Condensate collector arrangement for dry pipe sprinkler system

Abstract

A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a float or a sensor which activates an alarm when a predetermined amount of condensate has been collected.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to dry pipe sprinkler systems and in particular to a condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system with an alarm.

BACKGROUND

A dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a fire suppression system that is typically used in structures and areas that are oftentimes unheated and subject to freezing temperatures. The dry pipe sprinkler system includes a network of pipes including branch lines servicing sprinkler heads, risers, and feed mains for delivering water from a water supply to the branch lines. Under normal conditions, this network of pipes contains a pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen, which holds closed a dry pipe valve that connects the main supply pipes of main feeds of the sprinkler system to the water supply. When heat from a fire opens a sprinkler, the compressed gas is released from the system. The resulting drop in pressure causes the dry pipe valve to open, or trip, thereby releasing water into the main supply lines or main feeds.

When the network of pipes is filled with the pressurized gas and the ambient temperature lowers, condensate can collect in the network of pipes. If the condensate builds up in the system, then there is a risk that the condensate will freeze in the pipes. Freezing condensate can cause pipes to leak or burst, or inhibit the flow of water through the branch lines in the event of fire. For this reason, dry pipe systems often include one or more condensate collector arrangements (sometimes called “drum drips”) which collect condensate from the network of pipes. These drum drips are typically located at low points of the dry pipe system and usually include a drainage valve and a shut-off valve connecting the drum drip to a riser. A drum drip is drained of condensate by first closing the upper valve. This prevents pressurized gas from exiting the system when the drum drip is being drained. The drain valve is then opened and condensate is drained from the drum drip. Then the drain valve is closed again and the upper valve may be reopened to again allow condensate to be collected.

SUMMARY

According to the disclosure, a condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a first valve with an inlet and an outlet. The first valve has a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the first valve. A second valve comprises an inlet and an outlet with the second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve. A collection chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the second valve. The collection chamber is generally elongate between the first valve and the second valve. A switch is operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A float member is provided downstream of the first valve member and upstream of the second valve member with the float member being configured to move upwardly in response to an accumulation of condensate in the collection chamber. The movement of the float member causes the switch to change between the open configuration and the closed configuration. An alarm is operatively connected to the switch, with the alarm being activated when the float member causes the switch to change between the open configuration and the closed configuration to indicate the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.

In another embodiment, the condensate collector arrangement further comprises a pivot arm connected to the float about a first pivot and configured to rotate about a second pivot through an angle when the float moves upwardly. An actuator is disposed on the pivot arm, with the switch being caused to change configurations in response to movement of the pivot arm causing the actuator to move relative to the switch.

The switch may comprise a proximity switch configured to activate the alarm when the actuator is placed in operative proximity to the proximity switch by the rotation of the pivot arm through the angle. The proximity switch may be open when the actuator is distal from the proximity switch and the proximity switch may be closed when the actuator is proximal the proximity switch.

The actuator may be located at a first end of the pivot arm, and the second pivot may be provided between the actuator and the first pivot. The alarm may be battery powered.

The collection chamber may be generally cylindrical and the float may be provided substantially within the collection chamber. The first pivot and the second pivot may be provided within a housing for the first valve and the float may extend substantially into the collection chamber.

In another embodiment, the float may be configured to slide linearly along a shaft member in response to the accumulation of condensate in the collection chamber. The float member may be provided within an outlet of the first valve. The first valve member and the second valve member may be aligned with one another with the collection chamber extending longitudinally between the first valve member and the second valve member. The float member may be provided in fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve.

The first valve member may comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first outlet and the inlet being collinear, and with the float member being provided in the first outlet.

The first valve member may comprise a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first outlet and the inlet being collinear, and with the second outlet being oriented perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet, with the float member being provided adjacent the second outlet.

In another embodiment, a condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a first valve with an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, with the first valve having a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlets of the first valve. The first valve member comprises a housing forming the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet, with the first outlet and the inlet being collinear. A second valve comprises an inlet and an outlet, with the second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve. A collection chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the second valve, with the collection chamber being generally elongate between the first valve and the second valve. A sensor is provided in fluid communication with the second outlet of the first valve. An alarm is operatively connected to the sensor, with the alarm being activated when the sensor indicates the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.

The alarm may be battery powered. The collection chamber may be generally cylindrical. The first outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the second valve may be aligned with one another with the collection chamber extending longitudinally between the first valve member and the second valve member, with the sensor being provided within the second outlet of the first valve.

The first outlet of the first valve and the inlet of the first valve may be collinear, with the second outlet being oriented perpendicular to the inlet and the first outlet, with the sensor being provided adjacent the second outlet.

In any of the embodiments of the condensate collector arrangement, the second valve may comprise a locking valve whereby movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the use of a key.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a dry pipe sprinkler system including a condensate collector arrangement according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the condensate collector arrangement of the dry pipe sprinkler system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of portions of the condensate collector arrangement of FIG. 2 when the condensate collector arrangement is devoid of condensate.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of portions of the condensate collector arrangement of FIG. 2 when the condensate collector arrangement contains a predetermined amount of condensate.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a condensate collector according to the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a condensate collector according to the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a condensate collector arrangement according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a condensate collector according to the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a condensate collector according to the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a condensate collector arrangement according to the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a condensate collector arrangement according to the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a locking valve which is usable with the condensate collector arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, a dry pipe sprinkler system includes a network of pipes 5 in fluid communication with sprinkler heads (not shown). The network of pipes 5 is filled with a pressurized gas, e.g., air or nitrogen. A condensate collector arrangement or drum drip 10 is preferably located at a low point in the dry pipe system and is connected to the network of pipes 5 through a fitting 7. The condensate collector arrangement 10 comprises an upper portion 40, a collector portion 20 for collecting condensate, and a normally closed drain valve 14 for draining condensate accumulated in the collector portion 20.

The upper portion 40 includes a normally open shut-off valve 16 which is in fluid communication with the network of pipes 5 through the fitting 7. The upper portion 40 also includes an alarm actuator 74 which is configured for activating an alarm system 70 when a predetermined amount of condensate collects in the collector portion 20. As such, the condensate collector arrangement 10 may be remotely monitored to detect the presence of the predetermined amount of condensate in the collector portion 20.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the collector portion 20 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 30 having threaded ends at upper and lower ends of the cylindrical sleeve 30. The threaded ends of the cylindrical sleeve 30 receive correspondingly threaded upper and lower end caps 32 and 34. The upper and lower end caps 32, 34 each have conical surfaces 28, 26. When fully assembled, the conical surface 28 of the upper end cap 32, an inner cylindrical wall 24 of the sleeve 30, and the conical surface 26 of the lower end cap 34 together form a chamber or reservoir 22 for collecting condensate. A lower sleeve 36 connects the collector portion 20 at the lower end cap 34 to the inlet of the drain valve 14, which may be a gate valve. An upper sleeve 38 connects the collector portion 20 at the upper end cap 32 to an outlet or lower end 46 of the upper portion 40. The upper portion 40 further includes an inlet 42 of the shut-off valve 16, which may be a ball valve. The inlet 42 is preferably threaded to connect to the fitting 7. The shut-off valve 16 is used to selectively prevent communication between the network of pipes 5 and the chamber 22 when the condensate is being drained through the drain valve 14.

The upper portion 40 also comprises a member 44 with a proximity switch or reed switch 78 positioned adjacent the valve 16 by the member 44. The proximity switch 78 is contained within a housing 80 that is mounted on one end of the member 44.

A mechanism is disposed within the condensate collector arrangement 10 generally within the upper portion 40, the sleeve 38 and the chamber 22. The proximity switch 78 is closed or activated by a member or actuator 76 (such as a magnet) as condensate collects in the chamber 22.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the mechanism is a linkage mechanism formed by a pivot arm 50 and a float 52 suspended from the pivot arm 50. As will be understood from the following, a variety of alternative mechanisms other than the illustrated linkage mechanism may be used to actuate an alarm system without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the pivot arm 50 is mounted to the upper portion 40 via a pin or pivot 60, which defines a rotation axis for the pivot arm 50. The float 52 is mounted to the pivot arm 50 by a pin or pivot 58 and a float arm 54 extends from the pivot arm 50 into the chamber 20 and generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the chamber 22, i.e., an axis that extends from the valve 16 to the valve 14. A lower end 56 of the float 52 preferably has an expanded volume or may comprise an increased surface area such as may be provided by a hollow member. This expanded volume or surface area provides buoyancy to the float 52 when the level of condensate in the chamber 20 is sufficient to reach the bottom of the float 52. As the level of condensate rises further, the float 52 is urged to move upwardly toward the valve 16 as condensate fills the chamber 22 of the collector portion 20. The upward movement of the float 52 in turn causes the float arm 54 to rotate about the pin 58 and, in turn, the upward movement of the float 52 causes the pivot arm 50 to rotate about the pin 60. As such, the pivot arm 50 and the float 52 are assembled so that the pivot arm 50 rotates clockwise about the pin 60 in FIG. 2 when the float 52 is displaced upwardly by the condensate accumulating within the chamber 22.

When there is no or relatively little condensate in the collector portion 20, an end 62 of the pivot arm 50 is biased upwardly by the weight of the float 52, as shown in FIG. 3A. When condensate 100 has accumulated in the collector portion 20, the float 52 is displaced upwardly and the pivot arm 50 is rotated clockwise by an angle θ (compare FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B). When the pivot arm 50 has rotated by the angle θ, the pivot arm 50 is orientated in the position shown in FIG. 3B. When the pivot arm 50 is in this position, the member 76 is adjacent the proximity switch 78 which closes the switch and an alarm system 70 (see FIG. 1) is activated to sound or indicate an alarm. Of course, the proximity switch 78 may be configured so that movement of the member 76 adjacent the proximity switch 78 opens (rather than closes) the switch (to trigger the alarm). Similarly, the alarm may be a sound such as a buzzer or a gong or may be a light or any other indication that provides notice that the level of the condensate has reached a predetermined amount and that the collector portion 20 should be emptied.

As noted above, in this embodiment the proximity switch 78 is provided within a housing indicated generally at 80. The proximity switch 78 is positioned relative to the end 62 of the pivot arm 50 so that when the pivot arm rotates through the angle θ, the switch actuator 76 is at a distance d (or less) from the end of the proximity switch 78. At this distance, the member or switch actuator 76 actuates the proximity switch 78 which in turn activates the alarm system 70, e.g., by closing (or opening) a circuit of the alarm system. In one embodiment, the proximity switch 78 may be a reed switch and the switch actuator 76 may be a magnet. The alarm system 70 is actuated when the magnetic field associated with the magnet 76 comes sufficiently close to the reed switch 78 to close (or open) the reed switch.

In operation, the condensate collector arrangement or drum drip 10 typically has the shut-off valve 16 placed in an open configuration and the drain valve 14 is in a closed configuration. In this initial condition, such as may occur immediately after initial installation of the dry pipe sprinkler system or after the condensate collector chamber 22 has been emptied, the chamber 22 has no condensate. As the ambient temperature drops, condensate begins to fill the chamber 22 of the collector portion 20. When the level of condensate reaches the lower end 56 of the float 52, the buoyancy of the float 52 in the condensate causes the float 52 to displace upwardly toward the valve 16, which causes the float arm 54 to rotate about the pin 58 and to urge the pivot arm 50 to rotate clockwise (i.e., upwardly) about the pin 60. After the pivot arm 50 has rotated through the angle θ, i.e., the position shown in FIG. 3B, the switch actuator 76 actuates the proximity switch 78 which in turn activates the alarm system 70. At this point, the alarm system 70 may emit an audible and/or visual signal indicating the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collector portion 20. The condensate collector arrangement or the drum drip 10 is then drained of condensate by first closing the shut-off valve 16 (to prevent the release of pressurized gas from pipes 5 when condensate is removed from the drum drip 10) and then opening the drain valve 14.

The alarm system 70 and/or the proximity switch 78 may be configured in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For instance, the alarm system may be configured to provide remote or local monitoring of the drum drip 10.

With reference now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the condensate collector arrangement includes a float switch 200. The float switch 200 includes a float member 201 which is slidably received on a shaft 204. The shaft 204 is mounted on a member 202 which positions the float switch 200 at the bottom of the shut-off valve 16. For example, the member 202 may be a curved metallic member which corresponds generally to the curvature of a T-branch of the shut-off valve 16. The member 202 is either perforate (such as a screen or mesh) or may be provided with one or more holes to allow condensate to pass from the shut-off valve 16 (when open) to the condensate chamber 22. In addition, the member 202 preferably has a hole which receives the shaft 204 of the float switch 200. A nut 204 is threaded on the shaft 204 below the member 202 and another nut 206 is threaded on the shaft above the member 202. In this way, the shaft 204 is securely but releasably positioned below the shut-off valve 16 and at an upper portion of the collector portion 20.

With reference to FIG. 4, wires (not shown) would extend from the float switch 200 through a passageway 216 of a sleeve 214. The passageway 216 of the sleeve 214 may be filled with silicone caulk or plumbers putty or some other sealant in order to prevent condensate from passing through the passageway 216.

In the float switch 200, a proximity switch (not shown) is provided within the shaft 204. When the level of the condensate in the chamber 22 is sufficiently low, the float member 201 remains at the bottom of the shaft 204 and is kept on the shaft by a nut 210. When the level of condensate rises to the position of the float member 201, the condensate causes the float member to rise which in turn closes (or opens) the proximity switch within the shaft 204. Closing (or opening) the proximity switch in turn sounds an alarm such as a buzzer 218 or lights an indicator light (not shown).

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the alarm is battery powered such as by a 9-volt alkaline battery 220 which is mounted in an enclosure 222. The enclosure 222 may also support the buzzer 218 along with the appropriate circuitry (not shown) to sound the buzzer or turn on a light to indicate the alarm.

In addition, a manually operated switch 224 may be provided on the enclosure 222 to enable the alarm system and the battery to be tested, as desired.

The shut-off valve 16 and the float switch 200 of the embodiment of FIG. 4 is mounted on the condensate collector arrangement in the same manner as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the lower portion of the shut-off valve 16 of the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be provided with threads so as to be screwed onto the nipple or fitting 38 at the top of the condensate collector portion 20.

One concern with the embodiment of FIG. 4 is that the alkaline battery may fail at low temperatures. Also, the position of the float switch immediately beneath the shut-off valve 16 may present some impediment to the flow of condensate into the chamber 22.

Alternatively, the alkaline battery may be replaced with hard wired lithium batteries (not shown) which have relatively long life operation down to temperatures of about −40° F. An on-off switch could be supplied so that the batteries are not drained during storage and shipment prior to installation. Also, a piezo style buzzer may be used to facilitate long battery life.

With reference now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the condensate collector arrangement includes a water sensor 300 which is provided at the end of a tube 302. The tube 302 is mounted in the T-fitting of the shut-off valve 16 so that the water sensor extends toward the outlet of the shut-off valve 16 but preferably not in the direct flow path of the condensate. When the level of the condensate rises to the position of the water sensor 300, then the water sensor 300 closes a circuit (or opens a circuit) to sound an alarm or to cause a light 304, such as an LED, to flash or illuminate.

In the embodiment, lithium batteries 306 are preferably used and the buzzer 218 may be positioned within the enclosure 222. The water sensor 300 may include an adjustment or calibration screw 310 which is adjusted as needed during installation and/or during assembly. The manual switch 224 is provided adjacent the LED indicator light 304 and may be provided on the top (as shown) of the enclosure 222.

The water sensor 300 is securely mounted in the T-fitting by way of a collar 312 which is attached at the end of the T-fitting of the shut-off valve 16. In this way, condensate is prevented from flowing into the enclosure 222 even when the level of condensate has reached or exceeded the level of the water sensor 300.

The shut-off valve 16 and water sensor arrangement of FIG. 5 are mounted on the fitting 38 (see FIG. 6) which is received by the upper end cap 32. The remaining components of the condensate collector arrangement are the same as described above in connection with FIG. 2. In addition, a plug 312 may be provided in any of the embodiments at the outlet of the drain valve 14 in order to prevent or reduce the possibility of leakage of condensate or pressurized gas from the arrangement. When the chamber 22 is to be emptied of condensate, the plug 312 is removed in order to allow the condensate to pass through the drain valve outlet. The plug is then replaced in the outlet until the next emptying procedure is performed.

If desired, the enclosure 222 may be provided with both a red LED to indicate that the lithium batteries are low and a yellow LED which preferably blinks to indicate that the condensate level has reached the predetermined position (either sufficient to raise the float or to trigger the water sensor). The lithium batteries, although hard wired, are preferably replaceable so as to increase the useful life of the device.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the float switch 200 (see FIG. 4) could be provided at the end of the T-fitting of the shut-off valve 16 in a separate housing 400. The float valve 200 is mounted on a threaded plug 402 with the wires (not shown) for the float switch passing through the plug 402 into the enclosure 222. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the lithium batteries and alarm (the buzzer and LEDs 304) are the same as described above in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 5.

When the float member 201 rises on the shaft 204, the switch closes (or opens) to indicate that the level of the condensate has risen to the predetermined amount and that the condensate chamber 22 should be emptied. In this arrangement, the possibility of condensate entering the enclosure 222 is reduced and the possibility of the float switch obstructing the flow of condensate into the chamber 22 is likewise reduced or eliminated.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the enclosure 222 is mounted on the side of the housing 400 by screws or other fasteners 406. With reference now to the embodiment of FIG. 8, the enclosure 222 may be mounted above the float switch 200 and the float switch may be mounted in an elbow or other suitable plumbing fitting 412. The enclosure 222 is mounted directly on the plug 402 rather than on the housing 400 (which is unnecessary in the embodiment of FIG. 8).

With reference to FIG. 9, the shut-off valve and float switch arrangement of FIG. 8 is shown mounted on the fitting 38 above the collection chamber 22.

With reference now to FIG. 10, the shut-off valve 16 may be replaced with a straight-through valve 17 so as to eliminate the T-outlet. In this embodiment, a sleeve fitting 420 may be provided at the outlet of the valve 17 with a conventional T-fitting 422 provided below the sleeve 420. The T-fitting 422 is then connected to the upper end cap 32 through another sleeve fitting 424 (similar or identical to the fitting or sleeve 38). Another sleeve 426 is then provided at the side outlet of the T-fitting 422 and the elbow 412 of the arrangement of FIG. 8 is then mounted on the sleeve 426.

It should be noted that the float switch 200 should be installed in an upright configuration for proper operation. The water sensor 300 may be mounted in any suitable orientation.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a locking ball valve 414 may be used as the drain valve 14 in any of the embodiments of the condensate collector arrangement. The locking ball valve 414 has a lock 416 provided on the valve member actuator which prevents movement of the valve member unless a key 418 is used in the lock 416. In this way, an unintentional or unauthorized opening of the drain valve in the condensate collector arrangement may be avoided or prevented.

The principles, preferred embodiments and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than as restrictive. Variations and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:

a first valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said first valve having a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the first valve;

a second valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve;

a collection chamber in fluid communication with the outlet of said first valve and the inlet of the second valve, said collection chamber being generally elongate between said first valve and said second valve;

a switch operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration;

a float member provided downstream of said first valve member and upstream of said second valve member, said float member being configured to move upwardly in response to an accumulation of condensate in said collection chamber, said movement of said float member causing said switch to change between said open configuration and said closed configuration; and,

an alarm which is operatively connected to said switch, said alarm being activated when said float member causes said switch to change between said open configuration and said closed configuration to indicate the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.

2. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, further comprising:

a pivot arm connected to the float about a first pivot and configured to rotate about a second pivot through an angle when the float moves upwardly; and

an actuator disposed on the pivot arm, said switch being caused to change configurations in response to movement of said pivot arm causing said actuator to move relative to said switch.

3. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 2, wherein said switch comprises a proximity switch configured to activate the alarm when the actuator is placed in operative proximity to the proximity switch by said rotation of the pivot arm through the angle.

4. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 3, wherein said proximity switch is open when said actuator is distal from said proximity switch and wherein said proximity switch is closed when said actuator is proximal said proximity switch.

5. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 4, wherein the actuator is located at a first end of the pivot arm, and wherein said second pivot is provided between the actuator and said first pivot.

6. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein said alarm is battery powered.

7. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 5, wherein said collection chamber is generally cylindrical and wherein said float is provided substantially within said collection chamber.

8. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 7, wherein said first pivot and said second pivot are provided within a housing for said first valve and wherein said float extends substantially into said collection chamber.

9. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 8, wherein said alarm is battery powered.

10. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein said float is configured to slide linearly along a shaft member in response to said accumulation of condensate in said collection chamber.

11. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 10, wherein said float member is provided within an outlet of said first valve.

12. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 11, wherein first valve member and said second valve member are aligned with one another with said collection chamber extending longitudinally between said first valve member and said second valve member, said float member being provided in fluid communication with the outlet of said first valve.

13. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 12, wherein said first valve member comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being collinear with said float member being provided in said first outlet.

14. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 12, wherein said first valve member comprises a housing comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being collinear, said second outlet being oriented perpendicular to said inlet and said first outlet with said float member being provided adjacent said second outlet.

15. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 14, wherein said alarm is battery powered.

16. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 1, wherein the second valve comprises a locking valve whereby movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the use of a key.

17. A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:

a first valve comprising an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, said first valve having a first valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and said outlets of the first valve, said first valve member comprising a housing comprising said inlet, said first outlet, and said second outlet, said first outlet and said inlet being collinear;

a second valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, said second valve having a second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve;

a collection chamber in fluid communication with the outlet of said first valve and the inlet of the second valve, said collection chamber being generally elongate between said first valve and said second valve;

a sensor provided in fluid communication with said second outlet of said first valve; and,

an alarm which is operatively connected to said sensor, said alarm being activated when said sensor indicates the presence of a predetermined amount of condensate in the collection chamber.

18. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said alarm is battery powered.

19. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said collection chamber is generally cylindrical.

20. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 17, wherein said first outlet of said first valve and said inlet of said second valve are aligned with one another with said collection chamber extending longitudinally between said first valve member and said second valve member, said sensor being provided within said second outlet of said first valve.

21. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 20, wherein said first outlet of said first valve and said inlet of said first valve are collinear, said second outlet being oriented perpendicular to said inlet and said first outlet, with said sensor being provided adjacent said second outlet.

22. The condensate collector arrangement of Claim.21, wherein said alarm is battery powered.

23. The condensate collector arrangement of claim 22, wherein the second valve comprises a locking valve whereby movement of the second valve member for selectively preventing communication between the inlet and the outlet of the second valve requires the use of a key.