Fresh water intake monitoring system and method

• US 20060124172A1
• Filed: 09/15/2005
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: J.F. Aquatics Co.
• Original Assignee: J.F. Aquatics Co.
• Inventors: Frosolone, Frank J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,474,225 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/456
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0091 by measuring fluid parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 9/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7723 Safety cut-off requiring reset

Abstract

A system and method for continuously monitoring the intake of a fresh water system to detect pathogens, chemicals, and other biological contaminants. The apparatus consists of a number of monitoring and containment facilities which are inserted into a fresh water intake pipe at various locations. The monitoring and containment facilities detect a hazard in the incoming water, send a signal to shut down the main intake pump, and collect samples of water immediately adjacent the monitoring and containment facility that detected the hazard. A signal may also be sent to a regulatory agency and to the Department of Homeland Security. The method consists of conducting a qualitative and quantitative analysis of water in a fresh water intake pipe; testing for hazards, and shutting down the main intake pump if a sufficient level of hazard is detected. The method also consists of collecting water samples for later analysis and of notifying the appropriate agencies.

Claims

1. A system for continuously monitoring the intake of a fresh water system to detect and contain a hazard, the system having an intake pipe, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a hazard-detector sensing the presence of a hazard in the water in the intake pipe; and

(b) a shut-off valve for shutting off further water intake when a hazard is detected.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a signaling apparatus for notifying an authority when a hazard has been detected.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a sampler for collecting a sample of water in the vicinity of the hazard detector when a hazard is detected.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a surveillance apparatus for sensing human activity in the vicinity of the hazard detector.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the hazard detector further comprises a monitoring unit within the intake pipe, with water flowing through the monitoring unit.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the monitoring unit further comprises at least one hazard sensor.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the at least one hazard sensors is interchangeable on the monitoring unit.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the at least one hazard sensors is arranged on plates removably connected to the monitoring unit.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the sampler further comprises a sampling unit and a collection unit.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the sampling unit further comprises a gate and gate valve in proximity to a hazard sensor, the gate valve connecting the gate to a collection pipe.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the collection unit further comprises a discharge pipe connected to the collection pipe, at least one diverter connected to the discharge pipe, and a collection tank associated with each diverter.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the collection unit further comprises a float switch in each collection tank.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the collection tanks serially collect water from the discharge pipe.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a monitoring and containment facility receiving water from the collection unit and a sewer drainpipe removing all water between the collection unit and the monitoring and containment facility.

15. The system of claim 10, further comprising a controller responsive to signals from the hazard sensors, the controller determining the presence or absence of hazards based on the signals from the hazard sensors, and the controller signaling the sampling unit to open the gate valve, thereby diverting water to the collection unit when a hazard is detected.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller sends a signal to an authority via the signaling apparatus, thereby notifying the authority of the detection of a hazard.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller further comprises a transfer switch connected to a main pump pumping water through the intake pipe, the transfer switch being connected to a monitoring panel, the monitoring panel being connected to each sensor, the controller signaling the transfer switch to shut off the main pump when a hazard is detected.

18. The system of claim 8, further comprising a propulsion unit associated with each plate and spraying water onto the plate to prevent contaminants from clinging to the plate.

19. A method of detecting the presence of a contaminant in a fresh water intake pipe, comprising the steps of:

(a) passing the water against a sensor;

(b) transmitting data from the sensor to an analyzer;

(c) conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis on the data from the sensor; and

(d) preventing further intake of water if a contaminant value is determined to be unacceptable.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of alerting an authority to the presence of the contaminant.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of collecting a water sample from the vicinity of the sensor and depositing the water sample in a container.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of operating a surveillance device in the vicinity of the sensor.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of preventing further intake of water comprises shutting down a pump.