Measuring and testing – With fluid pressure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-19
2001-11-13
Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
With fluid pressure
C073S001050
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314792
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the testing of components in fluid systems.
BACKGROUND ART
The invention has been devised primarily, although not exclusively, for the testing of components in automatic fire sprinkler systems. In such systems, particular examples of components whose correct operation may require to be tested are flow detectors and one-way valves. The former may simply fail to operate as required, while the latter may stick. Fire sprinkler systems present special problems as compared with, for example, water supply systems for other purposes, in that they are required to function correctly when required to do so in an emergency, but might remain unused for long periods of time. Thus they are required to be tested at regular intervals and hitherto such testing has been carried out by the running off of a quantity of water. This is wasteful of water, and has a further disadvantage in that it usually requires attendance of personnel at, possibly, a large number of places in the system.
Accordingly it is the object of the present invention to provide for the overcoming or reduction of these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a method of testing a component in a fluid system is provided which operates in response to flow of fluid in the system in the vicinity of the component, comprising establishing a closed loop for flow of fluid in the part of a system including the component, causing flow of the fluid in the closed loop, and checking for correct operation of the component in response thereto.
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for testing for correct operation of a component in a fluid system, is provided which includes means for establishing a closed loop for flow of fluid including a part of the system incorporating the component, means for causing flow of fluid in the closed loop, and means for checking correct operation of the component in response to the flow of fluid.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, a fluid system incorporating a component responsive to flow of fluid in the is provided which includes means establishing a closed loop for flow of fluid including a portion of the system wherein the component is disposed; means for causing flow of fluid in the closed loop, and means for checking correct operation of the component in response to the flow.
The means for causing the flow preferably comprises a pump incorporated in a part of the closed loop.
The component whose operation is required to be checked may be a flow detector, in which case the indication of satisfactory operation of the component may be given by the emission of a signal therefrom indicative of the presence of flow, upon flow being caused to take place in the closed loop.
Alternatively, the component whose correct operation is required to be checked may be a non-return valve. Means for causing reverse flow of fluid in the closed loop or another closed loop, e.g. a reversible pumping means may be provided, and a flow detecting means be provided to ascertain whether flow takes place in one direction upon operation of the pumping means but not in the other direction when the pumping means is reversed.
The reversible pumping means may comprise a pump which is reversible in its direction of pumping, e.g. by reversing its driving motor, or two pumps arranged to pump in different directions with the appropriate one being operated as required. Suitable valves may be arranged as required, and one or more closed loops may be provided.
The component may be one which, after having operated, requires to be reset to a starting condition by some flow taking place through or past the component in the direction opposite to that which has caused operation of the component. For example, a flow detector may require such resetting. In this case there may further be provided means for causing reverse flow of fluid in said closed loop or another closed loop wherein said component is disposed.
The means for causing the reverse flow may comprise the pump, the reverse flow being caused by reversing the direction of operation thereof or by the use of valve means to reverse the flow in the closed loop without reversing the direction of operation of the pump.
Alternatively, a further closed loop may be established including the portion of the system wherein the component is disposed, there being means for causing flow of fluid in the further closed loop such as to cause reverse flow of fluid in the portion wherein the component is disposed.
Preferably there is means for isolating the pump and associated components defining the or each closed loop from the fluid system when checking for correct operation of the component is not being carried out.
Preferably the fluid system is an automatic fire sprinkler system. As explained above, there are particular problems and requirements associated with such systems and the testing thereof to ensure satisfactory operation thereof when required if a fire should occur, and the present invention facilitates such testing without wastage of water.
There may be remotely-operable means for causing testing in accordance with the invention to be carried out when required. Such testing may necessitate an operator initiating a testing sequence, or there may be timing means causing the testing to be carried out at predetermined time intervals.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5320138 (1994-06-01), Ferlitch, Jr.
patent: 02279173 (1990-11-01), None
patent: WO 88/08524 (1988-11-01), None
Politzer Jay L.
Project Fire Engineers Limited
Williams Hezron
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