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WO2000065314A1 - Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande - Google Patents

Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000065314A1
WO2000065314A1 PCT/GB2000/001541 GB0001541W WO0065314A1 WO 2000065314 A1 WO2000065314 A1 WO 2000065314A1 GB 0001541 W GB0001541 W GB 0001541W WO 0065314 A1 WO0065314 A1 WO 0065314A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow
piston
fluid
outlets
cylinder
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/001541
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Hill
Steve Willocx
Original Assignee
Eco Electronics Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9909005.2A external-priority patent/GB9909005D0/en
Application filed by Eco Electronics Ltd. filed Critical Eco Electronics Ltd.
Priority to EP00920907A priority Critical patent/EP1173732A1/fr
Priority to AU41319/00A priority patent/AU4131900A/en
Priority to CA002370825A priority patent/CA2370825A1/fr
Publication of WO2000065314A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000065314A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/28—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/22—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by variable-area meters, e.g. rotameters
    • G01F1/24—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by variable-area meters, e.g. rotameters with magnetic or electric coupling to the indicating device

Definitions

  • This invention concerns monitoring devices and control systems for monitoring and controlling fluid flows, and in particular devices for monitoring and controlling water supplies.
  • US4518955 describes a method and apparatus for detecting leakages in fluid conduit systems, for example for water supplies, which consist of a flow detector, a signal from which being passed to a microcomputer which generates an alarm if the duration of the flow has been pre-set as being abnormal.
  • the flow sensor consists of a piston which is slid in a cylinder between a zero flow position to a flow position against the force of a spring, magnetic sensors being used to detect the position of the piston within the cylinder.
  • US5503175 describes a water safety system for detecting and shutting off water flow which includes a flow detector consisting of a piston movable within a cylinder by the water flow, a magnet attached to the piston being moved by the flow past a magnetically sensitive detector. As with the system of US4518955, this system only responds to flow or no flow.
  • US5228469 describes a fluid control device including a sensor including a piston including a magnet which is moveable within a cylinder by the fluid flow against a spring, a plurality of magnetically sensitive sensors on the outside of the cylinder indicating the position of the piston within the cylinder and thereby providing an indication of fluid flow rate.
  • a fluid flow monitoring device comprising: -
  • biassing means for biassing the piston into a closed position in which the piston prevents fluid flowing to the outlets when the pressure difference in the fluid between the said inlet and outlets is substantially zero but allows the piston to move to different positions within the cylinder which permit fluid flow through an increasing number of outlets when the pressure at the outlets increasingly falls below that at the inlet;
  • detector means for detecting the position of the piston within the cylinder and thereby the occurrence of fluid flow through the device.
  • Devices in accordance with the present invention can be used to monitor a wide range of fluid flow rates. Furthermore, this can be with virtually zero loss of pressure at very high flow rates, for example by the use of relatively large apertures
  • Devices in accordance with the present invention are of particular value in controlling water supplies, for example to minimise water losses and/or damage caused by broken pipes or taps being left open.
  • the apertures in the cylinder through which the fluid flows preferably increase in size in the direction of movement of the piston as the fluid flow increases.
  • the biassing means is preferably in the form of a spring, usually of a corrosion resistant metal, and is particularly preferred to use a spring with a non-linear compressibility.
  • the detector means preferably includes a magnet which is moved by movement of the piston within the cylinder, and this magnet can then be used to actuate one or more magnetically actuatable sensors, these usually being located on the outside of the device.
  • Devices in accordance with the present invention are preferably adapted to monitor the flow of water in water supplies, for example to commercial or domestic premises.
  • the present invention also provides fluid flow monitoring systems comprising a fluid flow monitoring device according to the present invention, and timer means for timing the duration of fluid flow through the device.
  • valve means and actuating means for actuating the valve means to cut off the fluid flow after a predetermined period of time as determined by the timer means .
  • the timer means can be arranged to enable a number of different flow rates to be monitored, with the valve means being actuatable in response to such different flow rates.
  • Systems according to the present invention preferably include an alarm which is activated after a predetermined time interval as determined by the timer means, and the alarm can be used to provide an audible or a visual indication of an abnormal fluid flow.
  • Systems according to the present invention are preferably adapted to control the flow of water in water supplies, for example to commercial or domestic premises.
  • Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of flow monitoring device with no water flow
  • Fig. 2 is a view similar to that of Fig. 1 but with a very low flow rate
  • Fig. 3 is a view similar to that of Fig. 1 but with a medium flow rate
  • Fig. 4 is a view similar to that of Fig. 1 but with a high flow rate
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of a system incorporating the device of Figs. 1 to 4;
  • Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of monitoring device with no water flow
  • Fig. 7 shows water flow paths for the device of Fig. 6 with maximum water flow rate
  • Fig. 8 is a part cut away view of the device of Fig. 6 with a low flow rate
  • Fig. 9 corresponds to Fig. 8 but with a medium flow rate
  • Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 8 but with a high flow rate
  • Fig. 11 shows changes in the water flow rate through the device of Figs. 6 to 10 as a function of the displacement of the piston within the device.
  • the illustrated flow monitoring device is of essentially tubular construction with a water inlet 1 and a water outlet 2.
  • the diameters of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 can be selected according to the water supply with which the device is to be used, and they can, if desired, be provided with compression fittings to facilitate their installation into an existing water supply.
  • a cylindrical portion 3 of larger diameter than that of either the inlet 1 or outlet 2 is a cylindrical portion 3 of larger diameter than that of either the inlet 1 or outlet 2, the inlet 1 and outlet 2 being off-set from the axis of the portion 3.
  • an apertured tube 4 which is of larger diameter than the inlet 1 or the outlet 2, but it is substantially concentric with both of them.
  • a grooved piston 8 is mounted on a rod 5 which is guided along the axis of the tube 4 through a bulkhead 7 having a guide 6 on either side thereof.
  • the grooves 9 in the piston 8 have a self-cleaning action when the piston and the rod 5 move within the tube 4.
  • a spring 10 around the rod 5 serves to urge the piston 8 into the closed position shown in Fig. 1.
  • Also mounted on the rod 5 is a magnet 11 which moves with the piston 8 within the tube 4.
  • On the outside of the tube 3 are three reed switches 12, 13 and 14 which are connected to a timer unit 30.
  • the tube 4 also has a series of radially opening apertures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, the functioning of which will now be described.
  • Fig. 1 shows the device in its state with no water flow through it, the piston 9 being urged by the spring 10 to the extreme left hand position as shown in the diagram.
  • Fig. 5 shows the control system for the device, and it consists of a timer unit 30, a valve 31 for shutting off the water through the flow monitoring device, an alarm 32, a visual display 33, 34, and a reset module 35.
  • the three reed switches 12, 13 and 14 are connected to the timer unit 30. Although all three of these switches can be connected to a single timer, it is particularly preferred for each of the three switches to be connected to its own timer within the timer unit 30, this allowing different timing criteria to be used with each of the switches.
  • the timer (s) are stopped and reset to zero. However, if water continues to flow through the flow monitoring device for more than a predetermined time, the timer unit 30 sends a signal to the alarm 32 and the visual display 33. At the same time or after a further pe-set period the signal is sent to the valve 31 which cuts off the supply of water to the flow monitoring device shown in Figs. 1 to 4.
  • the visual display 33, 34 provides a first display 33 which indicates whether there has been time over-run caused by drips, leaks or a flood as sensed by reed switches 12, 13 and 14 respectively, and a second display 34 which provides an indication of the cost per day of the water leakage up to the time the water was cut off by the valve 31.
  • the reset module 35 enables the alarm 32 to be switched off, the valve 31 opened, and the timer (s) in the timer unit 30 to be reset .
  • the timer (s) in the timer unit 30 will be set so that normal water use will not activate the valve 31 and the alarm 32.
  • abnormal flows such as are caused by a burst pipe, leaving a tap on unattended for long periods, or even a dripping tap can be monitored and used to turn off the water supply, thereby not only saving water and the associated cost, but also possible damage caused by uncontrolled water leakage.
  • the valve 31 can be placed in the fluid flow either before or after the flow monitoring device, it generally being preferred that it be placed before the monitoring device.
  • FIG. 6 to 10 A modified but essentially similar flow monitoring device to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 is shown in Figs. 6 to 10. Because of these similarities, similar parts in this second device have been given the same reference numerals to those given for the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4.
  • the bulkhead 7 of the embodiment of Figs. 6 to 10 has a pressure relief aperture 30 therethrough, and it has been found that the size of this aperture can affect the rate of response of the device to changes in fluid pressure between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2.
  • the flow monitoring device shown in Figs. 6 to 10 also includes more reed switches than are shown in Figs. 1 to 4, thus enabling the flow rate through the flow monitoring device to be monitored more closely.
  • these monitors are shown in a line in Fig. 6, it will be appreciated that they can be distributed at various positions over the surface of the external portion of the cylindrical portion 3.
  • the present invention has been particularly described in relation to the control of water flows, it can be used to control the flow of other fluids, for example other liquids, e.g. oil, or gases.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
  • Indicating Or Recording The Presence, Absence, Or Direction Of Movement (AREA)

Abstract

Selon cette invention, un dispositif de surveillance de flux de fluide comprend un cylindre (4) possédant une entrée (1) et plusieurs sorties (16, 17, 18, 19); un piston (8) coulissant à l'intérieur du cylindre (4), en contact sensiblement étanche avec la surface interne de celui-ci; un système de sollicitation (10) pour solliciter le piston (8) et le mettre en position fermée, ce qui prévient l'écoulement des fluides vers les sorties (16, 17, 18, 19) lorsque la différence de pression dans le fluide entre l'entrée (1) et les sorties (16, 17, 18, 19) est sensiblement nulle tout en permettant au piston (8) de se mettre dans des positions différentes à l'intérieur du cylindre (4) pour que le fluide puisse s'écouler à travers un nombre croissant de sorties (16, 17, 18, 19) lorsque la pression aux sorties tombe de façon croissante en dessous de celle à la sortie; et un détecteur (12, 13, 14) destiné à détecter la position du piston (8) à l'intérieur du cylindre et, partant, l'existence d'un flux de fluide à travers le dispositif.
PCT/GB2000/001541 1999-04-21 2000-04-19 Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande WO2000065314A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00920907A EP1173732A1 (fr) 1999-04-21 2000-04-19 Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande
AU41319/00A AU4131900A (en) 1999-04-21 2000-04-19 Monitoring devices and control systems
CA002370825A CA2370825A1 (fr) 1999-04-21 2000-04-19 Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9909005.2A GB9909005D0 (en) 1999-04-21 1999-04-21 Control devices
GB9909005.2 1999-04-21
GB0001239A GB2349199B (en) 1999-04-21 2000-01-20 Monitoring devices and control systems
GB0001239.3 2000-01-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000065314A1 true WO2000065314A1 (fr) 2000-11-02

Family

ID=26243433

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/001541 WO2000065314A1 (fr) 1999-04-21 2000-04-19 Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1173732A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU4131900A (fr)
CA (1) CA2370825A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000065314A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2370341A (en) * 2000-12-16 2002-06-26 Eco Electronics Ltd Automatic control valve
ES2332495A1 (es) * 2008-08-04 2010-02-05 Enrique Manzano Canillas Proteccion contra fugas en redes de agua.
WO2012113882A3 (fr) * 2011-02-25 2013-01-03 Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V. Capteur de flux et procédé pour détecter un flux
US20170016548A1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-01-19 A.V.K. Carbo-Bond, Inc. Resettable valve
ES2688730A1 (es) * 2017-05-04 2018-11-06 Juan Luis Abad Clarimon Economizador de consumo de agua corriente sanitaria

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4518955A (en) * 1981-05-06 1985-05-21 Knut Meyer Method and apparatus for detecting leakage in a fluid conduit system
US4619146A (en) * 1981-05-22 1986-10-28 William Banko Flow meter
US4738395A (en) * 1987-02-17 1988-04-19 Hot Water Equipment Corporation Fluid flow rate detector and system
US5228469A (en) * 1991-08-15 1993-07-20 Otten Bernard J Fluid control system
US5503175A (en) * 1994-12-22 1996-04-02 Ravilious; Paul W. Water safety system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4518955A (en) * 1981-05-06 1985-05-21 Knut Meyer Method and apparatus for detecting leakage in a fluid conduit system
US4619146A (en) * 1981-05-22 1986-10-28 William Banko Flow meter
US4738395A (en) * 1987-02-17 1988-04-19 Hot Water Equipment Corporation Fluid flow rate detector and system
US5228469A (en) * 1991-08-15 1993-07-20 Otten Bernard J Fluid control system
US5503175A (en) * 1994-12-22 1996-04-02 Ravilious; Paul W. Water safety system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2370341A (en) * 2000-12-16 2002-06-26 Eco Electronics Ltd Automatic control valve
ES2332495A1 (es) * 2008-08-04 2010-02-05 Enrique Manzano Canillas Proteccion contra fugas en redes de agua.
WO2010018248A1 (fr) * 2008-08-04 2010-02-18 Abad Clarimon Juan Luis Protection contre les fuites dans des réseaux de distribution d'eau
WO2012113882A3 (fr) * 2011-02-25 2013-01-03 Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V. Capteur de flux et procédé pour détecter un flux
US20170016548A1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-01-19 A.V.K. Carbo-Bond, Inc. Resettable valve
US10465801B2 (en) * 2015-07-17 2019-11-05 A.V.K Carbo-Bond, Inc. Resettable valve
ES2688730A1 (es) * 2017-05-04 2018-11-06 Juan Luis Abad Clarimon Economizador de consumo de agua corriente sanitaria

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4131900A (en) 2000-11-10
EP1173732A1 (fr) 2002-01-23
CA2370825A1 (fr) 2000-11-02

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