Patent Publication Number: US-2022236132-A1

Title: Pressure monitoring system and housing therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/399,109, filed Apr. 30, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/252,099, filed Jan. 18, 2019, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,067,464 on Jul. 20, 2021, all of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to the field of fire hydrants. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a housing for a hydrant pressure monitoring system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fire hydrants are connected to fluid pipeline systems, such as municipal water systems, and allow firefighters to access the water supply in the pipeline system. Wet barrel fire hydrants can define a hydrant cavity that can be filled with water, or another fluid, even when the hydrant is not in operation. Typically, wet barrel hydrants can be found in regions where cold weather conditions are less common. 
     It can be desirable to monitor the water pressure in a water pipeline system. However, pressure monitors mounted to the pipeline below ground can be difficult to access for maintenance or replacement. Furthermore, it can be desirable to monitor for leaks in a water pipeline system. However, like pressure monitors, it can be difficult to access leak detection systems that are below ground. Typical leak detection systems do not constantly monitor for leaks, but rather monitor for leaks on a fixed schedule—for example, once per day. As such, leaks can go undetected and can even worsen during the time between scheduled leak detection cycles. 
     Pressure monitoring systems often comprise a housing for protecting sensitive elements within an interior of the pressure monitoring system. In housings comprising multiple separate housing components, gaps can be formed therebetween. Water and/or other undesirable elements can enter the interior of the pressure monitoring system through the gaps. In some aspects, spaces between separate housing components can also allow for accidental or objectionable disassembly of the housing by providing access points for tools that can aid in disassembly. Fasteners for connecting the separate housing components can also be damaged when a force is applied at or near the joints thereof. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description. 
     Disclosed is an outer housing for a pressure monitoring system comprising a sidewall shell defining an axis extending centrally therethrough and comprising an annular inner sidewall projection extending from a top end thereof; and a cap mounted to the sidewall shell, the cap defining an annular cap recess, wherein the annular inner sidewall projection is configured to engage the annular cap recess. 
     Also disclosed is a pressure monitoring system for a wet barrel hydrant comprising a pressure sensor assembly comprising a pressure sensor and a connector, the pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of a fluid received in the wet barrel hydrant, the connector configured to attach the pressure monitoring system to the wet barrel hydrant; a base assembly comprising a mounting flange, the pressure sensor assembly coupled to the base assembly; and an outer housing coupled to the mounting flange, the outer housing comprising a sidewall shell and a cap, the sidewall shell comprising an annular inner sidewall projection configured to engage an annular cap recess of the cap. 
     Also disclosed is an outer housing for a pressure monitoring system comprising a sidewall shell defining an axis extending centrally therethrough and an annular outer sidewall projection; a cap mounted to the sidewall shell, the cap defining an annular outer cap surface, the annular outer cap surface defining an annular notch formed therein, the annular outer sidewall projection extending alongside the annular outer cap surface; and a packing received in the annular notch and configured to create a watertight seal between the annular outer sidewall projection and the annular outer cap surface. 
     Furthermore, disclosed is an outer housing for a pressure monitoring system comprising a sidewall shell comprising an annular inner sidewall projection extending from a top end thereof; a cap mounted to the sidewall shell, the cap defining an inner cap surface, an outer cap surface, a cap bottom end, and an annular cap recess extending into the cap bottom end between the outer cap surface and the inner cap surface, wherein the annular inner sidewall projection is configured to engage the annular cap recess; and an antenna assembly directly mounted to the inner cap surface, the antenna assembly comprising an antenna. 
     Also disclosed is a pressure monitoring system for a wet barrel hydrant comprising a pressure sensor assembly comprising a pressure sensor and a connector, the pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of a fluid received in the wet barrel hydrant, the connector configured to attach the pressure monitoring system to the wet barrel hydrant; a base assembly comprising a mounting flange, the pressure sensor assembly coupled to the base assembly; an outer housing coupled to the mounting flange, the outer housing comprising a sidewall shell and a cap, the sidewall shell comprising an annular inner sidewall projection configured to engage an annular cap recess of the cap; and an antenna assembly comprising an antenna, the antenna assembly mounted to the cap and disposed external to the sidewall shell. 
     Additionally, disclosed is an outer housing for a pressure monitoring system comprising a sidewall shell defining an axis extending centrally therethrough and an annular outer sidewall projection; a cap mounted to the sidewall shell, the cap defining an annular outer cap surface, the annular outer cap surface defining an annular notch formed therein, the annular outer sidewall projection extending alongside the annular outer cap surface; a packing received in the annular notch and configured to create a watertight seal between the annular outer sidewall projection and the annular outer cap surface; and an antenna assembly comprising an antenna, the antenna assembly mounted to the cap and disposed external to the sidewall shell. 
     Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pressure monitoring and leak detection system mounted to a hydrant and comprising a pressure monitoring subsystem and a leak detection subsystem, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor assembly of the pressure monitoring subsystem of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of pressure sensor assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor assembly of  FIG. 2  mounted to the hydrant of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor assembly mounted to the hydrant, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor assembly of  FIG. 2  mounted to a base assembly of the pressure monitoring subsystem of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is cross-sectional view of the base assembly of  FIG. 6  mounted to a power assembly of the pressure monitoring subsystem of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of an antenna assembly of the pressure monitoring subsystem of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring and leak detection system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring and leak detection system of  FIG. 1  mounted to the hydrant of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for monitoring water pressure and detecting leaks in a pipeline system, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram illustrating another example process for monitoring water pressure and detecting leaks in a pipeline system, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates a perspective view of the pressure monitoring subsystem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates a close-up, cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring subsystem of  FIG. 13A  taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a close-up, cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring subsystem taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 13A , according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a close-up, cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring subsystem taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 13A , according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a close-up, cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring subsystem taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 13A , according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof. 
     As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. 
     Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods. 
     Disclosed in the present application is a pressure monitoring system and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the pressure monitoring system can comprise a connector for connecting the pressure monitoring system to a wet barrel hydrant and a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of water received in the wet barrel hydrant. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed pressure monitoring system is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first aspect of a pressure monitoring and leak detection system  100  according to the present disclosure. According to example aspects, the pressure monitoring and leak detection system  100  can comprise a pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (“PMS”) and a leak detection subsystem  170  (“LDS”). As shown, each of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  and leak detection subsystem  170  can be mounted to a fire hydrant; for example, a wet barrel hydrant  180 . The wet barrel hydrant  180  can define a barrel  182  and an interior hydrant cavity  484  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) defined by the barrel  182 . Water, or another fluid, from a pipeline system (not shown) can be housed within the hydrant cavity  484 . In example aspects, the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  can be coupled to the wet barrel hydrant  180  at a top end  186  of the barrel  182 , and the leak detection subsystem  170  can be coupled to the wet barrel hydrant  180  at a side of the barrel  182 . For example, the wet barrel hydrant  180  can comprise one or more nozzles  188  extending from the barrel  182 , and the leak detection subsystem  170  can be coupled to a nozzle  188  extending from a left side  190  of the barrel  182 , relative to the orientation shown. The barrel  182  can further comprise an operation nut  192 , which can be rotated to open and close a valve (not shown) housed within or below the barrel  182 , such as a valve within the nozzle  188 . Opening and closing the valve can supply or cut off water flow, respectively, to the wet barrel hydrant  180 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an aspect of a pressure sensor assembly  220  according to the present disclosure. As shown, the pressure sensor assembly  220  can comprise a pressure sensor  222  and a pressure sensor housing  230 . The pressure sensor  222  can be, for example, a piezo-resistive strain gauge, a capacitive gauge, an electromagnetic gauge, a piezoelectric device, or any other suitable device known in the art for measuring pressure. Example aspects of the pressure sensor housing  230  can define an interior housing cavity  232  for receiving the pressure sensor  222 . The housing cavity  232  can define a center axis  236 , as shown. A portion of the pressure sensor  222  can extend through an opening  238  in the housing cavity  232  to measure the pressure of water outside of the housing cavity  232 . In other aspects, the pressure sensor can be recessed into the housing cavity  232  and can measure the pressure of water received within the housing cavity  232 . Example aspects of the pressure sensor housing  230  can further comprise a connector  240  for connecting the pressure sensor assembly  220  to the wet barrel hydrant  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In other aspects, the connector  240  can be configured to connect the pressure sensor assembly  220  to another suitable device, such as, for example, a pipe, a valve, etc. The connector  240  can be a threaded flange  242 , as shown, and a threading  244  can be formed on an outer surface  246  of the threaded flange  242 ; however, in other aspects, the connector  240  can be any other suitable fastener known in the art, including, but not limited to, a clip, rivet, weld, adhesive, and the like. Furthermore, in other aspects, the threading  244  can be formed on an inner surface  248  of the threaded flange  242 . As shown in the present  FIG. 2 , in some aspects, an annular groove  252  can be formed between the inner surface  248  of the threaded flange  242  and an outer surface  234  of the housing cavity  232 . Furthermore, the pressure sensor housing  230  can define one or more mounting bores  254  extending into a locking disc  256  of the pressure sensor housing  230 . The mounting bores  254  can be blind holes, as shown, or can be through-holes. According to example aspects, the locking disc  256  can be oriented above the connector  240 , relative to the orientation shown. 
     Example aspects of the pressure sensor  222  can be substantially centrally located within the housing cavity  232 . The pressure sensor  222  can define a sensing end  224  extending through the opening  238  and a wire end  226  opposite the sensing end  224  and housed within the housing cavity  232 . The sensing end  224  can be in contact with the water, or other fluid, in the hydrant cavity  484  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and can be configured to measure the pressure of the water. A pressure sensor wire  258  can be connected to the wire end  226  of the pressure sensor  222  and can be configured to electronically communicate pressure data measured by the pressure sensor  222  to an auxiliary PCB  260  (printed circuit board), as shown. Furthermore, example aspects of the auxiliary PCB can comprise one or more pins  262  configured to electrically connect the pressure sensor wire  258  to a main PCB  646  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). The pins  262  can be positioned to connect to the main PCB  646  at a desired location. For example, as shown, the pins  262  can be offset from the center axis  236 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the pressure sensor assembly  220 . As shown, the pressure sensor assembly  220  can define a generally annular shape about the center axis  236 . Also, in the present aspect, the auxiliary PCB  260  can define a generally hourglass shape. The shape of the auxiliary PCB can allow the pins  262  to be offset from the center axis  236  to a desired location on the auxiliary PCB  260 , such that the pins  262  can be positioned to connect to the main PCB  646  where desired. In other aspects, the auxiliary PCB  260  can define any suitable shape can allow the pins  262  to be positioned as needed to connect to the main PCB  464  at a desired location. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the pressure sensor assembly  220  mounted to the top end  186  of the barrel  182  of the wet barrel hydrant  180 , according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown, a hydrant flange  492  can extend from the top end  186  of the barrel  182 . The hydrant flange  492  can define a hydrant bore  494  therethrough, and the hydrant bore  494  can be in fluid communication with the hydrant cavity  484 . The threaded flange  242  of the pressure sensor assembly  220  can be received within the hydrant bore  494  and can be configured to threadably mate with a threaded bore wall  496  to couple the pressure sensor assembly  220  to the top end  186  of the wet barrel hydrant  180 . In some aspects, an O-ring  464  can be positioned adjacent a proximal end  450  of the threaded flange  242  to provide a seal and a buffer between the hydrant flange  492  and the locking disc  256 . In another aspect, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the wet barrel hydrant  180  can define a threaded mounting nut  598  mounted within the hydrant bore  494  at the top end  186  of the barrel  182 . In the present aspect, the threading  244  can be defined on the inner surface  248  of the threaded flange  242 , and the threaded flange  242  can be configured to mate with the threaded mounting nut  598 . As shown, in example aspects, the threaded flange  242  can be received within the hydrant bore  494  between the threaded mounting nut  598  and the hydrant flange  492 . The threaded flange  242  can be configured to threadably mate with the threaded mounting nut  598  to secure the pressure sensor assembly  220  to the top end  186  of the wet barrel hydrant  180 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the pressure sensor assembly  220  mounted to a base assembly  630  of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), according to an example aspect. As shown, the base assembly  630  can comprise a central support  632  and a cylindrical wall  638  extending axially from a peripheral edge  634  of the central support  632 . The base assembly  630  can further define a base recess  635  that can be configured to receive the locking disc  256  of the pressure sensor assembly  220 . As shown, one or more fasteners  640  can extend through mounting bores  636  of the central support  632  and can engage the mounting bores  254  of the pressure sensor assembly  220  to couple the base assembly  630  to the pressure sensor assembly  220 . In some aspects, coupling the pressure sensor assembly  220  to the base assembly  630  can comprise integrally or monolithically forming the base assembly  630  with the pressure sensor assembly  220 . According to example aspects, a PCB mounting ring  642  can be supported on the central support  632  and the main PCB  646  can be received on the PCB mounting ring  642 , as shown. According to example aspects, the cylindrical wall  638  can surround the main PCB  646  to aid in protecting the main PCB  646  from external factors, such as moisture, dust particles, dirt particles, and the like. Example aspects of the main PCB  646  can be secured to the PCB mounting ring  642  by one or more fasteners (not shown), such as, for example, clips, screws, adhesives, and the like. Furthermore, example aspects of the PCB mounting ring  642  can comprise one or more positioning rods  644  that can aid in properly positioning the main PCB  646  on the PCB mounting ring  642 . 
     As shown, distal ends of the pins  262  of the auxiliary PCB  260  can engage the main PCB  646 . In the present aspect, as shown, the auxiliary PCB  260  can comprise an additional pin  262  substantially aligned with the center axis  236  and connected to the main PCB  646  at a desired location. The pressure sensor  222  can communicate pressure data to the main PCB  646  through the pressure sensor wire  258  and the auxiliary PCB  260 . In some aspects, the pressure sensor  222  can continually communicate pressure data to the main PCB  646 , while in other aspects, the pressure sensor  222  can communicate pressure data only when an anomaly is detected. The main PCB  646  can then evaluate the pressure data to determine whether a concern is present. In instances wherein the pressure data presents a concern, the main PCB  646  can electrically trigger an antenna  854  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) to send an alert signal to a third party (e.g., an external operations center), as will be described in further detail below. 
     According to example aspects, a potting compound, such as silicone, epoxy resin, polyurethane, or any other suitable potting compound can fill a portion of the base assembly  630  to cover the main PCB  646 . Covering the main PCB  646  with a potting compound can protect the main PCB  646  from moisture, corrosion, and vibrations, can aid in heat dissipation, and can provide other benefits. In some aspects, the auxiliary PCB  260 , the pins  262 , and/or other electronic components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  can be protected from external factors by potting. 
     Example aspects of the base assembly  630  can further comprise an annular mounting flange  650  extending radially outward from the central support  632 . An annular groove  654  can be formed between the annular mounting flange  650  and threaded flange  242  of the pressure sensor assembly  220 . In example aspects, the hydrant flange  492  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the wet barrel hydrant  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be received within the annular groove  654 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Furthermore, in example aspects, the annular mounting flange  650  can comprise on or more radially-extending hydrant mounting bores  652 , as shown. One or more fasteners, such as the cone point screws  656  depicted herein, can be received within the hydrant mounting bores  652  and can engage the hydrant flange  492  to further aid in securing the pressure monitoring assembly to the wet barrel hydrant  180 . Further, according to example aspects, security screws  674  can be received within the hydrant mounting bores  652  behind the cone point screws  656 . The security screws  674  are described in further detail below with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can further comprise a power assembly  740  mounted to the base assembly  630 . The power assembly  740  can comprise a power source, such as a battery pack  742 , as shown, for powering various components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . For example, the auxiliary and main PCBs  260 , 646 , the pressure sensor  222 , and the antenna  854  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) can all be powered by the battery pack  742 . Example aspects of the power assembly  740  can further comprise a battery housing  744  within which the battery pack  742  can be received. The battery housing  744  can comprise one or more standoffs  746 , as shown, which can aid in properly positioning the battery pack  742  within the battery housing  744 . In some aspects, the battery pack  742  can be potted in place. For example, the battery housing  744  can be partially or completely filled with a potting compound, such as, for example, silicone, epoxy resin, polyurethane, or any other suitable potting compound. The potting compound can be configured to protect the battery pack  742  from moisture, corrosion, vibrations, to aid in heat dissipation, and to provide other benefits. According to example aspects, the battery housing  744  can be positioned at and rest upon a distal end  739  of the cylindrical wall  638  of the base assembly  630 . Furthermore, a power connector  748  can be provided for electrically connecting the battery pack  742  to the main PCB  646 . In one aspect, as shown, a battery wire  750  can connect to the power connector  748  and a PCB wire  747  can connect to the power connector  748  to allow power to be transferred from the battery pack  742  to the main PCB  646 . Example aspects of the power connector  748  can be received in an annular gap  982  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) defined between the battery housing  744  and an outer housing  980  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an antenna assembly  850  of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown, the antenna assembly  850  can comprise an antenna board  852  and the antenna  854  mounted on the antenna board  852 . The antenna  854  can be configured to send signals representative of the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor  222  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Example aspects of the antenna  854  can be substantially horizontal-facing when the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  is mounted to the wet barrel hydrant  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ); however, in other aspects, the antenna  854  can be substantially vertical-facing or can face any other desired direction, including one or more antennas  854  facing multiple directions. Furthermore, as shown, the antenna  854  can comprise an antenna wire  856  for electrically connecting the antenna  854  to the main PCB  646  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). According to example aspects, the battery pack  742  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), pressure sensor  222 , auxiliary PCB  260  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), main PCB  646 , and the antenna  854  can all be in electrical communication with each other. In some aspects, portions of the antenna assembly  850  can be protected from various external factors by a potting compound, such as the potting compounds described above. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an assembled view of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . As shown, the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  further can comprise a sidewall shell  960  and a cap  970  for enclosing various components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 , including, for example, the antenna assembly  850 , the power assembly  740 , the base assembly  630 , and portions of the pressure sensor assembly  220 . In the present aspect, the cap  970  and the sidewall shell  960  can together define the outer housing  980  that can enclose at least the main PCB  646  and the antenna  854 . In example aspects, the antenna assembly  850  can be mounted to the cap  970  proximate to a distal end  945  of the battery housing  744 , as shown. Example aspects of the cap  970  can be formed from a non-ferrous material, so that the material of the cap  970  does not interfere with the ability of the antenna  854  to send signals to the third party. For example, the cap  970  can be formed from a plastic material, or any other suitable non-ferrous material having a sufficient rigidity for protecting the antenna  854  and other interior components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . Furthermore, in example aspects, the cap  970  can define a fastener, such as, for example, one or more clips  972 , for engaging a mating fastener of the sidewall shell  960 , such as, for example, an interior annular ridge  962 , to secure the cap  970  to the sidewall shell  960 . In other aspects, any other suitable fastener know in the art can be used, including, but not limited to, clips, snaps, adhesives, and the like. In still other aspects, the cap  970  can be monolithically formed form with the sidewall shell  960 . 
     Example aspects of the sidewall shell  960  can also be formed from a material having a sufficient rigidity for protecting interior components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . In some aspects, the sidewall shell  960  can be formed from a ferrous material, such as, for example, stainless steel or iron. In other aspects, the sidewall shell  960  can be formed from a non-ferrous material, such as, for example, aluminum or plastic, such as if it is desired to align the antenna  850  to transmit signal through the sidewall shell  960 . Example aspects of the sidewall shell can define a first shoulder  963  configured to engage the battery housing  744  to hold the battery housing  744  against the base assembly  630 , as shown. Furthermore, as shown, the sidewall shell  960  can comprise shell mounting bores  964  formed proximate the mounting flange  650  of the base assembly  630 , and which can extend from an outer surface  966  of the sidewall shell  960  to an inner surface  968  of the sidewall shell  960 . The shell mounting bores  964  of the sidewall shell  960  can be configured to align with the hydrant mounting bores  652  of the mounting flange  650 , and a fastener, such as the security screws  674  illustrated herein, can be configured to extending through each corresponding pair of shell and hydrant mounting bores  964 , 652  to secure the sidewall shell  960  to the base assembly  630 . According to example aspects, the sidewall shell can define a second shoulder  965  configured to engage the mounting flange  650  of the base assembly  630 , which can aid in aligning the shell mounting bores  964  with the hydrant mounting bores  652 . In some aspects, the security screws  674  can contact the cone point screws  656  to move the screws  656  inwards in the hydrant mounting bores  652 . In example aspects, the sidewall shell  960  can be selectively removed for replacing the battery pack  742  and/or for repairing or replacing other interior components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pressure monitoring and leak detection system  100  mounted to the wet barrel hydrant  180 , take along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . As shown, the leak detection subsystem  170  can be attached to the nozzle  188  on the left side  190  of the wet barrel hydrant  180 , relative to the orientation shown. Example aspects of the leak detection subsystem  170  can be substantially similar to the hydrant cap leak detector disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/121,136, filed Sep. 4, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Other known hydrant cap leak detectors can be utilized in other aspects. As shown, the leak detection subsystem  170  can comprise a vibration sensor  1072 . Example aspects of the vibration sensor  1072  can be housed in a leak detection housing  1074 . As shown, the leak detection housing  1074  can be formed as a nozzle cap for the nozzle  188 . In example aspects, the leak detection housing  1074  can comprise a threaded connector  1076  for mounting the leak detection housing to the nozzle  188 . The vibration sensor  1072  can be configured to detect leaks within pipeline system by monitoring vibrations in the pipeline system. For example, the vibration sensor  1072  can monitor vibrations in the metal of pipes comprised by the pipeline system. The vibration readings from the vibration sensor  1072  can be processed by a leak detection PCB (not shown) to determine whether a leak is present, and a leak detection antenna (not shown) can transmit a signal representative of the leak detection data to an external source. In example aspects, the leak detection subsystem  170  can be configured in an operating mode, wherein the leak detection subsystem  170  can be monitoring vibrations (i.e., running a leak detection cycle), and a rest mode, wherein the leak detection subsystem  170  is not monitoring vibrations. 
     In one aspect, a method for using the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  can comprise measuring the water pressure of water received in the hydrant cavity  484  of the wet barrel hydrant  180 , processing the water pressure data to determine whether an anomaly is present, and sending an alert signal when an anomaly is determined to be present. In some aspects, sending an alert signal can comprise sending an alert signal to the leak detection subsystem  170 . In other aspects, sending an alert signal can comprise sending an alert signal to a remote operations center, or another third party. Furthermore, according to example aspects, processing the water pressure data can comprise sending the water pressure data measured by the pressure sensor  222  to a PCB (such as the auxiliary PCB  260  and/or main PCB  646 ), processing the water pressure data with the PCB, and communicating the water pressure data to the antenna  854 . 
     According to example aspects, the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (“PMS”) can transmit signals to the leak detection subsystem  170  (“LDS”) and/or the leak detection subsystem  170  can transmit signals to the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in one aspect, a method for using the pressure monitoring and leak detection system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can comprise a first step  1102  of measuring the water pressure of water received in the hydrant cavity  484  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of a wet barrel hydrant  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) with the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and a second step  1104  can comprise processing the water pressure data to determine whether an anomaly is present. If an anomaly is not detected, a third step  1106  can comprise continuing to measure the water pressure as normal. However, if an anomaly is detected, an alternate third step  1108  can comprise alerting the leak detection subsystem  170  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), either directly from the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  or indirectly through a third party, such as a remote operations center operated by a utility company. A fourth step  1110  can comprise running a leak detection cycle with the leak detection subsystem  170  and a fifth step  1112  can comprise processing the leak detection data with the leak detection subsystem  170  or at the remote operations center to determine whether a leak is present. If a leak is not detected, a sixth step  1114  can comprise continuing to run leak detection cycles as regularly scheduled. In another aspect, wherein a pressure anomaly is detected but a possible leak is not detected, an alert signal indicative of these results can be sent to the third party. If a possible leak is detected, an alternate sixth step  1116  can comprise sending an alert signal to the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 , and a seventh step  1118  can comprise running additional diagnostics with the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  to further evaluate the possible leak. In some aspects, an eighth step  1120  can comprise also sending an alert signal to a third party, such as the remote operations center, when a possible leak is detected. The eighth step  1120  can be performed in tandem with or after the sixth step  1116 , or in some aspects, can be performed instead of the sixth step  1116  and seventh step  1118 . 
     In another aspect, the series of steps described above can be substantially reversed. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a method for using the pressure monitoring and leak detection system  100  can comprise a first step  1202  of running a leak detection cycle as regularly scheduled with the leak detection subsystem  170  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and a second step  1204  can comprise processing the leak detection data to determine whether a leak is present. If a leak is not detected, a third step  1206  can comprise continuing to run leak detection cycles as regularly scheduled. However, if a possible leak is detected, an alternate third step  1208  can comprise alerting the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) either directly from the leak detection subsystem  170  or indirectly through the third party (e.g., a remote operations center operated by a utility company). A fourth step  1210  can comprise measuring the water pressure of the water within the hydrant cavity  484  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) with the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 , and a fifth step  1212  can comprise processing the water pressure data with the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  or at the remote operations center to determine whether an anomaly is present. If an anomaly is not detected, a sixth step  1214  can comprise continuing to measure the water pressure as normal. In another aspect, if a possible leak is detected but a pressure anomaly is not detected, an alert signal indicative of these results can be sent to the third party. If a pressure anomaly is detected, an alternate sixth step  1216  can comprise sending an alert signal to the leak detection subsystem  170 , and a seventh step  1218  can comprise running an additional leak detection cycle to further evaluate the possible leak. In some aspects, an eighth step  1220  can comprise also sending an alert signal to a third party, such as a remote operations center, when an anomaly is detected. The eighth step  1220  can be performed in tandem with or after the sixth step  1216 , or in some aspects, can be performed instead of the sixth step  1216  and seventh step  1218 . 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 , according to another aspect of the invention. In other aspects, the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  can be a standalone pressure monitoring system not tied to the leak detection subsystem  170  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or any other subsystem. As shown, the pressure monitoring subsystem  110  can comprise the sidewall shell  960  and the cap  970 . The cap  970  and the sidewall shell  960  can together define the outer housing  980  that can enclose various components of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . For example, in one aspect, the outer housing  980  can enclose at least the main PCB  646  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and the antenna  854  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). The sidewall shell  960  can define a sidewall axis  1350  extending centrally therethrough. In example aspects, the sidewall axis  1350  can be substantially co-linear with the center axis  236  (shown in FIG.  2 ). Referring to  FIG. 13B , as described above, the cap  970  can comprise one or more fasteners, such as, for example, the clips  972  for connecting the cap  970  to the sidewall shell  960 . As shown, the clips  972  can extend generally vertically downward, relative to the orientation shown, from a bottom end  1320  of cap  970 . The clips  972  can be configured to engage a mating fastener of the sidewall shell  960 , such as, for example, the interior annular ridge  962 , to secure the cap  970  to the sidewall shell  960 . In other aspects, any other suitable fastener know in the art can be used, including, but not limited to snaps, adhesives, and the like. 
     In some aspects, a small gap  1340  can be formed, either intentionally or unintentionally due to, for example, manufacturing tolerances, between the sidewall shell  960  and the cap  970 . To prevent the intrusion of water and other undesirable elements through the gap  1340  and into an interior  1382  of the outer housing  980 , the sidewall shell  960  can define an annular inner sidewall projection  1362  and annular outer sidewall projection  1364 . In the present aspect, each of the inner sidewall projection  1362  and outer sidewall projection  1364  can define a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Each of the inner and outer sidewall projections  1362 ,  1364  can extend generally vertically upward, relative to the orientation shown, from a top end  1370  of the sidewall shell  960 . In example aspects, the inner sidewall projection  1362  can be elongated as compared to the outer sidewall projection  1364 . That is, the inner sidewall projection  1362  can define a height H 1  that can be greater than a height H 2  of the outer sidewall projection  1364 . An annular sidewall recess  1366  can be defined between the inner sidewall projection  1362  and outer sidewall projection  1364 , as shown. Furthermore, an annular sidewall mounting ledge  1368  can be defined adjacent the inner sidewall projection  1362  and can extend generally radially inward relative to the sidewall axis  1350 . 
     Example aspects of the cap  970  can comprise an annular cap recess  1310  formed between an inner cap surface  1312  of the cap  970  and an outer cap surface  1314  of the cap  970 , as shown. An annular outer cap projection  1316  can be defined between the annular cap recess  1310  and the outer cap surface  1314  of the cap  970 , and an annular cap mounting shoulder  1318  can be defined between the annular cap recess  1310  and the clips  972 . As shown in  FIG. 13B , with the cap  970  mounted on the sidewall shell  960 , the cap mounting shoulder  1318  can engage the sidewall mounting ledge  1368 . The inner sidewall projection  1362  can engage the annular cap recess  1310 , and the outer cap projection  1316  can engage the annular sidewall recess  1366 . The outer sidewall projection  1364  can extend generally upward, relative to the orientation shown, alongside the outer cap surface  1314  of the cap  970 . As shown, any water (or other undesirable element) that may breach the gap  1340  between the sidewall shell  960  and the cap  970  would have to travel under the outer cap projection  1316  and then travel upwards and over the elongated inner sidewall projection  1362  in order to enter the interior  1382  of the outer housing  980 . Additionally, because height H 1  is greater than height H 2 , water cannot travel upwards above inner sidewall projection  1362  because it will overflow over outer sidewall projection  1364  before the water level rises high enough to reach height H 2 . The configuration of the outer housing  180  can also limit accidental or objectionable disassembly of the outer housing  180 , as it would be difficult to wedge a tool (not shown) down through the gap  1340  and underneath the outer cap projection  1316  to separate the cap  970  from the sidewall shell  960 . Furthermore, loads applied at or near the joint between the cap  970  and sidewall shell  960  can be spread out across the overlapping projections (e.g., the inner sidewall projection  1362 , the outer cap projection  1316 , and the outer sidewall projection  1364 ), which can reduce damage that can be caused by stresses at the joint. 
     As described above, example aspects of the cap  970  can be formed from a non-ferrous material, so that the material of the cap  970  does not interfere with the ability of the antenna  854  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) to send signals to the third party. In some aspects, the sidewall shell  960  can be formed from a non-ferrous material as well, such as aluminum or plastic. However, in other aspects, the sidewall shell  960  can be formed from a ferrous material, such as a ferrous metal material like stainless steel or iron. In such aspects, the outer housing  980  can be configured such that the sidewall shell  960  can extend vertically to an elevation E 1 , relative to orientation shown, that can be less than an elevation E 2  of the antenna assembly  850 , such that the ferrous material of the sidewall shell  960  does not interfere with the signaling ability of the antenna  854 . As shown, the inner sidewall projection  1362  can extend to the elevation E 1 , and the outer sidewall projection  1364  can extend to an elevation E 3  lower than the elevation E 1 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another aspect of the outer housing  980  of the pressure monitoring subsystem  110 . In the present aspect, the sidewall shell  960  can define the outer sidewall projection  1364  configured to extend alongside the generally annular outer cap surface  1314  of the cap  970 . According to example aspects, the outer cap surface  1314  can define an annular notch  1402  formed therein, as shown. A packing, such as, for example, an O-ring  1404 , can be received in the annular notch  1402  and can be configured to create a watertight seal between the outer sidewall projection  1364  and the outer cap surface  1314 . As such, in instances wherein water (or another undesirable element) may breach the gap  1340  formed between the cap  970  and the sidewall shell  960 , the O-ring  1404  can prevent the water from entering the interior  1382  of the outer housing  980 . In some aspects, the outer cap surface  1314  can define a curved portion  1406  proximate the gap  1340 , and the outer sidewall projection  1364  can define a curved portion  1408  proximate the gap  1340 , such that the cap  970  is substantially flush with the sidewall shell  960  at the gap  1340 . Furthermore, in the present aspect, the sidewall mounting ledge  1368  can extend radially inward from the outer sidewall projection  1364 , and the cap mounting shoulder  1318  can extend radially inward from the outer cap surface  1314  between the outer cap surface  1314  and the clips  972 . The cap mounting shoulder  1318  can engage the sidewall mounting ledge  1368 , as shown, when the cap  970  is mounted to the sidewall shell  960 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another aspect of the outer housing  980  according to the present disclosure. The present aspect of the outer housing  980  can be similar to the aspect of  FIG. 14 . However, as shown, the outer cap surface  1314  can define a sloped portion  1502  configured to rest on a sloped top end  1504  of the outer sidewall projection  1364  to further prevent intrusion of water. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates still another aspect of the outer housing  980 . Similar to the aspect illustrated in  FIG. 13B , the outer housing  980  of the present aspect can define the inner sidewall projection  1362  that can engage the cap recess  1310 . The inner sidewall projection  1362  can define a generally triangular cross-sectional shape, as shown. As shown, the outer sidewall projection  1364  (shown in  FIG. 13B ) may not be present. The inner sidewall projection  1362  can define a slanted sidewall projection surface  1668  and the cap recess  1310  can define a confronting slanted cap recess surface  1618 . In an instance where water (or another undesirable element) may breach the gap  1340  between the cap  970  and the sidewall shell  960 , the water would have to travel up the slanted sidewall projection surface  1668  and over the inner sidewall projection  1362  in order to potentially enter the interior  1382  of the outer housing  980 . 
     According to the present aspect, the cap  970  can also define the outer cap projection  1316  formed between the outer cap surface  1314  and the cap recess  1310 . As shown, the outer cap surface  1314  can be substantially flush with an outer sidewall surface  1666  of the sidewall shell  960 . The outer housing  980  can also define the cap mounting shoulder  1318  that can engage the sidewall mounting ledge  1368 . Example aspects of the cap  970  can further define a second cap mounting shoulder  1612  extending radially between the cap mounting shoulder  1318  and the cap recess  1310 . The sidewall shell  960  can further define a second sidewall mounting ledge  1662  extending radially between the sidewall mounting ledge  1368  and the inner sidewall projection  1362 . The second cap mounting shoulder  1612  can engage the second sidewall mounting ledge  1662 , as shown. 
     One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.