Looking down a recent hole-in-the-pavement in its maturing phase (left to its
own devices for a week), found they had removed a chunk of what I think is the
water main and added a "stopcock".
But they also fitted a bypass with an intricate-looking thing in the middle.
Anyone know what it is?
2 pics here (the blue pipe at the bottom left is just being used as a wedge):-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13629865@N03/2765601782/in/set-72157606743420944/
or use
http://tinyurl.com/5raof5

Geo

Geo wrote:
> Looking down a recent hole-in-the-pavement in its maturing phase
> (left to its own devices for a week), found they had removed a chunk
> of what I think is the water main and added a "stopcock".
> But they also fitted a bypass with an intricate-looking thing in the
> middle. Anyone know what it is?
> 2 pics here (the blue pipe at the bottom left is just being used as a
> wedge):-
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/13629865@N03/2765601782/in/set-72157606743420944/
> or use
> http://tinyurl.com/5raof5
>
> Geo

It looks like its a venturi flow meter

Jon

"Geo"  wrote in message 
news:4e3ba4tbt30vbsutp9sbmif2gd95pblp74@4ax.com...
> Looking down a recent hole-in-the-pavement in its maturing phase (left to 
> its
> own devices for a week), found they had removed a chunk of what I think is 
> the
> water main and added a "stopcock".
> But they also fitted a bypass with an intricate-looking thing in the 
> middle.
> Anyone know what it is?
> 2 pics here (the blue pipe at the bottom left is just being used as a 
> wedge):-
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/13629865@N03/2765601782/in/set-72157606743420944/
> or use
> http://tinyurl.com/5raof5
>
> Geo

They look a bit like solenoid operated valves, and this, along with the 
small-bore flexible pipes attached, suggest that it might be some sort of 
automatic chemical 'dosing'  or maybe sampling unit perhaps ?? Any signs of 
any power being run to the hole from anywhere ?The guys are gonna be there 
for at least another day at some point sorting out the reinstatement. Keep 
an eye out for them, and ask.

Arfa

On 15 Aug, 15:13, Geo  wrote:
> Looking down a recent hole-in-the-pavement in its maturing phase (left to its
> own devices for a week), found they had removed a chunk of what I think is the
> water main and added a "stopcock".
> But they also fitted a bypass with an intricate-looking thing in the middle.
> Anyone know what it is?
> 2 pics here (the blue pipe at the bottom left is just being used as a wedge):-
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/13629865@N03/2765601782/in/set-721576067...
> or usehttp://tinyurl.com/5raof5
>
> Geo

I'd make a guess that the branch device is an orifice plate with
pressure sensing tubes connected either side. The main line gate valve
will be normally shut except for emergency use such as downstream fire
hydrant operation. The water flow will then be forced through the
orifice, developing a diferential pressure proportional to the
magnitude of the flow and this diferential used to derive a metered
consumption for charging or monitoring purposes.
If there is a badge with a makers name on it you could google their
site for confirmation.