Pipework temperature monitoring device

Abstract

A pipework temperature monitoring device 1 comprises: a housing 2 with a snap-fit connector 3 for removable connection to pipework 6; a temperature sensor 4 is disposed to sense, in use, the temperature of pipework to which the device is connected; an alert system 5 within the housing; and control circuitry, comprising a clock, within the housing. The control circuitry is configured to receive and monitor the temperature sensor readings over time and to control the alert system to generate an alert dependant on the temperature sensor readings over time, such as when the temperature is increasing, when it exceeds a certain first threshold, or when it exceeds multiple second threshold temperatures.

Description

Field of the invention

[001] The invention relates to a device for monitoring the temperature of pipework. In particular, the invention relates to a device for monitoring the 1 JL JL J Cs temperature of pipework in real time so as to reduce the risk of Legionella build-up and scalding. Background of the invention

[002] The monitoring of pipework temperature is a critical aspect in various industries and applications, including but not limited to, residential and commercial plumbing systems, industrial process control, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

[003] In many of these applications, it is essential to maintain the temperature of the pipework within a specific range to ensure the efficient operation of the system, prevent damage to the pipework or the system components, and avoid potential safety hazards. For instance, in residential and commercial plumbing systems, excessively hot water can cause scalding injuries, while water that is too cold may not be effective for its intended use. Similarly, in industrial process control and HVAC systems, the temperature of the pipework can significantly affect the efficiency and performance of the system.

[004] One of the most important reasons for monitoring the temperature of pipework is the avoidance of conditions in which Legionella can grow.

[005] Legionella is killed in water hotter than 52 degrees Celsius, and so it is important to ensure that water of at least that temperature flows through hot water pipework frequently.

[006] Similarly, Legionella can grow more effectively in cold water pipework if the water exceeds 20 degrees Celsius. This is especially difficult to monitor using prior art methods, since measuring a temperature of below 20 degrees at any given time does not mean that the temperature has not exceeded it previously.

[007] Another especially important reason to monitor pipework temperature is in duty of care settings such as nursing homes, in which settings water used by residents for washing must not exceed 43 degrees Celsius. This is typically controlled by a thermostatic mixing valve, but if this equipment malfunctions, the maintenance staff must be alerted as soon as possible, and the user must be warned of the immediate danger of scalding.

[008] Although less safety critical, it would be advantageous for an everyday user of a hot water tap to know in advance when the hot water flow is about to start heating up. When filling a basin, for example, one tends to run the hot tap until it is hot, and then put in the plug, fill the basin, and then cool it down using cold water. With advanced warning of when the water is starting to heat up, less water can be wasted in achieving the desired temperature, by putting the plug in sooner.

[009] Also less safety critical, but important for saving money and reducing unnecessary carbon emissions in service to the environment, it would be advantageous to alert a user if a hot water tap has been left running inadvertently, or if hot water is continuing to flow through the pipework leading to the tap due to a leak. Summary of the invention

[010] In general terms, the present disclosure is directed to a pipework temperature monitoring device that is connected to pipework and senses the temperature of the pipework. The device has an alert system that generates alerts based on the temperature readings over time, such as when the temperature is increasing, when it exceeds a certain threshold, or when it exceeds multiple thresholds. The intensity of the alerts can be increased based on the temperature readings. Additionally, the device is powered by an electrical energy store and has a user-accessible housing for replacing the energy store, as well as the ability to generate an alert when the energy store is low. Advantageously, the invention provides a solution for conserving water and energy, ensuring safety from scalding hot water, maintaining compliance with legionnaire's disease regulations, and continuously monitoring water temperature for both hot and cold-water systems. [Oil] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipework temperature monitoring device. The device comprises a housing with a connector for removable connection in use to pipework; a temperature sensor disposed so as to sense, in use, the temperature of pipework to which the device is connected; an alert system within the housing; and control circuitry, comprising a clock, within the housing. The control circuitry is configured to receive and monitor the temperature sensor readings over time and to control the alert system to generate an alert dependant on the temperature sensor readings over time.

[012] The alert system may be controlled to generate a first alert while the temperature sensor readings indicate that the pipework temperature is increasing, and to increase the intensity of the first alert with increasing temperature readings from the temperature sensor.

[013] Such embodiments are particularly advantageous to reduce water waste when filling a basin with hot water. The user is alerted to the fact that the water coming from the running tap is starting to heat up, and can put a plug in to capture the water sooner, in order to achieve optimum temperature when the basin is full.

[014] The alert system may be further controlled to generate a second alert while the temperature sensor readings indicate that the pipework temperature has exceeded a first threshold. The alert system may be further controlled to generate an ongoing or periodic third alert after the first temperature threshold is exceeded, until a reset instruction is received.

[015] Such embodiments are particularly useful in duty of care settings in which a thermostatic mixing valve is used to prevent water temperature exceeding a safe threshold. If there is a malfunction in the thermostatic mixing valve, and the water gets too hot, the user is immediately alerted by the second alert, and can take action to avoid scalding. The maintenance staff are alerted by the third alert and can take action to fix the issue.

[016] Preferably the second alert is an intense audible alarm and / or an intense visual alert such as a bright red light. Preferably the second alert is an ongoing or periodic alert which can be identified by maintenance staff during routine checks, such as a red light flashing every few seconds until it is reset.

[017] The alert system may be controlled to generate an ongoing or periodic fourth alert until a threshold time period elapses during which a second threshold temperature is not exceeded. In the event that the threshold time period elapses during which the second threshold temperature is not exceeded, the alert system may be further controlled not to resume generating the fourth alert until a reset instruction is received.

[018] Such embodiments assist with Legionnaire’s disease avoidance compliance. Water of at least 52 degrees Celsius should pass through all pipework at least every three days in order to maintain risks at an acceptable level. Current practice to achieve this involves a maintenance crew running water through every tap until the temperature reaches 52 degrees Celsius, every defined test period. This is extremely wasteful of water and energy, and time consuming. Using the present invention, the maintenance crew can simply make sure that the fourth alert is ongoing on each device, and only take remedial action where this is not the case.

[019] Preferably, the fourth alert is a green light flashing every few seconds, such as every five seconds.

[020] The alert system may be controlled to generate an ongoing or periodic fifth alert after the temperature sensor readings indicate that a third pipework temperature threshold has been exceeded, until a reset instruction is received.

[021] Such embodiments also assist with Legionnaire’s disease avoidance compliance. Cold water that is above 20 degrees Celsius can harbour Legionella. The device detects if the pipework temperature has exceeded that level at any time since it was last reset. Prior art methods of periodic manual checking have been unable to establish whether or not the temperature threshold has been exceeded at any time between inspections.

[022] Preferably, the fifth alert is a periodically flashing red light, which will indicate to the inspector that remedial action is required before the device is reset.

[023] Preferably, the fourth alert embodiments and the fifth alert embodiments will be provided in separate devices, which are visibly different. For example, fourth alert devices can be provided in white housings, and fifth alert devices can be provided in black housings. This makes the set up and maintenance of a Legionnaire’s disease avoidance procedure very simple for even non-specialist staff.

[024] Preferably, the alert system is controlled to generate a sixth alert of increasing intensity while the temperature sensor readings indicate that the pipework temperature has increased and not yet decreased within a predetermined time period.

[025] In such embodiments, if a hot water tap is left on, inadvertently, after use, the alert system will generate an alarm to alert the user. Because it is likely that the user will be in a different room, the alert will quickly increase in intensity, preferably in volume, so that the user will hear it and turn the tap off. This saves water and energy, and reduces the carbon footprint of the user. The predetermined time period will depend on the particular circumstances. For example, one might expect the hot tap of a small wash basin in a bathroom to be used for no more than one or two minutes before being turned off, whereas a bath hot tap might be expected to run for longer, perhaps five minutes.

[026] Preferably, the alert system is controlled to generate a seventh alert while the temperature readings indicate that the pipework temperature is cooling, and is cooling at a rate lower than a predetermined threshold rate.

[027] In some such embodiments, complex control circuitry may be included to record over repeated use a standard cooling curve for the connected pipework, and compare this with the instant cooling curve in order to identify a slower than usual cooling rate. Preferably, however, the determination will be simpler, so as to reduce costs. For example, the controller could be programmed to identify when cooling begins, and if two minutes (for example) passes without the temperature rising again or the temperature falling below a selected temperature, the alert is triggered.

[028] These embodiments will identify when the tap has been left running very slightly, or has a slow leak, which will cause the water to continue running slowly and prevent proper cooling.

[029] The alert system may comprise a sounder, and intensifying an alert may comprise increasing one or more of the volume, the frequency and the duration of sounds emitted from the sounder.

[030] The alert system may comprise an led display on a face of the housing and changing the intensity of an alert may comprise changing one or more of the brightness, colour, flash frequency or flash duration of the led display.

[031] The connector is preferably a snap^fit connector.

[032] The device is preferably powered by an electrical energy store within the housing, wherein the housing can be opened by a user for access to and replacement of electrical energy stores therein. The control circuitry is preferably further configured to monitor the state of charge of an electrical energy store by which it is powered, and to control the alert system to generate a sixth alert while it is determined that the state of charge is below a predetermined level. Brief description of the drawings

[033] These are and other aspects will now be described in relation to the Figures in which:

[034] Figure 1 illustratively shows a pipework temperature monitoring device according to the present disclosure. Detailed description

[035] Figure 1 illustratively shows a pipework temperature monitoring device 1 according to the present disclosure. The device 1 is connected to pipework 6 and senses the temperature of the pipework via a temperature sensor 4. The device 1 has an alert system 5 that generates alerts based on the temperature readings over time, such as when the temperature is increasing, when it exceeds a certain first threshold, or when it exceeds multiple second threshold temperature.

[036] Advantageously, the device 1 is designed to accommodate pipes of varying diameters, thereby enhancing its versatility and applicability across a wide range of plumbing systems. Specifically, there is a 15mm version that is optimally designed for pipes with diameters ranging from 12 to 15mm. Similarly, a 22mm version is available for pipes with diameters between 20 to 22mm. A special adaptor can be supplied to fit non-standard pipe systems as required.

[037] Installation of the device 1 is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical expertise. The user simply positions the unit onto the pipe and applies a gentle pressure to push it into place. The device is designed with a snap-fit connector 3, which securely locks onto the pipe without the need for additional tools or fasteners. This user-friendly design not only simplifies the installation process but also facilitates easy removal or repositioning of the device as needed.

[038] The temperature sensor 4 is a critical component of the device 1, designed to detect the temperature of the pipework. The sensor is positioned to maintain constant contact with the pipe surface, ensuring that the temperature readings are a true reflection of the pipe's internal temperature.

[039] The device 1 has an alert system 5 that generates alerts based on the temperature readings over time, such as when the temperature is increasing, when it exceeds a certain first threshold, or when it exceeds multiple second threshold temperature. The intensity of the alerts can be increased based on the temperature readings, and can include a sounder with increased volume, frequency, and duration of sounds, or an led display with increased brightness, colour, flash frequency, or flash duration.

[040] Advantageously, the alert system 5 is designed to provide both auditory and visual warnings to cater to users with sensory disabilities. The sounder bleeps when the water temperature is increasing, with a small push button allowing the user to set the volume level of the sounder. This feature can be cycled through eight volume settings, one of which disables the sounder for silent operation. The led display provides visual alerts, with a red flash indicating a rise in temperature and a slow flashing red led indicating a low battery. For example, a slow flashing green led may indicate that a temperature of greater than degrees has been detected within the last (for example) three days, aiding in legionnaire’s disease compliance testing. The intensity of these alerts can be increased based on the temperature readings, providing a clear and immediate warning of any potential issues.

[041] The alert system 5 is programmed to generate alerts based on the temperature readings from the sensor 4. The system employs control circuitry to receive the temperature readings and determine the appropriate response.

[042] For example, a first a rise in temperature triggers a red flash of an LED and a periodic beeping from a sounder. This alert is not a binary signal, but a dynamic response that escalates as the temperature continues to rise. The flash frequency may increase, as may the sounder volume and the frequency of the beeps, proportionally with the temperature. The alert automatically ceases after, for example, three seconds when the temperature stops increasing, preventing unnecessary alarm and conserving the device's energy store.

[043] Additionally, the device 1 is powered by an electrical energy store with a usenaccessible housing 2 for replacing the energy store, as well as the ability to generate a sixth alert when the energy store is low.

[044] Advantageously, the device 1 is designed for easy battery replacement. The user-accessible housing 2 allows for the energy store to be replaced by simply squeezing the tabs and lifting the case top. Preferably, the device uses two AAA alkaline batteries, providing a reliable and readily available power source. The device also includes a sixth alert that is triggered when the energy store is low, indicated by a slow flashing red led. This feature ensures that the device remains operational at all times, providing consistent and accurate temperature monitoring.

[045] It will be understood that the term “snap-fit connector” as used herein may refer to a type of fastening device, often made from resilient materials like plastic or metal, that allows for quick and easy assembly or disassembly of components, such as the user-accessible housing of the pipework temperature monitoring device, by simply pushing or snapping the parts together.

[046] It will be understood that the term “state of charge” as used herein may refer to the current energy level of the electrical energy store powering the pipework temperature monitoring device, expressed as a percentage of its total capacity.

[047] It will be understood that the term “alert system” as used herein may refer to a component or set of components within the pipework temperature monitoring device that is responsible for generating and escalating notifications or warnings based on the temperature readings of the pipework over time, and the status of the device's energy store.

[048] It will be understood that the term “control circuitry” as used herein may refer to the electronic system within the pipework temperature monitoring device that manages the operations of temperature sensing, alert generation based on temperature thresholds, and energy store monitoring.

[049] It will be understood that the term “sounder” as used herein may refer to an audio alert component of the pipework temperature monitoring device, which generates audible signals or alarms based on the temperature readings and the status of the energy store.

[050] It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above^described examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A pipework temperature monitoring device comprising: a housing with a connector for removable connection in use to pipework; a temperature sensor disposed so as to sense, in use, the temperature of pipework to which the device is connected; an alert system within the housing; and control circuitry, comprising a clock, within the housing; wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive and monitor the temperature sensor readings over time and to control the alert system to generate an alert dependant on the temperature sensor readings over time.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the alert system is controlled to generate a first alert while the temperature sensor readings indicate that the pipework temperature is increasing.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the alert system is further controlled to increase the intensity of the first alert with increasing temperature readings from the temperature sensor.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the alert system is controlled to generate a second alert while the temperature sensor readings indicate that the pipework temperature has exceeded a first threshold.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the alert system is further controlled to generate an ongoing or periodic third alert after the first temperature threshold is exceeded, until a reset instruction is received.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the alert system is controlled to generate an ongoing or periodic fourth alert until a threshold time period elapses during which a second threshold temperature is not exceeded.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein in the event that the threshold time period elapses during which the second threshold temperature is not exceeded, thealert system is further controlled not to resume generating the fourth alert until a reset instruction is received.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the alert system is controlled to generate an ongoing or periodic fifth alert after the temperature sensor readings indicate that a third pipework temperature threshold has been exceeded, until a reset instruction is received.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the alert system is controlled to generate a sixth alert of increasing intensity while the temperature sensor readings indicate that the pipework temperature has increased and not yet decreased within a predetermined time period.

10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the alert system is controlled to generate a seventh alert while the temperature readings indicate that the pipework temperature is cooling, and is cooling at a rate lower than a predetermined threshold rate.

11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the alert system comprises a sounder, and wherein intensifying an alert comprises increasing one or more of the volume, the frequency and the duration of sounds emitted from the sounder.

12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the alert system comprises an LED display on a face of the housing and wherein changing the intensity of an alert comprises changing one or more of the brightness, colour, flash frequency or flash duration of the LED display.

13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the connector is a snap-fit connector.

14. A device according to any preceding claim powered by an electrical energy store within the housing, wherein the housing can be opened by a user for access to and replacement of electrical energy stores therein.

15. A device according to claim 12 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to monitor the state of charge of an electrical energy store by which it is powered, and to control the alert system to generate a sixth alert while it is determined that the state of charge is below a predetermined level.

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