US 12,517,528 B2Granted

Technologies for isolating regions of a water distribution network

AssigneeWatts Regulator Co.

InventorsChristopher Decato, Drew P. LaMarca, Ian David Baynes

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Abstract

Systems for isolating a region of a water distribution network are disclosed. In embodiments the systems and methods utilize at least one control valve system that includes a valve, a pressure sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The controller determines a water pressure at the control valve system based at least in part on a sensor signal from the pressure sensor. When the detected pressure is less than or equal to a low pressure threshold the controller issued a control signal that causes the actuator to move the valve to a fully closed position. Multiple control valve systems may be employed to isolate a region of a water distribution network. Methods of isolating a portion of a water distribution network, water distribution network including a control valve system, and control valve systems for use in water distribution networks are also disclosed.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for isolating a region of interest (ROI) in a water distribution network, comprising:

detecting a water pressure PD1 upstream of the ROI and generating a first sensor signal indicative of PD1 with a first pressure sensor, the first pressure sensor installed in a downstream side of a first control valve system (CVS), the first CVS comprising a first inlet, a first outlet, a first valve disposed between the first inlet and first outlet that is movable between an open position and a fully closed position, and a first controller that is configured to control a position of the first valve responsive to PD1;
detecting a water pressure PD2 downstream of the ROI with a second pressure sensor and generating a second sensor signal indicative of PD2, the second pressure sensor installed in a downstream side of a second control valve system (CVS), the second CVS comprising a second inlet, a second outlet, a second valve disposed between the second inlet and second outlet that is movable between an open position and a fully closed position, and a second controller configured to control a position of the second valve responsive to PD2, where the second inlet is disposed downstream of the first outlet and the ROI is disposed between the first CVS and second CVS;
determining, with the first controller, the pressure PD1 based at least in part on the first sensor signal and comparing PD1 to a first low pressure threshold LPT1;
causing, with the first controller, the first valve to move to the fully closed position when PD1≤LPT1;
determining, with the second controller, the pressure PD2 based at least in part on the second sensor signal and comparing PD2 to a second low pressure threshold LPT2;
and
causing, with the second controller, the second valve to move to the fully closed position when PD2≤LPT2.

4 more elements

A water supply system, comprising:

a first control valve system (CVS) fluidly coupled to a water supply;
a second control valve system (CVS) fluidly coupled to at least one outlet of the water supply system;
a region of interest (ROI) fluidly coupled to the first CVS and the second CVS, such that the first CVS is upstream of the ROI and the second CVS is downstream of the ROI;
wherein:
the first CVS comprises:
a first inlet;
a first outlet;
a first pressure sensor installed in a downstream side of the first CVS, the first pressure sensor configured to detect a water pressure PD1 upstream of the ROI and generate a first sensor signal indicative of PD1;
a first valve disposed between the first inlet and first outlet, the first valve movable between an open position and a fully closed position;
and
a first controller that is configured to control a position of the first valve responsive to PD1;
the second CVS comprises:
a second inlet;
a second outlet, where the second inlet is disposed downstream of the first outlet;
a second pressure sensor installed in a downstream side of the second CVS, the second pressure sensor configured to detect a water pressure PD2 downstream of the ROI and generate a second sensor signal indicative of PD2;
a second valve disposed between the second inlet and second outlet, the second valve movable between an open position and a fully closed position;
and
a second controller that is configured to control a position of the second valve responsive to PD2;
the first controller is configured to:
determine PD1 based at least in part on the first sensor signal;
compare PD1 to a first low pressure threshold LPT1;
and
cause the first valve to move to the fully closed position when PD1≤LPT1;
and
the second controller is configured to:
determine the pressure PD2 based at least in part on the second sensor signal;
compare PD2 to a second low pressure threshold LPT2;
and
cause the second valve to move to the fully closed position when PD2≤LPT2.

26 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/678,218Filed 23 Feb 2022
Published: US 2023/0266776 A124 Aug 2023
Granted: 6 Jan 2026
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G05D 7/0647
Using a plurality of throttling means: the plurality of throttling means being arranged in series
E03B 7/071
Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems: arrangement of safety devices in…
E03B 7/075
Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems: arrangement of devices for control…
G05B 15/02
Systems controlled by a computer: electric