Patent attributes
A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.