Water supply network and method of operating a water supply network

Abstract

The present invention provides a water supply network (1) comprising at least one water line (2) extending between an inlet (2A) and an outlet (2B). The water line comprises at least one water supply system (5) arranged along the water line with at least one teat (10), a pressure regulator (4) at the inlet (2A) of the water line (2) for supplying the at least one teat (10) with water at a pressure within the operating pressure of the at least one teat in drinking mode or at a higher pressure in purging mode. A purging valve (46) is provided to the pressure regulator (4) for switching between the drinking mode and the purging mode.An operating system (50) is provided for operating the water supply network, adapted to receive current values ​​of the water quality parameters from the sensors, to compare these obtained current values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and to send control signals depending on the results of the comparison to the flushing valve to actuate a purge if one of the values ​​is outside a predetermined / preselected range. Figure for abstract: Fig 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Water supply network and method of operating a water supply network Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of livestock farms. More specifically, the present invention relates to a water supply network and a method of operating a water supply network for a livestock farm. PREVIOUS ART

[0002] In animal farming, such as chicken farms and especially broiler chicken farms, water quality is essential to improve the growth of chickens, reduce the proliferation of bacteria and decrease the need for antibiotics. Water is a key element in the composition of the chicken's body and the quality of the water it drinks has a significant impact on its health and appetite.

[0003] Currently, the water quality systems in place on chicken farms are fairly standard and meet local requirements and specific guidelines given by the farm owner. Water comes primarily from the tap system, or sometimes from wheels. This water is delivered through a pipe system leading to several watering systems. The piping system consists of ordinary thermoplastic pipes, for example PVC or CPVC, and the watering systems include nipples from which the chickens can drink.

[0004] During the growth cycle of the animals, the water line of the watering system is moved from bottom to top depending on the growth rate of the chickens in order to allow them to access the watering nipples appropriately.

[0005] In operation, vitamins, vaccines, nutrients and disinfectants are also added to the water to promote the growth of chickens and prevent contamination.

[0006] After each growth cycle, the building is completely emptied and cleaned. The water system is cleaned and disinfected, for example using a high-pressure cleaning device.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and system for monitoring water quality, in order to reduce and control or manage the risk of water contamination, in particular from the preparation of the system until the arrival of the animals, during the growth cycle and during the sanitary period (disinfection process). Summary of the invention

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a water supply network comprising at least one water line extending between an inlet and an outlet, the water line having at least one water supply system disposed along the water line with at least one nipple, a pressure regulator at the inlet of the water line for supplying the at least one nipple with water at a pressure within the operating pressure of the at least one nipple in a drinking mode or at a higher pressure in a purge mode. A purge valve is provided at the pressure regulator for switching from the drinking mode to the purge mode.A plurality of sensors are provided along the water supply network, for obtaining current values, also called running or actual values, of water quality parameters, wherein an operating system is provided for operating the water supply network, adapted to receive the current values ​​of water quality parameters from the sensors, to compare these current values, obtained with predetermined parameter values, and send control signals depending on the results of the comparison to the purge valve to actuate a purge in case of one of the values ​​outside a predetermined / predefined range.

[0009] According to one aspect, the plurality of sensors comprises at least one pH sensor, one temperature sensor, one pressure sensor, one redox potential sensor.

[0010] In one aspect, at least one of a temperature sensor and an output pH sensor is placed at the outlet of the water supply line. Monitoring the water parameters at the outlet of the line provides monitoring along the line. If the water quality is good at the end of the line, the water quality is good along the line.

[0011] According to another aspect, the system comprises at least one of a check valve upstream of the pressure regulator, a check valve at the outlet, and a sampling valve arranged at the outlet.

[0012] A water meter valve and / or a screening filter may be installed at the outlet of the water source, in order to monitor the water volume.

[0013] Further, a pump with a dosimeter connected to a reservoir, the pump and / or the dosimeter are controllable by the main controller to adjust the amount of water or vitamins, nutrients and disinfectants.

[0014] According to another aspect, the purge valve is a solenoid valve provided on the housing of the pressure regulator, particularly centered above the pressure regulator. Having the purge valve centered on the pressure regulator helps maintain the vertical orientation of the system and the nipple, and thus the flow of water into the nipple.

[0015] According to one aspect, the main controller is adapted to send control signals to purge the water lines sequentially.

[0016] The operating system also comprises an inlet water controller, which is provided to monitor the water to be supplied to the water line, in particular wherein the inlet water controller is adapted to receive information(s) from the water meter valve as well as the dosimeter or the tank and / or to send control signals to the water meter valve and / or the pump.

[0017] According to one aspect, the operating system further comprises an operating interface adapted to receive inputs from a user and output one or more pieces of information or requests to the user, and / or a water interface adapted to output one or more pieces of information such as previous water amounts, current water amount over a given period of time, current parameters such as vitamins, nutrients and disinfectants.

[0018] According to one aspect, the water supply network comprises one or more groups of supply lines in series, where, for each group, an outlet sensor is placed at the outlet of the last supply line of the group.

[0019] Preferably, each line of the group is independent and / or has sensors at dedicated ends.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method of operating a water supply network comprising at least one water line extending between an inlet and an outlet, the water line comprising at least one water supply system arranged along the water line with at least one teat, a pressure regulator at the inlet of the water line for supplying the at least one teat with water at a pressure within the operating pressure of the at least one teat in a drinking mode or at a higher pressure in a purging mode, and the method comprising monitoring the water quality, by an operating system, wherein the operating system receives at least one current value of a water quality parameter from sensors, compares these detected values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and sends control signals to the purging valve based on the results of the comparison,and includes carrying out preventive purges at predetermined intervals and carrying out an additional curative purge based on the results of the current values ​​of the detected water quality parameters.

[0021] In one aspect, the plurality of water parameters include water temperature and pH and the method includes monitoring the current value of the water temperature or pH at the end of the water line.

[0022] According to one aspect, the method comprises triggering a curative purge whenever the current values ​​of the water parameters are outside predefined ranges. or exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0023] It is envisaged to capture the predefined ranges or thresholds via a controller interface.

[0024] According to another aspect, the method comprises controlling the dosimeter to modify the amount of disinfectant added as a function of the current detected water parameters, in particular as a function of the pH value detected by the pH sensor at the outlet of the supply line or the temperature value detected by the outlet temperature sensor at the outlet of the supply line.

[0025] In one aspect, the system comprises one or more groups of supply lines in series, wherein, for each group, an outlet sensor is placed at the outlet of the last supply line of the group, and the method comprises monitoring the water parameter at the outlet of the last line of the group and / or purging each line independently and / or having a sensor at dedicated ends.

[0026] Preferably, the method comprises sequentially purging each line of the group.

[0027] Key parameters for monitoring water quality that enhances animal growth are pH, temperature and oxidation-reduction potential ORP. Other possible parameters to monitor are water hardness, iron and manganese content, chloride, turbidity, TOC. When one or more of these water quality measurement parameters is / are outside a defined range, the water system must be flushed and refilled with clean water. In addition, preventive flushing can be taken into account, which aims to maintain water quality at a stable level by using scheduled or conventional flushing as desired, normally independently of the monitored parameters.

[0028] There is a purge program that consists of a combination of preventive purges and curative purges.

[0029] Preventive flushes are made several times a day, for example based on a pre-established plan tailored to a specific part of the animals' growth cycle. The plan for the preventative flushes may, for example, take into account the animals' waking cycle, so that the first drop of water the animals drink upon waking is a drop of clean water and not a drop of lower quality stagnant water that has remained in the system for an extended period of time while the animals were sleeping. The duration of the flush may be adjusted according to a particular configuration of the drinking system, for example based on the overall length of the pipe system or the water flow rate. The number and length of preventative flushes per day may be reduced as the animal ages and becomes more resistant to potentially lower quality drinking water.

[0030] Curative purges are made in response to exceeding a defined threshold of pa Continuously monitored water quality parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, or ORP). The duration of the purge can be set based on a particular deviation of water quality parameters compared to predefined thresholds. The duration of preventive purges per day can be reduced as the animal ages and becomes more resistant to potentially poorer drinking water. A curative purge can be repeated several times in a row if the water quality parameters have not reached the predefined threshold.

[0031] It is possible to consider not carrying out a preventive purge if, within a period of time to be defined before the programmed or manually activated preventive purge, a curative purge has been carried out (successfully). This is purely optional and can be considered depending on the priority of having a redundant system for improved water quality or to prioritize water savings.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment having several water lines or sub-water lines, the network is configured so that, upon purging, each individual line or sub-line can be purged individually, so as to have the maximum pressure available. In addition, the sensor can be provided at the end of each line, at the end of every second line or for example at the end of the first line and the last line in a particularly preferred embodiment.

[0033] Each water line is purged alone, to benefit from the full performance of the water flow, since, if the lines are purged at the same time, some receive just a percentage of the flow and the water line is not cleaned properly. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 7, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] is an overview of a water supply network according to the present di popularization.

[0036] [Fig.2] is an overview of another embodiment of the water supply network according to the present disclosure.

[0037] [Fig.3] is an overview of another water supply network according to the present disclosure with several water lines which can be operated independently or in common, in which certain elements of the embodiment of [Fig.l] have been omitted for reasons of clarity, although these elements are present if essential and may be present if optional.

[0038] [Fig.4] is an overview of a method of operating a water supply network according to the present disclosure.

[0039] [Fig.5] is an example of an operating interface according to the present disclosure.

[0040] [Fig.6] is a pressure regulator intended to be integrated into a network water supply according to this disclosure.

[0041] [Fig.7] is a functional illustration of the pressure regulator of [Fig.6]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] [Fig.l] illustrates a water supply network 1 according to the present disclosure. [Fig.2] shows another embodiment of the water supply network 1 of [Fig.l], which, as will be seen later, differs from [Fig.l] only in the arrangement of the purge line.

[0043] The water supply network 1 comprises a water line 2 extending between an inlet 2A and an outlet 2B. A plurality of water supply systems 5 are arranged along the water line 2 with a plurality of teats 10 allowing the chickens to drink.

[0044] The drinking water is supplied from one or more water sources 3, which may be tap water, a water tank, or a water wheel / hole. A water meter valve 21 and a screening filter 22 are provided at the outlet of the water source 3. The water meter valve 21 is used to measure the amount of water used on the farm. The screening filter 22 may be placed upstream or downstream of the water meter valve 21 to remove any potential heavy contaminants.

[0045] A pump 12 with a dosimeter connected to a reservoir 8 is provided downstream of the water meter valve 21 and the screening filter 22, to add vitamins, nutrients, vaccines and disinfectants from the reservoir 8 to the water in order to promote the growth of the chickens and to avoid any contamination.

[0046] A pressure regulator 4 is arranged at the inlet 2A of the water line 2 to supply the teats 10 with water at a pressure within the operating pressure of the teats.

[0047] The pressure regulator 4 is supplied by a water line that functions as a supply line 15 to supply potable water to the water line 2 during normal operation and as a purge line 16 to purge the water line 2 during a purge operation. The supply line and the purge line are preferably a single line ([Fig.l]), but may also be configured as two or more separate lines ([Fig.2]). A purge valve 46 is provided to control the water supply to the purge line 16 for the purge function. The purge valve 46 is preferably integrated with the pressure regulator, but it may also be placed separately on the purge line 16. To ensure system redundancy, it is also possible to provide both valves in a single system.

[0048] In [Fig.2], the purge line 16 and the supply line 15 are separate lines. In this case, in addition to the purge valve 46 for opening or closing the line purge 16, a supply valve 45 may be positioned in the supply line 15 to open or close the supply line 15.

[0049] The purge valve 46 may be a solenoid valve, i.e., a normally closed valve, which may be opened automatically by an automatic system as described below or manually by the breeder. Solenoid valves are fast and reliable and require little control.

[0050] The pressure regulator 4 is preferably configured such that when the integrated purge valve 46 is opened to initiate the purge function, the supply line is simultaneously closed to stop the potable water supply function. A preferred embodiment of the pressure regulator will be described further with reference to [Fig.4].

[0051] A non-return valve 44 is provided downstream of the pump and upstream of the supply line 15 and the purge line 16, in order to prevent the backflow of possibly polluted water.

[0052] A sampling valve 47 is optionally arranged at the outlet 2B of the water line, to allow sampling of the water downstream of the water line 2.

[0053] A non-return valve 48 is also placed at the outlet 2B of the water line.

[0054] A plurality of sensors are provided along the water supply network 1, to obtain current values, otherwise called running values, of water parameters such as pressure, temperature and pH, in order to monitor the quality of the water.

[0055] An outlet pH sensor 24 is placed at the outlet of the water line 2B, i.e. after the last of the water supply systems 5. An outlet temperature sensor 25 is also located at the outlet of the water line 2B, next to the outlet pH sensor 24. The outlet temperature sensor 25 can be placed upstream or downstream of the outlet pH sensor 24.

[0056] The pH sensor at the water line outlet allows the user to add the correct amount of product (e.g., disinfectant) to the water line, i.e., neither too much nor too little. Indeed, if there is not enough disinfectant, the disinfectant will not reach the water line outlet, and on the other hand, putting too much disinfectant will also result in too high a level of disinfectant at the outlet.

[0057] One or more additional pH sensors 24A and one or more temperature sensors 25A may be placed along the water line 2, such as at the inlet 2A of the water line and at one or more nipples 10.

[0058] An oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) sensor 26 may be used to measure the oxidation-reduction potential of water. The ionic potential information allows the purity of drinking water to be checked. It is useful for seeing the impact of disinfectants on the water when disinfectants are used. It also allows any deviation in the quality of the supplied water to be anticipated. The ORP sensor 256 is preferably placed before the inlet of water line 2A, downstream of pump 12.

[0059] The sensors 24, 24A, 25, 25A, 26 obtain the current values ​​of the monitored water parameters.

[0060] In the example of Figs. 1 and 2, a single water supply line 2 is shown. Of course, a water supply network can have as many water supply lines as required depending on the needs, connected to a single source or to a plurality of water sources, with one or more pressure regulators at the inlet of the water supply lines.

[0061] When a plurality of lines are provided, the sensors may be placed on each line or may be adapted. In any case, there is always an outlet pH sensor 24A at the outlet of the last water lines of the set, to allow the user to add the correct amount of product (e.g., disinfectant) to the water line, i.e., neither too much nor too little. Indeed, if there is not enough disinfectant, the disinfectant will not reach the outlet of the water line, and on the other hand, putting too much disinfectant will also result in too high a level of disinfectant at the outlet.

[0062] This is illustrated in [Fig. 3], which shows a plurality of water lines. In the example of [Fig. 3], an array of eight water lines L1 to L8 is provided, with two sets S1, S2 of four lines in series, L1 to L4, and L5 and L8. This is only one example of multiple lines, and any number of lines in any configuration can be considered.

[0063] Each line is equipped with a 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8 pressure regulator at the inlet. One could consider having a pressure regulator per series rather than per line, but having a pressure regulator per line allows each line to be purged independently.

[0064] In this example of [Fig.3], there is a first output pH sensor 24A-1 placed at the output of the first series SL1 of the water line unit, i.e. after the last of the water supply systems 5 of the last water line L4 of the first series. Similarly, a second output pH sensor 24A-2 is placed at the output of the second series SL2, i.e. after the last of the water supply systems 5 of the last water line L8 of the second series SL2.

[0065] A first outlet temperature sensor 25A-1 is also placed at the outlet of the first water line unit, next to the pH sensor 24A-1. A second outlet temperature sensor 25A-2 is also placed at the outlet of the second water line unit, next to the second pH sensor 25A-1. The outlet temperature sensors can be placed upstream or downstream of the outlet pH sensor.

[0066] One or more additional pH sensors and one or more temperature sensors may be placed along each water line or at the outlet of each of the water lines. Other sensors such as an ORP sensor or other sensors needed to determine the water quality can be placed along the water lines. In the example shown, there is an additional outlet pH sensor 24B-1 and an additional temperature sensor 25B-1, placed at the outlet of the first line L1 of the first SL1 series of water line units, and an additional outlet pH sensor 24B-5 and an additional temperature sensor 25B-5, placed at the outlet of the first line L5 of the second SL2 series of water line units. This is only an example and as many sensors as needed can be positioned on the lines, at the outlet of one or more lines, as long as there is an outlet temperature sensor at the outlet of the series of water line units, and preferably also an outlet pH sensor.

[0067] An operating system 50 is provided for monitoring water quality and operating the water supply network 1.

[0068] The operating system 50 includes a main controller 52. The main controller 52 is adapted to receive the current or ongoing values ​​of the water parameters from the sensors, compare these detected values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and send control signals based on the results of the comparison. The operating system sends control signals to the valves.

[0069] The main controller 52 is capable of sending control signals to purge the water line 2 and renew the water. In particular, the main controller 52 sends an opening signal SO to the solenoid purge valve 46, to open to start a purge, and a closing signal SO to the solenoid purge valve 46, to close and complete the purge. When there is a separate supply line 15 ( [Fig.2]), the main controller 52 can send corresponding opening and closing signals to the supply valve 45.

[0070] The operating system 50 also includes an inlet water controller 54 that allows monitoring of the water that is to be supplied to the water line 2. The inlet water controller 54 is adapted to receive one or more information from the water meter valve 41 as well as from the dosimeter or the tank 8. The inlet water controller 54 can also send a control signal to the water meter valve 4L

[0071] The operating system 50 further comprises an operating interface 62. The operating interface 62 is a machine interface for receiving data from a user and outputting one or more pieces of information or requests to / for a user. A water interface 64 may also display one or more pieces of information such as the previous water quantity, the current water quantity over a selected period of time, current parameters such as vitamins, nutrients and disinfectants.

[0072] The water interface 64 may be separate from the operating interface 62 or made into one of them. integral part. An example of a controller interface 62 is illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the water supply network according to the present disclosure may also be provided with several water lines or sub-lines which may be operated independently or in common, where certain elements of the embodiment of [Fig.l] have been omitted for reasons of clarity, although these elements are present if essential and may be present if optional.

[0074] In particular, the person skilled in the art understands that an operating system 50 is present in the water supply network of [Fig. 3]. The main controller 52 is adapted to receive the current or ongoing values ​​of the water parameters from the sensors, compare the detected values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and send control signals based on the results of the comparison. The operating system 50 sends control signals to the valves to purge the water lines L1 to L4 and L5 to L8 and renew the water. The operating system 50 also includes an inlet water controller 54 which is provided to monitor the water which is to supply the water lines L1 to L8.

[0075] In [Fig.6] and 7, a pressure regulator 4 to be implemented in the network according to one embodiment is shown as a particularly preferred configuration of a pressure regulator. Very surprisingly, it has been found that arranging the solenoid on the upper part allows for a pressure regulator that can be configured to be easy to install so that the barycenter can be aligned with a vertical plane of the water line. As previously indicated, the purge function can be provided using a separate valve structure, but preferably the purge function is provided by means of the pressure regulator as shown in the present disclosure.

[0076] The pressure regulator 4 shown has a pressure regulating function as well as a purge function. As will be described in the following, the pressure regulating function is achieved by a regulating block comprising a low pressure chamber and a lever, and the purge function is achieved by a membrane type purge system using the pressure difference between an inlet pressure at a water inlet and an outlet pressure.

[0077] The pressure regulator 4 has a housing 101, with a water inlet 102 adapted to be connected to a supply line and an outlet 103 adapted to be connected to a pressure gauge. The pressure regulator has two water outlets 104 on the sides for connecting to the water line. However, this is only an example and it is possible to have only one outlet or any number of water outlets.

[0078] For the pressure regulation function, the water inlet 102 opens onto an orifice 105 sealed by a seal 116 mounted on a lever 120 having a pivot 123 with two arms 121, 122. Port 105 leads to a water chamber 115. The water pressure in the water chamber 115 is the regulated low pressure.

[0079] A spring 135 is carried by the housing 101 in operative engagement with a pressure regulator diaphragm 134, such that the force of the spring and the force of the atmosphere below the diaphragm act on the diaphragm to force the diaphragm 134 toward the water chamber.

[0080] In regulation mode, spring 135 pushes lever 120. The water pressure in ambient water chamber 115 is the selected regulated water pressure, which can be adjusted by a spring handle 137 to change the spring force.

[0081] The high pressure forces of the inlet water push the seal 116 downward, allowing the inlet water to flow through the orifice 105.

[0082] Opposing the spring force and the high pressure force, the force due to the low pressure of the outlet water pushes down the pressure regulator diaphragm 134. The low pressure increases until the low pressure force is sufficient to overcome the spring force and the high pressure force. This causes the flow of inlet water to stop due to the sealing of the seal 116.

[0083] The relationship between these forces depends on two aspects of the design.

[0084] First of all, the ratio between the lengths of the two arms 121 and 122 of the lever has a influence on the transmission of the spring force as well as on the inlet pressure of the inlet water. The second arm 122 is larger than the first arm 121. The ratio between the two in the present embodiment is more than 2.0, preferably more than 2.5 times.

[0085] The relationship between the spring force, the high pressure force and the force due to the low pressure of the outlet water is also related to the ratio between the surface area of ​​the membrane 134 and the surface area of ​​the inlet water flow orifice 105.

[0086] It is important to note that the larger the ratio of membrane area to inlet water flow orifice area, the lower the effect on outlet pressure if the inlet pressure increases. In one embodiment, the ratio of membrane area to inlet water flow orifice area is in the range of 350-450, for example 395.

[0087] These two aspects of geometry allow for a virtually zero effect on the outlet pressure when the inlet pressure increases. In regulated mode, the outlet pressure varies but very gently with the inlet water pressure. In other words, the pressure regulator is a fixed pressure value regulator.

[0088] The pressure regulator 4 is also provided with a purge function which can be activated by a purge valve 150.

[0089] For the purge function, the water inlet 102 also opens into an inlet passage orifice 108 through which water enters a pressure water chamber inlet 110 of the housing. An outlet passage orifice 109 in the inlet pressure water chamber 110 opens into a valve chamber 160 sealed by a seal 155 of a purge activation valve 150.

[0090] The water pressure in the water chamber 110 is the inlet water pressure.

[0091] The inlet passage orifice 108 is smaller than the outlet passage orifice 109, to enable the purge system to be activated.

[0092] The inlet pressure water chamber 110 is separated from the water chamber 115 by a diaphragm 130 sealed relative to the housing. An inlet gate 125 is carried by the flexible diaphragm 130 to open or close the flow of water from the inlet port 105 to the water chamber.

[0093] The purge valve 150 is carried by the housing 101 and is operatively associated with the diaphragm 130, for movement between a closed position of the inlet door 125 in which the valve blocks the flow of water to the water chamber and an open position in which water can flow into the water chamber.

[0094] As mentioned previously, the purge activation valve 150 includes a seal 155 which, in normal operating mode, is in a closed sealing position. In this position of the seal 155, the pressure regulator is in regulation mode and the purge system is deactivated.

[0095] The valve 150 may be activated to open the diaphragm 130. This may be done by turning a valve handle 156 or may be done automatically.

[0096] By activating the valve 150, the seal 155 stops the water seal, so that the inlet pressure water chamber 110 is connected to the low outlet pressure. Since the inlet passage orifice 108 is smaller than the outlet passage orifice 109, the pressure in the inlet pressure water chamber 110 decreases. This high pressure can decrease due to the different geometry of the inlet gate side and the valve side, with the outlet passage orifice 108 at the inlet gate being smaller than the outlet passage orifice 109 at the valve gate side. In other words, the purge function is achieved by a membrane-type purge system that utilizes the pressure difference between an inlet pressure at a water inlet and a low outlet pressure.

[0097] Preferably, the inlet passage orifice 108 is at least four times, preferably five times smaller than the outlet passage orifice to activate the purge. As a result, the pressure in the water chamber 110 above the membrane 130 decreases and the high pressure of the inlet water can open the diaphragm 130 and the purge system can work, the purge door is opened.

[0098] In the example of [Fig.6] and 7, the pressure regulator 4 is equipped with a valve solenoid or solenoid valve 157, which can be opened or closed to switch the pressure regulator to purge mode or pressure regulation mode. In mode purge, water enters the pressure regulator with an inlet pressure at the inlet of the pressure regulator and exits the pressure regulator with the same pressure.

[0099] The solenoid valve 157 is centered on top of the pressure regulator 4. In other words, instead of having the pressure regulating elements with the bleed elements having different weights located outside the vertical plane pushing to unbalance the system, the pressure regulator is self-centering to be vertically aligned or at least have its barycenter aligned in the vertical plane.

[0100] [Fig.4] shows a method of operating the water supply network which will now be described with reference to a water supply network such as the network of [Fig.3], with multiple lines.

[0101] As will be seen, the operation or functioning of the water network depends on the monitoring of the water, during a growth cycle, as well as the stage of the growth cycle of the animals.

[0102] After a growth cycle and before the start of another growth cycle, the water supply network 1 is purged and disinfected. The water is purged through the system 1. Preferably, the system is purged at room temperature. It is possible to purge with hot water, preferably above 65°C, to clean the water pipes and kill any bacteria.

[0103] It should be noted that, when there are no animals on the farm, two modes are possible, a crawl space mode, in which only manual purging is possible, and a pre-batch mode, just before the arrival of the animals, in which both a preventive purge and a manual purge can be carried out. The crawl space mode corresponds to a disinfection purge after a growth cycle.

[0104] The pre-batch mode aims to provide the cleanest possible water to animals arriving at the farm.

[0105] When the animals arrive at the farm, the growth cycle phase of the farming method begins.

[0106] The operating system 50 is adapted to launch preventive purges as well as curative purges.

[0107] Preventative purges may be performed at predetermined intervals, for example every 4 hours to keep the water clean, during a growth cycle. The user may enter via the controller interface 54 the preventive purge parameter, such as the interval between purges.

[0108] Purging is done because water that is too hot promotes the growth of bacteria, which has a negative impact on the health of young chickens. In addition, purging helps prevent water stagnation and a decline in water quality.

[0109] The operating controller 52 sends purge control signals to the purge valve of the pressure regulators 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, for start a line purge.

[0110] The operating controller 52 also sends control signals to the pressure regulator 4, so that the water leaving the pressure regulator does not have reduced pressure and is suitable for purging.

[0111] Further, the operating controller 52 is adapted to initiate a curative purge, based on results of the current values ​​of the detected water parameters.

[0112] The operating controller 52 thus monitors water parameters, i.e. the operating controller 52 receives at step S1 at least one current value of water parameters from the sensors, compares, at step S2, these detected values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and sends control signals to the supply valve and / or the purge valve depending on the results of the comparison, at step S3.

[0113] The curative purge can be triggered as soon as one or more of the current values ​​of the water parameters, i.e. pH and temperature, oxidation-reduction potential, measured respectively by the pH sensor 24, the temperature sensor 25 or the ORP sensor 26, are outside predefined ranges or exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0114] The predefined ranges or thresholds may be entered by the user via the controller interface 54. The predefined ranges or thresholds may also be programmed into a computer program and requested for confirmation from the user by the interface of the operating system intended to control the operation of the water supply network.

[0115] For example, as soon as a specific threshold is reached, for example T>30°, or T>31°C, or T>32°, or T>33°C, or T>34°, or T>35°C, or T>36°, or T>37°C, or T>38°C, or any other temperature threshold between 20° and 40°, or pH outside the range 5-8.5, or an ORP outside the range 200-600 mv, the main controller automatically triggers the purge. If the ORP is negative, this indicates that the water quality is very poor.

[0116] It is possible to control the parameters on which the triggering is based.

[0117] In addition to purging, disinfection takes place between two batches of chicken, one batch corresponding to a growth cycle from baby chick to adult chicken.

[0118] Providing the pH sensor 24 at the end of the water line 2 has the additional advantage of providing accurate information on the quantity and also on the distribution of the disinfectant chemicals in the pipe system. Indeed, the information on the pH value at the end of the water line 2 is an indication of whether the disinfectant has actually reached the last water supply system 5. The user can then determine whether there is enough disinfectant or too much disinfectant in the water line 2. This is a very useful tool because users tend to put far more chemicals in the water than is needed.

[0119] Water analysis can be performed using samples taken weekly. Test farms have shown that pH measurements are used to indicate where it is necessary to intervene in the dosages of products used to disinfect the pipe system. Others tend to put too much product without controlling the need via pH. After each chicken growth cycle, different disinfectants are added to clean the system. This is done with higher percentages than strictly necessary. The pH also indicates whether the product has circulated well or not in the pipe system. This influences the chemicals that the chicken digests. The pH sensor works as an aid to disinfection, knowing that there has been enough product to be fully distributed in the system.

[0120] Finally, during this mode of operation, the animals have certain needs during their growth, it is possible to add vitamins or nutrients to the water. The user can enter by means of the control interface 54 the quantity of vitamins and / or nutrients required throughout the growth cycle. The operating system 50 can control the dosimeter to add the predefined quantities of disinfectants, vitamins and nutrients to the water over time.

[0121] Preferably, the operating system 50 provides access to several programs via the interface 62, 64.

[0122] In one embodiment, some programs are predefined and cannot be modified by the user, while other programs can be adapted by the user. For example, as mentioned previously, it is contemplated to have three operating modes, a crawl space mode, a pre-batch mode, just before the arrival of the animals, and a batch mode, during the growth of the animals.

[0123] In crawl space mode, it is only possible to purge manually. The purpose of crawl space mode is to completely clean and disinfect the system when there are no animals. This is for disinfection between batches.

[0124] Pre-batch mode is the preparation of the system for the arrival of the animals. The objective is to provide the animals with fresh water. In pre-batch mode,

[0125] The pre-batch mode program, i.e. the preventive purge parameters just before or upon arrival of the animals, cannot be modified. After disinfection, new clean water is introduced into the system for the arrival of the new batch.

[0126] In batch mode, it is possible to manually purge the system or to launch preventive and curative purges.

[0127] This is also preferably the case for the number and duration of purges for a fallow land.

[0128] It should be noted that the water lines can be purged in series, one after the other, or by series of lines SL1, SL2, or all lines at the same time. Purging the lines one after the other is however preferable to obtain the full performance of the water flow, because if all the water lines are purged at the same time, some of them only receive a percentage and the water line is not properly cleaned.

[0129] On the other hand, the breeder can adapt the curative and preventive purging programs, to define the threshold of the water parameters above or below which a purge must be carried out, the time intervals between purges, the duration of the purges, for example depending on the age of the chicken.

[0130] Water quality is linked to a high biofilm load, which increases but stabilizes at a lower level than in a facility without antibacterial material.

[0131] An antibacterial material is provided for some or, preferably, for the majority of the elements in contact with drinking water. In a preferred embodiment, all parts, except for the metal parts, are made from an antibacterial material. In this case, there is a huge advantage over a simple coating, since the risk of deterioration of the coating and the risk of leaching into the water can be excluded.

[0132] The hose may be made of PVC or c-PVC with an antibacterial material. The hose support collar and holder, as well as the nipple housing, may be made of polypropylene (PP) with an antibacterial material.

[0133] The antibacterial characteristics are not provided by a coating alone, but the components are manufactured using a material containing antibacterial compounds in the mass. The antibacterial compounds are added homogeneously to the PP or PVC.

[0134] A non-limiting example of an antibacterial compound or element is silver.

[0135] The pacifier may have a housing with a valve consisting of a ball and a valve stem, as well as a socket. The ball and the valve stem, as well as the socket, are preferably made of stainless steel, which is an inherently hygienic material.

[0136] The gasket is preferably made of rubber / EPDM to secure the nipple in the pipe.

[0137] Thus, pipes, fittings and nipples with antibacterial material as well as the operation of the water supply network contribute to improving water quality and reducing the use of antibiotics to prevent the spread of bacteria, as well as the use of chemicals to disinfect, since there is less biofilm to remove. This results in reduced mortality, as well as a more environmentally friendly system with less water contamination.

[0138] Overall, the present disclosure relates to a system that reduces water contamination and allows for constant monitoring of water quality. The presence of stagnant water is avoided, the material of the various components allows for Reduce biofilm formation in pipes and lower bacteria counts. This improvement, in turn, reduces the need for antibiotics and the need to flush the system. This results in less disease or mortality among chickens, as well as a more environmentally friendly system, using less water and fewer chemical / antibiotic treatments.

[0139] The above description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired by practice of the invention. The embodiment has been selected and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to use the invention in various embodiments suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. List of reference numbers

[0140] water supply network 1

[0141] water line 2 extending between an inlet 2A and an outlet 2b.

[0142] Water supply system 5

[0143] Pacifier 10

[0144] one or more water sources 3,

[0145] water meter valve 21

[0146] screening filter 22

[0147] pump 12

[0148] tank 8

[0149] Pressure regulator 4

[0150] Power line 15

[0151] Purge line 16

[0152] feed valve 45

[0153] purge valve 46

[0154] non-return valve 44

[0155] sampling valve 47

[0156] non-return valve 48

[0157] output pH sensor 24

[0158] outlet temperature sensor 25

[0159] Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) Sensor 26

[0160] Operating System 50

[0161] main controller 52

[0162] inlet water controller 54

[0163]

[0164]

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[0166]

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[0172]

[0173]

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[0182]

[0183] operating interface 62. Water interface 64 Pressure regulator housing 101 water inlet 102 outlet 103 water outlet 104 port 105 water inlet port 108 water outlet port 109 Inlet pressure water chamber 110 ambient water chamber 115 seal 116 lever 120 with two arms 121, 122. diaphragm 130 pressure regulator membrane 134 activation valve 150. purge activation seal 155 solenoid valve 157 valve chamber 160 spring 135 spring handle 156

Claims

Claims

1. A water supply network (1) comprising at least one water line (2) extending between an inlet (2A) and an outlet (2B), the water line having at least one water supply system (5) arranged along the water line with at least one teat (10), a pressure regulator (4) at the inlet (2A) of the water line (2) for supplying the at least one teat (10) with water at a pressure within the operating pressure of the at least one teat in drinking mode or at a higher pressure in purging mode, wherein a purging valve (46) is provided to the pressure regulator (4) for switching between the drinking mode and the purging mode, wherein a plurality of sensors are provided in the water supply network (1), for obtaining the actual values ​​of the water quality parameters, wherein an operating system (50) is intended to operate the water supply network,adapted to receive current values ​​of water quality parameters from the sensors, compare these obtained current values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and send control signals based on the results of the comparison to the flushing valve to actuate a purge if one of the values ​​is outside a predetermined / pre-selected range, and wherein the plurality of sensors comprises at least one of a pH sensor (24), a temperature sensor (25), a pressure sensor (27), an oxidation-reduction potential sensor (26).,

2. A water supply network (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a temperature sensor and an output pH sensor (24) is provided at the output of the water supply line.

3. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of a check valve (44) upstream of the pressure regulator (4), a check valve (48) at the outlet (16), and a sampling valve (47) at the outlet (2B).

4. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein a water meter valve (21) and / or a screening filter (22) are installed at the outlet of the water source.

5. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a pump (12) with a dosimeter connected to a tank (8), the pump and / or the dosimeter are controllable by the main controller (52) to adjust the quantity of water or vitamins, nutrients or disinfectants.

6. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the purge valve is a solenoid valve provided on the housing of the pressure regulator, in particular centered on top of the pressure regulator.

7. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the main controller (52) is adapted to send control signals to purge the water lines sequentially.

8. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the operating system (50) also comprises an inlet water controller (54), which is provided to monitor the water to be supplied to the water line (2), in particular wherein the inlet water controller (54) is adapted to receive information(s) from the water meter valve (41) as well as from the dosimeter or reservoir (8) and / or to send control signals to the water meter valve (41) and / or the pump (12).

9. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the operating system (50) further comprises an operating interface (62) adapted to receive inputs from a user and output information(s) or requests to the user, and / or a water interface (64) adapted to output information(s) such as previous water quantities, current water quantity over a given period of time, current parameters such as vitamins, nutrients and disinfectants.

10. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more groups of supply lines in series, wherein, for each group, an outlet sensor is placed at the outlet of the last supply line of the group.

11. A water supply network (1) according to any preceding claim, each line of the group is independent and / or has sensors at dedicated ends.

12. Method of operating a water supply network comprising at least one water line (2) extending between an inlet (2A) and an outlet (2B), the water line comprising at least one water supply system (5) arranged along the water line with at least one teat (10), a pressure regulator (4) at the inlet (2A) of the water line (2) for supplying the at least one teat (10) with water at a pressure within the operating pressure of the at least one teat in a drinking mode or at a higher pressure in a purging mode, and the method comprising monitoring the water quality, by an operating system (50), wherein the operating system receives at least one current value of a water quality parameter from at least one of a pH sensor (24), a temperature sensor (25), a pressure sensor (27), and a redox potential sensor (26), compares these detected values ​​with predetermined parameter values, and sends control signals to a purging valve depending on the results of comparison,and includes performing preventive purges at predetermined intervals and performing an additional curative purge based on the results of the current values ​​of the detected water quality parameters, when one or more of the current values ​​of the water parameters measured respectively by the pH sensor, the temperature sensor or the oxidation-reduction potential sensor, are outside predefined ranges or exceed a predetermined threshold.,

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of water parameters include water temperature and pH and the method includes monitoring the current value of the water temperature or pH at the end of the water line (2).

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising triggering a curative purge whenever the current values ​​of the water parameters are outside predefined ranges or exceed a predetermined threshold.

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising inputting the predefined ranges or thresholds via a controller interface.

16. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising controlling the dosimeter to modify the amount of disinfectant added depending on the current detected water parameters, in particular depending on the pH value detected by the pH sensor at the outlet of the supply line.

17. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the system comprises one or more groups of supply lines in series, wherein, for each group, an outlet sensor is placed at the outlet of the last supply line of the group, and the method comprises water parameter monitoring at the outlet of the last line of the group and / or independent purging of each line and / or having a sensor at dedicated ends.

18. A method according to claim 17, comprising sequentially purging each line of the group.

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