2. Anthony Nadum Taneh, Reagan Nnabio Robinson and Charity M. Kpabep
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 18 editor@iaeme.com
Cite this Article: Taneh, A. N., Robinson, R. N. and Kpabep, C. M. Design of
an Automatic Super-Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
(ASUPWASS). International Journal of Electronics and Communication
Engineering & Technology, 6(7), 2015, pp. 17-25.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/issues.asp?JTypeIJECET&VType=6&IType=7
_____________________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
According to Schneier (2010), [2] security is the degree of resistance to, or protection
from, harm. It applies to any vulnerable and valuable asset, such as a person,
dwelling, community, nation, or organization. Security issues in a nation like Nigeria,
is a critical one. It cuts across from simple burglary theft to carrying serious
sophisticated weapons. Perception of security in different quarters has increased
drastically and has raised serious objection with respect to the day to day living
amongst neighbours in particular and the society at large. This lack of security has
become a great menace that life and properties are no longer safe. Besides, small scale
businesses are beginning to suffer great loss, since there business shops like
supermarkets, boutiques etc. are constantly falling victim due to intruders who
constantly burgles them. Although there had been several measures, however
developing one that will automatically inflict injuries like Scalding which may cause
body scars is uncommon which is the essence behind this work; the design of an
automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security system. Its essence is to
deter the malicious behaviour of burglary.
Automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security system
(ASUPWASS) is an automated electrical system that is designed to help in curbing
theft and burglary problem in an environment. It uses the principle of automatically
sensing intruding criminals in a secured environment and using superheated water and
an alarm system to scare them away. Superheated water is liquid water under pressure
at temperatures between the usual boiling point, 100 °C (212 °F) and a critical
temperature, 374 °C (705 °F). It can also be referred to as “subcritical water or
pressurized hot water”, which is sprayed continuously against the burgling criminals.
Superheated water is stable because of overpressure that raises the boiling point, or by
heating it in a sealed vessel. At temperatures below 300 °C water is fairly
incompressible, which means that pressure has good effect on the physical properties
of water, provided it is sufficient to maintain liquid state. This pressure is given by the
saturated vapour pressure. Usually above about 300 °C, water starts to behave as a
near-critical liquid, and physical properties such as density start to change more
significantly with pressure. However, higher pressures increase the rate of body injury
using superheated water below 300 °C (Chaplin, 2008) [1]. Chaplain went further to
say that, injuries on human body with superheated water tends to be fast because
diffusion rates increases with temperature. It is this state of water that tends to cause
an immediate Scalding injury on the criminal body and makes him uncomfortable in
the scene of burgling, while an alarm is simultaneously triggered to attract people.
Scalding injury is a serious concern in many societies of world (Wulfinghoff,
1999), [5] of which Nigeria is not an exception. Human skin burns quickly at high
temperature, in less than 5 seconds at 60 °C (140 °F), but much slower at 53 °C (127
°F) (Smith & Burgess, 1996) [3]. It takes about 110 °C (264 °F) to cause a second
degree burn. ASUPWASS technology is designed to spray superheated water at well
over 200°C (479 °F) , of which if contacted with human skin, can cause several
3. Design of an Automatic Super-Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
(ASUPWASS)
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 19 editor@iaeme.com
degrees of burn which might take several weeks or months to be treated fully. All
these put together will definitely scare away criminals from that scene.
Automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security system
(ASUPWASS) is technological device intended to add in the enhancement of security
system in Nigerian locality. ASUPWASS has the capability of causing a fight and
flight response in humans intruders. A criminal under this condition will panic and
flee the perceived danger of Scalding injury or being caught. The operational
procedure is with the use of electrical/electronic components, surge tank, heater,
sensor, water pump, compressor, timer relay, alarm, electrical valve, and manual
valve.
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The functionality of automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security
system uses the simple process of an intruder being detected by a human sensor,
which will trigger the opening of the valve of a hot water surge tank and at the same
time an alarm. The hot water and the alarm operate on a pre-set time after which a
time relay will trip them off. The triggering of the sensor will however, energise an
electrical circuit which will power an electric pump to flow water into the tank. Water
heating is a thermodynamic process that uses an energy source to heat water above its
initial temperature. Similarly, another electrical circuit will power an electric heater to
heat the water in the surge tank.
The Sensor: The sensor is an ultrasound electronic device that emits radiation in
order to sense some aspect of its surroundings. Ultrasound sensors can measure the
heat of an object, as well as detect motion. Detected signal enters the sensor itself at
the center of the device. This part comprises of more than one individual sensor,
which is made up of pyroelectric materials, either natural or artificial. These are
materials that generate an electrical voltage when heated or cooled.
These pyroelectric materials are integrated into a small circuit board. They are
wired in such a way that when the sensor detects an increase in the heat of a small part
of its field of view, it will trigger the motion detector alarm. It is very common for an
ultrasound sensor to be integrated into motion detectors, which is why it is suitable for
this research, which can be used for residential or commercial security system. Most
motion detectors are fitted with a special type of lens, called a Fresnel lens on the
sensor face. A set of these lenses on a motion detector can focus light from many
directions, giving the sensor a view of the whole area. Instead of Fresnel lenses, some
motion detectors are fitted with small parabolic mirrors which serve the same
purpose.
The sensor is such that it is made up of tiny parabolic mirrors to extend their
sensitivity rang to a broader horizon such as automatic light switch. When someone
steps into the horizon of the sensor, its curved radius of several minutes of focusing
ability can take weak light signals received from multiple angles, which will be
channeled into one focal point on the sensor. It also does perceive motion by
detecting the heat generated by a moving human body.
Surge Tank: Surge tank (or surge chamber) is a device introduced within a water
conveyance system having a rather long pressure conduit to absorb the excess
pressure rise in case of a sudden valve closure. The surge tank is located between the
almost horizontal or slightly inclined conduit and steeply sloping penstock and is
designed as a water heater chamber.
4. Anthony Nadum Taneh, Reagan Nnabio Robinson and Charity M. Kpabep
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 20 editor@iaeme.com
The surge tank is an attachment to a pressurized system designed to accommodate
pressure changes. Its purpose is to neutralize rise and fall in pressure to prevent
system failures, blowouts, and other problems. The device can he used with a number
of different types of systems ranging from the fuel lines in vehicles to the systems
used to regulate water levels in swimming pools. The surge tank is attached to the top
point of the system. When pressure rises, water is forced upward; flowing into the
tank rather than flowing out the system. For instance, in the swimming pool, if several
people jump into a swimming pool at the same time, the water flows into gutters and
rises into the tank instead of’ slopping out of the pool. The ability to accommodate a
sudden increase in pressure is critical with closed systems like radiators, where the
increased pressure cannot
If the pressure drops suddenly, the surge tank can fill in with a reserve of water
until the pressure is equalized again. While the tank is not expected to allow hot water
to flow continually, a time relay is introduced to stop the flow at a particular time. The
device usually has a set of valves to control water flow. There is also a diaphragm
designed to release pressure in the event of an emergency. The principle behind the
tank process can be employed to bleed air out of fluid systems since air might rise to
the top. It can be vented as valve keeps fluids safely inside the system. When
installing a surge tank, it is good to use one designed and rated for the system. If tank
is not fitted properly or not strong enough, a catastrophic failure can occur. Many
companies make tanks designed for various applications, and it is good to order
customized models for particular settings, in case of a special need. It also acts as a
small storage from which water may he supplied in case of a sudden valve opening on
an intruder. When the valve in a hydroelectric power plant is suddenly closed because
of its small inertia, the water in the penstock stops almost at once. The water in the
pipeline with large inertia retards slowly. The difference in flows between pipes and
penstock causes a rise in the water level in the surge tank. The water level rises above
the static level of the reservoir water, producing a counter-pressure so that water in
the pipe flows towards the reservoir and the level of water in the surge tank drops. In
the absence of damping, oscillation would continue indefinitely with the same
amplitude. The flow into the surge tank and water level in the tank at any time during
the oscillation depends on the dimension of the pipes, tank and the type of valve
movement.
Water Pump: The water pump is used to raise, compress, or transfer fluids. The
motors that power most pumps can be the locus of many best practices. It is common
to model the operation of pumps via pump and system curves. Pump curves offer the
horsepower, head, and flow rate figures for a specific pump at a constant rpm. System
curves describe the capacity and head required by a pump system. Pump operation
may be modeled by a system of affinity laws that show a relationship between rpm,
flow rate, and power. Understanding these basic relationships shown below, is very
important in considering the performance of a pumping system.
Q1 / Q2 = (N1/N1)2
H1 / H2 = (N1/N1)2
P1 / P2 = (N1/N1)3
Where; P = Power, H = Head, N = Speed, Q = Flow rate.
5. Design of an Automatic Super-Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
(ASUPWASS)
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 21 editor@iaeme.com
2.1. Types of Pump
Various types of pumps are used in the chemical industry, including centrifugal,
reciprocating, and helical rotor pumps.
Centrifugal pumps operate by applying a centrifugal force to fluids, many times
with the assistance of impellers. These pumps are typically used in moderate to high
flow applications with low-pressure head, and are very common in chemical process
industries. There are three types of centrifugal pumps-radial, mixed, and axial flow
pumps. In the radial pumps, pressure is developed completely through a centrifugal
force, while in axial pumps pressure is developed by lift generated by the impeller.
Mixed flow pumps develop flow through a centrifugal force and the impeller.
Reciprocating pumps compress liquid in small chambers via pistons or
diaphragms. These pumps are typically used in low-flow and high-head applications.
Piston pumps may have single or multiple stages and are generally not suitable for
transferring toxic or explosive material.
Diaphragm pumps are more commonly used for toxic or explosive materials.
Helical rotor pumps use a rotor within a helical cavity to develop pressure. These
pumps are useful for submersible and waste applications.
3. THE DESIGN
To achieve a good operation design of ASUPWASS, three types of drawings are
being considered. They are the flow diagram, construction drawing and a schematic
diagram.
Step I: Prepare a flow diagram of the system
Figure 1 ASUPWASS Flow Diagram.
Step II: Use step I to prepare construction drawing
Surge
Tank
Pump
Valve
Sensor
Electrical
Flow Diagram
Compressor
6. Anthony Nadum Taneh, Reagan Nnabio Robinson and Charity M. Kpabep
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 22 editor@iaeme.com
Figure 2 ASUPWASS Construction Drawing.
Step III: Have all the apparatus/components ready
Step IV: Prepare the schematic diagram
Figure 3 ASUPWASS Schematic Diagram.
Step V: Start coupling the components according step H.
Step VI: Start connection according to step IV.
Step VII: Have visual inspection that steps ii and IV are actually followed.
Step VIII: Do your instrument test inspection of partial contacts, polarity, earth
leakage, short circuit, and continuity test.
Step IX: Prime the electric pump.
Step X: Open inlet manual valve for water and switch on the main electric breaker.
Step XI: Pump water to the surge tank.
Step XII: Turn on the heater.
Step XIII: Have motion test by moving across the sensor area.
Step XIV: Confirm that the radius of operation of the sensor is of a good distance;
else you adjust the sensor to be actively sensitive.
Infrared
sensor
Electrical
Connector Box
Electric Pump
Base
Flange
Inlet Valve
Heating
Element
Nozzle
Electric Pressure Valve
Gauge
Safety relief outlet
Diaphragm
Surge
Tank
Compressor
M
A1
A2
K1
1
2
95
96
3
4
N
A1
A2
14
13
K1
K2
7
2 TR
5
6 R Y B
L1 L2 L3
T1 T3 T5
T2 T4 T6
T1 T3 T5
K2 K1
T2 T4 T6
u1 v1 w1
R
Y
B
N
L1 L2 L3
TH
7. Design of an Automatic Super
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET
The followings are the design Symbols;
Figure 4
4. DESIGN ANALYSIS
The system has three protective devices for effective operation. On the control circuit,
we have the fuse with rated ampere according to
that may have occurred from the source of power supply or any short circuit.
Design of an Automatic Super-Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
(ASUPWASS)
ECET/index.asp 23 editor@iaeme.com
The followings are the design Symbols;
Figure 4 ASUPWASS Prototype Picture.
DESIGN ANALYSIS
The system has three protective devices for effective operation. On the control circuit,
we have the fuse with rated ampere according to protective current design of any fault
that may have occurred from the source of power supply or any short circuit.
TH Thermostat
Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
editor@iaeme.com
The system has three protective devices for effective operation. On the control circuit,
protective current design of any fault
that may have occurred from the source of power supply or any short circuit.
8. Anthony Nadum Taneh, Reagan Nnabio Robinson and Charity M. Kpabep
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 24 editor@iaeme.com
Another protective device is the over-load relay. The over-load relay is a thermal-
magnetic device that gets activated to protect the system in case of overload, excess
current, heat, earth-leakage, short circuit or Friction on the pump. This is very
important so that the environment, users, and equipment are safe.
The breakers are other protective devices that are also thermal-magnetic
component, used on the power circuit [4]. This is used on the heater and the pump. It
equally protects any abnormal situation like over-heating, short circuit, or earth-
leakage.
The system is regarded as remote operated circuit that is why a sensor is
integrated into the system with other electromagnetic components such as; contactor
and over-load relay block. The saying that it is remote operated is because the
contactor is a device that is not operated manually for frequent making and breaking
of the circuit.
The Heater control circuit is connected in series with the control of the pump. This
is because the heater control should not be on when there is no water in the tank. This
design protects the element of the heater from getting burnt easily; especially if the
circuit is over-heated.
The sensor is connected to control the electric valve and the alarm. This is to
enable them to be triggered at the same time and avoid differences in activation.
The pump should be primed before actual pumping of water to the tank. This is to
avoid the pump being used without water and subsequently get heated and being
burnt. The pump is placed at a height so as to enable effective pressure. This will
avoid the water from flowing back.
5. CONCLUSION
Security system in a nation like Nigeria has been a great challenge, hence the Design
of automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security system
(ASUPWASS). It is an innovative security device that uses highly pressurized heated
water to attack burgling criminals in an environment and simultaneously raise an
alarm to alert the environs. The heated water is hot enough to develop several degree
of burnt called scalding on human body. It can be used in several security outfit
including; residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Its essence is to scare away
burgling criminals, hence its physical construction will add in the enhancement of
security measures.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
Considering the innovative tendency of ASUPWASS, the following recommendations
are made;
• Government like Nigeria should test run ASUPWASS by providing funds that will
ensure mass production and distribution to government agencies.
• Thorough risk analyses assessment should be carried out in all environments to
ascertain a suitable place for installation of ASUPWASS.
• All safety precautions should be considered in carrying out any experimental
construction on ASUPWASS in the workshop.
• ASUPWASS is a single or three phase device. However, it is recommended that three
phase is applied for highly super-heated hot water.
• The installation of this work should be done only by an authorized person and area.
9. Design of an Automatic Super-Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
(ASUPWASS)
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 25 editor@iaeme.com
REFERENCES
[1] Chaplin, M. Explanation of the physical anomalies of water. London South Bank
University. Retrieved 15 January 2008, at http://www.isbu.ac.uk/waters/explain5.
[2] Schneier, B. Beyond Fear: Thinking Sensibly about Security in an Uncertain
World. London: Copernicus Books, (2010).
[3] Smith, R. M. and Burgess, R. J. Superheated water: A clean eluent for reverse
phase high performance chromatography. Analytical Communications (Royal
Society of Chemistry). 33(9), 1996, pp. 327–329.
[4] Tim, S. and William, D. Electrical power and controls. New Jersey: Prentice Hall,
2001.
[5] Wulfinghoff, D. R. Energy Efficiency Manual. USA: Energy Institute Press,
(1999).
AUTHORS’ DETAILS
Reagan N. Robinson was born on the 6th of June, 1969. He is
presently lecturing in the Department of Technical Education
(Electrical/Electronic Technology Option) of the Rivers State
University of Education, Rumuolumeni Nigeria. He is presently
awaiting a Ph.D. defense on Electrical/Electronic technology
Education in ESUT Nigeria.
Taneh, N. Anthony is a lecturer in Electrical/Electronic
Engineering Department at Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori Nigeria.
He is currently defending his master degree in industrial education
at Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Nigeria. He
was born on 15th, July 1970, married with two children.
Kpabep, M. Charity is a lecturer at Rivers State Polytechnic,
Bori in mechanical Engineering department. Presently, she is
carrying out research in her PhD at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
She is a member of different professional bodies. She was born on
15th. June 1966, married with two children.
![Anthony Nadum Taneh, Reagan Nnabio Robinson and Charity M. Kpabep
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/index.asp 18 editor@iaeme.com
Cite this Article: Taneh, A. N., Robinson, R. N. and Kpabep, C. M. Design of
an Automatic Super-Heated Pressurized Water and Alarm Security System
(ASUPWASS). International Journal of Electronics and Communication
Engineering & Technology, 6(7), 2015, pp. 17-25.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJECET/issues.asp?JTypeIJECET&VType=6&IType=7
_____________________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
According to Schneier (2010), [2] security is the degree of resistance to, or protection
from, harm. It applies to any vulnerable and valuable asset, such as a person,
dwelling, community, nation, or organization. Security issues in a nation like Nigeria,
is a critical one. It cuts across from simple burglary theft to carrying serious
sophisticated weapons. Perception of security in different quarters has increased
drastically and has raised serious objection with respect to the day to day living
amongst neighbours in particular and the society at large. This lack of security has
become a great menace that life and properties are no longer safe. Besides, small scale
businesses are beginning to suffer great loss, since there business shops like
supermarkets, boutiques etc. are constantly falling victim due to intruders who
constantly burgles them. Although there had been several measures, however
developing one that will automatically inflict injuries like Scalding which may cause
body scars is uncommon which is the essence behind this work; the design of an
automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security system. Its essence is to
deter the malicious behaviour of burglary.
Automatic super-heated pressurized water and alarm security system
(ASUPWASS) is an automated electrical system that is designed to help in curbing
theft and burglary problem in an environment. It uses the principle of automatically
sensing intruding criminals in a secured environment and using superheated water and
an alarm system to scare them away. Superheated water is liquid water under pressure
at temperatures between the usual boiling point, 100 °C (212 °F) and a critical
temperature, 374 °C (705 °F). It can also be referred to as “subcritical water or
pressurized hot water”, which is sprayed continuously against the burgling criminals.
Superheated water is stable because of overpressure that raises the boiling point, or by
heating it in a sealed vessel. At temperatures below 300 °C water is fairly
incompressible, which means that pressure has good effect on the physical properties
of water, provided it is sufficient to maintain liquid state. This pressure is given by the
saturated vapour pressure. Usually above about 300 °C, water starts to behave as a
near-critical liquid, and physical properties such as density start to change more
significantly with pressure. However, higher pressures increase the rate of body injury
using superheated water below 300 °C (Chaplin, 2008) [1]. Chaplain went further to
say that, injuries on human body with superheated water tends to be fast because
diffusion rates increases with temperature. It is this state of water that tends to cause
an immediate Scalding injury on the criminal body and makes him uncomfortable in
the scene of burgling, while an alarm is simultaneously triggered to attract people.
Scalding injury is a serious concern in many societies of world (Wulfinghoff,
1999), [5] of which Nigeria is not an exception. Human skin burns quickly at high
temperature, in less than 5 seconds at 60 °C (140 °F), but much slower at 53 °C (127
°F) (Smith & Burgess, 1996) [3]. It takes about 110 °C (264 °F) to cause a second
degree burn. ASUPWASS technology is designed to spray superheated water at well
over 200°C (479 °F) , of which if contacted with human skin, can cause several](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)