Detecting abnormal consumption of fluid in fluid distribution circuit, e.g. leak in circuit, comprises measuring fluid flow and calculating probability of abnormality

摘要

To detect an abnormal consumption of fluid in a fluid distribution circuit, the following steps are repeated: measure the fluid flow; calculate the variation in flow between two consecutive measurements and the time the flow stays within a preset range of values; calculate a probability of abnormal flow from the measurement and the two variables and compare the probability with a preset threshold value. If the calculated probability is too high, sound an alarm : The circuit includes a counter (3) designed to make fluid flow measurements, and a means (4) of analyzing the measurements connected to the counter and means (5) of indicating abnormal consumption of fluid controlled by the means of analysis. The flow measurements are made at regular intervals. A preparation stage involves making a series of reference flow measurements during normal fluid consumption, and these measurements are stored in the means of analysis. The calculated measurements and probabilities are also recorded. An additional step involves cutting the fluid input using a device such as a valve, controlled by the means of indication. The means of indication can also send an alarm to a remote terminal. The fluid is water, a liquid chemical product, a gas or petrol. An independent claim is included for a device for detecting abnormal consumption of a fluid in a fluid distribution circuit designed to use the above process. The device is also connected to a series of inputs to receive signals such as temperature, the presence of vapor, voltage, etc. and the means of analysis can determine any dysfunction as a function of the signals received relative to a controlled parameter.