1997-04-28
1999-08-03
Chambers, A. Michael
Fluid handling
Processes
137368, 137554, 137556, F16K 3700
Patent
active
059311770
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to valves. More particularly, it relates to valves having means to allow automatic logging of their opening and closing and to apparatus for opening and closing (generally referred to as "operating") such valves.
In a water distribution system, a large number of valves are provided to allow parts of the distribution system to be isolated for repair, to cut off water to a leak, and for many other purposes that arise during the day-to-day operation of the system. It is clearly desirable that those managing the system can determine the state of the valves at any time in order that they can predict the system's behaviour to ensure that all parts of the system operate safely and efficiently.
Traditionally, the state of valves is monitored, for example, by means of paper records, with an operator making a note each time a valve is operated. The information thus gathered can be collated to provide an instantaneous picture of the system as a whole. However, it is clear that operators will occasionally forget to log an operation or wrongly identify a valve, resulting in inaccuracies in the record of the system.
If it is desired to provide automatic logging of valve operation several difficulties must be overcome.
Firstly, the number of valves in a water distribution system is very large, which imposes the requirement that any apparatus to be fitted to the valves must be of as low cost as possible.
Secondly, the valves are often to be found below ground in damp, dirty and cramped conditions, meaning that any apparatus to be fitted to them must be small, robust and simple to fit.
Thirdly, it often happens that valve operating spindles become seized if not opened or closed for some time. Since the valves are normally controlled by means of a long key by a person some distance above, this often results in forces being applied to the valve which are not purely rotational, and in the key being displaced away from the axis of rotation of the valve spindle as the operator struggles to turn the spindle.
It is an aim of the invention to provide for automatic logging of the opening and closing of valves while minimising the effect of some or all of the above difficulties.
In a first of its aspects, the invention provides apparatus for logging the operation of a valve of the type having a spindle rotatable by a key to effect opening and closing thereof, the apparatus including operative means which are in use carried on a key, the operative means being operable independently of any other apparatus (e.g. electronic equipment) to detect rotary motion of the key during operation of the valve.
By detecting valve operation with operative means on a key, the expense of providing detection apparatus for each valve is avoided (the total number of keys being much less than the total number of valves), as is the need to provide potentially delicate equipment in the hostile environs of the valves. As the operable means is operable independently of any other apparatus i.e. does not require any other apparatus or equipment (or connection to any such apparatus or equipment) to perform the detection function, no additional modification to the valves is required.
The apparatus may be located on the key, and indeed may be manufactured as part of the key. Alternatively the apparatus may be adapted for connection to or fitting on an existing key. The phrase "carried on the key" or "located on the key" includes, for example, an embodiment where the apparatus is mounted on the surface of a part of the key, an embodiment where the apparatus is inside a part of the key and/or an embodiment where the apparatus is otherwise incorporated or included in any part of the key.
Preferably the operative means includes means for sensing rotation of the key. In this way, relative movement between the key and a valve can be detected, whilst still avoiding the need to provide further electronic equipment on each valve.
The operative means of the apparatus is, in most embodiments, predominantly electronic. In a preferred embodiment,
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Chambers A. Michael
Technolog Limited
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