via the eiver 350.

At 506, the monitoring device 300 determines usage information about the t 100 based on the first and second sensor signals for transmitting to the monitoring system 410. The usage information comprise: (i) a start time and end time relating to the use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; and/or (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant. In some embodiments, the usage information may simply to a first notification indicative of when the hydrant operation begins and a subsequent notification indicative of when the hydrant operation ends, from which the monitoring system 410 interprets the time period for which the hydrant was in use, and in some cases, the volume of fluid drawn.

At 508, the ller 320 transmits at least one notification (such as the first notification 352A) to the hydrant usage monitoring system 410 via the transceiver 350.

The notification 352A comprises the hydrant identifier. The cation 352A may comprise the usage information. In some embodiments, a second notification 352B may be sent to the system 410, for example, particularly if the ring system 410 is configured to determine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant for one or more instances of fire hydrant usage.

In some embodiments, the controller 320 sends, via the transceiver 350, to the system 410, a first notification 352A comprising usage information equivalent to an “on” message (signal 312A) indicating the beginning of an instance of fire hydrant usage, which may be determined by the sensing of activation of the valve 140 or detection of water flow. The controller 320 then sends, via the transceiver 350, to the system 410, a second notification 352B comprising usage information lent to an “off” message (signal 312B) ting deactivation of the valve 140 to the system 410.

The notifications 352A, 352B may include the times that the first and second sensor signals 312A, 312B are received; namely, a first signal time 314A and a second signal time 314B. The difference between the first signal time 314A and the second signal time 314B defines the time period or interval that the valve 140 is in the open state. atively, it may be assumed that the time difference between receipt of the first and second sensors signals by the monitoring device 300 corresponds to a time difference between receipt of the first and second notifications by the monitoring system 410, and accordingly, the time interval may be calculated as the time ence n receipt of the first and second notifications.

In some embodiments, when the valve 140 of the hydrant 100 is activated (depressed) and triggers the sensor 310, the controller sends the first ping or notification 352A to the hydrant usage monitoring system which also indicates the start time that fluid is flowing out of the hydrant 100. When the valve 140 is returned to the closed state (re-triggering the sensor 310), the controller sends a second ping or notification 352B to the hydrant usage monitoring system which indicates that fluid is no longer flowing out of the hydrant 100. Each of the pings or notifications 352A, 352B include the hydrant identifier. The t usage ring system 410 logs the times that the pings or notifications 352A, 352B are received and es the ence to determine the time interval.

At least one of the notifications 352A, 352B comprises a hydrant identifier indicating to which hydrant the notifications relate. As discussed below in on to Fig. 6, the system 410 may then access information about the hydrant 100 and the water pressure using the hydrant identifier from database 430 to determine hydrant usage, and in some cases, the volume of water that has been dispensed from the hydrant 100 through the valve 140.

In some embodiments, the controller 320 determines the duration or interval of fire hydrant usage for a ular instance based on the first and second sensor signals and transmits the first notification 352A to the system 410. The first notification 352A comprises usage information including an indication of the time interval and a hydrant identifier. The system 410 then accesses information 432 about the hydrant 100 and water pressure using the hydrant identifier and calculates the volume of water that has been dispensed from the hydrant 100 through the valve 140.

In some embodiments, the controller only sends the first notification 352A to the hydrant usage ring system when the valve 140 of the hydrant 100 is returned to the closed state. The monitoring device 300 calculates the interval. The transceiver 350 sends the first notification 352A, which ses the time interval and the hydrant identifier, as a single notification to the monitoring system 410.

In some embodiments, the controller 320 determines the volume of water that has been dispensed from the hydrant 100 through the valve 140 for one or more ces of hydrant operation or usage. In order for the controller 320 to determine the volume of water dispensed from the t 100, the controller 320 requires information about the hydrant and the water pressure and the duration. The controller 320 may receive information about the hydrant and the water pressure from the system 410, or may access database 430 to determine the relevant ation. In some embodiments, the controller 320 may store information about the hydrant and/or the water pressure in memory 340. In some embodiments, the controller 320 may obtain water pressure from pressure sensor 310C. The controller 320 may send the first notification 352A, which comprises an indication of the calculated volume, to the system 410. In some embodiments, the controller 320 may also send the volume and usage information the system 410. In some ments of the method 500, during installation, the t usage monitoring device 300 is d to the hydrant 100 to record the position or state of a valve disposed within in the hydrant 100, such as the valve 140. As described above, the valve 140 is movable between a flow (open) state and a sealed (closed) state. In the open state, the valve 140 is spaced apart from the seal or gasket 134 of the hydrant 100, and in the sealed (closed) state, the valve 140 is sealably engaged with the seal 134 to substantially obstruct the fluid flow. Accordingly, in the open state the amount of fluid flow between the valve 140 and the seal 134 is increased relative to the sealed d) state.

Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a process flow m of a method 600 of monitoring fire hydrant usage according to some embodiments. The method 600 may be performed by the hydrant usage monitoring system 410, according to some embodiments.

At 602, the monitoring system 410 receives one or more messages or notifications from at least one hydrant usage monitoring device 300 coupled to a respective hydrant 100. The notification(s) comprise usage information relating to the usage of the hydrant 100 and a hydrant identifier to allow the monitoring system 410 to determine the hydrant to which the usage information relates. In some embodiments, the hydrant identifier is unique but in other embodiments, it may identify a type of hydrant as opposed to a specific one.

At 604, the monitoring system 410 determines hydrant usage information for each of the t ring devices based on the notification(s).

At 606, the monitoring system 410 determines an action to be taken based on the hydrant usage information. For example, monitoring system 410 may process the usage information 313 in combination with the hydrant information 432 from the database 430 to determine hydrant usage and/or a particular action to take.

The amount of fluid dispensed from the hydrant 100 may be calculated g the size of the hydrant apertures 124, 136, fluid pressure and/or flow rate, and time that the valve 140 is open. The mathematical equations necessary to perform the calculation(s) are known in the art. The size of the hydrant apertures 124, 136 may be stored in the database 430 as part of the hydrant information 432 so that the monitoring system 410 may calculate the volume of water dispensed from the hydrant 100. In some ments, the size of the hydrant apertures 124, 136 is stored in the memory 340 so that the monitoring device 300 may ate the volume of water dispensed from the hydrant 100. Similarly, the fluid pressure and/or flow rate may be stored in the database 430 or in the memory 340, depending on whether the monitoring system 410 or the monitoring device 300 calculates the volume of water dispensed from the hydrant 100.

The fluid pressure and/or flow rate may be known through dge of the fluid source (such as a water mains network) in the area that the t 100 is located. The time that the hydrant is in use is known from the notifications 352A, 352B received from the hydrant usage monitoring device 300, n the time has been calculated by the server 420 or by the controller 320.

By determining the amount of water flowing h the hydrant 100, water usage can be tracked and hydrant mance can be checked to confirm if it is within acceptable limits. For example, if the flow rates through the hydrant 100 are found to be lower than expected (based on the hydrant usage information), the monitoring system 410 can instigate an action (such as an instructive text message, call, email or other communication) to cause a maintenance worker to be ched to assess the hydrant 100. In combination with the known locations of the hydrant 100 (given hydrant identifier), the maintenance of the hydrants 100 in the network 400 can be coordinated to be more ent and timely by only sending maintenance workers to specific hydrants when a fault or ion in hydrant performance outside of acceptable operating ters is detected (notwithstanding any scheduled routine maintenance). The network 400 reduces or eliminates the need for maintenance workers to travel to each individual hydrant site to manually check the condition or operation of the hydrant.

In some embodiments, the server 420 collects a ity of the notifications 352A, 352B from a plurality of the hydrant usage monitoring devices 300. Where each one of the ity of the hydrant usage monitoring devices 300 is connected or coupled to a t 100 drawing water from a water mains network, the water re across the network can be tracked. This may also allow adjustment of water pressure to compensate for hydrant usage in a particular part of the network, for example where heavy usage is present.

In some embodiments, the monitoring system 410 may further e hydrant operations information associated with ular hydrant from the hydrant usage monitoring devices 300. For example, the hydrant operational information may comprise pressure, or rate of fluid dispensed. In some embodiments, the monitoring system 410 may check whether the parameter values received are within a range consistent with the operating history data of the hydrant 100 in question.

In embodiments where the hydrant usage monitoring device 300 comprises the meter 360, the amount of fluid dispensed from the hydrant 100 may be determined from the meter reading 362. The meter reading 362 may be provided to the monitoring system 400, for e, as part of the usage information. The monitoring system 410 may verify the meter reading by comparing the volume of fluid recorded by the meter g with an expected fluid flow volume, knowing the size of the hydrant apertures 124, 136, fluid pressure and/or flow rate, and time that the hydrant 100 was reported as being in operation, as described above.

It will be appreciated by s skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the t disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 1. A hydrant usage monitoring device, comprising: at least one sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device; a transceiver for icating with a hydrant usage monitoring system across a communication network; and a ller configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal tive of the g of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; determine hydrant usage information associated with the hydrant based on the first and second sensor signals; and transmit at least one notification to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, the notification comprising a t identifier and the usage information. 2. A hydrant usage monitoring device, comprising: at least one sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device; a transceiver for communicating with a hydrant usage monitoring system across a ication network; and a controller configured to: receive a first sensor signal indicative of hydrant usage at a first time and a second sensor signal indicative of the ceasing of hydrant usage at a second subsequent time; transmit a first notification and a second notification to the hydrant usage monitoring system via the transceiver, wherein at least one of the first and second notifications comprise a hydrant identifier, and wherein the second notification is transmitted subsequent to the first notification. 3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and/or second sensor signals indicative of hydrant usage are based on ion of fluid flow through the hydrant. 4. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and/or second sensor signals tive of hydrant usage are based on detection of movement of a value of the hydrant.

. The device of claim 2, or claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time and wherein the usage information comprises the first signal time and the second signal time. 6. The device of claim 2, or claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time and wherein a first notification of the at least one notification comprises the first signal time and a second notification of the at least one cation ses the second signal time. 7. The device of claim 2, or claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time, and determine a time interval between the first and second signal times, wherein the usage information comprises the time interval. 8. The device of claim 2, or claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive the first sensor signal at a first signal time and the second sensor signal at a second signal time, determine a time interval between the first and second signal times, and determine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant based on the time interval, wherein the usage ation comprises the volume of fluid drawn. 9. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is r configured to receive a system signal from the monitoring system, wherein the system signal is a request to determine the state of a valve of the t, and sive to the request, the controller determines a status of the value and transmits a status update to monitoring system.

. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a microphone configured to detect a frequency corresponding to a sound of water flowing through the fire hydrant, and wherein the first and second sensor signals are an audio s detected by the microphone. 11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a limit switch configured to be activated by movement of a valve of the hydrant between a first and second state, and wherein the sensor signal sent from the at least one sensor is an electrical signal corresponding to the activation of the limit 12. The device of any one of claims 5 to 8, or any one of claims 9 to 11 when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the transceiver transmits the hydrant identifier, the sensor s, and the signal times to the hydrant usage monitoring system as separate notifications. 13. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is a strain gauge configured to detect strain on a housing or valve of the t, and wherein the strain corresponds to a known pressure of the water dispensed from the fire hydrant. 14. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device comprises a power source having at least one of a solar panel and a battery.

. A t usage monitoring system, the hydrant usage ring system in communication with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring devices across a communications network, the hydrant usage monitoring system comprising: one or more processors; and memory sing instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors are configured to cause the hydrant usage monitoring system to:: receive at least one cation from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and usage information associated with an instance of hydrant usage; ine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant during the instance of hydrant usage based on the usage information. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the usage information comprises one or more of (i) a start time and end time relating to the use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; and/or (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant. 17. A hydrant usage monitoring system, the hydrant usage monitoring system in communication with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring s across a communications network, the t usage monitoring system comprising: one or more processors; and memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors are configured to cause the hydrant usage monitoring system to: receive a first notification from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices; receive a second notification from the at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices, n the second notification is received subsequent to the first notification and wherein at least one of the first and second cations includes a hydrant identifier; determine a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant based on receipt of the first and second notifications. 18. The system of any one of claims 15 to 17, n the system is configured to ine stored hydrant information and to use the stored t information to determine the volume of fluid drawn. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the stored hydrant information comprises the hydrant make, model, specifications and dimensions, operating history data, installation date, location, and/or maintenance notes.

. The system of claim 18 or claim 19, n the system is further configured to transmit at least one notification to a user, the notification comprising the hydrant identifier and the volume of fluid drawn as determined from the hydrant information and/or the first and second notifications. 21. The system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the system is further configured to update the stored hydrant information with the volume of fluid drawn ing to the hydrant identifier. 22. The system of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the system is further configured to track usage of the hydrant over a period of time. 23. A fire hydrant system comprising: a fire hydrant comprising: a valve arranged to transition between a first state and a second stage, wherein when the value assumes the first state, the valve sealably engages with a seal of the fire hydrant to mitigate the water flow between the valve and the seal, and when the value assumed the second state, the valve is spaced apart from the seal to allow water flow; and a hydrant usage monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 22. 24. The fire hydrant system of claim 23, wherein the valve comprises a stem connected to a plug, the plug configured to engage with the seal of the fire t, and the stem configured to move the plug between the first state and the second state.

. The fire hydrant system of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the hydrant usage monitoring device comprises a , the sensor configured to detect the state of the valve. 26. The fire hydrant system of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising an actuator connected to the valve, the actuator configured to move the valve to the first state from the second state to te the amount of water dispensed from the fire hydrant. 27. The fire hydrant system of claim 26, wherein the actuator moves the valve to the first state from the second state in response to an actuation signal received from the hydrant usage monitoring device. 28. A method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method comprising: ing, at a controller of a hydrant usage monitoring device, a first sensor signal from a sensor of the hydrant usage monitoring device, the sensor for ing fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device and the first sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a first time; receiving, at the controller, a second sensor signal from the sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a second uent time; determining hydrant usage information associated with the hydrant based on the first signal and the second signal; and transmitting at least one notification to a hydrant usage monitoring system, the notification comprising a t identifier and the usage information. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the usage information ses at least one of: (i) a start time and an end time relating to use of the hydrant; (ii) a time period for which the hydrant was in use; and (iii) an amount of water taken from the hydrant.

. A method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method comprising: receiving, at a controller of a hydrant usage ring device, a first sensor signal from a sensor of the hydrant usage monitoring device, the sensor for detecting fluid flow through a fire hydrant coupled to the hydrant usage monitoring device and the first sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a first time; receiving, at the controller, a second sensor signal from the sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of hydrant usage at a second uent time; transmitting, by the hydrant usage ring device, a first notification and a second notification to the hydrant usage ring system, wherein at least one of the first and second notifications comprise a hydrant identifier, and wherein the second notification is transmitted subsequent to the first notification. 31. A method of ring hydrant usage, the method le by a t usage monitoring system in communication with a plurality of hydrant usage ring devices across a communications k, each coupled to at least one respective hydrant, the method comprising: receiving, from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring device, at least one notification, the notification comprising a hydrant identifier and usage information associated with an instance of hydrant usage; and determining a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant during the instance of hydrant usage based on the usage information. 32. A method of monitoring hydrant usage, the method operable by a hydrant usage monitoring system in communication with a plurality of hydrant usage monitoring devices across a communications network, each coupled to at least one respective hydrant, the method comprising: receiving a first notification from at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices; receiving a second notification from the at least one of the hydrant usage monitoring devices, wherein the second notification is received subsequent to the first notification and wherein at least one of the first and second notifications includes a hydrant identifier; and determining a volume of fluid drawn from the hydrant based on receipt of the first and second notifications. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising storing the determined volume in memory or in a database. 34. The method of claim 32 or claim 33, determining that maintenance is required for the t based on the determined volume and a flow rate of the fluid, and transmitting an ctive text message, call, email, or communication to cause maintenance of the hydrant.

. The hydrant usage monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 14, the t usage monitoring system of any one of claims 15 to 22, the fire hydrant system of any one of claims 23 to 27, the method of monitoring hydrant usage of any one of claims 28 to 34, substantially as bed herein with nce to the figures and/or examples. 160 136 164 128 126 132 110 116 112 114 124 122 Fig.1 210 212 230 230 160 134 150 146 154 142 116 140 100 114 124 122 130 118 Fig.2 eiver 350 Hydrant usage monitoring device 300 Sensor 310 Controller 320 Processor 330 Memory 340 Fig.3 140 Standpipe Hydrant 100 Housing 110 Valve Yoke 160 200 Hydrant usage monitoring system 410 Output device 440 Hydrant 100 Monitoring device 300 430 Server Database 420 Network 400 Fig.4 100 device 300 Hydrant Monitoring Hydrant 100 Monitoring device 300 100 300 t Hydrant device 100 Monitoring device 300 Monitoring Receive first sensor signal indicative of hydrant tion from sensor(s) Receive second sensor signal indicative of hydrant deactivation from sensor(s) Determine usage information based on the first signal and the second signal Transmit notification(s) to a monitoring system, the notification(s) indicative of hydrant usage Fig.5 Receive notification(s) from one or more t monitoring devices coupled to respective hydrants Determine hydrant usage information for each of the hydrant monitoring devices based on the notification(s) Determine action to be taken based on the hydrant usage information Fig.6