Watts Regulator Co.

A leak detection and response system includes a valve assembly with a housing defining an internal passageway. The valve assembly includes an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port, a valve port assembly, an external inlet port, and an external outlet port each in fluid communication with the internal passageway. The valve assembly includes a first sensor port disposed either between the external outlet port and the internal inlet port, or between the external inlet port and the internal outlet port. The valve assembly includes a first leak sensor positioned in the first sensor port for generating a signal indicating a presence of water. The valve assembly includes a controller configured to receive the signal from the first leak sensor, and control the valve assembly to align the valve port assembly to block water flow from the external inlet port.

A fluid supply system includes: a backflow preventer; and a bypass coupled in parallel with the backflow preventer, the bypass comprising at least one bypass flow meter coupled to at least one check valve, at least one of the at least one bypass flow meter or the at least one check valve being configured to generate associated alarm data in response to flow of a fluid through the bypass and transmit a flow alarm signal to a building fire panel when the associated alarm data indicates that the flow of the fluid varies from an expected flow of the fluid.

A sprinkler backflow alert system includes a sprinkler system, a building fire panel, a backflow preventor including at least one shut-off valve, a fluid detection system, and a tamper switch. The backflow preventor may be fluidly coupled upstream of the sprinkler system. The fluid detection system is configured to detect a discharge of water from the backflow preventor and generate a water discharge signal corresponding to the backflow discharge. The tamper switch is configured to detect a change in a position of the at least one shut-off valve and generate a tamper signal in the event the at least one shut-off valve is closed or partially closed. When a backflow discharge event occurs, a signal is sent to the fire panel triggering the building fire alarm as well as sending an alert to the local fire department and facility owner.

An excess flow valve is disclosed for interrupting fluid flow when a predetermined rate is exceeded. The valve includes a housing defining a passageway between first and second openings and a valve seat disposed therein. The valve seat defines a central opening with an interior sealing surface. A shutoff element is mounted within the passageway and is movable along a flow axis between an open position, permitting flow through the central opening, and a closed position, sealing against the interior surface to block flow. A biasing element urges the shutoff element toward the open position during normal operation. When differential pressure across the valve surpasses a threshold, the shutoff element is driven into sealing engagement with the valve seat. In some embodiments, guiding arms extend from the shutoff element to maintain alignment, and the valve seat may comprise a thermally responsive polymer that expands under heat to further restrict flow.

A sensor cartridge assembly for coupling in a fluid network. The cartridge assembly includes a tubular body including a spoke extending radially inward and distally out of the tubular body, and a threaded hollow end formed on the spoke. The spoke forms a conduit extending from an intermediate point of the tubular body into the threaded hollow end. The cartridge assembly includes a sensor assembly including a sensor head and a sensor lead extending from the sensor head through the conduit. Further, the cartridge assembly includes a nut threaded to the threaded hollow end to form a chamber, the nut including a distal annular rim. The sensor head is retained in the chamber by the distal annular rim of the nut so that the conduit and, thereby the sensor lead, are sealed from fluid in the fluid network.

Systems for isolating a region of a water distribution network are disclosed. In embodiments the systems and methods utilize at least one control valve system that includes a valve, a pressure sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The controller determines a water pressure at the control valve system based at least in part on a sensor signal from the pressure sensor. When the detected pressure is less than or equal to a low pressure threshold the controller issued a control signal that causes the actuator to move the valve to a fully closed position. Multiple control valve systems may be employed to isolate a region of a water distribution network. Methods of isolating a portion of a water distribution network, water distribution network including a control valve system, and control valve systems for use in water distribution networks are also disclosed.

A mixing valve including a body having first and second inlets, an outlet, and a mixing chamber. A first valve seat is located between the first inlet and the mixing chamber, and a second valve seat is located between the second inlet and the mixing chamber. A shuttle is moveable in the mixing chamber between the first and second valve seats and includes a first plug facing the first valve seat and a second plug facing the second valve seat. The plugs have trim surfaces that are one of, or a combination of, a fast-opening shape, a linear shape, and an equal percentage shape.

A bidirectional excess flow valve for automatically stopping delivery of a fluid from a supply in a fluid network. The valve has a housing defining an interior forming a fluid passageway along a flow axis between a first opening and a second opening. The valve also has a valve seat in the interior, the fluid passageway extending through the valve seat, and a first and second shutoff element disposed on opposite sides of the valve seat. The shutoff elements are set apart from the valve seat assembly in an open position to allow flow through the fluid passageway. In a closed position, the first or second shutoff element is configured to move against the valve element assembly to close the fluid passageway when flow through the fluid passageway exceeds a predetermined level.

A bidirectional excess flow valve for automatically stopping delivery of a fluid from a supply in a fluid network. The valve has a housing defining an interior forming a fluid passageway along a flow axis between a first opening and a second opening. The valve also has a valve seat in the interior, the fluid passageway extending through the valve seat, and a first and second shutoff element disposed on opposite sides of the valve seat. The shutoff elements are set apart from the valve seat assembly in an open position to allow flow through the fluid passageway. In a closed position, the first or second shutoff element is configured to move against the valve element assembly to close the fluid passageway when flow through the fluid passageway exceeds a predetermined level.

A temperature and pressure relief valve apparatus including a body having a first conduit connected to a water heater and a second conduit connected to a discharge pipe. A valve member, positioned between the first and second conduits, is normally biased closed to prevent flow between the conduits. The valve member is configured such that when a temperature or pressure within the water heater exceeds a predetermined level, the valve member opens to relieve pressure and, in turn, water is released through the second conduit. A sensor is disposed about the second conduit and coupled to a controller. The controller measures a capacitance value of the second conduit, detects a change in the capacitance value indicating a presence of water in the second conduit, and asserts an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the second conduit capacitance value.