Sensing events affecting liquid flow in a liquid distribution system

• US 8,457,908 B2
• Filed: 06/11/2009
• Issued: 06/04/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Washington
• Original Assignee: University of Washington
• Inventors: Patel, Shwetak N., Fogarty, James A., Froehlich, Jon E., Larson, Eric C.
• Primary Examiner(s): RIVELL, JOHN A
• Application Number:
  US12/483,041
• Publication Number:
  US 20100313958A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,454 Days
• Field of Search: 137/1, 137/357, 137/551, 137/552, 137/557, 738/614.2, 738/615.2, 702/50, 702/51, 702/182, 702/189
• US Class Current: 702/51
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/071 Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 1/08 for liquids or viscous products water-main or service pipe systems E03B7/04; domestic hot-water supply systems F24D17/00
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 5/02 Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/34 by measuring pressure or differential pressure
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/066 involving magnetic transmission devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/0755 involving digital counting
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/26 by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2807 for pipes G01M3/2892, G01M3/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2815 using pressure measurements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/00 Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/15 Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8175 Plural

Abstract

By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a flow of a liquid in a distribution system within a structure, the method comprising:

monitoring pressure at a first point in the distribution system, producing an output signal indicative of the pressure in the distribution system;

detecting liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system based upon one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal; and

identifying a specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected, from among two or more different types of events, by comparing characteristics of the output signal with one or more determinative criteria associated with the two or more different types of events, wherein;

when two or more different valves are coupled to the distribution system, detecting the liquid-related events comprises;

using the output signal to detect a change in a state of a valve of the two or more different valves; and

the change in the state of the valve occurs when the valve opens more or closes more;

one or more of the two or more different valves is associated with a specific fixture from among two or more different fixtures, the two or more different fixtures are coupled to the distribution system; and

the method further comprises;

identifying the specific fixture with which the valve of the two or more different valves that has changed state is associated.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining whether the valve of the two or more different valves associated with the specific fixture has changed state by closing more or by opening more.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the distribution system further comprises a reservoir with a reservoir valve that opens automatically if a level of the liquid in the reservoir drops below a predefined level; and

the method further comprises;

detecting a leak from the reservoir by identifying one or more characteristics of a pressure transient waveform that are indicative of a cycle in which the reservoir valve controlling a flow of the liquid into the reservoir opens and closes as required to refill the reservoir to replace the liquid that has leaked from the reservoir.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

automatically determining a volumetric flow rate in the distribution system as a function of the output signal and a predefined flow resistance for the distribution system.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein:

the distribution system further comprises two or more valves disposed at different points of the distribution system,

the method further comprising;

empirically measuring the volumetric flow rate at each of the different points of the distribution system, the different points of the distribution system are at different distances from an inlet of the distribution system; and

determining the predefined flow resistance for the distribution system at each of the different points of the distribution system, based upon a change in the pressure indicated by the output signal while the volumetric flow rate is being measured.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

estimating a flow resistance at each of the different points where usage of the liquid can occur in the distribution system, based upon the predefined flow resistance measured at the different points.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein:

the distribution system further comprises an inline liquid volumetric flow detector and two or more valves disposed at different points in the distribution system; and

the method further comprises;

using the inline liquid volumetric flow detector to successively determine the volumetric flow rate at each of the different points in the distribution system as a valve of the two or more valves is opened for a period of time and then closed; and

determining the predefined flow resistance for the distribution system at each of the different points, based upon the volumetric flow rate determined for each of the different points while the valve of the two or more valves was open.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

detecting a low-flow leak in the distribution system by using the liquid volumetric flow detector to detect a flow of the liquid in the distribution system during a predetermined extended period of time during which none of the two or more valves in the distribution system has been detected to have been opened.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

monitoring a pressure at a second point in the distribution system that is spaced apart from the first point;

producing a second output signal indicative of the pressure at the second point in the distribution system, wherein the second output signal is indicative of the pressure at the second point in the distribution system and wherein the output signal is indicative of the pressure at the first point in the distribution system;

detecting the liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system in part based upon a time difference between the output signal for the first point and the second output signal for the second point; and

identifying the specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected at the second point from among the two or more different types of events, in part based upon the time difference.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

applying a transient pressure pulse to the liquid in the distribution system;

detecting a pressure pulse waveform corresponding to a reflection of the transient pressure pulse in the distribution system; and

based upon one or more characteristics of the pressure pulse waveform, determining at least one of;

a path of the transient pressure pulse and the pressure pulse waveform through the distribution system;

an indication of the flow of the liquid in the distribution system;

or a state of one or more of the two or more different valves in the distribution system.

11. A method for monitoring a flow of a liquid in a distribution system within a structure, the method comprising:

monitoring pressure at a first point in the distribution system, producing an output signal indicative of the pressure in the distribution system;

detecting liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system based upon one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal; and

identifying a specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected, from among two or more different types of events, by comparing characteristics of the output signal with one or more determinative criteria associated with the two or more different types of events, wherein;

the distribution system is coupled to two or more fixtures; and

identifying the specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected comprises;

determining a predefined transient pressure wave signature for each of the two or more fixtures;

storing the predefined transient pressure wave signatures;

comparing a transient pressure wave signature indicated by the output signal to the predefined transient pressure wave signatures for the two or more fixtures; and

identifying a specific one of the two or more fixtures where the flow of the liquid has changed by identifying the specific one of the two or more fixtures having the predefined transient pressure wave signature that most closely matches the transient pressure wave signature indicated by the output signal, and based upon a location of the specific one of the two or more fixtures in the distribution system.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

monitoring a pressure at a second point in the distribution system that is spaced apart from the first point;

producing a second output signal indicative of the pressure at the second point in the distribution system, wherein the second output signal is indicative of the pressure at the second point in the distribution system and wherein the output signal is indicative of the pressure at the first point in the distribution system;

detecting the liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system in part based upon a time difference between the output signal for the first point and the second output signal for the second point; and

identifying the specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected at the second point from among the two or more different types of events, in part based upon the time difference.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein:

detecting the liquid-related events comprises;

using the output signal to detect a change in a state of a valve of two or more different valves in the distribution system; and

the change in the state of the valve occurs when the valve opens more or closes more; and

the method further comprising;

applying a transient pressure pulse to the liquid in the distribution system;

detecting a pressure pulse waveform corresponding to a reflection of the transient pressure pulse in the distribution system; and

based upon one or more characteristics of the pressure pulse waveform, determining at least one of;

a path of the transient pressure pulse and the pressure pulse waveform through the distribution system;

an indication of the flow of the liquid in the distribution system;

or a state of one or more of the plurality of different valves in the distribution system.

14. A method for monitoring a flow of a liquid in a distribution system within a structure, the method comprising:

monitoring pressure at a first point in the distribution system, producing an output signal indicative of the pressure in the distribution system;

detecting liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system based upon one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal; and

identifying a specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected, from among two or more different types of events, by comparing characteristics of the output signal with one or more determinative criteria associated with the two or more different types of events, wherein;

identifying the specific type of the liquid-related event that has been detected comprises;

segmenting the output signal to isolate one or more discrete events, based on pressure changes in the distribution system;

classifying each discrete event of the one or more discrete events that is detected as either a valve open or a valve close event, wherein the valve open event corresponds to a valve opening more, and the valve close event corresponds to a valve closing more; and

classifying each valve open and valve close event according to a specific fixture that generated it, the specific fixture is coupled to the distribution system.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein:

segmenting the output signal comprises;

filtering the output signal to produce a smoothed output signal;

determining a derivative of the smoothed output signal;

analyzing the smoothed output signal and the derivative in a sliding window to detect a beginning of a selected one of the one or more discrete events based upon at least one condition selected from the group of conditions comprising;

the derivative exceeding a predefined first threshold relative to a static pressure in the distribution system;

or

a difference between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value in the sliding window exceeding a predefined second threshold relative to the static pressure in the distribution system; and

analyzing the derivative to detect an end of the selected one of the one or more discrete events based upon a change in a sign of the derivative and a magnitude of a change in the derivative.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein:

classifying each discrete event of the one or more discrete events comprises;

classifying each discrete event of the one or more discrete events as one of the valve open event or the valve close event based on an occurrence of at least one condition of;

a magnitude of a difference in the smoothed output signal at a beginning and an end of the discrete event of the one or more discrete events exceeding a third predefined threshold, wherein a decrease in the smoothed output signal between the beginning and the end of the discrete event of the one or more discrete events indicates the discrete event is the valve open event and wherein an increase in the smoothed pressure between the beginning and the end of the discrete event of the one or more discrete events indicates the discrete event is the valve close event;

or

an average value of the derivative of the smoothed output signal between the beginning of the discrete event of the one or more discrete events and a first extreme of the derivative, wherein a positive average value of the derivative indicates the discrete event is the valve open event and where a negative average value of the derivative indicates the discrete event is the valve close event.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:

classifying each valve open or valve close event comprises;

classifying each valve open or valve close event according to the specific fixture using a template-based classifier.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein:

classifying each valve open or valve close event according to the specific fixture using the template-based classifier comprises;

choosing a template after filtering potential templates that can be employed for the template-based classifier according to two or more complementary distance metrics including at least one of;

a matched filter distance metric;

a matched derivative filter distance metric;

a matched real Cepstrum filter distance metric;

or

a mean squared error filter distance metric; and

the template comprises a maximum correlation to identify the specific fixture for which the discrete event of the one or more discrete events has been detected.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

determining thresholds used to carry out choosing the template, based on the two or more complementary distance metrics provided in training data.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein:

if the potential templates corresponds to two or more fixtures coupled to the distribution system, the method further comprises;

choosing a filter from among the filters based upon a single distance metric for use in identifying the specific fixture for which the discrete event of the one or more discrete events has been detected;

the single distance metric is chosen based upon results from training the data for the two or more fixtures; and

the two or more fixtures comprise the specific fixture.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

monitoring the pressure at a second point in the distribution system that is spaced apart from the first point;

producing a second output signal indicative of the pressure at the second point in the distribution system, wherein the second output signal is indicative of the pressure at the second point in the distribution system and wherein the output signal is indicative of the pressure at the first point in the distribution system;

detecting the liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system in part based upon a time difference between the output signal for the first point and the second output signal for the second point; and

identifying the specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected at the second point from among the two or more different types of events, in part based upon the time difference.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein:

detecting the liquid-related events comprises;

using the output signal to detect a change in a state of a valve of two or more different valves in the distribution system; and

the change in the state of the valve occurs when the valve opens more or closes more; and

the method further comprising

applying a transient pressure pulse to the liquid in the distribution system;

detecting a pressure pulse waveform corresponding to a reflection of the transient pressure pulse in the distribution system; and

based upon one or more characteristics of the pressure pulse waveform, determining at least one of;

a path of the transient pressure pulse and the pressure pulse waveform through the distribution system;

an indication of the flow of the liquid in the distribution system;

or a state of one or more of the plurality of different valves in the distribution system.

23. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

automatically determining a volumetric flow rate in the distribution system as a function of the output signal and a predefined flow resistance for the distribution system.

24. A system for monitoring a flow of a liquid in a distribution system within a structure, comprising:

a first pressure sensor that is adapted to connect to a distribution system to sense a pressure of the liquid in the distribution system;

a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor, the controller is configured to control sensing of the pressure by the first pressure sensor and to provide an output signal that is indicative of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor; and

a communication link that is coupled to the controller to receive the output signal and to communicate the output signal to a computing device, wherein the computing device includes;

a memory configured to store machine executable instructions; and

a processor coupled to the memory for executing the machine executable instructions, which causes the processor to carry out two or more functions when the first pressure sensor is connected to the distribution system, including;

detecting liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system based upon one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal; and

identifying a specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected from among two or more different types of events, by comparing one or more characteristics of the output signal with one or more determinative criteria associated with the two or more different types of events,

wherein;

the distribution system comprises two or more different valves;

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to employ the output signal to detect a change in a state of a valve of the two or more different valves; and

the change in the state occurs when the valve opens more or closes more;

the distribution system further comprises two or more different fixtures;

the valve of the two or more different valves is associated with a specific fixture of the two or more different fixtures; and

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to identify the specific fixture of the two or more different fixtures with which the valve of the two or more different valves that has changed state is associated.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising:

an analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog signal produced by the first pressure sensor to a corresponding digital signal that is input to the controller; and

a connector for coupling the first pressure sensor to the distribution system.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein:

the connector comprises a female coupling that is threaded to be removably attached to the fixture of a distribution system.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein:

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to determine whether the valve of the two or more different valves associated with the specific fixture of the two or more different fixtures has changed state by opening more or by closing more.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein:

the distribution system comprises a reservoir with a reservoir valve that opens automatically if a level of the liquid in the reservoir drops below a predefined level; and

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to detect a leak from the reservoir by identifying one or more characteristics of a pressure transient waveform that are indicative of a cycle in which the reservoir valve controlling a second flow of the liquid into the reservoir opens and closes as required to replace the liquid that has leaked from the reservoir.

29. The system of claim 24, wherein

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to:

determine a predefined transient pressure wave signature for each of the two or more different fixtures;

store the predefined transient pressure wave signatures;

compare a transient pressure wave signature indicated by the output signal to the predefined transient pressure wave signatures; and

identify a specific fixture of the two or more fixtures where the flow of the liquid has changed by identifying the specific fixture of the two or more fixtures having the predefined transient pressure wave signature that most closely matches the transient pressure wave signature indicated by the output signal, and based upon a location of the specific fixture of the two or more fixtures in the distribution system.

30. The system of claim 24, further comprises:

a second pressure sensor that is adapted to connect to the distribution system at a second point that is spaced apart from a first point where the first pressure sensor is connected, to sense a pressure in the distribution system at the second point,

wherein;

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

detect the liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system in part based upon a time difference between the output signal for the first point and an output signal for the second point; and

identify the specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected at the second point from among the two or more different types of events, in part based upon the time difference.

31. The system of claim 24, wherein:

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

energize the first pressure sensor so as to apply a transient pressure pulse to the liquid in the distribution system;

receive and process the output signal produced by the first pressure sensor in response to a pressure pulse waveform corresponding to a reflection of the transient pressure pulse in the distribution system, wherein processing of the output signal produced by the first pressure sensor determines one or more specific characteristics of the pressure pulse waveform; and

based upon the characteristics of the pressure pulse waveform, determine at least one of;

a path of the transient pressure pulse and the pressure pulse waveform through the distribution system;

an indication of the flow of the liquid in the distribution system;

or

a state of one or more of the two or more different valves in the distribution system.

32. A system for monitoring a flow of a liquid in a distribution system within a structure, comprising:

a first pressure sensor that is adapted to connect to a distribution system to sense a pressure of the liquid in the distribution system;

a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor, the controller configured to control sensing of the pressure by the first pressure sensor and to provide an output signal that is indicative of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor; and

a communication link that is coupled to the controller to receive the output signal and to communicate the output signal to a computing device, wherein the computing device includes;

a memory configured to store machine executable instructions; and

a processor coupled to the memory for executing the machine executable instructions, which causes the processor to carry out two or more functions when the first pressure sensor is connected to the distribution system, including;

detecting liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system based upon one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal; and

identifying a specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected from among two or more different types of events, by comparing one or more characteristics of the output signal with one or more determinative criteria associated with the two or more different types of events,

wherein;

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to determine a volumetric flow rate in the distribution system as a function of the output signal and a predefined flow resistance for the distribution system.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein:

the distribution system comprises two or more valves disposed at different points in the distribution system; and

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

empirically measure the volumetric flow rate at each of the different points in the distribution system, the different points in the distribution system are at different distances from an inlet of a supply of the distribution system; and

determine the predefined flow resistance for the distribution system at each of the different points, based upon the one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal while the volumetric flow rate is being measured.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein:

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to estimate a flow resistance at each of the different points where usage of the liquid can occur in the distribution system, based upon the flow resistance measured at the different points.

35. The system of claim 32, wherein:

the distribution system further comprises an inline volumetric flow detector and two or more valves; and

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to detect a low-flow leak in the distribution system by using the inline volumetric flow detector to detect the flow of the liquid in the distribution system over a predetermined period of time during which none of the two or more valves in the distribution system has been detected to have been opened.

36. The system of claim 32, wherein:

the distribution system further comprises a liquid volumetric flow detector;

the distribution system further comprises two or more valves disposed at different points in the distribution system; and

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

use the liquid volumetric flow detector to successively determine the volumetric flow rate at each of the different points in the distribution system as a valve of the two or more valves is opened for a period of time and then closed; and

determine the predefined flow resistance for the distribution system at each of the different points, based upon the volumetric flow rate determined for each of the different points while the valve of the two or more valves was open.

37. A system for monitoring a flow of a liquid in a distribution system within a structure, comprising:

a first pressure sensor that is adapted to connect to a distribution system to sense a pressure of the liquid in the distribution system;

a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor, the controller configured to control sensing of the pressure by the first pressure sensor and to provide an output signal that is indicative of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor; and

a communication link that is coupled to the controller to receive the output signal and to communicate the output signal to a computing device, wherein the computing device includes;

a memory configured to store machine executable instructions; and

a processor coupled to the memory for executing the machine executable instructions, which causes the processor to carry out two or more functions when the first pressure sensor is connected to the distribution system, including;

detecting liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system based upon one or more changes in the pressure indicated by the output signal; and

identifying a specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected from among two or more different types of events, by comparing one or more characteristics of the output signal with one or more determinative criteria associated with the two or more different types of events,

wherein;

the distribution system comprises one or more valves and one or more fixtures; and

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

segment the output signal to isolate discrete events, based on the one or more changes in the pressure in the distribution system;

classify each of the discrete events that is detected as a valve event comprising either a valve open event or a valve close event, wherein the valve open event corresponds to a valve of the one or more valves opening more, and the valve close event corresponds to a valve of the one or more valves closing more; and

classify the valve event according to a specific fixture of the one or more fixtures where the valve event occurred.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein:

when the first pressure sensor is coupled to the distribution system, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

filter the output signal to produce a smoothed output signal;

determine a derivative of the smoothed output signal;

analyze the smoothed output signal and the derivative in a sliding window to detect a beginning of the valve event based upon at least one of;

the derivative of the smoothed output signal exceeding a predefined first threshold relative to a static pressure in the distribution system;

or

a difference between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value in the sliding window exceeding a predefined second threshold relative to the static pressure in the distribution system; and

analyze the derivative of the smoothed output signal to detect an end of the valve event based upon a change in a sign of the derivative and a magnitude of a change in the derivative.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein:

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to classify each one of the liquid-related events as the valve open event or the valve close event based on an occurrence of at least one of;

a magnitude of a difference in the smoothed output signal at the beginning and the end of the valve event exceeding a third predefined threshold, wherein a decrease in the smoothed output signal between the beginning and the end of the valve event indicates the valve event is the valve open event and wherein an increase in the smoothed output signal between the beginning and the end of the valve event indicates the valve event is the valve close event;

or

an average value of the derivative of the smoothed output signal between the beginning of the valve event and a first extreme of the derivative, wherein a positive average value of the derivative indicates the valve event is the valve open event, and a negative average value of the derivative indicates the valve event is the valve close event.

40. The system of claim 37, wherein:

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to classify the valve event according to the specific fixture of the one or more fixtures using a template-based classifier.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein:

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to choose a template from potential templates that can be employed for the template-based classifier according to a distance metrics including at least one of;

(a) a matched filter distance metric;

(b) a matched derivative filter distance metric;

(c) a matched real Cepstrum filter distance metric;

or

(d) a mean squared error filter distance metric; and

the template comprises a maximum correlation to identify the specific fixture for which the valve event has been detected.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein:

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to determine thresholds used to choose the template, based on the distance metrics provided in training data.

43. The system of claim 41, wherein:

if the potential templates corresponding to the one or more fixtures, execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to choose a filter from among potential filters based upon a single distance metric for use in identifying the specific fixture of the one or more fixtures for which each one of the liquid-related events has been detected; and

the single distance metric is chosen based upon results from training data for the one or more fixtures; and

the distance metrics comprises the single distance metric.

44. The system of claim 37, further comprises:

a second pressure sensor that is adapted to connect to the distribution system at a second point that is spaced apart from a first point where the first pressure sensor is connected, to sense a pressure in the distribution system at the second point,

wherein;

execution of the machine executable instructions by the processor further causes the processor to;

detect the liquid-related events occurring in the distribution system in part based upon a time difference between the output signal for the first point and an output signal for the second point; and

identify the specific type of the liquid-related events that has been detected at the second point from among the two or more different types of events, in part based upon the time difference.