Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to sprinkler systems, and in particular to a test assembly and a method for testing a zone valve of a sprinkler system.

Background to the Invention

Fire sprinkler systems typically comprise a plurality of sprinklers that activate automatically in response to a predetermined high temperature. The sprinklers are connected to a flow switch that outputs a signal to activate a fire alarm if a flow of water is detected over the switch. Thus, a fire alarm sounds if one of the sprinklers in the system activates. Sprinklers in the same area, such as a floor of a building, are usually connected to the same flow switch in order to minimise the complexity of the sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler systems, and in particular their flow switches, need to be routinely tested to ensure that they are in good working order.

Figure 1 illustrates a known test assembly 1 for testing a flow switch 2 that detects flow in a water inlet pipe 3. The test assembly 1 comprises additional pipework 4 that defines a loop, which allows water to flow over the flow switch 2 without it flowing around the other parts of the fire sprinkler system. A pump 6 is provided for pumping water through the additional pipework 4 and round the loop. Two shut-off valves 5, 7 are also provided. When the shut-off valves 5, 7 are opened and the pump 6 operates, it circulates water around the loop, through the pipe 3 and the additional pipework 4, and thus over the flow switch 2. If the flow switch 2 detects the water flow then it is determined to be functioning correctly. If the flow switch 2 does not detect the water flow then it is determined to be functioning incorrectly and must be replaced or repaired. Accordingly, this known test assembly 1 provides a relatively simple way of testing the flow switch 2 without circulating water through other parts of the sprinkler system.

Whilst the assembly 1 provides for testing of a flow switch, there are other components of a sprinkler system that also need to be tested periodically. For instance, a typical sprinkler system for a building is split into a number of separate zones. Each zone of the spnnkler system is provided with a zone valve 8 operable to enable the isolation of a local zone of the sprinkler system for repair, maintenance or the like. Zone valve 8 is intended to remain open at all times other than during repair or maintenance. In order that the position of the zone valve 8 can be verified, it is typically fitted with a tamper switch operable to output a tamper signal if the zone valve 8 is in the closed position. Output of the tamper signal can in turn trigger the output of an alarm at a central control panel.

In order to test the tamper switch is operation, the zone valve 8 is periodically shut, say every 3 to six months. This operation should in turn trigger the tamper signal and the associated alarm. As the zone valve 8 and the central control panel are typically located some distance apart, two workers are required to conduct the test, one to operate the zone valve 8 and one to verify alarm operation. These issues can lead to inadequate or infrequent testing of a sprinkler system because a user may want to minimise such disruptions or the costs associated with hiring suitable workers. Additionally, such tests only confirm the correct operation of the tamper switch not the correct operation of the zone valve.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome or alleviate some of the above issues.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a test assembly for testing a zone valve of a sprinkler system, the test assembly comprising: a flow sensor; additional pipework defining a closed loop around the zone valve and flow sensor; a flow generator operable to a cause a flow of water in the closed loop; an actuator operable to open or close the zone valve; and a test module operable in response to a test command to implement a test by activating the flow generator; activating the actuator to open and/or close the zone valve; detecting the output of the flow sensor in response to the actuation of the zone valve and outputting a signal indicative of the flow sensor output.

The present invention thus enables a test to take place of the zone valve. As such operation relies upon the actuator, the test also verifies operation of the actuator. Beneficially, by considering the output of the flow meter, it may also be possible to verify that the zone valve is providing a full range of operation. For instance, flow rate in the open condition can verify that the zone valve is fully rather than partially open and absence of flow in the closed condition can verify that the zone valve is fully closed. In contrast, a tamper switch test can only verify that no unauthorised tampering has taken place and does not verify the mechanical operation of the zone valve.

The test module may be operable to classify the flow sensor output prior to output a signal indicative of the flow sensor output. The signal indicative of the flow sensor output may be determined by the result of the classification. The classification process could include the steps of determining based on flow sensor output whether the zone valve operation passes or fails the test process.

The zone valve actuator may comprise an electric motor or the like. The zone valve may be additionally provided with a manual actuator. The manual actuator may comprise a wheel or the like. This can enable manual operation of the zone valve if the actuator has failed. The zone valve may be provided with a tamper switch operable to output a tamper signal in response to manual actuation of the zone valve. The tamper switch may be connected to the test module.

The additional pipework may comprise an orifice operable to limit flow through the pipe. The orifice may be adapted so as to limit flow to simulate flow expected if a specific number of sprinklers within the zone are activated. The specific number may be one or more than one. In some embodiments, the orifice may be adjustable. This can enable the suitably sized orifice to simulate flow expected for different hazard classes of sprinklers. In such cases different flow rates would be applicable within the zone activated.

The additional pipework may comprise one or more additional valves. The additional valves may comprise no return valves and/or shut off valves. In this way, a flow in the additional pipework bypassing the zone valve can be prevented when the zone valve is not under test. In one embodiment, the additional pipework may be provided with a solenoid operated shut off valve. The solenoid operated shut off valve may be adapted to shut off flow in the additional pipe work unless the solenoid is energised. In one embodiment, the solenoid may be energised in response to the test module.

In some embodiments, the additional pipe work may be provided with a pair of manually operated shut off valves. Such manually operated shut off valves may be provided to either side of the flow generator, and to either side of the solenoid operated shut off valve, where appropriate. This can enable the flow generator and/or the solenoid operated shut off valve to be isolated for maintenance, repair or the like.

The flow generator may be operable to generate variable flow rates. The flow generator may comprise a pump. The pump is preferably an electric pump.

The test module may comprise a local control interface. The control interface may comprise user actuable input means. The control interface may additionally or alternatively comprise output means. The output means may comprise visual and or audio output means. Visual output means may comprise one or more indicator lamps and/or one or more display units. In some embodiments, the local control interface may additionally comprise a printer.

The test module may be operable to communicate with a linked alarm system. The linked alarm system may be a sprinkler system alarm operable in response to the condition of the sprinkler system and/or a building fire alarm. The test module may comprise a communication unit operable to communicate with the linked alarm system via a suitable wired or wireless communication network. Suitable wired networks may include one or more electrical or optical cables. Suitable wireless networks may include but are not limited to GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or the like.

The test command may be generated in response to operation of the local control interface. Additionally or alternatively, the test command may be generated by linked alarm system. In some embodiments, the test command may be generated by a master controller of the linked alarm system. The signal indicative of the flow sensor output may be output via the local control interface. Additionally or alternatively, the signal indicative of the flow sensor condition may be communicated to the linked alarm system, in some embodiments to the master controller of the linked alarm system

The test module may be operable to disable activation of the linked alarm system during the test. This may be achieved by communicating a test commenced signal to the master controller. In this way, the present invention provides an assembly where, when instructed to do so, a test module uses the testing apparatus to conduct a test of a fire sprinkler system and reports the outcome of the test, e.g. pass or fail, whilst at the same time momentarily disabling activation of the fire alarm to prevent an unwanted evacuation from a building housing the sprinkler system. Accordingly, the present invention encourages users to test their sprinkler system since testing does not cause any unnecessary disruptions and the test reports can be used to prove whether or not a sprinkler system has actually been routinely tested.

The test module may be further operable to record any one or more of: the date of a test; the time of a test; or the outcome of a test. In this way, it is possible to verify testing records for a sprinkler system. Accordingly, safety is improved because the record keeping strongly encourages a user to regularly run tests of the sprinkler system.

The test module may comprise a data storage unit operable to store recorded test data. Additionally or alternatively, the test module may be operable to communicate recorded test data to the linked alarm system and/or to an external data storage unit. In this way, recorded test data can be backed up remotely in case the test module is damaged, for example in a fire.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sprinkler system comprising one or more system zones provided with a zone valve operable to enable isolation of the zone, wherein at least one zone valve is provided with test assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention. The sprinkler system of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the test assembly of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as required.

In particular, the sprinkler system may comprise a master controller linked to the or each test module. In this way, the master controller can provide centrally controlled testing of each zone valve. In particular, the master controller may conduct the entire test routine automatically. This can allow the test routine to be implemented without direct user intervention at each zone valve. This can also allow the test routine to be implemented without separate user intervention to isolate an alarm.

The system may further comprise a fire alarm panel for activating a fire alarm in response to a signal from the master controller. The master controller may be operable to temporarily disable alarm output by the fire alarm panel during the testing process.

In such systems, the communication network may comprise wired links between the test modules and the master controller. In some embodiments, each test module may be linked to the master controller by two paths. In this way, the system provides for double point failure such that if a first path between a test module and the controller is broken or damaged, the test module can still communicate with the master controller by using the second path. This provides an extra layer of protection to ensure that the system can thoroughly test the fire sprinkler system, even when damaged.

In some embodiments, one or more test modules may be linked to the master controller by a path via another of the test modules. At the same time, one or more of the test modules may also be linked to the master controller directly.

The test module and/or the master controller may be operable to detect when a link between the test module and the master controller has been severed. In this way, a fault signal may be sent to the master controller to indicate that the link has been severed so that the problem can be identified and repaired. The system may further comprise a local output device connected to the master controller. The local output device may be a display or may be a printer. In this way, the master controller can output the results of the test so that they can be read by a user or a physical copy may be stored as a record of the test.

The master controller may be operable to record any one or more of: the date of a test; the time of a test; or the outcome of a test. The recorded data may be stored in the master controller. In some embodiments, the master controller may further comprise an external communication unit operable to communicate test data to a remote device, such as a server, or to a remote data store. The external communication unit may be operable to communicate test data to the internet or to internet storage such as the cloud. The external communication unit may be operable to receive control signals from a remote device.

The master controller may be operable to initiate tests at specific time intervals. In one example tests may be initiated daily, weekly or monthly. The master controller may be operable to initiate tests of each zone valve of a system or of specific zone valves of a system. The master controller may be operable to initiate particular tests in response to specific user inputs or to vary the initiation schedule of particular tests in response to specific user inputs. This can allow a user to initiate tests of all or of specific parts of a system at a convenient time.

The system may further comprise one or more additional sensors. Such additional sensors may be connected to individual test modules or may be connected to the system via an alternative link. Such additional sensors may include but are not limited to: tamper switches; flow sensors; level sensors; trace heating sensors; electrical power sensors; temperature sensors or the like.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of testing a zone valve using a test assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a test command; activating the flow generator; activating the actuator to open and/or close the zone valve; detecting the output of the flow sensor in response to the actuation of the zone valve; and outputting a signal indicative of the flow sensor output. The method of the third aspect of the invention may comprise any feature of the first or second aspects of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of testing the zone valves of a sprinkler system, where at least one zone valve is provided with a test assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or operable according to the method of the third aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: generating test commands for the zone valve test assembly using a master controller; and receiving the signals indicative of the flow sensor output for the zone valve test assembly at said master controller.

The method of the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise any feature of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention, as required or as desired.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known testing apparatus for testing a flow switch of a fire sprinkler system;

Figure 2 is a schematic of a test assembly for a zone valve according to a first embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an alarm system for a sprinkler system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 is discussed above in the “Background to the Invention” and illustrates a test assembly 1 for testing a flow switch 2 of a fire sprinkler system according to the prior art.

Referring to Figure 2, a zone valve 18 is provided in a pipe 13 supplying one zone of a sprinkler system. In normal use, the zone valve 18 must be left open to allow for water to be supplied automatically to sprinklers within the zone when required. Periodically, the operation and position of the zone valve are required to be tested. Accordingly, the zone valve 18 is provided with a test assembly 11 compnsing a flow sensor 12 that detects flow in a pipe 13 and additional pipework 14 that defines a loop, which allows water to flow over the flow switch 12 without it flowing around the other parts of the fire sprinkler system and a pump 16 for pumping water through the additional pipework 14.

The zone valve 18 is further fitted with an actuator 18a operable to drive the zone valve between the open and closed positions. The assembly 11 also comprises a test module 19 connected to the flow switch 12, the pump 16 and the actuator 18a.

The additional pipework 14 is optionally provided with a solenoid operated valve 15 adapted to shut off flow in the additional pipe work unless the solenoid is energised. The solenoid operated valve 15 is connected to and energised in response to the test module 19. This can enable flow in the additional pipe work 14 to be prevented unless a test is being carried out.

The additional pipework 14 is optionally provided with a pair of manually operated shut off valves 17. This can enable the solenoid operated valve 15 and the pump 16 to be isolated for repair or maintenance.

In order to initiate a test, the test module 19 is provided with a test command. The test command can be generated by use of a control interface (not shown) provided on the test module 19 or by a linked alarm system 20 (discussed in more detail below). A communication unit 19a can be provided facilitate receipt of the test signal via a suitable communication network.

In response to the test command, the test module 19 is operable to activate the pump 16 (and energise solenoid operated valve 15 where provided) so as to generate a flow in the additional pipework 14. In addition, the test module 19 can control actuator 18a to open and close zone valve 18 as required for the test. In response to the actuation of the zone valve 18, the test module 19 can monitor the output of flow sensor 12 and thereby output a signal indicative of the flow sensor output. The output indication may be dependent upon classification of the output of the flow sensor output 12, in particular whether the flow sensor output is characteristic of a passed or failed test. For instance, if there is flow detected when the zone valve 18 is supposedly in the closed position, this can indicate a failure of the zone valve 18. Similarly, if no flow is detected or an unexpected flow rate is detected when the zone valve 18 is supposedly in the open position, this may also indicate a failure of the zone valve 18.

Following a test, the test module may output an indication of the flow sensor 12 output, essentially the test result via a control interface or by communicating a signal to the linked alarm system.

In some embodiments, the zone valve 18 may additionally be provided with a tamper switch (not shown). Closing the zone valve by use of actuator 18a can result in generation of a tamper signal by the tamper switch. Generation of the tamper signal during the test can provide further verification of the operation of the zone valve 18 and tamper switch. Subsequently actuator 18a can reopen the zone valve 18.

Turning now to figure 3, a schematic illustration of a linked alarm system 20 is shown. The linked alarm system 20 comprises a master controller 21. The master controller 21 is operable to receive data from the module 19 relating to the test. The master controller 21 is also operable to generate test commands which can be communicated to the test module. Additionally, as illustrated in figure 3, it is possible for one master controller 21 to be linked to multiple test modules 19 for multiple zone valves 18. This can allow a single master controller 21 to control and implement testing of each zone of a multi-zone sprinkler system. As is shown in figure 3, the master controller 21 can be connected to a fire alarm control panel 22.

Each test module 19 can be optionally connected to the master controller 20 via two paths. For example, each test module 19 is connected directly to the master controller 21 but is also connected indirectly to the master controller 20 via connections to one or more other test modules 19. This provides for double point failure. Thus, if, for example, the direct link between one test module 19 and the master controller 21 was damaged and no longer usable, that test module 19 could still communicate with the master controller 21 indirectly by using the second path via another test module 19. An extra layer of protection is therefore provided.

In use, the test assemblies 11 are provided for each zone valve 18 associated with a separate zone of the sprinkler system. For example, a first test assembly 11 may be located to test a zone valve 18 in a pipe 13 that supplies water to the sprinklers on a first floor of a building; a second test assembly 11 may be located to test a zone valve 18 in a pipe 13 that supplies water to the sprinklers on a second floor of a building; and so on.

The master controller 21 manages and implements a testing method to use the assemblies 11 to test the working order of each of the zone valves 18. In use, the master controller 21 transmits a test command to each of test module 19. Upon receipt of the test command each test module initiates the test process as described above. Subsequently, each test module communicates the results of the test to the master controller 21.

In normal use, in addition to transmitting the test command, the master controller 21 may temporarily disable alarm activations relating the zone(s) under test. When the testing of a particular zone valve 18 has finished, the master controller 21 may re-enable activation of fire alarms for that zone.

In addition to the flow switch output recorded during a test and the consequent determination of the zone valve condition, each test module 19 may record the date and time of the test and relays this information back to the master controller 21. Subsequently, the master controller 21 can correlate the date and time of each test with the outcome of the test (i.e. pass or fail). This information may be archived in a local and/or remote data store 23. Additionally, the information can be output on a control interface of the master controller 21 or the fire alarm panel 22 as desired. Optionally, a printer 24 can be provided to generate a printout of test results.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.