Fluid flow measuring and control devices and method

A method of pattern recognition for fluid use in a plumbing installation to which fluid consuming appliances are fluidly connected, the method comprising:

• installing a fluid flow measuring and control device at a single location in the plumbing installation which is fluidly common to all of the fluid consuming appliances, the device comprising
• a flowmeter for assessing the fluid flow in the device;
• a main flow channelling system having an inlet and an outlet for connection to the plumbing;
• a bypass channelling system in parallel from the main flow channelling system, starting from a first location on the main flow channelling system and ending at a second location on the main flow channelling system downstream of the first location;
• a valve in the main flow channelling system;
• and
• a first pressure sensor upstream of the valve and a second pressure sensor downstream of the valve;
• capturing and storing data relative to a flow rate of each one of the fluid consuming appliances in the plumbing installation through the fluid flow measuring and control device;
• analysing and recording the data to determine a fluid usage signature for each of the fluid consuming appliances, thereby resulting in pre-recorded fluid usage signatures for each of the fluid consuming appliances
• stopping the fluid flow in the main flow channelling system using the valve, hence blocking fluid flow in the fluid flow measuring and control device and in the plumbing;
• and
• determining if there is a pressure drop when the valve is closed by using the first pressure sensor upstream of the valve and the second pressure sensor downstream of the valve.