Liquid imaging device and condensation tank equipped with the liquid imaging device

Abstract

A liquid imaging device (10) for imaging a liquid (2) comprises a barrel member (11) with a closed upper end and an open lower end, and an imaging portion (13) capable of imaging a liquid surface (12) inside the barrel member (11); the lower end of the barrel member (11) is immersed in the liquid (2) as the imaging object, the liquid surface (12) inside the barrel member (11) is located below the liquid surface (35) outside the barrel member (11), and the imaging portion (13) is located above the liquid surface (12) inside the barrel member (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid imaging device for imaging a liquid containing suspended matter and the like, and a coagulation tank provided with the liquid imaging device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, for example, in water purification plants, Fig.51 That is, raw water 301 (sludge) is supplied to a mixing tank 302, a coagulant 303 is injected into the raw water 301 in the mixing tank 302 and stirred, and then, in a coagulation tank 304, a stirring blade 305 is used to sequentially stir a group of micro floccules supplied from the mixing tank 302 to form coagulated floccules 306 with a large particle size. Then, in a sedimentation tank 307, the coagulated floccules 306 supplied from the coagulation tank 304 are precipitated, and the supernatant 320 is treated and discharged.

[0003] The coagulation tank 304 is provided with a first liquid imaging device 310 for imaging the coagulated floccules 306 in the raw water 301 in the coagulation tank 304. Fig.52 As shown, the photographing device 310 houses an industrial television camera 311 (ITV) in an airtight container 312 and is immersed under the water surface 309 of the raw water 301 in the coagulation tank 304. A transparent observation window 313 is provided in the airtight container 312, and the coagulated flocs 306 in the raw water 301 are photographed through the observation window 313 by the television camera 311, and the size distribution, number, etc. of the coagulated flocs 306 are observed based on the photographed image.

[0004] The airtight container 312 is provided with a wiper 314 for removing dirt on the surface of the observation window 313. In addition, an illumination device 315 for illuminating the flocculated flocs 306 is arranged above the observation window 313. The illumination device 315 is submerged under the water surface 309 of the raw water 301 in the flocculation tank 304.

[0005] In addition, if Fig.51 As shown, a second liquid imaging device 321 for measuring the turbidity of the supernatant 320 in the sedimentation tank 307 is provided at the outlet of the sedimentation tank 307. Fig.53 As shown, the liquid imaging device 321 stores an industrial television camera 322 (ITV) and a lighting device 323 in an airtight container 324 and is submerged below the water surface 317 in the sedimentation tank 307 .

[0006] The airtight container 324 is provided with a pair of glass windows 325, 326 and a wiper 327 for removing dirt from the surfaces of the glass windows 325, 326. The illumination light of the illumination device 323 passes through the glass windows 325, 326 and the supernatant 320 between the two glass windows 325, 326 and is captured by the television camera 322.

[0007] Thus, the turbidity of the supernatant 320 in the sedimentation tank 307 is measured by the second liquid imaging device 321, and the injection amount of the coagulant 303 into the mixing tank 302 is adjusted based on the measured value. For example, when the measured turbidity of the supernatant 320 is higher than the reference value, the injection amount of the coagulant 303 is increased, and when the measured turbidity of the supernatant 320 is lower than the reference value, the injection amount of the coagulant 303 is reduced.

[0008] For the above-mentioned sludge treatment system, refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-61410. Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, in the above-mentioned existing forms, Fig.52 As shown, regarding the first liquid photographing device 310, since the coagulated floccules 306 are photographed in a state where the airtight container 312 with the built-in television camera 311 is submerged under the water surface 309 of the raw water 301, dirt is easily attached to the surface of the observation window 313, and accurate photographing data may not be obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to operate the wiper 314 to frequently clean the observation window 313, but since such a cleaning component such as the wiper 314 is required, the structure of the photographing device 310 is complicated, and it is easy to cause a foreign object to be sandwiched between the wiper 314 and the observation window 313, causing the wiper 314 to be damaged, or causing damage to the observation window 313.

[0011] Likewise, if Fig.53 As shown, regarding the second liquid imaging device 321, since the airtight container 324 with a built-in television camera 322 and an illumination device 323 is immersed in the water surface 317 in the sedimentation tank 307 to perform imaging, dirt easily adheres to the surface of the glass windows 325 and 326, and accurate imaging data may not be obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to operate the wiper 327 to frequently clean the glass windows 325 and 326, but such a cleaning component such as the wiper 327 is required, so the structure of the liquid imaging device 321 is complicated, and it is easy to cause foreign matter to be sandwiched between the wiper 327 and the glass windows 325 and 326, causing the wiper 327 to break, or causing damage to the glass windows 325 and 326.

[0012] In addition, usually, the stirring process in the coagulation tank 304 takes tens of minutes, and the sedimentation process in the sedimentation tank 307 takes several hours. Therefore, as described above, when the injection amount of the coagulant 303 is adjusted based on the turbidity measured at the outlet of the sedimentation tank 307, a delay (time lag) of several hours occurs, making it difficult to adjust the coagulant 303 to the optimal injection amount.

[0013] As a countermeasure for reducing such a time delay (time lag), it is considered to measure the turbidity of the raw water 301 (sludge) stored in the coagulation tank 304. However, if a camera is used to take a picture from the liquid surface in the coagulation tank 304, the raw water 301 in the coagulation tank 304 is stirred by a stirring device such as a stirring blade 305, so that the water surface 309 in the coagulation tank 304 fluctuates greatly, and a stable image cannot be obtained. In addition, if a camera is used to take a picture of the raw water 301 in the coagulation tank 304, the coagulated flocs 306 in the coagulation tank 304 become an obstacle, and there is a problem that the turbidity of the raw water 301 other than the coagulated flocs 306 that is originally intended to be measured cannot be measured.

[0014] In addition, since the interior of the airtight containers 312 and 324 are sealed, there is a problem that condensation occurs on the surface of the lens of the television cameras 311 and 322, the inner surface of the observation window 313, or the inner surface of the two glass windows 125 and 126, and a clear captured image cannot be obtained.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a liquid imaging device capable of obtaining a stable image with a simple structure. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid imaging device capable of preventing condensation in an imaging part and obtaining a clear image, and a condensation tank including the liquid imaging device.

[0016] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0017] The liquid photographing device for photographing liquid of the present invention is characterized in that:

[0018] The liquid photographing device has:

[0019] a tubular member having a closed upper end and an open lower end; and

[0020] The imaging unit is capable of imaging the liquid surface inside the cylinder member.

[0021] The lower end of the tube member is immersed in the liquid to be photographed.

[0022] The liquid level inside the cylindrical member is located below the liquid level outside the cylindrical member.

[0023] The imaging unit is located above the liquid surface in the cylindrical member.

[0024] Thus, by photographing the liquid surface inside the barrel member with the photographing unit, an image of suspended matter in the liquid is obtained. At this time, since the lower end of the barrel member is immersed in the liquid, even if the liquid surface around the barrel member fluctuates, the wave will abut against the barrel member and be blocked, and the liquid surface inside the barrel member is maintained in a stable state with less fluctuation. Thus, a stable image can be obtained.

[0025] In addition, since the imaging unit is not submerged under the liquid surface but is located above the liquid surface inside the cylinder member, dirt in the liquid will not adhere to the imaging unit, and there is no need to clean the observation window and other cleaning parts. Thus, the structure of the liquid imaging device is simplified and the occurrence of adverse conditions is suppressed.

[0026] In addition, the interior of the cylindrical member is sealed with water at a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the fluctuation and pulsation of the liquid level inside the cylindrical member are suppressed.

[0027] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, preferably, a first lighting device capable of illuminating the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member from a position above the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member is provided inside the cylindrical member.

[0028] Thus, the first lighting device does not need a waterproof function, and thus cost reduction can be achieved.

[0029] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first lighting device is provided inside the cylindrical member so as to surround the periphery of the imaging unit.

[0030] Thereby, the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member can be illuminated brightly as a whole, and an image with uniform brightness can be obtained.

[0031] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the cylindrical member is formed of a light shielding body, and the imaging center axis of the imaging unit is inclined obliquely downward with respect to the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member.

[0032] Thus, the central axis of the photographing unit is tilted obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface in the barrel member, thereby reducing the amount of reflected light generated by the irradiation light of the first lighting device reflected on the liquid surface inside the barrel member and entering the field of view of the photographing unit. Thus, the reflected light can be reduced from being reflected in the photographed image, so the number and size of floating objects can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0033] In addition, since light that is intended to enter the inside of the tubular member from the outside is blocked, it is possible to prevent adverse effects such as reflection of the light from the outside on the liquid surface inside the tubular member. Furthermore, since the first lighting device does not require a waterproof function, it is possible to achieve cost reduction.

[0034] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the axial direction of the cylindrical member is parallel to the direction of the imaging center axis of the imaging section.

[0035] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the inner surface of the cylindrical member is matte-finished.

[0036] This can prevent the irradiation light of the lighting device from coming into contact with the inner surface of the tube member and being reflected.

[0037] The liquid imaging device of the present invention preferably includes a gas supply device that supplies gas into the interior of the cylindrical member from a position above the liquid surface in the cylindrical member.

[0038] Thus, the gas is supplied to the inside of the cylinder member through the gas supply device, and the gas inside the cylinder member is discharged from the lower part of the cylinder member to below the liquid surface outside the cylinder member, so that when shooting, the new gas supplied from the gas supply device fills the inside of the cylinder member. Thus, condensation in the shooting part can be prevented, and a clear shooting image can be obtained.

[0039] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that a penetration portion penetrating through the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the cylindrical member is formed at the lower portion of the cylindrical member.

[0040] Thus, the gas supplied to the inside of the barrel member by the gas supply device is discharged from the penetration portion to below the liquid level outside the barrel member. At this time, since the liquid level inside the barrel member is maintained at the same height as the penetration portion, even if the liquid level outside the barrel member changes, the distance between the shooting unit and the liquid level inside the barrel member is maintained constant. Thus, a clear image with focus can be obtained.

[0041] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the penetration portion is a through hole or a notch portion formed upward from the lower end of the cylindrical member.

[0042] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that a background plate for limiting the imaging depth is provided at a predetermined depth position below the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member.

[0043] Thus, since the imaging depth is limited by the background plate, the frequency of imaging multiple floating objects in the liquid as one large floating object when they overlap in the vertical direction can be greatly reduced. Thus, the number and size of floating objects can be accurately observed from the obtained image.

[0044] The liquid imaging device of the present invention preferably includes a second lighting device for eliminating the shadow of floating matter in the liquid projected on the background plate.

[0045] This can prevent the shadow of floating objects projected on the background plate from being mistaken for the actual floating objects. This makes it possible to accurately observe the number and size of floating objects based on the obtained image.

[0046] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferred that a determination mark for evaluating at least one of the turbidity and color tone of the liquid stored in the tank is provided inside the barrel member and submerged below the liquid surface inside the barrel member, and the imaging unit can image the determination mark.

[0047] Thus, the determination mark is imaged by the imaging unit, and at least one of the turbidity and the color tone of the liquid inside the tubular member is evaluated based on the image.

[0048] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that an aggregated floccules settling region where aggregated floccules in the liquid are settled is formed inside the cylindrical member and below the determination mark.

[0049] Thus, the coagulated flocs in the liquid settle in the coagulated floc sedimentation area inside the cylinder member, so that a supernatant with less coarsened coagulated flocs appears near the liquid surface inside the cylinder member, and the determination mark is present in the supernatant in a state of being submerged below the liquid surface inside the cylinder member. By photographing the determination mark with the photographing unit, at least one of the turbidity and color tone of the supernatant inside the cylinder member can be obtained based on the image without being hindered by the coagulated flocs in the liquid.

[0050] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the length from the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member to the lower end of the cylindrical member is set to 1 to 10 times the diameter of the lower end opening of the cylindrical member.

[0051] According to the liquid shooting device of the present invention, it is preferred that it has: a gas supply device that supplies gas to the interior of the barrel component; and a water pumping pipe that extracts the liquid inside the barrel component and discharges it to the outside of the barrel component, one end of the water pumping pipe opens inside the barrel component, and the other end opens outside the barrel component, the opening portion of one end of the water pumping pipe is located below the liquid level outside the barrel component, and the opening portion of the other end of the water pumping pipe is located above the liquid level outside the barrel component.

[0052] Thus, by supplying gas from the gas supply device into the interior of the cylinder member, the liquid inside the cylinder member is pushed up together with the gas flowing in from one end opening of the water pumping pipe, rises in the water pumping pipe, and is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member from the other end opening of the water pumping pipe.

[0053] Thus, when the liquid inside the cylinder member is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member through the pumping pipe, the liquid in the groove flows into the inside of the cylinder member from the lower end opening of the cylinder member, so that the liquid inside the cylinder member is slowly circulated and replaced between the outside of the cylinder member. Thus, the latest liquid is always introduced into the inside of the cylinder member, and at least one of the turbidity and color tone of the liquid can be obtained.

[0054] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that a mark different in at least one of brightness and size is displayed on the upper surface of the determination mark.

[0055] Thus, by imaging the turbidity determination mark with the imaging unit and processing the image of the mark, at least one of the turbidity degree and the color tone of the liquid inside the tubular member can be measured.

[0056] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper surface of the determination mark is inclined.

[0057] Thus, compared with the case of using a turbidity determination mark whose upper surface is not inclined but horizontal, the measurement accuracy of at least one of the turbidity degree and the color tone of the liquid inside the tubular member can be improved.

[0058] The liquid imaging device of the present invention for simultaneously imaging floccules floating in a liquid stored in a tank and a supernatant formed by the sedimentation of the floccules is characterized in that:

[0059] The liquid imaging device comprises a tube member with a closed upper end and an imaging unit fixed to the tube member.

[0060] The barrel member has a submerged portion submerged in the liquid surface and a protruding portion protruding toward the liquid surface.

[0061] The interior of the cylindrical member is divided into a cylindrical first imaging chamber for imaging the coagulated floccules and a cylindrical second imaging chamber for imaging the supernatant formed by the sedimentation of the coagulated floccules at the submerged portion.

[0062] The upper part of the first imaging chamber and the upper part of the second imaging chamber are connected in the protruding part of the cylinder member.

[0063] The liquid level inside the cylindrical member is located below the liquid level outside the cylindrical member.

[0064] A sub-liquid level determination mark immersed in the interior of the cylinder member is provided in the second imaging chamber.

[0065] The imaging unit can capture images of the first imaging chamber and the second imaging chamber from above the liquid surface inside the cylinder member.

[0066] The first imaging chamber and the second imaging chamber are both open at the bottom end while being immersed in the liquid.

[0067] The second imaging chamber has a lower extension portion formed longer downward than the first imaging chamber.

[0068] Thus, by imaging the first imaging chamber and the second imaging chamber using the imaging unit, an image of aggregated floccules in the liquid is obtained from the imaged liquid surface in the first imaging chamber, and an image of the determination mark is obtained from the imaged liquid surface in the second imaging chamber.

[0069] Based on the image of the aggregated flocs thus obtained, the number, size, shape, etc. of the aggregated flocs can be observed. In addition, based on the image of the determination mark obtained, at least one of the turbidity and color tone of the liquid in the second imaging chamber can be obtained.

[0070] At this time, since the submerged portion of the tubular member is submerged below the liquid level in the tank, even if the liquid level around the tubular member fluctuates, the wave is blocked by contact with the tubular member, and the liquid level inside the tubular member is kept in a stable state with less fluctuation. Thus, a stable image can be obtained.

[0071] In addition, the imaging unit is not submerged under the liquid surface but is located above the liquid surface inside the cylinder member, so dirt in the liquid does not adhere to the imaging unit, and cleaning components such as cleaning the glass window are not required. Thus, the structure of the liquid imaging device is simplified.

[0072] Furthermore, since the observation of the aggregated flocs and the measurement of the turbidity in the tank can be performed by a single liquid imaging device, the size and weight can be reduced compared to the case where an imaging device dedicated to the observation of the aggregated flocs and an imaging device dedicated to the measurement of the turbidity are separately provided.

[0073] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, it is preferable that a coagulated floccules settling area for coagulated floccules in the liquid be formed in the lower extension of the second imaging chamber and below the determination mark.

[0074] Thus, the coagulated flocs in the liquid in the coagulated floc sedimentation area are settled, so that a supernatant with less coarsened coagulated flocs appears near the liquid surface inside the second imaging chamber, and the determination mark is present in the supernatant in a state of being submerged below the liquid surface inside the cylinder member. Based on the image of the determination mark obtained by photographing the inside of the first and second imaging chambers with the imaging unit, at least one of the turbidity and color tone of the supernatant inside the second imaging chamber can be obtained.

[0075] According to the liquid imaging device of the present invention, preferably, the interior of the cylindrical member is partitioned or branched into the first imaging chamber and the second imaging chamber from a position above the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member.

[0076] According to the liquid shooting device of the present invention, it is preferred that it has: a gas supply device that supplies gas to the interior of the barrel component; and a water pumping pipe that extracts the liquid inside the barrel component and discharges it to the outside of the barrel component, one end of the water pumping pipe opens inside the barrel component, and the other end opens outside the barrel component, the opening portion of one end of the water pumping pipe is located below the liquid level outside the barrel component, and the opening portion of the other end of the water pumping pipe is located above the liquid level outside the barrel component.

[0077] Thus, by supplying gas from the gas supply device into the interior of the cylinder member, the liquid inside the cylinder member is pushed up together with the gas flowing in from one end opening of the water pumping pipe and rises inside the water pumping pipe, and is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member from the other end opening of the water pumping pipe.

[0078] Thus, when the liquid inside the barrel member is discharged to the outside of the barrel member through the pumping pipe, the liquid in the groove flows into the inside of the barrel member from the lower end opening of the barrel member, so that the liquid inside the barrel member is slowly circulated and replaced between the outside of the barrel member. Thus, the latest liquid can be always introduced into the inside of the barrel member.

[0079] The liquid imaging device of the present invention preferably includes a lifting device that lifts and lowers the tubular member between a lowered position where the lower end of the tubular member is immersed in the liquid and a raised position where the lower end of the tubular member is separated above the liquid surface.

[0080] Thus, when shooting liquid, the barrel member is lowered to the lower position so that the lower end of the barrel member is immersed in the liquid. In addition, when not shooting liquid, the barrel member is raised to the raised position so that the lower end of the barrel member is separated above the liquid surface. Thus, dirt in the liquid is difficult to adhere to and accumulate at the lower end of the barrel member.

[0081] The coagulation tank provided with each of the above-mentioned liquid imaging devices of the present invention is characterized in that a stirring device for stirring the sludge in the tank and the coagulant injected into the sludge is provided.

[0082] Thus, by injecting a coagulant into the sludge in the tank and stirring it with a stirring device, a coagulated flocculent is formed. At this time, even if the liquid surface in the tank fluctuates, the wave will abut against the barrel member of the liquid imaging device and be blocked, so that the liquid surface inside the barrel member is kept in a stable state with less fluctuation. Thus, a stable image can be obtained, and at least one of the turbidity and color tone of the liquid in the coagulation tank can be measured.

[0083] Effects of the Invention

[0084] As described above, according to the present invention, a stable image can be obtained, and the occurrence of malfunctions can be suppressed with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a coagulation tank provided with the liquid imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the first embodiment.

[0087] Figure 3 yes Figure 2XX direction view in.

[0088] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The XX direction view in FIG. 1 shows the state where the second lighting device is lit.

[0090] Figure 6 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower end portion of the tubular member of the liquid imaging device in the first embodiment.

[0091] Figure 7 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower end portion of the tubular member of the liquid imaging device in the second embodiment.

[0092] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The XX direction view in FIG. 1 indicates the state where the second lighting device is not lit (extinguished).

[0093] Fig. 9 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper part of the liquid imaging device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 XX direction view in.

[0097] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 XX direction view in.

[0099] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Fig.16 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the eighth embodiment.

[0101] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Fig.18 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Fig.19 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Fig.21 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Fig. 22 It is a diagram of the lower part of the barrel member of the liquid imaging device in the thirteenth embodiment.

[0107] Fig.23 It is a diagram showing a part of a sludge treatment system including a liquid imaging device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Fig.24 It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the fourteenth embodiment.

[0109] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 XX direction view in.

[0110] Fig.26 It is an enlarged plan view of the determination mark of the liquid imaging device in the fourteenth embodiment.

[0111] Fig. 27 This is a graph showing the relationship between the area value and the turbidity of the image after the binarization process of the mark imaged by the liquid imaging device in the fourteenth embodiment.

[0112] Fig.28 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Fig.29 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Fig.30 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Fig.31 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Fig.32 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Fig.33It is an enlarged plan view of a turbidity determination mark of a liquid imaging device in a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Fig.34 It is an enlarged plan view of a turbidity determination mark of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Fig.35 It is an enlarged plan view of a turbidity determination mark of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Fig.36 It is a side view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Fig.37 It is a diagram showing a part of a sludge treatment system including a coagulation tank provided with a liquid imaging device according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Fig.38 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-fourth embodiment.

[0123] Fig.39 yes Fig.38 XX direction view in.

[0124] Fig.40 It is a perspective view of a barrel member of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-fourth embodiment.

[0125] Fig.41 This is a graph showing the relationship between the area value and turbidity of a binarized image of a marker captured by the liquid imaging device in the twenty-fourth embodiment.

[0126] Fig.42 This is a diagram in which the turbidity determination mark of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention is tilted.

[0127] Fig.43 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Fig.44 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Fig.45 yes Fig.44 XX direction view in.

[0130] Fig.46 It is a bottom view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-seventh embodiment.

[0131] Fig.47It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Fig.48 It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid imaging device in the twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Fig.49 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid imaging device in a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Fig.50 It is a side view of the liquid imaging device in the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Fig.51 This is a diagram showing a sludge treatment system including a conventional imaging device and a turbidity measuring device.

[0136] Fig.52 This is a cross-sectional view of a conventional imaging device.

[0137] Fig.53 This is a cross-sectional view of a conventional turbidity measuring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0139] (First Embodiment)

[0140] In a first embodiment, if Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, reference numeral 1 is a coagulation tank storing sludge 2 (an example of liquid) in a sludge coagulation treatment system. The coagulation tank 1 is provided with: an injection device 5 for injecting a polymer coagulant 4 into the sludge 2 in the coagulation tank 1; a stirring device 6 for stirring the sludge 2 in the coagulation tank 1; and a liquid imaging device 10 (an example of a liquid imaging device) for imaging the sludge 2.

[0141] The polymer coagulant 4 is injected from the injection device 5 into the sludge 2 in the coagulant tank 1 and stirred by the stirring device 6 , thereby forming coagulated flocs 3 (an example of suspended matter) having a large diameter in the sludge 2 .

[0142] The liquid imaging device 10 comprises: a circular barrel member 11 with a closed upper end and an open lower end; a camera 13 (an example of an imaging unit) arranged at the upper end of the barrel member 11 and capable of imaging the liquid level 12 in the barrel member 11; a first lighting device 14; an air supply device 16 for supplying compressed air 15 (an example of gas) to the interior of the barrel member 11 from a position above the liquid level 12 in the barrel member 11; and a lifting device 17.

[0143] The barrel member 11 is composed of a light shielding body made of metal or resin, and has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 20 and a ceiling portion 21 provided at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 20. In addition, the inner surface of the barrel member 11 is matte-finished. In addition, a through hole 22 (an example of a through portion) that penetrates inward and outward is formed at a position on the circumference of the lower part of the peripheral wall portion 20. In addition, the through hole 22 is a small circular hole.

[0144] The camera 13 is attached to the ceiling portion 21 of the cylinder member 11 and is located above the liquid surface 12 in the cylinder member 11. The camera 13 is connected to an image processing device 23 via a cable 24.

[0145] The first lighting device 14 is an annular lighting device, which is mounted on the ceiling 21 of the cylinder member 11 so as to surround the lens portion of the camera 13 and illuminate the liquid surface 12 inside the cylinder member 11 from a position above the liquid surface 12. The light source of the first lighting device 14 is, for example, an LED.

[0146] The air supply device 16 has an air pump 25 and a dehumidifier 26 for dehumidifying the compressed air 15 delivered from the air pump 25 to the inside of the cylinder member 11, and can supply the compressed air 15 to the inside of the cylinder member 11 from a position above the liquid level 12 inside the cylinder member 11. In addition, the air pump 25 and the dehumidifier 26 are connected to the upper part of the cylinder member 11 via a pipe 27 such as a bendable hose.

[0147] The lifting device 17 is a device for lifting and lowering the barrel member 11 between a lowered position P1 and an ascending position P2, and comprises a guide rail 30 erected on the outer side surface of the condensation tank 1, a movable member 31 supported and guided by the guide rail 30 and movable freely in the upward and downward directions, and a driving device 32 such as an actuator cylinder for moving the movable member 31 up and down.

[0148] In addition, the cylinder member 11 is connected to the moving member 31 via the support arm 33. Figure 1 The imaginary line and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , at the lowered position P1, the lower end of the cylinder member 11 and the through hole 22 are immersed in the sludge 2 and submerged below the liquid surface 35. Figure 1 As shown by the solid line, at the ascending position P2 , the lower end portion of the tube member 11 is separated above the liquid surface 35 .

[0149] Next, the function of the above-mentioned structure will be described.

[0150] When the liquid imaging device 10 is used to image the sludge 2 in the coagulation tank 1, the air pump 25 of the air supply device 16 is operated to supply compressed air 15 from the air pump 25 to the inside of the cylinder member 11, and the driving device 32 of the lifting device 17 is driven to lower the moving member 31. Figure 1 The imaginary line and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tube member 11 is lowered from the raised position P2 to the lowered position P1 .

[0151] As a result, the lower end of the cylinder member 11 and the through hole 22 are immersed in the sludge 2 and submerged below the liquid surface 35. In this state, the compressed air 15 is continuously supplied from the air pump 25 to the inside of the cylinder member 11, and is discharged from the inside of the cylinder member 11 to the outside of the cylinder member 11 through the through hole 22. By lighting the first lighting device 14, the liquid surface 12 inside the cylinder member 11 is photographed with the camera 13, and an image of the coagulated flocs 3 in the sludge 2 is obtained.

[0152] At this time, since the lower end of the barrel member 11 is immersed in the sludge 2, even if the liquid level 35 around the barrel member 11 fluctuates, the wave will abut against the barrel member 11 and be blocked. In addition, since the liquid level 12 inside the barrel member 11 is maintained at the same height as the through hole 22, it is located at a position lower than the liquid level 35 around (outside) the barrel member 11. In this way, since a step in the up-down direction is generated between the liquid level 12 inside the barrel member 11 and the liquid level 35 around the barrel member 11, the inside of the barrel member 11 is maintained at a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and even if the liquid level 35 around the barrel member 11 fluctuates, the energy of the wave is difficult to propagate to the liquid level 12 inside the barrel member 11 due to the presence of the above-mentioned step. As a result, the liquid level 12 inside the barrel member 11 maintains a stable state with less fluctuation, thereby, a stable image can be obtained, and the size distribution, number, etc. of the coagulated floccules 3 in the sludge 2 can be accurately observed based on the image processed by the image processing device 23.

[0153] In addition, since the camera 13 is not immersed below the liquid surface 12, 35 but is located above the liquid surface 12, 35, dirt in the sludge 2 does not adhere to the camera 13, and cleaning components such as cleaning the observation window are not required. As a result, the structure of the imaging device 10 is simplified, and the occurrence of malfunctions is suppressed.

[0154] In addition, since the barrel member 11 is composed of an opaque light-shielding body, light that is intended to enter the inside of the barrel member 11 from the outside is blocked, thereby preventing adverse effects such as reflection of light from the outside on the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11. In addition, since the inner surface of the barrel member 11 is matte-finished, it is possible to suppress the irradiation light of the first lighting device 14 from abutting against the inner surface of the barrel member 11 and being reflected.

[0155] In addition, when the irradiation light from the first lighting device 14 is reflected by the liquid surface 12 inside the cylinder member 11 and enters the camera 13, which may have an adverse effect on the observation of the coagulated flocs 3, polarization filters with different slit directions may be arranged on the first lighting device 14 side and the camera 13 side to reduce the impact of the reflection of the above-mentioned irradiation light.

[0156] Furthermore, since the first lighting device 14 is located above the liquid levels 12 and 35 , the first lighting device 14 does not need a waterproof function, and thus costs can be reduced.

[0157] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the first lighting device 14 is mounted on the ceiling 21 of the cylinder member 11 so as to surround the periphery of the lens portion of the camera 13 , so that the liquid surface 12 inside the cylinder member 11 can be brightly illuminated as a whole, and an image with uniform brightness can be obtained.

[0158] Furthermore, the liquid surface 12 inside the cylindrical member 11 is uniformly pressed downward by the pressure of the compressed air 15 supplied from the air pump 25 into the cylindrical member 11 , whereby the liquid surface 12 can be maintained in a stable state with less fluctuation.

[0159] In addition, compressed air 15 is continuously supplied to the inside of the barrel member 11 by the air supply device 16, and is discharged from the through hole 22 to below the liquid level 35 on the outside of the barrel member 11. Therefore, when shooting, the new compressed air 15 supplied from the air supply device 16 fills the inside of the barrel member 11. This can prevent condensation on the lens of the camera 13, etc., and can obtain a clear shot image.

[0160] At this time, since the compressed air 15 dehumidified by the dehumidifier 26 is supplied to the inside of the cylinder member 11, the effect of preventing condensation of the camera 13 is further improved.

[0161] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, since a through hole 22 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 20 of the barrel member 11, the liquid level 12 inside the barrel member 11 is maintained at the same height as the through hole 22. Thus, the distance between the camera 13 and the liquid level 12 inside the barrel member 11 is kept constant, so a clear image with focus can be obtained.

[0162] In addition, after the flocculents 3 in the sludge 2 are photographed as described above, the driving device 32 of the lifting device 17 is driven to raise the moving member 31, without using the liquid photographing device 10. Figure 1 As shown by the solid line, the tube member 11 is raised from the lowered position P1 to the raised position P2.

[0163] As a result, the lower end portion of the cylindrical member 11 is separated above the liquid surface 35 , so that dirt in the sludge 2 is less likely to adhere to and accumulate on the lower end portion of the cylindrical member 11 .

[0164] In the first embodiment described above, the circular through-hole 22 is formed in the tubular member 11 , but the shape is not limited to a circular shape, and a hole in a square shape or the like may be used, for example.

[0165] (Second Embodiment)

[0166] In a second embodiment, if Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a background plate 41 for limiting the depth of shooting is provided at a predetermined depth position below the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11. The background plate 41 is a semi-transparent resin or glass circular plate through which light can easily pass (having light-transmitting properties), and is horizontally mounted to the lower part of the inside of the barrel member 11 via supporting members 42 provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. In addition, the background plate 41 is located at a predetermined distance below the through hole 22.

[0167] A second lighting device 45 is provided below the background plate 41 to eliminate the shadow of the aggregated floccules 3 cast on the background plate 41. The second lighting device 45 is attached to the inner circumference of the lower portion of the cylinder member 11 and is made of, for example, a waterproof LED.

[0168] Next, the function of the above-mentioned structure will be described.

[0169] By setting the background plate 41 to limit the shooting depth, the coagulated flocs 3 in the part deeper than the background plate 41 will not be photographed by the camera 13, and only the coagulated flocs 3 in the part shallower than the background plate 41 will be photographed by the camera 13. In this way, the coagulated flocs 3 in the part deeper than the background plate 41 can be eliminated for shooting, so the frequency of shooting a large coagulated floc 3 when multiple coagulated flocs 3 in the sludge 2 overlap in the vertical direction can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the number and size of the coagulated flocs 3 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0170] Furthermore, it is preferable to adopt a structure in which the mounting position of the background plate 41 can be adjusted in the up-down direction, because it is possible to shoot at an optimum depth according to the shooting object or shooting conditions.

[0171] In addition, by lighting the second lighting device 45, a part of the irradiation light of the second lighting device 45 passes through the background plate 41 from the bottom to the top, so that the shadow of the coagulated flocs 3 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 41 is eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the shadow of the coagulated flocs 3 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 41 from being mistaken for the actual coagulated flocs 3, and the number and size of the coagulated flocs 3 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0172] If the above-mentioned action and effect are described in more detail, for example, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , when a plurality of coagulated flocs 3 in the sludge 2 overlap in the vertical direction, they may be photographed as one large coagulated floc 3. In contrast, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, even when a plurality of aggregated flocs 3 in the sludge 2 overlap in the vertical direction, the aggregated flocs 3 at locations deeper than the background plate 41 can be removed and photographed, so the number and size of the aggregated flocs 3 can be accurately observed from the obtained image.

[0173] In addition, in the second embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, when the second lighting device 45 is not turned on, the shadow 46 of the coagulated flocs 3 is reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 41 due to the irradiation light from the first lighting device 14, and there is a possibility that the shadow 46 is mistaken for the actual coagulated flocs 3. Figure 5 As shown, by lighting the second lighting device 45, the shadow 46 is eliminated from the upper surface of the background plate 41, and the number and size of the aggregated flocs 3 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0174] In the second embodiment, a semi-transparent plate is used as the background plate 41 , but it may be an opaque plate, or may be a plate with low reflectivity or high diffuse reflectivity in order to reduce the influence of irradiation light from above.

[0175] (Third Embodiment)

[0176] As a third embodiment, a polarizing filter may be installed on the camera 13. In addition, the polarizing filter has a plurality of narrow slits. Thus, when the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11 is photographed by the camera 13, the irradiation light of the first lighting device 14 is reflected from above to the liquid surface 12 and enters the camera 13 through the polarizing filter, thereby preventing the liquid surface 12 from glaring. Thus, a clear image can be obtained.

[0177] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0178] In a fourth embodiment, if Fig. 9As shown, the air supply device 16 has an air supply nozzle 48 provided on the ceiling portion 21 of the cylinder member 11. The pipe 27 is connected to the air supply nozzle 48, and the distal end of the air supply nozzle 48 faces the lens of the camera 13.

[0179] Thus, the compressed air 15 is supplied from the air supply nozzle 48 toward the lens of the camera 13 by the air supply device 16 , and thus the effect of preventing condensation on the lens of the camera 13 is further improved.

[0180] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0181] In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the through hole 22 is formed at one position in the circumferential direction of the lower part of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the cylinder member 11, but in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the through holes 22 are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 20 .

[0182] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0183] In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a through hole 22 is formed as an example of a through portion, but in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 , Fig.12 As shown in the figure, as another example of the penetration portion, a cutout portion 55 is formed at a location on the circumference of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the cylinder member 11. The cutout portion 55 penetrates the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the cylinder member 11 and is formed from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 20 upward.

[0184] Thus, the compressed air 15 is continuously supplied to the inside of the cylinder member 11 through the air supply device 16, and is discharged from the cutout portion 55 to below the liquid level 35 outside the cylinder member 11. At this time, since the liquid level 12 in the cylinder member 11 is maintained at a height substantially the same as the upper end portion of the cutout portion 55, the distance between the camera 13 and the liquid level 12 inside the cylinder member 11 is maintained constant. Thus, the same action and effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0185] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0186] In the sixth embodiment described above, if Fig.11 , Fig.12 As shown, the cutout portion 55 is formed at a position in the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the cylinder member 11, but in the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 , Fig.14 As shown, the cutouts 55 are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 20 .

[0187] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0188] In an eighth embodiment, if Fig.15 As shown, the barrel member 11 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the liquid surface 35 of the sludge 2, whereby the imaging center axis 36 of the camera 13 is inclined at a predetermined angle A obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11. In this case, the center axis 51 of the barrel member 11 coincides with the imaging center axis 36.

[0189] In addition, the through hole 22 is formed at a position B1 on the inclined side in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the tube member 11 .

[0190] Next, the function of the above-mentioned structure will be described.

[0191] like Fig.16 As shown, the imaging center axis 36 of the camera 13 is inclined downward at a predetermined angle A relative to the liquid surface 12 inside the cylinder member 11, so that the amount of reflected light 38 generated by the irradiation light 37 of the first lighting device 14 reflected on the liquid surface 12 and entering the field of view of the camera 13 can be reduced. As a result, the reflected light 38 can be reduced from being reflected in the captured image, so the number and size of the coagulated flocs 3 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0192] (Ninth Embodiment)

[0193] In the ninth embodiment, if Fig.17 As shown, a background plate 41 for limiting the depth of shooting is provided at a predetermined depth position below the liquid surface 12 in the barrel member 11. The background plate 41 is a semi-transparent plastic (or resin or glass) circular plate through which light can easily pass (i.e., has light transmittance), and is installed in the lower part of the barrel member 11 via supporting members 42 provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. In addition, the background plate 41 is located at a predetermined distance below the through hole 22.

[0194] Furthermore, a second lighting device 45 is provided below the background plate 41 to eliminate the shadow of the aggregated flocks 3 projected on the background plate 41. The second lighting device 45 is attached to the inner circumference of the lower portion of the cylinder member 11 and uses, for example, a waterproof LED.

[0195] Next, the function of the above-mentioned structure will be described.

[0196] By setting the background plate 41 to limit the shooting depth, the coagulated flocs 3 in the part deeper than the background plate 41 will not be photographed by the camera 13, and only the coagulated flocs 3 in the part shallower than the background plate 41 will be photographed by the camera 13. In this way, the coagulated flocs 3 in the part deeper than the background plate 41 can be eliminated for shooting, so the frequency of shooting a large coagulated floc 3 when multiple coagulated flocs 3 in the sludge 2 overlap in the vertical direction can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the number and size of the coagulated flocs 3 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0197] In addition, by lighting the second lighting device 45, a part of the irradiation light of the second lighting device 45 passes through the background plate 41 from the bottom to the top, so that the shadow of the coagulated flocs 3 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 41 is eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the shadow of the coagulated flocs 3 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 41 from being mistaken for the actual coagulated flocs 3, and the number and size of the coagulated flocs 3 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0198] In the ninth embodiment, a semi-transparent plate is used as the background plate 41, but it may be an opaque plate, or may be a plate with low reflectivity or high diffuse reflectivity in order to reduce the influence of irradiation light from above.

[0199] In the eighth and ninth embodiments, Figure 15 to Figure 17 As shown, the central axis 51 of the barrel member 11 coincides with the imaging central axis 36 , but the central axis 51 of the barrel member 11 and the imaging central axis 36 may be offset in the radial direction of the barrel member 11 and parallel to each other.

[0200] In the eighth and ninth embodiments, Fig.15 , Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the through hole 22 is formed on one side of the peripheral wall portion 20 in the circumferential direction, but can also be formed at any position in the circumferential direction. Fig.15 , Fig.17 The position B1 of the through hole 22 shown in the figure is shifted 180° to the position B2 on the opposite side in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 20. Alternatively, it may be formed from Fig.15 , Fig.17 The position B1 of the through hole 22 shown is shifted from the position B3 by 90° in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 20 .

[0201] (Tenth Embodiment)

[0202] In an eighth embodiment, if Fig.15 As shown, by inclining the barrel member 11 at a predetermined angle relative to the liquid surface 35, the imaging center axis 36 of the camera 13 is inclined at a predetermined angle A obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11. However, in the tenth embodiment described below, Fig.18 As shown, the cylinder member 11 is erected vertically with respect to the liquid surface 35 without being inclined.

[0203] The camera 13 is installed obliquely on the ceiling portion 21 of the barrel member 11, whereby the shooting center axis 36 of the camera 13 is inclined at a predetermined angle A toward obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11. In addition, in this case, the center axis 51 of the barrel member 11 is perpendicular to the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11, and the direction of the center axis 51 of the barrel member 11 is different from the direction of the shooting center axis 36 of the camera 13.

[0204] Furthermore, the first lighting device 14 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 20 of the tubular member 11 in an inclined manner, whereby the optical axis 52 of the first lighting device 14 is inclined obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 12 inside the tubular member 11 .

[0205] Thus, the same action and effect as the eighth embodiment can be obtained. Fig.18 The cylindrical member 11 shown in the figure is provided with the background plate 41 shown in the ninth embodiment (see Fig.17 ) and the second lighting device 45 (refer to Fig.17 ) can also obtain the same function and effect as the ninth embodiment.

[0206] In the above-mentioned tenth embodiment, both the camera 13 and the first lighting device 14 are tilted, but only one of them may be tilted.

[0207] (Eleventh Embodiment)

[0208] In the eleventh embodiment, as Fig.19 As shown, the through hole 22 is formed at a position B2 that is 90° circumferentially offset from a position B1 on the circumferentially inclined side of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the barrel member 11. Thus, even if the inclination angle of the barrel member 11 is changed, the distance from the camera 13 to the liquid surface 12 inside the barrel member 11 can be kept constant, which is preferred.

[0209] It should be noted that in the eleventh embodiment, a through hole 22 is formed at one position in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the tube member 11, but a notch portion 55 as shown in the sixth embodiment may be formed instead of the through hole 22 (see Fig.11 , Fig.12 ).

[0210] (Twelfth Embodiment)

[0211] In the above eleventh embodiment, if Fig.19 As shown, the through hole 22 is formed at one position in the circumferential direction of the lower part of the peripheral wall portion 20 of the cylinder member 11, but in the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the through holes 22 are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 20. In addition, all the through holes 22 are located at the same horizontal level.

[0212] (Thirteenth embodiment)

[0213] In the thirteenth embodiment, if Fig.21 , Fig. 22 As shown, instead of the through-holes 22 of the twelfth embodiment, cutouts 55 are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 20. The upper ends of the cutouts 55 are all located at the same level.

[0214] In each of the above-described embodiments, the tubular member 11 is formed of an opaque light-shielding body. However, when the influence of disturbance light is small, the tubular member 11 may be formed of a transparent or translucent member.

[0215] In each of the above embodiments, the barrel member 11 is configured as a cylindrical shape, but it can also be configured as a polygonal cylindrical shape such as a quadrilateral or a hexagon, or an elliptical cylindrical shape. In addition, the barrel member 11 can be made of resin or coated on a transparent resin or glass as long as it has light-shielding properties.

[0216] In each of the above embodiments, the first lighting device 14 in an annular shape is used to illuminate the interior of the barrel member 11 as a whole, but it is not limited to an annular shape, and it is also possible to illuminate a light with strong straightness and illuminate only the shooting range at a fixed point. In addition, the first lighting device 14 is installed on the ceiling portion 21 of the barrel member 11, but it can also be installed on the peripheral wall portion 20 of the barrel member 11 facing obliquely downward.

[0217] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, white light is irradiated from the first lighting device 14, but the color of the irradiated light of the first lighting device 14 may be adjusted according to the color of the sludge 2. In this case, it is preferable to set the color of the irradiated light of the first lighting device 14 to the complementary color of the color of the sludge 2. For example, the irradiated light of the first lighting device 14 may be adjusted to blue for reddish sludge 2, and the irradiated light of the first lighting device 14 may be adjusted to yellow for bluish sludge 2.

[0218] Furthermore, the irradiation light of the first lighting device 14 may not be visible light, but may be infrared light, ultraviolet light, etc., depending on the characteristics and type of the photographed object. In this case, a camera 13 having a sensitivity suitable for the irradiation light such as infrared light, ultraviolet light, etc. may be used.

[0219] In the above-described embodiments, as an example of gas, the compressed air 15 is supplied into the cylinder member 11 by the air supply device 16 . However, the gas is not limited to the compressed air 15 , and other gases may be used.

[0220] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the coagulated flocs 3 in the sludge 2 are photographed using the photographing device 10, but the photographing object is not limited to the sludge 2 and the coagulated flocs 3, and may be a liquid other than the sludge 2, or may be floating matter such as turbid matter other than the coagulated flocs 3. In the case where the photographing object is a turbid matter, since it is difficult to observe the floating matter alone like the coagulated flocs 3, the turbidity of the liquid may be measured or evaluated by a known method by measuring the intensity of scattered light formed by reflection of the irradiated light from the first lighting device 14 on the surface of the turbid matter, or by immersing the marking plate used for the measurement of the transparency in the liquid arranged in the cylinder member 11 instead of the background plate 41 in the above-mentioned second embodiment and the ninth embodiment, and judging whether the visual confirmation of the marking plate is possible.

[0221] (Fourteenth Embodiment)

[0222] In the fourteenth embodiment, if Fig.23 As shown, reference numeral 101 is a part of the industrial wastewater treatment system, which has a coagulation tank 102 and a sedimentation tank 103 provided on the downstream side thereof. The coagulation tank 102 is provided with: an injection device 107 for injecting a polymer coagulant 106 into the sludge 105 (an example of liquid) stored in the coagulation tank 102; a stirring device 108 for stirring the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102; and a liquid photographing device 110 for photographing the sludge 105 and measuring the turbidity of the sludge 105.

[0223] The polymer flocculant 106 is injected from the injection device 107 into the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102 and stirred by the stirring device 108 , thereby forming coagulated flocs 112 (coarse flocs) having a large diameter in the sludge 105 .

[0224] In addition, the coagulated floccules 112 in the sludge 105 are precipitated in the sedimentation tank 103, and the supernatant 113 is taken out from the outlet of the sedimentation tank 103, subjected to neutralization treatment and the like, and then discharged.

[0225] like Figure 24 to Figure 26 As shown, the liquid imaging device 110 comprises: a circular barrel member 120 with a closed upper end and an open lower end; a determination mark 121 arranged inside the barrel member 120; a camera 122 (an example of a photographing unit) capable of photographing the determination mark 121; a first lighting device 123; an air supply device 125 (an example of a gas supply device) for supplying compressed air 124 (an example of gas) to the interior of the barrel member 120; a suction pipe 126 for pumping water from the sludge 105 inside the barrel member 120 and discharging it to the outside of the barrel member 120; and a mounting member 127 for mounting the barrel member 120 on the condensation tank 102.

[0226] The barrel member 120 is composed of a light shielding body made of metal or resin, and has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 130, a ceiling portion 131 provided at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 130, a submerged portion 132 immersed below a liquid surface 135, a protruding portion 133 protruding above the liquid surface 135, and a lower end opening portion 134 formed at the lower end of the submerged portion 132. In addition, the upper portion of the barrel member 120 is configured as the protruding portion 133, and the lower portion of the protruding portion 133 is configured as the submerged portion 132.

[0227] In addition, the liquid level 137 inside the barrel member 120 is lower than the liquid level 135 outside the barrel member 120, and the determination mark 121 is submerged below the liquid level 137 inside the barrel member 120. In addition, the length L1 from the liquid level 137 inside the barrel member 120 to the lower end of the barrel member 120 is set to 1 to 10 times the diameter D1 of the lower end opening 134, and more preferably 4 to 6 times.

[0228] The determination mark 121 is a flat member, which is installed on the cylinder member 120 via the installation shaft 128. A plurality of circular marks 139a to 139e of the same size and different brightness (depth) are displayed on the upper surface of the determination mark 121. Among them, the mark 139a arranged at one end is a dark gray closest to black, the mark 139e arranged at the other end is a light gray closest to white, and the marks 139b to 139d arranged in the middle are grays with different degrees of black and white in stages. In addition, the determination mark 121 is installed in a manner that its upper surface is horizontal.

[0229] The camera 122 is mounted on the ceiling 131 of the barrel member 120 and is located above the liquid level 137 inside the barrel member 120. In addition, the imaging center axis 141 of the camera 122 is orthogonal to the liquid level 137 inside the barrel member 120. In addition, the camera 122 is connected to an image processing device (not shown) via a cable 142.

[0230] The first lighting device 123 is an annular lighting device, which is mounted on the ceiling 131 of the barrel member 120 so as to surround the lens portion of the camera 122, and illuminates the determination mark 121 from a position above the liquid surface 137 inside the barrel member 120. The light source of the first lighting device 123 is, for example, an LED.

[0231] The peripheral wall portion 130 of the cylinder member 120 extends to a position below the determination mark 121. Inside the submerged portion 132 of the cylinder member 120 and below the determination mark 121, a coagulated flocculent settling region 144 is formed where the coagulated floccules 112 in the sludge 105 settle.

[0232] The air supply device 125 is constituted by an air pump or the like, and is connected to the ceiling portion 131 of the cylinder member 120 via an air supply pipe 146 .

[0233] The water pumping pipe 126 is an inverted L-shaped pipe, one end of which is open inside the cylinder member 120, and the other end of which is open outside the cylinder member 120, and the straight pipe portion 126a in the vertical direction is provided inside the cylinder member 120. The opening portion 147 at one end of the water pumping pipe 126 is located below the liquid surface 135 outside the cylinder member 120 and is open downward. In addition, the opening portion 148 at the other end of the water pumping pipe 126 is located above the liquid surface 135 outside the cylinder member 120 and is open laterally.

[0234] Next, the function of the above-mentioned structure will be described.

[0235] By injecting the polymer coagulant 106 from the injection device 107 into the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102 and stirring the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102 by the stirring device 108 , coagulated flocs 112 having a large diameter are formed in the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102 .

[0236] At this time, as described later, the sludge 105 inside the cylinder member 120 is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member 120 through the pumping pipe 126, so the sludge 105 outside the cylinder member 120 flows into the inside of the cylinder member 120 from the lower end opening 134, but the coagulated flocs 112 in the sludge 105 are settled in the coagulated flocs settling area 144 inside the cylinder member 120. Therefore, the supernatant 150 with less coarsened coagulated flocs 112 appears near the liquid surface 137 inside the cylinder member 120, and the determination mark 121 exists in the supernatant 150 in a state of being submerged below the liquid surface 137 inside the cylinder member 120. Then, the determination mark 121 is illuminated by the first lighting device 123, the determination mark 121 is photographed by the camera 122, and the images of the marks 139a to 139e of the photographed determination mark 121 are binarized, etc., thereby being able to determine the turbidity of the supernatant 150 inside the cylinder member 120 without being hindered by the coagulated flocs 112 in the sludge 105.

[0237] At this time, the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102 is stirred by the stirring device 108. Even if the liquid surface 135 around the drum member 120 fluctuates, the submerged portion 132 of the drum member 120 is submerged below the liquid surface 135. Therefore, the wave abuts against the peripheral wall portion 130 of the drum member 120 and is blocked, and the liquid surface 137 in the drum member 120 is maintained in a stable state with less fluctuation. Thus, a stable image can be obtained.

[0238] In this way, the turbidity of the supernatant 150 of the sludge 105 inside the coagulation tank 102 can be measured using the liquid imaging device 110. Therefore, by adjusting the injection amount of the polymer coagulant 106 injected from the injection device 107 into the coagulation tank 102 based on the measured turbidity, the time delay (time lag) can be shortened and the injection amount of the polymer coagulant 106 can be adjusted to the optimal injection amount.

[0239] In addition, the camera 122 is not submerged below the liquid level 137 in the cylinder member 120 but is located above the liquid level 137, so dirt in the sludge 105 does not adhere to the camera 122, and cleaning means such as cleaning the glass window is not required. Thus, the structure of the liquid imaging device 110 is simplified.

[0240] In addition, by supplying compressed air 124 from the air supply device 125 to the interior of the barrel component 120, the supernatant 150 inside the barrel component 120 is pushed up together with the bubbles of the compressed air 124 flowing in from the opening 147 at one end of the suction pipe 126 and rises in the suction pipe 126, and is discharged to the outside of the barrel component 120 from the opening 148 at the other end.

[0241] When the supernatant 150 in the cylinder member 120 is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member 120 through the water extraction pipe 126 by such air lift, the sludge 105 in the coagulation tank 102 flows into the inside of the cylinder member 120 from the lower end opening 134 of the cylinder member 120. Therefore, the sludge 105 in the cylinder member 120 is slowly circulated and replaced between the inside and the outside of the cylinder member 120. Thus, the sludge 105 with the latest properties can be always introduced into the inside of the cylinder member 120 to measure its turbidity.

[0242] At this time, the interior of the cylindrical member 120 is in a water-sealed state at a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the fluctuation and pulsation of the liquid level 137 inside the cylindrical member 120 are suppressed.

[0243] In addition, if the sedimentation velocity of the coagulated flocs 112 is set to V1 (usually several cm / minute), and the flow velocity in the pipe when the mixed fluid of the supernatant 150 and the bubbles flows from bottom to top in the pumping pipe 126 is set to V2, then the flow velocity in the pipe V2 is designed to be lower than the sedimentation velocity V1 (i.e., V1>V2).

[0244] Thus, the aggregated flocs 112 are reliably settled in the aggregated floc settling area 144 , and the aggregated flocs 112 in the aggregated floc settling area 144 can be prevented from rising and flowing into the inside of the water pumping pipe 126 .

[0245] In addition, if Fig.24As shown, since the length L1 from the liquid surface 137 inside the cylinder member 120 to the lower end of the cylinder member 120 is set to 1 to 10 times the diameter D1 of the lower end opening 134, it is difficult to be affected by the stirring of the stirring device 108, and the time delay (time lag) until the turbidity measurement can be shortened. For example, if the above-mentioned length L1 is set to be less than 1 times the above-mentioned diameter D1, the lower end opening 134 is located near the bottom of the determination mark 121, and is therefore easily affected by the stirring of the stirring device 108. In addition, if it is assumed that the above-mentioned length L1 exceeds 10 times the above-mentioned diameter D1, it takes time for the sludge 105 flowing into the cylinder member 120 from the lower end opening 134 to rise and reach the determination mark 121, and the time lag until the turbidity measurement becomes longer.

[0246] Furthermore, since the cylinder member 120 is formed of a light blocking body, light that is intended to enter the inside of the cylinder member 120 from the outside is blocked, thereby preventing adverse effects such as reflection of light from the outside on the liquid surface 137 inside the cylinder member 120 .

[0247] The image of the markers 139a to 139e of the determination marker 121 is subjected to the following image processing: The images of the markers 139a to 139e photographed by the camera 122 are binarized at a predetermined brightness threshold, and the turbidity is calculated based on the correlation between the area value of the binarized images of the markers 139a to 139e and the turbidity.

[0248] For example, when the turbidity in the supernatant 150 inside the cylinder member 120 contains colored components such as black and red, if the turbidity of the supernatant 150 increases, when the images of the markers 139a to 139e captured are binarized at a predetermined brightness threshold, there is a relationship that the area of ​​the portion recognized as black (or the number of markers) in the image of each marker 139a to 139e increases, and the area of ​​the portion recognized as white (or the number of markers) decreases. In addition, if the turbidity of the supernatant 150 decreases, when the images of the markers 139a to 139e captured are binarized at a predetermined brightness threshold, there is a relationship that the area of ​​the portion recognized as black (or the number of markers) in the image of each marker 139a to 139e decreases, and the area of ​​the portion recognized as white (or the number of markers) increases.

[0249] Fig. 27It is a graph showing the correlation between the area value of the portion of the image of the binary mark 139a to 139e recognized as black and the turbidity. Therefore, when the turbidity increases, the area value of the portion of the image of the binary mark 139a to 139e recognized as black increases at a certain ratio. Among them, the first curve G1 is equivalent to the case where the determination mark 121 with the upper surface set to the horizontal direction is used in the above-mentioned fourteenth embodiment. In addition, the second curve G2 is equivalent to the case where the determination mark 121 with the upper surface tilted in the vertical direction is used in the fifteenth embodiment described later.

[0250] It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned fourteenth embodiment, the case where the turbid substance in the supernatant 150 contains a colored component is described, but when the turbid substance in the supernatant 150 contains only a white component, since the greater the turbidity, the greater the area value of the portion recognized as white, the greater the area value of the portion recognized as white. Fig. 27 The graph of the graph shows the opposite relationship. The smaller the area value of the part recognized as black, the smaller the area value. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this.

[0251] (Fifteenth embodiment)

[0252] In the fifteenth embodiment, Fig.28 As shown, the determination mark 121 is provided inside the cylinder member 120 in a state where its upper surface is tilted in the vertical direction. Here, the dark gray mark 139a closest to black arranged at one end is set to the upper position, and the light gray mark 139e closest to white arranged at the other end is set to the lower position, so that the determination mark 121 is tilted in a manner that the brightness decreases as it approaches the upper position. The tilt angle A1 of the determination mark 121 is set to 45°, for example.

[0253] Thus, the area value and turbidity of the portion recognized as black in the image of the marks 139a to 139e after the binarization process become Fig. 27 The relationship is the same as the second curve G2. Fig. 27 The slope C2 of the second curve G2 is greater than the slope C1 of the first curve G1, so the change in turbidity of the second curve G2 is smaller than that of the first curve G1. Therefore, the error in turbidity of the second curve G2 is smaller than that of the first curve G1. Therefore, compared with the fourteenth embodiment in which the determination mark 121 is horizontal, the measurement accuracy of turbidity can be improved by tilting the determination mark 121.

[0254] Furthermore, even if solid particles finer than the aggregated flocs 112 are present in the supernatant 150 inside the cylinder member 120 , such fine solid particles are less likely to accumulate on the upper surface of the inclined determination mark 121 , so that stable measurement can be performed.

[0255] In the fifteenth embodiment, the inclination angle A1 of the determination mark 121 is set to 45°, but the determination mark 121 may be inclined at an inclination angle A1 other than 45°. In addition, the inclination angle A1 of the determination mark 121 may be changed and adjusted to an optimal inclination angle A1 according to the properties of the sludge 105, etc.

[0256] Furthermore, in the fifteenth embodiment, the determination mark 121 is tilted so that the dark gray mark 139a closest to black arranged at one end is at the upper position and the light gray mark 139e closest to white arranged at the other end is at the lower position, but conversely, the determination mark 121 may be tilted so that the mark 139a arranged at one end is at the lower position and the mark 139e arranged at the other end is at the upper position. Alternatively, the turbidity determination mark having only a plurality of dark gray marks 139a closest to black arranged may be tilted.

[0257] (Sixteenth Embodiment)

[0258] In the sixteenth embodiment, as Fig.29 As shown, the cylinder member 120 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the liquid surfaces 135 and 137 of the sludge 105 , and thereby the imaging center axis 141 of the camera 122 is inclined at a predetermined angle E1 obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 137 inside the cylinder member 120 .

[0259] Thus, the amount of reflected light 156 generated by the reflection of the irradiation light 155 of the first lighting device 123 on the liquid surface 137 inside the barrel member 120 and entering the field of view of the camera 122 can be reduced. Thus, the reflection of the reflected light 156 into the captured image can be reduced, so the turbidity of the supernatant 150 inside the barrel member 120 can be accurately calculated based on the obtained image.

[0260] (Seventeenth Embodiment)

[0261] In the above sixteenth embodiment, if Fig.29 As shown, by tilting the barrel member 120 at a predetermined angle relative to the liquid surfaces 135 and 137, the imaging center axis 141 of the camera 122 is tilted at a predetermined angle E1 obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 137 inside the barrel member 120. However, in the seventeenth embodiment described below, as shown in FIG. Fig.30 As shown, the cylinder member 120 is erected vertically with respect to the liquid surfaces 135 and 137 without being inclined.

[0262] The camera 122 is attached to the ceiling portion 131 of the tubular member 120 in an inclined manner, whereby an imaging center axis 141 of the camera 122 is inclined at a predetermined angle E1 obliquely downward relative to a liquid surface 137 inside the tubular member 120 .

[0263] Furthermore, the first lighting device 123 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 130 of the cylindrical member 120 in an inclined manner, and thus the optical axis 158 of the first lighting device 123 is inclined obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 137 inside the cylindrical member 120 .

[0264] Thereby, the same action and effect as those of the above-mentioned sixteenth embodiment can be obtained.

[0265] Furthermore, in the seventeenth embodiment described above, both the camera 122 and the first lighting device 123 are tilted, but only one of them may be tilted.

[0266] (Eighteenth Embodiment)

[0267] In the eighteenth embodiment, Fig.31 As shown, the water pumping pipe 126 is a J-shaped pipe, one end of which is open inside the cylinder member 120, and the other end is open outside the cylinder member 120, and the straight pipe portion 126a in the vertical direction is provided outside the cylinder member 120. The opening portion 147 at one end of the water pumping pipe 126 is located below the liquid surface 135 outside the cylinder member 120 and is open upward. In addition, the opening portion 148 at the other end of the water pumping pipe 126 is located above the liquid surface 135 outside the cylinder member 120 and is open upward.

[0268] Thus, by the same airlift effect as in the fourteenth embodiment, the supernatant 150 inside the cylinder member 120 is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member 120 through the suction pipe 126, and the sludge 105 inside the cylinder member 120 is slowly circulated between the outside of the cylinder member 120 and replaced.

[0269] (Nineteenth Embodiment)

[0270] In the nineteenth embodiment, as Fig.32 As shown, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the tube member 120 gradually decreases toward the lower end opening 134 in a region below the determination mark 121 , and becomes minimum at the lower end opening 134 .

[0271] Therefore, when the supernatant 150 inside the barrel member 120 is discharged to the outside of the barrel member 120 through the pumping pipe 126 due to the air lift effect, the sludge 105 inside the coagulation tank 102 flows into the inside of the barrel member 120 from the lower end opening 134 of the barrel member 120, so that the sludge 105 inside the barrel member 120 slowly circulates between the outside of the barrel member 120 and is replaced.

[0272] At this time, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inside of the cylinder member 120 gradually increases from the lower end opening 134 toward the upper side, so the sludge 105 flowing into the inside of the cylinder member 120 from the lower end opening 134 rises and its flow rate decreases. As a result, the coagulated flocs 112 in the sludge 105 are easily settled, so the length L1 from the liquid surface 137 inside the cylinder member 120 to the lower end of the cylinder member 120 can be shortened, and the coagulated flocs 112 in the sludge 105 can be reliably settled in the coagulated floc settling area 144. As a result, the cylinder member 120 can be made small and lightweight in the vertical direction.

[0273] (Twentieth to twenty-second embodiments)

[0274] As a twentieth implementation mode, Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 1 , the marks 139a to 139e of the determination mark 121 may also be marks of the same brightness (all black) and different sizes. Fig.34 As shown in FIG. 1 , the marks 139a to 139e of the determination mark 121 may be marks of different brightness and size. Fig.35 As shown, the marks 139a to 139e of the determination mark 121 may be thicker toward the center of a circle and thinner toward the outer circumference of the circle.

[0275] In addition, the marks 139a to 139e are not limited to circles, and may be shapes other than circles, such as quadrilaterals, etc. In addition, the marks 139a to 139e change the shades of white and black in stages, but are not limited to black and white, and may change the shades of blue and red in stages according to the properties of the liquid such as the sludge 105.

[0276] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the determination mark 121 is completely immersed below the liquid surface 137 inside the barrel member 120, but as long as all the marks 139a~139e are immersed below the liquid surface 137 inside the barrel member 120, a part of the determination mark 121 may also protrude above the liquid surface 137 inside the barrel member 120.

[0277] (Twenty-third embodiment)

[0278] In the twenty-third embodiment, if Fig.36 As shown, the liquid imaging device 110 has a lifting device 170. The lifting device 170 lifts and lowers the cylinder member 120 between the lowered position P1 and the raised position P2, and has a guide rail 171 erected on the outer side surface of the condensation tank 102, a moving member 172 supported and guided by the guide rail 171 and freely movable in the vertical direction, and a driving device 173 such as an actuator cylinder that moves the moving member 172 up and down.

[0279] In addition, the cylinder member 120 is connected to the moving member 173 via the support arm 174. Fig.36 As shown by the solid line, at the descending position P1, the lower part of the cylinder member 120 is immersed in the sludge 105 and submerged below the liquid surface 135. Fig.36 As shown by the imaginary line, at the rising position P2, the tube member 120 separates above the liquid surface 135.

[0280] Thus, without using the liquid photographing device 110, the driving device 173 of the lifting device 170 is driven to make the moving member 172 rise, as shown in FIG. Fig.36 As shown by the imaginary line of , the tube member 120 is raised from the lowered position P1 to the raised position P2.

[0281] As a result, the cylindrical member 120 is separated above the liquid surface 135 , so that dirt in the sludge 105 is less likely to adhere to and accumulate on the cylindrical member 120 .

[0282] (Twenty-fourth embodiment)

[0283] In the twenty-fourth embodiment, if Fig.37 As shown, reference numeral 201 is a part of the industrial wastewater treatment system, which has a coagulation tank 202 and a sedimentation tank 203 provided on the downstream side thereof. The coagulation tank 202 is provided with: an injection device 207 for injecting a polymer coagulant 206 into the sludge 205 (an example of liquid) stored inside the coagulation tank 202; a stirring device 208 for stirring the sludge 205 in the coagulation tank 202; and a liquid imaging device 210.

[0284] The polymer flocculant 206 is injected from the injection device 207 into the sludge 205 in the coagulation tank 202 and stirred by the stirring device 208 , thereby forming coagulated flocs 212 (coarse flocs) having a large diameter in the sludge 205 .

[0285] In addition, the coagulated floccules 212 in the sludge 205 are precipitated in the sedimentation tank 203, and the supernatant 213 is taken out from the outlet of the sedimentation tank 203, subjected to neutralization treatment and the like, and then discharged.

[0286] The liquid photographing device 210 is a device for simultaneously photographing the coagulated floccules 212 floating in the sludge 205 and the supernatant 214 after the coagulated floccules 212 settle. Figures 38 to 40As shown, there is a barrel component 220, a camera 221 (an example of a photographing unit) fixed to the barrel component 220, a background plate 222, a determination mark 223, a first lighting device 224, a second lighting device 225, an air supply device 227 (an example of a gas supply device) for supplying compressed air 226 (an example of gas) to the interior of the barrel component 220, a pumping pipe 228 for pumping water from the sludge 205 inside the barrel component 220 and discharging it to the outside of the barrel component 220, and a mounting component 229 for mounting the barrel component 220 on the flocculation tank 202.

[0287] The barrel member 220 is composed of a light shielding body made of metal or resin, and has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 230, a ceiling portion 231 provided at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 230, a submerged portion 232 submerged below the liquid surface 235, and a protrusion 233 protruding above the liquid surface 235. In addition, the upper portion of the barrel member 220 is configured as the protrusion 233, and the lower portion of the protrusion 233 is configured as the submerged portion 232.

[0288] The interior of the cylinder member 220 is divided into a semi-cylindrical first imaging chamber 238 for imaging the aggregated floccules 212 and a semi-cylindrical second imaging chamber 239 for imaging the supernatant 214 in the submerged portion 232. That is, the first imaging chamber 238 and the second imaging chamber 239 are separated by a partition wall 240 provided inside the cylinder member 220.

[0289] The first imaging chamber 238 is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 230a and the partition wall 240 for half of the circumference, and has a first lower end opening portion 241 opened in a state where the lower end is immersed in the sludge 205. In addition, the second imaging chamber 239 is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 230b and the partition wall 240 for the remaining half of the circumference, and has a lower extension portion 243 formed longer downward than the first imaging chamber 238, and a second lower end opening portion 244 opened in a state where the lower end of the lower extension portion 243 is immersed in the sludge 205.

[0290] In addition, the peripheral wall portion 230b of the lower extension portion 243 of the second imaging chamber 239 is formed to be longer downward than the peripheral wall portion 230a of the first imaging chamber 238. In addition, the partition wall 240 is formed to be longer downward in such a manner that its lower end is at the same height as the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 230b of the lower extension portion 243. The length L2 from the liquid surface 237 inside the barrel member 220 to the lower end of the lower extension portion 243 is set to 1 to 10 times the inner diameter D2 of the barrel member 220, and more preferably 4 to 6 times.

[0291] The upper end of the partition wall 240 protrudes upward from the liquid level 237 inside the cylindrical member 220 , thereby partitioning the inside of the cylindrical member 220 into a first imaging chamber 238 and a second imaging chamber 239 from a position above the liquid level 237 inside the cylindrical member 220 .

[0292] The upper part of the first imaging chamber 238 and the upper part of the second imaging chamber 239 communicate with each other inside the protrusion 233 of the tubular member 220. In addition, the liquid level 237 inside the tubular member 220 is kept lower than the liquid level 235 outside the tubular member 220.

[0293] The camera 221 is mounted on the ceiling 231 of the barrel member 220, and is located above the liquid level 237 inside the barrel member 220, so that the first and second imaging chambers 238 and 239 can be imaged. In addition, the imaging center axis 246 of the camera 221 is orthogonal to the liquid level 237 inside the barrel member 220. In addition, the camera 221 is connected to an image processing device (not shown) via a cable 247.

[0294] The first lighting device 224 is an annular lighting device, which is mounted on the ceiling portion 231 of the barrel member 220 so as to surround the lens portion of the camera 221, and can illuminate the interior of the first and second imaging chambers 238 and 239 from above the liquid surface 237 inside the barrel member 220. In addition, the light source of the first lighting device 224 uses, for example, an LED.

[0295] The air supply device 227 is composed of an air pump or the like, and is connected to the ceiling portion 231 of the cylinder member 220 via an air supply pipe 249 .

[0296] The water pumping pipe 228 is an inverted L-shaped pipe, one end of which is open inside the barrel member 220 and the other end of which is open outside the barrel member 220, and a straight pipe portion 228a in the vertical direction is provided inside the barrel member 220. An opening portion 250 at one end of the water pumping pipe 228 is located below the liquid surface 235 outside the barrel member 220 and opens downward inside the second imaging chamber 239. In addition, an opening portion 251 at the other end of the water pumping pipe 228 is located above the liquid surface 235 outside the barrel member 220 and opens horizontally.

[0297] The background plate 222 is a plate for limiting the depth of shooting, and is disposed inside the first shooting chamber 238, and is disposed at a predetermined depth position below the liquid surface 237 inside the barrel member 220. The background plate 222 uses a translucent resin or glass plate that is easy for light to pass (i.e., has light transmittance). It should be noted that the background plate 222 is installed between the peripheral wall portion 230a of the first shooting chamber 238 and the partition wall 240 via the installation shaft 253 in a manner parallel to the liquid surface 237 inside the barrel member 220.

[0298] The second lighting device 225 is a lighting device for eliminating the shadow of the aggregated floccules 212 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 222, and is installed on the partition wall 240 and located below the background plate 222. The second lighting device 225 uses, for example, a waterproof LED.

[0299] The determination mark 223 is a flat plate-shaped member, which is disposed inside the second imaging chamber 239 and is immersed below the liquid surface 237 inside the barrel member 220. In addition, the upper surface of the determination mark 223 is parallel to the liquid surface 237 in the barrel member 220, and is installed between the peripheral wall portion 230b of the second imaging chamber 239 and the partition wall 240 via the installation shaft 254.

[0300] A plurality of circular marks 256a to 256e of the same size and different brightness (shades) are displayed on the upper surface of the determination mark 223. Among them, the mark 256a arranged at one end is a dark gray closest to black, the mark 256e arranged at the other end is a dark gray closest to white, and the marks 256b to 256d arranged in the middle are grays with different shades of black and white in stages.

[0301] A coagulated floccules settling area 257 where the coagulated floccules 212 in the sludge 205 settle is formed in the lower extension 243 of the second imaging chamber 239 and below the determination mark 223 .

[0302] In addition, if Fig.39 As shown, the first imaging room 238 and the second imaging room 239 are adjacent to each other via the partition wall 240 , so the background plate 222 of the first imaging room 238 and the determination mark 223 of the second imaging room 239 can be accommodated within the imaging field of view 259 (photographic range) of the camera 221 .

[0303] Next, the function of the above-mentioned structure will be described.

[0304] The polymer coagulant 206 is injected from the injection device 207 into the sludge 205 in the coagulation tank 202 , and the sludge 205 in the coagulation tank 202 is stirred by the stirring device 208 , thereby forming coagulated flocs 212 with a large diameter in the sludge 205 in the coagulation tank 202 .

[0305] At this time, as described later, the sludge 205 in the second shooting chamber 239 inside the cylinder member 220 is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member 220 through the pumping pipe 228, so the sludge 205 outside the cylinder member 220 flows into the second shooting chamber 239 from the second lower end opening 244, but the coagulated flocs 212 in the sludge 205 settle in the coagulated flocs settling area 257 of the second shooting chamber 239. Therefore, the supernatant 214 with less coarsened coagulated flocs 212 appears near the liquid surface 237 of the second shooting chamber 239 in the cylinder member 220. The determination mark 223 exists in the supernatant 214 in a state of being submerged below the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220.

[0306] Then, the first lighting device 224 is used to illuminate the interior of the first shooting chamber 238 and the second shooting chamber 239, and the camera 221 is used to photograph the interior of the first shooting chamber 238 and the second shooting chamber 239, thereby obtaining an image of the coagulated flocs 212 in the sludge 205 from the photographed liquid surface 237 inside the first shooting chamber 238, and obtaining an image of the determination mark 223 from the photographed liquid surface 237 inside the second shooting chamber 239.

[0307] Based on the image of the aggregated flocs 212 thus obtained, the number, size, shape, etc. of the aggregated flocs 212 can be observed. In addition, based on the image of the determination mark 223 obtained, the turbidity of the supernatant 214 in the second imaging chamber 239 can be obtained without being hindered by the aggregated flocs 212 in the sludge 205.

[0308] At this time, since the submerged portion 232 of the cylinder member 220 is submerged below the liquid surface 235 inside the coagulation tank 202, even if the liquid surface 235 around the cylinder member 220 fluctuates, the wave is blocked by contact with the cylinder member 220, and the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220 is maintained in a stable state with less fluctuation. Thus, a stable image can be obtained.

[0309] In addition, the camera 221 is not submerged below the liquid level 237 in the cylinder member 220 but is located above the liquid level 237, so dirt in the sludge 205 does not adhere to the camera 221, and cleaning means such as cleaning the glass window is not required. Thus, the structure of the liquid imaging device 210 is simplified.

[0310] In addition, a single liquid imaging device 210 can be used to observe the coagulated flocs 212 inside the coagulation tank 202 and measure the turbidity, thereby achieving a smaller and lighter size than providing a liquid imaging device dedicated to observing the coagulated flocs and a liquid imaging device dedicated to measuring the turbidity separately.

[0311] In addition, by supplying compressed air 226 from the air supply device 227 to the interior of the barrel component 220, the supernatant 214 inside the second shooting chamber 239 is pushed up together with the bubbles of compressed air 226 flowing in from the opening 250 at one end of the suction pipe 228 and rises inside the suction pipe 228, and is discharged to the outside of the barrel component 220 from the opening 251 at the other end.

[0312] By such air lift effect, when the supernatant 214 in the second shooting chamber 239 is discharged to the outside of the cylinder member 220 through the water pumping pipe 228, the sludge 205 in the coagulation tank 202 flows into the lower extension part 243 from the second lower end opening 244 of the second shooting chamber 239, so that the sludge 205 in the lower extension part 243 is slowly circulated and replaced between the outside of the cylinder member 220. In this way, the sludge 205 with the latest properties can be always introduced into the lower extension part 243 to measure its turbidity.

[0313] At this time, the interior of the cylindrical member 220 is in a water-sealed state at a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the fluctuation and pulsation of the liquid level 237 inside the cylindrical member 220 are suppressed.

[0314] In addition, if the sedimentation velocity of the coagulated flocs 212 is set to V1 (usually several cm / minute), and the flow velocity in the pipe when the mixed fluid of the supernatant 214 and the bubbles flows from bottom to top in the pumping pipe 228 is set to V2, then the flow velocity in the pipe V2 is designed to be lower than the sedimentation velocity V1 (i.e., V1>V2).

[0315] Thus, the aggregated flocs 212 are reliably settled in the aggregated floc settling area 257 inside the lower extension 243 of the cylinder member 220 , and the aggregated flocs 212 in the aggregated floc settling area 257 are prevented from rising and flowing into the water extraction pipe 228 .

[0316] In addition, if Fig.38 As shown, since the length L2 from the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220 to the lower end of the lower extension portion 243 is set to 1 to 10 times the inner diameter D2 of the cylinder member 220, it is difficult to be affected by the stirring of the stirring device 208, and the time delay (time lag) until the turbidity measurement can be shortened. For example, assuming that the above-mentioned length L2 is set to be less than 1 times the above-mentioned inner diameter D2, the second lower end opening 244 is located near the lower side of the determination mark 223, and is therefore easily affected by the stirring of the stirring device 208. In addition, if it is assumed that the above-mentioned length L2 exceeds 10 times the above-mentioned inner diameter D2, it takes time for the sludge 205 flowing into the cylinder member 220 from the second lower end opening 244 to rise and reach the determination mark 223, and the time delay (time lag) until the turbidity measurement becomes longer.

[0317] Furthermore, since the cylinder member 220 is formed of a light blocking body, light that is intended to enter the inside of the cylinder member 220 from the outside is blocked, thereby preventing adverse effects such as reflection of light from the outside on the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220 .

[0318] In addition, when the camera 221 is used to photograph the interior of the first and second photographing chambers 238 and 239 as described above, the photographing depth is limited by the background plate 222 inside the first photographing chamber 238, so the coagulated flocs 212 at a location deeper than the background plate 222 are not photographed, and the coagulated flocs 212 at a location shallower than the background plate 222 are photographed. In this way, the coagulated flocs 212 at a location deeper than the background plate 222 can be removed for photographing, so the frequency of photographing a plurality of coagulated flocs 212 in the sludge 205 as one large coagulated floc 212 when overlapping in the vertical direction can be greatly reduced. Thus, the number and size of the flocs 212 can be accurately observed from the obtained image.

[0319] In addition, by lighting the second lighting device 225, a part of the irradiation light of the second lighting device 225 passes through the background plate 222 from the bottom to the top, so that the shadow of the coagulated floccules 212 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 222 is eliminated. Thus, it is possible to prevent the shadow of the coagulated floccules 212 reflected on the upper surface of the background plate 222 from being mistaken for the actual coagulated floccules 212, and the number and size of the coagulated floccules 212 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image.

[0320] In addition, the following image processing is performed on the marks 256a to 256e of the determination mark 223 photographed as described above. That is, the images of the marks 256a to 256e photographed by the camera 221 are binarized at a predetermined brightness threshold, and the turbidity is calculated based on the correlation between the area value of the images of the marks 256a to 256e after the binarization processing and the turbidity.

[0321] For example, when the turbid substance in the supernatant 214 of the second imaging chamber 239 in the barrel member 220 contains colored components such as black and red, if the turbidity of the supernatant 214 increases, when the images of the captured markers 256a to 256e are binarized at a predetermined brightness threshold, there is a relationship that the area of ​​the portion recognized as black (or the number of markers) in the image of each marker 256a to 256e increases, and the area of ​​the portion recognized as white (or the number of markers) decreases. In addition, if the turbidity of the supernatant 214 decreases, when the images of the captured markers 256a to 256e are binarized at a predetermined brightness threshold, there is a relationship that the area of ​​the portion recognized as black (or the number of markers) in the image of each marker 256a to 256e decreases, and the area of ​​the portion recognized as white (or the number of markers) increases.

[0322] Fig.41is a graph showing the correlation between the area value of the portion of the image of the binary mark 256a to 256e recognized as black and the turbidity. Thus, when the turbidity increases, the area value of the portion of the image of the binary mark 256a to 256e recognized as black increases at a certain ratio. The first curve G1 corresponds to the above-mentioned embodiment 24. Fig.38 The case where the determination mark 223 whose upper surface is set to the horizontal direction is used as shown. In addition, the 25th curve G2 corresponds to the case where the determination mark 223 whose upper surface is inclined in the vertical direction is used in the 25th embodiment described later.

[0323] In the above-mentioned twenty-fourth embodiment, the case where the turbid substance in the supernatant 214 contains a colored component is described. However, in the case where the turbid substance in the supernatant 214 contains only a white component, the greater the turbidity, the greater the area value of the portion recognized as white. Fig.41 The graph of the graph shows the opposite relationship. The smaller the area value of the part recognized as black, the smaller the area value. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this.

[0324] In the twenty-fifth embodiment, Fig.42 As shown, the determination mark 223 is set in the second imaging chamber 239 in a state where its upper surface is tilted in the vertical direction. Here, the dark gray mark 256a closest to black arranged at one end is set to the upper position, and the light gray mark 256e closest to white arranged at the other end is set to the lower position, so that the determination mark 223 is tilted in a manner that the brightness decreases as it approaches the upper position. The tilt angle A2 of the determination mark 223 is set to 45°, for example.

[0325] Thus, the area value and turbidity of the portion recognized as black in the image of the marks 256a to 256e after the binarization process become Fig.41 Since the slope C2 of the second curve G2 is greater than the slope C1 of the first curve G1, the change in turbidity of the second curve G2 relative to the change in area value becomes smaller than that of the first curve G1. Therefore, the error in turbidity of the second curve G2 relative to the error in area value becomes smaller than that of the first curve G1. Therefore, by tilting the determination mark 223, the turbidity measurement accuracy can be improved compared with the twenty-fourth embodiment in which the determination mark 223 is horizontal.

[0326] Furthermore, even if solid particles finer than the aggregated flocs 212 are present in the supernatant 214 inside the second imaging chamber 239 , such fine solid particles are less likely to accumulate on the upper surface of the inclined determination mark 223 , so that stable measurement can be performed.

[0327] In the twenty-fifth embodiment, the inclination angle A2 of the determination mark 223 is set to 45°, but the determination mark 223 may be inclined at an inclination angle A2 other than 45°. In addition, the inclination angle A2 of the determination mark 223 may be changed and adjusted to an optimal inclination angle A2 according to the properties of the sludge 205, etc.

[0328] In the above-mentioned twenty-fifth embodiment, the determination mark 223 is tilted in such a manner that the dark gray mark 256a closest to black arranged at one end is at the upper position and the light gray mark 256e closest to white arranged at the other end is at the lower position, but conversely, the determination mark 223 may be tilted in such a manner that the mark 256a arranged at one end is at the lower position and the mark 256e arranged at the other end is at the upper position. Alternatively, the turbidity determination mark having only a plurality of dark gray marks 256a closest to black arranged may be tilted.

[0329] (Twenty-sixth embodiment)

[0330] In the twenty-sixth embodiment, if Fig.43 As shown, the cylinder member 220 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the liquid surfaces 235 and 237 of the sludge 205. Thus, the imaging center axis 246 of the camera 221 is inclined at a predetermined angle E2 obliquely downward with respect to the liquid surface 237 in the cylinder member 220.

[0331] Thus, the amount of reflected light 263 generated by the reflection of the irradiation light 262 of the first lighting device 224 on the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220 and entering the shooting field of view 259 of the camera 221 can be reduced. Thus, the reflection of the reflected light 263 in the captured image can be reduced, so the number and size of the coagulated floccules 212 in the sludge 205 inside the first shooting chamber 238 can be accurately observed based on the obtained image, and the turbidity of the supernatant 214 in the second shooting chamber 239 can be accurately calculated.

[0332] In the above-mentioned twenty-sixth embodiment, the barrel member 220 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the liquid surface 235, 237, so that the imaging center axis 246 of the camera 221 is tilted at a predetermined angle E2 downward relative to the liquid surface 237 in the barrel member 220. However, the barrel member 220 may be kept vertically upright without being tilted relative to the liquid surface 235, 237 (see Fig.38), by obliquely installing the camera 221 on the ceiling portion 231 of the barrel member 220, the shooting center axis 246 is inclined at a predetermined angle E2 toward obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 237 in the barrel member 220. In addition, the first lighting device 224 can also be obliquely installed on the peripheral wall portion 230 of the barrel member 220, so that the optical axis of the first lighting device 224 is inclined toward obliquely downward relative to the liquid surface 237 in the barrel member 220.

[0333] (Twenty-seventh Embodiment)

[0334] In the above-mentioned twenty-fourth embodiment, if Fig.38 As shown, the interior of the cylinder member 220 is divided into a first imaging chamber 238 and a second imaging chamber 239 via a partition wall 240. However, in the twenty-seventh embodiment described below, as shown in FIG. Figures 44 to 46 As shown, the interior of the barrel member 220 is branched into a first imaging chamber 238 and a second imaging chamber 239 .

[0335] That is, the cylinder member 220 has: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 270 formed into an oblong cylindrical shape; a cylindrical first and second branch cylinders 271 and 272 extending from the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 270; and a closing plate 273 provided between the outer peripheries of the upper ends of the two branch cylinders 271 and 272. The outer periphery of the upper end of the first branch cylinder 271 and the outer periphery of the upper end of the second branch cylinder 272 are closed by the closing plate 273.

[0336] The first and second branch tubes 271 , 272 are open at both upper and lower ends. A first imaging chamber 238 is formed inside the first branch tube 271 , and a second imaging chamber 239 is formed inside the second branch tube 272 .

[0337] The first lower end opening 241 is formed at the lower end of the first branch tube 271 . The second branch tube 272 has a lower extension 243 that is longer than the first branch tube 271 . The second lower end opening 244 is formed at the lower end of the lower extension 243 .

[0338] The upper ends of the first and second branch tubes 271 and 272 protrude upward from the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220. Thus, the inside of the cylinder member 220 is partitioned into the first imaging chamber 238 and the second imaging chamber 239 from the position above the liquid surface 237 inside the cylinder member 220.

[0339] Thereby, the same action and effect as those of the above-mentioned twenty-fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0340] (Twenty-eighth to Thirtieth Embodiments)

[0341] As a twenty-eighth implementation mode, Fig.47As shown in FIG. 2 , the marks 256a to 256e of the determination mark 223 may also be marks of the same brightness (all black) and different sizes. Fig.48 As shown in FIG. 2 , the marks 256a to 256e of the determination mark 223 may also be marks of different brightness and size. Fig.49 As shown, the marks 256a to 256e of the determination mark 223 may be marks that are darker toward the center of a circle and thinner toward the outer circumference of the circle.

[0342] In addition, the marks 256a to 256e are not limited to circles, but may be shapes other than circles, such as quadrilaterals, etc. In addition, the marks 256a to 256e change the shades of white and black in stages, but are not limited to black and white, and may change the shades of blue and red in stages according to the properties of the liquid such as the sludge 205.

[0343] (Thirty-first embodiment)

[0344] In a thirty-first embodiment, if Fig.50 As shown, the liquid imaging device 210 has a lifting device 280. The lifting device 280 is a device for lifting the cylinder member 220 between the lowered position P1 and the raised position P2, and has a guide rail 281 erected on the outer side surface of the condensation tank 202, a moving member 282 supported and guided by the guide rail 281 and freely movable in the vertical direction, and a driving device 283 such as an actuator cylinder that moves the moving member 282 up and down.

[0345] In addition, the cylinder member 220 is connected to the moving member 282 via the support arm 284. Fig.50 As shown by the solid line, at the descending position P1, the lower part of the cylinder member 220 is immersed in the sludge 205 and submerged below the liquid surface 235. Fig.50 As shown by the imaginary line, at the rising position P2, the tube member 220 separates above the liquid surface 235.

[0346] In the above-mentioned twenty-fourth to thirty-first embodiments, the determination mark 223 is completely submerged below the liquid surface 237 inside the barrel member 220, but as long as all the marks 256a to 256e are submerged below the liquid surface 237, a portion of the determination mark 223 may protrude above the liquid surface 237.

[0347] In the above-mentioned twenty-fourth to thirty-first embodiments, the first lighting device 224 is used to illuminate the first imaging room 238 and the second imaging room 239 as a whole over a wide range, but the first lighting device 224 can also be used to illuminate only the imaging field of view 259 of the camera 221 at a fixed point.

[0348] In the above-mentioned twenty-fourth to thirty-first embodiments, the liquid imaging device 210 is provided with a second lighting device 225, but when the impact of the undesirable situation that the shadow of the coagulated floccules 212 is reflected on the background plate 222 is so small that it does not become a problem, the liquid imaging device 210 may also be provided with a second lighting device 225.

[0349] Furthermore, the liquid imaging device 210 includes the background plate 222 , but if the impact of a problem in which a plurality of aggregated flocs 212 overlap in the vertical direction and are imaged as one large aggregated floc 212 is small enough not to cause a problem, the liquid imaging device 210 may not include the background plate 222 .

Claims

1. A liquid photographing device is a liquid photographing device for photographing liquid, characterized in that: The liquid photographing device has: A cylindrical member having a closed upper end and an open lower end, and moving between a descending position and an ascending position in which the lower end is separated above the liquid surface; An imaging unit is fixed to the cylinder member and is capable of imaging the liquid surface inside the cylinder member when the cylinder member is in the lowered position; as well as The gas supply device supplies gas to the interior of the cylindrical member from a position above the liquid level inside the cylindrical member, The lower end of the tube member is immersed in the liquid to be photographed. The gas supplied to the inside of the barrel member by the gas supply device is discharged to the outside of the barrel member from a position lower than the liquid level outside the barrel member, the liquid level inside the barrel member is located at a position lower than the liquid level outside the barrel member, and a penetration portion penetrating the outer circumference and inner circumference of the barrel member is formed at a position lower than the liquid level outside the barrel member, and the gas supplied to the inside of the barrel member by the gas supply device is discharged to the outside of the barrel member from the penetration portion. The imaging unit is located above the liquid surface in the cylindrical member.

2. The liquid photographing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first lighting device capable of illuminating the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member from a position above the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member is provided inside the cylindrical member.

3. The liquid photographing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first lighting device is provided inside the barrel member so as to surround the periphery of the imaging unit.

4. The liquid photographing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tube member is composed of a light shielding body. The imaging center axis of the imaging unit is inclined obliquely downward with respect to the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member.

5. The liquid photographing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The axial direction of the barrel member is parallel to the direction of the imaging center axis of the imaging unit.

6. The liquid photographing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner surface of the cylinder member is matte-finished.

7. The liquid photographing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The penetration portion is a through hole or a cutout portion formed upward from the lower end of the tube member.

8. The liquid imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A background plate for limiting the imaging depth is provided at a predetermined depth position below the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member.

9. The liquid photographing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The liquid imaging device includes a second lighting device for eliminating the shadow of floating matter in the liquid projected on the background plate.

10. The liquid photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A determination mark for evaluating at least one of the turbidity and the color tone of the liquid stored in the tank is provided inside the cylinder member and is immersed below the liquid surface inside the cylinder member. The imaging unit can image the determination mark.

11. The liquid photographing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A coagulated floccules settling region where the coagulated floccules in the liquid are settled is formed inside the cylinder member and below the determination mark.

12. The liquid photographing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The length from the liquid surface inside the cylindrical member to the lower end of the cylindrical member is set to 1 to 10 times the diameter of the lower end opening of the cylindrical member.

13. The liquid photographing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The liquid imaging device includes a pumping pipe for pumping liquid from the inside of a cylindrical member and discharging the liquid to the outside of the cylindrical member. One end of the water pumping pipe opens inside the cylinder member, and the other end opens outside the cylinder member. The opening at one end of the water pumping pipe is located below the liquid surface outside the cylinder member. The other end opening of the water pumping pipe is located above the liquid surface outside the cylindrical member.

14. The liquid photographing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A mark that differs in at least one of brightness and size is displayed on the upper surface of the determination mark.

15. The liquid photographing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: Determine whether the upper surface of the mark is inclined.

16. A liquid imaging device for simultaneously imaging floccules floating in a liquid stored in a tank and a supernatant formed by the sedimentation of the floccules, characterized in that: The liquid photographing device has: A cylindrical member having a closed upper end and an open lower end, and moving between a descending position and an ascending position in which the lower end is separated above the liquid surface; An imaging unit is fixed to the cylinder member and is capable of imaging the liquid surface inside the cylinder member when the cylinder member is in the lowered position; as well as The gas supply device supplies gas to the interior of the cylindrical member from a position above the liquid level inside the cylindrical member, The barrel member has a submerged portion submerged in the liquid surface and a protruding portion protruding toward the liquid surface. The interior of the cylindrical member is divided into a cylindrical first imaging chamber for imaging the coagulated floccules and a cylindrical second imaging chamber for imaging the supernatant formed by the sedimentation of the coagulated floccules at the submerged portion. The upper part of the first imaging chamber and the upper part of the second imaging chamber are connected in the protruding part of the cylinder member. The gas supplied to the inside of the barrel member by the gas supply device is discharged to the outside of the barrel member from a position lower than the liquid level outside the barrel member, the liquid level inside the barrel member is located at a position lower than the liquid level outside the barrel member, and a penetration portion penetrating the outer circumference and inner circumference of the barrel member is formed at a position lower than the liquid level outside the barrel member, and the gas supplied to the inside of the barrel member by the gas supply device is discharged to the outside of the barrel member from the penetration portion. A sub-liquid level determination mark immersed in the interior of the cylinder member is provided in the second imaging chamber. The imaging unit can capture images of the first imaging chamber and the second imaging chamber from above the liquid surface inside the cylinder member. The first imaging chamber and the second imaging chamber are both open at the bottom end while being immersed in the liquid. The second imaging chamber has a lower extension portion formed longer downward than the first imaging chamber.

17. The liquid photographing device according to claim 16, characterized in that: A coagulated floccules settling region where the coagulated floccules in the liquid are settled is formed in the lower extension of the second imaging chamber and below the determination mark.

18. The liquid imaging device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The interior of the cylindrical member is partitioned or branched into a first imaging chamber and a second imaging chamber from a position above the liquid surface in the cylindrical member.

19. The liquid imaging device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The liquid imaging device includes a pumping pipe for pumping liquid from the inside of a cylindrical member and discharging the liquid to the outside of the cylindrical member. One end of the water pumping pipe opens inside the cylinder member, and the other end opens outside the cylinder member. The opening at one end of the water pumping pipe is located below the liquid surface outside the cylinder member. The other end opening of the water pumping pipe is located above the liquid surface outside the cylindrical member.

20. The liquid photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 16 and 17, characterized in that: The liquid imaging device includes a lifting device that lifts and lowers a tubular member between a lowered position where a lower end of the tubular member is immersed in liquid and a raised position where the lower end of the tubular member is separated from above a liquid surface.

21. A condensation tank, characterized in that: The condensation groove is a condensation groove provided in the liquid imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 16, and 17. A stirring device is provided to stir the sludge in the tank and the coagulant injected into the sludge.

Images