WO1984002401A1 - Systeme de controle du niveau d'eau et/ou d'alarme pour cales - Google Patents

Systeme de controle du niveau d'eau et/ou d'alarme pour cales Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1984002401A1
WO1984002401A1 PCT/AU1983/000187 AU8300187W WO8402401A1 WO 1984002401 A1 WO1984002401 A1 WO 1984002401A1 AU 8300187 W AU8300187 W AU 8300187W WO 8402401 A1 WO8402401 A1 WO 8402401A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
probes
switch
water
water level
pump
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1983/000187
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kevyn Barry Moore
Original Assignee
Kevyn Barry Moore
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
Application filed by Kevyn Barry Moore filed Critical Kevyn Barry Moore
Priority to AU23426/84A priority Critical patent/AU2342684A/en
Publication of WO1984002401A1 publication Critical patent/WO1984002401A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/0007—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm for discrete indicating and measuring
    • G01F23/0015—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm for discrete indicating and measuring with a whistle or other sonorous signal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/24—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid
    • G01F23/241—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid for discrete levels
    • G01F23/243—Schematic arrangements of probes combined with measuring circuits

Definitions

  • Trawlers and other fishing boats are liable to take on large amounts of water which collects in the bilges. If this water is not pumped overboard, the trawler or boat is liable to sink. This problem of taking on water occurs with all types of watercraft, even when at their moorings, as it is not possible to provide a perfectly water-tight hull.
  • One area where waterleaks often occur is where the propellor shaft enters the hull.
  • an automatic bilge pump switch including: a set of probes adapted to be contacted by water at a critical level in the bilge; a switch means connected to the set of probes and adapted to be connected to a bilge pump; a power supply means adapted to be connected to the set of probes and/or the switch means; so arranged that when the water reaches the critical level; a current flow through the set of probes operates the switch means which operates the bilge pump to lower the water level below the critical level.
  • the switch means includes a timer means which when switched on, causes the bilge pump to be operated for a preset period.
  • the timer means will be reset to cause the bilge pump to be operated for a further preset period or periods until the water level falls below the critical level.
  • the switch means may include a power transistor interposed between the bilge pump and the power supply, the power transistor being switched on to switch on the pump.
  • the present invention resides in a water level alarm for bilges including :- a set of probes adapted to be contacted by water at a critical level in the bilge; an audible and/or visual alarm means connectable to a power supply; and switch means connected to the set of probes and to the alarm means so arranged that when the water level reaches the critical level, the alarm means is switched to indicate that the critical level has been exceeded.
  • the audible alarm means may include a piezo alarm, hooter or other suitable means.
  • the visual alarm may include a LED (which may be a flashing LED), a neon tube or other suitable lamp. When a flashing LED is used, it may be connected across the audible alarm to modulate the latter.
  • the set of probes may be mounted on the boxes containing the bilge pump switch and/or alarm or may be remote therefrom.
  • the present invention may reside in a combination of the bilge pump switch and alarm.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the system
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the system.
  • the system is provided in four main component groups - the set of probes 10, the pump switching and timing unit 11, the bilge pump 12 and the alarm unit 13.
  • the system is powered by the boat's battery (not shown) which is connected to a positive rail V+ and earth.
  • the set of probes 10 has two outer probes 14, 15 with carbon tips at a first critical level A, when the pump 12 is to be switched on, and a central probe 16 with its carbon tip at a second critical level B, when the alarm 14 is operated.
  • the transistor Q1 is switched on, current from the positive rail V+ flows through the emitter to the collectorof Q1 and then through resistor R3 connected to trigger pin 1 of an LM3905 monostable timer to start the timer cycle.
  • the current also flows through diode D4 and resistor R6 to the base of NPN transistor Q2, overcoming the reverse bias supplied from earth to the base through resistor R7, turning transistor Q2 on.
  • the transistor Q2 and resistors R6, R7 act as a bypass circuit for the timer).
  • timing circuit will be triggered when the voltage at pin 1 exceeds a preset threshold voltage of e.g. +1.6V and the timer will not retrigger if pin 1 is held high during the timing circuit but the timer will complete its timing cycle.
  • Pin 2 is the voltage reference and is connected to an internal voltage regulator set at e.g. +3.15V while pin 3 has the timing resistors R4, R5 connected to pin 2 and the timing capacitors C1, C2 connected to earth.
  • Pin 3 is connected to an internal comparator which, when the voltage across the timing capacitor reaches +2V, will change state to switch off the timing cycle.
  • Pin 4 is connected to earth, as are the emitter pin 7 and logic pin 8 while pin 5 is connected to the positive rail V+ via protection diode D1 , transient currents being filtered out by capacitor C3.
  • the collector/ output pin 6 is connected to the collector of transistor Q2 and to the collector of an internal NPN output transistor and the emitter pin 7 is connected to the emitter of the NPN output transistor and the base of transistor Q2 via resistor R7.
  • the logic pin 8 is connected to earth, switching on the output transistor during the timing period.
  • Capacitors C6 and C7 expedite the switching on and off of transistors Q4, which is an NPN power transistor.
  • transistor Q4 turns on, current flows from earth, to the emitter and then the collector of transistor Q4, to the bilge pump 12, and returns to the positive rail V+, thereby turning on the bilge pump. After the timing period, and if the water level has fallen, all forward bias to Q1 , Q2, Q3 and Q4 is switched off and reverse bias is applied to these transistors turning them off.
  • Diode D2 is to protect Q4 from back E.M.F. generated by the windings of the bilge pump when transistor Q4 turns off, while diode D1 is to protect the printed circuit board circuitry from reverse polarity and capacitor C3 is a decoupling capacitor to prevent false triggering of the timing circuit by voltage spikes in the power supply. If the water level rises to contact probe P2 (the second critical level B), current will flow from earth, through limiting resistor R19 to the negative supply probe 14. From there, the current flows through the water, through probe 16 and resistor R12 to the base of transistor Q5, overcoming the reverse bias supplied from the positive rail V+ through resistor R13, thereby switching transistor Q5 on, where Q5 is a PNP transistor.
  • transistor Q5 When transistor Q5 is switched on, current flows from the positive rail V+ to the emitter and then the collector of transistor Q5, then through resistor R14 to the base of transistor Q6, overcoming the reverse bias supplied from earth, through transistor R15, thereby switching Q6 on, where Q6 is an NPN transistor.
  • Transistor Q6 When transistor Q6 switches on, negative current flows from earth to the emitter and then the collector of transistor Q6 and to the common connection of the 7812 12 volt voltage regulator. Transistor Q6 also provides a negative current path for the pulsing circuit, consisting of IC2 and associated circuitry, and to the piezo alarm P.A. and visual alarm LED1. Positive current at 24 volts flows to the In terminal of the 7812 and current at 12 volts out of the OUT terminal of the &812.
  • the pulsing circuit, LED1 and the piezo alarm operate on 12 volts.
  • the pulsing circuit IC2 as shown in FIG. 2 is a 555 timer wired for a stable operation with the following pin functions -
  • the 7812 voltage regulator is not necessary.
  • the 555 timer IC has a maximum voltage rating of 18V and the pulsing circuit may be deleted if desired.
  • the back-up circuit, incorporating transistor Q2 will keep the bilge pump operating as the LM3905 timer will not retrigger until the water level drops below the probes to allow Q1 to turn off.
  • capacitor C10 which has been charged to voltage V+ discharges through resistors R20, R6, overcoming the reverse bias of resistor R7, to maintain the transistor Q2 switched on for a period determined by the values of resistors R20, R6 and capacitor C10 which should not be less than the minimum safe pumping time of the bilge pump.
  • timer LM3905 may be replaced by a 555 timer which will retrigger automatically while current is supplied to the trigger pin by transistor Q1 , the back up circuit incorporating transistor Q2 again being used. It is not essential that the tips of the probes
  • the probes 14-16 be of carbon as little electrolysis damage is likely to occur. However, it is preferred that the tips come to a point to better penetrate any oil layer on top of the bilge water.
  • the probes 14-16 may comprise lengths of brass rod sheathed in plastic or rubber, with only their tops exposed. The sheathing prevents moisture on the housing 18 for the switching and timing unit 11 tripping the probes which are high sensitive.
  • the housing 18 may incorporate one or more heat sinks 19 to dissipate the heat generated in power transistor Q6.
  • the switching and timing unit 11 may be mounted in the bilges and the alarm unit 13 in the cockpit. However, in certain applications, it may be preferred to employ remote probes 10 with both units 11,13 in the cockpit.
  • the invention may be used to monitor the level of water or other conducting liquids in other containers e.g. such as overflow tanks for engine cooling system.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

Un circuit d'alarme et de contrôle de niveau d'eau pour des cales de bateaux possède deux jeux de sonde (14, 15), (15, 16) entre lesquels s'établit un contact lorsque l'eau dans les cales atteint des niveaux critiques (A, B). Le flux de courant au travers des sondes (14, 15) commute une minuterie (IC1) qui déclenche une pompe de cale (12) pendant une période de temps prédéterminée afin d'abaisser le niveau d'eau. Un circuit de dérivation (Q2) redéclenche la minuterie pour que le fonctionnement de la pompe (12) continue si l'eau n'est pas descendue en dessous du niveau A. Si l'eau augmente jusqu'au niveau B, le flux de courant traversant les sondes (15, 16) déclenche une minuterie (IC2) qui actionne une alarme sonore piézoélectrique (PA) et une alarme visuelle (LED1).
PCT/AU1983/000187 1982-12-17 1983-12-19 Systeme de controle du niveau d'eau et/ou d'alarme pour cales WO1984002401A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU23426/84A AU2342684A (en) 1982-12-17 1983-12-19 Water level monitor and/or alarm system for bilges

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU731982 1982-12-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1984002401A1 true WO1984002401A1 (fr) 1984-06-21

Family

ID=3697977

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1983/000187 WO1984002401A1 (fr) 1982-12-17 1983-12-19 Systeme de controle du niveau d'eau et/ou d'alarme pour cales

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0160646A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1984002401A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2253703A (en) * 1991-03-14 1992-09-16 Issam Moh D Ahmed Wadi Electronic liquid level sensing device
EP0706033A3 (fr) * 1994-10-07 1998-05-27 PIETRO FOGACCI S.r.l. Dispositif de sécurité et d'indication de niveau pour une chaudière à vapeur
ES2140337A1 (es) * 1998-01-19 2000-02-16 Univ Catalunya Politecnica Contador de tiempo de funcionamiento de bombas de achique.
GB2413387A (en) * 2004-04-22 2005-10-26 Francis West A bilge alarm which utilises a pressure sensing device
KR100956851B1 (ko) * 2007-12-26 2010-05-11 한국생산기술연구원 타이머회로를 이용한 수위레벨감지장치
US20130226042A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2013-08-29 Misonix Incorporated Ultrasonic Treatment Method and Apparatus with Active Pain Suppression

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1386255A (en) * 1971-07-02 1975-03-05 Fmc Corp Liquid level control system
GB1488199A (en) * 1976-08-27 1977-10-05 Pynford Ltd Drainage system
AU2776077A (en) * 1976-08-09 1979-02-15 Stobbart B C Level control
AU2994177A (en) * 1976-10-18 1979-04-26 Sta-rite Industries, Inc Conductive liquid level control circuit
JPS5633710A (en) * 1979-08-28 1981-04-04 Shinichi Ishihara Electrode-type drain trap
WO1982001786A1 (fr) * 1980-11-13 1982-05-27 Jan E Gismervik Dispositif de commutateur electrique commande par flotteur comprenant un contact a languette qui est ouvert et ferme par le champ d'une force d'un aimant permanent

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1386255A (en) * 1971-07-02 1975-03-05 Fmc Corp Liquid level control system
AU2776077A (en) * 1976-08-09 1979-02-15 Stobbart B C Level control
GB1488199A (en) * 1976-08-27 1977-10-05 Pynford Ltd Drainage system
AU2994177A (en) * 1976-10-18 1979-04-26 Sta-rite Industries, Inc Conductive liquid level control circuit
JPS5633710A (en) * 1979-08-28 1981-04-04 Shinichi Ishihara Electrode-type drain trap
WO1982001786A1 (fr) * 1980-11-13 1982-05-27 Jan E Gismervik Dispositif de commutateur electrique commande par flotteur comprenant un contact a languette qui est ouvert et ferme par le champ d'une force d'un aimant permanent

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2253703A (en) * 1991-03-14 1992-09-16 Issam Moh D Ahmed Wadi Electronic liquid level sensing device
EP0706033A3 (fr) * 1994-10-07 1998-05-27 PIETRO FOGACCI S.r.l. Dispositif de sécurité et d'indication de niveau pour une chaudière à vapeur
ES2140337A1 (es) * 1998-01-19 2000-02-16 Univ Catalunya Politecnica Contador de tiempo de funcionamiento de bombas de achique.
GB2413387A (en) * 2004-04-22 2005-10-26 Francis West A bilge alarm which utilises a pressure sensing device
US20130226042A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2013-08-29 Misonix Incorporated Ultrasonic Treatment Method and Apparatus with Active Pain Suppression
KR100956851B1 (ko) * 2007-12-26 2010-05-11 한국생산기술연구원 타이머회로를 이용한 수위레벨감지장치

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0160646A1 (fr) 1985-11-13

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