GB2520750A

GB2520750A - Detector

Info

Publication number: GB2520750A
Application number: GB1321119.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Mitchell
Original assignee: Sentinel Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Sentinel Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-29
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Also published as: GB201321119D0; WO2015079216A1

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a detector, comprising: a first detector port 4 for passing fluid; second and third detector ports 6 and 8 for passing fluid, the second and third detector ports being connected to the first detector port; first and second sensors 30 and 32 for indicating a property of fluid in the second and third detector ports; and a controller 34 configured to compare the indications, and arranged to perform an action depending on a detected difference between the indications. The detector may be a leak detector and the property may be a pressure or flow rate. The action may comprise closing one of the ports or providing an audible of visual indicator. There may be provided a dual fluid flow system in which pressurised fluid flows into the detector through the first port and out through the second and third. The system may comprise a combiner which combines fluid form the second and third ports into a single flow and the combiner may be connected to the second and third ports via parallel conduits.

Description

DETECTOR

The present invention relates generally to a detector, to a fluid flow system comprising such a detector, and to related detection methods and installation methods.

Structures, such as domestic building or the like, are almost always fitted with one or more fluid flow systems. Such systems might allow for the controlled flow of water or gas in and around the building. At one or more times during the lifetime of the fluid flow system, a leak may develop. For instance, a leak may develop due to the general degradation of the fluid flow system, or due to an enforced failure due to, for example, weather conditions or the like. Leaks in a fluid flow system are, at the very least, inconvenient. For example, a leak might require urgent repair of the fluid flow system, which can be inconvenient in terms of both time and costs. However, and perhaps most importantly, a leak in a fluid flow system can cause significant damage to the building or other structure in which the fluid flow system is installed, as well as contents of the structure. For instance, and in the UK alone, insurance claims relating to damage caused by leaks in fluid flow systems amount to well over £500,000,000 per year. Clearly, leaks, the identification of leaks, and the stopping of such leaks is a significant problem.

Many different systems have been developed that attempt to seek to: prevent such leaks; rapidly and effectively detect the location of such leaks for quick repair; and/or at the very least detect such leaks and shut-off the fluid supply to prevent further leakage of fluid. However, all such systems have serious drawbacks.

In one system, a large number of sensors are located along conduits of the fluid flow system, the sensors being sensitive to fluid carried in those conduits. If a leak is present, the leak and its location are detected by a respective sensor. Thus, the leak and its location can be identified. However, the system as a whole is difficult and expensive to install, requiring a large number of sensors, a large amount of wiring, and associated maintenance.

Another system relates to a timed supply of fluid through the fluid flow system.

For example, the time of supply might be such that no more fluid than is necessary to undertake a typical or extreme fluid-related task within the building is supplied for any one period, for example a volume required to fill a bath. Once sufficient time has passed to allow for the supply of such a volume of fluid, the supply is stopped. The system might prevent leaks, in that fluid is not continuously supplied throughout the fluid flow system. However, the system is, of course, extremely crude and could result in the fluid supply being stopped when fluid is actually required, for example during a shower or during a bath, or at any other appropriate time.

In another system, a reduction in pressure in the fluid flow system is used to determine the presence of a leak in that system. If a pressure drop-off or decay is noted, the fluid supply to or through the system is shut-off. However, such a pressure drop or decay could readily be associated with normal usage of the system, for example using one or more taps or other outlet of the system. This might result in an inadvertent shut-off of the fluid supply. Thus, a more sophisticated approach is to compare the pressure drop-off with a look-up table or other data store, to see whether the pressure drop-off or decay is lower than a threshold amount that would indicate a leak, or has a profile that indicates a leak or the like. Although the system is indeed more sophisticated, the system might nevertheless require constant updating depending on the number of outlets in the fluid flow system, or the nature of those outlets, all to ensure that the fluid supply is not inadvertently cut-off at an unintended time.

It is an example aim of example embodiments of the present invention to at least partially obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative or improvement with

respect to the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a detector, comprising: a first detector port for passing fluid; second and third detector ports for passing fluid, the second and third detector ports being connected to the first detector port; a first sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the second detector port; a second sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the third detector port; and a controller configured to compare the indications, and arranged to perform an action depending on a detected difference between the indications.

The property may comprise a pressure or a flow rate.

The action the controller is arranged to perform might be to prevent flow through one or more of the first, second and third detector ports.

The action the controller is arranged to perform might be to prevent flow through the first detector port.

The controller might be arranged to prevent flow by closing a valve in one or more of the detector ports.

The action the controller is arranged to perform might be to provide an audible and/or visual indicator.

The second and/or third detector ports might comprise a one way valve. The one way valve might be configured to prevent flow through the second and/or third detector port and toward and out of the first detector port.

The controller might be arranged to perform the action when there is a difference between the indications of a pre-determined threshold value, and/or where there is a change in a difference equal to or above a pre-determined threshold value.

That value might be zero.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a dual fluid flow system comprising the detector of an aspect of the invention, wherein: the first detector port is connectable to a pressurised fluid source; and the second and third detector ports are each arranged to receive fluid from the first port to provide the dual flow.

The dual fluid flow system might further comprise a combiner. The combiner might comprise first and second combiner ports, for connection with the second and third detector ports; and a third combiner port, for receiving fluid from the first and second combiner ports and for outputting/outletting the fluid from the combiner.

The second and/or third combiner ports might comprise a one way valve. The one way valve might be configured to prevent fluid from the second port/third port leaving the third/second port.

The dual fluid flow system might comprise one or more conduits connecting the second detector port to the first combiner port, and/or one or more conduits connecting the third detector port to the second combiner port.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a flow system in a building, the method comprising installing the detector or dual fluid flow system of one or more aspects of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a detection method, comprising: dividing a pressurised fluid input into a first fluid carrying conduit and a second fluid carrying conduit; obtaining an indication of a property of the fluid in the first fluid carrying conduit; obtaining an indication of a property of the fluid in the second fluid carrying conduit; and comparing the indications, and performing an action depending on a detected difference between the indications.

Downstream of the division, the method might comprise combining the first and second fluid carrying conduits into a single fluid carrying conduit before a fluid output/outlet.

One or more features of one or more aspects of the present invention may be combined with and/or replace one or more features of one or more other aspects of the present invention, unless clearly mutually exclusive to the skilled person after a

reading of its disclosure.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts a detector for use in a dual fluid flow system, and a combiner for use in such a system, in accordance with an example embodiment; Figure 2 schematically depicts detail of the detector of Figure 1; and Figure 3 schematically depicts detail of the combiner of Figure 1.

The present invention at least partially obviates or mitigates one or more disadvantages of the prior art by taking a completely different approach to, for example, leak detection. The approach is different in that detection is undertaken relative to an in-built reference. That is, an external reference in the form of a look-up table or database, or an arbitrary timing regime, or an external sensor, is simply not required.

In more detail, an example embodiment of the present invention provides a detector. The detector comprises a first detector port for passing fluid. Second and third detector ports for passing fluid are also provided, the second and third detector ports being connected to the first detector port, for example branching out or being divided out from the first detector port. A first sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in (which includes through) the detector port is provided. A second sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in (which includes through) the third detector port is also provided. A controller is provided, and is configured to compare indications provided by the sensors. That is, the sensors do not necessarily need to provide exact absolute measurements -relative indications of, for example, changes may suffice. The controller is arranged to perform an action depending on a detected difference (which could be a difference, or a change in a difference) between the indications. That is, the fluid in and passing through the second port provides a reference for the fluid passing in and through the third port, and/or the fluid in and passing through the third port provides a reference for the fluid in and passing through the second port.

With the above, inherent cross-referencing is facilitated, which allows for a leak to be efficiently and effectively detected. For instance, a change in pressure or flow rate in only one outlet port will result in a difference being detected between that port and the other outlet port, which could be indicative of a leak. Action taken in response could be to generate an audible or visual indicator, for example an audible and/or visual alarm. The audible and/or visual indicator may indicate in which port the reduction in pressure or fluid has been detected, which will be indicative of a leak in one or more conduits attached to or forming part of that port. It is most likely that, in practice, the action will at least comprise preventing fluid flow through one or more of the ports, for example the port in which the pressure or flow rate reduction has been detected, or simply through the first port to prevent fluid flowing into and through the detector/fluid system as a whole. This might reduce or even prevent the damage caused by leaks as described above, and in a quick and convenient manner.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a detector 2 for use in a dual flow fluid system according to an example embodiment. A combiner 3 for use in the system is also shown. The detector 2 comprises a first inlet port 4, and then second and third outlet ports 6, 8 which are in fluid connection with the first, inlet port 4. The detector 2 is also provided with electrical cabling 10 for use in providing electrical signals to and/or from the detector 2.

Multiple conduits 12, for example pipes, are connected to the ports 4, 6, 8 to allow fluid to enter and leave the detector 2, and, downstream, to connect the detector 2 to the combiner 3. The combiner 3 includes the first and second inlet ports 14, 16, which are connected to a third, outlet port 18.

The conduits 12 may be connected to the detector 2, and/or combiner 3 in any appropriate manner, for example by convenient push-fit connections 20 or other form of connection.

Fluid flow through the system as a whole can be manually allowed or prevented via a manually operated valve 22.

Figure 1 could be understood, in summary, as a detector 2 which divides a pressurised fluid flow into first and second separate fluid flows, and then a combiner 3 which takes those divided fluid flows and re-combines them into a single fluid flow. As will be discussed in more detail below, the division of the flow is important, since it allows for one divided flow to provide a reference for the other divided flow, while the re-combination allows for fluid to be supplied to an outlet, for example a tap or the like, in the usual, conventional manner. The combination also ensures that any pressure or flow change at the outlet, for example opening or closing a tap, results in this very same pressure change or flow change being enforced upon the fluids in both divided flows, such that both divided flows can still provide a common reference for one another. That is, any differences in the pressures or flows of the divided flows, or changes in those differences, would most likely only be introduced by a leak in the conduits containing the divided flows.

Figure 2 shows a more detailed view of the detector 2. A first sensor 30 is provided for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the second, outlet, port 6, while a second sensor 32 is provided for indicating a property of fluid in the third, outlet, port 8. The sensors 30, 32 may be any sensor appropriate to the indication that is being sought. For instance, the sensors 30, 32 may be any sensor that is suitable for in some way indicating the presence of a leak in downstream conduits, and might for example be capable of detecting one or both of pressure or flow rate, or changes in pressure or changes in flow rate. Hall Effect sensors may be suitable. The sensors 30, 32 may at least partially extending into the respective port 6, 8, or may be able to obtain indications of fluid properties from outside of the port 6, 8, for example via a window, or through material forming the port 6, 8.

The sensors 30, 32 are in connection with a controller 34. The controller 34 is configured to compare the indications provided by the sensors 30, 32. Depending on a detected difference between indications, the controller 34 is arranged to perform an action. It is important to note that in some instances, any difference between indications may be sufficient to cause the controller to perform this action. However, in more subtle examples, there may already be a difference between the indications, for example due to differences in downstream conduits or the like connected to each outlet port, and the controller may be triggered to perform an action when this difference itself changes.

In this embodiment, the controller 34 is in electrical connection with a solenoid 36. The solenoid 36 is, in turn, connected to a valve 38 located in the first port 4 of the detector 2. If the detected difference, or change in difference, is above a threshold value (which could be zero) the controller 34 controls the solenoid 36, for example by energizing the solenoid 36. The control is to close the valve 38 in the first port 4 to prevent fluid flow into and through the system, thus preventing further fluid from escaping from what might be a leak further downstream in the system. One or more audible and/or visual indicators 40 might also be activated to alert a user of the detection of the different indications, which could be indicative of a leak in the system.

Depending on the way the different indication is calculated, it should be possible to determine whether there was, for example, a decrease in pressure or flow rate in the second or third, outlet, ports 6, 8, and an audible and/or visual indication may be specific to one or both of these ports 6, 8.

The second and third, outlet ports 6, 8 each comprise one-way valves 42.

These valves 42 prevent fluid flowing from the second or third ports 6, 8 toward and out of the first port 4, and also prevent cross-flow between fluid in the second and third ports 6, 8. As well as preventing any cross-contamination or the like, these one-way valves 42 may also assist in obtaining a more accurate or more isolated indications in the ports 6, 8, especially if the sensors 30, 32 are downstream of the one-way valves 42.

The first port 4 may be in fluid communication or connection with the second and third, outlet ports 6, 8 in any convenient manner. For example, a T-connector 44 may form a branch off for the second and third ports 6, 8.

Conduits 12 connected to or forming part of the outlet ports 6, 8 may have a smaller cross-sectional area/diameter than conduits 12 in connection with the inlet port 4, thus allowing for a desired, for example, inlet, pressure to be maintained at the outlet ports 6, 8, which of course divide the inlet flow.

Figure 3 shows the combiner 3. The combiner 3 combines the divided fluid flows that were divided by the detector. The combiner 3 comprises first and second combiner inlet ports 14, 16, which combine into a third, outlet, port 18. The outlet port 18 may be in connection with a fluid outlet, for example a downstream tap or other outlet or the like of the fluid flow system. The inlet ports 14, 16 can be combined to form or to be in connection with a single outlet port 18 in any convenient manner, for example by use of a T-connection 50 or the like.

Each inlet port 14, 16 of the combiner 3 is provided with a one-way valve 52, for preventing fluid flow from the outlet port 18 and into and through the inlet port 14, 16.

Such valves 52 also prevent fluid flow between the inlet ports 14, 16, which prevents cross-contamination between fluid passing into and through those ports 14, 16. This might prevent fluid leaking out of the system by passing through one port 14 to another port 16.

Conduits 12 connected to or forming part of the outlet port 18 may have a larger cross-sectional area/diameter than conduits 12 in connection with the inlet ports 14, 16, thus allowing for a desired, for example, outlet, pressure to be maintained at the outlet ports 18.

Figures 1-3 show a typical, practical implementation of the principles underlying embodiments of the present invention. Variations are, of course, possible.

In perhaps a less practical implementation, one or more sensors may, instead, or additionally, be located in the combiner. Also, the Figures show that the detector comprises sensors and a controller located in a single housing. In another embodiment, the sensor could be located proximate to or within the ports of the detector, and the controller could be located remotely, for example in a control panel of or for a building in which the fluid system is installed. The connection might be wired or wireless. However, this might add to the cost or the complexity of the system, and it might simply be cheaper and/or more straightforward to locate the controller in the same housing as the sensors and the like of the detector.

In the embodiments described above, "ports" have been generically defined and described. A port can be alternatively and/or additionally defined as being an inlet/outlet, which might comprise one or more sections of conduit or the like.

Typically, in order to detect a leak, changes in flow rate and/or pressure will need to be detected in some way, or an indication of such changes obtained.

However, the way in which the system as a whole works facilitates more general control. For example, the sensors could be sensors capable of detecting one or more fluid properties, other than pressure or flow rate, for example fluid composition, temperature, density, and so on. Again, the fact that the divided fluid flows provide references for one another might be useful in determining differences in whatever properties are of importance, which could indicate a downstream problem or the like.

Detection or indications of properties of fluid has been generally described. The properties could be defined by properties of fluid flow past a particular point in the port, or a volume of fluid within the port, or of an area within the port, and so on. This might depend on the nature of the property, and the sensor that is used.

The embodiments have shown a single fluid flow being divided into two.

However, the division may take any particular form, so long as there is at least one reference against which changes can be detected or indicated. For instance, a single fluid flow can be divided into three or more distinct divisions, each of which divisions might provide a reference for another of the divisions.

The embodiments have shown a single valve in an inlet port of the detector being controllable to allow or prevent fluid from passing through the detector. In another embodiment, a valve may be located elsewhere, for example in one or more outlet ports of the detector, or somewhere else in the system. However, a valve in the inlet pod might the simplest and easiest location for a valve when trying to stop a leak downstream, especially when the detector is in connection with a pressurised fluid source at a fluid in let of a building -e.g. at the connection point to a mains supply of fluid.

The detector and/or fluid flow system might conveniently be installed during construction or re-furbishment of a building or other structure. The detector and/or fluid flow system could be retro-fitted.

The fluid referred to herein may be, for instance, a liquid or gas, for example water and natural gas. The same general apparatus and method principles described above will apply to whatever fluid might be used. However, it will of course be appreciated that specific details might vary from application to application. For example, differences in fluid properties/indications necessary to result in action being taken might depend on the specific fluid. The sensors might also be specific to the type of fluid, as might other components such as valves, conduits, connectors, and so on.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A detector, comprising: a first detector port for passing fluid; second and third detector ports for passing fluid, the second and third detector ports being connected to the first detector port; a first sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the second detector port; a second sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the third detector port; a controller configured to compare the indications, and arranged to perform an action depending on a detected difference between the indications.
2. The leak detector of claim 1, wherein the property comprises a pressure or a flow rate.
3. The leak detector of any preceding claim, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to prevent flow through one or more of the first, second and third detector ports.
4. The leak detector of any preceding claim, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to prevent flow through the first detector port.
5. The leak detector of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the controller is arranged to prevent flow by closing a valve in one or more of the detector ports.
6. The leak detector of any preceding claim, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to provide an audible and/or visual indicator.
7. The leak detector of any preceding claim, wherein the second and/or third detector ports comprise a one way valve, the one way valve being configured to prevent flow through the second and/or third detector port and toward and out of the first detector port.
8. The leak detector of any preceding claim, the controller is arranged to perform the action when there is a difference between the indications of a pre-determined threshold value, or where there is a change in a difference equal to or above a pre-determined threshold value.
9. A dual fluid flow system comprising the detector of any preceding claim, wherein: the first detector port is connectable to a pressurised fluid source; and the second and third detector pods are each arranged to receive fluid from the first port to provide the dual flow.
10. The dual fluid flow system of claim 9, further comprising a combiner, the combiner comprising: first and second combiner pods, for connection with the second and third detector pods; a third combiner port, for receiving fluid from the first and second combiner pods and for outputting the fluid.
11. The dual fluid flow system of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the second and/or third combiner ports comprise a one way valve, the one way valve being configured to prevent fluid from the second portlthird pod leaving the third/second pod.
12. The dual fluid flow system of any of claims 9 to 11, comprising one or more conduits connecting the second detector port to the first combiner pod, and/or one or more conduits connecting the third detector pod to the second combiner port.
13. A method of installing a flow system in a building, the method comprising installing the detector or dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim.
14. A detection method, comprising: dividing a pressurised fluid input into a first fluid carrying conduit and a second fluid carrying conduit; obtaining an indication of a property of the fluid in the first fluid carrying conduit; obtaining an indication of a property of the fluid in the second fluid carrying conduit; comparing the indications, and performing an action depending on a detected difference between the indications.
15. The detection method of claim 14, wherein, downstream of the division, the method comprising combining the first and second fluid carrying conduits into a single fluid carrying conduit before a fluid output.
16. A detector, dual fluid flow system, and/or method substantially as described herein, and/or substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, and/or substantially as shown in the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:CLAIMS1. A dual fluid flow system comprising a leak detector, the leak detector comprising: a first leak detector port for passing fluid, the first leak detector port being connectable to a pressurised fluid source; second and third leak detector ports for passing fluid, the second and third leak detector ports being connected to the first leak detector port, the second and third leak detector ports each being arranged to receive fluid from the first port to provide the dual flow; a first sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the second leak detector port; a second sensor for indicating a property of, in use, fluid in the third leak detector port; a controller configured to compare the indications, and arranged to perform an action depending on a detected difference between the indications, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to prevent flow through the second and third leak detector ports, and r wherein the system further comprises a combiner, the combiner comprising: first and second combiner ports, for fluid connection with the second and third r leak detector ports; a third combiner port, for receiving fluid from the first and second combiner ports and for outputting the fluid.2. The dual fluid flow system of claim 1, wherein the property comprises a pressure or a flow rate.3. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to prevent flow through the first leak detector port.4. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is arranged to prevent flow by closing a valve in one or more of the leak detector ports.5. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to also provide an audible and/or visual indicator.6. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, wherein the second and/or third detector ports comprise a one way valve, the one way valve being configured to prevent flow through the second and/or third leak detector port and toward and out of the first leak detector pod.7. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, the controller is arranged to perform the action when there is a difference between the indications of a pre-determined threshold value, or where there is a change in a difference equal to or above a pre-determined threshold value.8. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second combiner ports comprise a one way valve, the one way valve being configured to prevent fluid from the first combiner port/second combiner pod leaving the first/second combiner port. 15. .9. The dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim, comprising one or more conduits connecting the second leak detector pod to the first combiner pod, and/or one or more conduits connecting the third leak detector pod to the second combiner r port. N-2010. A method of installing a flow system in a building, the method comprising installing the dual fluid flow system of any preceding claim.11. A leak detection method, comprising: dividing a pressurised fluid input into a first fluid carrying conduit and a second fluid carrying conduit; obtaining an indication of a property of the fluid in the first fluid carrying conduit; obtaining an indication of a property of the fluid in the second fluid carrying conduit; comparing the indications, and performing an action depending on a detected difference between the indications, wherein the action is to prevent flow through the second and third fluid carrying conduits, wherein, downstream of the division, the method comprises combining the first and second fluid carrying conduits into a single fluid carrying conduit before a fluid output.12. A leak detector suitable for use in implementing the method of claim 11, the leak detector comprising: a first leak detector pod for passing fluid; second and third leak detector ports for passing fluid, the second and third leak detector pods being connected to the first leak detector pod; a first sensor for indicating a propedy of, in use, fluid in the second leak detector port; a second sensor for indicating a propedy of, in use, fluid in the third leak detector pod; a controller configured to compare the indications, and arranged to perform an action depending on a detected difference between the indications, wherein the action the controller is arranged to perform is to prevent flow through the second and third leak detector pods.13. A detector, dual fluid flow system, and/or method substantially as described herein, and/or substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, and/or substantially as shown in the accompanying Figures.N r