Abstract:
Methods and systems control an irrigation system that includes an irrigation controller, and at least one irrigation sensor connected by a communication circuit. A series of addressing pulses is also generated over the communication circuit, which indicate a device identifier of at least one irrigation sensor. The series of addressing pulses activate at least one irrigation sensor having the device identifier indicated by the series of addressing pulses such that the activated irrigation sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of an irrigation condition to the irrigation controller via the communication network.
Abstract:
A fluid dispenser has a housing in which fluid flow control components are located and a fluid conduit completing a fluid flow path between a fluid storage tank and a nozzle coupled to the housing. The fluid dispenser further has a control system, at least one controllable valve and a fluid flow meter located along the fluid flow path. The fluid dispenser further has a fluid temperature conditioning subsystem located along the fluid flow path upstream of the flow meter. The control system selectively operates the fluid temperature conditioning subsystem upon detection of a predetermined temperature. At least one controllable recirculation valve may also be provided, and the control system may selectively actuate the controllable recirculation valve such that the fluid flows back to the fluid storage tank. A method of measuring the flow rate of a fluid in the fluid dispenser is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A flamer may be used to sterilize poultry litter, soil, concrete, etc. The stationary or mobile flamer disclosed comprises a hood to contain the heat, an external frame, and burners. A fuel tank may be carried on the flamer or on a tractor. An additional embodiment provides for mounting the flamer on wheels, permitting the unit to be towed by a truck, four-wheeler, tractor, etc. The burners are adjustable as to angle, and fueling rate. A pressure in the fuel system is controlled by selectively switching between the liquid and vaporous components of the fuel. By limiting how low the pressure may fall, the flow of fuel from the tank to the torches is more consistent.
Abstract:
Methods and systems control an irrigation system that includes an irrigation controller, a valve actuator, and at least one irrigation sensor connected by a communication circuit. A sensor charging pulse having a temporal duration less than a solenoid actuation time threshold for a solenoid is provided over the communication circuit. The sensor charging pulse charges a charge storage device in at least one irrigation sensor. A series of addressing pulses is also generated over the communication circuit, which indicate a device identifier of at least one irrigation sensor. The series of addressing pulses activate at least one irrigation sensor having the device identifier indicated by the series of addressing pulses such that the activated irrigation sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of an irrigation condition to the irrigation controller via the communication network.
Abstract:
System and method for controlling leakage and/or testing of pipe systems and discharge points for incompressible fluids, said system including one or more automatic valve arrangements (10) arranged in a pipe system in connection with the fluid supply to a processing plant or building comprising rooms (16) having one or more discharge points (17) to open and close the fluid supply. The system includes a control device (13) provided with communication devices and arrangements (24) to detect activity in rooms (16) with discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The system comprises a pressure control arrangement (20) arranged between the automatic valve arrangement (10) and rooms (16) having discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The pressure control arrangement (20) is arranged for increasing the pressure in the pipe system.
Abstract:
A hot water system includes cold water pipes, hot water pipes, a water heater, a pump, a pump control unit and a connection valve unit. The pump is used to increase the pressure of the hot water pipes to a preset higher level than the pressure in the cold water pipes. When hot water is needed, the connection valve unit at the user side is opened to connect the cold water pipes and the hot water pipes, and when the cold water pipes and the hot water pipes are connected, the water pressure difference between them will become smaller. When the pressure difference change is detected, the pump control unit will activate the pump to pump the water in the hot water pipes into the cold water pipes, so the water in the pipes starts to circulate, and the water will flow through the water heater and will be heated. When the heated hot water reaches the user, the pump is stopped. After the hot water is being served or when the water temperature drops down, the pump is again put into normal operation.
Abstract:
A use condition of gas equipment is monitored. An abnormality determination unit 26 determines whether or not a use flow volume obtained by detecting a flow velocity obtained by measuring a signal transfer time in a medium using a flow velocity detection unit 17 and converting the detected flow velocity into a flow volume using a flow volume calculation unit 25. When the shutoff unit 27 shuts off a fluid path 1 when it is determined that there is abnormality, a return signal is output from a return unit 28 to a shutoff unit 27 in order to use the gas again by opening the fluid path. Simultaneously, when a return time-counting unit 29 starts the time-counting operation, and then, a predetermined time period has been elapsed, the flow volume calculation unit 25 determines whether or not a predetermined flow volume of greater flows in order to identify whether or not all of the gas plugs of the gas equipment connected to the downstream of the gas shutoff apparatus 27 are closed. The leakage determination unit 30 determines that there is leakage when a predetermined flow volume or greater is detected, and a driving signal is output to the shutoff unit 27 to close the fluid path 1.
Abstract:
Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Method and device for detecting the flow of liquid, in particular water, in a consuming installation, comprising at least one opening/closing means (3) for supplying liquid, this installation being supplied via an inlet pipe (2) fitted with a solenoid valve (5), a pressure sensor (6) upstream of the solenoid valve and a pressure sensor (7) downstream of the solenoid valve. Management means (8) are able to effect the following operations: calculation of the difference (ΔP) between the value of the upstream pressure signal (Pam) and the value of the downstream pressure signal (Pav); comparison of this difference (ΔP) with at least one triggering threshold (SΔPo, SΔPf); when the pressure difference (ΔP) reaches or exceeds a triggering threshold (SΔPo), a command signal (Co) to open the solenoid valve (5) is generated; when the pressure difference (ΔP) reaches or falls below a triggering threshold (SΔPf), a command signal (Cf) to close the solenoid valve (5) is generated; and a flow signal (D) is generated as a function of said pressure difference (ΔP).
Abstract:
A fluid flow monitor, typically for water, includes the combination of a fluid conduit including a magnet displaceable within the conduit when fluid flows therethrough, an electric circuit having a power supply, a magnetic sensor switch positioned in the electric circuit located adjacent to the conduit and positioned at a predetermined distance from the magnet when the magnet is not displaced and a timer connected to the electric circuit. When the magnet is displaced the predetermined distance, the magnetic sensor switch closes the electric circuit activating the timer and when the magnet is not displaced to the predetermined distance, the magnetic sensor switch opens the electric circuit deactivating the timer.