Method and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow

Abstract

In a fluid flow supply system, monitoring a fluid supply system to accurately determine whether an abnormal flow condition or a catastrophic flow condition exists in such supply system. A parameter of fluid flow in the supply system is measured and a first signal is produced corresponding to such parameter. A first timer, adapted to be reset by the first signal, produces a signal upon expiration of a preselected time period. A second timer, adapted to be reset by the signal produced by the first timer, produces an output signal upon expiration of a preselected time period substantially greater in duration than the preselected time period of the first timer. Accordingly if the time period of the first timer is not exceeded (i.e., it is continuously reset by first signals measuring the fluid flow parameter), then the time period for the second timer will be exceeded whereby an abnormal flow condition is determined to exist. Additionally, an accumulated running total of the first signal is compared to a second signal representative of a preselected fluid flow parameter, and an output signal is produced when the first signal exceeds the second signal, whereby a catastrophic flow condition is determined to exist. A control signal for the supply system is produced in response to the production of an output signal from the second timer or the comparator. The control signal can be used to restrict the fluid supply system and/or provide a perceivable indication that an abnormal or catastrophic flow condition exists.