WO2015159040A1 - Device for detecting and preventing water leaks - Google Patents

Device for detecting and preventing water leaks Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015159040A1
WO2015159040A1 PCT/GB2015/000116 GB2015000116W WO2015159040A1 WO 2015159040 A1 WO2015159040 A1 WO 2015159040A1 GB 2015000116 W GB2015000116 W GB 2015000116W WO 2015159040 A1 WO2015159040 A1 WO 2015159040A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
circuit
housing
pressure
supply
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/000116
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony Richard HOWE
Original Assignee
Howe Anthony Richard
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB1406734.2A external-priority patent/GB2521018A/en
Application filed by Howe Anthony Richard filed Critical Howe Anthony Richard
Publication of WO2015159040A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015159040A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/20—Status alarms responsive to moisture
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
    • E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons, valves, in the pipe systems
    • E03B7/071—Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/16—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G01M3/2815—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes using pressure measurements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/15—Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for detecting and preventing water leaks.
  • Most buildings are supplied with a mains pipe supplying water to the house.
  • a master water cock is usually provided to turn the supply of water on and off in the building. If there is a leak in the building, this can lead to damage to the fabric of the building and its contents, and often the leak is not detected until considerable damage has been down. For example a leaking pipe buried under a floor may go unnoticed for many days or even weeks.
  • a device for detecting and preventing fluid leaks in a fluid circuit connected to a supply of fluid comprising: a) a fluid flow sensor, and
  • a controller connected to the fluid flow sensor to generate an alarm signal when fluid flow sensor senses flow in the circuit for more than a predetermined period of time.
  • Alarm signal may be connected to an audible alarm to allow a user to turn off supply of fluid to a circuit.
  • the device may further include a stop cock having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the circuit from a supply of fluid and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the circuit from a supply of fluid.
  • Generation of the alarm signal may control the stop cock to the first closed position.
  • the flow sensor is an impeller.
  • the impeller may include a magnet on each impeller blade which rotate past a coil to generate an electrical pulse to sense fluid flow.
  • the flow sensor may include an arm in a fluid flow path connected to a strain gauge.
  • the stop cock and controller and fluid flow sensor may be mounted in a common housing.
  • the housing may have an inlet to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit,
  • the controller may include a first component connected to the fluid flow sensor which transmits data wirelessly or through a wire to a second component.
  • the controller may include a screen to display information.
  • stop cock is motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve.
  • the fluid may be a gas or liquid.
  • the fluid may be water and circuit a water circuit in a building, and the supply of fluid may be mains water.
  • the housing may include connectors to connect the housing inlet to a supply of fluid and the housing outlet to a fluid circuit.
  • a housing having an inlet to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit
  • an electrical stop cock in the housing having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the housing and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the housing
  • a controller and at least one pressure sensor to operate the stop cock to the first closed position when pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit falls for more than a predetermined period of time.
  • the controller and at least one pressure sensor may comprise:
  • e means to memorise the fluid pressure in the fluid circuit when no fluid is passing therethrough to provide a control fluid pressure value
  • control means to turn the stop cock to the first closed position when the pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit remains below the control fluid pressure value after a predetermined period of time
  • alarm means to generate an alarm signal when the when a pressure difference exists across said stock cock after a predetermined period of time.
  • the stop cock is motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve.
  • the housing includes a section of pipe containing said stop cock and pressure sensors.
  • the fluid may be a gas or liquid.
  • the fluid may be water and circuit a water circuit in a building.
  • the housing may include connectors to connect the housing inlet to a supply of fluid and the housing outlet to a fluid circuit.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a device 1 for detecting and preventing fluid leaks.
  • Device 1 has a housing 10 containing a fluid flow sensor 20, a controller 30 connected to the fluid flow sensor 20 to generate an alarm signal when fluid flow sensor senses flow in the circuit for more than a predetermined period of time, and a stop cock 40.
  • a pipe SO has an inlet 51 with suitable connectors 51 A (such as compression joints) to connect to mains water and an outlet 52 with suitable connectors 52A (such as compression joints) to connect to a water circuit in a building.
  • the water circuit will typically have taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. which operate from time to time so that water will flow into the circuit from the mains.
  • Stop cock 40 is a motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve 42 with a rotatable disc 41. Stop cock 40 has a first closed position to prevent flow of water through the pipe 50 into the building circuit from the mains and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the pipe 50. Generation of the alarm signal controls the stop cock to the first closed position.
  • Flow sensor 20 is an impeller 21 in a sensor housing 22.
  • the impeller 21 may include a magnet 24 on each impeller blade 23 which rotates past a coil 25 to generate an electrical pulse to sense fluid flow.
  • the controller 30 includes a first component 31 connected to the fluid flow sensor coil 25 which transmits data wirelessly (e.g. using Bluetooth) or through a wire to a second remote component 32.
  • the controller 32 may include a screen 33 to display information, control buttons 34, and a loudspeaker 35.
  • Device 1 operates as follows.
  • the stop cock 40 provided by disc 41 is normally open. When no taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. are operated no water will flow through the flow sensor 20.
  • a tap water will flow through the flow sensor 20 rotating impeller 21 with the magnets generating a pulse in the coil 25.
  • the controller 30 will sense the flow through sensor 20. If the controller senses the flow for more than a predetermined period of time, it will generate an alarm signal.
  • the predetermined period of time might be set at 15 minutes, the maximum time it takes to run a bath for example. Under normal circumstances alarm signal will not be generated as no taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. are operated for more than the predetermined period of time. If taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc.
  • the controller will generate an alarm signal which will turn off the stop cock 40 to the first position to prevent water entering passing through pipe 50. This will prevent baths or basins form over-flowing by a user accidently failing to turn off a tap for example.
  • a drip tray 60 could be provided under housing 10 to sense through a sensor 61 connected to controller 30 the presence of water in tray 60 which could result in a leak in the housing 10 which does not lead to the impeller rotating, e.g. a leak in the connection 51 A to the water mains.
  • the alarm signal may also generate an audible alarm through loudspeaker 35 in second component 32.
  • Screen 33 in component 32 may be used display control messages relating to operation of the controller and also flow rates of water in pipe 50, and buttons 34 may be provided to set up the controller.
  • the invention has uses in residential and commercial building to monitor for water leaks which may cause damage. However it may also be used to monitor circuits involving other fluids such as gas oil and chemicals in building, plant and machinery, oil rigs and the like.
  • the invention may take a form different to that specifically described above.
  • the stop cock could be a manual stop cock and the alarm signal may be connected to generate an audible alarm to allow a user to turn off supply of fluid to a circuit.
  • the flow sensor may include an arm in a fluid flow path connected to a strain gauge.
  • a device 1 for detecting and preventing fluid leaks In an alternative embodiment, and referring to Figure 2, there is shown a device 1 for detecting and preventing fluid leaks.
  • a housing in the form of a pipe 10 is having an inlet 11 to connect to a supply of fluid such as a mains water supply A and an outlet 12 to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit such as a water circuit in a building.
  • a suitable connector such as a compression joint 11A is provided to connect the pipe 10 to a mains supply, and a compression joint 12A is provided to connect the pipe 10 to the water circuit B.
  • An electrical stop cock in the form of a rotatable disc 20 is provided in pipe 10 in the pipe having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the pipe and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the pipe.
  • Disc 20 may be rotated by a motor or solenoid 21
  • a controller and at least one pressure sensor to operate the stop cock to the first closed position when pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit falls for more than a predetermined period of time.
  • the controller and at least one pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensor 30 and reader 31 to sense the pressure in the fluid circuit.
  • Memory means 40 memorises the fluid pressure in the fluid circuit when no fluid is passing therethrough to provide a control fluid pressure value, normally mains water pressure at any one time.
  • Control means in the form of Comparator 50 and timer 60 turns the stop cock to the first closed position when the pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit remains below the control fluid pressure value after a predetermined period of time.
  • An alarm means 70 generate an alarm signal when the when a pressure difference exists across said stock cock after a predetermined period of time.
  • Device 1 operates as follows.
  • the stop cock provided by disc 20 is normally open. Assuming no water is flowing through the circuit B, i.e. no taps, showers, or other water appliances are running, the pressure in the water circuit is equal to mains pressure A. Pressure sensor 30 measures this pressure and this is memorised in memory means 40 to provide a control fluid value. If a tap is operated, the pressure in the water circuit will fall below the control fluid pressure value and this is measured by the comparator 50. If the tap is then closed the pressure in the water circuit will rise back to below the control fluid pressure value. Provided the water pressure falls only for a predetermined period of time as set by the timer 50, the water circuit operates as normal. The predetermined period of time might be set at 15 minutes, the maximum time it takes to run a bath for example.
  • Alarm 70 will be operated to alert the user of the water circuit.
  • Alarm 70 will be operated to alert the user of the water circuit.
  • the invention has uses in residential and commercial building to monitor for water leaks which may cause damage. However it may also be used to monitor circuits involving other fluids such as gas oil and chemicals in building, plant and machinery, oil rigs and the like.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for detecting and preventing fluid leaks in a fluid circuit connected to a supply of fluid. A fluid flow sensor (20) is provided, and a controller (30) is connected to the fluid flow sensor to generate an alarm signal when fluid flow sensor senses flow in the circuit for more than a predetermined period of time. The invention also relates to a device (1) for detecting and preventing fluid leaks. Device (1) has a housing (10) having an inlet (11) to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet (12) to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit, an electrical stop cock (20) in the housing having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the housing and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the housing, and a controller (31,40,50,60,70) and at least one pressure sensor (30) to operate the stop cock to the first closed position when pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit falls for more than a predetermined period of time.

Description

Device for Detecting and Preventing Water Leaks
The present invention relates to a device for detecting and preventing water leaks. Most buildings are supplied with a mains pipe supplying water to the house. A master water cock is usually provided to turn the supply of water on and off in the building. If there is a leak in the building, this can lead to damage to the fabric of the building and its contents, and often the leak is not detected until considerable damage has been down. For example a leaking pipe buried under a floor may go unnoticed for many days or even weeks.
Similar problems occur in delivering fluids (such as gas, oil or other fluids) to or around building or plants. The invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem.
According to the present invention there is provided a device for detecting and preventing fluid leaks in a fluid circuit connected to a supply of fluid comprising: a) a fluid flow sensor, and
b) a controller connected to the fluid flow sensor to generate an alarm signal when fluid flow sensor senses flow in the circuit for more than a predetermined period of time.
Alarm signal may be connected to an audible alarm to allow a user to turn off supply of fluid to a circuit. The device may further include a stop cock having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the circuit from a supply of fluid and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the circuit from a supply of fluid. Generation of the alarm signal may control the stop cock to the first closed position.
In one embodiment the flow sensor is an impeller. The impeller may include a magnet on each impeller blade which rotate past a coil to generate an electrical pulse to sense fluid flow. Alternatively the flow sensor may include an arm in a fluid flow path connected to a strain gauge.
The stop cock and controller and fluid flow sensor may be mounted in a common housing. The housing may have an inlet to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit,
The controller may include a first component connected to the fluid flow sensor which transmits data wirelessly or through a wire to a second component. The controller may include a screen to display information.
Preferably the stop cock is motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve.
The fluid may be a gas or liquid.
The fluid may be water and circuit a water circuit in a building, and the supply of fluid may be mains water. The housing may include connectors to connect the housing inlet to a supply of fluid and the housing outlet to a fluid circuit. In a further embodiment, According to the present invention there is provided a device for detecting and preventing fluid leaks comprising:
a) a housing having an inlet to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit,
b) an electrical stop cock in the housing having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the housing and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the housing, and
c) a controller and at least one pressure sensor to operate the stop cock to the first closed position when pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit falls for more than a predetermined period of time.
The controller and at least one pressure sensor may comprise:
d) at least one pressure sensor to sense the pressure in the fluid circuit,
e) means to memorise the fluid pressure in the fluid circuit when no fluid is passing therethrough to provide a control fluid pressure value,
f) control means to turn the stop cock to the first closed position when the pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit remains below the control fluid pressure value after a predetermined period of time, and
g) alarm means to generate an alarm signal when the when a pressure difference exists across said stock cock after a predetermined period of time.
Preferably the stop cock is motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve. Preferably the housing includes a section of pipe containing said stop cock and pressure sensors. The fluid may be a gas or liquid.
The fluid may be water and circuit a water circuit in a building.
The housing may include connectors to connect the housing inlet to a supply of fluid and the housing outlet to a fluid circuit.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings showing schematic views of two embodiments. Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a device 1 for detecting and preventing fluid leaks.
Device 1 has a housing 10 containing a fluid flow sensor 20, a controller 30 connected to the fluid flow sensor 20 to generate an alarm signal when fluid flow sensor senses flow in the circuit for more than a predetermined period of time, and a stop cock 40. A pipe SO has an inlet 51 with suitable connectors 51 A (such as compression joints) to connect to mains water and an outlet 52 with suitable connectors 52A (such as compression joints) to connect to a water circuit in a building. The water circuit will typically have taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. which operate from time to time so that water will flow into the circuit from the mains. Stop cock 40 is a motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve 42 with a rotatable disc 41. Stop cock 40 has a first closed position to prevent flow of water through the pipe 50 into the building circuit from the mains and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the pipe 50. Generation of the alarm signal controls the stop cock to the first closed position.
Flow sensor 20 is an impeller 21 in a sensor housing 22. The impeller 21 may include a magnet 24 on each impeller blade 23 which rotates past a coil 25 to generate an electrical pulse to sense fluid flow.
The controller 30 includes a first component 31 connected to the fluid flow sensor coil 25 which transmits data wirelessly (e.g. using Bluetooth) or through a wire to a second remote component 32. The controller 32 may include a screen 33 to display information, control buttons 34, and a loudspeaker 35.
Device 1 operates as follows.
The stop cock 40 provided by disc 41 is normally open. When no taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. are operated no water will flow through the flow sensor 20.
If a tap is operated, water will flow through the flow sensor 20 rotating impeller 21 with the magnets generating a pulse in the coil 25. The controller 30 will sense the flow through sensor 20. If the controller senses the flow for more than a predetermined period of time, it will generate an alarm signal. The predetermined period of time might be set at 15 minutes, the maximum time it takes to run a bath for example. Under normal circumstances alarm signal will not be generated as no taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. are operated for more than the predetermined period of time. If taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. are not turned off and hence operated for than the predetermined period of time, the controller will generate an alarm signal which will turn off the stop cock 40 to the first position to prevent water entering passing through pipe 50. This will prevent baths or basins form over-flowing by a user accidently failing to turn off a tap for example.
If taps, showers, baths and water tank valves etc. are not being used and there is a leak in the water circuit, the impeller will rotate (albeit possible very slowly), and the control circuit will, after the predetermined period of time, generate an alarm signal which will turn off the stop cock 40 to the first position to prevent water entering passing through pipe 50.
If desired a drip tray 60 could be provided under housing 10 to sense through a sensor 61 connected to controller 30 the presence of water in tray 60 which could result in a leak in the housing 10 which does not lead to the impeller rotating, e.g. a leak in the connection 51 A to the water mains.
The alarm signal may also generate an audible alarm through loudspeaker 35 in second component 32. Screen 33 in component 32 may be used display control messages relating to operation of the controller and also flow rates of water in pipe 50, and buttons 34 may be provided to set up the controller. The invention has uses in residential and commercial building to monitor for water leaks which may cause damage. However it may also be used to monitor circuits involving other fluids such as gas oil and chemicals in building, plant and machinery, oil rigs and the like. The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example the stop cock could be a manual stop cock and the alarm signal may be connected to generate an audible alarm to allow a user to turn off supply of fluid to a circuit. Instead of an impeller, the flow sensor may include an arm in a fluid flow path connected to a strain gauge.
In an alternative embodiment, and referring to Figure 2, there is shown a device 1 for detecting and preventing fluid leaks.
A housing in the form of a pipe 10 is having an inlet 11 to connect to a supply of fluid such as a mains water supply A and an outlet 12 to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit such as a water circuit in a building. A suitable connector such as a compression joint 11A is provided to connect the pipe 10 to a mains supply, and a compression joint 12A is provided to connect the pipe 10 to the water circuit B. An electrical stop cock in the form of a rotatable disc 20 is provided in pipe 10 in the pipe having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the pipe and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the pipe. Disc 20 may be rotated by a motor or solenoid 21
A controller and at least one pressure sensor to operate the stop cock to the first closed position when pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit falls for more than a predetermined period of time.
The controller and at least one pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensor 30 and reader 31 to sense the pressure in the fluid circuit. Memory means 40 memorises the fluid pressure in the fluid circuit when no fluid is passing therethrough to provide a control fluid pressure value, normally mains water pressure at any one time. Control means in the form of Comparator 50 and timer 60 turns the stop cock to the first closed position when the pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit remains below the control fluid pressure value after a predetermined period of time. An alarm means 70 generate an alarm signal when the when a pressure difference exists across said stock cock after a predetermined period of time.
Device 1 operates as follows.
The stop cock provided by disc 20 is normally open. Assuming no water is flowing through the circuit B, i.e. no taps, showers, or other water appliances are running, the pressure in the water circuit is equal to mains pressure A. Pressure sensor 30 measures this pressure and this is memorised in memory means 40 to provide a control fluid value. If a tap is operated, the pressure in the water circuit will fall below the control fluid pressure value and this is measured by the comparator 50. If the tap is then closed the pressure in the water circuit will rise back to below the control fluid pressure value. Provided the water pressure falls only for a predetermined period of time as set by the timer 50, the water circuit operates as normal. The predetermined period of time might be set at 15 minutes, the maximum time it takes to run a bath for example.
If the tap is operated and not closed by mistake, the pressure in the water circuit will fall, and after the predetermined period of time the disc will be turned to the first closed position by motor or solenoid 21. Alarm 70 will be operated to alert the user of the water circuit.
If all the taps and other water appliances are not being used and there is a leak in the water circuit, , the pressure in the water circuit will fall, and after the predetermined period of time the disc will be turned to the first closed position by motor or solenoid 21. Alarm 70 will be operated to alert the user of the water circuit.
The invention has uses in residential and commercial building to monitor for water leaks which may cause damage. However it may also be used to monitor circuits involving other fluids such as gas oil and chemicals in building, plant and machinery, oil rigs and the like.
Whilst only one pressure senor is described in the drawing, it may be possible to use more than one pressure sensor or an alternative arrangement to that shown in the drawing to provide a control means to turn the stop cock to the first closed position when the pressure sensor/s senses the pressure in the circuit remains below the control fluid pressure value after a predetermined period of time, and to provide an alarm means to generate an alarm signal when the when a pressure difference exists across said stock cock after a predetermined period of time. The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example, an override switch may be provided so that the fluid can be turned on even if a leak remains undetected. It may also be possible to use several devices of the invention in order to locate the position of a leak in a fluid circuit is, for example if one device was used for upstairs and one device downstairs in a house, or every ten miles in an oil pipe.
Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting and preventing fluid leaks in a fluid circuit connected to a supply of fluid comprising:
a) a fluid flow sensor, and
b) a controller connected to the fluid flow sensor to generate an alarm signal when fluid flow sensor senses flow in the circuit for more than a
predetermined period of time.
2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the alarm signal is connected to an audible alarm to allow a user to turn off supply of fluid to a circuit.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a stop cock having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the circuit from a supply of fluid and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the circuit from a supply of fluid.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein generation of the alarm signal controls the stop cock to the first closed position.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow sensor is an impeller.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the impeller may include a magnet on each impeller blade which rotate past a coil to generate an electrical pulse to sense fluid flow.
7. A device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow sensor may include an arm in a fluid flow path connected to a strain gauge.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stop cock and controller and fluid flow sensor may be mounted in a common housing.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the housing has an inlet to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit,
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller includes a first component connected to the fluid flow sensor which transmits data wirelessly or through a wire to a second component.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the controller may include a screen to display information.
12. A device according to claim 3, wherein the stop cock is motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid may be a gas or liquid.
14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid is water and the circuit a water circuit in a building, and the supply of fluid may be mains water.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes connectors to connect the housing inlet to a supply of fluid and the housing outlet to a fluid circuit.
A device for detecting and preventing fluid leaks comprising:
a) a housing having an inlet to connect to a supply of fluid and an outlet to deliver fluid to a fluid circuit,
b) an electrical stop cock in the housing having a first closed position to prevent flow of fluid through the housing and a second normally open position to allow flow of fluid through the housing, and
c) a controller and at least one pressure sensor to operate the stop cock to the first closed position when pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit falls for more than a predetermined period of time.
17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the controller and at least one pressure sensor may comprise:
a) at least one pressure sensor to sense the pressure in the fluid circuit, b) means to memorise the fluid pressure in the fluid circuit when no fluid is passing therethrough to provide a control fluid pressure value,
c) control means to turn the stop cock to the first closed position when the pressure sensor senses the pressure in the circuit remains below the control fluid pressure value after a predetermined period of time, and
d) alarm means to generate an alarm signal when the when a pressure difference exists across said stock cock after a predetermined period of time.
18. A device according to claim 16 orl 7, wherein the stop cock is motorised valve or solenoid-operated valve.
19. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the housing includes a section of pipe containing said stop cock and pressure sensors.
20. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the fluid is a gas or liquid.
21. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the fluid is water and circuit a water circuit in a building.
22. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the housing may include connectors to connect the housing inlet to a supply of fluid and the housing outlet to a fluid circuit.
PCT/GB2015/000116 2014-04-14 2015-04-14 Device for detecting and preventing water leaks WO2015159040A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1406734.2 2014-04-14
GB1406734.2A GB2521018A (en) 2013-12-05 2014-04-14 Device for detecting and preventing water leaks
GB1419558.0 2014-11-03
GB1419558.0A GB2525461A (en) 2014-04-14 2014-11-03 Water leak detecting system (Device for locating, detecting and preventing water leaks)

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015159040A1 true WO2015159040A1 (en) 2015-10-22

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FR3049707A1 (en) * 2016-03-29 2017-10-06 Patrice Christian Philippe Charles Chevalier SUPERCONSUMPTION DETECTOR FOR FLUID AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
CN108286624A (en) * 2017-12-22 2018-07-17 南通市电站阀门有限公司 A kind of interior leakage on-Line Monitor Device for valve
CN109210387A (en) * 2018-09-27 2019-01-15 中国科学院合肥物质科学研究院 A method of the gas pipe leakage detection positioning based on mathematical model
US10229579B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2019-03-12 Rachio, Inc System for detecting flow characteristics and activating automatic flow shutoff
CN110425001A (en) * 2019-08-06 2019-11-08 神华神东煤炭集团有限责任公司 The anti-running pulp system of mine slip casting pipeline
GB2582187A (en) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-16 Gooch Colin A water flow device
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US10229579B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2019-03-12 Rachio, Inc System for detecting flow characteristics and activating automatic flow shutoff
FR3049707A1 (en) * 2016-03-29 2017-10-06 Patrice Christian Philippe Charles Chevalier SUPERCONSUMPTION DETECTOR FOR FLUID AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
CN105822906A (en) * 2016-05-17 2016-08-03 吉林华熠智能控制系统有限公司 Chemical gas and liquid leakage monitoring device
CN108286624A (en) * 2017-12-22 2018-07-17 南通市电站阀门有限公司 A kind of interior leakage on-Line Monitor Device for valve
CN109210387A (en) * 2018-09-27 2019-01-15 中国科学院合肥物质科学研究院 A method of the gas pipe leakage detection positioning based on mathematical model
GB2582187A (en) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-16 Gooch Colin A water flow device
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GB2582187B (en) * 2019-03-15 2023-06-07 Gooch Colin A water flow device
CN110425001A (en) * 2019-08-06 2019-11-08 神华神东煤炭集团有限责任公司 The anti-running pulp system of mine slip casting pipeline
US11053668B1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-07-06 Hydrodynamic Technologies LLC Intelligent water monitoring system
WO2021162832A1 (en) * 2020-02-11 2021-08-19 Hydrodynamic Technologies LLC Intelligent water-monitoring system
GB2608062A (en) * 2020-02-11 2022-12-21 Hydrodynamic Tech Llc Intelligent water-monitoring system

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GB201419558D0 (en) 2014-12-17

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