Abstract:
Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.
Abstract:
A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.
Abstract:
Cable handling devices, methods and systems are provided for securing and deploying, or retracting, one or more cables or hoses into or out of a pipe or cavity allowing inspection of the pipe or cavity. The cables and/or hoses may be coupled and moved together, or decoupled enabling them to be moved independently. A hand-held device with a housing for at least partially enclosing one or more cables or hoses, at least one coupling mechanism integrally attached to the housing, and a coupling control for coupling and decoupling the one or more cables or hoses may be provided. One or more of the cables may be connected to a camera disposed at the distal end of a cable thereby facilitating inspection of the pipe or cavity. Tools such as cutting devices or a jetter may be provided at the end of the one or more cables and/or hoses.
Abstract:
A blocked sewer unit includes a substantially impermeable barrier having a first side exposed to the interior of a sewage network and a second side, the barrier movable in the direction of the second side in response to fluid pressure on the first side. The blocked sewer alert unit includes a transducer separated by the barrier from the sewage network, the transducer configured to generate an electrical signal when the barrier moves into the dry section. The blocked sewer alert unit includes an alarm circuit configured to convert the electrical signal into a user alert.
Abstract:
An analysis tool for monitoring and displaying the real time and historical hydraulic conditions in a sewer system as measured by monitors distributed throughout the sewer system and associated weather data. Data about the hydraulic conditions of the sewer system are displayed in a graphical display that incorporates a visual representation of the sewer system infrastructure.
Abstract:
According to some embodiments, sewer alarm devices and apparatus are provided for detecting the presence of liquid within a pipe. In some embodiments, the devices and apparatus include a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, and a probe housing, extending from the bottom portion of the housing to a bottom surface area of the probe housing and sized to fit within an interior of a wye connector, the wye connector having an interior extending into an interior of the pipe. At least a first probe is disposed within the probe housing and exposed to an area between the bottom surface area of the probe housing and the interior of the pipe.
Abstract:
A device is provided for detecting blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure. The device includes an acoustic energy sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a signal from the sensor, and a receiver for receiving the signal transmitted from the sensor and indicating to a user the strength of the signal.
Abstract:
A sewage pipe alarm system includes a portable case seated exterior of the existing pipe. The system further includes a mechanism for detecting a blockage of fluid flow within the existing pipe by determining whether an internal water level within the existing pipe exceeds a threshold water level within the existing pipe. The system further includes a mechanism for notifying a user about the blockage of the existing pipe and a power supply source housed within the case. Such a power supply source is electrically coupled to the detecting mechanism and the notifying mechanism respectively.
Abstract:
The purpose of the invention is to prevent the blockages that occur in the general drainage traps of buildings. The invention consists in connecting a conduit by positioning it in the inlet part above the trap water float level (M) and in the outlet par below a line (N), thereby forming a new auxiliary trap. The invention is suitable for use in traps in buildings which are connected to the common sewerage system. The invention provides a technical solution that prevents the obstruction of the trap by means of an alarm which is installed in the conduit wherein the water is diverted due to gravity when the conduit is obstructed. Said alarm signals any obstruction in the conduit so that it can be cleared without waiting for the consequences of such a situation to occur. Other versions of the invention consist in installing said conduit in the upper or lateral part of the trap, on the connection points indicated. More specifically, the two-way trap provides an inlet pipe (22) and an outlet pipe (24). A general trap section (26) is attached to and disposed between the inlet pipe (22) and outlet pipe (24) such that when filled with water to an equilibrium water level (30) equal to the lowest point of the outlet pipe (24), air does not freely communicate between the inlet pipe (22) and the outlet pipe (24). An auxiliary trap section (28) is attached to either the inlet pipe (22) or the general trap section (26) at a point above the equilibrium water level (30) at a first end and attached to the trap section at a point below the equilibrium water level (30) at a second end, such that if the general trap section (26) became blocked water would flow through the auxiliary trap section (28) yet air would not freely communicate between the outlet pipe (24) and the pipe (22).
Abstract:
Abnormal flow of liquid in a non-pressurized conduit such as a drain line of a building is detected by a liquid level sensor unit connected at a conduit location not anticipated to fill with liquid during normal flow, so that liquid backing up at such location will enter a sensor chamber of the unit to cause a liquid level sensor to signal an indicator. A monitoring system uses at least one such sensor to signal at least one local or remote indicator that indicates which sensor has detected abnormal flow. The system can monitor for short times particular drain lines suspected of experiencing abnormal flow, or can serve on a long-term basis to provide an early warning of clogging and blockage in lines selected for monitoring. Each sensor unit preferably uses a small liquid level sensor connected centrally to a mounting member that defines an annular, circumferentially extending mounting flange that can be releasably clamped in place adjacent an end region of a length of conventional pipe that is used to define the sensor chamber of the unit, to thereby provide a simple and inexpensive, easily installed and easily serviced sensor unit that can optionally house a battery and light to provide a local indication of sensed abnormal flow.