GB2541386A - Apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a method, a system and an apparatus for supplying gas to a consumers property via a consumer service conduit 2. The apparatus comprises a gas input means 4 constructed and arranged to conveying gas from the consumer service connection conduit into the property; and a pressurizing means 20 in fluid communication with the gas input means and selectively operable to modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate. The pressurising means acts like a gas booster, increasing the pressure downstream of the pressurising means. This increase in pressure can ensure there is a constant desired pressure received at the property allowing for gas appliances to operate. This pressurising means can be a compressor. The apparatus may also include a controller which will operate the pressurising means based on one or more supply conditions such as when an input pressure has fallen below a certain amount. It can also include a gas sensing means to detect leakage from the atmosphere into the gas flow path. The apparatus may also be connected to a gas meter to determine payment.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to gas supply apparatus, especially but not exclusively to apparatus for supplying gas to a consumer’s property via a consumer service conduit, especially but not exclusively via a connection to a mains pipeline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the provision of a gas supply to a consumer’s property, e.g. to a domestic, business or industrial consumer’s premises for heating and other power purposes, it is conventional for a dedicated consumer service connection to be made to a mains pipeline spaced from the property, and a consumer service connection pipeline (or “conduit”, which term may be used herein interchangeably with “pipeline” or “pipe”) used to convey the gas to the property. The consumer service connection pipeline or conduit terminates at a gas input location in or adjacent the property, at which there is normally located a meter for measuring and accounting for the gas used over time, as well as pressure regulation means for providing an optimum pressure for feeding the gas into the property via a single input pipe or conduit and into its internal pipe network for supplying the various appliances or equipment within the property.

In common practical usage, however, it may sometimes occur that the gas pressure and/or flow rate at the property input location fluctuates, especially drops, such as in response to instances or periods of particularly high gas usage within the property, e.g. upon operation of several gas-consuming appliances simultaneously or upon actuation of one or more appliances with a relatively high gas usage rate (especially upon switch-on). In particular, although gas flow rate and pressure may typically be inversely co-dependent in the gas input path at least up to the meter, it can sometimes occur that it is not possible for both a sufficient gas flow rate together with a minimum gas input pressure to be achieved or maintained into the property itself, e.g. in response to switch-on of one or more gasconsuming appliances within the property. This therefore may lead to a drop in the overall gas input pressure, or the flow rate, or even both, available to potentially reach appliances within the property. Such gas input pressure and/or flow rate drops, perhaps even over prolonged periods, may also occur in the mains gas supply pipeline itself, or even in the consumer service connection pipeline, e.g. as a result of a high loss flow path or a blockage or flow path constriction therein.

Such gas input pressure and/or flow rate drops at the property input location may cause problems in efficient switch-on and/or running of gas appliances in the property, especially those which demand or rely for proper functioning or optimum performance on substantially constant or predetermined minimum input gas pressures. Moreover, in extreme cases damage to such appliances may even result.

There is therefore a need in the art for an improved system for delivering gas at optimum pressures and/or flow rates to a consumer’s property via a consumer service connection from a mains pipeline which solves or ameliorates at least some of the aforementioned shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention may be understood with reference to the appended claims.

Aspects of the present invention provide a gas supply apparatus, a gas supply system and a gas supply method.

In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided apparatus for supplying a gas to a consumer’s property via a consumer service connection conduit, the apparatus comprising: gas input means constructed and arranged for conveying gas from the consumer service connection conduit into the property; and pressurising means in fluid communication with the gas input means and selectively operable to modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed via the gas input means.

In another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a supply system for supplying a gas to a consumer’s property, the system comprising: at least one consumer service connection conduit for conveying gas into the property; gas input means constructed and arranged for conveying gas into the property from the consumer service connection conduit; and pressurising means in fluid communication with the gas input means and selectively operable to modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed into the property from the consumer service connection conduit via the gas input means.

In another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of supplying a gas to a consumer’s property via a consumer service connection conduit, the method comprising: conveying gas from the consumer service connection conduit into the property via gas input means; and selectively operating pressurising means provided in fluid communication with the gas input means to selectively modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed via the gas input means.

As used herein, the term “pressurising means” is to be interpreted as meaning any apparatus, device or other means which acts to create a positive pressure differential in fluid, especially a gas, passing through it from an input side thereof to an output side thereof, i.e. such that fluid (e.g. gas) exiting it is at a higher pressure relative to fluid (e.g. gas) entering it. In some typical cases such a positive pressure differential may be manifested in an overall increase in pressure of the fluid (e.g. gas) as it passes through the pressurising means. However in other typical cases such a positive pressure differential may be manifested in a reduction in the pressure of fluid (e.g. gas) on an input side thereof, whereby the resultant pressure of the fluid on an output side thereof is still higher than the resultant pressure of the fluid on the input side thereof, even though the reduced fluid pressure on the input side may be below the normal fluid pressure in the fluid input means in the absence of the pressurising means. In some embodiment scenarios such a reduced fluid pressure on the input side of the pressurising means may even be down to a pressure which is below atmospheric pressure (of the environment in which the apparatus is to be used). In either such typical case, such a creation of a positive pressure differential as between the input and the output sides of the pressurising means may or may not be concomitant with an increase in flow rate of the fluid (e.g. gas) passing therethrough.

In many practical embodiments of the invention the gas may be supplied to the consumer’s property via the consumer service connection conduit from a mains pipeline to which the consumer service connection conduit is connected, e.g. in a convention manner via a T-connection. However, in other embodiments it may be possible for the gas to be supplied to the consumer’s property from a self-contained source, e.g. a bottle or tank. In such latter cases the consumer service connection conduit via which the gas is conveyed from the bottled or tanked source to the property may thus be constituted by a pipe, hose or other conduit which feeds gas from the bottle or tank to a gas input location in or adjacent the property.

In many practical embodiments of the invention the gas input means may comprise a gas input conduit, e.g. a gas input pipe, through which gas passes to convey it from the consumer service connection conduit and into the property. Typically the property may contain an arrangement or network of pipes which are connected in any suitable configuration for supplying gas from the gas input conduit to the various appliances or apparatuses within the property which require it.

Typically upstream of, or alternatively downstream of or located within the flow path within, the gas input conduit there may be provided a metering means, such as a conventional gas meter, for measuring and accounting for the amount of gas used by the property, e.g. in terms of volume over a given period of time.

In many embodiments of the invention the pressurising means may be located in the gas input means, such that gas conveyed into the property via the gas input means also passes through the pressurising means. In such embodiments where the gas input means comprises a gas input conduit, the arrangement may thus be such that the gas input conduit comprises a first gas input conduit portion upstream of the pressurising means and a second gas input conduit portion downstream of the pressurising means.

In some embodiments, in particular those in which the gas input means comprises a gas meter or other metering means, the pressurising means may be located upstream of the gas metering means. However, it may be possible in other embodiments for the pressurising means to be located downstream of the gas metering means, if that is more appropriate or convenient.

In some embodiments the pressurising means may be located between an end of the consumer service connection conduit and the gas metering means, where such is provided.

In some embodiments of the invention the pressurising means may serve and be selectively operable to increase the pressure of gas on a downstream side thereof, whereby the pressure of gas in a downstream portion of the gas input means is increased relative to the pressure of gas in an upstream portion of the gas input means.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments the pressurising means may serve and be selectively operable to decrease the pressure of gas on an upstream side thereof, whereby the pressure of gas in an upstream portion of the gas input means is decreased relative to the pressure of gas in a downstream portion of the gas input means.

Further alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments of the invention the pressurising means may serve and be selectively operable to increase the flow rate of gas passing therethrough, relative to the flow rate of gas passing through the same gas input means in the absence of the pressurising means.

In some embodiments the pressurising means may be a compressor. Such a compressor may of any suitable type, many examples of which are widely commercially available. For example, suitable compressors may be of any of the following general types: centrifugal compressors, diagonal- or mixed-flow compressors, axial-flow compressors, reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, rotary vane compressors, scroll compressors or diaphragm compressors. Generally, however, the most suitable type of compressor may depend on the typical gas pressures encountered in the gas input means, the degree of gas compression required for an optimum performing system, the desired power consumption of the compressor, the composition of gas to be compressed by it (in particular to avoid any contamination or chemical modification of the gas as it passes therethrough), as well as possibly various other parameters as will be well understood by persons skilled in the art.

According to the invention the pressurising means in fluid communication with the gas input means is selectively operable so as to modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed via the gas input means. In some embodiments the apparatus may further comprise control means for controlling the operation of the pressurising means, especially such that the pressuring means is operable or actuatable selectively by the control means upon, or in response to, one or more gas supply conditions being met.

In some embodiments one such gas supply condition may be that the gas pressure in the gas input means, especially in the gas input conduit, has fallen below a predetermined threshold pressure value.

Alternatively or additionally in other embodiments, another such gas supply condition may be that the gas flow rate in the gas input means, especially in the gas input conduit, has fallen below a predetermined threshold flow rate value.

In embodiments the apparatus may further comprise one or more detector means, e.g. one or more pressure monitoring devices and/or flow rate monitoring devices, for the purpose of detecting when at least one of such one or more gas supply conditions is/are satisfied. Such one or more detector means may be located at any suitable location in the gas input means for monitoring its respective gas supply parameter.

In some embodiments such selective operation or actuation of the pressurising means may be carried out automatically by the control means upon the relevant one or more gas supply conditions being met, as detected by the respective detector means. In a typical practical embodiment, for this purpose the control means may be provided as part of an overall electrical or electronic monitoring and control system, especially one which uses low voltage and low power. Any suitable electronic hardware and/or software may be provided for establishing and effecting the required functionalities of the overall control system, in accordance with normal design and engineering practices in the art.

Embodiments of the invention in its various aspects may be applied to the supply of any gas to any type of property which relies on a consumer service connection, especially a consumer service connection to a mains gas supply or pipeline, or possibly even a bottled or tanked gas source. Such gas may be of any convention type as used as fuel for domestic, business or industrial premises.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and in particular the individual features thereof, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be taken independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless expressly stated otherwise or such features are incompatible.

Thus, for the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that features described with respect to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be included or applied in any other aspect or embodiment of the invention, either alone or in appropriate combination with one or more other features, whether or not specifically described and/or illustrated in such terms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention in its various aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a side view of a gas supply arrangement, shown in schematic terms only, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a side view of a prototype gas supply arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment arrangement of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the main components of a gas supply apparatus in accordance with a first, schematic, embodiment of the invention comprise consumer service connection inlet pipe 2, via which a supply of gas from a mains pipeline (not shown, but normally spaced from the consumer’s property) enters the consumer’s property, and an upstream gas input pipe 4 which feeds the incoming gas into gas meter 10 (from which the gas exits and subsequently enters the property via a downstream gas input pipe (not shown)). If desired or appropriate, and as usually will be the case in many practical examples, immediately upstream of the gas meter 10 is connected a conventional gas pressure regulator 8 which serves to even out any minor fluctuations, particularly “spikes”, in the gas input pressure and to maintain an optimum gas input pressure in the event that the mains input pressure (entering via the consumer service connection inlet pipe 2) is e.g. above an optimum value for the gas appliance network in the property. Located further upstream still of the meter 10 is emergency cut-off valve 6, manually operable by handle 6H, for use in shutting off the gas supply altogether to the property if or when required, e.g. in the case of an emergency or in the event that servicing or maintenance work on the network or an appliance is needed for which the overall gas supply to the property needs to be temporarily interrupted.

Connected in the gas supply path, and located between the terminal end of the consumer service connection inlet pipe 2 and the emergency cut-off valve 6, is compressor 20, whose presence in the gas supply path, especially in series in the gas supply path, underpins embodiments of the present invention. Such a compressor 20 may be of any suitable known type, examples of which have already been mentioned hereinabove. However, by way of one example, a turbine-type rotary compressor may suitably be used. The main components of the apparatus may collectively be housed, especially by virtue of their economical size, in a housing 1, e.g. of plastics material, which typically is wall-mounted on an external wall of the property or adjacent thereto (or may optionally be of a semi-concealed type) and also contains the other conventional main components of the property’s overall gas supply and metering system.

The compressor 20 is selectively operable under the controlled operation of a low voltage (AC or DC), low power electronic, e.g. software-controlled, control system (not shown), which is configured to actuate the compressor 20 upon a detected gas flow pressure and/or flow rate condition being met. Typically this may be upon a gas flow pressure, and/or possibly gas flow rate, in the upstream gas input pipe 4 (or alternatively the downstream gas input pipe) being detected as having fallen below a respective predetermined minimum threshold value, e.g. as a result of a sudden increase in demand for gas from one or more gas-consuming appliances coming into operation, or as a result of an intermittently poor incoming or mains gas pressure, or perhaps even a blockage in the incoming or mains pipework. This selective operation of the compressor will be described in further detail with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 below.

In FIG. 1 the compressor 20 is shown located in between the gas input from the consumer service connection inlet pipe 2 and the emergency cut-off valve 6. However, in other example arrangements it may equally be possible for the compressor 20 to be located on the opposite side of the emergency cut-off valve 6, i.e. to the downstream side thereof, so that the compressor 20 is located between the cut-off valve 6 and the input to the meter 10. Such an alternative arrangement is shown in the prototype embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Turning then to those FIGS. 2 and 3, here there is shown a practical prototype gas supply apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. For the most part the main components of the apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of the schematic arrangement shown in FIG. 1, and are denoted by the same reference numerals.

However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 there is shown in greater detail one example arrangement of the manner in which the selective operation of the compressor 20 is controlled. For this purpose, mounted in the upstream gas input pipe 4 (or alternatively the downstream gas input pipe 12 which leads into the property) is a pressure sensor 18P which detects the gas pressure in the gas inlet pathway. The pressure sensor 18P is connected via sensor conduit 18C to a central control station (not shown) for controlling the operation of the compressor 20, e.g. through suitable circuitry, a microprocessor and/or computer-based software. The compressor 20 itself is powered via electrical power supply cable 18E.

When selectively operated in response to a low gas flow pressure (and/or flow rate) condition being detected, the compressor 20 thus serves to create both a “suction” at its input (upstream) side and a resultant “boost” pressure at its output (downstream) side. As a consequence, the resultant pressure of the gas flow which reaches the meter 10 and thus is available for flowing into the consumer’s property is increased, which in turn leads to an increased potential flow rate (e.g. in terms of cubic meters per hour) of gas through the supply apparatus and into the property.

In essence, therefore, the gas supply system works by dropping the pressure in the gas supply path at the upstream side of the compressor 20, which in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 is generally at the position of the emergency cut-off valve 6. An optimum pressure drop value may depend on the various parameters of the system, but in general can be readily calculated and controlled by appropriate calibration and programming of the control system. Therefore, the greater the generated pressure drop at the emergency cut-off valve 6 by the compressor 20, the greater the potential for increased gas flow pressure and increased gas flow rate downstream to the meter 10 and onwards into the consumer’s property. This upstream pressure drop created by the compressor 20 means that the incoming gas source pressure from the consumer service inlet pipe 2 is effectively increased and thus able to deliver more gas, i.e. at a higher flow rate, to the meter 10 and from there into the property. Thus, on the downstream side of the compressor 20 the gas is in effect compressed by the compressor 20, thereby increasing the gas pressure available to the meter 10 and onwards into the property, concomitant with an increased potential flow rate. In one typical practical example, in the case of a conventional domestic gas supply unit, an effective pressure uplift on the downstream side of the compressor which may be attainable and suitable may be in the range of from about 0 up to about 55 mbar.

Accordingly, the overall principles of operation of the gas supply apparatus of this and optionally other embodiments may be summarised as follows:

The pressure differential created by the compressor 20 is the precursor to the increased gas flow rate into the property. The need for this arises as a result of a departure from optimum of the incoming pressure and/or flow rate caused by operation of consumer appliance(s) within the property. The apparatus of the invention then responds to this to remedy the situation. It may do this, according to various practical embodiments, by any one or more of the following: (i) The gas input pressure and/or flow sensor(s) (e.g. 18P) may detect a situation of low pressure and/or flow rate into the meter 10 and/or into the property itself (i.e. to the consumer’s appliances). (ii) The control system forming part of the apparatus may compute a desired response, e.g. in a closed loop (such as through use of a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller or fuzzy logic). (iii) The control system’s output may proportionally power the compressor 20 (i.e. it may regulate the compressor power) to create a pressure uplift at its output and a pressure reduction at its inlet. These may often be co-dependent and may be desirable to balance optimally. Typical maximum pressure uplift/reduction values, versus standard input pressure, for a typical domestic gas supply system may be in the region of 75mBar/350mBar/2Bar, e.g. depending upon the regulator used. (iv) The pressure reduction at the compressor inlet may allow (through application of the well-known Bernoulli equation) for an increased gas flow rate or speed of gas flowing through the consumer service connection input pipe 2 (which according to industry practice may often in practice be limited to a value of e.g. around 40m/s). (v) The faster flowing (lower pressure) gas fluid may then be compressed by the compressor 20 and passed to its outlet to onward supply gas to the meter 10, and from there into the property and to the consumer’s appliances as demanded thereby. The increase in flow rate may be proportional to the pressure drop at the compressor inlet and also to e.g. the consumer service connection input pipe topology.

In some practical examples of operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressure drop on the upstream side of the compressor 20, which may be important for gaining the required pressure “boost” in the incoming gas flow into the property via the meter 10, may in certain circumstances be such that the resulting reduced pressure becomes less than atmospheric pressure, i.e. it tends towards creating a small vacuum on the upstream side of the compressor 20. This may thus make the provision of efficient sealing of the system and the compressor 20 against ingress of atmospheric air especially desirable. Furthermore, in such instances, if desired or necessary, a secondary gas sensing means, such as an electrochemical oxygen sensor, may be located in the gas flow path, e.g. in the upstream gas input pipe 4 (or alternatively the downstream gas input pipe 12 which leads into the property) for detecting any such leakage and providing an appropriate signal in response to which appropriate remedial action may be taken.

In the practical implementation of the above and possibly other specific example embodiments of the invention, further advantageous results to be had may include: (i) The apparatus may provide constant operation to ensure that a minimum gas input pressure to the consumer appliances is achieved, perhaps even under “no flow” conditions (in a corresponding manner to a car turbocharger possibly operating before the engine revs increase to actually demand it). (ii) The system may be rapid-responding (with response times of perhaps under 1 second, for example) in order to remediate instantaneous or sudden low flow and/or pressure upon initiation of large draws of gas (e.g. from newer models of combi-type boilers). (iii) The system may use specific conditions (e.g. low demand cycles) of gas flow and/or the compressor to govern (or instigate) its operation and regenerate power as required, e.g. using one or more batteries to control and power the system when that may be intermittently required (i.e. the system may be on intermittent duty only). (iv) The system may be specifically designed to allow installation and operation in confined areas or restricted places, e.g. inside domestic meter boxes, under cupboards etc. (v) The system may include an integral insulation joint, which may be used to electrically isolate the external pipework from the internal components of the system for safety. This may also help with space constraints. (vi) Power for the system may be provided by a mains electrical connection, e.g. as a consumer upgrade, or alternatively even from a solar power source, or a battery. In particular, the system may be low power-consuming. (vii) The system may be compatible with a wide range of consumer service connection input pipes, e.g. typically from -¾ inch (1,9cm) up to ~2 inches (2.5cm). (viii) The system, in particular the compressor, may be capable of running in reverse. (ix) The system may be designed and tailored both in hardware and software to deal with intermittent high flow and/or high flow conditions. (x) The apparatus may use PWM (pulse width modulation) speed control to regulate the speed of operation of the compressor. (xi) The apparatus may comprise motor drivers to power and regulate the compressor power. (xii) The system may include the ability to use “flow stop” equipment in order to fit or remove the apparatus of the invention under “live” gas conditions. (xiii) The apparatus may include a pressure test/bleed/vent or supply fitting. (xiv) The apparatus may employ a contained motor or brushless motor in the compressor. (xv) The system may be designed for use in monitoring and/or measuring both pressure and flow rate through a consumer service connection pipe. This could be a useful tool in quantitatively assessing poor supply pressure problems, and could allow easy assessment of individual scenarios.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims (25)

1. Apparatus for supplying a gas to a consumer’s property via a consumer service connection conduit, the apparatus comprising: gas input means constructed and arranged for conveying gas from the consumer service connection conduit into the property; and pressurising means in fluid communication with the gas input means and selectively operable to modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed via the gas input means.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the pressurising means comprises an apparatus, device or other means which acts to create a positive pressure differential in gas passing through it from an input side thereof to an output side thereof.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the positive pressure differential is manifested in an overall increase in pressure of the gas as it passes through the pressurising means.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the positive pressure differential is manifested in a reduction in the pressure of gas on an input side of the pressuring means, whereby the resultant pressure of gas on an output side thereof is still higher than the resultant pressure of gas on the input side thereof, even though the reduced gas pressure on the input side is below the normal gas pressure in the gas input means in the absence of the pressurising means.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the reduced gas pressure on the input side of the pressurising means is down to a pressure which is below atmospheric pressure of the environment in which the apparatus is to be used.

6. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2, wherein the creation of the positive pressure differential as between the input and the output sides of the pressurising means is concomitant with an increase in flow rate of the gas passing therethrough.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the gas is supplied to the consumer’s property via the consumer service connection conduit from a mains pipeline to which the consumer service connection conduit is connected.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the gas input means comprises a gas input conduit through which gas passes to convey it from the consumer service connection conduit and into the property.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, further comprising, upstream of or downstream of or within the gas flow path within the gas input means, metering means for measuring and accounting for the amount of gas used by the property.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the pressurising means is located in the gas input means, such that gas conveyed into the property via the gas input means also passes through the pressurising means.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the pressurising means serves and is selectively operable to increase the pressure of gas on a downstream side thereof, whereby the pressure of gas in a downstream portion of the gas input means is increased relative to the pressure of gas in an upstream portion of the gas input means.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the pressurising means serves and is selectively operable to decrease the pressure of gas on an upstream side thereof, whereby the pressure of gas in an upstream portion of the gas input means is decreased relative to the pressure of gas in a downstream portion of the gas input means.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the pressurising means serves and is selectively operable to increase the flow rate of gas passing therethrough, relative to the flow rate of gas passing through the same gas input means in the absence of the pressurising means.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the pressurising means comprises a compressor.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, further comprising control means for controlling the operation of the pressurising means.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the pressuring means is operable or actuatable selectively by the control means upon, or in response to, one or more gas supply conditions being met.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein the one or more gas supply conditions comprises a condition that the gas pressure in the gas input means has fallen below a predetermined threshold pressure value.

18. Apparatus according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the one or more gas supply conditions comprises a condition that the gas flow rate in the gas input means has fallen below a predetermined threshold flow rate value.

19. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 16 to 18, further comprising one or more detector means for detecting when at least one of said one or more gas supply conditions is/are satisfied.

20. Apparatus according to Claim, 19, wherein the detector means comprises one or more pressure monitoring devices and/or flow rate monitoring devices.

21. Apparatus according to Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein the selective operation or actuation of the pressurising means is carried out automatically by the control means upon the relevant one or more gas supply conditions being met, as detected by the respective detector means.

22. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, further comprising a secondary gas sensing means located in the gas input means for detecting leakage from the atmosphere into the gas flow path therein.

23. A supply system for supplying a gas to a consumer’s property, the system comprising: at least one consumer service connection conduit for conveying gas into the property; gas input means constructed and arranged for conveying gas into the property from the consumer service connection conduit; and pressurising means in fluid communication with the gas input means and selectively operable to modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed into the property from the consumer service connection conduit via the gas input means.

24. A method of supplying a gas to a consumer’s property via a consumer service connection conduit, the method comprising: conveying gas from the consumer service connection conduit into the property via gas input means; and selectively operating pressurising means provided in fluid communication with the gas input means to selectively modify the gas pressure and/or gas flow rate conveyed via the gas input means.

25. A gas supply apparatus, or a gas supply system, or a gas supply method, substantially as described herein with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.