Inventors:
Paul C. McKain - Sunrise FL
David Rizzi - Miami FL
Mark Fritze - Sunrise FL
International Classification:
F04B 4900
Abstract:
A safety device for use in a fluid transfer and/or circulation system of the type which uses a pump to draw water from a reservoir through one or more intake lines each extending from an open end at the reservoir to the pump intake. The safety device connects in-line with the fluid transfer/circulation system, between the open ends of the intake lines and the pump and includes a vacuum pressure sensor, an analyzer and controller, a relay, and a vacuum breaker. Each time the pump is activated, the device analyzes negative pressure levels throughout a start-up period to establish a normal operating pressure window for the particular system. If the negative pressure level deviates beyond a pre-set maximum high-low range during the start-up period, or if, once the normal operating pressure window has been established, the device senses negative pressure levels being outside (high or low) of the normal operational range during operation of the system, the controller trips the relay to deactivate the pump motor and triggers the vacuum breaker to eliminate negative pressure in the system by introducing air from atmosphere into the intake lines, thereby removing suction at the open ends of the intake lines. The safety device may further activate warning devices including audible and visible alarms to indicate that the system has been deactivated.