WO2020260401A1 - Capteur d'écoulement souple - Google Patents

Capteur d'écoulement souple Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020260401A1
WO2020260401A1 PCT/EP2020/067725 EP2020067725W WO2020260401A1 WO 2020260401 A1 WO2020260401 A1 WO 2020260401A1 EP 2020067725 W EP2020067725 W EP 2020067725W WO 2020260401 A1 WO2020260401 A1 WO 2020260401A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow
sensor
flexible strip
rate
pipe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2020/067725
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Jonathan GINUS
Matthijs Johannes BUURON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pipelife Nederland BV
Original Assignee
Pipelife Nederland BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pipelife Nederland BV filed Critical Pipelife Nederland BV
Priority to EP20734036.5A priority Critical patent/EP3990869A1/fr
Publication of WO2020260401A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020260401A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
    • G01F1/28—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter

Definitions

  • the invention relates to flow sensors to sense flow, for example through a pipe.
  • Flow sensors or meters can be used in many different contexts for the measurement of fluid flow.
  • the measurements can be related to the rate, direction, volume and/or other factors related to the flow through various systems.
  • a flow meter When measuring flow through pipe systems, a flow meter is often located in a branch off the main pipe. Flow is directed toward this branch, and the flow meter can then sense the flow rate in different manners depending on the sensor type.
  • One type of flow meter is an ultrasonic flow meter, which measures the velocity of a fluid along a flow path with ultrasound. The ultrasound beam is directed into the flow, and the difference in measured transit time between pulses of beam is used to estimate the flow rate.
  • These flow meters are affected by the acoustic properties of the fluid, as well as the temperature, density, viscosity and suspended particles. Thus, they are often less accurate than desired.
  • a flow sensor includes a flexible strip for insertion into a flow in a flow system; a magnet located at a distal end of the flexible strip; and a sensor element connected to the proximal end of the flexible strip for sensing a bend of the flexible strip.
  • a flow sensor provides a simple yet effective way to measure flow in a variety of flow conditions.
  • the minimal parts and flexible strip with sensor element allows provides a durable system for a simple mechanical measure of flow direction and/or rate that is reliable even in low flow conditions.
  • Such a simple yet durable system allows for the placement in systems that are not too easily accessible, such as underground pipes, as the system can be relied upon with minimal maintenance and/or access for repair, replacement or inspection needed.
  • the sensor element comprises a magnetometer.
  • magnetometer can measure the change in magnetic field due to the movement of the magnet; and the measured data is converted to a flow direction and rate.
  • the conversion to flow direction can be determined by a simple measurement of the way of bending of the flexible strip.
  • the flow rate can be related to the specific amount of bending sensed by the magnetometer.
  • the flow system is a pipe and the flexible strip is inserted into the pipe perpendicularly to the direction of flow through the pipe. Insertion perpendicularly ensures that the flow acts on the part of the flexible strip with the largest surface area to give it the proper bending according to the flow.
  • the flexible strip comprises a silicone body.
  • the strip could be formed of other flexible materials, including other plastics.
  • the flexible strip could even be formed of a metallic material or a composite material. Forming of a silicone or plastic can provide for a resilient flexible strip that can be easily formed according to system requirements.
  • the flexible strip comprises a distal portion holding the magnet; a central portion; and a proximal portion connecting to the sensor element.
  • the distal portion is thicker than the central portion.
  • the proximal portion is cylindrical and the sensor element fits at least partially within the proximal portion.
  • the flow sensor further comprises a mount connected to the flexible strip for mounting the flow meter with respect to the pipe.
  • the mount secures the strip to a cartridge which can move the flexible strip into and out of the pipe.
  • the senor further comprises a master node connected to a slave node which connects to the sensor element, the master node configured to perform one or more of the following: request a signal from the sensor element; store data related to signals from the sensor element; and push signals to another device.
  • the slave node can be located near or at the flexible strip, for example in the cartridge.
  • the master node and slave node could be connected with a wired connection or wirelessly.
  • the system further comprises a processor configured to: receive signals from the sensor element indicating a position of the magnet in the flexible sensor; and determine a flow rate and/or direction based on the signals received.
  • the processor is part of the slave node and/or master node. In some embodiments there could be a number of processors. Using a master node and a slave node with one or more processors in the system allows for the ability to collect measurements at different intervals, store measurements, and/or send such measurements to where they could be accessed by a user or other person associated with the system. This enables easy monitoring and viewing of data from the monitoring no matter the desired frequency of measurement intervals and reporting.
  • a method of sensing flow comprises inserting a flexible element perpendicular to the direction of flow; sensing the position of a magnet located at a distal end of the flexible element when in the flow; and converting the sensed position of the magnet in the flexible element to a flow direction and/or rate.
  • the method further comprises storing data related to the flow direction and/or rate.
  • the method further comprises sending data related to the flow direction and/or rate to a user. This allows for easy data measurements and reporting at any desired interval for each, allowing the system and method to be used with a variety of different flow systems.
  • the step of sending data related to the flow direction and/or rate to a user comprises sending data related to the flow direction and/or rate to a dashboard which is accessible to a user.
  • the step of sending data related to the flow direction and/or rate to a user comprises sending a package of data related to flow direction and/or rate at different times.
  • Figure 1 A shows perspective view of a flow sensor system in use in a pipe
  • Figure 1 B shows an exploded view of the system of Fig. 1A
  • Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a flexible strip
  • Figure 2B shows a front view of the flexible strip of Fig. 2A
  • Figure 2C shows a side view of the flexible strip of Fig. 2A
  • Figure 3A shows a schematic depiction of a flow sensor system in a pipe with no flow
  • Figure 3B shows a schematic depiction of the flow sensor system of Fig. 3A with flow through the pipe;
  • Figure 4 shows schematic depiction of the communication system of the flow sensor system
  • Figure 5 shows a flow chart depicting the flow sensing system and communication.
  • FIG 1A shows perspective view of a flow sensor system 10 in use in a pipe 12, and Figure 1 B shows an exploded view of the system 10.
  • Flow sensor system 10 includes flexible strip 14, slave node 16; master node 18 and mount 20.
  • System 10 can be powered by a number of different sources, for example, battery-powered or connected to an electric grid, generator or other power source.
  • Mount 20 connects to flexible strip 14, and to cap 21 of cartridge 22 to secure flexible strip 14 at the proper position in pipe 12.
  • Mount 20 includes a sealing connection to place flexible strip 14 at a lowered position within pipe for the flow sensor system 10 to be able to measure the flow rate and/or direction.
  • Mount 20 can take a number of forms to secure the proximal portion of flexible strip 14 to an insertion point of the pipe 12, for example, a through fitting which can secure to cap 21 with a threaded or snap connection, a bracket with a nut, etc. Mout 20 can also include one or more sealing members to ensure that the liquid flowing through pipe 12 does not escape.
  • flexible strip 14 and/or mount 20 can have features to facilitate the mounting at a desired position or location, e.g., circumferential grooves, indentations or other features for gripping and/or sealing.
  • Slave node 16 connects to the flexible strip 14 and sits within cartridge 22.
  • Slave node includes sensor elements, including magnetometer 23, and can include a printed circuit board (PCB) with a processing unit to convert magenetometer measurements into flow rate and/or direction signals.
  • System 10 could also include other sensors, for example, a temperature sensor, electrical conductivity sensor, pH sensor, oxygen cholride sensor, pressure sensor, etc. which could be connected to cartridge 22 or other components.
  • Master node 18 connects to slave node 16. This can be through a wired connection (as shown) or wireless in some cases. Master node 18 includes a communication box 24, and antenna 26. Master node 18 can perform one or more of the following functions: pull sensor readings from slave node 16 at certain intervals, store data regarding sensor readings, and send sensor reading data through antenna 26 to other systems or devices, for example a cellular tower or cellular network. Slave node 16 and/or master node 18 can be powered by, for example, a battery though could have other power sources.
  • Flexible strip 14 is shown in detail in Figs. 2A-2C, and includes a perspective view (Fig.
  • Flexible strip 14 includes a proximal portion 30 with a slot 32 for receiving a sensor element; a distal portion 34 and a middle portion 36. As can be seen, strip 14 is generally Hong and flat in middle portion 36 and distal portion 34, with proximal portion 30 (and with transition portions between). Distal portion 34 is wider than flexible portion 36, and holds magnet 38. Magnet 38 is shown as a round magnet, though could be different shapes depending on system requirements.
  • Flexible strip 14 can be formed in a number of ways, including casting, injection moulding, printing, etc. Typically, flexible strip would be integrally formed as one piece, either formed around magnet 38 (and possibly around all or part of magneto sensor) or with a way to insert magnet such that it is secured in distal portion 34, such as through one of the ends or sides.
  • Flexible strip 14 is formed of a flexible material, for example silicone. In other embodiments strip 14 could be made of metals, other plastics, and/or composite materials.
  • Dimensions shown are length of flexing portion LF 43 mm; width of face WF 20 mm; sensing length Ls 50 mm; total length 73 mm; width distal portion WD 6 mm; width of central portion Wc 2 mm. These are example dimensions only, and could, for example, be a flexible sensor suitable for a 1 10 mm diameter pipe. However, in various embodiments, including embodiments suitable for 1 10 mm diameter pipes, dimensions can vary depending on sensor and system requirements.
  • middle portion 36 and distal portion 34 are inside pipe 12, while proximal portion 32 is outside pipe.
  • Figs. 1 A and 3A-3B This is depicted in Figs. 1 A and 3A-3B, with Fig. 3A showing flexible strip 14 in pipe 12 with no flow; and Fig. 3B showing flexible strip 14 in pipe 12 with flow through the pipe 12.
  • Flexible strip 14 is generally inserted radially into pipe 12 and secured to an opening in pipe wall.
  • Flexible strip 14 must extend a sufficient length across pipe 12 diameter to be able to sense flow. This length can vary in different systems, depending on pipe diameter, expected flow, etc., but can for example be 10-90% across pipe diameter, and would often be in the range of about 25% to 50% of the pipe diameter. Additionally, flexible strip 14 must extend beyond any vicous forces or turbulent flow propogating from the pipe inner wall, and into the laminar flow for better accuracy in measurements.
  • the wide face of strip 14 is position perpendicular to the flow direction through pipe 12 to ensure flow exerts force on the surface of strip 14 and results in bending or flexing of strip 14. The exact placement would depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the flow rate, pipe diameter, medium of flow, etc.
  • Fig. 3B depicts flexible strip 14 bending from forces of the flow through pipe 12 acting on the face of strip 14.
  • magnetometer 23 is able to sense a change in the magnetic field due to the movement of magnet 38 in distal portion 34 of strip 14.
  • the amount and direction of bending are related to the direction and flowrate of flow through pipe.
  • the sensed change of the magnetic field, caused by movement of magnet 38 with bending of strip 14, is used to calculate values for the flow rate and the direction of flow.
  • Flow sensor system 10 with flexible strip 14 allows for a simple, yet accurate flow measurement even at low flow rates where some past flow meters have difficulty measuring.
  • Flexible strip 14 acts as a simple mechanical portion of a flow meter, bending from forces of the fluid flowing against the face of strip 14, and sensing element 23 with slave node 16 can measure the change in position of magnet 38 to measure the bend, and convert it to digital data which can be stored and transmitted. In some cases, the conversion from data related to the change in magnetic field to values for flow rate and direction can take place at master node instead of slave node.
  • the use of a simple flexible strip 14 with magnet 38 placed directly into the flow, and a simple sensor element 23 allows for a reliable and long-lasting flow sensor system 10 for measuring fluid flow.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of the communication system of the flow sensor system 10, and includes slave node 16, master node 18 with communication box 24, network server 40 and application server 42.
  • Fig. 5 shows a flow chart 50 with an example of flow sensing system 10 functioning and communication.
  • Master node 18 with communication box 24 drives the flow sensing system 10 at the flow sensor, first pulling signals from slave node 16 at set intervals (step 52). These can be pre-set, for example, four times per hour, and can be changed when needed or desired. Master node 18 sends the signal to slave node that it requires flow data at a set time. This can be sent in advance, with slave node 16 sensing the data at an indicated time, or master node 18 could only request the flow data at the time needed.
  • slave node 16 When slave node 16 receives this signal, it senses the bending of flexible strip 14 by magnetometer 23 sensing the change in the magnetic field from movement of magnet 38 caused by the bending of strip 14 and the direction of flow based on the direction of bending (step 54). Typically the change in magnetic field would require an initial measurement before flow through the pipe, but could be done without the initial measurement, for example, simply using past or sample data. This initial measurement can be done in a lab before installation to give flexible strip 14 an initial position indication of zero. From this, after installation, a sensed bend in one direction could be given a positive measurement indication, and the bending in the other direction could be given a negative measurement indication, with each having a measurement strength to indicate a rate of flow.
  • a low flow rate in a first direction would induce bending of flexible strip 14 in a first direction to a small degree.
  • Slave node 16 could sense this and give it a value of +3 to indicate flow direction and strength. If there was later a stronger flow through the pipe in the opposite direction, slave node 16 may sense this and give it a value of -7 to indicate the direction of flow and the increased flow rate.
  • Slave node 16 uses this change or sensed value of magnetic field and converts it to a flow rate and/or direction (step 56).
  • This conversion can be, for example, based on an equation relating the values sensed to a flow rate and/or use a data look up table which compares measured changes/bending with flow rates of specific flow for a certain type/size of pipe and fluid. These conversions will be associated with a number of factors, including the fluid flowing through, temperature, pipe size, etc.
  • This data pulled form slave node 16 can then be stored in master node 18 (step 58) until it is pushed through network 40 to application server 42 (step 60).
  • This can be stored in a memory of the master node and/or communication box. How this data is bundled, and the frequency that this data is pushed to application server can also be pre-set and/or changed.
  • the master node 18 could store data for one day, and only push it to the network once per day as a set of 24 values for flow rate over a period of a particular day.
  • master node 18 would store hourly flow rate measurements, and only send a maximum and minimum value for that time period to the network.
  • slave node 16 and master node 18 are typically hard wired, though can be wireless in some systems.
  • the communication from master node 18 to network 40 is typically wireless, for example, sending data through radio signal facilitated by antenna 26. In some embodiments, this could be a wired connection as well.
  • the values can be either pushed to a user, for example, via messaging or an application (step 62). Alternatively, they can be displayed from application server at a location where a user could come to view the values. For example, application server could put the values in a dashboard accessible via a website at which a user could view the data sent by the master node 18.
  • flow sensing system 10 can send push alerts or warnings directly to a user when a value sensed is outside of a threshold value. This can enable an early warning system when values are outside of the expected normal range, allowing for earlier inspection and/or fixing of any system related problems. Threshold values can either be pre-set, or can be calculated depending on typical flow system expectations and/or measurements.
  • a simple flexible flow sensor By using a simple flexible flow sensor, flow data related to flow rate and direction can be easily and reliably obtained in a flow system through a pipe.
  • the use of a simple sensor with a magnet and magnetic sensing element results in a simple way to measure flow that is durable, which is particularly useful in systems measuring flow through underground pipes which are not easily accessible. Additionally, the placement and length of flow sensor, as well as the flexible materials used ensures that it can accurately measure flow even at low speed, which past systems had difficulty measuring accurately.
  • the use of master node 18 and slave node 16 gives for a flexible system which can take measurements and bundle them for communication to others in a number of different ways. This can be especially useful in systems which vary wildly in flow throughout the year, only taking frequent measurements when necessary and communicating at intervals which make sense to the user.
  • the flow sensing system 10 can include one or more processors, special purpose computers, memories, hardware and/or software configured to perform one or more of the steps of Fig. 5, and/or configured to send signals prompting different parts of the system 10 to perform one or more actions for obtaining and displaying flow rate data.
  • the processor(s) unit may be any suitable processing unit.
  • Memory may comprise different types of sub-memories, like ROM (Read Only Memory) types of memory storing suitable program instructions and data to run the processing unit 9. Also, memory will comprise suitable RAM (Random Access Memory) types of memory for storing temporary data like the data received from slave node. Memory may also comprise cache type memory.
  • Network modules may comprise one or more of LTE (Long Term Evolution), Ethernet, WiFi,
  • Bluetooth Powerline communication
  • Low Power Wide Area Network e.g. Narrowband and Narrowban loT
  • loT Internet of Things
  • NFC Near Field Communication
  • Energy can be provided by one or more batteries arranged to feed electrical energy to all other components needing energy via suitable wires (not shown). Alternatively, there may be a connection to the mains or other energy source, though that may be impracticable in many situations.
  • the energy device may comprise a rechargeable battery and means to generate electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable battery, like a small solar panel, wind mill, fuel cell, etc.
  • the system can also include a clock to provide clock signals to processing unit.
  • the clock signals can be used for the normal processing of processing unit, and for correlating times for requesting and sending data, time stamping data, etc.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)

Abstract

Un capteur d'écoulement comprend une bande souple destinée à être insérée dans un écoulement dans un système d'écoulement ; un aimant situé à une extrémité distale de la bande souple ; et un élément de capteur relié à l'extrémité proximale de la bande souple pour détecter une courbure de la bande souple.
PCT/EP2020/067725 2019-06-26 2020-06-24 Capteur d'écoulement souple Ceased WO2020260401A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20734036.5A EP3990869A1 (fr) 2019-06-26 2020-06-24 Capteur d'écoulement souple

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2023383 2019-06-26
NL2023383A NL2023383B1 (en) 2019-06-26 2019-06-26 Flexible Flow Sensor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020260401A1 true WO2020260401A1 (fr) 2020-12-30

Family

ID=67809609

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2020/067725 Ceased WO2020260401A1 (fr) 2019-06-26 2020-06-24 Capteur d'écoulement souple

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3990869A1 (fr)
NL (1) NL2023383B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020260401A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3138985A1 (de) * 1981-09-30 1983-04-14 AOA Apparatebau Gauting GmbH, 8035 Gauting Fahrtmesser fuer niedrige geschwindigkeiten
US4625565A (en) * 1984-04-09 1986-12-02 Sinko Kogyo Co., Ltd. Wind velocity sensor
DE3801770A1 (de) * 1987-11-30 1989-06-08 Siebert & Kuehn Dr Vorrichtung zur ueberwachung der stroemung fluessiger oder gasfoermiger medien
EP1475580A1 (fr) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Dispositif ou procédé pour adapter à la géométrie d'un système d'échappement ou d'un système d'air la puissance d'un ventilateur d'un dispositif de chauffage ou d'un dispositif de ventilation
CN206387454U (zh) * 2017-01-22 2017-08-08 江衷 一种水流传感器

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3138985A1 (de) * 1981-09-30 1983-04-14 AOA Apparatebau Gauting GmbH, 8035 Gauting Fahrtmesser fuer niedrige geschwindigkeiten
US4625565A (en) * 1984-04-09 1986-12-02 Sinko Kogyo Co., Ltd. Wind velocity sensor
DE3801770A1 (de) * 1987-11-30 1989-06-08 Siebert & Kuehn Dr Vorrichtung zur ueberwachung der stroemung fluessiger oder gasfoermiger medien
EP1475580A1 (fr) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Dispositif ou procédé pour adapter à la géométrie d'un système d'échappement ou d'un système d'air la puissance d'un ventilateur d'un dispositif de chauffage ou d'un dispositif de ventilation
CN206387454U (zh) * 2017-01-22 2017-08-08 江衷 一种水流传感器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL2023383B1 (en) 2021-02-01
EP3990869A1 (fr) 2022-05-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN203274736U (zh) 一种沉降自动监测系统
EP3516348B1 (fr) Débitmètre à ultrasons et procédé utilisant des mesures d'écoulement partiel
US9377335B2 (en) Flow rate sensor probe having contactless force trasnmitting structure
US20170268954A1 (en) Pipeline Wireless Sensor Network
RU2337320C1 (ru) Счетчик для учета воды
Kang et al. Direct mechanical torque sensor for model wind turbines
JP2018084537A (ja) 風計測装置
NL2023383B1 (en) Flexible Flow Sensor
AU2017203529A1 (en) Volume flow sensor system comprising a mass flowmeter and a density meter
CN210375231U (zh) 现场设备和流量计
JP5066465B2 (ja) 既設ケーブル油槽用油量センサの取付構造
JP2012247355A (ja) コンクリート応力計
JP3953826B2 (ja) 挿入形電磁流速計
CN212483615U (zh) 一种免安装测量城市管网与自然水系中流速流量测量装置
JP2007147631A (ja) 挿入形電磁流速計
CN205373784U (zh) 一种流体计量器具及流体平衡测算系统
ES2945035T3 (es) Recolección de energía en un dispositivo medidor
RU128324U1 (ru) Устройство для учета тепловой энергии
CN208872378U (zh) 一种发电机状态检测装置及发电车
CN210108444U (zh) 一种具有整流装置的气体超声波流量计
CN208937134U (zh) 一种应用于开式冷却系统循环水泵前池液位测量系统
Harnett et al. Calibration and field deployment of low-cost fluid flow-rate sensors using a wireless network
CN203643007U (zh) 一种流量计在线校准装置
Kshirsagar et al. Design and implementation of wireless sensor node for noncontact measurement of liquid
CN108572014A (zh) 超声波水表以及借助超声波水表获取水流温度的方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20734036

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020734036

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20220126