Temperature and pressure relief valve

A temperature and pressure relief apparatus comprising:

• a housing defining:
• a first conduit that connects to a fluid network;
• and
• a discharge pipe;
• a relief valve assembly in the housing and having a valve member normally biased into a closed position to prevent flow between the first conduit and the discharge pipe, the valve member configured such that when a temperature or pressure within the fluid network exceeds a predetermined level, the relief valve allows water to escape through the discharge pipe;
• a fluid detection assembly including:
• a sensor integral to the housing downstream of the relief valve without creating a flow restriction therein;
• and a controller, coupled to the sensor, configured to:
• measure a capacitance value of the discharge pipe;
• detect a change in the capacitance value;
• and assert an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the capacitance value;
• and
• a thermal actuator secured in the first conduit so that a first end of the thermal actuator engages the valve member and a second end of the thermal actuator extends into the water heater, the thermal actuator configured such that when the pressure or temperature within the water heater exceeds the predetermined level, the thermal actuator expands and overcomes the bias on the valve member to open the valve member and allow water to escape through the discharge pipe.

A temperature and pressure relief valve apparatus comprising:

• a housing having:
• an inlet configured to couple to a tank for ingress of fluid;
• a sensing outlet for egress of fluid;
• and a control valve coupled between the inlet and the sensing outlet and configured to be normally closed but open for releasing fluid from the tank upon predetermined conditions of a fluid within the tank;
• a sensor assembly coupled to the sensing outlet without creating a flow restriction or coming in contact with fluid in the sensing outlet;
• and
• a controller, coupled to the sensor assembly, configured to:
• continuously measure a capacitance value of the sensing outlet using the sensor assembly, the capacitance value being a function of an inner surface area of the sensing outlet being covered with fluid;
• detect a change in the sensing outlet capacitance value;
• assert at least two alarm conditions upon detection of the change in the sensing outlet capacitance value;
• and
• modify a feedback mechanism based upon the at least two alarm conditions and the at least two alarm conditions include conditions selected from a group consisting of:
• a slow drip condition;
• a fully flowing condition;
• a dry condition;
• a cyclically opening condition;
• a ramp up condition;
• and a step up condition.

A temperature and pressure relief valve apparatus comprising:

• a housing having:
• an inlet configured to couple to a tank for ingress of fluid;
• a sensing outlet for egress of fluid;
• and a control valve coupled between the inlet and the sensing outlet and configured to be normally closed but open for releasing fluid from the tank upon predetermined conditions of a fluid within the tank;
• a sensor assembly coupled to the sensing outlet without creating a flow restriction or coming in contact with fluid in the sensing outlet, the sensor assembly including an electrode that is a circular ring surrounding the sensing outlet and further comprises a handle affixed to the housing and coupled to the control valve, wherein the handle is configured to open the control valve for manual testing;
• and
• a controller, coupled to the sensor assembly, configured to:
• continuously measure a capacitance value of the sensing outlet using the sensor assembly, the capacitance value being a function of an inner surface area of the sensing outlet being covered with fluid;
• detect a change in the sensing outlet capacitance value;
• and
• assert at least two alarm conditions upon detection of the change in the sensing outlet capacitance value,
• wherein the sensing outlet and fluid therein are coupled to ground and the electrode is a capacitive electrode;
• sensitivity of the capacitive electrode is adjustable by changing an electrical resistance coupled thereto;
• and wherein the capacitive electrode is integrated into the housing.