A system for detecting obstructions in the flow within drainage pipes and a liquid level sensor module for detecting the liquid level inside the pipes.

Abstract

A system for detecting obstruction of flow in a drain pipe includes two liquid level sensors (10) that output liquid level signals, one on each side of the inlet (7). Controller C compares the signals and indicates obstruction if the difference is too large. A liquid level sensor module (8) for detecting the liquid level in the pipe has a circular body (17) that is detachably held and sealed within a port (14). The body (17) supports the liquid level sensors (10) for detecting the liquid level. The module may be housed in a T-shaped housing. A condensate drain pump system includes a pipe manifold having an inlet duct (31) connected to a condensate outlet O at the top and leading to a lateral outlet duct (32). The outlet duct has a liquid level sensor (10) at one end and a pump P at the opposite end, which pumps out the liquid if the detected level is too high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for detecting an obstruction in the flow of a drain pipe and a liquid level sensor module for detecting the liquid level in the pipe.

[0002] In particular, the system is designed to monitor the flow from the condensate outlets of a plurality of refrigeration units of the type used in a supermarket where, for example, a plurality of refrigeration units are arranged adjacent to each other along the aisles of the supermarket. The system is designed for this purpose, but can be applied to any drainage system where a plurality of outlets flow into a common drain pipe. For example, in an office or an apartment building, when a plurality of individual drain pipes flow into a common outlet duct.

[0003] In a condensate drain pipe for a refrigeration system, algae deposits accumulate over time and form a biofilm. Since the flow rate through the condensate outlet pipe is relatively low, the biofilm is not reliably washed away by the natural flow. Therefore, the biofilm accumulates over time and eventually causes a blockage somewhere in the outlet pipe.

[0004] This causes a number of problems. First, once a blockage is formed, none of the units supplying the blocked pipe can discharge, and water spills out onto the supermarket floor from under the refrigeration units. This poses a safety hazard, and the supermarket may be liable for the consequences. In addition, it may be necessary to turn off the power to all the refrigeration units connected to the blocked pipe in order to prevent further flooding and remove the blockage. It is not possible to identify the location of the blockage from just the flooded refrigeration units. This is because it is not necessarily the unit where the blockage occurred, but simply the unit that has discharged the most condensate since the blockage was formed.

[0005] As far as we know, there is no current system designed to address this problem.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is a system according to claim 1.

[0007] By using sensors to detect obstructions in the flow within the pipe, it is possible to detect the accumulation of material in the pipe before it becomes completely blocked. According to this invention, the problem can be recognized before it becomes critical, and corrective measures can be taken without shutting off the power to the refrigeration unit.

[0008] In its broadest sense, there may be only one inlet. This allows for the detection of blockages associated with that inlet. Preferably, the pipe has multiple inlets along its longitudinal direction, and the system has multiple sensors positioned between each inlet. In the prior art, if flooding occurs, it may be necessary to shut off the power to all refrigeration units associated with the blocked pipe to avoid further flooding problems until the blockage is removed. The location of the flow obstruction can be identified as the location between a pair of adjacent sensors. In practice, preferably, there is one sensor between each pair of adjacent inlets, and further, there are sensors upstream and downstream of the outermost inlet. Alternatively, fewer sensors may be provided if the accuracy of identifying the location of the obstruction does not need to be high.

[0009] In practice, corrective action takes the form of either suction at the outlet end of the pipe to remove the blockage, or inserting a rod at least to the location where the blockage was detected. Suction at the outlet end is generally easier, but may be less effective, especially if the blockage is close to the inlet end. Therefore, knowing the location of the blockage is useful to help determine the best corrective action. Blockages adjacent to the outlet end can be removed more easily by suction at the outlet end, while blockages closer to the opposite end may not be removed by applying suction at the outlet end, but can be removed by inserting a rod a relatively short distance along the pipe. One possibility is to perform suction at the outlet end and measure whether there is still a significant difference between two adjacent sensors that identified the original blockage. If so, a rod can be inserted to remove the blockage.

[0010] Any suitable type of level sensor can be used. It may be, for example, a float sensor or a pressure sensor. However, relatively high accuracy is useful for most effective detection of flow obstruction. Therefore, the sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may be mounted externally to the pipe. However, to improve accuracy, the sensor preferably has a capacitive element positioned in the liquid within the pipe system when in use. This is more accurate than an external sensor, which is also affected by the capacitance of the pipe material, because it directly detects the capacitance of the liquid.

[0011] To provide good detection efficiency, it is desirable that the capacitive element extends vertically over a substantial portion of the tube's depth in order to detect changes over most of the tube's depth. Preferably, the capacitive element extends vertically over at least 60% of the tube's inner diameter, more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably over 100% of the tube's inner diameter.

[0012] The capacitive elements are preferably located on a printed circuit board. This allows for the provision of capacitive elements in a cost-effective and robust manner, and also enables their easy mounting in a manner that provides electrical connections to the capacitive elements. This allows the capacitive elements to be formed on the printed circuit board as multiple tracks that extend close to the edge of the board and make fluid contact with the liquid in the drainpipe.

[0013] The sensors may be mounted directly within the flow path through the pipe. However, preferably, the pipe has a bore that forms a flow path along its longitudinal direction, and the sensors are in fluid communication with the liquid in the flow path and offset from the bore. By making the sensors in fluid communication with the liquid in the flow path, more accurate level detection is provided, as described above. Furthermore, by offsetting them from the bore, it becomes possible to insert a rod along the flow path to remove blockages without damaging the sensors.

[0014] Preferably, each sensor is housed in a hollow T-shaped housing, which is connected to an upstream and downstream pipe and has a pipe inlet port and a pipe outlet port that define a flow path traversing the top of the T-shape from the pipe inlet port to the pipe outlet port, and a sensor support that opens at the base of the T-shape and is in fluid communication with the flow path to receive and hold the sensor.

[0015] This provides a simple method for implementing the system. The T-shaped housing may be a standard T-tube. The tube can be attached to it in a conventional manner, while the T-shaped base provides an easily accessible port for housing the sensor. The sensor may be permanently attached to the tube in the sense that it cannot be removed without causing irreversible damage to the tube. However, preferably the sensor is detachably attached. For example, flexible clips may be provided to hold them in place. This allows for easy removal for inspection and replacement / repair.

[0016] Each sensor may have its own separate power supply and wiring. However, preferably, the present invention further provides electrical connections between adjacent sensors outside the pipe to supply power and transmit signals. This series connection of sensors minimizes the amount of wiring required and enables a modular system. In practice, any number of sensors can be mounted in the pipe, and each sensor can be connected to adjacent sensors by cables.

[0017] The present invention also extends to a condensate drainage system comprising a system according to a first aspect of the present invention and a plurality of condensate outlets from the equipment, each of which is connected to its respective inlet. This condensate drainage system may have any of the preferred features described above.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is a liquid level sensor module according to claim 11.

[0019] This module is designed for use in a system according to a first aspect of the present invention. However, it can also be more broadly used in any situation requiring a simple and robust level sensor for detecting the liquid level in a horizontal or nearly horizontal (slight incline of 10° or less, preferably 5° or less) pipe. Unusually, it is designed to fit into a pipe port and effectively plug it. It can be fitted directly into the end of the pipe itself, or into a simple or standard pipe fitting, such as a T-shaped housing and / or collar. The sensor may be inserted into the end of the pipe to detect the liquid level at the end of the pipe. Alternatively, it may be placed in a lateral port communicating with the flow through the pipe, for example, using the T-shaped housing described above. A retaining mechanism allows the module to be easily removed for inspection, repair, or replacement.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention may include a capacitive sensor having preferred features of the first aspect, for example, a capacitive element that extends inward from the body so as to be located in the liquid inside the tube. It may also extend vertically to the extent described above.

[0021] Capacitive sensors are preferably mounted in a vertical plane when in use. This allows the sensor to have high sensitivity. Installers may be trained to insert the body in the correct orientation. The sensor body may be molded or marked to assist in correct insertion. Preferably, the body has an external portion with a pair of opposing flat surfaces on the opposite side of the circular portion. This allows the installer to grasp the housing and insert the body into the port in the correct orientation. In view of how capacitive sensors operate, it is not necessary for them to be precisely in a vertical plane in order to reliably detect the liquid level.

[0022] The retaining mechanism is preferably configured to engage with the sensor module only when the sensor module is inserted in the correct orientation. This provides a mechanism to prevent insertion in the wrong orientation.

[0023] The main body is preferably press-fitted into the port of the tube. This allows for easy insertion.

[0024] The body has an O-ring for sealing the tube port. This provides a fast, reliable, and robust seal.

[0025] Preferably, the module further includes a collar fixed to the tube to form a port in the tube, and the body of the sensor module is held by the collar. Using a collar to form a port in the tube provides a clearly defined opening for receiving the sensor module and may also include additional features such as a retaining mechanism, for example, a flexible clip.

[0026] The present invention may also extend to a sensor assembly comprising a hollow T-shaped housing, which in use is connected to upstream and downstream pipes and has an inlet port and an outlet port for defining a flow path from the inlet port of the pipe to the outlet port of the pipe, and a sensor port opening into the flow path for receiving and holding a sensor module according to a second aspect of the present invention. This may include any of the preferred features of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0027] In the above configuration, preferably, the flow path from the inlet port of the pipe to the outlet port of the pipe crosses the upper part of the T-shape, and the sensor port is an opening at the base of the T-shape. However, this can be configured differently for different applications in small-scale refrigeration, as described below.

[0028] The sensor element is preferably held in a position in fluid communication with the flow path and not obstructing the flow path.

[0029] The sensor assembly is mainly designed to fit into the space under the refrigeration unit that houses the piping for the condensate flow. Therefore, the body of the sensor module is preferably arranged between the respective horizontal planes passing through the top and bottom of the outer diameter of the adjacent pipes. This makes it possible to accommodate the sensor module in the available space.

[0030] Alternatively, or in addition, the wiring between the sensor modules may be arranged between the respective horizontal planes passing through the top and bottom of the outer diameter of the adjacent pipes. This makes it possible to accommodate the wiring in the available space.

[0031] In small-scale refrigeration units such as ice makers, refrigerators (e.g., for beverage supply), or freezers (e.g., slide-up top freezers), the condensate is collected in an evaporation tray installed below the unit. This is a wide and shallow tray from which the condensate evaporates over time. The use of such trays where water can potentially accumulate over a relatively long period is not hygienic. Further, there is nothing to prevent the tray from overflowing in case of a long water flow, such as after a defrost event. Further, these systems require high energy consumption to evaporate the condensate using a heating element and are inefficient.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is a condensate drain pump system according to claim 27.

[0033] This solves the above problem of water accumulating in the evaporation tray. Instead of waiting for the water to evaporate from an open tray, this configuration collects the water in a pipe manifold, monitors its level, and pumps it out when a certain amount has accumulated. By using a drain pump system to discharge the condensate, the heating element is no longer required, reducing energy consumption.

[0034] Preferably, the sensor is provided as a sensor module according to a second aspect of the present invention, inserted at the opposite end of the outlet duct. This provides another use for the sensor module. It is very suitable for such uses because it is low-cost, easy to install, accurate, and robust.

[0035] The system may include a nozzle connected to the pump at the end of the outlet. The nozzle can be sized to fit the pipe manifold at one end and the pump at the other end, providing a simple and robust connection between the two.

[0036] The pipe manifold may be part of a more complex component, but is preferably a T-shaped pipe. This provides a housing that is a standard pipe component at low cost and compatible with existing piping equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the system and liquid level sensor module according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the sensor module shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram similar to Figure 3, showing the sensor module and T-shaped housing in more detail. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a pipe system equipped with a sensor module according to a second aspect of the present invention at one end. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second sensor module. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the condensate drain pump system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The system shown in Figure 1 is essentially a long drain pipe 1 that receives a flow of condensed water F from multiple refrigeration units R positioned above it. Figure 1 shows four refrigeration units R (although in practice there can be any number).

[0039] Pipe 1 is approximately horizontal and has a gentle downward slope from the cleaning port 2 at the upstream end to the drainage port 3 at the opposite end.

[0040] In reality, the flow F from each refrigeration unit R is a slow, dripping downstream flow, which is somewhat constant but can be somewhat intermittent. As a result, pipe 1 has a dripping downstream flow that increases towards the drain port 3 as more flow F flows into pipe 1. This also becomes more constant due to the averaging effect across the various individual flows F. The slow flow rate is not sufficient to remove the biofilm accumulating in pipe 1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the pipe 1 is composed of multiple pipe segments 4. If the refrigeration units R are arranged at equal intervals, the pipe segments 4 can be of the same length. However, they can be easily adapted to accommodate unequal intervals. The pipe segments 4 are connected by a first T-joint 5 and a second T-joint 6. The first T-joint 5 has an upward-extending duct 7 that connects adjacent pipe segments 4 and connects to the condensate outlet of the refrigeration unit R to receive the flow F. The connections between the first T-joint 5 and the pipe segments 4 and the condensate outlet are solvent-welded to ensure they are watertight.

[0042] The second T-joint 6 is positioned between adjacent first T-joints 5. Additional second T-joints 6 are located at the upstream end of the most upstream first T-joint 5 and at the downstream end of the most downstream first T-joint 5. For example, more second T-joints 6 may be used if there is a large gap between adjacent flows F. Alternatively, some of the second T-joints 6 may be omitted between adjacent flows F to provide a less expensive but less precise system. Similar to the first T-joints 5, the second T-joints 6 are solvent-welded to adjacent pipe segments 4.

[0043] The second T-shaped pipe 6 is part of the sensor module 8, which will be explained here with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0044] The sensor module 8 consists of a second T-shaped tube 6, a sensor housing 9 incorporating a sensor element 10, and a collar 11.

[0045] The second T-joint 6 has an inlet port 12, an outlet port 13, and a sensor support 14. In identifying the inlet port 12 and outlet port 13 in Figure 2, we assume that the flow direction is the same as in Figure 1, i.e., from right to left. However, the sensor module itself is symmetrical with respect to the central plane so that it can be used even with flow in the opposite direction.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the sensor housing 9 and sensor 10 are housed within the sensor support 14, allowing the sensor 10 to communicate with the liquid through the bore 15 of the pipe segment 4. However, the sensor 10 is positioned set back from the bore 15 of the pipe segment 4 so as not to form a physical obstruction in the bore. This allows a rod to pass through the bore 15 to remove any blockage.

[0047] The sensor housing 9 has multiple functions. It houses the control and power supply electronic components required for the sensor element 10. The housing 9 has a front section 17 having a substantially circular cross-section. This supports the sensor element 10 at its front end. It also has an O-ring 18 designed to engage tightly with the collar 11.

[0048] The collar 11 is an annular component welded to the port 14 to provide a clearly defined port for receiving the circular front portion 17 of the housing 9. The rear portion 19 of the housing protrudes from the collar 11 and is provided with a pair of electrical connections 20, 21 that are inserted into wire segments 22 extending between adjacent modules 8.

[0049] The rear portion 19 of the housing has a clip 23 that engages with a corresponding clip 24 on the collar 11 to hold the housing 9 in place.

[0050] The sensor housing 9 and plug connections 20-22 extend laterally from the pipe 1 so as not to occupy little to no additional vertical space compared to the pipe segment 4. This allows the entire configuration to be fitted into the space that accommodates the pipe segment 4.

[0051] The properties of the sensor are shown in Figure 4. As shown in the figure, this is a printed circuit board 25. Three capacitive electrodes 26 are printed on the printed circuit board 25, extending vertically over a distance close to the entire diameter of the tube 4. The electrodes are connected to the front part 17 of the housing 9 by conductive tracks 27.

[0052] The rear portion 19 of the housing has a pair of opposing flat horizontal surfaces 28. The installer grasps these and inserts the front portion 17 into the collar 11. The flat surfaces 28 also help ensure that the sensor 10 is oriented correctly during insertion. Furthermore, the clips 23, 24 can only engage when the housing is oriented correctly, providing additional protection against misalignment.

[0053] During use, the condensate flow F flows into pipe 1 and flows out through drain port 3. Over time, biofilm or other substances accumulate in the pipe, eventually forming an obstruction to the flow at some point along the pipe. When this reaches a critical size, the sensor element 10 downstream of the obstruction reads a lower level, while the sensor element 10 upstream of the obstruction reads a higher level because the flow is blocked behind the obstruction.

[0054] This information is transmitted along wire 22 to an optional controller C, which compares level measurements from all sensors 10. Controller C has a communication system configured to interface with and integrate with external systems, whether it connects to various third-party devices via Wi-Fi or via an established building management system (BMS).

[0055] When a difference exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected between the outputs of a pair of adjacent sensors, it generates an alarm in the form of an audible or visual alarm and / or an error message sent to a monitoring device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or PC. This notifies the operator of the presence of a critical condition.

[0056] Based on the location of the blockage, the user can then choose to either perform suction at outlet port 3 or insert a rod into pipe 1 at the opposite end to remove the blockage. This operation can be performed while the refrigeration unit R continues to operate, as there is no need to stop further water ingress. Once the removal operation is performed, sensor 10 should continue to detect a normal state. If the blockage is not completely removed, a further alarm will be issued, allowing for additional maintenance to be performed.

[0057] An alternative use of the sensor module 8 is shown in Figure 5. It is inserted into the T-joint 6. However, it is inserted into port 12 instead of the lateral port 14, and the collar 11 is inserted into this port so that it can receive the module 8 as described above. The module 8 is positioned in a straight line with the bore 15, rather than crossing the bore 15 as before. This allows the sensor 10 to measure the flow at the end of the pipe. In the alternative configuration, the T-joint 6 can be replaced with a straight pipe, or the collar 11 can be inserted into the end of the pipe.

[0058] An alternative example of the housing 9 is shown in Figure 6. This is identical in most respects to the sensor module 9 described earlier, except that the shape of the rear section 19 differs in that it has flat sides instead of flat top and bottom surfaces. The electrical leads 20 and 21 are replaced by a pair of electrical sockets 30, one of which is shown and the other is located on the opposite side of the rear section 19.

[0059] The condensate drain pump system is shown in Figures 7 and 8. This uses the sensor module 8 described with reference to Figures 2-5 (although the module in Figure 6 can also be used). The same reference numerals are used to specify the same components.

[0060] The module is inserted into a pipe duct in the form of a T-joint 30. This may be the same as the T-joint 6, but with a different orientation. The T-joint 30 has an upward-facing inlet duct 31 that connects to a condensate outlet O when in use. The inlet duct 31 leads to a horizontal outlet duct 32 at one end, which has a sensor support 33 that receives the collar 11 and sensor module 8 as described above. The outlet duct 32 has a pipe nozzle 34 at the opposite end. This may be pushed into the end of the outlet duct 32 and sealed with an O-ring or welded. The nozzle 34 allows a relatively large diameter pipe to be connected to the smaller diameter inlet duct of the pump P. This makes it possible to easily accommodate conventional pumps and piping.

[0061] When condensed water accumulates in the outlet duct 32, this is detected by the sensor 10, and the pump P activates to pump the liquid out of the outlet duct 32 into the drain pipe D. This system may also have a controller and communication system similar to those described above to notify the user of any abnormal conditions.

Claims

1. A system for detecting obstructions in the flow within a drainpipe, The aforementioned system, A pipe having an inlet along its longitudinal direction and an outlet on the downstream side, At least two liquid level sensors, one on each side of the inlet, spaced apart along the pipe, and configured to output a signal corresponding to the liquid level adjacent to each sensor, A controller, configured to receive output signals from the sensors and, if those output signals differ by more than a predetermined amount, compare the signals from the sensors and output a signal indicating that there is interference between the sensors, A system equipped with these features.

2. The system according to claim 1, The aforementioned pipe has a plurality of inlets along its longitudinal direction, The system comprises multiple sensors positioned between each inlet. system.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned sensor is a capacitive sensor. system.

4. The system according to claim 3, The sensor has a capacitive element, The capacitance element is positioned so as to be submerged in the liquid inside the tube during use. system.

5. The system according to claim 4, The capacitance element extends vertically over at least 60% of the inner diameter of the tube. system.

6. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The aforementioned capacitance element is located on a printed circuit board, system.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned pipe has a bore that forms a flow path along its longitudinal direction, The sensor is in fluid communication with the liquid in the flow path and is offset from the bore. system.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Each sensor is housed in a hollow, T-shaped housing. The aforementioned housing is A pipe inlet port and a pipe outlet port, connected to an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe, defining a flow path that crosses the upper part of the T-shape from the pipe inlet port to the pipe outlet port, To receive and hold each sensor, a sensor support is provided, which is in fluid communication with the flow path and opens at the base of the T-shape. Having, system.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The sensor is detachably held in relation to the piping. system.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Furthermore, in order to supply power and signal transmission, the outside of the tube is provided with electrical connections between adjacent sensors. system.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Multiple condensate outlets from the equipment, each of which is connected to its respective inlet, Equipped with, Condensate drainage system.

12. A liquid level sensor module for detecting the liquid level inside a pipe, The aforementioned sensor module is The main body has a circular portion that is inserted into the port of the pipe and has a sealed engagement with the port of the pipe, A holding mechanism for detachably holding the sensor module within the port of the tube, A liquid level sensor element, supported by the main body, and arranged to detect the liquid level inside the pipe when the sensor module is fitted into the port of the pipe, A liquid level sensor module equipped with the following features.

13. A sensor module according to claim 12, The aforementioned sensor is a capacitive sensor. Sensor module.

14. A sensor module according to claim 13, The aforementioned capacitive sensor has a capacitive element, The capacitance element extends inward from the main body so as to be located in the liquid inside the tube. Sensor module.

15. A sensor module according to claim 13 or 14, The aforementioned capacitive sensor is mounted in a vertical plane when in use. Sensor module.

16. A sensor module according to claim 11 or 12, The capacitance element extends vertically over at least 60% of the inner diameter of the tube. Sensor module.

17. A sensor module according to any one of claims 12 to 16, The main body has an external portion on the opposite side of the circular portion, and the external portion comprises a pair of opposing flat surfaces. Sensor module.

18. A sensor module according to any one of claims 12 to 17, Furthermore, it comes in color, The collar is fixed to the pipe to form a port of the pipe, The main body of the sensor module is held by the collar. Sensor module.

19. A sensor module according to any one of claims 12 to 18, The retaining mechanism is configured to engage with the sensor module only when the sensor module is inserted in the correct orientation. Sensor module.

20. A sensor module according to any one of claims 12 to 19, The main body is press-fitted into the port of the pipe. Sensor module.

21. A sensor module according to any one of claims 12 to 20, The main body has an O-ring for sealing with the port of the tube. Sensor module.

22. A sensor assembly, It features a hollow T-shaped housing, The aforementioned housing is A pipe inlet port and a pipe outlet port, which, when in use, are connected to an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe to define the flow path from the pipe inlet port to the pipe outlet port, A sensor support comprising a sensor support that opens into the flow path for receiving and holding the sensor module according to any one of claims 11 to 21, Having, Sensor assembly.

23. A sensor assembly according to claim 22, The flow path from the pipe inlet port to the pipe outlet port crosses the upper part of the T-shape, The aforementioned support is an opening at the base of the T-shape. Sensor assembly.

24. A sensor assembly according to claim 22, The sensor element is held in a position that is in fluid communication with the flow path and does not obstruct the flow path. Sensor assembly.

25. A sensor assembly according to claim 22 or 23, The main body of the sensor module is positioned between the horizontal planes passing through the top and bottom of the outer diameter of adjacent pipes. Sensor assembly.

26. A sensor assembly according to any one of claims 22 to 23, The wiring between the sensor modules is arranged between the horizontal planes passing through the top and bottom of the outer diameter of adjacent pipes. Sensor assembly.

27. A condensate drain pump system, The aforementioned system, Pump and A pipe manifold having an inlet duct at the top that can be connected to a condensate outlet and leads to a lateral outlet duct, Equipped with, The outlet duct has an outlet connected to the pump at one end, a sensor at the opposite end, and an intermediate section that communicates fluid with the inlet. The sensor is configured to detect the liquid level in the outlet duct and, when the detected level exceeds a predetermined level, to activate the pump in order to discharge the liquid from the pipe manifold. system.

28. The system according to claim 27, The sensor is provided as a sensor module according to any one of claims 12 to 21, and is inserted into the opposite end of the outlet duct. system.

29. The system according to claim 27 or 28, Furthermore, the outlet end is provided with a nozzle connected to the pump. system.

30. A system according to any one of claims 27 to 29, The aforementioned pipe manifold is a T-shaped pipe. system.

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