Water flow analysis

Abstract

The invention relates to water flow analysis. According to the invention, a location (100) is including an installation (120) associated with a site (102). At the site (102) is a house. A water main (110) forms part of a water distribution network and is buried approximately 1m below the surface (112) of a road. A ferrule (114) extends from an upper part of the water main pipe and is in fluid communication with a first portion (116) of a service pipe at depth of typically approximately 0.75m and which extends from the water main (110) to underneath a pavement (118). An outside stop-tap or meter chamber (122) is provided below pavement (118) and includes a pilotable cover (124), which can be opened to provide access to the interior of the chamber (122). A first connector (126) is provided on an upstream side of the chamber and a second connector (128) is provided on a downstream side of the chamber. A stop-tap or stop-tap and meter assembly (130) is provided within the chamber and in fluidic communication with the first and second connectors. An insulating member (134), for example in the form of a piece of polystyrene, extends across the interior of the chamber (122) and acts to insulate the lower part of the chamber from the environment above. A temperature logging device (160) is located on the insulating member (134) and includes a first temperature sensor (162). Optionallythe temperature logging device may also include a second temperature sensor (164).The temperature of a part of a water supply system between a water main (110) and a site is recorded as a function oftime. The recorded temperature as a function of time is analyzed to determine a property indicative of the water consumption at the site.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to liquid flow analysis, and in particular to methods, devices, apparatus and systems that can be used to understand water flow within a venue. Background technique [0002] There are many utilities that are commonly provided to homes and businesses. Such utilities include gas, electricity and water. Metering can be used at various locations in order to determine the amount of utility consumed at that location. While separate electricity and gas meters are fairly common for many establishments, separate water meters are less common. Leakage or escape of gas from supply systems or appliances within the premises is detectable due to odor. Electricity is not a fluid, and therefore in principle cannot leak or dissipate. [0003] Because many water systems are buried underground, many water leaks are not easy to spot or detect. Some leaks or escapes of water are clearly detectable, including leaks where the effect of the l...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Even though leaks are in principle found using acoustic techniques, this is not practical or economical in real-world situations due to the size of the water supply system and the need to perform an exhaustive search

Additionally, new leaks can occur at any time

Images