The i2O system includes technology for monitoring the condition and performance of the flow meter and PRV. Not only does the i2O system rely on these pieces of equipment to operate but any failure can cause serious damage to the network and disruption to customers.
PRV filters
All PRVs, whether they are being used for basic pressure management or Advanced Pressure Management, must have a filter in the pilot valve bypass loop. However, this filter occasionally blocks, causing the PRV to open fully which may subject the network to unacceptably high pressures. i2O has developed a system to monitor the differential pressure across this filter which gives an early warning if it is starting to become blocked. This gives a service engineer sufficient time to get to site to unblock the filter before it can cause any damage.
PRV operating range
Where possible, the i2O system will stop the PRV from operating outside its normal range. This prevents problems such as low flow instability or cavitation which could lead to PRV damage.
PRV performance
If a PRV is no longer functioning correctly due to internal damage, blockage or other problems, the i2O system detects this and sends out an alarm. This can then be acted on promptly by a service engineer.
Periodic fast logging of P1 and P2 can also pick up degradation in PRV performance and provide an early warning of failure.
Real time alarms
Real time alarms can be provided to the water company. An example of this would be a low pressure alarm at the critical point. This would give the water company more time to react and to solve the problem, potentially avoiding a DG2 or DG3 reportable event.