A hot water meter durability test apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the field of equipment durability testing, in particular to a hot water meter durability test equipment, which comprises a circulating water pump, an online heater, a water meter test site, a heat exchange water pump and a water tank, the water pump, the online heater and the water meter test site are sequentially connected, a test circulating pipeline is formed by connecting the water inlet end of the water pump and the water outlet end of the water meter test site with the hot side of a heat exchanger, the heat exchange water pump, the water tank and the cold side of the heat exchanger are sequentially communicated to form a heat exchange circulating pipeline, the water inlet of the water tank is communicated with the water outlet end of the water meter test site, the water outlet is communicated with the water inlet end of the circulating water pump, and the two are connected by first, second and third three-way valves respectively. The application can effectively test the durability of hot water meters, is convenient to operate, can monitor test parameters in real time and has other technical effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of equipment durability testing, and in particular to a durability testing device for hot water meters. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the commonly used testing apparatus for durability testing of hot water meters is a single closed-loop design. This system typically consists of a water tank, a water pump, the meter under test, a flow meter, and the water tank connected in sequence. By heating the water in the tank to a specific temperature, and then allowing the hot water to flow through the meter under test, the working environment of the hot water meter in actual use is simulated, thereby testing the durability of the hot water meter.

[0003] In practice, the operator will set the water temperature in the tank according to the test requirements, and use a water pump to circulate the water in the loop. The test needs to be carried out continuously for hundreds of hours.

[0004] However, this single closed-loop design of the test device has obvious drawbacks. On the one hand, it consumes a lot of energy. Because it is necessary to heat and keep the water in the entire tank (which may have a volume of hundreds of liters) at a high temperature for a long time, heat will be continuously lost through pipes, tank walls, pumps, etc., which means that the heating system needs to work at a high power continuously, resulting in high operating costs.

[0005] On the other hand, the testing function is limited. Because the speed of adjusting the hot water temperature is extremely slow, the system often only provides a constant high-temperature water flow, which cannot simulate the thermal shock conditions such as "hot and cold switching" or "temperature fluctuation" commonly seen in household water use. Thermal shock is one of the important reasons for water meter material aging, component deformation, and metering inaccuracy.

[0006] Therefore, this testing method still has certain limitations. Utility Model Content

[0007] This application provides a durability testing device for hot water meters, which can effectively reduce operating costs and achieve rapid water temperature adjustment, helping to simulate thermal shock conditions such as "hot and cold switching" or "temperature fluctuations". The technical solution adopted is as follows: A durability testing device for hot water meters includes a circulating water pump, an online heater, a water meter test position, a heat exchanger, a hot water pump, and a water tank; The circulating water pump, the online heater, and the water meter test position are connected in sequence; the inlet of the circulating water pump and the outlet of the water meter test position are connected to the hot side of the heat exchanger, thereby forming a test circulation pipeline. The hot water pump, the water tank, and the cold side of the heat exchanger are connected in sequence to form a heat exchange circulation pipeline; The water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water outlet of the water meter test position; the water outlet of the water tank is connected to the water inlet of the circulating water pump. The water meter test position outlet, the heat exchanger hot side, and the water tank inlet are connected by a first three-way valve with one inlet and two outlets; the water pump inlet, the heat exchanger cold side, and the water tank outlet are connected by a second three-way valve with two inlets and one outlet.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, firstly, after water is supplied to the test circulation pipeline through the water tank, the test circulation pipeline can be disconnected from the water tank through the first and second three-way valves. As a result, the online heater only needs to heat the water in the test circulation pipeline. Since the water volume is small, the power required for the online heater to maintain the temperature is low, and the heating rate is high, which makes it easy to maintain the temperature. Secondly, by using a heat exchanger to efficiently exchange heat with the water in the tank, the water in the tank can be maintained within a certain temperature range. Since the hot water pump is only used for heat exchange, only a low-power pump is needed, resulting in extremely low energy consumption. Thirdly, the water tank is connected to the test circulation pipeline through the first and second three-way valves, thereby achieving the mixing of cold and hot water, which quickly adjusts the water temperature in the test circulation pipeline, thus simulating thermal shock conditions such as "hot and cold switching" or "temperature fluctuation".

[0009] Preferably, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solutions, plate heat exchangers can further improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] Preferably, a flow meter is also installed in the test circulation pipeline.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the flow meter can measure the water flow in the test circulation pipeline.

[0013] Preferably, a water level gauge is installed inside the water tank.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, a water level gauge can be installed inside the water tank to monitor the water level.

[0015] Preferably, the water meter test position is provided with a quick disassembly mechanism for connecting the hot water meter to be tested to the test circulation pipeline.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the quick-assembly and disassembly mechanism can facilitate the connection between the hot water meter under test and the test circulation pipeline, thereby improving the efficiency of installation and disassembly.

[0017] Preferably, the water meter test position is equipped with an openable and closable transparent protective cover.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the transparent protective cover can be opened and closed to facilitate observation of the hot water meter under test during the test process, and the protective cover can be opened for operation when needed.

[0019] Preferably, it also includes an automatic control system, which includes a computer; the circulating water pump, online heater, hot water exchange pump, first three-way valve and second three-way valve are all communicatively connected to the computer to achieve automatic control.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solutions and combining the setup of test circulation pipelines and heat exchange circulation pipelines, the durability test process of hot water meters can be controlled more precisely, further helping to reduce operating costs and achieve rapid water temperature adjustment to simulate thermal shock conditions.

[0021] Preferably, the automatic control system further includes a temperature sensor and a pressure transmitter; both the temperature sensor and the pressure transmitter are located in the test circulation pipeline and are connected in communication with the computer.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, temperature sensors and pressure transmitters connected to the computer are installed in the test circulation pipeline. This allows for the monitoring of temperature and pressure data in the test circulation pipeline and feedback to the computer, facilitating timely understanding of the test status and adjustment of control parameters.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. After water is supplied to the test circulation pipeline through the water tank, the test circulation pipeline can be disconnected from the water tank through the first and second three-way valves. The online heater only heats the water in the test circulation pipeline. The water volume is small, the power required to maintain the temperature is low, the heating rate is high, and the operating cost is reduced. 2. The water in the tank is efficiently heated by a heat exchanger. The hot water pump is only used to achieve heat exchange and uses a low-power pump, resulting in extremely low energy consumption. 3. Connect the water tank to the test circulation pipeline through the first and second three-way valves to achieve mixing of cold and hot water, quickly adjust the water temperature in the test circulation pipeline, and simulate thermal shock conditions such as "hot and cold switching" or "temperature fluctuation". Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hot water meter durability testing equipment in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] The following are labels in the attached diagram: 1. Circulating water pump; 2. Online heater; 3. Water meter test position; 4. Heat exchanger; 5. Hot water pump; 6. Water tank; 7. Flow meter; 8. Temperature sensor; 9. Pressure transmitter; 10. First three-way valve; 11. Second three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 This application will be described in further detail.

[0027] The hot water meter durability testing equipment provided in this application includes a circulating water pump 1, an online heater 2, a water meter test position 3, a heat exchanger 4, a hot water pump 5, and a water tank 6. The circulating water pump 1, the online heater 2, and the water meter test position 3 are connected in sequence. The inlet of the water pump and the outlet of the water meter test position 3 are connected to the hot side of the heat exchanger 4, thus forming a test circulation pipeline. The hot water pump 5, the water tank 6, and the cold side of the heat exchanger 4 are connected in sequence, thus forming a heat exchange circulation pipeline. The inlet of the water tank 6 is connected to the outlet of the water meter test position 3, and the outlet of the water tank 6 is connected to the inlet of the circulating water pump 1. The outlet of the water meter test position 3, the hot side of the heat exchanger 4, and the inlet of the water tank 6 are connected by a first three-way valve 10 with one inlet and two outlets. The inlet of the water pump, the cold side of the heat exchanger 4, and the outlet of the water tank 6 are connected by a second three-way valve 11 with two inlets and one outlet.

[0028] After water is supplied to the test circulation pipeline through water tank 6, the test circulation pipeline can be disconnected from water tank 6 through the first and second three-way valves 11. The online heater 2 only needs to heat a small amount of water in the test circulation pipeline, requiring low power to maintain the temperature and having a high heating rate. The water in water tank 6 is efficiently heated through heat exchanger 4, and the hot water pump 5 is only used for heat exchange, requiring only a low-power pump, resulting in extremely low energy consumption. Alternatively, water tank 6 can be connected to the test circulation pipeline through the first and second three-way valves 11 to achieve mixing of cold and hot water and quickly adjust the water temperature in the test circulation pipeline. This achieves the effect of reducing operating costs and quickly adjusting the water temperature to simulate thermal shock conditions.

[0029] Specifically, water meter test position 3 includes a test frame and connecting pipes. The test frame is used to fix the hot water meter under test and can be a metal frame structure with sufficient strength and stability. The connecting pipes are used to connect the hot water meter to the test circulation pipeline and can be made of copper pipes, which have good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. The connecting pipes are fixed to the test frame by welding or threaded connection to ensure a firm connection and good sealing.

[0030] The water meter test position 3 is equipped with a quick-connect and disconnect mechanism. This mechanism can employ a common quick-connect pipe coupling, with one end fixed to the pipe and the other end connected to the water meter's interface via a nut, enabling quick connection and disconnection. This structure is a conventional technique in this field and will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the quick-connect and disconnect mechanism can be any structure capable of quickly connecting the pipe and the water meter.

[0031] Furthermore, the water meter test position 3 is equipped with an openable and closable transparent cover. The cover is made of transparent plastic or glass, making it easy to observe the hot water meter's test status. The cover is connected to the water meter test position 3 via hinges, allowing the cover to be opened and closed.

[0032] Heat exchanger 4 is a plate heat exchanger. Plate heat exchanger 4 includes multiple heat exchange plates and sealing gaskets. The heat exchange plates are usually made of stainless steel or titanium alloy, which have a high thermal conductivity and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] A flow meter 7 is also installed in the test circulation pipeline to monitor the water flow in real time, providing more accurate data for the durability test of the hot water meter. By monitoring the flow rate, it can be determined whether the water flow is stable and meets the test requirements during the test. If the flow rate is abnormal, the staff can adjust the equipment in time to ensure the smooth progress of the test.

[0034] The water tank 6 is equipped with a water level gauge, which can monitor the water level in the tank in real time. When the water level is too low, staff can add water in time to prevent the circulating water pump 1 from being damaged due to lack of water; when the water level is too high, measures can also be taken in time to prevent water from overflowing. This design improves the safety and stability of the equipment and perfects existing technology.

[0035] It also includes an automatic control system, which includes a computer. The circulating water pump 1, the online heater 2, the hot water exchange pump 5, the first three-way valve 10, and the second three-way valve 11 are all connected to the computer for automatic control. The automatic control system also includes a temperature sensor 8 and a pressure transmitter 9, which are both located in the test circulation pipeline and connected to the computer for communication.

[0036] Temperature sensor 8 is used to measure the water temperature in the test circulation pipeline. Pressure transmitter 9 is used to measure the water pressure in the test circulation pipeline; a strain gauge pressure transmitter 9 can be used, which has the advantages of accurate measurement and good stability. Temperature sensor 8 and pressure transmitter 9 are connected to the computer via a data cable to transmit the measured data to the computer in real time.

[0037] The computer controls the circulating water pump 1, online heater 2, hot water exchange pump 5, first three-way valve 10, and second three-way valve 11 through software programs. Based on the data fed back from the temperature sensor 8 and pressure transmitter 9, the computer can automatically adjust the operating parameters of the equipment to achieve precise control of water temperature and water pressure.

[0038] 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 durability testing device for hot water meters, characterized in that, It includes a circulating water pump (1), an online heater (2), a water meter test position (3), a heat exchanger (4), a hot water pump (5), and a water tank (6); The circulating water pump (1), the online heater (2), and the water meter test position (3) are connected in sequence; the inlet of the circulating water pump (1) and the outlet of the water meter test position are connected to the hot side of the heat exchanger (4) to form a test circulation pipeline. The hot water pump (5), the water tank (6) and the heat exchanger (4) are connected in sequence on the cold side to form a heat exchange circulation pipeline; The inlet of the water tank (6) is connected to the outlet of the water meter test position (3); the outlet of the water tank (6) is connected to the inlet of the circulating water pump (1). The water outlet of the water meter test position (3), the hot side of the heat exchanger (4) and the water inlet of the water tank (6) are connected by a first three-way valve (10) with one inlet and two outlets; the water inlet of the water pump, the cold side of the heat exchanger (4) and the water outlet of the water tank (6) are connected by a second three-way valve (11) with two inlets and one outlet.

2. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (4) is a plate heat exchanger (4).

3. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow meter (7) is also installed in the test circulation pipeline.

4. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water level gauge is installed inside the water tank (6).

5. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water meter test position (3) is equipped with a quick disassembly and assembly mechanism for connecting the hot water meter to be tested to the test circulation pipeline.

6. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water meter test position (3) is equipped with an openable and closable transparent protective cover.

7. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an automatic control system, which includes a computer; the circulating water pump (1), the online heater (2), the hot water exchange pump (5), the first three-way valve (10), and the second three-way valve (11) are all connected to the computer for automatic control.

8. The hot water meter durability testing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automatic control system also includes a temperature sensor (8) and a pressure transmitter (9); the temperature sensor (8) and the pressure transmitter (9) are both located in the test circulation pipeline and are connected to the computer for communication.

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