WO2007059592A1

WO2007059592A1 - Method and device for detecting a flush cistern leak

Info

Publication number: WO2007059592A1
Application number: PCT/BE2006/000124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Andre; Hugues De Radigues
Original assignee: Cleverliquid Sprl
Priority date: 2005-11-24
Filing date: 2006-11-22
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: BE1016864A3

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for detecting at least one non-continuous leak of a flush cistern mounted on an installation or a circuit comprising a supply pipe, which consists in measuring water consumption levels in the supply pipe and in analyzing the consumption levels to determine a leak.

Description

Method and device for detecting a made flush

The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting a leak or leaks in a water installation or circuit, for example a building, a family home, for example a house or part of it, a floor, a group of floors, etc.

It is well known that water loss due to a poorly closed faucet, a faucet whose seal is worn, etc. lead to large water bills.

To detect leaks, document BE1010408 discloses a method for detecting leaks from a distribution installation of a building or house. In this process the flow is analyzed. In this method, a first rate is measured at a first moment, if this first rate is greater than a selected value, a second rate is measured at a second moment, if the values of the two rates differ by more than one tolerance, it is considered that if there are no leaks, while if the two values differ less than the tolerance, the presence of a leak is determined and / or an interruption of the arrival of the fluid is effected.

If this method is able to detect leaks of substantially constant flow, this method is not able to detect leaks due to a flush with the water inlet valve in the hunt passing a closed position to an open position due to a lack of sealing of the seal of the flush, to a position closed by the movement of the float through the arrival of water in the flush.

Such a flush made is hard to detect.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting such facts, and this automatically. The invention relates to a method for detecting at least one non-continuous leak of a flush mounted on an installation or circuit comprising a supply pipe, in which water consumption is measured in the pipe of supply and in which the consumption is analyzed to determine a leak, said method being characterized in that it performs, advantageously automatically, at least the following steps:

a first water consumption variation of a first volume (Vl) of less than 10 liters occurring during a first period of time (tl) of less than 30 minutes is determined, said first period of time (tl) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate compared to a consumption of water of substantially constant,

determining a second change in water consumption of a first volume (V2) of less than 10 liters occurring during a second period of time (t2) of less than 30 minutes, said second period of time (t2) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of debit water substantially constant, said second variation of consumption being determined at least two seconds after the end of the first variation and at most four hours after the end of the first variation,

said first and second volumes (V1) and (V2) and said first and second time periods (t1, t2) are compared with each other,

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and the difference between said first and second periods of time (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (tl, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), at least one new change in water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 10 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) is determined. ) less than 30 minutes between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow compared to a period of water consumption of substantially constant flow.

According to an advantageous embodiment, at least the following steps are carried out:

a first water consumption variation of a first volume (Vl) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a first period of time (tl) of less than 15 minutes, is determined, in particular less than 10 minutes, said first period of time (tl) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period an increase in flow rate compared to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption,

a second change in consumption of water of a first volume (V2) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a second period of time (t2) of less than 15 minutes, is determined, in particular less than 10 minutes, said second period of time (t2) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period a flow rate increase with respect to a substantially constant flow rate consumption, said second variation of consumption being determined at least two seconds after the end of the first variation and not more than four hours after the end of the first variation,

said first and second volumes (V1) and (V2) are compared with each other, and said first and second time periods (t1, t2), and

a fix, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and the difference between said first and second time periods ( tl, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (tl , t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), at least one new change in water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a p period of flow increase compared to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption.

According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises at least the following steps:

a third variation in water consumption of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, preferably less than 5 liters, in particular less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3) of less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period an increase in flow rate compared to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption,

a first function parameter is determined at least for the period of time between the second consumption variation and the first consumption variation, and a second function parameter at least for the period of time between the third consumption variation. and the second change in consumption,

said first and second parameters are compared with each other, and

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if, furthermore, the difference between said first and second parameters is less than a parameter tolerance (DP)

According to another particular embodiment, the method further comprises at least the following steps:

a first function parameter is determined for at least the period of time between the second consumption variation and the first consumption variation,

a third variation in water consumption of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, preferably less than 5 liters, in particular less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3) of less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow, the third volume (V3) and at least the first or second volumes (Vl) and (V2) and the third period (t3) and at least said first and second time period (t1, t2) are compared with each other; , and

a second function parameter is determined at least for the period of time flowing between the third variation of consumption and the second variation of consumption, advantageously if the difference between, on the one hand, the third volume and, on the other hand, the first and / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between on the one hand, the third volume and on the other hand, said first and / or second volume is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), at least one new variation of water consumption of a flight ume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate compared to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow,

said first and second parameters are compared with each other, and

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the difference between said first and second parameters is less than a parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if this difference is greater than the tolerance, then repeat one or more steps. According to still another detail of a method according to the invention, the method further comprises at least the following steps:

a first function parameter is determined at least for the period of time flowing between the second consumption variation and the first consumption variation,

a third variation in water consumption of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, preferably less than 5 liters, in particular less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3) of less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow,

the third volume (V3) and at least the first or second volumes (Vl) and (V2) and the third period (t3) and at least said first and second time period (t1, t2) are compared with each other; , and

determining a second function parameter at least of the period of time flowing between the third consumption variation and the second consumption variation, said first and second parameters being compared with each other, and

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flushing signal is emitted if the following conditions are satisfied:

the differences between said first and second volumes and between on the one hand the third volume and on the other hand the first and / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV) the differences between said first and second time periods (t1, t2) and between on the one hand the third time period and on the other hand the first and / or second time period is less than a time tolerance (Dt ), and - the difference between the first and second parameters is less than the parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if a condition is not satisfied, at least one new variation of water consumption of a volume is determined (Vi) less than 5 liters, in particular less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of no water consumption and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow and one or more steps are repeated .

Advantageously, said first and second parameters are chosen from the time elapsing between the beginning of two consumptions, the time elapsing between the end of two consumptions, and the time elapsing between two successive consumptions or considered as identical. . Preferably, these parameters are the time flowing between the start of two identical or substantially identical consumptions, but offset in time. According to one possible form, the parameters are the time that elapses between the average consumption moments for two successive identical consumptions.

The tolerances used in the process according to the invention are for example:

a volume tolerance (DV) selected from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or volume measurements, and combinations thereof. For example, the volume tolerance will be less than 50 cc, advantageously less than 25 cc, preferably less than 15 cc, such as cl, 5 cl or less. A minimum tolerance will advantageously be provided, for example 1 cl, 2 cl, 4 cl or more. However, the tolerance will also be advantageously determined according to the consumption, for example the tolerance will be considered equal to 30% of the volume of consumption, but preferably less than 30% of the volume of consumption, in particular less than 25%, especially less than 15% of the volume of consumption. For example, tolerance based on a percentage of consumption is determined based on the minimum consumption. The volume tolerance will in particular be determined as a percentage of the volume of a consumption, with however a minimum permissible tolerance and a maximum permissible tolerance.

a time tolerance (Dt) selected from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or more time period measurements, and combinations thereof. For example, the time tolerance will be less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, preferably less than 4 minutes, such as 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute or less. A minimum tolerance will advantageously be provided, for example 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds or more. However, the tolerance will also be advantageously determined according to the consumption, for example the tolerance will be considered equal to 30% of the time or duration of the consumption, but preferably less than 30% of the time or duration of the consumption, in particular less 25%, more particularly less than 15%, such as 10%, 5% of the time or duration of consumption. For example, tolerance based on a percentage of consumption is determined based on the minimum consumption. In particular, the volume tolerance will be determined as a percentage of the time or duration of a consumption, but with a minimum permissible tolerance and a maximum permissible tolerance.

a parameter tolerance (DP) chosen from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value depending on one or more parameters, and the combinations of these. This parameter is advantageously expressed as a time measurement, so that the DP tolerance will often be expressed as a time.

For example, the parameter tolerance will be less than 20 minutes, advantageously less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 4 minutes, such as 6 minutes, 4 minutes or less. A minimum tolerance will advantageously be provided, for example 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 2 minutes or more. The tolerance will, however, advantageously also be determined as a function of the duration separating two identical or substantially identical successive consumptions or of the duration separating two moments (beginnings, ends, mean moments) of substantially identical and successive consumptions, for example the tolerance will be considered as equal. at 30% of the duration of the consumption, but preferably less than 30% of the duration between two moments of two consumptions substantially identical and successive, in particular less than 25%, more particularly less than 15%, such as 10%, 5% of this duration. For example, the tolerance based on a percentage of this duration is determined on the basis of the minimum duration separating two successive substantially identical consumptions. In particular, the parameter tolerance will be determined as a percentage of the duration of a consumption, with however a minimum permissible tolerance and a maximum permissible tolerance.

According to a particular embodiment which is advantageous when the number of flushes is large, for example more than 4, in particular more than 5, such as 8, 10, etc., or more, it is determined continuously and of successively any variation in water consumption of a volume of less than 10 liters occurring during a period of time of less than 30 minutes, said period of time being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow, in that these consumption variations are stored in a memory and these variations are processed so as to determine for substantially identical consumption variations of substantially equal volume V and consumption period t substantially equal, function parameters at least the period of time flowing between two consumption variations substantially identical successive.

Preferably, a leak signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush is issued if the difference between two successive parameters for successive substantially equal consumption changes is less than a parameter tolerance (DP).

According to a preferred embodiment, one or more leaks of substantially constant flow rate are determined.

The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method according to the invention.

The device according to the invention is a device for detecting at least one non-continuous leak of a flush mounted on an installation or circuit comprising a supply line, which comprises a means for measuring water consumption in the supply line or means for receiving consumption measurements and means for analyzing consumption to determine a leak. In the device according to the invention, the analysis means comprises one or more means adapted or programmed to carry out the following instructions or operations:

determining a first variation of consumption of water of a first volume (Vl) of less than 10 liters occurring during a first period of time (tl) of less than 30 minutes, said first period of time (tl) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period an increase in flow rate compared to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption,

determining a second change in consumption of water of a first volume (V2) of less than 10 liters occurring during a second period of time (t2) of less than 30 minutes, said second period of time (t2) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow compared to a consumption of water a substantially constant flow rate, said second variation of consumption being determined at least two seconds after the end of the first variation and at most four hours after the end of the first variation,

comparing between them said first and second volumes (V1) and (V2), as well as said first and second time periods (t1, t2),

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between said first and second periods of time (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), transmitting a signal to determine at least one new change in water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 10 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 30 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase of flow versus at a water consumption of substantially constant flow. According to a particular embodiment, the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions or operations:

determining a first variation of consumption of water of a first volume (Vl) of less than 5 liters, in particular less than 2 liters occurring during a first period of time (tl) of less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said first period of time (tl) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate compared to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow,

determining a second change in consumption of water of a first volume (V2) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a second period of time (t2) of less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said second period of time (t2) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption, said second consumption variation being determined at least two seconds after the end of the first variation and at most four hours after the end of the first variation; variation,

comparing said first and second volumes (Vl) and (V2) together with said first and second time periods (t1, t2), and

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between said first and second periods of time (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than one volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), transmitting a signal to determine at least one new variation in consumption of water with a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow rate.

According to a detail of an embodiment, the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

determination of a third variation of consumption of water of a third volume (V3) binds less than 10 liters, advantageously less than 5 liters, in particular less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3 ) less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow,

determination of a first function parameter at least of the period of time between the second consumption variation and the first consumption variation, and a second function parameter at least of the period of time between the third variation consumption and the second change in consumption,

comparing said first and second parameters together, and 00 ₁₂ 4

15

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if in addition, the difference between said first and second parameters is less than a parameter tolerance (DP)

According to another detail of an embodiment, the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions or operations:

determination of a first function parameter at least of the period of time that elapses between the second variation of consumption and the first variation of consumption,

determination of a third variation of consumption of water of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, advantageously less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3 ) less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow,

- Comparing them of the third volume (V3) and at least the first or second volumes (Vl) and (V2), as well as said third period (t3) and at least said first and second period of time (tl, t2) ), and

determination of a second function parameter at least of the period of time between the third variation of consumption and the second variation of consumption, advantageously if the difference between, on the one hand, the third volume and, on the other hand, said first and / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between on the one hand the third period time (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between on the one hand, the third volume and d on the other hand, said first and / or second volume is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second period of time; time (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), sending a signal to determine at least one new change in water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of Less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow compared to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow.

comparing said first and second parameters together, and

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between said first and second parameters is less than a parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if this difference is greater than the tolerance , sending a signal to repeat one or more steps.

According to still another detail of an embodiment, the analysis means comprises one or more means adapted or programmed to carry out the following instructions or operations:

determination of a first function parameter at least of the period of time which elapses between the second consumption variation and the first consumption variation,

determination of a third variation of consumption of water of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, advantageously less than 5 liters, in of less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3) of less than 30 minutes, advantageously of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow rate ,

- Comparing them of the third volume (V3) with at least the first or second volumes (Vl) and (VT), as well as said third period (t3) with at least said first and second period of time (tl, t2) )

determination of a second function parameter at least of the period of time flowing between the third consumption variation and the second consumption variation, said first and second parameters being compared with each other, and

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flushing if the following conditions are satisfied: - the differences between said first and second volumes and between firstly the third volume and secondly the first and / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV)

the differences between said first and second periods of time (t1, t2) and between firstly the third period of time and secondly the first and / or the second period of time is less than a time tolerance

(Dt), and

the difference between the first and second parameters is less than the parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if a condition is not verified, transmitting a signal to determine at least one new variation of water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and or corresponding to a period of a flow rate increase with respect to substantially constant flow rate water consumption and repetition of one or more steps.

According to features of the device, the analysis means uses as parameters parameters chosen from the time elapsing between the start of two consumptions, the time elapsing between the end of two consumptions, and the time elapsing between two consumptions or considered identical.

The device according to the invention comprises one or more memories and / or calculation instructions for determining the tolerance or tolerances. For example, the volume tolerance (DV) is selected from the group consisting of a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or more volume measurements, and combinations thereof. The time tolerance (Dt) is, for example, chosen from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or more time period measurements, and combinations thereof. Finally, the parameter tolerance (DP) is for example selected from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value depending on one or more parameters, and combinations thereof.

According to a particularly advantageous form, the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

continuously and successively determining any variation in water consumption of a volume of less than 10 liters occurring during a period of time of less than 30 minutes, said period of time being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of one increased flow rate compared to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption,

storage of these consumption variations in a memory, and

- Processing of these variations so as to determine for substantially identical consumption variations of substantially equal volume V and consumption period t substantially equal, function parameters at least the period of time flowing between two substantially identical consumption changes successive.

In particular, the analysis means comprises one or more means adapted or programmed to perform the following instructions:

- Emitting a leak signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between two successive parameters for successive substantially equal consumption changes is less than a parameter tolerance (DP).

Features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

In these drawings,

- Figure 1 shows schematically a graph of consumption over time for a dwelling

FIG. 2 is a graph showing various operations performed to find flushing leaks, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a matrix memory used in the method according to the invention.

Over time, the water consumption varies according to the needs, but also according to the type of leaks. Such a consumption is represented in FIG. 1. In this figure, the reference 1 designates a leak of constant low flow (for example a dripping faucet), the reference 2 denotes a significant consumption of water (for example for to fill a bath 2A or to completely fill the flush of a toilet 2B), the reference 3 designates the opening of a tap to quickly take a small amount of water (for example, to fill a glass of water), and reference numeral 4 indicates flush leaks. These leaks are characterized by a substantially small quantity or volume of water flowing over a relatively short period of time, this amount occurring at regular intervals.

The leak of a flush is due to a slight flow of water from the flush to the bowl. Due to the delay of the opening of the valve, during a slight downward movement of the float, the valve will remain in the closed position, whereas as soon as the float is sufficiently lowered, the valve will move to the open position to refill again. the cistern of the flush.

As soon as the float is in a sufficiently raised position, the valve will be closed to stop filling the tank.

Such a leak is therefore intermittent.

To detect such leakage, the method comprises the following steps performed automatically by a processor, the processor being associated or comprising a memory in the form of a matrix. The processor is programmed or has instructions for performing the following steps.

1. determination over time of consumption variations with respect to a substantially constant or zero flow rate. As soon as a variation in consumption is detected, the volume of water consumed by this variation and the duration of this consumption are measured for each consumption variation.

A consumption variation starts at a first moment Ml for which the flow rate is greater than at least one predetermined value or variable (tolerance) at the constant low flow rate 1 (zero flow in the absence of any leakage) and ends at the moment M2 when the flow rate is substantially equal to the constant flow time to a tolerance close.

For each consumption variation C i, for example, one determines, for example, by integration (integral of the flow as a function of time over the duration of the variation of consumption) or approximation the volume consumed V i, as well as the duration of consumption t i.

Each consumption variation is thus defined and stored with the following data: consumption number i, volume Vi, duration ti, time of the start of consumption MIi, time of the end of consumption M2i, etc.

2. determination of consumption variations of less than 5 liters (volume given by way of example only). Consumption changes of more than 5 liters are not taken into consideration for further flush leakage research.

3. determination of consumption variations of less than 5 liters which have a duration of less than 15 minutes, in particular of more than 5 seconds. Consumption changes of less than 5 seconds or more than 15 minutes will not be considered for further flush leakage research.

4. for each new measured consumption of less than 51 liters for a period between 5 seconds and 15 minutes, search for a consumption substantially identical anterior occurring no more than 4 hours before the beginning of the new measured consumption of less than 51iters for a period of time between 5 seconds and 15 minutes, in this search, the first substantially identical previous consumption occurring at most 4 hours is sought before the start of the new consumption.

Two consumptions of less than 51iter for a duration between 5 seconds and 15 minutes are identical if the difference of their volume Vi is less than a tolerance DV and if the difference of their duration ti is less than a tolerance Dt. The volume tolerance For example, DV is determined to be equal to 15% of the volume of the smallest consumption by volume of the two consumptions that are compared, this tolerance however being between a minimum value, for example Here, and a maximum value, for example 7.5 cl. . The tolerance of duration Dt is for example determined as being equal to 15% of the duration of the consumption of the shortest duration of the two consumptions that are compared, this tolerance however being between a minimum value for example 5 seconds and a maximum value for example 2minutes.

As soon as a substantially identical previous consumption is found, it memorizes the number of the same previous consumption "j" for the new consumption "i".

5. When for the new consumption "i", an identical prior consumption "j" of less than 5 liters for a period of 5 seconds to 15 minutes is found, determining the period of time Pi separating the end of the previous consumption M2 j at the beginning of Ml i of the new consumption

"I".

This period of time Pi is stored in the matrix memory at the line

"I". 6. If for the substantially identical prior consumption "j", it does not correspond to substantially identical previous consumption (ie if for line "j" of the matrix, there is no reference to previous consumption), the process is continued with a new consumption (step 1).

7. If for the substantially identical prior consumption "j", it corresponds to a substantially identical consumption previous "k", that is to say if for the line "j" of the matrix, there is a reference to a consumption previous "k" and therefore at a period Pj, the difference between the time period Pi and the time period Pj is determined. If this difference is less than a DP tolerance, the processor emits a leak signal (light and / or sound signal and / or sending a message and / or displaying a message). The tolerance DP is for example determined as being equal to 15% of the shortest period of the two durations Pi, Pj which are compared, this tolerance however being between a minimum value for example 5 seconds and a maximum value for example 10 minutes . In determining the presence of the leak, the maximum volume of flush tank leakage can be estimated for a day, a week, a month, a year. It suffices for this estimate to take into consideration the duration of a leakage consumption, the interval between two successive leakage consumptions, to find the maximum number of leaks possible by dividing the day, the week, etc. by the sum (duration + interval) and by multiplying this maximum number by the volume of a consumption.

If the difference between the period Pi and Pj is greater than the DP tolerance, the processor continues the process with a new consumption.

Although the flush leakage search routine may be interrupted upon detection of a leak, the routine may be continued to determine the presence of another flush tank leak. So the processor after determining a flush tank leak (leak characterized by a consumption defined by a determined volume and a duration of consumption determined), may continue to search for a flush tank leak defined by a different volume and / or duration.

The values given in the example described above are given by way of example only. It is clear that the method described above can be simplified and not used matrix memory, especially if the device is used for the automatic detection of water leakage of two or three flush tanks.

The process described above is advantageously integrated in a process of analysis or research of other types of leaks, such as leakage of large flows, leakage of small constant flow, etc. For example, the process according to the invention is a research routine integrated in the research or analysis method described in the patent BEI 010408.

The matrix memory is for example designed to contain data relating to consumption variations for 24 hours. The size of this memory will therefore depend on the size of the installation to be analyzed or monitored. When the last line of the memory is full, the method or program includes instructions for deleting the data from the first line (oldest data) and for transferring data from a line k to the line k-1. According to another possible variant, the memory is designed to hold data for 48 hours, while the program includes instructions for eliminating the data of the oldest 24-hour period (memory area A) when the memory (memory B ) is filled, and to retransfer the data of the last 24 hours (memory area B) in the memory area A.

Claims

claims

A method for detecting at least one non-continuous leak of a flush mounted on an installation or circuit comprising a supply line, in which water consumption is measured in the supply line and in which analyzing the consumption to determine a leak, said method being characterized in that at least the following steps are carried out:

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a tolerance of volume (DV) and if the difference between said first and second time periods (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a tolerance of volume (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), at least one new variation of water consumption of a volume (Vi) is determined ) less than 10 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 30 minutes between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of a flow rate increase with respect to a substantially constant flow rate water consumption.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least the following steps are performed:

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and the difference between said first and second time periods ( tl, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (tl , t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), at least one new change in water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a pe period of a flow rate increase compared to a water consumption of substantially constant flow.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least the following steps:

said first and second parameters are compared with each other, and

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least the following steps:

a second function parameter is determined at least for the period of time flowing between the third variation of consumption and the second variation of consumption, advantageously if the difference between, on the one hand, the third volume and, on the other hand, the first and / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between on the one hand, the third volume and on the other hand, said first and / or second volume is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), at least one new variation of water consumption of a flight ume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow.

said first and second parameters are compared with each other, and

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the difference between said first and second parameters is less than a parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if this difference is greater than the tolerance, then repeat one or more steps.

5. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least the following steps:

a second function parameter is determined at least from the period of time between the third consumption variation and the second consumption variation, said first and second parameters being compared with each other, and

a leak, at least potential, non-continuous flush signal is emitted if the following conditions are satisfied: the differences between said first and second volumes and between firstly the third volume and secondly the first and second flush volumes. / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV) the differences between said first and second time periods (t1, t2) and between the third time period on the one hand and the first and / or the second time period on the other hand is less than a time tolerance ( Dt) ₅ and - the difference between the first and second parameters is less than the parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if a condition is not satisfied, at least one new change in water consumption of one volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow and one or more repetitions steps.

6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said first and second parameters are chosen from the time elapsing between the start of two consumptions, the time elapsing between the end of two consumptions, and the time elapsing between two consecutive consumptions or considered as identical.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume tolerance (DV) is selected from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or volume measurements, and combinations of those -this.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time tolerance (Dt) is selected from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or more time period measurements, and the combinations of these.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parameter tolerance (DP) is selected from the group comprising a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or more parameters, and the combinations thereof. .

10. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it determines continuously and successively any variation in water consumption of a volume of less than 10 liters occurring during a period of time less 30 minutes, said period of time being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate by relative to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption, in that these consumption variations are memorized in a memory and in that these variations are processed so as to determine for substantially identical consumption variations of substantially equal volume V and consumption period t substantially equal, function parameters at least the period of time flowing between two substantially identical consumption changes succes sive.

11. The method of claim 10, characterized in that emits a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between two successive parameters for substantially equal successive consumption changes is less than one. parameter tolerance (DP).

12. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more leaks of substantially constant flow rate are determined.

13. Device for detecting at least one non-continuous leak of a flush mounted on an installation or circuit comprising a supply line, which comprises means for measuring water consumption in the supply line or a means to receive consumption measurements and a means for analyzing consumption to determine a leak, said device being characterized in that the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

determining a first variation of consumption of water of a first volume (Vl) of less than 10 liters occurring during a first period of time (tl) of less than 30 minutes, said first period of time (tl) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase of flow compared to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow,

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between said first and second periods of time (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second volumes periods of time (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), issuing a signal to determine at least one new change in water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 10 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 30 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the analysis means comprises one or more means adapted or programmed to carry out the following instructions:

determining a second change in consumption of water of a first volume (V2) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a second period of time (t2) of less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said second period of time (t2) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a substantially constant flow rate of water consumption, said second consumption variation being determined at least two seconds after the end of the first variation and at most four hours after the end of the first variation; variation, comparing said first and second volumes (Vl) and (V2) together with said first and second time periods (t1, t2), and

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flush if the difference between said first and second volumes is less than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between said first and second periods of time (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between said first and second volumes is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between said first and second time periods (tl, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), transmitting a signal to determine at least one new variation of water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular less than of less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes between the end of a period of no water consumption and / or corresponding to a period of a flow rate increase with respect to a substantially constant flow rate water consumption.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

determination of a third variation of consumption of water of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, advantageously less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3 ) less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow, determination of a first function parameter at least of the period of time between the second consumption variation and the first consumption variation, and a second function parameter at least of the time period between the third variation consumption and the second change in consumption,

comparing said first and second parameters together, and

16. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

determination of a third variation of consumption of water of a third volume (V3) of less than 10 liters, advantageously less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a third period of time (t3 ) less than 30 minutes, advantageously less than 15 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes, said third period of time (t3) being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow, - Comparing them of the third volume (V3) and at least the first or second volumes (Vl) and (V2), as well as said third period (t3) and at least said first and second period of time (tl, t2) ), and

determination of a second function parameter at least of the period of time between the third variation of consumption and the second variation of consumption, advantageously if the difference between, on the one hand, the third volume and, on the other hand, said first and / or second volume is smaller than a volume tolerance (DV) and if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is less than a time tolerance (Dt), whereas if the difference between on the one hand, the third volume and on the other hand, said first and / or second volume is greater than a volume tolerance (DV) or if the difference between on the one hand the third time period (t3) and on the other hand, said first and second time period (t1, t2) is greater than a time tolerance (Dt), transmission of a signal to determine at least one new variation of water consumption of a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of debit water substantially constant.

comparing said first and second parameters together, and

17. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

- Comparing them of the third volume (V3) with at least the first or second volumes (V1) and (V2), as well as said third period (t3) with at least said first and second period of time (t1, t2) )

- emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous flushing if the following conditions are satisfied: the differences between said first and second volumes and between on the one hand the third volume and on the other hand the first and / or second volume is less than a volume tolerance (DV) the differences between said first and second time periods ( tl, t2) and between on the one hand the third period of time and on the other hand the first and / or the second period of time is less than a time tolerance

(Dt), and the difference between the first and second parameters is less than the parameter tolerance (DP), whereas if a condition is not satisfied, transmitting a signal to determine at least one new variation in power consumption. water with a volume (Vi) of less than 5 liters, in particular of less than 2 liters occurring during a new period of time (ti) of less than 15 minutes, in particular of less than 10 minutes defined between the end a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate compared to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow and repetition of one or more steps.

18. Device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that said first and second parameters are selected from the time between the start of two consumptions, the time elapsing between the end of two consumptions, and the time elapsing between two successive consumptions or considered as identical.

19. Device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the volume tolerance (DV) is selected from the group consisting of a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or volume measurements, and combinations of these.

Device according to one of Claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the time tolerance (Dt) is selected from the group comprising a value determined fixed, a function value of one or more time period measures, and combinations thereof.

21. Device according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the parameter tolerance (DP) is selected from the group consisting of a fixed fixed value, a value dependent on one or more parameters, and the combinations of those -this.

22. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the analysis means comprises one or more adapted or programmed means for carrying out the following instructions:

continuously and successively determining any variation in water consumption of a volume of less than 10 liters occurring during a period of time of less than 30 minutes, said period of time being defined between the end of a period of non-consumption of water and the beginning of a new period of non-consumption of water and / or corresponding to a period of an increase in flow rate with respect to a consumption of water of substantially constant flow rate, - storage of these variations consumption in a memory, and

23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the analysis means comprises one or means adapted or programmed to perform the following instructions: - emission of a leakage signal, at least potential, non-continuous hunting of water if the difference between two successive parameters for variations of Consistently equal successive consumption is less than a parameter tolerance (DP).