Patent ID: 6553827
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: B23K,B41J,C09D,G01F,G01M

Abstract:
A method of operating a water saver apparatus coupled to supply and return coolant lines of a welding machine, said method comprising:generating first and second signals that are each indicative of an associated different one of a supply flow rate of coolant in a supply coolant line to welding components and a return flow rate of coolant in a return coolant line from the welding components; concurrently monitoring to detect if the first signal indicates that an associated one of the supply flow rate and the return flow rate has crossed a threshold flow rate and to detect if the first and second signals indicate that a leak threshold value has been exceeded based upon at least a baseline flow rate calculated from the first signal; in response to detecting that the first signal indicates that the threshold flow rate has been crossed, generating an alarm signal indicative of the detection, wherein the threshold flow rate is a high flow threshold rate; and in response to a determination that the leak threshold has been exceeded, generating a valve shut-off signal to shut off the flow of coolant.