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WO2001014653A1 - Ensemble capteur de blocage de vidange - Google Patents

Ensemble capteur de blocage de vidange Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001014653A1
WO2001014653A1 PCT/GB2000/003299 GB0003299W WO0114653A1 WO 2001014653 A1 WO2001014653 A1 WO 2001014653A1 GB 0003299 W GB0003299 W GB 0003299W WO 0114653 A1 WO0114653 A1 WO 0114653A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
partition
drain
pressure
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2000/003299
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael R. Barton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FLOW CONTROL SYSTEMS Ltd
Original Assignee
FLOW CONTROL SYSTEMS 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
Application filed by FLOW CONTROL SYSTEMS Ltd filed Critical FLOW CONTROL SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority to AU67153/00A priority Critical patent/AU6715300A/en
Publication of WO2001014653A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001014653A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F7/00—Other installations or implements for operating sewer systems, e.g. for preventing or indicating stoppage; Emptying cesspools

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus and methods for detecting a rise in level of a fluid in a drain, and in particular for detecting a rise in water level caused by a blockage in a waterbome waste drainage system.
  • effluent arising from sanitary devices such as toilets, baths, wash hand basins, kitchen sinks and the like is conveyed by a system of waste and soil pipes to a network of underground pipes that eventually connect with a main sewer.
  • each outflow is transported via a separate trapped piping arrangement connected to larger bore common pipe work. In most cases this is a single vertical pipe with individual T-connections at various levels.
  • This pipe eventually connects with the underground system of pipes and the top end is open as a vent to the atmosphere.
  • US 4546346 (Sanity Saver Cap Company) discloses a sewer line backup detection device comprising a housing which can installed in place of the clean-out access cap in a conventional sewer line.
  • the housing comprises a pneumatic switch activated by a flexible diaphragm which is fitted onto the lower end of the housing which extends into the sewer line.
  • the blocked material exerts pressure directly on the flexible diaphragm which closes the pneumatic switch thereby setting off an alarm.
  • US 5718822 (the Metraflex Company) relates to an apparatus and method for detecting an accumulation of particulates in a fluid stream.
  • a differential pressure switch having an open end covered by a flexible diaphragm is placed in fluid communication with an upstream side of the pipeline. As particulates accumulate in the pipeline (particularly on a screen or filter), the resulting increase in pressure activates the pressure switch and thereby an alarm.
  • US 4972705 discloses a method for detecting the presence of a liquid level in a bore hole by using a pressure switch which detects a rise in pressure in a captive air column caused by a rise in liquid level in the bore hole. There is however no indication that the apparatus (which is suitable for bore holes which are several hundred feet long) would be suitable for use in domestic drains.
  • US 5006833 (CDF, Inc) relates to a pressure sensor in the form of a plug for placing in the access arm of a clean-out location in a sewage system. Changes in pressure in the system urge a diaphragm to close a switch and actuate an alarm.
  • US 5722289 discloses a deep fat fryer system including a level sensor which has a pressure sensitive switch for determining the level of cooking fluid in the fryer. If the oil is below the level of a conduit exit into the vat, then air from a blower can flow freely through the conduit, and the pressure remains low. If however the oil rises above the level of the conduit so that it blocks the end of the conduit, the air produced by the blower cannot pass through the conduit and the pressure rises. This rise in pressure is detected by a pressure sensitive switch.
  • US 3949610 discloses a pressure indicator for a railway car such as a pressurised hopper car or a pressurised tank car. A change in pressure moves a flexible diaphragm against a movable assembly which indicates the pressure range in the tank.
  • US 4973950 discloses a sewer blockage alarm for a sewer line having a pressure sensor mounted at the top of the clean out branch section of the sewer line. An audible and a visual indicator are activated by slight pressure rises caused by the rise in water level in the sewer.
  • US 3803917 (Western Liquid Level, Inc) discloses a differential pressure sensor which utilises two diaphragms to provide an accurate reading of the liquid level in a closed tank or container.
  • the problems with existing apparatus are that it is not suitable for detecting the relatively small pressure changes caused by blockage in a drain system; there is a risk that fluid and possibly effluent might come into contact with sensitive parts of the apparatus; or that there is a risk that changes in atmospheric pressure or in ambient temperature might cause the apparatus to activate or to be desensitised.
  • apparatus for detecting an increase in fluid pressure in a drain comprising a housing divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flexible partition, the first chamber having means for fluid communication with the drain, and the apparatus having means for sensing deflection of the partition into the second chamber, whereby in use an increase in fluid pressure within the drain causes a rise in air pressure in the first chamber, thereby deflecting the partition into the second chamber and activating said means for sensing, the partition being spaced apart from said means for fluid communication with the drain such that said means for sensing activates before a rising level of fluid in the drain meets the partition, and wherein the partition includes a valve for allowing air to pass from the second chamber to the first chamber but not from the first chamber to the second chamber.
  • the outside air pressure can vary considerably. If the pressure inside the second chamber is higher than atmospheric pressure, then this will exert a pressure on the partition towards the first chamber of the chamber, i.e. towards the drain. This will desensitise the apparatus, because effectively the partition will have to push harder against the increased air pressure in the second chamber in order to activate the means for sensing.
  • the provision of a valve in the partition addresses this problem. Specifically, the valve allows air to pass from the second chamber into the first chamber in order to relieve a build-up in pressure within the second chamber.
  • the valve comprises a hole in the partition, and a flap or partial diaphragm adjacent the partition on the same side of the partition as the first chamber and in alignment with the partition so as to at least partially cover the hole.
  • the apparatus may also have a vent from outside the apparatus into the second chamber for stabilising the apparatus to changes in ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
  • the vent may for example be a pipe or tube which leads from the apparatus to the outside of a manhole.
  • the provision of a vent keeps the second chamber at atmospheric pressure, which means that it is not desensitised by a drop in atmospheric pressure, nor is it sensitised by an increase in atmospheric pressure.
  • vent includes means for allowing the air to pass into and out of the second chamber, but for preventing the passage of liquid.
  • a vent for detecting an increase in fluid pressure in a drain
  • apparatus for detecting an increase in fluid pressure in a drain comprising a housing divided into two parts by a flexible partition, the first chamber having means for fluid communication with the drain, and the apparatus having means for sensing deflection of the partition into the second chamber, whereby in use an increase in fluid pressure within the drain causes a rise in air pressure in the first chamber, thereby deflecting the partition into the second chamber and activating said means for sensing, the partition being spaced apart from said means for fluid communication with the drain such that said means for sensing activates before a rising level of fluid in the drain meets the partition, and the apparatus having a vent from outside the apparatus into the second chamber for stabilising the apparatus to changes in ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, wherein the vent includes means for allowing air to pass into and out of the second chamber, but for preventing the passage of liquid.
  • the means for allowing air to pass into and out of the second chamber is adapted to allow an air flow of approximately 150cm 3 of air per minute in either direction.
  • a vent tube may be fitted to the apparatus which is long enough so that the distal end of the tube can reach a place of lower humidity.
  • the distal end of the tube can be fitted with said means for allowing air to pass into and out of the second chamber, but for preventing the passage of liquid.
  • Additional protection of the electronic equipment within the unit may be provided by encapsulation of the equipment using low viscosity silicone rubber.
  • a waterproof test switch may be mounted on top of the unit to enable engineers to test the electronic circuits.
  • the body of the apparatus which forms the chamber is preferably moulded from UPVC as a one-piece unit. This allows the housing to expand as a single unit, which reduces the likelihood that the apparatus will crack at high temperatures.
  • the shell of the unit may be constructed out of 4mm copper. The venting of this unit is by additional pipe work.
  • a fire retardant coating may be applied to the inner surfaces of the unit.
  • the spacing of the partition from the means for fluid communication with the drain ensures that the fluid or effluent in the drain does not foul the apparatus.
  • the partition is preferably extremely flexible and offers very little resistance to a change in pressure in the first chamber of the chamber. This means that the limiting factor in triggering the apparatus is the triggering of the means for sensing, rather than the deflection of the partition.
  • the partition is constructed from a very thin material in order that it is sufficiently flexible.
  • a particularly suitable material is nitrile rubber coated nylon having a thickness of about 0.25mm. Its temperature range is from -30°C to 100°C, and its burst strength Mullens is in the region of 300 psi.
  • a guard for limiting the deflection of the partition in order to prevent the partition from being damaged.
  • the guard is preferably about 4mm from the partition when the partition is in its relaxed state.
  • the distance moved by the partition from its relaxed state to its fully deflected state is from 1mm to 3mm, and preferably about 2mm. Accordingly, in normal circumstances the partition does not impact on the guard.
  • the guard acts to limit deflection of more than 4mm, however, and thereby to reduce rupturing of the partition.
  • the partition and the means for sensing deflection of the partition are sufficiently sensitive to detect a change in pressure of about 0.07 psi.
  • the means for sensing deflection of the partition is preferably an electrical contact switch which is arranged to be contacted by the partition when the partition moves a predetermined distance into the second chamber.
  • the means for sensing may be electromagnetic, electropneumatic, electro-optical or fibre- optical in nature.
  • the first chamber of the chamber is an elongate member, wherein said member tapers away from the partition to a section of minimum cross- section.
  • the means for fluid communication with the drain is preferably at the end of the first chamber distal to the second chamber.
  • Said means is preferably adapted to be connected to a network of pipes.
  • the connection may be of any known type, for example a bayonet fitting or a male or female screw thread.
  • the means for sensing deflection of the partition is connected to an alarm for indicating when the fluid level in the drain has risen a predetermined amount.
  • the connection between said means and said alarm may be of any suitable type, for example it may be a hard wired electrical connection or the connection may be by means of optical fibres, pneumatic pipes, or by means of an electromagnetic link such as an RF (radio frequency) link.
  • a cellular phone network may be used to convey information about the status of the apparatus.
  • Some form of paging system may be devised so that contact closure is uniquely annunciated by telephone. Such a system would be endowed with the national and global coverage of the cellular network allowing executive monitoring over great distances.
  • Wireless single event telemetry systems can be envisaged whereby a battery operated RF transmitter is incorporated in each unit. Closure of the contact switch causes an RF signal to be transmitted that is picked up by a suitable remote RF receiver, whereby annunciator circuits at the receiver output are activated. When a number of units are involved, discrimination is brought about by each unit having an arrangement so that the transmitter carrier wave is modulated in a unique way corresponding to the unit location.
  • the apparatus may include a "connection lost" feature.
  • the transmitter within the unit automatically transmits a signal to a remote control panel, for example once every 24 hours. If the receiver within the control panel does not receive the signal then an LED on the transmitter will illuminate to indicate a lost connection and a pre-recorded lost connection telephone message will be sent by means of an auto-dialler in the control panel.
  • a low battery status transmission feature may also be present.
  • a method for detecting a rise in level of fluid in a drain comprising putting the apparatus described above into fluid communication with the drain, and monitoring the status of the means for sensing deflection of the partition.
  • Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of the parts of the invention incorporating by way of an example a cylindrical chamber and an electrical sensor (a microswitch).
  • FIG. 2 illustrates two alternative ways in which the sensor can be used.
  • FIG. 3 depicts an alternative arrangement in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows the sensor comprising a chamber 1 divided into two parts 2 and 3 by an impermeable diaphragm 4 that is backed by an over pressure support plate 5.
  • Part 2 has venting aperture 24.
  • Venting aperture 24 includes a damp seal known as a "breather” (not shown) for allowing the passage of air but not water into part 2.
  • Attached to the partition is a reinforcing pad 6 that protrudes through the over pressure plate 5 and is in close proximity or touching the actuating plunger of a switch 7.
  • the switch 7 is mounted relative to diaphragm 4 so that a predetermined displacement of the Partition towards the switch will cause the contacts 8 to change state.
  • An external electrical connection to these contacts is by wires 10 through the side of part 2 via feedthrough device 9.
  • switch 7 may be of a type known as a microswitch where the contact set chosen is normally open and is closed when displaced by the partition. This normally open condition is preferred because for signalling purposes it corresponds to a zero power consumption in the quiescent or non-displaced condition of the partition.
  • over pressure plate 5 The purpose of the over pressure plate 5 is to provide support to prevent diaphragm 4 rupturing in the event of a gross over-pressure situation.
  • Part 3 is in the form of an open-ended cylinder which converges such that the diameter at the open end is smaller than that adjacent to the partition.
  • the cylinder may be the same diameter over the whole length.
  • the operation of the sensor is dependent on the pressure volume product of the trapped volume of part 3 being constant. Whereby the reduction in the trapped volume by the rising level of effluent is accompanied by a pressure increase in the trapped air causing diaphragm 4 to be displaced.
  • Atmospheric pressure at sea level is of the order 0.1 MPa so required pressure increase is of the order 0.00227 of an atmosphere.
  • atmospheric pressure can be expressed as of the order 390 inches and pressure increase require as 0.88 inches water gauge. This corresponds to the dimension defining the distance between level 17 and 18 or WO 01 tl 4653 PCT/GB0O/O3299
  • volume percentage change is the same as the distance of level 16 or 34 above the trapping level expressed as a percentage of the total length and for a divergent case is somewhat greater.
  • Fig.2 illustrates two ways in which the sensor can be used. It shows a representation of a typical form of a drainage system comprising a vertical down pipe 11 that terminates in an underground trap 12 that is connected to a system of pipes 13 having manhole spaces 14 at various locations. The outflow from various sanitary devices such as baths and kitchen sinks etc. are typically connected to down pipe 11 at appropriate levels by trapped pipe work 15.
  • part 3 can be of a standard length or extended by a piece of straight pipe.
  • the sensor is mounted with the axis vertical and can be supported from a wall of the manhole space such that the open end of part 3 is just clear of any flowing effluent.
  • a blockage at 16 will cause the level of effluent in the manhole space to rise.
  • air in part 3 will be trapped and sealed. As the level rises, the trapped air will be compressed and the diaphragm 4 will be displaced.
  • the switch At a pre-determined displacement corresponding to effluent level 17 in the manhole space and level 18 in the sensor space the switch will operate signalling that a blockage has occurred.
  • the sensor can be used to give early warning of blockages in the vertical down pipe as indicated at 19.
  • the open end of the sensor is connected via an elbow connector 20 to a T-junction 21.
  • a blockage at 19 will cause effluent to backfill the down pipe and the level will rise to the T-junction 21 and beyond so that the air in the lower part of the sensor is trapped, sealed and compressed, causing the partition to be displaced.
  • the switch At a predetermined displacement corresponding to effluent level 33 in the vertical pipe 11 and level 34 in the sensor space the switch will operate signalling that a blockage has occurred.
  • diaphragm 4 has a small hole 30 therein (shown enlarged for effect in the figure) and flap 40 overlaying diaphragm 4 and hole 30 to create a valve.
  • flap 40 has an area which is approximately 75% of that of diaphragm 4, which is the preferred ratio.
  • a flap of any size will work to some extent, as long it covers or at least partially hole 30.
  • the vent may be dispensed with entirely, provided that there is a valve in diaphragm 4.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

Ensemble capteur de blocage de vidange comprenant un boîtier (1) divisé en deux chambres (2, 3) par une membrane souple (4). La chambre (2) contient un capteur sensible au déplacement de la membrane (4) provoqué par des modifications de pression dans la chambre (3). Ces modifications de pression sont provoquées par l'accumulation de niveaux d'effluents produite par des blocages en aval du conduit de vidange. Le capteur émet un signal quand la différence de la pression sur la surface de la membrane dépasse une valeur prédéterminée. Cette membrane (4) possède une valve afin d'équilibrer les changements de pression atmosphérique et de température ambiante. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, la chambre (2) peut comporter un orifice de ventilation vers l'atmosphère.
PCT/GB2000/003299 1999-08-25 2000-08-25 Ensemble capteur de blocage de vidange Ceased WO2001014653A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU67153/00A AU6715300A (en) 1999-08-25 2000-08-25 Drain blockage sensor

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9920157.6 1999-08-25
GBGB9920157.6A GB9920157D0 (en) 1999-08-25 1999-08-25 Drain blockage ensor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001014653A1 true WO2001014653A1 (fr) 2001-03-01

Family

ID=10859806

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/003299 Ceased WO2001014653A1 (fr) 1999-08-25 2000-08-25 Ensemble capteur de blocage de vidange

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6715300A (fr)
GB (2) GB9920157D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001014653A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2423365A (en) * 2005-01-26 2006-08-23 Richard John Wragg A drain blockage warning system

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019005905A1 (fr) * 2017-06-27 2019-01-03 Nch Corporation Système et procédé d'avertissement de capteur de système de plomberie automatisé
EP4240924B1 (fr) 2020-11-06 2025-01-29 Watts Regulator Co. Systèmes de drain de toit intelligent
EP4240925B1 (fr) 2020-11-06 2025-01-01 Watts Regulator Co. Systèmes et procédés de drain de toit intelligent

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3803917A (en) 1973-01-15 1974-04-16 Western Liquid Level Inc Differential pressure sensor
US3949610A (en) 1973-08-14 1976-04-13 Acf Industries, Incorporated Pressure indicator for railway cars
US4031847A (en) * 1976-04-21 1977-06-28 Donaldson Company, Inc. Pressure ratio reversal indicator
US4546346A (en) 1983-03-14 1985-10-08 Sanity Saver Cap Company Sewer line backup detection, alarm and detention apparatus
US4972705A (en) 1989-10-10 1990-11-27 Phillips Petroleum Company Liquid level detection
US4973950A (en) 1989-12-04 1990-11-27 Robert Tourtillott Sewer blockage alarm
US5006833A (en) 1989-07-25 1991-04-09 Cdf, Inc. Sewer line restriction alarm placed in clean out plug
US5718822A (en) 1995-09-27 1998-02-17 The Metraflex Company Differential pressure apparatus for detecting accumulation of particulates in a filter
US5722289A (en) 1996-04-11 1998-03-03 Tridelta Industries, Inc. Cooking appliance with level detection apparatus and method

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3803917A (en) 1973-01-15 1974-04-16 Western Liquid Level Inc Differential pressure sensor
US3949610A (en) 1973-08-14 1976-04-13 Acf Industries, Incorporated Pressure indicator for railway cars
US4031847A (en) * 1976-04-21 1977-06-28 Donaldson Company, Inc. Pressure ratio reversal indicator
US4546346A (en) 1983-03-14 1985-10-08 Sanity Saver Cap Company Sewer line backup detection, alarm and detention apparatus
US5006833A (en) 1989-07-25 1991-04-09 Cdf, Inc. Sewer line restriction alarm placed in clean out plug
US4972705A (en) 1989-10-10 1990-11-27 Phillips Petroleum Company Liquid level detection
US4973950A (en) 1989-12-04 1990-11-27 Robert Tourtillott Sewer blockage alarm
US5718822A (en) 1995-09-27 1998-02-17 The Metraflex Company Differential pressure apparatus for detecting accumulation of particulates in a filter
US5722289A (en) 1996-04-11 1998-03-03 Tridelta Industries, Inc. Cooking appliance with level detection apparatus and method

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2423365A (en) * 2005-01-26 2006-08-23 Richard John Wragg A drain blockage warning system
GB2423365B (en) * 2005-01-26 2010-02-24 Richard John Wragg Drain blockage warning system capable of sending a warning directly to a mobile phone

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0021077D0 (en) 2000-10-11
AU6715300A (en) 2001-03-19
GB2353593B (en) 2003-04-09
GB9920157D0 (en) 1999-10-27
GB2353593A (en) 2001-02-28

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