Device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical process parameter of a medium contained in a container that can be closed with a lid.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical process parameter of a medium contained in a container that can be closed with a lid, comprising at least one sensor unit which can be attached in a predetermined position relative to or on the container, and for which the container has an access opening. According to the invention, the sensor unit can be fixed to the container lid via an adapter, and a signal preprocessing and evaluation unit with telemetry capability and the ability to detect the container's geoposition is permanently attached to the container.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical process variable of a medium located in a container that can be closed with a lid, with at least one sensor unit that can be mounted in a predetermined position relative to or on the container and in this regard the container has an access opening, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 103 08 086 B3 a fastening system for a measuring device is already known, wherein the measuring device has at least one sensor section and the fastening is to take place in or on a container.

[0003] The measuring device is used to determine and / or monitor a physical or chemical process variable of a medium in the container.

[0004] The measuring device is positioned through a sleeve with at least its sensor section extending into the container. An adapter ring is provided in the sleeve, which has sections of different diameters. The sensor section of the measuring device can be passed through the adapter ring.

[0005] In the method for operating a container for aqueous filling material, the container has a gas connection by means of which a protective gas line can be connected to the container.

[0006] The previously known solution addresses the problem of providing a method for easily determining the fill level of a given container. The fill level change is determined via the detected pressure variation using a pressure sensor. Additionally, data logging and wireless data transmission via a mobile network are proposed.

[0007] The container comprises at least one sensor unit having an adapter element. The adapter element is designed to be detachably connected to the gas connection of the container, allowing the sensor device to be coupled to the container. The adapter element comprises at least one gas nozzle and at least one medium channel, wherein the gas nozzle is designed to accommodate a protective gas line.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensor device comprises at least one pressure sensor which interacts indirectly with the medium channel.

[0009] The top of the container according to DE 10 2018 106 786 A1 comprises a lid containing a gas connection and a pressure relief valve. The aforementioned adapter element has a connection section that is designed in a complementary manner to the gas nozzle of the gas connection of the container. In this way, the previously known sensor device can be fixed to the gas nozzle, wherein the sensor device can be plugged onto the gas nozzle. A telemetry module of the sensor device comprises a plurality of sensors as well as a geoposition sensor and a data logger. These components are housed together in a housing. According to a preferred embodiment therein, all of the aforementioned elements are fixedly arranged together on the lid of the container.

[0010] In the event that the container lid is removed with the entire sensor device including the telemetry unit, there is a risk that a physical spatial and thus factual association between the actual container and the container lid is lost.

[0011] From the above, it is the object of the invention to provide a further developed device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical process variable of a medium located in a container that can be closed with a lid, with at least one sensor unit, which on the one hand can be retrofitted and on the other hand enables a clear assignment of the recorded measurement data, including a geoposition, to the respective container, regardless of whether an originally associated container lid is still used to close the corresponding container or whether another, in principle suitable lid is used.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved with a device according to the combination of features according to patent claim 1, wherein the subclaims comprise at least expedient embodiments and further developments.

[0013] Accordingly, the invention relates to a device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical process variable of a medium contained in a container that can be closed with a lid. At least one sensor unit is provided that can be mounted in a predetermined position relative to or on the container. For this purpose, the container has a limited access opening, for example, a filling opening or venting opening.

[0014] According to the invention, the access opening is formed on the lid of the container or an access opening is provided on the container, wherein an adapter can be fastened to the access opening, which adapter accommodates the sensor unit, which has at least one level measuring device that is non-contact with the medium and a pressure measuring device.

[0015] Furthermore, a signal pre-processing and evaluation unit with a telemetry device is fixed to the container, i.e. cannot be easily removed using conventional means. This unit also records the geoposition of the container and enables data transmission of both the process variables and the geoposition for remote monitoring of the container.

[0016] A standard telecommunications network can be used for data transmission.

[0017] The data transfer can be carried out to a higher-level control center or to the so-called cloud using the Internet.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, a detachable electrical cable connection is formed between the sensor unit or the adapter with sensor unit and the signal preprocessing and evaluation unit, so that removal or replacement of the lid can take place independently of tracking of the respective container.

[0019] The cable connection can be separated using a quick-release coupling, so that during normal cleaning work and removal of the cover, no disruptions or additional work steps or actions are required.

[0020] The adapter can be coupled to a standard connection of a media filling or container vent opening, whereby the adapter has a passage for the sensor unit and the detachable cable connection as well as a branch.

[0021] The branch serves to maintain the function of the standard connection as a media filling or container vent opening.

[0022] The passage in the adapter is designed to allow an optical level sensor, particularly a laser rangefinder, to have a clear view of the level—that is, the surface level—of a liquid medium within the container. The passage also provides a pressure-side connection between the container interior and a pressure sensor.

[0023] By continuously recording the fill level and pressure, in particular any overpressure in the container, in addition to tracking the container, it can be determined whether a protective gas overpressure was maintained on the way from the filling of the container to the consumer and whether there was no risk of decontamination, which is of great importance in particular for aseptic and other sensitive container contents, especially food.

[0024] As already mentioned, the cable connection features an electrical, quick-disconnect, moisture-proof multi-pole coupling.

[0025] The signal preprocessing and evaluation device has an independent power supply and is located on site near the container lid, in particular near a container manhole.

[0026] The cable outlet on the adapter is pressure-tight.

[0027] The level measuring device is preferably based on an optical sensor, in particular on a laser distance measurement.

[0028] The level measuring device and the pressure measuring device are preferably arranged on a common sensor board, optionally together with a signal preprocessing unit.

[0029] Malfunctions in signal acquisition or an interruption in the connection between the sensor unit and the electronic assembly permanently mounted on the container are logged or can be accessed via remote transmission.

[0030] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an embodiment and figures.

[0031] Here we show: Fig. 1 a photorealistic view of the top of a container with manhole and lid, wherein the adapter according to the invention with sensor unit is arranged on a standard filling opening in the lid, as well as the cable connection with plug device for disconnection to the signal preprocessing and evaluation unit fixed to the container with telemetry device and a receiving device for determining the geoposition of the container; Fig. 2 detailed views in the form of an exploded view, a sectional view, a side view, and a top view of the adapter with sensor unit in its function as a measuring head, arranged on a container lid.

[0032] The embodiment according to the invention relates to a device and a method for wireless and continuous remote monitoring of the condition of industrial containers by means of non-media contact sensors, suitable for food and other sensitive contents.

[0033] The geoposition of the container, the fill level in the container and the internal pressure in the container as well as other parameters are monitored.

[0034] Industrial containers are typically made of stainless steel and are used for the storage and transport of liquids and other contents. Such containers can be sealed tightly using a lid with a manhole. Common lids have at least two connections. The first connection is used to fill the container with the required medium. A second connection is an auxiliary connection that allows the container to be ventilated or to generate internal overpressure. This serves both for leak testing and to prevent the ingress of contaminants due to constant overpressure.

[0035] The invention comprises a measuring head in the form of an adapter, also made of stainless steel, for example, with integrated sensors and corresponding industrial connections, preferably implemented as a T-adapter. Furthermore, a tracking unit with a mobile radio module and a self-sufficient power supply, particularly battery-operated, is provided. This tracking unit includes a signal preprocessing and evaluation unit with a telemetry device and is capable of detecting the geoposition of the container. Therefore, the tracking unit is permanently connected to the container.

[0036] The tracking unit includes software for data evaluation and preprocessing. The tracking unit also enables the aforementioned wireless communication, particularly the uploading of data to the cloud. This ultimately serves to provide a remote monitoring function for individual or a group of appropriately equipped containers.

[0037] Since the containers are usually standard designs, non-retrofittable modifications should be avoided wherever possible. Therefore, a key feature of the invention is that the solution presented here can also be retrofitted to existing containers or container lids.

[0038] For this purpose, the measuring head is retrofitted to an existing container lid. The measuring head is attached, for example, to a filling connection.

[0039] This gives the sensors in the adapter or measuring head access to the interior of the container.

[0040] Via the mentioned branch, the auxiliary connection can be used as before for ventilation or for generating overpressure, i.e. for filling with a gas.

[0041] The tracking device is mounted at a suitable location, preferably on top of the container. This allows a specific tracking device, clearly defined by an address, to be permanently assigned to a corresponding container.

[0042] The measuring head is connected to the tracking device via the quick-release cable connection.

[0043] Once the tracking unit is activated, the desired remote monitoring is initiated. The user now has access to the container's geolocation, fill level, internal pressure, and other parameters in real time via a corresponding cloud application.

[0044] The inventive solution is food-safe and suitable for sensitive applications. Therefore, the system does not come into contact with the media. Should contact with the media occur, the sensors in the measuring head are protected by a special food-safe cover. This prevents contamination. Furthermore, cleaning is easy.

[0045] The measuring head is very compact within the adapter. The sensors are fully integrated into the measuring head, i.e., the adapter, and protected from interference.

[0046] Thanks to optical level measurement, no manual adjustment is necessary. Each appropriately equipped container or bin is uniquely and permanently identifiable by the tracking device, while the respective lids with measuring heads are interchangeable. This simplifies workflows during container cleaning and maintenance, as the lids can be removed and later placed on any other container.

[0047] The adapter with the sensors, i.e. the complete measuring head, is hermetically sealed and closes the auxiliary closure so that no contents can escape from the container and the corresponding pressure in the container is maintained.

[0048] The tracking device is housed in a durable housing, particularly a plastic housing, that meets the respective ambient conditions and environmental influences. The tracking device contains the necessary electronic components, including a processor, radio modem, antenna, and, if applicable, a module for receiving geolocation data, as well as corresponding interfaces for the level sensor or pressure sensors, which are located externally in the adapter, i.e., in the measuring head. A quick-release cable connector facilitates the necessary separation of the tracking device and the measuring head.

[0049] After appropriately equipping a container, filling it and putting the device according to the invention into operation, the following procedure results.

[0050] The level gauge, designed as a laser sensor, measures the distance downwards to the surface of the medium in the container from the measuring head.

[0051] The pressure sensor measures the prevailing absolute pressure in the container.

[0052] The tracking device is now able to read the measured values ​​from the sensors via the cable connection and calculates the fill level in the container from the measured value from the laser sensor.

[0053] Furthermore, the tracking device calculates the corrected internal overpressure from the measured value of the pressure sensor.

[0054] The tracking device now reads the geoposition, i.e. the longitude and latitude of the current location of the container, from a GNSS module (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0055] The tracking device now establishes an encrypted connection to a cloud application via a radio modem.

[0056] The tracking device now transmits the status of the system, i.e. the identification of the tracking device, the geoposition, the fill level, the internal pressure and, if necessary, other parameters via the wireless connection to the cloud application.

[0057] The cloud application now presents the received data as a remote maintenance status of the container and thus of the container to the user in a user interface in real time, for example in the form of a map, list or the like.

[0058] The tracking device initiates repeated measurements and repeated transmissions according to defined rules. Thus, a continuous set of updated real-time data exists in the cloud application.

[0059] With a number of appropriately equipped containers, remote monitoring of entire fleets is possible, with appropriate addressing and coding of the containers and the data provided by the containers.

[0060] As an alternative to the aforementioned cable connection between the adapter with the sensor device and the tracking device, wireless near-field coupling with coded and addressable data transmission is possible. Data transmission requires successful pairing. This pairing defines the lid with the adapter and the respective container. Interruptions in the wireless connection, e.g., when the lid is removed, are detected and recorded via remote monitoring. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 103 08 086 B3

[0002] DE 10 2018 106 786 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Device for determining and / or monitoring at least one physical process variable of a medium located in a container that can be closed with a lid, with at least one sensor unit that can be mounted in a predetermined position relative to or on the container and in this regard the container has an access opening, characterized by , that the access opening is formed on the lid of the container or an already existing access opening is provided on the lid of the container, wherein an adapter can be fastened to the access opening, which receives the sensor unit, which has at least, with respect to the medium, a non-contact level measuring device and a pressure measuring device, Furthermore, a signal processing and evaluation unit with a telemetry device is fixedly arranged on the container, which additionally records the geoposition of the container and enables data transmission of both the process variables and the geoposition for remote monitoring, wherein a detachable electrical cable connection or a wireless near-field connection is formed between the sensor unit or the adapter with sensor unit and the signal processing and evaluation unit, so that removal or replacement of the lid can take place independently of tracking of the respective container. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the adapter can be coupled to a standard connection of a media filling or container vent opening, wherein the adapter has a passage for the sensor unit and the detachable cable connection as well as a branch which ensures that the function as a media filling or container vent opening is maintained. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cable connection has an electrical, quick-disconnect, moisture-protected multi-pole coupling. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the signal processing and evaluation unit has an independent power supply and is located on site near the container lid, in particular near a container manhole. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adapter is pressure-tight on the cable outlet side. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the level measuring device has a laser rangefinder. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the level measuring device and the pressure measuring device are arranged on a common sensor board with signal pre-processing unit. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that faults in the signal acquisition or an interruption in the connection between the sensor unit and the signal processing and evaluation unit permanently arranged on the container are logged and can be accessed via remote monitoring.

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