GB2387444A - Leak detection, especially in water heating systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A water tank 10 includes a ball-cock (12, figure 1) with a bracket 14 fitted to the ball-cock so as to attach the ball-cock to the tank 10 and to form a platform. The platform supports a box 16, with a water inlet hole 26 in a lid 22, which has a hole 18 in its base; the size is determined by the amount of water required for normal make-up. Holes 20 along the top of the box allow for the removal of water from box 16 and when the ball-cock is running full bore to make up water, such as in a leaking pipework situation, the holes act as a weir. Through the lid 22 of the box, a float switch 28 is mounted for detecting an increased water level and the float switch is connected to a control box (30) having leak indication means (36).

Description

J Heating System Leak Detector 2387444 This invention relates to apparatus

for the detection of leaks on all concealed pipe work and fittings.

At the present time the expansion tank on heating systems being fitted at high level in roof spaces can start to make up water due to leaks in the system. Being positioned out of sight these leaks can go undetected for many years; this leads to waste of water and premature boiler failure due to scale build up.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for detecting the loss of water. The said apparatus comprising the means for measuring the amount of water required for normal make-up due to evaporation and excessive amounts due to leaking pipework. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale). The figure of which is an exploded view in part section of the apparatus according to the invention with an expansion tank with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig.I shows tank (10) of a conventional type used for example with open vent type heating systems has a ball cock (12) fitted.Fig. 2 shows a bracket (14) which is then fitted to the ball cock (12) this is then clamped between the tank (10) and ball cock (12) to form a platform. This platform will then support box (16) Fig.3 which incorporates a hole (18) drilled into the base. The size of hole (18) is determined by the amount of water required by normal make up. Also holes (20) along the top of the box (16) allow for the removal of water from box (16). When ball cock (12) is running full bore to make up water, to leaking pipe work this acts as a weir.

Fitted onto box (16) Fig. 4 is the apparatus lid (22), which incorporates a hole (24) for float switch (28) also there is a hole (26) to receive running water from ball cock (12).

Any additional water flowing into the tank (10). This will then be detected by float switch (28) Fig. 5 and will relay a low voltage to control box (30). Control box (30) will indicate leaks via strobe (36). This unit can be tested with key switch (34) or reset with key switch (32) .

Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of all components connected to tank (10) and ball cock (12) as described above.

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Claims (1)

1. L Claims

   1) Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those

   features of the invention belied to be of particular importance it should be understood, that the applicant claims protection in respect of any potential feature, or combination of features herein before referred to whatever or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

   2) A leak detector including a fixing base that can be mounted to fit any size ball cock. 3) The detector is an apparatus that automatically warns of excess fluid make up in heating systems.

   4) The detector as claimed can be made from metal, plastic materials or wood or from a combination of all three materials.

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