Ultrasonic gas meter verification system

By designing an integrated ultrasonic gas meter calibration system, the problem of the existing equipment being unable to move was solved, convenient deployment and high-precision detection were achieved, and human errors were reduced.

CN223389260UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-26WUHAN FRIENDCOM TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422600356.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-28
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2034-10-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing gas meter calibration equipment is large and bulky, cannot be moved, is not convenient, and is difficult to deploy in places such as office buildings.

Method used

An ultrasonic gas meter calibration system was designed, including a detection pipeline, a buffer device, an adjustment device, a standard meter and a terminal. Through integrated design and automated processes, convenient movement and high-precision detection were achieved.

Benefits of technology

It enables convenient mobility, reduces floor space, and can be deployed in small places such as office buildings. The detection process is automated, reducing human errors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223389260U_ABST
    Figure CN223389260U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ultrasonic gas meter verification system. The system comprises a detection pipeline, a buffer device, an adjusting device, a standard meter and a terminal, gas for detecting the standard meter and the to-be-detected meter is stored in the detection pipeline; the detection pipeline comprises a fixed pipeline and a mounting pipeline which are connected with each other, the buffer device and the adjusting device are sequentially mounted on the fixed pipeline, and the standard meter and the meter to be detected are sequentially mounted on the mounting pipeline; the buffer device is used for stabilizing airflow of gas in the detection pipeline; the adjusting device is used for adjusting the gas flow in the detection pipeline; the standard meter and the to-be-tested meter are connected with the terminal, and the terminal is used for receiving and recording the usage data collected by the standard meter and the to-be-tested meter. The gas flow in the detection pipeline can be adjusted according to the adjusting device, so that the volume of the detection pipeline can be reduced, the occupied area of the whole verification system can be reduced, the position can be moved, and the deployment is convenient.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of gas meter calibration, in particular to an ultrasonic gas meter calibration system. Background Art

[0002] As a new type of legal measuring instrument, ultrasonic gas meters have outstanding advantages over traditional diaphragm gas meters, such as wide measuring range, good accuracy, no mechanical parts and maintenance-free, and full electronic and high degree of intelligence. Currently, as an iterative product of traditional diaphragm gas meters, their sales volume is increasing every year. The latest statistics in 2023 show that the sales volume of ultrasonic gas meters is more than 3.5 million, and their application has been very extensive.

[0003] According to regulations, both traditional gas meters and ultrasonic gas meters need to be calibrated for measurement accuracy before being put on the market. The flow accuracy of the gas meter needs to be calibrated at multiple flow points (different flow rates). Only gas meters that meet the corresponding accuracy level requirements (currently 1.5 and 1.0) can leave the factory.

[0004] Currently, the calibration of both traditional diaphragm and ultrasonic gas meters requires conventional calibration equipment, the most common of which are sonic nozzle and bell jar calibration devices. Both sets of equipment are large-scale measuring instrument calibration equipment and are indispensable for gas meter calibration in various meter factories and institutions. However, due to their bulk and heft, they are typically used in fixed locations, making them inconvenient. For some companies or institutions located in office buildings, deployment may be limited, whether due to the floor height or the three-phase power required by the equipment.

[0005] In the process of implementing the present invention, the inventors discovered that the prior art has at least the following problems:

[0006] The current calibration equipment used to test the accuracy of gas meters is relatively large, cannot be moved, and is not convenient. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an ultrasonic gas meter calibration system to solve the technical problems of the existing technology, such as the large size, immobility, and inconvenience of the calibration equipment. The various technical effects produced by the preferred technical solution among the many technical solutions provided by this utility model are described in detail below.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0009] The utility model provides an ultrasonic gas meter calibration system, comprising: a detection pipeline, a buffer device, a regulating device, a standard meter and a terminal;

[0010] The detection pipeline stores gas for detecting the standard meter and the meter to be tested; the detection pipeline includes a fixed pipeline and an installation pipeline connected to each other, the buffer device and the regulating device are sequentially installed on the fixed pipeline, and the standard meter and the meter to be tested are sequentially installed on the installation pipeline;

[0011] The buffer device is used to stabilize the gas flow in the detection pipeline;

[0012] The regulating device is used to regulate the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline;

[0013] The standard meter and the meter to be tested are both connected to the terminal, and the terminal is used to receive and record the usage data collected by the standard meter and the meter to be tested.

[0014] Optionally, an installation position is provided on the installation pipe for installing the meter to be tested.

[0015] Optionally, the standard meter includes a standard meter air inlet and a standard meter air outlet, the standard meter air inlet is located at one end of the detection pipeline in the air inlet direction and is connected to the fixed pipeline, and the standard meter air outlet is connected to the meter to be tested.

[0016] Optionally, the meter to be tested includes an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet of the meter to be tested is connected to the air outlet of the standard meter, and the air outlet of the meter to be tested is located at one end of the air outlet direction of the detection pipeline and is connected to the fixed pipeline.

[0017] Optionally, the calibration system further includes an infrared repeater, which is connected to the infrared output port of the standard meter and to the terminal, and is used to forward the standard usage data collected by the standard meter to the terminal.

[0018] Optionally, the calibration system further includes an optical collector, which is connected to the pulse output port of the meter to be tested and to the terminal, and is used to forward the pulse data collected by the meter to be tested to the terminal.

[0019] Optionally, the regulating device is provided with a regulating component, and the regulating component is used to adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline.

[0020] Optionally, the regulating device is a flow regulating valve or an air pump.

[0021] Optionally, the buffer device is a compressed air pipe, a pressure transmitter or a buffer tank.

[0022] Optionally, the terminal is a computer and / or a host computer.

[0023] Implementing one of the above technical solutions of the utility model has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0024] The calibration system described in this embodiment has a relatively simple overall structure and is a complete calibration system capable of detecting multiple flow points, including large, medium, and small flow points. It can also determine the corresponding ventilation volume based on the corresponding flow points, and can be adjusted based on real-time conditions. This automates the entire process, reducing errors introduced by human factors. Because the volume of air in the detection pipeline in the calibration system can be adjusted using a regulating device, the volume of the detection pipeline can be reduced, reducing the footprint of the entire calibration system, and the system can be moved for easy deployment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] In the figure: 1. Detection pipeline; 11. Fixed pipeline; 12. Installation pipeline; 2. Buffer device; 3. Adjustment device; 4. Standard meter; 41. Air inlet of standard meter; 42. Air outlet of standard meter; 5. Meter to be tested; 51. Air inlet of meter to be tested; 52. Air outlet of meter to be tested; 6. Infrared transponder; 7. Optical collector; 8. Terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the various exemplary embodiments to be described below will refer to the corresponding drawings, which constitute a part of the exemplary embodiments, in which various exemplary embodiments that may be used to implement the present invention are described. Unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementation methods described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementation methods consistent with the present disclosure. It should be understood that they are only examples of processes, methods and devices that are consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims, and other embodiments may also be used, or structural and functional modifications may be made to the embodiments listed herein without departing from the scope and essence of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", etc. indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. The terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. The term "plurality" means two or more. The terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and can be the internal communication between two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In order to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, a specific embodiment is provided below, in which only the parts related to the embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0031] Example:

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the utility model provides an ultrasonic gas meter calibration system, comprising: a detection pipeline 1, a buffer device 2, an adjustment device 3, a standard meter 4 and a terminal 8; the detection pipeline 1 stores gas for detection of the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5; the detection pipeline 1 comprises a fixed pipeline 11 and an installation pipeline 12 connected to each other, the buffer device 2 and the adjustment device 3 are sequentially installed on the fixed pipeline 11, and the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 are sequentially installed on the installation pipeline 12; the buffer device 2 is used to stabilize the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1; the adjustment device 3 is used to adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1; the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 are both connected to the terminal 8, and the terminal 8 is used to receive and record the usage data collected by the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5.

[0033] Specifically, the calibration system includes a detection pipe 1, a buffer device 2, an adjustment device 3, and a standard meter 4. The buffer device 2, the adjustment device 3, and the standard meter 4 are all integrated on the detection pipe 1 to form a calibration system. The meter 5 to be tested can be installed on the detection pipe 1 and directly tested on the detection pipe 1.

[0034] The detection pipeline 1 is set up in a circulation manner, and gas for detection using the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 is stored inside it. The detection pipeline 1 includes a fixed pipeline 11 and an installation pipeline 12. A buffer device 2 and an adjustment device 3 are fixedly installed on the fixed pipeline 11. The buffer device 2 and the adjustment device 3 can stabilize the airflow of the gas inside the detection pipeline 1 on the fixed pipeline 11, and adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1. The function of the buffer device 2 is to reduce pressure fluctuations, so that the calibration system works more smoothly. The adjustment device 3 can adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1 according to the detection situation, and can enable the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 to detect flow at different flow rates. The detection is carried out according to the requirements of the ultrasonic gas meter calibration regulations to ensure the accuracy of the detection. It should be noted that the buffer device 2 is a compressed air pipe, a pressure transmitter or a buffer tank; the adjustment device 3 is a flow regulating valve or an air pump. In this embodiment, the buffer device 2 is preferably a buffer tank, and the adjustment device 3 is preferably an air pump.

[0035] Two mounting locations are provided on the mounting pipe 12, one for mounting the standard meter 4 and the other for mounting the meter to be tested 5. In this embodiment, the standard meter 4 is a high-precision ultrasonic gas meter with an accuracy level that meets the Class 1.0 requirement. The high accuracy measured by the standard meter 4 provides relatively reliable data information for the meter to be tested 5 and the calibration system, ensuring accuracy and stability when testing the meter to be tested 5.

[0036] As an optional embodiment, the standard meter 4 includes a standard meter air inlet 41 and a standard meter air outlet 42. The standard meter air inlet 41 is located at one end of the air inlet direction of the detection pipe 1 and is connected to the fixed pipe 11. The standard meter air outlet 42 is connected to the meter to be tested 5. Specifically, the standard meter air inlet 41 is used for air intake. The standard meter air inlet 41 is set at one end of the detection pipe 1 in the direction of progress. The gas in the detection pipe 1 can flow from one end of the air inlet direction to the standard meter air inlet 41, and the standard meter 4 performs flow detection. One end of the air outlet of the standard meter 4 is connected to the air inlet 51 of the meter to be tested through a connecting pipe in the installation pipe 12. It should be noted that the adjustment device 3 can be optionally set at the air inlet direction of the detection pipe 1 to facilitate the detection of the size of the gas flow in the detection pipe 1.

[0037] As an optional embodiment, the meter to be tested 5 includes an air inlet 51 of the meter to be tested and an air outlet 52 of the meter to be tested. The air inlet 51 of the meter to be tested is connected to the air outlet 42 of the standard meter. The air outlet 52 of the meter to be tested is located at one end of the gas outlet direction of the detection pipeline 1 and is connected to the fixed pipeline 11. Specifically, the air inlet 51 of the meter to be tested is connected to the air outlet 42 of the standard meter through the connecting pipeline of the installation pipeline 12. After the gas flows through the standard meter 4, the gas will enter the meter to be tested 5 from the air outlet 42 of the standard meter and the air inlet 51 of the meter to be tested, and be measured by the meter to be tested 5. After flowing through the meter to be tested 5, the gas will flow outward from the air outlet 52 of the meter to be tested. This outward flow refers to the gas flowing back into the fixed pipeline 11. Then the gas flows through the buffer device 2, the regulating device 3, the standard meter 4, and the meter to be tested 5 in sequence, and circulates in the detection pipeline 1. It should be noted that one end of the air outlet 52 of the meter to be tested is the gas outlet direction.

[0038] As an optional embodiment, the calibration system further includes an infrared transponder 6, which is connected to the infrared output port of the standard meter 4 and to the terminal 8. The infrared transponder 6 is used to forward the standard usage data collected by the standard meter 4 to the terminal 8. Specifically, during testing, the standard meter 4 will detect its standard usage data. After detecting the standard usage data, the standard usage data will be output to the infrared transponder 6 through the infrared output port. The infrared transponder 6 then transmits the data to the terminal 8 for subsequent processing. It should be noted that the infrared transponder 6 can be connected to the terminal 8 via a connecting cable.

[0039] In addition to using the above method to send the standard usage data measured by the standard meter 4 to the terminal 8, a Bluetooth module can be directly embedded in the standard meter 4, and a Bluetooth receiver can be installed on the terminal 8 so that it can be connected and send and receive data, thereby achieving the same purpose as the above method.

[0040] The calibration system also includes an optical collector 7, which is connected to the pulse output port of the meter under test 5 and to the terminal 8. The optical collector 7 is used to forward the pulse data collected by the meter under test 5 to the terminal 8. Specifically, the pulse data collected by the meter under test 5 is output to the optical collector 7 through the pulse output port. After the optical collector 7 obtains the pulse data, it then transmits the pulse data to the terminal 8, which performs subsequent processing. It should be noted that the optical collector 7 is connected to the terminal 8 via a connecting line.

[0041] As an optional embodiment, the calibration system further includes a terminal 8, which is connected to the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5, respectively, and is used to receive data detected by the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 during the detection process. After receiving the data detected by the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5, the indication error will be calculated, the data will be stored, and a result of whether the test result is qualified will be output. It should be noted that the terminal 8 is a computer and / or a host computer. In this embodiment, the terminal 8 is preferably a computer and a host computer.

[0042] As an optional embodiment, the regulating device 3 is provided with a regulating component, which is used to adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1. It should be noted that the regulating device 3 in this embodiment is used to adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1, and can introduce the gas in the buffer device 2 into the installation pipeline 12 through the fixed pipeline 11, so that the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 can be tested, ensuring stability and accuracy during the detection process. In this embodiment, the regulating device 3 is provided with a regulating component, which is used to adjust the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline 1, and is used to provide different gas flow rates, so that the standard meter 4 and the meter to be tested 5 can perform more accurate detection according to the requirements of the ultrasonic gas meter calibration procedures. It should be noted that the regulating component in this embodiment can be optionally a knob switch.

[0043] The following is a detailed description of the gas flow adjustment and the process of the calibration system detecting the meter to be tested:

[0044] According to the requirements of the ultrasonic gas meter calibration regulations, when testing the meter to be tested, one flow point should be selected from each of the large, medium and small flow segments for testing, and the flow required for the three flow intervals of large, medium and small should be provided by the adjustment components on the adjustment device. It should be noted that no specific flow rate is required, as long as it is within the respective flow intervals.

[0045] After determining the high, medium, and low flow points, you need to determine the corresponding ventilation volume and the number of pulses to collect for each flow point. For high flow, run at least 60L, for medium flow, at least 30L, and for low flow, at least 10L. Then, determine the number of pulses to collect based on the pulse coefficient of the meter under test. For example, if the pulse coefficient for medium and high flow is 5L / p, then 12 pulses will be collected for high flow, 6 pulses for medium flow, and 10 pulses for low flow if the pulse coefficient is 1L / p.

[0046] Then, enter the implementation phase. Connect the meter under test and the standard meter to the installation pipeline according to the corresponding connection method. Attach the infrared transponder to the infrared output port of the standard meter and connect it to the computer. Attach the optical collector to the pulse output port of the meter under test and connect it to the computer. At the same time, put the meter under test into detection mode (generally, ultrasonic meters can only output pulse signals when in detection mode).

[0047] First, turn on the air pump and adjust it to a high flow output. Generally, air is ventilated for about 30 seconds to stabilize the test environment. Then, through the host computer software, a "Start calibration" command is sent to the standard meter via the infrared interface, officially initiating the calibration process. The number of pulses detected by the meter under test serves as the start and stop criteria. Specifically, after the calibration process begins, the first pulse signal from the meter under test is collected as the start signal. The optical data collector collects this first pulse signal and sends it to the computer. The computer immediately sends a command to the standard meter via the host computer, obtaining the cumulative usage V1 of the standard meter at that time. When the optical data collector collects the 12th pulse signal and sends it to the computer, the computer immediately sends a command to the standard meter via the host computer, obtaining the cumulative usage V2 of the standard meter at that time. Therefore, during this period, the meter under test collected a total of 12 pulse signals, meaning that the cumulative volume per unit time of the meter under test is 60L, while the corresponding cumulative usage V of the standard meter is V = V2 - V1. Then the corresponding indication error MPE = 100%*(60-V) / V, and the result is calculated and saved by the host computer.

[0048] Following the same steps as above, the calibration process for medium and low flow rates is performed. The number of pulse signals collected is different, and the calculated MPEs are saved to the host computer. Finally, the host computer determines the final result based on the MPE data for large, medium, and small flow rates. According to the calibration regulations, the MPE during use must be twice the initial MPE, meaning the MPE for large and medium flow rates must be within ±3%, and the MPE for small flow rates must be within ±6%. This completes the test of the meter under test.

[0049] In this embodiment, the overall structure of the calibration system is relatively simple, yet it provides a complete system capable of testing multiple flow points, including large, medium, and small flow rates. It can also determine the ventilation volume based on the corresponding flow rate, and can adjust it based on real-time conditions. This automates the entire process, reducing errors introduced by human factors. Because the gas volume in the calibration system can be adjusted using a regulating device, the volume of the detection pipeline can be reduced, minimizing the footprint of the entire calibration system. Furthermore, the system can be relocated for easier deployment.

[0050] It should be noted that the volume of the verification system described in this embodiment can be 2-3m 3 , it can also be deployed in places that do not have the conditions for layout, such as R&D offices in office buildings.

[0051] The embodiment is only a special example and does not indicate that the present invention is implemented in such a way.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes or equivalent substitutions may be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, under the guidance of the present invention, these features and embodiments may be modified to suit specific circumstances and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are intended to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic gas meter calibration system, characterized in that: include: Detection pipeline (1), buffer device (2), adjustment device (3), standard meter (4) and terminal (8); The detection pipeline (1) stores gas for detecting the standard meter (4) and the meter to be tested (5); the detection pipeline (1) comprises a fixed pipeline (11) and an installation pipeline (12) connected to each other, the buffer device (2) and the regulating device (3) are sequentially installed on the fixed pipeline (11), and the standard meter (4) and the meter to be tested (5) are sequentially installed on the installation pipeline (12); The buffer device (2) is used to stabilize the gas flow in the detection pipeline (1); The regulating device (3) is used to regulate the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline (1); The standard meter (4) and the meter to be tested (5) are both connected to the terminal (8), and the terminal (8) is used to receive and record the usage data collected by the standard meter (4) and the meter to be tested (5).

2. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The installation pipe (12) is provided with an installation position for installing the meter to be tested (5).

3. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The standard meter (4) comprises a standard meter air inlet (41) and a standard meter air outlet (42); the standard meter air inlet (41) is located at one end of the detection pipe (1) in the air inlet direction and is connected to the fixed pipe (11); the standard meter air outlet (42) is connected to the meter to be tested (5).

4. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The meter to be tested (5) comprises an air inlet (51) and an air outlet (52) of the meter to be tested. The air inlet (51) of the meter to be tested is connected to the air outlet (42) of the standard meter. The air outlet (52) of the meter to be tested is located at one end of the detection pipe (1) in the air outlet direction and is connected to the fixed pipe (11).

5. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calibration system further comprises an infrared transponder (6), which is connected to the infrared output port of the standard meter (4) and to the terminal (8), and is used to forward the standard usage data collected by the standard meter (4) to the terminal (8).

6. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calibration system further comprises an optical collector (7), which is connected to the pulse output port of the meter to be tested (5) and is also connected to the terminal (8), and is used to forward the pulse data collected by the meter to be tested (5) to the terminal (8).

7. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The regulating device (3) is provided with a regulating component, and the regulating component is used to regulate the size of the gas flow in the detection pipeline (1).

8. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The regulating device (3) is a flow regulating valve or an air pump.

9. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer device (2) is a compressed air pipe, a pressure transmitter or a buffer tank.

10. The ultrasonic gas meter calibration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal (8) is a computer and / or a host computer.