Actuated backflow preventer and fluid control apparatus

A backflow prevention apparatus for potable water, comprising:

• one or more upstream sensors;
• one or more downstream sensors;
• a valve having an inlet connection and an outlet connection;
• an actuator operably coupled to the valve;
• a valve controller operably coupled to the actuator, the valve controller configured to:
• receive a first input signal generated by the one or more upstream sensors indicative of one or more process variable associated with a fluid flow upstream of the valve;
• receive a second input signal generated by the one or more downstream sensors indicative of one or more process variable associated with a fluid flow downstream of the valve;
• determine, using at least one of the first input signal or the second input signal whether a reverse flow condition exists downstream of the valve;
• and
• responsive to a determination that the reverse flow condition exists downstream of the valve, transition the valve to a CLOSED position to prevent flow through the valve from the outlet connection to the inlet connection;
• wherein the one or more downstream sensors comprises at least one of:
• a mass flowmeter or a volumetric flowmeter.

A backflow prevention apparatus for potable water, comprising:

• one or more upstream sensors;
• one or more downstream sensors;
• a valve having an inlet connection and an outlet connection;
• an actuator operably coupled to the valve;
• a valve controller operably coupled to the actuator, the valve controller configured to:
• receive a first input signal generated by the one or more upstream sensors indicative of one or more process variable associated with a fluid flow upstream of the valve;
• receive a second input signal generated by the one or more downstream sensors indicative of one or more process variable associated with a fluid flow downstream of the valve;
• determine, using at least the first input signal and the second input signal whether a reverse flow condition exists downstream of the valve;
• and
• responsive to a determination that the reverse flow condition exists downstream of the valve, transition the valve to a CLOSED position to prevent flow through the valve from the outlet connection to the inlet connection;
• and
• a run-out length between the valve and the one or more downstream sensors;
• wherein the run-out length is based on a time needed for the actuator to transition the valve to the CLOSED position and an expected backflow velocity through the valve.