[0001] The present invention relates to a fire hydrant testing device. In particular, the present invention relates to a fire hydrant testing device for measuring water flow and/or pressure.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A fire hydrant is a connection point at which firefighters can tap into a water supply. Typically, a user attaches a hose to a fire hydrant and then opens a valve on the hydrant to provide a relatively powerful flow of water. The water can be used directly from the fire hydrant, or may be boosted using a fire engine.

[0003] The effect of a partial or total loss of water flow from a fire hydrant can be catastrophic, as firefighters may find themselves without sufficient water flow or pressure to effectively fight a fire. As a result, fire hydrant water flow must be tested regularly to ensure that the fire hydrant is operating effectively.

[0004] Conventional fire hydrant testing involves the attachment of a flowmeter device to the outlet of a hydrant and then opening the valve on the hydrant to allow water to flow through the flowmeter device, thereby measuring the water flow.

[0005] Typically, these flowmeter devices are mechanical in nature, and include moving parts such as mechanical pressure gauges, impellers and so on. Not only are these devices relatively inaccurate, but they also are prone to damage and corrosion to the mechanical parts of the device.

[0006] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a fire hydrant testing device that provided increased accuracy of measurement, while also improving reliability and service life.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a fire hydrant testing device which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a fire hydrant testing device comprising an inlet portion adapted for connection to a fire hydrant and an outlet portion in fluid communication with the inlet portion via a passageway, the fire hydrant testing device further comprising an electronic flow measurement device adapted to measure the flow rate of fluid flowing through the passageway between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0010] Any suitable fluid may flow through the passageway of the device. However, given that the testing device is adapted for use with fire hydrants, it is envisaged that the fluid flowing through the passageway will typically be water. However, this is not to say that the device could not be used to measure the flow of other fluids.

[0011] The inlet portion may be of any suitable size, shape or orientation. Preferably, however, the inlet portion may comprise an inlet connection portion adapted for connection to the fire hydrant. It is envisaged that the inlet connection portion may be located at an end of the inlet portion so as to facilitate connection of the testing device to the fire hydrant.

[0012] The inlet connection portion may be of any suitable form. It will be understood, however, that typically the inlet connection portion will be of a complementary form to a connector provided on a fire hydrant to allow the testing device to be connected to the fire hydrant. Thus, the inlet connection portion may include a screw-threaded portion, a quick release connector, a Storz connector or the like.

[0013] The testing device may include one or more isolation members. Any suitable isolation members may be provided, although it will be understood that the isolation members may be provided in order to substantially preclude fluid from flowing through the passageway and exiting the testing device through the outlet portion.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more isolation members may include one or more valves. Any suitable valves may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves or the like. The isolation member may be actuated manually (using a handle or the like), or may be actuated automatically (including by remote actuation).

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one isolation member may be provided between the inlet connection portion and the electronic flow measurement device and/or between the electronic flow measurement device and the outlet portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one isolation member may be provided in the inlet portion of the testing device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the passageway may be of unitary construction. Alternatively, the passageway may be fabricated from two or more sections adapted for fixed or temporary connection to one another. In some embodiments, the testing device may comprise a body with which the electronic flow measurement device is associated. The inlet portion and/or the outlet portion may be fabricated separately to the body and may be adapted for fixed or temporary attachment thereto.

[0017] In these embodiments, the inlet portion may be adapted for removable connection to the body using any suitable technique. For instance, the inlet portion may be provided with a body connection portion adapted to connect the inlet portion to the body. The body connection portion may include a screw-thread, quick release connector, Storz connector, snap connector or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, one or more clamps, clips or the like may be used to connect the inlet portion to the body. In other embodiments, one or more mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts or the like) may be used to secure the inlet portion in removable connection with the body.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body connection portion may be provided at an end of the inlet portion. [0019] In another embodiment, the body may comprise the inlet portion and the electronic flow measurement device. It is envisaged that, in this embodiment, the outlet portion may be adapted for fixed or temporary attachment to the body. Most preferably, the outlet portion may be adapted for temporary attachment to the body.

[0020] The outlet portion may be adapted for removable connection to the body using any suitable technique. For instance, the outlet portion may be provided with a body connection portion adapted to connect the outlet portion to the body. The body connection portion may include a screw-thread, quick release connector, Storz connector, snap connector or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, one or more clamps, clips or the like may be used to connect the outlet portion to the body. In other embodiments, one or more mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts or the like) may be used to secure the outlet portion in removable connection with the body.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body connection portion may be provided at an end of the outlet portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the passageway may be provided with one or more flow modifying members. Any suitable flow modifying members may be provided, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more flow modifying members may be provided in order to reduce turbulence in the fluid flowing through the passageway. It is envisaged that, by reducing turbulence, the accuracy of the measurements taken by the electronic flow measurement device may be improved.

[0023] The one or more flow modifying members may be located at any suitable point in the passageway. However, it is envisaged that the flow modifying members may be located between the inlet connection portion and the electronic flow measurement device. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, flow modifying members may be provided in the inlet portion.

[0024] The flow modifying members may be of any suitable form. However, it is envisaged that the flow modifying members may be provided on an inner surface of the passageway. In some embodiments, the flow modifying members may comprise one or more projections (such as vanes, baffles or the like) adapted to reduce turbulence in the fluid flowing through the passageway. [0025] The passageway may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. Preferably, the passageway may be substantially tubular along at least a portion of its length. Preferably, the passageway may be substantially circular in cross-section.

[0026] The passageway, and indeed the testing device, may be of any suitable length and diameter. Preferably, however, the passageway is sized so as to be adapted to accurately measure the flow of water from the fire hydrant under the conditions that would be encountered by firefighters.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the passageway is substantially linear along its length. Thus, it is envisaged that the passageway may be formed from a tubular conduit through which fluid flows. The conduit may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as metal, polymer, fibreglass or the like, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit may be fabricated from stainless steel. It is envisaged that the use of stainless steel may reduce or eliminate issues related to corrosion of the conduit. In other embodiments of the invention, the conduit may be fabricated from a pressure-rated polymeric material, such as, but not limited to polyethylene or the like.

[0028] The outlet portion may be of any suitable size, shape or orientation. Preferably, however, the outlet portion may comprise an outlet connection portion adapted for connection to an object, such as a hose, isolation assembly or the like. It is envisaged that the outlet connection portion may be located at an end of the outlet portion so as to facilitate connection of the testing device to the object.

[0029] The outlet connection portion may be of any suitable form. It will be understood, however, that typically the outlet connection portion will be of a complementary form to a connector provided on an object likely to be connected to the outlet connection portion (such as a hose or isolation assembly ) to allow the testing device to be connected to the object. Thus, the outlet connection portion may include a screw-threaded portion, a quick release connector, a Storz connector or the like. It will be understood, however, that the outlet connection portion need not be connected to an object, and fluid may simply exit the testing device through the outlet connection portion. [0030] In other embodiments of the invention, the outlet portion may be provided with a nozzle or like through which water flowing the testing device is dispensed as it exits the testing device through the outlet portion. In further embodiments, the outlet portion may simply comprise an open end of the passageway through which water exits the testing device. In other embodiments, the outlet portion may be provided with a valve member. Preferably, the valve member is a manually-actuated valve.

[0031] It is envisaged that the body portion may be provided with one or more isolation members, such as one or more valves. Any suitable valves may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves or the like. The isolation member may be actuated manually (using a handle or the like), or may be actuated automatically (including by remote actuation).

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one isolation member may be provided in the body portion between the inlet portion and the electronic flow measurement device. Alternatively (or in addition to), at least one isolation member may be provided between the electronic flow measurement device and the outlet portion.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, there may be no isolation members present in the device between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. However, an isolation assembly may be adapted formed separately from the testing device and adapted for fixed or removable connection thereto. The isolation assembly may be adapted to connection to any suitable part of the testing device.

For instance, the isolation assembly may be adapted for connection to the inlet portion or the outlet portion of the testing device. Preferably, the isolation assembly may be adapted for connection to the outlet portion of the testing device. In other embodiments, an isolation valve associated with the fire hydrant may be used.

[0034] As previously stated, the outlet portion may comprise an outlet connection portion adapted for connection to an object. It is envisaged that the outlet connection portion may be adapted for connection to an isolation assembly using any suitable technique, including any of the techniques previously discussed, such as a screw- thread, quick release connector, Storz connector, snap connector or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. [0035] Preferably, the isolation assembly may include a conduit through which fluid exiting the outlet portion of the testing device may flow. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the conduit of the isolation assembly may comprise an extension of the passageway when the isolation assembly is connected to the testing device.

[0036] It is envisaged that the isolation assembly may include one or more isolation members. Any suitable isolation members may be provided, although it will be understood that the isolation members may be provided in order to substantially preclude fluid from flowing through the isolation assembly and exiting the isolation assembly through an outlet thereof.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more isolation members may include one or more valves. Any suitable valves may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves or the like. The isolation member may be actuated manually (using a handle or the like), or may be actuated automatically (including by remote actuation).

[0038] Preferably, a first end of the isolation assembly may be adapted for connection to the outlet portion of the testing device. An opposed second end of the isolation assembly (or, more specifically, an opposed second end of the conduit forming part of the isolation assembly) may be of any suitable form. It will be understood, however, that the second end of the conduit will be of a complementary form to a connector provided on an object likely to be connected to the outlet connection portion (such as a hose) to allow the isolation assembly to be connected to the object. Thus, the second end of the conduit may include a screw-threaded portion, a quick release connector, a Storz connector or the like. It will be understood, however, that the second end of the conduit need not be connected to an object, and fluid may simply exit the isolation assembly through the second end of the conduit.

[0039] In other embodiments of the invention, the second end of the conduit may be provided with a nozzle or like through which water flowing the isolation assembly is dispensed as it exits the testing device through the second end of the conduit. In further embodiments, the second end of the conduit may simply comprise an open end of the conduit through which water exits the testing device.

[0040] As previously stated, the electronic flow measurement device is adapted to measure the flow rate of fluid flowing through the passageway. However, the electronic flow measurement device may be adapted to measure one or more additional parameters, such as fluid pressure, fluid temperature, pH, Eh, dissolved oxygen and the like.

[0041 ] It is envisaged that the electronic flow measurement device may include one or more sensors adapted to measure the flow rate of the fluid and, optionally, the one or more additional parameters.

[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more additional parameters may be measured using a separate electronic measurement device to the electronic flow measurement device. For instance, in some embodiments of the invention, the testing device may be provided with an electronic flow measurement device and one or more of an electronic pressure measurement device, an electronic temperature measurement device, an electronic pH measurement device, an electronic Eh measurement device and an electronic dissolved oxygen measurement device.

[0043] The one or more separate electronic measurement devices may be located at any suitable point on the device. For instance, the one or more separate electronic measurement devices may be located such that the measurement of the one or more additional parameters takes places at substantially the same (or adjacent) location to the measurement of the flow rate of the fluid. Alternatively, the one or more separate electronic measurement devices may be located such that the measurement of the one or more additional parameters takes places at a point within the passageway space apart from the location of the measurement of the flow rate of the fluid.

[0044] Preferably, the flow rate of the fluid may be measured using one or more ultrasonic sensors. The one or more ultrasonic sensors may be located at any suitable point of the passageway. In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more ultrasonic sensors may be provided within the passageway. For instance, the one or more ultrasonic sensors may pass through the wall of the conduit forming the passageway. Alternatively, the one or more ultrasonic sensors may be located on an outer surface of the conduit forming the passageway.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic sensors may be provided in a sensor body. The sensor body may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor body may be substantially annular. In this embodiment, the sensor body may be adapted to surround the device (or conduit) along a portion of its length. Alternatively, the sensor body may form a part of the passageway by being located within the conduit or passageway. In a further embodiment of the invention, the conduit may be divided into a first section and a second section, and the sensor body may be located between the first section and the second section. Preferably, the inner diameter of the annular sensor body may be substantially identical to the diameter of the passageway.

[0046] The sensor body may be connected to the first section and the second section of the conduit using any suitable technique. For instance, the sensor body may be connected to the first section and the second section of the conduit using adhesives. Alternatively, the sensor body may be connected to the first section and the second section of the conduit using a technique such as welding, brazing, soldering or the like.

[0047] In other embodiments of the invention, the sensor body may be held in place between the first section and the second section of the conduit. This may be achieved using any suitable technique. For instance, the first and second sections may be clamped or otherwise connected with one another to retain the sensor body in place between the first section and the second section of the conduit.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the first and second sections of the conduit may be provided with flanges adapted to be connected to one another using one or more mechanical fasteners (such as bolts, screws or the like, or a combination thereof). By connecting the flanges of the first and second sections together, the sensor body may be clamped between the first and second sections. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention the sensor may be in the form of a wafer sensor. In some embodiments of the invention, the clamping of the sensor body to the first and second sections may form a seal between the sensor body and the first and second sections. Alternatively, one or more sealing members (such as gaskets, O-rings or the like) may be located between each of the sensor body and the first section and the sensor body and the second section in order to form a seal therebetween.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic flow measurement device may include a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pressure (and, more specifically, the line pressure) of the fluid flowing through the passageway may also be measured. In this embodiment, the electronic flow measurement device may comprise one or more pressure transducers and/or indicators. The one or more pressure transducers and/or indicators may be at least partially located within the passageway such that fluid flowing through the passageway may impact on the pressure transducer and/or indicator in order to allow for the measurement of the fluid pressure.

[0051] The construction and operation of the one or more ultrasonic sensors and the pressure transducers (where present) is conventional, and no further discussion of this is required.

[0052] Preferably, the electronic flow measurement device may include a display (and preferably an electronic display) on which the flow rate (and any other measured parameters) may be displayed. Alternatively (or in addition to), the electronic flow measurement device may electronically communicate the measured parameters to an electronic device in electronic communication with the fire hydrant testing device. The electronic device may be of any suitable form, such as a computer, computer tablet, smart watch, mobile telephone, DCS or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. The electronic device may be physically connected to the fire hydrant testing device (such as by one or more wires, cables, or the like) or may be remote to the fire hydrant testing device and may be in wireless communication therewith, such as via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a telephone modem, a radio modem, or the like. Thus, in some embodiments, the testing device and/or the electronic flow measurement device may include a wireless communication device. [0053] In some embodiments of the invention, the testing device and/or the electronic flow measurement device may include, or be associated with, an electronic database. In embodiments in which the device is associated with an electronic database, it is envisaged that the electronic database may be maintained on a further electronic device, such as a computer, server or the like. The device may access the electronic database remotely, such as via the Internet or an app downloaded to a mobile telephone, smart watch or computer tablet.

[0054] It is envisaged that the electronic database may be configured to store data received from the fire hydrant testing device. Any suitable data may be stored, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least the measured parameters may be stored in the electronic database. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more further pieces of information may be associated with each of the measured parameters. Any suitable information may be associated with the measured parameters, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention the one or more further pieces of information may include a GPS location, time, date and the like associated with the measured parameters. In some embodiments of the invention, the one or more further pieces of information may be in the form of metadata.

[0055] In these embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the data may be stored in the electronic database so that records of changes in the measured parameters at a location may be recorded and/or calculated. In this way, any changes in the performance or operation of a fire hydrant over time may be identified.

[0056] The testing device and/or the electronic flow measurement device may further comprise one or more transmitting and receiving devices. Any suitable transmitting or receiving devices may be provided, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, antenna or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitting and receiving device may comprise one or more wireless access points (AP). Preferably, the AP is in electronic communication with the wireless communication device. In some embodiments of the invention, the AP may be formed integrally with the wireless communication device. It is envisaged that the AP may be provided in order to enhance the transmission and reception of electronic signals between the testing device and the one or more electronic devices associated with the users. [0057] In other embodiments of the invention, a passive access point (AP) may also be provided. The passive AP may be provided so as to allow an electronic device with a static IP address to receive the measured differential pressures from the electronic differential pressure gauge. The passive AP may also be provided so as to detect the presence of electronic devices having a media access control (MAC) address.

[0058] The electronic flow measurement device may be powered using any suitable power source. In some embodiments of the invention, the electronic flow measurement device may be associated with one or more batteries adapted to power the electronic flow measurement device. Alternatively, the electronic flow measurement device may require being connected to an external power source, such as mains power, a generator or the like.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the testing device may be provided with one or more handles adapted to improve the ease of transport, installation and use of the testing device.

[0060] In some embodiments of the invention, the testing device may be provided with one or more support members. The support members may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the one or more support members may be provided to support the testing device relative to the ground. Thus, the one or more support members may comprise stands or legs adapted to be placed in abutment with a ground surface at an end thereof, and supporting the testing device at an opposite end thereof. The one or more support members may be formed integrally with the testing device, or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or removable connection thereto.

[0061] In some embodiments of the invention, the fire hydrant testing device may be provided in the form of a kit or instrument package. The kit or instrument package may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention the kit or instrument package may comprise at least one fire hydrant testing device according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one pressure testing device. The pressure testing device may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the pressure testing device may be adapted for connection to the fire hydrant in order to measure the residual pressure in the fire hydrant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure testing device may be adapted for connection to a secondary outlet of the fire hydrant.

[0062] The pressure testing device may comprise a fire hydrant testing device of the first aspect of the invention that is provided with both fluid flow and fluid pressure measurement devices.

[0063] While the present invention has been described in terms of a fire hydrant testing device, it will be understood that the invention could also be used in other situations and for testing other devices.

[0064] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Firstly, in comparison to conventional mechanical devices with multiple moving parts, the present invention is more accurate, more reliable and has an improved service life. This is at least in part due to the fact that the present invention contains no moving parts. Further, the use of a digital display removed parallax error, also improving the accuracy of the device and hysteresis is eliminated.

[0065] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0066] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0067] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0068] Figure 1 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed view of fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 3 illustrates a detailed view of a fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071 ] Figure 4 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 5 illustrates a detailed view of an electronic flow measurement device of a fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 6 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 7 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Figure 1 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The testing device 10 comprises an inlet portion 11 , an outlet portion 12 and an electronic flow measurement device 13 adapted to measure the flow of fluid through a passageway (obscured) defined at the interior of a tubular conduit 14.

[0076] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 1 , the inlet portion 11 is adapted for removable connection to a fire hydrant (not shown). The inlet portion 11 includes an inlet connection portion 15 adapted for connection to a fire hydrant (not shown) at a first end of the inlet portion 11. Once connected to the fire hydrant (not shown), water may enter the conduit 14 of the testing device 10 from the fire hydrant (not shown) through the inlet portion 11. Water may exit the testing device 10 through the outlet portion 12. [0077] The electronic flow measurement device 13 includes a pressure transducer (obscured) and a transit time ultrasonic sensor (obscured) adapted to measure the flow rate and pressure of water flowing through the passageway. Measurements taken by the pressure transducer (obscured) and a transit time ultrasonic sensor (obscured) are displayed on an electronic display 16 of the electronic flow measurement device 13.

[0078] The testing device 10 is provided with a pair of handles 17 attached to the conduit 14 and adapted to make the transport and installation of the device 10 easier. Support stands 18 extend from the conduit 14 in an opposite direction to the handles 17.

[0079] The outlet portion 12 comprises an outlet connection portion 19. The outlet connection portion 19 is adapted to facilitate connection of the outlet portion 12 to an object.

[0080] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the object to which the outlet portion may be connected is an isolation assembly 20. The isolation assembly 20 comprises a conduit 21 having a first end 22 adapted for connection to the outlet connection portion 19 and an opposed second end 23 through which water exits the isolation assembly 20. The second end 23 is provided with a screw- threaded portion 27 which may be connected to an object, such as, but not limited to, a fire hose (not shown).

[0081] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the first end 22 of the isolation assembly 20 includes a connection portion 24 adapted for connection to the outlet connection portion 19 of the testing device 10. Once connected to the testing device 10, the conduit 21 of the isolation assembly 20 forms an extension of the passageway through which fluid from the fire hydrant flows. In use, it is envisaged that water existing the testing device 10 through the outlet portion 12 enters the isolation assembly 20 through the first end 22 and exists through the second end 23 thereof.

[0082] The isolation assembly 20 further comprises an isolation member in the form of ball valve 25. The ball valve 25 is manually actuated via valve handle 26 and is positioned between opposed ends 22, 23 of the isolation assembly 20. By connecting the isolation assembly 20 to the testing device 10, the flow of water through the device 10 may be controlled using the ball valve 25, along with the pressure on the inlet portion 11 and/or outlet portion 12.

[0083] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed view of a fire hydrant testing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the sensors of the testing device 10 are illustrated.

[0084] In Figure 2, a pressure transducer 28 may be seen. The pressure transducer 28 passes through the wall of the conduit 14 into the passageway (obscured) where the pressure of water flowing through the passageway is measured. The pressure transducer 28 is electronically connected via wire 33 to the electronic flow measurement device 13. Thus, pressure measurements measured by the pressure transducer 28 are electronically communicated to the electronic flow measurement device 13 for calculation and/or conversion and display on the electronic display (not illustrated in the Figure) and, optionally, transmission to an electronic device (not shown).

[0085] In this Figure it may be seen that the conduit 14 is divided into a first section 29 and a second section 30. A sensor body 31 including transit time ultrasonic sensors is located between the first section 29 and the second section 30. In order to retain the sensor body 31 in place, the first section 29 and the second section 30 are each provided with flanges 32 that are connected together using bolts 34. Through sufficient tightening of the bolts 34, the sensor body 31 may be effectively sandwiched between the first section 29 and the second section 30.

[0086] The sensor body 31 is electronically connected to the electronic flow measurement device 13 so that flow rate measurements measured by the ultrasonic sensors (obscured) are electronically communicated to the electronic flow measurement device 13 for calculation and/or conversion and display on the electronic display (not illustrated in the Figure) and, optionally, transmission to an electronic device (not shown).

[0087] Figure 3 illustrates a details view of a fire hydrant testing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure the passageway 35 within the inlet portion 11 of the device 10 may be seen. [0088] The passageway 35 in the inlet portion 12 is provided with a plurality of vanes 36 adapted to modify the flow of fluid in the passageway 35 prior to reaching the electronic flow measurement device (not shown in this Figure). Specifically, the plurality of vanes 36 are adapted to reduce turbulence in the fluid, thereby ensuring a more accurate measurement of the flow rate (and additional parameters).

[0089] Figure 4 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fire hydrant testing device 40 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 1 in that it comprises an inlet portion 11 , an outlet portion 12 and an electronic flow measurement device 13 adapted to measure the flow of fluid through a passageway (obscured) defined at the interior of a tubular conduit 14.

[0090] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4, the inlet portion 11 is adapted for removable connection to a fire hydrant (not shown). The inlet portion 11 includes an inlet connection portion 15 adapted for connection to a fire hydrant (not shown) at a first end of the inlet portion 11. Once connected to the fire hydrant (not shown), water may enter the conduit 14 of the testing device 10 from the fire hydrant (not shown) through the inlet portion 11. Water may exit the testing device 10 through the outlet portion 12. It will be noted that in Figure 4, the conduit 14 is fabricated from a polymeric material, thereby providing a relatively low weight alternative version of the invention to the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0091 ] The electronic flow measurement device 13 includes a transit time ultrasonic sensor (obscured) adapted to measure the flow rate and pressure of water flowing through the passageway. Measurements taken by the transit time ultrasonic sensor (obscured) are displayed on an electronic display 16 of the electronic flow measurement device 13. The electronic display 16 is more clearly illustrated in Figure 5.

[0092] The testing device 40 shown in Figure 4 also includes an electronic pressure measurement device 41 that is separate to the flow measurement device 13. The pressure measurement device comprises a pressure transducer (obscured) that is located in the passageway (obscured) within the conduit 14. In particular, the pressure transducer (obscured) is provided in the inlet portion 11 of the device 40. In other words, the pressure transducer (obscured) is positioned between the inlet connection portion 15 and the electronic flow measurement device 13. The electronic flow measurement device 41 includes an electronic display 42 on which the pressure measurement is displayed.

[0093] Figure 6 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fire hydrant testing device 50 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 4 in that it comprises an inlet portion 11 , an outlet portion 12 and an electronic flow measurement device 13 adapted to measure the flow of fluid through a passageway (obscured) defined at the interior of a tubular conduit 14.

[0094] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4, the inlet portion 11 is adapted for removable connection to a fire hydrant (not shown). The inlet portion 11 includes an inlet connection portion 15 adapted for connection to a fire hydrant (not shown) at a first end of the inlet portion 11. Once connected to the fire hydrant (not shown), water may enter the conduit 14 of the testing device 10 from the fire hydrant (not shown) through the inlet portion 11. Water may exit the testing device 10 through the outlet portion 12. It will be noted that in Figure 6, the conduit 14 is fabricated from a polymeric material, thereby providing a relatively low weight alternative version of the invention to the device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0095] The electronic flow measurement device 13 includes a transit time ultrasonic sensor 51 adapted to measure the flow rate and pressure of water flowing through the passageway. Measurements taken by the transit time ultrasonic sensor 51 are displayed on an electronic display 16 of the electronic flow measurement device 13.

[0096] The testing device 50 shown in Figure 4 also includes an electronic pressure measurement device 41 that is separate to the flow measurement device 13. The pressure measurement device comprises a pressure transducer (obscured) that is located in the passageway (obscured) within the conduit 14. In particular, the pressure transducer (obscured) is provided in the inlet portion 11 of the device 50. In other words, the pressure transducer (obscured) is positioned between the inlet connection portion 15 and the electronic flow measurement device 13. The electronic flow measurement device 41 includes an electronic display 42 on which the pressure measurement is displayed. [0097] The outlet portion 12 comprises an outlet connection portion 19. The outlet connection portion 19 is adapted to facilitate connection of the outlet portion 12 to an object.

[0098] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, the object to which the outlet portion may be connected is an isolation assembly 20. The isolation assembly 20 comprises a conduit 21 having a first end (obscured) adapted for connection to the outlet connection portion 19 and an opposed second end 23 through which water exits the isolation assembly 20.

[0099] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, the first end (obscured) of the isolation assembly 20 includes a connection portion (obscured) adapted for connection to the outlet connection portion 19 of the testing device 50. Once connected to the testing device 50, the conduit 21 of the isolation assembly 20 forms an extension of the passageway through which fluid from the fire hydrant flows. In use, it is envisaged that water existing the testing device 10 through the outlet portion 12 enters the isolation assembly 20 through the first end (obscured) and exists through the second end 23 thereof.

[0100] The isolation assembly 20 further comprises an isolation member in the form of ball valve (obscured). The ball valve (obscured) is manually actuated via valve handle 26 and is positioned between opposed ends of the isolation assembly 20. By connecting the isolation assembly 20 to the testing device 50, the flow of water through the device 50 may be controlled using the ball valve (obscured), along with the pressure on the inlet portion 11 and/or outlet portion 12.

[0101 ] Figure 7 illustrates a fire hydrant testing device 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 60 of Figure 7 is essentially the same as the device illustrated in Figure 6 in terms of its features and function. Flowever, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 7, the conduit 14 is fabricated from stainless steel.

[0102] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0103] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0104] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.