WO2018104738A1

WO2018104738A1 - Fluid distribution monitoring system and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2018104738A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/053683
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross Finch; Stephen Finch
Original assignee: Omnia-Klenz Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-08
Filing date: 2017-12-07
Publication date: 2018-06-14
Also published as: GB201620879D0

Abstract

A method is provided for using a fluid distribution monitoring system. The system includes at least one fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to be dispensed from the system in use. The method includes the steps of detecting the temperature of fluid at or adjacent the fluid outlet means and, based on the detected temperature and/or change in detected temperature of said fluid at said fluid outlet means, calculating fluid usage at said fluid outlet means.

Description

Fluid Distribution Monitoring System and Method of Use Thereof

This invention relates to a fluid distribution monitoring system and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a fluid distribution monitoring system in the form of a water distribution monitoring system, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention could be applied to any fluid system for any suitable application.

The development of microbiological activity in water circuits or water distribution systems has been recognised for many years. In recent times, a more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the biofilms and the bacteria and fungi that inhabit water circuits and distribution systems has developed. This is largely as a result of significant technical and analytical developments in the field. The advances in the measurement of specific DNA profiles of species within biofilms has moved on dramatically in the past ten years and, as such, a much deeper understanding and awareness of the species present within water systems has developed. In addition, a significant number of emerging pathogens have been identified, and links with many diseases/infections have been made. Recent work in the study of the implications of bacterial infections has identified and emphasised the potential for significant developments in Antibiotic Resistant bacteria, which could mean that simple infections become untreatable with current antibiotics, with potentially fatal consequences.

In large water distribution circuits, such as for example in hospitals, care homes, hotels, military establishments, schools and the like, there is typically a mains water supply entering the facility, with a plurality of "spurs" or "branches" branching off from the mains water supply pipe. These spurs or branches typically feed a plurality of water outlet valves and/or water appliances. The outlet mix valves and/or appliances are typically capable of developing substantial biofilms in normal use. As a general rule, the hot water supply temperature in healthcare facilities is maintained at, or above 60°C. This temperature will kill Legionella, and is used as a means of limiting infection within the water system from this and other microbiological species. The cold water supply temperature will generally be in the range of 5 to 15°C, depending on seasonal temperature variations.

In water outlets where hot and cold supplies are mixed, in order to be effectively utilised for showering or washing or bathing, mixing devices are installed to avoid the potential for scalding to occur. In this respect, the hot and cold supplies will be mixed in some form of thermostatically controlled mix valve arrangement. At the point of mixing, and downstream of this point, the temperature of the combined stream will be (i) less than 60°C, and (ii) generally in the range 30°C to 40°C, which is recognised as the typical showering, handwashing temperature.

In this temperature range, microbiological activity will proliferate and substantial, complex biofilms will develop in the mix-valves and the downstream pipework. This biofilm, and the associated bacteria and fungi, will also spread upstream of the point of mixing, particularly in the cold supply lines.

Evidence has been established to demonstrate that microbiological contamination from these mixing valves and/or devices can be transferred back to the mains water distribution supply pipe and/ or circuit, thereby spreading the contamination throughout the mains water supply pipe and/ or circuit. The potential issues arising from breaches in the integrity of a large water circuit are significant, particularly where gross contamination can be passed on to other parts of a system in a healthcare facility or other large water distribution circuits. Contamination from showers and other thermostatically controlled devices can result in individuals being in contact with Legionella, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and other pathogenic species. The wide variety of bacterial and fungal species potentially present in these contaminated outlets can cause/aggravate skin conditions, scalp conditions, infections on broken skin and open wounds, and can lead to infections of the upper respiratory tract and the lungs, with potentially fatal consequences. In some systems it is also becoming a trend to link cold supply lines to drinking water oudets. In this event the potential for back-contamination represents an additional risk to health.

In addition, in water distribution circuits, and typically those circuits containing a large number of water outlets (for example, in some hospitals over 7000 water outlets may be provided), it is often the case that a number of the water outlets may not be used on a regular basis. This can lead to water within the circuits adjacent the water outlets becoming stagnant. It is therefore important for a user to establish which water oudets are being used over pre-determined time periods. Currently the Water Safety Group in a Healthcare Facility prescribes a water oudet should be used for a minimum period each day, typically one to two minutes per day. If the water oudet is not used for this prescribed time period, it is recommended that the water outlet is flushed for a prescribed period, typically one to two minutes per day, in order to remove the stagnant water. The process of flushing a water circuit is both time consuming and expensive to perform; primarily because there is no current method of being able to accurately determine which water oudets are not meeting the requirements of the Water Safety Group prescribed limits and/or track whether flushing processes are being adequately carried out. There is also no current way of auditing the flushing process or estimating water energy or manpower costs associated with unnecessary flushing in water distribution systems.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a fluid distribution monitoring and/or measuring system that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution monitoring and/ or measuring system that overcomes the abovementioned problems. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution monitoring and/ or measuring system that can be arranged to identify one or more fluid oudets that need to be flushed as part of an infection control programme, and/ or a method of use thereof.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution monitoring and/or measuring system that can be arranged to monitor hand washing and/or cleaning routines at one or more fluid oudets within a facility, and/ or a method of use thereof.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution monitoring and/or measuring system that can be arranged to determine whether one or more fluid oudets require repair and /or replacement, and/or a method of use thereof.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution monitoring and/or measuring system that can be used to generate one or more data reports on fluid usage at one or more fluid oudets and/or a method of use thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a fluid distribution monitoring system, said system including at least one fluid oudet means for allowing fluid to be dispensed from the system in use, and wherein said method includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of fluid at or adjacent the fluid outiet means and, based on a detected temperature and/or change in detected temperature of said fluid at or adjacent said fluid outiet means, calculating fluid usage at said fluid outlet means.

Thus, the applicants have found that by measuring the temperature of fluid at one or more fluid outlet means and/or by detecting a change in temperature of the fluid at the one or more fluid outlet means in a fluid distribution system, this can be used to determine fluid outlet means usage. This generated fluid outlet means usage data can then be used to manage a flushing programme and/or assess a flushing requirement within a locality and/or facility; it can be used as part of an infection control programme; it can be used to allow compliance with one or more fluid safety recommendations, laws, legal requirements and/or the like; it can be used to monitor one or more cleaning processes and/or hand washing processes within a locality and/or facility; to allow the production of one or more reports or audits relating to fluid usage at fluid outlet means in a fluid distribution system and/or the like.

Preferably the calculated fluid usage relates to one or more characteristics of fluid usage, such as for example, the time of usage of fluid outlet means, the maximum and/or minimum temperature of fluid, the volume of fluid used (i.e. by knowing the flow rate at the fluid outlet means and knowing the time for which the fluid outlet means has been used for) and/ or the like.

Preferably, detection of one or more pre-determined fluid temperatures and/or detection of a change in fluid temperature of fluid at or adjacent the fluid outlet means, can be used to determine if the fluid outlet means have been moved between a closed position, wherein fluid it unable to flow out of the fluid outlet means, and an open position, where fluid is able to flow out of the fluid outlet means.

Preferably detection of one or more pre-determined fluid temperatures and/or detection of a change in fluid temperature of fluid at the fluid outlet means is above and/or below one or more pre-determined threshold levels. The provision of the threshold levels allows removal of data collected in error, such as for example a dripping tap and/or the like.

Preferably the temperature of the fluid at or adjacent the fluid outlet means is measured using a temperature measuring and/or detection device, a thermocouple device, a recording thermocouple device, one or more temperature sensors and/ or the like. In one embodiment the temperature measuring and/or detection device has at least a part thereof located direcdy in the fluid stream flowing to the fluid oudet means in use to allow the temperature of the fluid to be measured and/or detected directiy.

In one embodiment at least part of the temperature measuring and/ or detection device is located on an external surface of the fluid outiet means, and/or on an external surface of fluid conduit means in fluid communication with the fluid outlet means. In this embodiment the temperature measuring and/or detection device measures and/ or detects the temperature of the external surface of the fluid outiet means or fluid conduit means rather than the fluid itself. It has been found that by the Applicants that the temperature of the external surface of the fluid conduit means and/ or fluid outlet means correlates directly and/ or identically to the temperature of the fluid flowing within the fluid conduit means and/ or fluid outlet means in use. For example, in healthcare facilities water distribution systems are typically constructed from copper pipework. Studies have shown that the thermal conductivity of copper is such that a temperature measurement taken on the outside of the copper pipe correlates identically to the temperature of the fluid within the copper pipe. In addition, a benefit of measuring the temperature of the fluid on an external surface of the fluid outlet means and/or fluid conduit means carrying the fluid is that the temperature measuring or detection device does not contact the fluid flowing inside the fluid outlet means and/or fluid conduit means, thereby reducing the likelihood of cross contamination or introduction of infection into the fluid. Conduits formed of other material could be used and the collected temperature data may need to be modified to correlate to fluid temperature within the conduit.

Preferably the part of the temperature measuring and/ or detection device located on an external surface of the water outlet means and/ or fluid conduit means is a temperature sensor. In one example a single temperature sensor could be provided for each temperature measuring and/ or detection device.

In one example two or more temperature sensors could be provided for each temperature measuring and/or detection device. In one embodiment one temperature sensor is located on a cold water supply and one temperature sensor is located on a hot water supply at a particular water oudet.

Preferably the fluid conduit means and/ or fluid oudet means are formed from one or more materials that are a good conductor of temperature (i.e. good thermal conductors), such as for example metal, copper and/ or the like.

Preferably timing means are provided on or associated with the temperature measuring and/or detection device. The timing means allows the detected temperature and/or change in detected temperature of said fluid at said fluid outlet means to be monitored with time and/or to determine frequency of testing, frequency of communicating data and/ or the like.

Preferably the timing means can include any or any combination of devices that allow the date, time of day, seconds, minutes, hours, days and/or the like to be monitored and/recorded. For example, the timing means includes a timer device.

In one embodiment the timing means are integrated in the temperature measuring and/ or detection device.

Preferably the timing means are used to determine the frequency at which one or more data items are generated, recorded, detected, collected and/or measured by the device. For example, the device could be set to take a temperature measurement every 10 seconds. The length of time the measurements are taken over can also be set, such as for example a 24 hour period.

In one embodiment the timing means are separate and/or remote to the temperature measuring and/ or detection device. In one embodiment data obtained from the temperature detection and/or measuring device and/or the timing means is used to calculate any or any combination of one or more characteristics of fluid usage, when fluid outiet means are being used, the time of day at which the fluid oudet means is detected as being used per usage or total usage over time, the length of time for which the fluid outlet means is detected as being used, the temperature of the fluid being used at the fluid outlet means, the temperature of the fluid being used at a particular time of day and/or for a particular time period at the fluid outlet means, the maximum and/ or minimum temperatures of the fluid at the fluid oudet means, whether the fluid outlet means complies with fluid usage compliance criteria, whether a fluid outlet means requires flushing, volume of fluid used, a flushing requirement for the fluid outlet means and/ or the like.

For example, fluid usage compliance criteria could relate to the Water Safety Group recommendations for using a water outiet for a minimum period of, for example, 1 minute per 24 hour period (per day), or a compliance criteria determined by another group, party, governing body and/ or the like.

Preferably one or more parameters are applied to the data obtained or collected relating to the detected temperature, change in detected temperature and/ or time, and said one or more parameters are used to refine the data further.

Preferably the one or more parameters that may be applied to the collected data include any or any combination of a maximum and/or minimum threshold temperature that needs to be detected at the fluid outlet means; a maximum and/ or rmnimum time period for which the fluid outlet means is used, at which a threshold temperature is achieved and/or for which a threshold temperature change is achieved at the fluid outlet means, the time elapsed between sequential recorded temperature changes, a rate of change of temperature above and/or below a pre-determined threshold and/ or the like.

Preferably the fluid flowing in the fluid distribution system is water. In one embodiment the temperature and/or change in temperature of fluid is monitored and/or detected at two or more fluid oudet means, and preferably all fluid oudets, within the fluid distribution system.

Preferably each fluid oudet means and/or temperature measuring and/ or detection device is provided with unique identification means to allow a particular fluid outiet means and/or temperature measuring and/or detection device within a fluid distribution system to be identifiable in use.

Preferably the data collected according to the present invention can be used to provide an accurate flushing report, a report of whether an infection control programme has been met, a report on whether recommendations set down by a compliance group, government body, legal requirement and/ or the like have been met, an audit report on fluid usage, a report for record purposes on fluid usage at one or more fluid oudets and/ or the like.

Preferably any report prepared using the collected data can contain data such as for example, the facility at which the fluid usage has taken place at, the identification of the fluid oudet means being monitored, the time period of the monitoring, one or more parameters applied to the monitoring and/or the like.

In one example the fluid usage data generated by the present invention can be used to provide an indication of whether a fluid oudet means requires replacement and/ or repair, such as for example it can be used to identify a dripping tap, fluid being supplied at fluid outiet means at an incorrect temperature and/ or the like.

Preferably the temperature and/or time data generated by the temperature measuring and/ or detection device is used to calculate at least one new set of data relating to fluid usage therefrom.

Preferably a central control unit or server is arranged to communicate with the one or more temperature monitoring and/ or detection devices and/ or timing means at the one or more fluid oudet means to allow data and/ or one or more signals to be communicated to and/or between the same in use. For example, data and/or one or more signals relating to the taking of temperature measurements, one or more temperature measurements, timing of one or more temperature measurements and/ or the like can be communicated between, to and/ or from the central control unit or server and the one or more temperature monitoring and/or detection devices and/ or timing devices in use.

In one embodiment communication between the central control unit or server and the one or more temperature monitoring and/or detection devices takes place following manual activation, or automatically at one or more pre-determined time periods and/or following one or more pre-determined events, such as for example usage of a fluid outlet means and/ or the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention the fluid distribution monitoring system includes a fluid source and/or a fluid inlet means providing fluid to the fluid distribution system in use.

Preferably the at least one fluid inlet means is a mains water supply conduit or pipe, and further preferably a cold water mains water supply conduit or pipe.

Preferably the fluid distribution system includes at least one fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to be dispensed from the system in use, and fluid conduit means provided between the fluid source and/or the fluid inlet means and the fluid outlet means.

In one embodiment the fluid source includes a fluid reservoir or fluid storage means, such as for example a tank, boiler and/ or the like, a fluid inlet pipe, a mains water supply and/ or the like.

Preferably the fluid storage reservoir ensures there is sufficient fluid readily available in the fluid distribution system when fluid outlet means within the fluid distribution system is moved from a closed position to an open position in use. Preferably control means or a control valve is provided between the fluid storage reservoir and the fluid inlet means to control the amount of fluid flowing into the fluid distribution system in use.

In one embodiment fluid level control means are provided on or associated with the fluid storage reservoir to ensure that the level of fluid in the fluid storage reservoir is maintained constant or relatively constant in use. The level control means is preferably linked with the control means or control valve between the fluid inlet means and the fluid storage reservoir to ensure the control means or control valve is moved from a closed position to an open position if the level control means detects a fall in fluid level in the fluid storage reservoir below a threshold level. If the level control means detects the fluid level in the fluid storage reservoir is above a threshold level, the control means between the fluid inlet means and the fluid storage reservoir is moved from an open positon to a closed position.

In one embodiment the at least one fluid inlet means includes a fluid storage reservoir between a mains fluid or water supply and the fluid distribution system.

Preferably micro-processing means are provided on or associated with the fluid temperature measuring and/or detection means and/or the central control unit or server. Preferably the micro-processing means are provided to calculate usage of the fluid outlet means based on time, recorded/detected temperature and/or change in recorded /detected fluid temperature, volume of fluid usage, changes relative to a base temperature, a historical comparative analysis of fluid outlet means and/or the like.

Some of the calculations above can be used to determine usage in a domestic or home environment, such as for example to provide an early warning if an elderly or vulnerable person is not using fluid outlet means as they normally would, and could provide an automated alarm to a carer but the person to be checked on. In one embodiment the micro-processing means are provided separate to and/ or remote from the said fluid temperature measuring and/or detection means, such as for example in a computer, server, central control unit, lap top, tablet device, mobile phone device, smart phone and/ or the like.

In one embodiment memory means are provided to store data, such as for example time data, temperature data, fluid usage data and/ or the like. The memory means can be provided on or associated with the fluid temperature measuring and/ or detection means, the micro-processing means, the central control unit, the server and/or the like. For example, the memory means can include data storage means or device and/ or the like.

In one embodiment communication means are provided on or associated with the fluid temperature monitoring and/or detection means for allowing data and/or one or more signals generated by said fluid temperature monitoring and/or detection means to be communicated to the micro-processing means at a remote location, to a server, central control unit and/ or the like.

Preferably the communication means include wired and/ or wireless means, such as for example, radio frequency means, Bluetooth, WIFI, cabling, wiring and/or the like.

In one embodiment the communication means includes a transmitter for transmitting one or more data and/ or signals, a receiver for receiving one or more data and/or signals, and/or a transceiver for transmitting and/or receiving one or more data and/or signals.

In one embodiment the temperature measuring and/or detection device has display means provided on or associated with the same for displaying data, one or more menu options and/ or the like. For example, the display means could include a display screen, an LCD display, a touch screen display and/ or the like. In one embodiment the temperature measuring and/ or detection device includes one or more control means for controlling one or more operational functions of the same, such as for example one or more control buttons, switches, dials, joysticks and/ or the like.

Preferably software is provided on or associated with the micro-processing means and/ or the fluid temperature monitoring and/ or detection means and is arranged to allow one or more calculations of fluid usage to be undertaken. For example, the software can include one or more algorithms that can be used to calculate fluid usage, to apply one or more parameters to collected data and/or signals in use and/ or the like.

Preferably the one or more parameters applied to the algorithm can include any or any combination of a maximum and/or minimum threshold temperature that needs to be detected at the fluid oudet means; a maximum and/or minimum time period for which the fluid oudet means is used, a threshold temperature that needs to be achieved, a threshold temperature change that needs to be achieved, the time elapsed between sequential recorded temperature changes, calculation based on historical data analysis, trend analysis and deviation and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the at least one fluid oudet means includes any or any combination of one or more fluid using appliances, fluid taps, fluid mixer taps, thermostatic fluid valves, thermostatic mixing valves, shower heads, drinking water oudets, boilers, toilet cisterns, bunds, fluid reservoirs and/ or the like.

Preferably each of the fluid outiet means and/or fluid using appliances is movable in use between a closed position or "off position, wherein fluid cannot flow through the fluid outlet means and/or appliance, and an open position or "on" position, where fluid can flow through the fluid oudet means and/ or appliance. Preferably the fluid outlet means and/or appliance can be moved between the closed or "off position and the open or "on" position automatically or via user actuation or user actuation means.

In one embodiment the at least one fluid inlet means is provided upstream of the at least one fluid outlet means and/or appliances.

Preferably the at least one inlet means and/ or outlet means is provided in or to a facility, building, locality and/ or the like.

In one possible example, the fluid distribution system is a water distribution system, and further preferably the fluid being transported in the system is water, such as for example, drinking or potable water.

In one embodiment the fluid distribution system could possibly form part of, possibly supply or possibly solely supply a facility, unit, one or more buildings, hospitals, schools, hotels, military establishments, businesses, domestic properties and/ or the like.

Preferably the conduit means or fluid conduit means includes any or any combination of one or more pipes, tubes, conduits, channels, sleeves and/or the like along which a fluid is able to flow in use.

In one embodiment the temperature measuring and/ or detection device is located upstream of the fluid outlet means.

In one embodiment the temperature measuring and/ or detection device is located upstream of the fluid outlet means and downstream of a thermostatic valve means.

In one embodiment the temperature measuring and/ or detection device is located upstream of the thermostatic valve means.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of measuring the flow of fluid in one or more conduits between a fluid inlet means and a fluid outlet means, wherein said method includes the step of providing a temperature measuring and/or detection device on or associated with said one or more conduits and/ or said one or more fluid outlet means and detecting and/ or measuring a temperature of the fluid, fluid outlet means or conduits and/or a change of temperature of the fluid, fluid oudet means or conduits associated with the same.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of detecting whether fluid oudet means within a fluid distribution system have been moved from a closed position, wherein fluid cannot flow through the same, to an open position, wherein fluid can flow through the same, said method including the step of providing a temperature measuring and/or detection device on or associated with the fluid outlet means and/or one or more conduits connected with or associated with the fluid oudet means, and detecting and/ or measuring a temperature of fluid, the fluid oudet means or the one or more conduits and/ or change in fluid temperature, fluid outlet means or one or more conduits associated with the same.

A change in the detected or measured temperature of the fluid itself or the conduit or oudet through which the fluid flows in use can be used to indicate a flow of fluid through the fluid oudet means in use, thereby indicating that the fluid oudet means has been moved from a closed position to an open position.

In one embodiment when a temperature measuring and/or detection device is provided on or associated with a fluid conduit and/or fluid oudet means of a fluid distribution system, the external conduit and/or oudet temperature will typically acclimatise to the ambient temperature of the environment in which the conduit and/or oudet is located. When a fluid outiet means with which a temperature measuring and/or detection device is moved from a closed position to an open position, the fluid in the conduit and/ or outiet adjacent the device flows out of the outlet means and is replaced by relatively colder or warmer water from an upstream location of the conduit and/ or oudet means depending on whether the water supply is a cold or hot water supply. The temperature measuring and/or detection device therefore detects a temperature change of the conduit and/or oudet means, which indicates the oudet means has been moved from a closed position to an open position.

For example, a cold water supply temperature may be 5-10°C and the ambient temperature of a fluid conduit in which the cold water is located in use may be 20- 25°C or room temperature. As the outlet means or tap associated with the conduit and cold water supply is opened, the fluid in the fluid conduit that has been heated towards 20-25°C as a result of being stationary in the conduit at ambient temperature, is replaced by much colder water at 5-10°C. This lowers the temperature of the fluid in the conduit and the conduit itself, which is then recorded by the temperature measuring and/or detection device.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid distribution monitoring system, said system including at least one fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to be dispensed from the system in use, and wherein a fluid temperature detection and/or measuring device is provided at, adjacent to or associated with the fluid outiet means to detect the temperature of the fluid and/or a change in the temperature of the fluid at or adjacent the fluid outlet means in use and, said detected temperature being used to calculate usage of the fluid outlet means.

It will be appreciated that the fluid distribution monitoring system of the present invention can incorporate any or any combination of the abovementioned features referred to in respect of the method of using the fluid distribution monitoring system above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures la and lb show examples of where a temperature measuring and/or detection device can be located with respect to fluid outlet means in part of a fluid distribution system in use;

Figure 2 shows a graph of temperature (°C) against time (in hours) recorded by a temperature measuring and/or detection device at a cold water inlet to a toilet cistern in a male toilet in a local facility in one example;

Figure 3 shows a graph of temperature (°C) against time (in seconds) recorded by a temperature measuring and/ or detection device at a hot water outiet or tap at a particular location in one example;

Figure 4 shows an example of a report that can be generated using data provided by a temperature measuring and/or detection device according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a further example of a report that can be generated using data provided by a temperature measuring and/or detection device according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a simplified view of where temperature measuring and/or detection devices can be placed in a locality or facility according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the process of using the temperature measuring and/or detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a further process of using the temperature measuring and/or detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

There is currently a requirement in the marketplace to provide a mechanism by which fluid usage can be accurately, easily and more cost effectively monitored so as to provide greater control over fluid flushing processes and to provide improved monitoring of fluid usage. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to the monitoring of water usage in a water distribution system within a hospital environment, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention could be applied to monitoring fluid usage in any application at any suitable location.

Water Flushing

As already indicated above, the technique of flushing large quantities of water through fluid outlets, such as for example water taps, in all parts of a hospital facility has conventionally been used extensively to minimise the occurrence of "stagnant" water. Currently the Water Safety Group prescribes a water outlet or tap should be used for a prescribed period each day, typically one-two minutes per day. If the water outlet is not used for this prescribed time period, it is recommended that the water outlet/tap is flushed (i.e. the water tap is manually moved from a closed position to an on position for a period of time).

There is, however, a significant weakness associated with the flushing process, since there has previously been no means of identifying the water outlets that are used infrequently compared to water outlets that are used frequently. As can be appreciated, in a facility where there may be several thousand water outlets, it is impossible to track the usage of the water outlets reliably. As a result, this means that many water outlets are being flushed unnecessarily or many water outlets are not flushed at all.

In order to solve the abovementioned problem, the Applicants have developed a fluid distribution monitoring system that allows clear information/data to be generated on the usage of water outlets within a facility or locality. This information/data can be used, for example by a maintenance department of the facility or locality to be selective in their flushing processes, thereby saving considerable water, energy, manpower and effluent treatment costs. The system and process developed by the present Applicants involves the use of a temperature measuring and/or detection device at or adjacent water oudet means, as a means of identifying when a water outlet within a facility is used. For the purposes of illustrating the advantages of the present invention, a recording thermocouple device has been used as the temperature measuring and/or detection device.

Referring to figure la, there are illustrated an example of where a recording thermocouple device 100 can be located at or adjacent a water outlet 102 in order to measure a temperature or a change in temperature of fluid at the water outlet. The water oudet 102 is provided downstream of a thermostatic mixing valve 104 that allows the mixing of hot and cold water flowing along a hot water conduit 106 and a cold water conduit 108. Arrows 110 and 112 show the direction of flow of hot water and cold water in the system respectively. Reference to "hot" and "cold" refer to the relative temperature difference in hot and cold water entering the thermostatic mixing valve. It will be appreciated that the actual temperature of the hot and cold water may vary from facility to facility, with the time of year, from country to country and/ or the like.

The water conduits in this example are typically copper pipes, having good thermal conductivity, wherein the temperature of the external surface of the copper pipe correlates directly with the temperature of the water flowing within the copper pipe. As such, a sensor element 114 of the thermocouple device 100 can be located directly on the external surface of the copper pipe and this allows the temperature of the water flowing through the pipe 102 to be detected.

In this example, where access to the hot and cold water conduits 106, 108 may be restricted, a single recording thermocouple device 100 is located on the water outlet pipe downstream of the thermostatic mixing valve 104. The device 100 in this example includes timing means, data storage means and communication means and is therefore able to record the temperature of the pipe over time, store the data and/or communicate the data to a central server via WIFI. This communication of data can take place on manual activation, on detection of a change in temperature or usage of the water outiet, on request from the central server, at one or more pre-deterrnined time periods and/ or the like.

Referring to figure lb, there is illustrated a further example of where a recording thermocouple device 100 can be located at or adjacent a water outlet 102 in order to measure a temperature or a change in temperature of fluid at the water oudet. In this example, the thermocouple device 100 can be located upstream of the thermostatic mixer valve 104, with one sensor 114 of the device 100 located on the hot water supply conduit 106, and one sensor 114' of the device 100 located on the cold water supply conduit 108. A recording thermocouple device having two sensors is often referred to as a dual thermocouple device. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the temperature measuring and/ or detection device can have any number of temperature sensors associated with the same as required.

Referring to figure 2, there is shown an example of a graph produced using data generated from a thermocouple device located at a cold water inlet to a toilet cistern in a male toilet in a local facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. The graph shows temperature (°C) on the Y-axis against time (in hours) on the X-axis recorded by a recording thermocouple device. Each time the cistern is flushed, a clear temperature drop (shown by a trough 1 in the graph plot) is recorded by the thermocouple device, indicating a temperature drop from ambient temperature (shown by the peaks 2 in the graph plot) to the temperature of the incoming cold water from the cold water inlet.

A simplified example of how recorded/ collected thermocouple device data obtained using the present invention is used is shown with reference to data table (Table 1). In the example in Table 1, the recording thermocouple device is located at a hot water oudet in a local facility. The data in Table 1 was collected over 10 second time intervals (i.e. between 08.38.08am and 08.38.18am, etc) by the thermocouple device. The intervals between sampling of the water temperature can be adjusted as required, but a 10 second sampling time interval has been shown to be sufficient to provide an accurate record of water usage. The time at which the hot water outlet was switched on can be identified from this table as being 08.38.18am as a result of a significant temperature increase being detected and recorded by the thermocouple device.

Table 1

A further example of recorded temperature data obtained from a hot water outiet in a local facility using a recording thermocouple device and method of the present invention is shown by way of a graph in figure 3, and corresponding to data table 2. The graph shows Temperature (°C) on the Y-axis against time on the X-axis.

Table 2

Water Sample Date/Time Water Temp (°C) 038 26/03/2017 20:22:04 ¾5.1

¾039 26/03/2017 20:22:14 ^r25.1

"2040 26/03/2017 20:22:24 ¾0.4

"2041 26/03/2017 20:22:34 ¾9.5

r2042 26/03/2017 20:22:44 ¾9

¾043 26/03/2017 20:22:54 ¾8

"2044 26/03/2017 20:23:04 ¾7.3 With reference to the graph in figure 3 and table 2 data, it can be seen that initially the resting water temperature (arrow 300) at the hot water outlet is recorded as being 25.1 °C. A rise in water temperature at the hot water outlet from the resting temperature is detected when the hot water outlet is switched on at 20.22.24, thus when the water temperature rises to 60.4 °C (arrow 302). It can be seen from figure 3 that once the hot water outlet has been switched off, the temperature of the water at the hot water outlet gradually declines over time.

The time period for which the hot water outlet has been turned on for can be calculated from the collected data as follows. Once the water temperature has significantly risen, a temperature drop of one degree is then used as a threshold temperature at which the hot water outlet is determined as being switched off. In table 2, the switching off of the hot water outlet is determined to be 20:22:34pm to 20:22:44pm. The period of use of the water outlet is therefore considered to be 10 seconds.

The data from the recording thermocouple device is processed via microprocessing means (either forming part of the recording thermocouple device or separate thereto). An algorithm is applied to the data which can include one or more parameters to adjust the data accordingly. For example, so as not to overstate usage of the hot water outlet, such as for example if a tap was left dripping after use, threshold limits can be applied to the algorithm to discount such anomalies.

The above data collection procedure can be undertaken for an elongated time period, such as for example 24 hours, and the number of times the hot water outlet has been used in this time period can be calculated by monitoring the number of hot water peaks, only one of which is shown in figure 3.

The collected data allows the time period for which the water outlet has been turned on for to be calculated. This in turn allows the volume of water that has been used at the water outlet per use to be calculated (because the flow rate of water from the water outlet is also known or can be estimated). A report of water usage can then be generated for use by the local facility. An example of such a report is shown in figure 4.

The report in figure 4 shows the following information:

Party undertaking the monitoring 304;

Premises at which the monitoring took place 306;

The start time and date of the monitoring 308;

The end time and date of the monitoring 310;

The parameters that have been applied to the algorithm used to calculate the hot water "on" condition 312. In this example, these parameters include a minimum temperature rise of 3 degrees to be detected before it is considered that the hot water outlet has been switched on. A minimum time for the temperature increase to be detected for as 40 seconds. A minimum temperature being detected that indicates the hot water oudet has been used as being 30 degrees.

The parameters that have been applied to the algorithm used to calculate the hot water "off condition 314. In this example, these parameters indicate that 3 sequential temperature drops, alternately spaced, have to be detected before it is considered that the water oudet has been switched off.

The parameters that have been applied to the algorithm used to calculate the cold water "on" condition 316. In this example, these parameters include a minimum temperature drop of 1 degree before it is considered that the cold water oudet has been switched on. A minimum time for the temperature drop to be detected for as 10 seconds. A maximum temperature being detected that indicates the cold water outlet has been used as being 26 degrees.

The parameters that have been applied to the algorithm used to calculate the cold water "off condition 318. In this example, these parameters include the number of increases in temperature to be detected as being 1. The spacing between detected temperature drops as being 1.

The data is truncated to 60 seconds 320 in this example so as to discount scenarios where a tap is left dripping for an extended period of time.

The data table 322 provided at the bottom of the report are the results of the data recording by the thermocoupling device using the parameters as applied above. Each water oudet is given a unique identification number 324, an indication is provided as to whether the oudet is hot or cold 326, whether the temperature cycle of use being monitored is for hot or cold water cycles 328, the number of cycles of use recorded 330, the total time of usage of the oudet over the monitored time period 332, the truncated use time as a result of the truncation parameter being used 334, the minimum use time of the water oudet 336, the maximum use time of the oudet 338, the median use time of the oudet 340, the minimum recorded temperature 342, the maximum recorded temperature 344, the median recorded temperature 346.

It will be appreciated that the above data can then be used to establish further data in relation to the water outiets, such as for example, if the water oudets are being used on a hospital ward, how long patients or doctors are washing their hands for etc.

Thus, for example, the present invention can be used to accurately and automatically establish: water oudet usage, the time of water oudet usage, the maximum and/or minimum temperatures reached during water oudet usage, water oudet usage compliance, which water oudets require flushing, water temperature oudet compliance, water outiet usage patterns enabling actions to be taken to reduce infections in care facilities, accurate records of water outiet usage and provide effective auditing of water outlet flushing, a specifically designed reporting system to enabling flushing processes to be carried out in an efficient manner to minimise costs in terms of energy, water resources and carbon footprint. It will be appreciated that the potential for infections to be acquired in a hospital environment are significant. One aspect that the present applicants have identified using the fluid outlet monitoring approach of the present invention is the ability to link the normal flushing of a toilet water cistern, to the use of the wash hand basin at the same location. It has been demonstrated using the present invention that use of a toilet is not always supported to the use of the wash hand basin thereafter. The use of this information can be used as a tool where infection control training and operational observations are used to improve overall infection control throughout the facility.

An example of a further report 400 generated using data obtained from the fluid distribution monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. Section 402 sets out the usage guidelines that apply to the facility being tested. For example, these guidelines specify the prescribed time period of usage of the water outlet that has to take place each day. Section 404 sets out the time and date of when the report was generated. Section 406 sets out the time and date of the monitoring period. The Zone column 408 refers to each unique identification code given to each water outlet in the locality of the fluid distribution system being monitored. Column 410 defines the type of water outlet. Columns 412 define the usage times for the hot and cold water at each water oudet. Column 414 shows the maximum temperature recorded at each hot water outlet and column 416 shows the minimum temperature recorded at each cold water outlet. Column 418 provides an indication whether the usage detected at the water outlet requires the water outlet to undergo a flushing process or not. The row 420 provides the parameters that have been applied to the collected data, including minimum usage time required for cold water of 60 seconds, minimum usage time required for hot water of 60 seconds, a truncated maximum use time of 120 seconds. Thus, the cold and hot water oudets have to be used for at least 1 minute, in a given 24 hours period, before said oudets are designated as not requiring flushing. Section 422 can then provide details on the flushing process, who carried it out, what their employment position in the facility is and/ or the like.

Figure 6 is a simplified view of a locality in a hospital showing where temperature measuring and/or detection devices or thermocouple devices 100 could be located in use. The black dots 450 show the location of simplex (single sensor) thermocouple devices and duplex (dual sensor) thermocouple devices. Each water outlet is provided with a unique identification code 452. Water outlets are provided in the cleaners storeroom 454, the female toilets 456, the laundry 458, the staff kitchen 460, the male changing rooms 462, the female changing rooms 464, the nurserys 466, 468, 470, 472, equipment cleaning 474, a cleaning utility room 476, EQT 478, a kitchen 480, a shower 482 and toilet cisterns 484, 486.

Figure 7 is a schematic drawing showing the steps involved in determining the frequency of water usage of water outlets within a facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, temperature detection and/or monitoring means in the form of thermocoupling devices are installed at the water outlets in a locality, such as for example on a hospital ward, according to step 500. This typically involves placing the sensors of the thermocoupling devices on the external surfaces of the copper piping leading to each water outlet or on each water outlet.

The thermocoupling devices are then configured so that each device has a unique identification and each water outlet has a unique identification code. These are then paired and matched in a central system data base so that any data being received at the central system database can be associated with a specific thermocopling device at a specific water outlet, according to step 502.

The frequency of data collection by each thermocoupling device within the system is defined in step 504 and the thermocoupling devices are programmed accordingly. For example, this can be one temperature reading taken by each thermocoupling device or each sensor of a thermocoupling device every ten seconds.

A diagram is established of the location in which the monitoring is to take place in step 506. An example of such a diagram is shown in figure 6. This diagram forms part of an end report or can be used by maintenance people at the facility to identify water outlets that are being monitored and that may require flushing and/ or repair.

Data collection is then commenced by the thermocoupling devices in step 508 at the frequency set in step 504.

The central server is then set up so that it is programmed to generate a water usage report at pre-determined time intervals and to generate operating criteria for use in the report. Any parameters that need to be applied to the incoming collected data to refine the collected data is applied in step 510.

A reporting schedule is designed for each locality being monitored to allow a flushing report to be generated at step 512 via the central server.

Data collected by the thermocoupling devices are communicated to the central server via WIFI or via other suitable wired or wireless means. The microprocessing means of the central server then receives this communicated collected data and analyses the same in step 514.

The analysis of the collected data typically involves using an algorithm on the data and producing water usage values for the locality and each water outlet within the locality being monitored,

The water usage values are then inserted into a water flushing report, taking into account the specific requirements of the given location, as set out in step 516. Finally, the water flushing report is circulated to relevant parties to allow the appropriate water outlet flushing programme to be completed, as set out in step 518.

Figure 8 is a schematic drawing showing the steps involved in determining the water usage of water outiets within a facility according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Firsdy, temperature monitoring and/or detection devices in the form of thermal monitors are installed on every hot and cold water supply line within a locality upstream of water outlets, such as for example in a hospital ward. A schematic diagram is generated so that the location of every monitor at every water supply line/water oudet within the locality is known and identifiable. The temperature data recorded by each thermal monitor at each water supply line is used to establish water flow rates at each oudet within the locality and to determine usage of the water oudets for each supply line in the locality, as per step 600.

The collected data obtained via the thermal monitors are used to establish actual water usage rates per water oudet/supply line, to establish maximum and minimum hot and cold water temperatures being supplied via the hot and cold water pipes /outiets, and/or to calculate water temperatures being generated via thermostatic mixer valve, as per step 602.

This data can then be used to calculate Kcals/day of energy usage required for hot water flushing, to establish boiler efficiency, to calculate the cost of incoming water being used in the locality, to calculate the cost of effluent treatment for flushings within the locality and/or determine manpower costs to monitor and maintain the water distribution system within the locality, as set out in step 604.

The data generated in step 604 can then be used to provide sufficient resources in the locality, to provide a cost of water usage within the locality and/ or the calculate man power costs for the locality, as per step 606. A corresponding carbon footprint can be calculated, such as for example using DEFRA and/or GHG data, as set out in step 608.

All the data collected in steps 600-608 can then be used to produce a summary sheet or report in step 610.

Alternatively, or in addition to the steps 606-610, the data in step 604 can be used to monitor the frequency of water outlet usage within a pre-determined period of time, as set out in step 612.

The data can be processed using one or more algorithms and/or software to provide data results, which can be checked against monitor graphs, as set out in step 614.

An accurate flushing report can then be generated, as set out in step 616, which identified which water outlets require flushing and which outlets do not require flushing. The flushing report can then be e-mailed and/ or communicated to one or more appropriate recipients.

The flushing report can then be used to carry out appropriate flushing processes at one or more flushing outlets that require the same. The flushing report can be signed off as evidence that the flushing process has been completed. This signed report can then be archived to demonstrate compliance with one or more criteria if required in the future.

Since all the temperature monitoring and/ or detection means within a locality or water distribution system are able to communicate automatically with a central control or server unit, this significantly reduces the time and manpower required to identify which water outlets within a locality of system required flushing. For example, a typical hospital ward has between 80-100 water outlets. Monitoring each one of these outlets automatically on a regular basis, such as for example every ten seconds, means that over 8640 data points per outlet in a 24 hour period will be generated. That means that up to 864,000 data points per ward can be generated every 24 hour time period. The algorithm and software used to analyse this data allows this huge number of data points to be processed automatically and to be refined such that a summary of actual water usage can be provided in a report format.

The algorithm used by the present invention examines the collected data and determines the start of a water outiet being opened or moved to an "on" condition by determining the mathematical slope of the temperature curve, together with using one or more parameters that optionally can be applied to the algorithm. The algorithm can then determine when the water oudet is closed or moved to an "off condition by determining the mathematical slope of the temperature curve, together with one or more parameters that optionally can be applied to the algorithm.

The algorithm programme then repeats the process on each set of collected data for each relevant time period and for each water oudet.

The establishment of an accurate summary of water usage using the water distribution monitoring system of the present invention is an important advantage. This can be used to provide an accurate and repeatable daily flushing report for one or more water oudets. It can be used to calculate water and energy usages compared to existing procedures and to demonstrate resource and manpower savings. The ability to monitor maximum and minimum temperatures achieved at water oudets can be used to determine infection control of a water distribution system and can be used to compare with national and local targets for infection control.

The collected data can be used to produce thermal maps at given locations within a facility to enable effective monitoring of infection control parameters and identification of problematic locations. The collected data can be used to define specific water outlet requirements for a locality and/ or facility and be used as an aid in future facility planning. It can also be used to link toilet flushing data to hand wash usage as part of an infection control program.

The collected data can also be used to audit flushing processes as part of an infection control program, to identify problematic water outlets, operation, temperatures, dripping taps, potential scalding risks and/or the like.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method of using a fluid distribution monitoring system, said system including at least one fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to be dispensed from the system in use, and wherein said method includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of fluid at or adjacent the fluid outlet means and, based on the detected temperature and/or change in detected temperature of said fluid at or adjacent said fluid outlet means, calculating fluid usage at said fluid outlet means.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the detected temperature and/or change in detected temperature of said fluid at said fluid outlet means with time is monitored.

3. A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein data relating to the detected temperature, change in detected temperature and/or time is used to calculate any or any combination of one or more characteristics of fluid usage, when fluid oudet means are being used, the time of day at which the fluid outlet means is being used for each usage, the total time of usage of the fluid outlet means, the length of time the fluid outlet means is used, the temperature of the fluid being used at a particular time of day and/ or for a particular time period at the fluid outlet means, the maximum and/or minimum temperatures of the fluid at the fluid outlet means, whether the fluid oudet means complies with fluid usage compliance criteria, whether a fluid oudet means requires flushing, volume of fluid used, changes relative to a base temperature, or a historical comparative analysis of fluid oudet means.

4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein one or more parameters are applied to the data collected relating to the detected temperature, change in detected temperature and/or time, said parameters refining the data further.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the one or more parameters that may be applied to the collected data include any or any combination of a maximum and/or minimum threshold temperature that needs to be detected at the fluid outlet means; a maximum and/ or minimum time period for which the fluid outlet means is used, at which a threshold temperature is achieved and/or for which a threshold temperature change is achieved at the fluid outiet means, the time elapsed between sequential recorded temperature changes, or a rate of change of temperature above and/or below a pre-determined threshold.

6. A method according to any preceding claim wherein detection of a change in temperature of fluid at fluid outlet means above and/or below a predetermined threshold level determines whether the fluid outlet means have been moved from a closed position, wherein fluid is not being dispensed from the fluid outlet means, to an open position, wherein fluid is being dispensed from the fluid outlet means.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the fluid usage being calculated is water usage.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the temperature of fluid or change of temperature of fluid is detected at two or more fluid oudet means within the fluid distribution system.

9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the one or more fluid outlet means includes any or any combination of one or more fluid taps, fluid mixer taps, thermostatic fluid valves, thermostatic mixing valves, shower heads, drinking water outlets, boilers, toilet cisterns, bunds or fluid reservoirs.

10. A fluid distribution monitoring system, said system including at least one fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to be dispensed from the system in use, and wherein a fluid temperature detection and/or measuring device provided at, associated with or adjacent the fluid outiet means to detect the temperature and/or a change in temperature of the fluid at or adjacent the fluid outlet means in use and, said detected temperature being used to calculate usage of the fluid outlet means.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein timing means are provided with or associated with the fluid temperature detection and/or measuring device to allow the detected temperature and/ or change in detected temperature to be monitored with time.

12. A system according to claims 10 or 11 wherein micro-processing means are provided on or associated with the fluid temperature detection and/or measuring device to calculate usage of the fluid outlet means based on time, fluid temperature, change in detected fluid temperature and/or volume of fluid usage.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein software provided on or associated with the micro-processing means is arranged to allow one or more fluid usage calculations to be undertaken and/ or to apply one or more parameters to the collected data.

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the one or more parameters include any or any combination of a maximum and/or minimum threshold temperature that needs to be detected at the fluid outlet means; a maximum and/or minimum time period for which the fluid outlet means is used, at which a threshold temperature is achieved and/or for which a threshold temperature change is achieved at the fluid outlet means, the time elapsed between sequential recorded temperature changes, a rate of change of temperature above and/ or below a pre-determined threshold.

15. A system according to claim 10 in the form of a water distribution system.

16. A system according to claim 10 wherein the one or more fluid outlet means includes any or any combination of one or more fluid taps, fluid mixer taps, thermostatic fluid valves, thermostatic mixing valves, shower heads, drinking water outlets, boilers, toilet cisterns, bunds, fluid reservoirs and/or the like.

17. A system according to any of claims 10-16 including any or any combination of communication means, memory means, display means, control means, central control unit or server unit.