Accelerated fouling test platform for water meters

Abstract

The application relates to the field of fouling simulation devices, and provides an accelerated fouling test platform for a water meter, which comprises a water supply assembly and a test assembly; the water supply assembly comprises a water tank and a water supply unit, the water tank is communicated with the water supply unit, and the water tank is used for containing a test solution; the test assembly comprises a constant-pressure water storage tank and a test branch pipe, the height of the constant-pressure water storage tank is higher than that of the water tank, the constant-pressure water storage tank is internally provided with a plurality of water storage cavities, the test branch pipe is one-to-one corresponding to the water storage cavities, one end of the test branch pipe is communicated with the bottom of the corresponding water storage cavity, the other end is communicated with the water tank, and an interface for mounting the water meter is arranged on the test branch pipe; the water supply unit is communicated with each water storage cavity and is used for introducing the test solution into the water storage cavity to maintain the liquid level in the water storage cavity at a preset height. The application solves the problems that the fouling test simulation process is difficult to accurately control and has poor applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of scaling simulation equipment, and more particularly to an accelerated scaling test platform for water meters. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, ultrasonic smart water meters, as a high-tech product, play an important role in water resource management. Ultrasonic smart water meters achieve effective management of water resources by accurately measuring water flow. However, in relatively poor water environments, after several years of use, scale will form on the transducer surface, causing the ultrasonic signal to attenuate and thus affecting the monitoring of water flow.

[0003] To simulate the formation of scale on the surface of ultrasonic smart water meters under real-world water conditions in a short time, some manufacturers design simulation devices. These devices use a water pump to introduce a prepared test solution through a main pipe into various branch pipes. Each branch pipe can be connected to an external water meter. By allowing the test solution to flow through the water meter, the scaling process is simulated. Throughout the simulation, the flow rate and velocity through the water meter need to be controlled. In existing simulation devices, the flow rate and total flow of the test solution are typically changed using a water pump. Simultaneously, each branch pipe is equipped with a valve. Closing the valve allows for the removal of the water meter; changing the opening of the valve on the corresponding branch pipe alters the flow rate of the test solution within that branch pipe, thus controlling the flow rate and velocity of the test solution through each water meter.

[0004] However, in reality, the start and end times of each water meter simulation cannot be exactly the same. When the valve opening on one branch changes, the flow rate of the test solution in other branches will also change accordingly. At this point, simply adjusting the water pump cannot achieve precise regulation of each branch, while adjusting the valve on each branch is too cumbersome and difficult to implement in practice. Furthermore, in actual testing, it may be necessary to replace water meters of different specifications. Different specifications of water meters have different flow areas, and when replacing them with different specifications of water meters, the flow rate and volume in each branch will also be affected, impacting the simulation results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issues of difficulty in accurately controlling and poor applicability in the scaling test simulation process, this application provides an accelerated scaling test platform for water meters.

[0006] The accelerated scaling testing platform for water meters provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An accelerated scaling testing platform for water meters, comprising: A water supply assembly includes a water tank and a water supply unit, wherein the water tank is connected to the water supply unit and the water tank is used to contain a test solution; The test assembly includes a pressure-stabilizing water tank and a test branch pipe. The height of the pressure-stabilizing water tank is higher than the height of the water tank. The pressure-stabilizing water tank has multiple water storage chambers. The test branch pipe corresponds to each water storage chamber. One end of the test branch pipe is connected to the bottom of the corresponding water storage chamber, and the other end is connected to the water tank. The test branch pipe is provided with an interface for installing a water meter. The water supply unit is connected to each of the water storage chambers and is used to introduce test solution into the water storage chambers to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chambers at a preset height.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, a stable hydrostatic pressure is formed by the height difference between the pressure-stabilizing water storage tank and the water tank. Parallel scaling tests of multiple water meters are achieved through multiple independent water storage chambers and test branch pipes. At the same time, the water supply unit automatically maintains a constant liquid level in the water storage chamber, ensuring stable pressure and flow rate during the test. This significantly improves the accuracy of the accelerated scaling test of water meters and effectively shortens the scaling performance evaluation cycle of water meters.

[0008] Optionally, the test assembly further includes a first regulating valve, which is correspondingly disposed on each of the test branch pipes.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, an independent first regulating valve is set on each test branch pipe, which can adjust the flow rate of each branch pipe individually, so as to achieve precise control of different water meter scaling test conditions. Since the liquid level in the water storage chamber remains unchanged, the flow velocity in the test branch pipe remains basically unchanged, thereby better controlling the flow rate, meeting the test requirements of diverse scaling conditions, and improving the flexibility and pertinence of the test.

[0010] Optionally, the test assembly further includes flow rate detection elements, which are respectively disposed on the test branch pipes.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, flow velocity detection devices are installed on each test branch pipe to monitor the water flow velocity in each branch pipe in real time. This facilitates the timely detection of flow abnormalities and adjustment of test parameters, ensuring the stability of flow velocity conditions and the reliability of data during the scaling test, and providing accurate flow velocity data support for the study of scaling mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, each of the water storage chambers is equipped with a liquid level detection element.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, a liquid level detection device is installed in each water storage chamber to monitor the liquid level in real time. This, in conjunction with the water supply unit, enables precise control of the liquid level, ensuring the stability of hydrostatic pressure and the consistency of test conditions. It avoids scaling test errors caused by liquid level fluctuations and improves the repeatability and comparability of test results.

[0014] Optionally, the test branch pipe is provided with an observation window.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, an observation window is set on the test branch pipe, which makes it easier for operators to observe the water flow status intuitively, realize visual monitoring, improve the efficiency of fault diagnosis and the controllability of the test process.

[0016] Optionally, the water supply unit includes a water pump, a first main pipe, a connecting pipe, and water supply branch pipes; the water pump is connected to the water tank through the connecting pipe; one end of the first main pipe is connected to the water pump, and the other end passes through the pressure-stabilizing water storage tank and is connected to multiple water supply branch pipes; Each water supply branch pipe is equipped with a corresponding second regulating valve; Each of the water storage chambers has at least one water supply branch pipe connected to it.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, using a structure of water pump, first main pipe and multiple water supply branch pipes, and cooperating with the second regulating valve to realize independent water supply regulation for each water storage chamber, it is ensured that each water storage chamber can obtain stable water replenishment to maintain a constant liquid level. At the same time, it improves the system integration and water supply efficiency, and ensures the continuity and stability of long-term scaling tests.

[0018] Optionally, the water supply unit further includes a protective branch pipe, one end of which is connected to the test solution in the water tank and is at a height higher than the water pump, and the other end of which is connected to the end of the first main pipe near the water pump.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, a protective branch pipe is set up to form a bypass circulation. When the first main pipe is abnormally blocked, the test solution can flow into the water tank through the protective branch pipe, avoiding excessive pipeline pressure. In addition, the protective branch pipe can also prevent the water pump from running dry under no-load, improving the safety and operational stability of the system, extending the service life of the equipment, and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of long-term scaling tests.

[0020] Optionally, the inner diameters of the multiple test branch pipes may be exactly the same or not exactly the same; the preset heights of the liquid levels in the multiple water storage chambers may be exactly the same or not exactly the same.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, and by setting test branch pipes with different inner diameters or water storage chambers with different heights, various pressure conditions, flow rates, and flow conditions can be simulated on the same test platform. This enables simultaneous testing of water meters of different specifications under different scaling conditions, significantly improving the applicability and flexibility of the test platform and meeting the needs of diverse scaling test scenarios.

[0022] Optionally, the water tank is equipped with a heating component, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and a TDS sensor. The accelerated scaling test platform for the water meter also includes an industrial control panel. The heating component, the temperature sensor, the pH sensor, and the TDS sensor are all electrically connected to the industrial control panel.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, heating and multiple parameter detection functions are integrated into the water tank, and centralized monitoring and automatic control are achieved through the industrial control screen. The temperature, pH value and dissolved solid concentration of the test solution can be monitored in real time, simulating the scaling environment under different water quality conditions, meeting the accelerated testing requirements of complex scaling conditions, and improving the intelligence level, environmental simulation capability and scientific nature of scaling test of the test platform.

[0024] Optionally, the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters further includes a flow stabilizing component, which corresponds one-to-one with the water storage chamber. The flow stabilizing component includes a float, a pressure detection element, and a driving element. The float floats above the test solution in the corresponding water storage chamber and is partially immersed in the test solution. The driving element abuts against the top of the float and is used to drive the float to rise and fall. The pressure detection element is located between the float and the driving element.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the float can reduce the fluctuation of the liquid surface when it floats on the test solution; the drive component can control the volume of test solution displaced by the float by controlling the rise and fall of the float, thereby changing the magnitude of the buoyancy force on the float; when the float is partially immersed in the test solution, the buoyancy force generated will push the float and the pressure detection device upward, and by monitoring the reading of the pressure detection device, it is easy to control the liquid level in the water storage chamber.

[0026] In summary, this application includes the following technical effects: 1. By creating a stable hydrostatic pressure through the height difference between the pressure-stabilizing water storage tank and the water tank, and in conjunction with multiple independent water storage chambers and test branch pipes, parallel accelerated scaling tests of multiple water meters are achieved, which greatly improves the testing efficiency. The testing process of each water meter does not affect each other, and at the same time, the liquid level is automatically maintained to ensure stable pressure, which ensures the accuracy of scaling test results and effectively shortens the scaling performance evaluation cycle of water meters. 2. By setting the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve on each test branch pipe and the water supply branch pipe respectively, independent control of each test route is realized. Combined with the flow rate detection device and the liquid level detection device, the scaling test process is highly controllable and can meet the personalized needs of different scaling conditions and test standards. 3. By setting a float to float on the test solution, the fluctuation of the liquid surface is reduced; by controlling the rise and fall of the float through the drive component, the volume of test solution displaced by the float can be controlled, thereby changing the magnitude of the buoyancy force on the float; when the float is partially immersed in the test solution, the liquid level in the water storage chamber can be controlled by monitoring the reading of the pressure detection device, thereby improving the accuracy of the test. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters provided in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters in the second embodiment provided in this application; Figure 4 This is one of the cross-sectional views of the pressure-stabilizing water storage tank of the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters in the second embodiment provided in this application; Figure 5 This is a second cross-sectional view of the pressure-stabilizing water storage tank of the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters provided in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This application provides Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Water supply components; 11. Water tank; 12. Water supply unit; 121. Water pump; 122. Connecting pipe; 123. First main pipe; 124. Second main pipe; 125. Protective branch pipe; 126. Water supply branch pipe; 2. Test components; 21. Test branch pipe; 22. Pressure-stabilizing water tank; 221. Water storage chamber; 3. Valve assembly; 31. First regulating valve; 32. Second regulating valve; 4. Monitoring components; 41. Flow meter; 42. Water level gauge; 43. Combined probe; 44. Industrial control panel; 45. Flow velocity detection device; 5. Flow stabilizing component; 51. Float plate; 511. Sleeve part; 52. Pressure detection component; 53. Drive component; 531. Limiting part; 200. Water meter. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown in the figure, this application discloses an accelerated scaling test platform for water meters, including a water supply component 1, a test component 2, a valve component 3, a heating component, and a monitoring component 4.

[0032] The water supply assembly 1 includes a water tank 11 and a water supply unit 12. The water tank 11 is used to contain a prepared test solution, which can be an aqueous solution containing substances such as sodium bicarbonate, rust, and silt. By allowing the test solution to flow through the water meter 200 to be tested, a high-speed scaling process is simulated.

[0033] The heating element can be an electric heating wire, which is placed inside the water tank 11 to heat the test solution to a suitable temperature.

[0034] The test component 2 includes one or more test branch pipes 21. The test branch pipes 21 are provided with interfaces for installing water meters 200. The test branch pipes 21 are connected to the water supply unit 12. The water supply unit 12 is connected to the test branch pipes 21 and drives the test solution to flow through the test branch pipes 21.

[0035] The water supply unit 12 includes a water pump 121, a connecting pipe 122, a first main pipe 123, a second main pipe 124, and a protective branch pipe 125. The inlet of the water pump 121 is connected to the water tank 11 via the connecting pipe 122; one end of the first main pipe 123 is connected to the outlet of the water pump 121, and the other end is connected to one end of the test branch pipe 21; the other end of the test branch pipe 21 is connected to the water tank 11 via the second main pipe 124. When the water pump 121 starts, the test solution flows sequentially through the first main pipe 123, the test branch pipe 21, and the second main pipe 124 before returning to the water tank 11. When the test solution flows through the test branch pipe 21, it passes through the water meter 200 on the test branch pipe 21, thus simulating the scaling process, after which the test solution returns to the water tank 11. The water pump 121 can be a horizontal pipeline circulation pump, and a backpack-mounted frequency converter is installed on the water pump 121 to adjust the operating power of the water pump 121. The second main tube 124 may be at least partially made of transparent PP material, thereby forming an observation window to observe the flow of the solution.

[0036] One end of the protective branch pipe 125 is connected to the test solution in the water tank 11 and is higher than the height of the water pump 121. The other end is connected to the end of the first main pipe 123 near the water pump 121. By setting up the protective branch pipe 125, the water pump 121 can be prevented from being damaged by dry burning.

[0037] The valve assembly 3 includes a first regulating valve 31, which is disposed on the test branch pipe 21 in a corresponding manner.

[0038] The monitoring component 4 includes a flow meter 41, a water level gauge 42, a combined probe 43, and an industrial control panel 44. The flow meter 41 is installed on the first main pipe 123. Specifically, the flow meter 41 can be a PTFE-lined flow meter, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and prevents scaling. The water level gauge 42 is installed in the water tank 11 to monitor the water level of the solution. The combined probe 43 is inserted into the test solution in the water tank 11. The combined probe 43 includes a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and a TDS sensor, which can monitor the temperature, pH value, and concentration of dissolved solids in the test solution, helping to determine whether the prepared test solution meets the requirements. Changes in the concentration of dissolved solids can also help determine whether the water meter 200 is scaling. The first regulating valve 31, water pump 121, flow meter 41, water level gauge 42, and combined probe 43 are all electrically connected to the industrial control panel 44. The industrial control panel 44 can collect and display the operating parameters and data of each component. The industrial control panel 44 can interact with a host computer via RS485 communication.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that test component 2 has been optimized.

[0041] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, specifically, the test assembly 2 also includes a pressure-stabilizing water storage tank 22, which is higher than the water tank 11, and has multiple water storage chambers 221. The water supply unit 12 also includes water supply branch pipes 126. In this embodiment, the end of the first main pipe 123 away from the water pump 121 is connected to multiple water supply branch pipes 126, and each water storage chamber 221 has at least one water supply branch pipe 126 connected to it, thereby replenishing the test solution to each water storage chamber 221.

[0042] In this embodiment, the water supply component 1 does not include the second main pipe 124, and the test branch pipe 21 does not need to be connected to the water tank 11 through the second pipe. The observation window can be set on the test branch pipe 21. The test branch pipe 21 corresponds one-to-one with the water storage chamber 221, and one end of the test branch pipe 21 is connected to the bottom of the corresponding water storage chamber 221, while the other end is directly connected to the water tank 11.

[0043] The test solution in the water storage chamber 221 flows into the corresponding test branch pipe 21 under gravity and passes through the corresponding water meter 200, finally returning to the water tank 11. The water storage chamber 221 is equipped with an air inlet to maintain stable air pressure within it. Since the water in the water storage chamber 221 flows into the test branch pipe 21 by gravity rather than with the power of the water pump 121, the flow rate of the test solution in the test branch pipe 21 depends primarily on the liquid level of the test solution in the corresponding water storage chamber 221 and the resistance encountered during flow. Furthermore, since each water storage chamber 221 is independent, changing the opening of the first regulating valve 31 on one test branch pipe 21 will not interfere with the flow rate in other test branch pipes 21, thus ensuring that the testing processes of each water meter 200 are independent. Furthermore, theoretically, the flow rate of the test solution in the test branch pipe 21 is independent of the opening degree of the first valve. Although in practice the resistance of the test solution will change when the opening degree of the first valve is closed, the impact of this change is still limited. In order to accelerate the simulation process, the first valve is usually kept fully open during the test. Therefore, the resistance fluctuation of the test solution is small. As long as the liquid level in the water storage chamber 221 remains unchanged, a stable flow rate can be maintained, and the test processes of each water meter 200 do not interfere with each other.

[0044] The valve assembly 3 also includes a second regulating valve 32, which is correspondingly installed on the water supply branch pipe 126. By changing the power of the water pump 121 and the opening degree of the second regulating valve 32, the liquid level in the water storage chamber 221 can be kept basically constant and the liquid level height can be maintained at a preset height. The end of the water supply branch pipe 126 inside the water storage chamber 221 faces the side wall of the water storage chamber 221, so that the test solution slides down the side wall and reduces the fluctuation of the liquid level.

[0045] like Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the accelerated scaling test platform for water meters also includes a flow stabilizing component 5, which corresponds one-to-one with the water storage chamber 221. The flow stabilizing component 5 includes a float 51, a pressure detection element 52, and a driving element 53. The density of the float 51 is less than that of the test solution, and the float 51 floats on the test solution in the corresponding water storage chamber 221, reducing fluctuations in the liquid level. The bottom of the driving element 53 is provided with a limiting part 531, and the float 51 has a sleeve part 511, which is slidably sleeved on the driving element 53. The limiting part 531 is used to prevent the float 51 from detaching from the driving element 53. The bottom of the driving element 53 is provided with a pressure detection element 52.

[0046] The driving component 53 is used to drive the float 51 to rise and fall. By driving the float 51 to rise and fall, the float 51 floats above the test solution in the corresponding water storage chamber 221 and is partially immersed in the test solution. At this time, the float 51 is subjected to an upward buoyancy force. When the buoyancy force is large enough, it will push the float 51 upward, causing the top surface of the float 51 to press against the pressure detection component 52. The larger the volume of test solution displaced by the float 51, the greater the buoyancy force, and the greater the pressure value monitored by the pressure detection component 52. Therefore, based on the height of the pressure detection component 52 and the pressure value it monitors, the liquid level of the test solution can be determined, thus facilitating the maintenance of the liquid level. The driving component 53 can be a vertically mounted cylinder or electric push rod, and the pressure detection component 52 can be a pressure sensor. Both the driving component 53 and the pressure detection component 52 are electrically connected to the industrial control panel 44.

[0047] In this embodiment, the inner diameters of the multiple test branch pipes 21 may be exactly the same or not exactly the same. When they are exactly the same, it is convenient to prepare and control variables, eliminating the influence of pipe differences on the test results. When the water meters 200 to be tested are of the same specification, it is preferable to use test branch pipes 21 with the same inner diameter. Of course, even if the specifications of the water meters 200 to be tested are not exactly the same, the water meters 200 can be connected to the test branch pipes 21 through adapters. When the inner diameters of the test branch pipes 21 are not exactly the same, it is convenient to adapt to water meters 200 of different specifications, so that the simulation process is closer to the real working conditions of the water meters 200.

[0048] The preset heights of the liquid levels in the multiple water storage chambers 221 can be exactly the same or not exactly the same, depending on the actual needs. When a faster flow rate is required, the preset height is increased, and vice versa.

[0049] The monitoring component 4 also includes a flow rate detector 45 and a level detector. The flow rate detector 45 is installed on the test branch pipe 21 to monitor the flow rate of the test solution; the level detector is installed in the water storage chamber 221 to monitor the level. The flow rate detector 45 can be a flow rate sensor, and the level detector can be a level sensor. Both the flow rate detector 45 and the level detector are electrically connected to the industrial control panel 44.

[0050] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A test platform for accelerating scaling in water meters, characterized in that, include: The water supply assembly (1) includes a water tank (11) and a water supply unit (12), wherein the water tank (11) is connected to the water supply unit (12), and the water tank (11) is used to contain the test solution; The test component (2) includes a pressure-stabilizing water tank (22) and a test branch pipe (21). The height of the pressure-stabilizing water tank (22) is higher than that of the water tank (11). The pressure-stabilizing water tank (22) has multiple water storage chambers (221). The test branch pipe (21) corresponds one-to-one with the water storage chambers (221). One end of the test branch pipe (21) is connected to the bottom of the corresponding water storage chamber (221), and the other end is connected to the water tank (11). The test branch pipe (21) is provided with an interface for installing a water meter (200). The water supply unit (12) is connected to each of the water storage chambers (221) and is used to introduce test solution into the water storage chambers (221) to maintain the liquid level in the water storage chambers (221) at a preset height.

2. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test assembly (2) also includes a first regulating valve (31), which is provided on the test branch pipe (21) in a corresponding manner.

3. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test assembly (2) also includes flow rate detection elements (45), which are respectively disposed on the test branch pipe (21).

4. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the water storage chambers (221) is equipped with a liquid level detection device.

5. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test branch pipe (21) is equipped with an observation window.

6. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply unit (12) includes a water pump (121), a first main pipe (123), a connecting pipe (122), and water supply branch pipes (126); the water pump (121) is connected to the water tank (11) through the connecting pipe (122); one end of the first main pipe (123) is connected to the water pump (121), and the other end is inserted into the pressure-stabilizing water storage tank (22) and connected to multiple water supply branch pipes (126); Each water supply branch pipe (126) is equipped with a corresponding second regulating valve (32); Each of the water storage chambers (221) is connected to at least one of the water supply branch pipes (126).

7. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water supply unit (12) also includes a protective branch pipe (125), one end of which is connected to the test solution in the water tank (11) and is higher than the height of the water pump (121), and the other end is connected to the end of the first main pipe (123) near the water pump (121).

8. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameters of the multiple test branch pipes (21) are either exactly the same or not exactly the same; the preset heights of the liquid levels in the multiple water storage chambers (221) are either exactly the same or not exactly the same.

9. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water tank (11) is equipped with a heating component, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor and a TDS sensor. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters also includes an industrial control screen (44). The heating component, the temperature sensor, the pH sensor and the TDS sensor are all electrically connected to the industrial control screen (44).

10. The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The accelerated scaling test platform for water meters also includes a flow stabilizing component (5), which corresponds one-to-one with the water storage chamber (221). The flow stabilizing component (5) includes a float (51), a pressure detection element (52), and a drive element (53). The float (51) floats above the test solution in the corresponding water storage chamber (221) and is partially immersed in the test solution. The drive element (53) abuts against the top of the float (51) and is used to drive the float (51) to rise and fall. The pressure detection element (52) is located between the float (51) and the drive element (53).

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