An apparatus for protecting an exposed air release valve or other public works component includes an enclosure with a side wall and an open end, wherein a flange extends along a perimeter of the open end. The flange has a plurality bolt holes formed therethrough. A base, which is positionable over the exposed air release valve, has an open top, an open bottom and a horizontal bearing surface extending along a perimeter of the side wall adjacent the open top. The horizontal bearing surface is adapted to receive the flange of the enclosure. The base has a plurality of bolt holes formed thereon corresponding to locations of the plurality bolt holes of the enclosure. The enclosure may be provided in vented or un-vented configuration. A method of covering an exposed air release valve is also disclosed.

An apparatus for protecting an exposed air release valve or other public works component includes an enclosure with a side wall and an open end, wherein a flange extends along a perimeter of the open end. The flange has a plurality bolt holes formed therethrough. A base, which is positionable over the exposed air release valve, has an open top, an open bottom and a horizontal bearing surface extending along a perimeter of the side wall adjacent the open top. The horizontal bearing surface is adapted to receive the flange of the enclosure. The base has a plurality of bolt holes formed thereon corresponding to locations of the plurality bolt holes of the enclosure. The enclosure may be provided in vented or un-vented configuration. A method of covering an exposed air release valve is also disclosed.

A system and method for detecting blockages and/or leaking in a piping system. The travel speed, travel time, movement, images, audio, odor, and/or other data provided by a robot ball moving through the piping system may indicate if a blockage or leak exists. An electronic notification may be sent detailing the blockage and/or leak, which may include a location and corrective action.

A system and method for detecting blockages and/or leaking in a piping system. The travel speed, travel time, movement, images, audio, odor, and/or other data provided by a robot ball moving through the piping system may indicate if a blockage or leak exists. An electronic notification may be sent detailing the blockage and/or leak, which may include a location and corrective action.

A system for storing air at high pressure underground or underwater includes a plurality of arrays of air tanks, each tank configured to store compressed air at a pressure of at least 40 bar. A piping system connects between an outlet of each air tank, the piping system further including at least one central port for delivering compressed air to and from a respective array. A storage receptacle surrounds the arrays and piping system, protecting the arrays and piping system from an external environment, and thermally insulating the arrays and piping system. A liquid bath is arranged within the storage receptacle. A heat exchanger is configured to maintain a temperature of the liquid bath substantially constant. The storage receptacle may be comprised of plastic pieces welded together in a modular fashion. Each piece may be a cylindrical tube configured to receive therein one or more of the arrays.

A system for storing air at high pressure underground or underwater includes a plurality of arrays of air tanks, each tank configured to store compressed air at a pressure of at least 40 bar. A piping system connects between an outlet of each air tank, the piping system further including at least one central port for delivering compressed air to and from a respective array. A storage receptacle surrounds the arrays and piping system, protecting the arrays and piping system from an external environment, and thermally insulating the arrays and piping system. A liquid bath is arranged within the storage receptacle. A heat exchanger is configured to maintain a temperature of the liquid bath substantially constant. The storage receptacle may be comprised of plastic pieces welded together in a modular fashion. Each piece may be a cylindrical tube configured to receive therein one or more of the arrays.