Sprinkler Backflow Monitoring for Valve Tamper and Leak Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backflow preventer systems in water supply systems can malfunction due to corrosion or degradation, leading to backflow leakage and potential contamination, flooding, and compromised fire sprinkler functionality, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a fluid detection system with flood sensors and tamper switches connected to a fire panel, which trigger alarms and alerts in case of backflow discharge or shut-off valve tampering, ensuring timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backflow preventer valves are installed to prevent water backflow, then water supply safety is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional mechanical components that may corrode or degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid detection system as an intermediary between the backflow preventer valve and the monitoring system. This intermediary detects fluid characteristics (such as presence, flow rate, or pressure) and converts them into signals that can be monitored remotely, allowing the backflow prevention function to be maintained while adding monitoring capability without directly modifying the mechanical components of the valve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical monitoring approaches with a fluid detection system that uses sensors and electronic signals. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators or manual inspection of the backflow preventer components, the system uses fluid detection technology to monitor the state of the valve and alert authorities when backflow conditions are detected, thereby substituting mechanical observation with electronic detection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If discharge pipes are added to redirect leaking fluid, then backflow contamination is prevented, but environmental damage increases due to flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting backflow conditions and generating alerts before significant leakage or flooding occurs. The fluid detection system monitors the backflow preventer valve in real-time and notifies authorities when abnormal conditions are detected, allowing preventive maintenance or intervention to occur before the discharge pipe releases large volumes of water that could cause environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the fluid detection system continuously monitors the backflow preventer valve and provides information back to authorities. When the detection system identifies backflow conditions, it triggers an alert that enables timely response, allowing the system to adjust operations or send maintenance personnel to address the issue before it escalates to flooding or significant environmental harm.
3Ease of operation
If shut-off valves are installed to control water flow, then fire sprinkler functionality is maintained, but safety hazards increase when valves are closed or partially closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid detection system as an intermediary monitoring device that watches the water flow through the shut-off valves and backflow preventer. This intermediary detects when flow conditions indicate that a valve may be closed or partially closed, and generates alerts to notify authorities, thereby maintaining awareness of potential fire sprinkler functionality issues without interfering with the manual operation of the valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the fluid detection system continuously monitor water flow conditions and provide information back to authorities. When the detection system senses reduced flow or abnormal conditions that suggest a valve is closed or partially closed, it triggers an alert that enables timely intervention to ensure fire sprinkler functionality is maintained, thereby creating a safety net that compensates for potential human error or unauthorized valve manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler backflow alert system includes a sprinkler system, a building fire panel, a backflow preventor including at least one shut-off valve, a fluid detection system, and a tamper switch. The backflow preventor may be fluidly coupled upstream of the sprinkler system. The fluid detection system is configured to detect a discharge of water from the backflow preventor and generate a water discharge signal corresponding to the backflow discharge. The tamper switch is configured to detect a change in a position of the at least one shut-off valve and generate a tamper signal in the event the at least one shut-off valve is closed or partially closed. When a backflow discharge event occurs, a signal is sent to the fire panel triggering the building fire alarm as well as sending an alert to the local fire department and facility owner.