Apparatus and method for the improved transmission of data relating to operation parameters of a fluid supply network

Abstract

Apparatus for the location of a monitoring system 14 including sensing means, data generating and transmission apparatus, said apparatus including a chamber 10 with walls which define a cavity 18 in w

Description

The invention to which this application relates is apparatus and a method which is provided to allow the transmission of data relating to the operation of a fluid supply network and, more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to a water supply network. The regulation of water supply networks, places demands on the operators of the network to monitor the performance of the network, in order to ensure, and be able to demonstrate, that the network is operating correctly to provide water to end users, as and when required, and also to ensure that the system is operating efficiently in terms of reducing wastage, leakage or the like and to ensure that the water is maintained and provided in a hygienic condition and that there is no significant adverse environmental impact. With the advent of mobile network data transmission technology, then there is, at least in theory, the possibility of transmitting data indicative of one or more parameters of the operation of the network, from one or a plurality of remote locations to a centralised data processing centre, and for the data which is received to then be extrapolated and analysed in order to provide an accurate assessment of the performance of the network historically, predictively and / or at any given time. The theory, is, unfortunately, not always mirrored by the practical implementation and it is found that the analysis and processing of the data in order to provide accurate indicators of the performance of the network can be flawed due to the data which is provided from the plurality of remote locations being prone to error and therefore, not representing a continuous or accurate monitoring of the network. Thus, for example, if no data is present for a particular period of time of operation, then it is not possible to assess the performance of the network at that time and, furthermore, the analysis of the performance of the network over a longer period of time is less accurate if reliable and / or usable data for only certain periods of operation of the network is available. It is also likely that increased requirements for monitoring will result due to legislation so that there are requirements on the system operator to be able to improve the performance of the system and the operator may be subject to further scrutiny and / or penalties if they are unable to provide information relating to the operation of the network. Conventionally, at each of the remote locations, there may be provided a data transmission system including one, or a plurality, of apparatus which is used to sample or record various parameters of the network and / or fluids within the pipelines of the network, and these may include sensors and apparatus which are located in an underground chamber at or adjacent to components of the network such as pipelines, valves, pumps or the like. The apparatus can allow the pressure measurement, flow measurement, temperature measurement, conductivity, turbidity, pH values and / or chlorine values of the Equid or gas, but most typically water, passing along the pipeline to be assessed and data representing the same transmitted to the remote location so that the same can be further processed. The data transmission system at the remote location typically also includes a data logger, mounted within the chamber, which allows the data to be transmitted from the location, using one or a combination of mobile communication networks, with the data being transmitted possibility continuously, or in “bursts” and / or may allow the sending of alarm signals, should the data represent an emergency or high-risk condition of the supply network. It is found in practice that gaps in the transmission of data will occur and this can be due to variations in the quality of the mobile communication network coverage which, in itself, can be problematic but, the problem can also be exacerbated when one considers that the sensing and transmission apparatus and the data logger, will typically be located in the chamber underground, so as to be positioned at, or adjacent to, the pipeline. This therefore means that the chamber, typically in the form of an iron or a metal box acts as a barrier for the reliable passage therethrough and the communication of the data signals. One specific problem is that the chamber in which the apparatus is provided, effectively acts as a Faraday cage in that the same has a detrimental effect on the external electrical field surrounding the chamber and the electric charges within the chamber cavity so that, in effect, the data may not be wirelessly transmitted out of the chamber at all, or may be subject to a relatively high bit error rate which can make the data transmitted to include errors to such an extent as to be unusable. While this problem is known, the current solution when the data transmission fails from a location, is to perform a manual reading of the data from the system apparatus within the chamber which requires an employee of the network operator to travel to the geographical location of the chamber and then manually download the data from the data logger and then, when they are at a location with acceptable transmission characteristic to upload the data which can represent a period of time of operation of the network. This is labour intensive and, as the site visits may not occur frequently, the analysis and processing of data for the network as a whole, is not fully completed until the manual readings have been received and then input for analysis and processing. An alternative solution is to provide a transmission aerial which is located externally of the main chamber and the aerial is mounted in a further chamber that mimics the type of chamber in which the apparatus is used and with the further chamber mounted above the ground surface and in cable connection with the system apparatus in the main chamber. However, the installation of these further chambers, typically requires a trench to be dug between the main chamber and the further aerial containing chamber in order to install a cable duct. This is costly and has an impact on the environment due to soil removal, backfill materials and along with the carbon release due to plant machinery and lorry traffic which is required to be used. Furthermore, the further chamber is typically made of plastic and as the same are more obtrusive and visible above the ground surface, they are susceptible to vandalism and damage. A further alternative is to replace an original lid of the chamber with a new Ed which has an aerial mounted on the external face of the new lid. However, it is found that the fitting of the new lid, to substitute the original lid, can often mean that the seal between the new lid and original chamber walls is not satisfactory so that ingress of water, dirt and other materials may occur which can cause damage to the system apparatus located within the chamber cavity. Furthermore, the replacement lid often doesn’t locate correctly and flush within the existing housing and as such creates a trip hazard to pedestrians. In this case the new lid would not be installed and as such there is a wasted installation journey along with wasted manufacturing costs / materials. Again, therefore this causes time delay for installation and possible subsequent malfunction, additional labour costs and an increased carbon footprint as a result of return journeys to the site to maintain the integrity of the chamber. An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution to the problems indicated above which allows the reliable performance of monitoring apparatus and the transmission of data from said system apparatus from the main chamber and to allow the transmission of the data via one or more mobile communication networks to one or more centralised data processing locations to allow a reliable data feed to be provided and without the need for physical visits and / or manual intervention to be made to the transmission location. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for use with a fluid supply network monitoring system, said apparatus includes sensing means, data generating means, and transmission apparatus located within a chamber with walls fitted below ground and a lid at ground surface which define a cavity in which at least some of said apparatus is located, said transmission apparatus including an antenna, and wherein said chamber includes a passage through said lid between the cavity and an external face of the chamber and the antenna is located in said passage which is operable to wirelessly transmit data generated from the apparatus in said cavity to at least one remote location, the said antenna is provided in the passage in conjunction with a sealant material which is introduced to seal the passage and antenna and the lid is movable between a closed position and an open position to allow access to said cavity and, when the lid is in the closed position, the antenna is positioned at said ground surface. Typically said apparatus is located at or adjacent to a pipeline or a component attached to the pipeline, such as a valve or pump of a fluid supply network. In one embodiment a plurality of said apparatus are provided at different locations on said network. In one embodiment the said fluid passing along the pipeline is water. Typically said antenna is connected to a monitoring system apparatus in the form of a data logger apparatus and control system therefore which are located within said chamber cavity. Typically, the data logger apparatus receives data from one or more of said sensing means, and transmits the data continually via said antenna and / or stores the same and transmits the data in batches via said antenna. In one embodiment the said sealant material is less obstructive to the passage of wireless transmission from the antenna than the material used to form the walls of said chamber. Typically the sealant material which is selected to be used is substantially transparent in terms of obstruction to the wireless transmission of data from the antenna. In one embodiment, the lid is a pre-existing part of the chamber. In one embodiment, said antenna can be of any suitable type and the passage form and shape can be designed with respect to the antenna type. An example of a suitable antenna is that known as a button aerial. In one embodiment, the signal data transmission from the apparatus within the chamber, is amplified in comparison to existing apparatus as the antenna is maintained at the level of the lid which, in order to allow access to be gained to the chamber is typically located adjacent to the ground surface when the chamber is in position underground, such that there is minimal ground, soil or rock obstruction to the wireless data transmission. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for adapting a chamber with a cavity in which apparatus for use with a fluid supply network monitoring system is located so as to allow the monitoring of the performance of a fluid supply network, said apparatus including sensing means, data generating means, and transmission apparatus including an antenna, said chamber having walls located below ground and a lid which is movable between closed and open positions_which define said cavity in which at least some of said apparatus is located and said method includes the steps of forming a passage in said lid such that when the lid is in the closed position the lid is at ground surface and the passage extends from an external face of the lid to the said cavity, positioning said antenna such that at least a transmitting portion of the antenna is located in the said passage so as to transmit data wirelessly to at least one remote location, and sealing the passage and antenna with a sealant material and said antenna, when the lid is closed is positioned at said ground surface. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of selecting to form the passage in the uppermost wall of the said chamber and most typically in an access Ed of said chamber such that when the antenna is located therein, the antenna is located as close as possible to the surface of the ground and with the remainder of the chamber depending downwardly into the ground. In one embodiment, the sealant material is an epoxy conductive resin and acts as a putty agent. In one embodiment, the method for forming the passage includes removing the Ed from the chamber and placing the lid portion between first and second clamping plates and using clamping means to clamp the Ed intermediate said plates and using a cutting tool to form the passage. In one embodiment the tool is a drrEing means and the same is passed through a guide aperture in one of the plates and into said Ed to form the passage in the Ed. Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 iUustrates in a schematic manner, a chamber of a type with which the invention can be performed; Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view along Ene AA of the chamber of Figure 1, in accordance with the invention Figure 3 illustrates the lid of the chamber of Figures 1 and 2 located in position to allow a passage to be formed therein; Figure 4 illustrates the lid of Figure 3 with the clamping apparatus having been removed; and Figure 5 illustrates a cross section through the lid showing the passage and an antenna located therewith. The type of chamber 10 to which the invention relates is shown in one embodiment, in situ, and adjacent to a pipeline 12 of a water supply network and monitoring system apparatus 14 provided within the cavity 18 of the chamber is provided to monitor one or more parameters of operation of the fluid supply network. The particular apparatus and instrumentation provided within the chamber may be selected to suit the particular type of network and the particular location of the chamber with respect to the specific components of the network at that location and may include sensing means to sense the flow of liquid along the pipeline, the operation of a valve component and / or the pressure of fluid within the pipeline, for example. The monitoring system apparatus typically includes a data logger 16 which can in one embodiment include memory means to allow for the temporary storage of data indicative of the condition of the pipeline and means to allow the control of the transmission of the data to a remote location wirelessly. In accordance with the invention the wireless transmission is achieved via a connected antenna 6 mounted in a wall, in this embodiment in the lid 4 forming part of the uppermost wall of the chamber so that the data can be wirelessly transmitted 24 to one or more remote data processing facilities for ongoing processing and analysis. As the lid 4 is closest to the ground surface 26 and the remainder of the chamber 10 is underground in soil 28, the lid 4 can be moved to the position 4’ to allow access to the cavity from time to time but at other times, when in the closed position it is required to fit sufficiently well to the aperture 34 of the chamber so as to provide a sealed cavity 18. In one embodiment the lid with the passage 20 formed therein can be formed in factory conditions during the construction of the chamber and prior to locating the same in position. Alternatively and as another embodiment of the invention, if the chamber is already in situ, the existing lid 4 can be adapted to obtain the advantages of the current invention by machining and forming the passage 20 through the lid whilst on site. The lid and chamber walls, especially those of an older variety and therefore located in use already are typically formed of cast iron. Figures 3-4 illustrate one method of adapting the said lid 4. The cast lid 4 is clamped between the two jig plates 2, 3 of clamping apparatus 20 and the two plates are tightened down using the four clamp arrangements 1. A guide hole 5 is provided on the plate 2 to locate the cutter of the drilling tool at the correct location as it is advanced in the direction of arrow 22 and stabilise it during the cutting procedure. The drilling operation is in this embodiment provided to form a stepped passage so as to allow for the location of a button antenna 6 in the larger passage portion 30 and to allow the routing of the antenna cable 8 through the smaller passage portion 32 and into the chamber cavity 18. On completion of the drilling process, the cast lid 4 is removed from the two jig plates 2,3 by loosening the four clamping arrangements 1, which may be sprung loaded to bias the two plates 2, 3 apart unless clamped using the clamping arrangements 1 and thus eliminating the potential risk of finger entrapment. The antenna 6 can now be inserted with its cable 8 through the passage 20, and temporarily held in place by a nut or clamping arrangement whilst a sealant resin 7 is poured over the top of the antenna 6. Once the resin 7 has cured sufficiently, the cable 8 can be connected to the data logger 16 situated within the chamber and the cast Ed 4 secured back into its original mounting frame on the chamber casing. The abihty to perform this procedure allows the use of a button type antenna 6 and for the same to be installed into the upper surface of the existing cast Ed 4 whilst maintaining the flat profile of the lid and allowing for the passage portion 32 to route the cable 8 through the Ed for attachment to the data logger and monitoring apparatus placed within the chamber cavity. The passage with the antenna and sealant material in position I s shown cross section in Figure 5. The placement of the antenna 6 in the manner described and shown allows the signal transmission to be amphfied by keeping the antenna 6 at or near ground surface level 26 compared to if it was positioned below ground and also for the same to be positioned so the wireless transmission signals do not have to pass through the walls of the chamber. The transmission signal is therefore more likely to remain constant and be transmitted with reduced error so that communications with the below ground monitoring system apparatus is improved. To ensure that the antenna 6 is permanently fixed to the Ed 4 and protected from the weather elements, the layer of sealant material such as conductive epoxy type resin 7 is placed over the antenna 6 and around its circumference as a potting agent. This not only protects the device; it also stops water ingress into the chamber and maintains communications. The provision of the clamping apparatus as described means that the fixing of the cast lid 4 which has many undulations in its form from the casting process, ensures that the requirement for structural load strength and surface grip means is achieved so as to allow the machining and cutting process and to take into account the variation in dimensional tolerances due to wear which may have occurred to the Ed. The use of the plates 2,3 allows any undulation in the casting along with any wear to which the lid has been subjected over time to be taken into account. This clamping arrangement allows for the mounting of a machine tool capable of forming the required shape into the cast lid by either mechanical or magnetic means. The clamping mechanism also acts as a guide for the machine cutter to ensure an even and good cut of material whilst traversing through the cast material which often suffers from age hardening over time. Furthermore the adaptation of the existing chamber and chamber lid can be undertaken on site at the location of the chamber. The invention therefore allows the quality of the wireless transmission of the data to be improved in comparison to conventional apparatus and the improvement in quality can include, for example, range of transmission and / or reduction in error.

Claims

1 Apparatus for use with a fluid supply network monitoring system, said apparatus includes sensing means, data generating means, and transmission apparatus located within a chamber with walls fitted below ground and a lid at ground surface which define a cavity in which at least some of said apparatus is located, said transmission apparatus including an antenna, and wherein said chamber includes a passage through said lid between the cavity and an external face of the chamber and the antenna is located in said passage which is operable to wirelessly transmit data generated from the apparatus in said cavity to at least one remote location, the said antenna is provided in the passage in conjunction with a sealant material which is introduced to seal the passage and antenna and the lid is movable between a closed position and an open position to allow access to said cavity and, when the lid is in the closed position, the antenna is positioned at said ground surface.2 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is located at or adjacent to a pipeline of a fluid supply network in relation to which data is to be provided and transmitted.3 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of said apparatus is provided at different locations on the said fluid supply network pipelines.4 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said antenna is connected to a data logger apparatus provided as part of the apparatus.5 Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the data logger receives and stores data from one or more sensing means and allows the transmission of data continually or in batches via said antenna to said at least one remote location.6 Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the said sealant material which is used is less obstructive to the passage of wireless transmission from the antenna than the material from which the walls of said chamber are made.7 Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the sealant material which is used is substantially transparent in terms of obstruction to the wireless transmission of data from the antenna.8 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the said lid is a pre-existing part of the chamber and the passage is formed therein to allow the said antenna and sealant material to be retrofitted to said lid.9 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said antenna is of a type known as a button aerial.10 A method for adapting a chamber with a cavity in which apparatus for use with a fluid suppty network monitoring system is located so as to allow the monitoring of the performance of a fluid supply network, said apparatus including sensing means, data generating means, and transmission apparatus including an antenna, said chamber having walls located below ground and a lid which is movable between closed and open positions which define said cavity in which at least some of said apparatus is located and said method includes the steps of forming a passage in said lid such that when the lid is in the closed position the lid is at ground surface and the passage extends from an external face of the lid to the said cavity, positioningsaid antenna such that at least a transmitting portion of the antenna is located in the said passage so as to transmit data wirelessly to at least one remote location, and sealing the passage and antenna with a sealant material and said antenna, when the lid is closed is positioned at said ground surface.11 A method according to claim 10 wherein the method for forming the passage comprises placing the lid portion between first and second clamping plates and using clamping means to clamp the lid intermediate said plates and using a cutting tool to form the passage through the lid.12 A method according to claim 11 wherein the tool is a drilling means and the same passes through a guide aperture in one of the plates and into and through said lid to form the passage in the lid.

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