Fluid leak detection methods, systems and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to leak detection and notification from fluid conduit systems, apparatus and methods. In one aspect, embodiments relate to leak detection of water supply, sewage system, and plumbing. In another aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus related to piping and plumbing encapsulation for detecting leaks. In another aspect, certain embodiments further comprise an apparatus that conform to piping and plumbing features, for example, valves and connectors, for detecting leaks that may be included as part of original installations or added in retrofit applications. In other embodiments, leak detection and notification systems may be included as part of the manufacture of fixtures by a manufacturer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for detecting leaks in a fluid conduit system, the fluid conduit system adjacent a surrounding structure, the fluid conduit system being a residential or commercial plumbing system, the method comprising:
 providing a leak detection apparatus including a containment apparatus;   sealing the leak detection apparatus on a fluid conduit of the fluid conduit system such that the fluid conduit passes through an opening in the containment apparatus, the fluid conduit being at a low point of adjacent fluid conduits of the fluid conduit system;   capturing leaks from any upward junctions/connections, wherein the leaks follow the direction of fluid conduit and the adjacent fluid conduits and flow into a fluid accumulation area associated with the containment apparatus including a sloped aspect creating a captured fluid;   activating a sensor unit at a bottom of the sloped aspect to detect the captured fluid; and   activating an alarm associated with the sensor unit to generate a notification.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing includes using a first and a second portion of the containment apparatus to surround the fluid conduit and create the opening. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first and the second portion each include a contour slidably engageable with a grooved portion on a gasket such that the containment apparatus fastens to the fluid conduit system. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the containment apparatus includes a substantially circular sleeve including an aperture through the approximate center of the sleeve to fit around the fluid conduit system, the sleeve further comprising bellows to expand the sleeve along the length of the fluid conduit system. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid conduit system, the fluid conduit system adjacent a surrounding structure, the fluid conduit system being a residential or commercial plumbing system, the apparatus comprising:
 a containment apparatus having an opening, the opening sealing the containment apparatus on a fluid conduit of the fluid conduit system such that the fluid conduit passes through the opening in the containment apparatus, the fluid conduit being at a low point of adjacent fluid conduits of the fluid conduit system and the containment apparatus captures leaks from any upward junctions/connections,   wherein the leaks follow the direction of fluid conduit and the adjacent fluid conduits and flow into a fluid accumulation area associated with the containment apparatus including a sloped aspect creating a captured fluid;   a sensor unit at a bottom of the sloped aspect to detect the captured fluid; and   an alarm associated with the sensor unit to generate a notification.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a gasket located around the fluid conduit.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the containment apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion, which slide onto the gasket surrounding the fluid conduit engaging contours on the first portion and the second portion with a grooved portion on the gasket to sealingly engage the apparatus with the gasket and to sealingly fasten the leak detection device to the fluid conduit. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the containment apparatus includes a substantially circular sleeve including an aperture through the approximate center of the sleeve to fit around the fluid conduit system, the sleeve further comprising bellows to expand the sleeve along the length of the fluid conduit system. 
     
     
         9 . A method for detecting leaks in a fluid conduit system, the fluid conduit system adjacent a surrounding structure, the fluid conduit system being a residential or commercial plumbing system, the method comprising:
 providing a leak detection apparatus including a containment apparatus, the containment apparatus including an engagement portion defining an opening to contact and at least partially surround the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system;   positioning the containment apparatus beneath at least a substantially horizontal portion of a fluid conduit system, the substantially horizontal portion being at a low point of adjacent fluid conduits of the fluid conduit system;   engaging the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system with the containment apparatus;   capturing leaks from any upward junctions/connections, wherein the leaks follow the direction of fluid conduit and the adjacent fluid conduits and flow into a fluid accumulation area associated with the containment apparatus including a sloped aspect creating a captured fluid;   activating a sensor unit at a bottom of the sloped aspect to detect the captured fluid; and activating an alarm associated with the sensor unit to generate a notification.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the engaging includes engaging the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system, a first and a second semi-rigid protruding aspect to allow the engagement portion itself and the first and second semi-rigid protruding aspect to snap onto the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 fastening the containment apparatus with a fastening mechanism to further affix the container to the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system.   
     
     
         12 . A leak detection apparatus comprising:
 a containment apparatus positioned beneath at least a substantially horizontal portion of a fluid conduit system, the substantially horizontal portion being at a low point of adjacent fluid conduits of the fluid conduit system, the containment apparatus including an engagement portion defining an opening to contact and at least partially surround the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system;
 the containment apparatus including an engagement portion defining an opening to contact and at least partially surround the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system; 
 a sloped aspect in the containment apparatus to direct a fluid leaking from the fluid conduit system to a fluid containment area; 
 a sensor positioned adjacent the fluid containment area to detect the leaking fluid; and an alarm associated with the sensor to alert a user to the leaking fluid. 
   
     
     
         13 . The leak detection apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the engagement portion includes a first and a second semi-rigid protruding aspect to allow the engagement portion itself and the first and second semi-rigid protruding aspect to snap onto the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system. 
     
     
         14 . The leak detection apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a fastening mechanism associated with the container to further affix the container to the substantially horizontal portion of the fluid conduit system.