Fluid control system

Abstract

A fluid flow control device for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system is provided and includes a flow actuation device, wherein the flow actuation device is disposed within the flow path of the pipe system and wherein the flow actuation device is configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, an actuator control device, wherein the actuator control device is associated with the flow actuation device and a processing device, the processing device disposed to be associated with the actuator control device to cause the flow actuation device to be configured between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This disclosure relates generally to a pipe system containing a fluid and more particularly to an apparatus and method for controlling the flow and volume of fluid within a pipe system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In climates that experience a wide range of temperature variations, such as the northeastern United States, it is necessary to take precautions to prevent damage from occurring to liquid flow systems that are exposed to extreme temperatures. One such liquid flow system that is typically susceptible to temperature variations is the plumbing system of a building, in particular older buildings and buildings used for seasonal purposes, such as vacation homes. Poor insulation on the exterior walls of these buildings may allow any pipes disposed in proximity to the exterior walls to be exposed to temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, thus permitting any liquid contained within these pipes to freeze. As the liquid within the pipe free...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The above discussed deficiencies and other drawbacks are overcome or alleviated by a fluid flow control device for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system, wherein the flow actuation device includes a flow actuation device, wherein the flow actuation device is disposed within the flow path of the pipe system and wherein the flow actuation device is configurable b

Problems solved by technology

One such liquid flow system that is typically susceptible to temperature variations is the plumbing system of a building, in particular older buildings and buildings used for seasonal purposes, such as vacation homes.

Poor insulation on the exterior walls of these buildings may allow any pipes disposed in proximity to the exterior walls to be exposed to temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, thus permitting any liquid contained within these pipes to freeze.

As the liquid within the pipe freezes, the liquid expands exerting pressure on the walls of the pipe causing the pipes to crack and the plumbing system to fail allowing liquid to escape from the crack in the pipe.

Unfortunately, damage is not limited to just plumbing systems.

Depending upon the location of the pipe failure, damage can occur to the surrounding environment as well, such as an interior floor, an interior wall, an interior ceiling and / or cabinets containing the pipes.

Unfortunately however, faucet dripping is not always feasible, as no one may be available to open the faucet, the faucet may be forgotten open, or the cold weather may be unexpected.

Further, this dripping can be wasteful of water in that the faucets often drip longer than is necessary and for plumbing systems that depend upon a well pump, this may put excessive usage on the well pump.

Unfortunately, this insulation cannot protect the faucet itself, which is typically disposed exterior to an enclosure and usually retains a small amount of liquid in the faucet head even when closed.

Consequently, this liquid is susceptible to freezing, thus causing damage to the faucet.

However, because a hose or other accessory may be attached to the end of the faucet, this accessory may already contain fluid in it that has frozen, causing the outlet of the faucet to be blocked and hence susceptible to freezing.

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