Water Network Isolation Valves for Leak-Triggered Pressure Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Water distribution networks suffer from significant water loss and damage due to leaks, which existing control valve systems exacerbate by increasing water flow in response to pressure drops, rather than isolating the affected region.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control valve system with sensors and controllers that automatically close valves when pressure drops below a low-pressure threshold, isolating the affected region to prevent further water loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If existing control valve systems increase water flow in response to pressure drops, then water pressure is maintained in the network, but water loss through leaks is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater pressureVSAvoidwater loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The water distribution network is divided into isolated regions using controllable valves. When a leak is detected in a specific region, only that region is isolated by closing the valves at its boundaries, while other regions continue to receive water supply. This segmented approach prevents water loss from propagating throughout the entire network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing water flow in response to pressure drops (conventional approach), the system inverts the response by closing valves to reduce or stop water flow to the affected region. This reverse action prevents additional water loss while maintaining pressure in unaffected areas of the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Loss of substance

If manual shutdown procedures are used to stop water supply during leaks, then water loss is prevented, but response time is delayed and damage continues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater lossVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Controllable valves are pre-installed at strategic locations in the water distribution network before leaks occur. These valves are positioned to enable rapid isolation of specific regions. When a leak is detected, the system can immediately actuate these pre-positioned valves without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects leaks through pressure sensors and autonomously actuates the controllable valves to isolate affected regions. This self-service capability eliminates the delay associated with manual detection and response, allowing the system to protect itself from further water loss without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If water storage facilities are used to maintain supply during leaks, then continuous water availability is ensured, but water loss continues until storage is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supply continuityVSAvoidwater loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into isolated regions, allowing water storage facilities in unaffected regions to maintain supply continuity for those areas. The leak is confined to a specific segment, preventing depletion of entire network storage facilities while ensuring continuous supply to non-affected areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stress or pressure

If control valve systems increase water flow to compensate for pressure drops, then pressure stability is maintained, but the systems fail to isolate affected regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure stabilityVSAvoidisolation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the network into controllable segments using isolatable regions defined by controllable valves. This segmentation enables the system to maintain pressure stability in unaffected areas while isolating and managing pressure changes in affected regions, providing both pressure stability and isolation capability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing flow to maintain pressure (conventional response), the system inverts the approach by controlling valve closure to manage pressure. The controllable valves are actuated to isolate the leak, and pressure is maintained in unaffected regions by preventing flow changes there, combining pressure stability with isolation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12517528B2Technologies for isolating regions of a water distribution network

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 WATTS REGULATOR CO

AI summary

Systems for isolating a region of a water distribution network are disclosed. In embodiments the systems and methods utilize at least one control valve system that includes a valve, a pressure sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The controller determines a water pressure at the control valve system based at least in part on a sensor signal from the pressure sensor. When the detected pressure is less than or equal to a low pressure threshold the controller issued a control signal that causes the actuator to move the valve to a fully closed position. Multiple control valve systems may be employed to isolate a region of a water distribution network. Methods of isolating a portion of a water distribution network, water distribution network including a control valve system, and control valve systems for use in water distribution networks are also disclosed.