Buriable device for measuring and communicating information measured by means of a measuring element

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for measuring and communicating, wirelessly, information measured by means of a measuring element (202, 202', 203) for measuring information relating to a buriable pipeline and measured from outside this pipeline with the buriable measuring element, the device being configured to be buriable close to the pipeline, for example when wired communication is not permitted, and comprising: - an interrogator (101) connected to the measuring element and configured to deliver the measured information, - a wireless communication module (103), - a control module (102) for controlling the interrogator and the wireless communication module, configured to obtain the measured information delivered by the interrogator and to provide it, for transmission, to the wireless communication module, - an electric power source (104) supplying power to the control module, the interrogator and the wireless communication module.

Description

Description Title of the invention: A device that can be buried for measuring and communicating information measured by means of a measuring element Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for measuring properties of buried or above-ground pipelines. More particularly, it relates to measurements carried out using measuring instruments installed in the vicinity of pipelines. For example, these measuring instruments may be strain gauges or temperature sensors, and preferably Bragg grating fibers laid on pipelines or in repair systems or on pipeline repair systems. Previous technique

[0002] Buried (or even above-ground) fluid transport pipelines, such as natural gas pipelines, can be repaired by applying composite wraps that encircle the damaged sections of the pipeline. For example, corrosion can reduce the mechanical strength of a metal pipeline, and a composite wrap containing fibers, such as glass or carbon fibers embedded in a resin, such as epoxy, can be applied. It's worth noting that a composite wrap can also be referred to as a composite reinforcement.

[0003] As one can imagine, it is particularly important to be able to verify the continued effectiveness of repairs to sections of metal pipeline that have been structurally reinforced at the points of damage. In fact, it can be useful to monitor the evolution of pipeline deformations under the effect of applied stresses, such as internal pressure, or even, for example, the... temperature at the level of the portions that have been reinforced by the repair system.

[0004] Well-known sensors from the prior art can be used to measure mechanical deformations and then provide information on the stress state, such as resistive strain gauges, piezoelectric strain gauges, or even to measure the wall temperature of Bragg grating optical fibers. While it is conceivable to instrument a composite structure that forms the pipe lining with strain gauges, a specific limitation may prevent the use of these gauges on pipelines, particularly buried ones, if the use of a wired communication system between the gauge and the interrogation system is not compatible with the pipeline environment, including, but not limited to, the nature of the surface area.For example, an area of ​​agricultural crops is a situation where it is not possible to leave a sensor connection device emerging less than 80 cm from the surface to carry out measurements without risking damage to this device.

[0005] For above-ground pipes, it can sometimes be difficult to install wired communication between the gauge, the sensor(s), and an interrogation system.

[0006] This solution is not satisfactory and hinders the instrumentation of structures.

[0007] The invention aims to resolve at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks. Description of the invention

[0008] To this end, the invention proposes a device for wirelessly measuring and communicating information measured by means of a measuring device relating to a pipeline, for example, buried (the pipeline may be buried or not buried), and measured from outside this pipeline, the device being, for example, configured to be able to be buried in the vicinity of the pipeline (the device may be configured to be buried, or, alternatively, it may not be configured to be buried), the device comprising: - an interrogator, connected to the measuring device and configured to deliver the measured information, - a wireless communication module, - a control module for the interrogator and the wireless communication module, configured to obtain the measured information (by the measuring device which may be external to the device) delivered by the interrogator and to provide it, for transmission, to the wireless communication module (which is controlled for this transmission by the control module), - a power supply providing electrical power to the control module, the interrogator, and the wireless communication module.

[0009] It is therefore proposed to use a device that will communicate the measured information (typically temperature or deformation / mechanical stress) without the need for excavation in the case of an underground pipeline, as the device can be buried (it communicates wirelessly and includes a power supply). Obtaining the information can be done simply by using a receiver of the data transmitted by the wireless communication module.

[0010] For a pipe not buried but for which it is not possible to connect the measuring device with a wire, it is also possible to leave the device in an inaccessible area but have access to the data without entering the inaccessible area.

[0011] Here, an interrogator is a module that can query a measuring device to obtain information measured by that measuring device.

[0012] In fact, the inventors observed that it is conceivable to use certain interrogators for a measuring instrument (for example, a Bragg grating optic) with small dimensions for an application such as that of the present device, because they have limited electrical power consumption and can be easily integrated into the device. Furthermore, compact measuring instruments are known that can be integrated very close of a pipeline and especially in a pipeline reinforcement, and this without altering their structural efficiency (due to their small size).

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the device is configured to be buried (it is buryable) in the vicinity of the pipeline, which is an underground pipeline.

[0014] Thus, this device is configured to be able to operate (obtaining the measured information, transmitting it to the wireless communication module, supplying it for transmission to the wireless communication module) when it is in the ground.

[0015] The device is therefore a self-contained device, which has no wired connection other than the connection to the measuring element (typically a sensor).

[0016] For example, in order to be able to be buried, the device is protected by a casing.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the device further comprises an electrical relay configured to allow, in its conducting position, or prevent, in its blocked position, the supply of power to the control module, the interrogator, and the wireless communication module, based on a control signal.

[0018] For an underground device where access is difficult without excavation or impossible, it is necessary to limit electrical power consumption, especially if the power source is a battery, to maximize operating time. Here, we propose using an electrical relay to power the various components of the device only when needed. Specifically, the different components can be preferentially powered when an operator brings a surface receiver module directly above the device (if it is buried) to receive the wireless transmission from the device's wireless communication module, and the power to these components can be cut off the rest of the time.

[0019] In this application, "upright" means the position directly above on the surface or in a region on the surface with a diameter of at least 1 m centered on that position.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the control signal is generated by a clock module of the device equipped with a real-time clock, the clock module being configured to deliver a control signal placing the electric relay in its conducting position during given time ranges, taking into account the real-time clock (the time ranges will be identified using real time), and to deliver a control signal placing the electric relay in its blocked position outside the given time ranges.

[0021] Therefore, it is proposed to use a clock module, which can have limited power consumption, to place the relay in its conducting position only during given time periods. Real-time clocks are generally referred to by the English acronym "RTC: Real Time Clock".

[0022] As an example, the clock module can be powered by the electrical power supply or by an additional electrical power supply.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the control signal is generated by an additional wireless communication module of the device, the additional wireless communication module being configured to deliver a control signal placing the electrical relay in its forward position on the basis of a signal received by the additional wireless communication module.

[0024] In this particular embodiment, an additional wireless communication module, separate from the main wireless communication module, is used. Preferably, this additional wireless communication module has limited power consumption and is used only to receive a wireless signal to switch the electrical relay into its on state, for example, for a limited time, or until the device is switched off.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the additional wireless communication module is a radio frequency module configured to be powered by a received wireless signal.

[0026] Radio frequency modules, for example RFID (Radio-frequency identification), generally include an antenna and a microcontroller, the microcontroller of which can be powered by Electrical energy is supplied via the radio signal received by the antenna (a so-called passive RFID tag). Thus, no electrical power consumption is required, and the transmission, typically from the surface (when the device is buried), of a wireless signal configured for the radio frequency module can trigger the generation of a signal to activate the electrical relay. This particular embodiment is also advantageous compared to one using a real-time clock, since these clocks can exhibit a time drift that increases over time, which can make their use difficult.

[0027] This particular embodiment implements a wireless wake-up system, since the device, whose elements may not be powered, will be powered after the electrical relay switches to the conducting state.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the wireless communication module is a software-defined radio module, configured to receive the measured information in digital form delivered by the control module, and to transmit it in the form of a radio signal.

[0029] Using a software-defined radio module makes it easy to adapt the transmission frequency, depending on the application (depth in the ground if the device is buried, compatibility, etc.). In fact, these modules offer particularly flexible use.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a waterproof protective housing housing receiving the interrogator, the wireless communication module, the control module, and the electrical power supply.

[0031] This casing will preferably be made of polymer to allow wireless transmission. For example, a PVC or polypropylene casing can be used to protect the device from the weight of the soil or its moisture if the device is buried.

[0032] As an indication, the enclosure is an enclosure according to the protection index IP67 or IP68 (European standard EN 60529 in all its versions defining this index, for example in its 2013 version).

[0033] Also, this housing may include a passage for connecting the measuring device to the interrogator via a connection, equipped with means for maintaining the seal between the housing and the connection (which may be an optical fiber, in particular if the measuring device is a Bragg grating optical fiber).

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the source of electrical power is a battery.

[0035] Preferably, a deep-cycle battery should be chosen.

[0036] Using a battery is well suited for devices that will become inaccessible, for example if they are buried.

[0037] The invention also proposes a system comprising a device as defined above in all its embodiments, and a receiving module configured to receive the measured information transmitted by the wireless communication module.

[0038] The receiving module is preferably a user-portable module, which is brought, for example, above the device to receive the measured information.

[0039] If an electrical relay with an additional wireless communication module is used, the receiving module may include a sub-module to emit a signal which will be received by the additional wireless communication module to switch the electrical relay to the on state.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the receiving module is configured to implement said reception when it is arranged on the surface directly above the device when the device is buried.

[0041] In this system, the device is configured to be able to be buried, for example if the pipeline is buried.

[0042] The invention also proposes an installation comprising this system, a portion of piping, and a measuring device for information relating to the piping and measured from outside this piping, the measuring device being connected to the interrogator of the system device.

[0043] In particular, the portion of the pipeline may include a composite band, a reinforcement, with the measuring device installed in this composite band.

[0044] In particular, if the measuring device is a Bragg grating optical fiber, this fiber surrounds the pipe while being in the composite bandage.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, the portion of the pipeline is buried, the measuring device is buried (the measurement is taken in the subsoil from outside the pipeline), and the device is buried.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the measuring element is a Bragg grating optical fiber that surrounds the pipe or a temperature sensor or a resistive strain gauge, or a piezoelectric strain gauge.

[0047] The invention also relates to a method of installing a measurement and communication device as defined above, in which the device is arranged in the vicinity of a pipeline and a measuring element is arranged to provide information relating to the pipeline measured from outside of this pipeline, the measuring element being connected to the interrogator of the system device.

[0048] According to a particular method of implementation, the pipeline is buried, arranging the device in the vicinity of the pipeline includes burying the device in the vicinity of the pipeline, and arranging the measuring element includes burying the measuring element outside the pipeline.

[0049] The invention also proposes a method of using the device installed by the installation method defined above, in which a receiving module is positioned, and in which the receiving module receives the measured information transmitted by the wireless communication module.

[0050] According to a particular implementation method, the pipeline is buried and the receiving module is positioned on the surface and directly above the buried measuring device. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an example of an embodiment without being limiting in any way. In the figures: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an installation according to an example. [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a device according to an example. [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a diagram of the electrical relay. [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an example clock module. [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an additional wireless communication module. [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows the steps implemented for a transmission. [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows the steps implemented for a reception. [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a graph that illustrates the evolution of the signal-to-noise ratio as a function of earth depth. [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a graph that illustrates the evolution of the signal-to-noise ratio as a function of sand depth. [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a graph that illustrates a measurement of deformations by a Bragg grating optical fiber. Description of the implementation methods

[0052] We will now describe measurement and communication devices designed to be buried in the ground and to measure information obtained by a Bragg grating optical fiber surrounding a buried pipe. The invention is not, however, limited to Bragg grating optical fibers and applies to other types of measuring devices. In particular, a temperature sensor, a resistive strain gauge, or a piezoelectric strain gauge may be used.

[0053] The invention is by no means limited to buried devices and buried pipelines.

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an INS installation with a measurement and communication device 100 in an area having a ground surface S, and, buried for example at a depth P1 of 1.5m, a pipeline 200 (or at least a portion of a pipeline in a region).

[0055] In a method known in itself, the pipe, which is metallic, for example made of steel, was repaired by applying a composite bandage 201 (sometimes called reinforcement or "wrap"). The composite bandage comprises, for example, fiberglass or carbon fiber embedded in an epoxy resin.

[0056] During the installation of the composite bandage, an optical fiber 202 was installed around the pipe 200. This installation can be achieved by incorporating the optical fiber into the resin used to make the bandage or by pausing it on the outer surface of the bandage.

[0057] Optical fiber incorporates a Bragg grating; therefore, 203 is a Bragg grating optical fiber. The Bragg grating can be used to measure deformations that can be converted into mechanical stresses, or even temperatures. It should be noted that several Bragg gratings can be used, possibly on the same fiber (an interrogator capable of multiplexing the light can be used).

[0058] The optical fiber 202 has a portion 202' which is connected to the device 100 (this device will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 2), so that the device 100 retrieves information that can be measured using the Bragg grating 203 (temperature, deformations, etc.). The device 100 communicates wirelessly with the receiving module 300 located on the surface directly above the device 100.

[0059] As can be seen in the figure, the fiber segment 202' allows the device 100 to be spaced from the conduit 200. This allows the device 100 to be placed at a depth P2 measured from the surface, which can be chosen so that wireless communications between the device 100 and the surface are always implemented under the same conditions, at the same depth P2, with the same The amount of soil material between the device and the surface (at least within a region where the soil is uniform) is a factor. Indeed, it has been observed that certain frequencies are better suited than others, depending on the soil thickness, for transmitting information between a buried device and the surface. Since it is not feasible to have a buried pipeline that always extends to the same depth measured from the ground, it is therefore preferable to always place devices at the same depth during installation.

[0060] Figure 2 shows in more detail the device 100 from Figure 1, connected by means of optical fiber 202' to the Bragg network 203.

[0061] The optical fiber 202' is more precisely connected to a Bragg grating optical fiber interrogator which can deliver measured information by means of the Bragg grating 203, in a manner known per se, by emitting a light signal and processing the reflected signal.

[0062] As a guideline, a small interrogator, such as the FGBT-200 interrogator marketed by the American company REDONDO OPTICS INC., can be used. This interrogator has an integrated broadband light source (within the 1550 nm window). It features a high-sensitivity dual-channel readout port for measuring strain and / or temperature using Bragg grating sensors. Furthermore, this interrogator is suitable for use with multiple Bragg gratings, including two (one for measuring strain, and one for measuring temperature or strain). Using two Bragg gratings is advantageous because it compensates for fluctuations with this interrogator. Finally, this interrogator is advantageous due to its low power consumption (it is powered via a USB connection, which is beneficial in this case).

[0063] Furthermore, this interrogator has small dimensions (width, length, or height less than ten centimeters),

[0064] The invention is nevertheless not limited to the use of this interrogator and can be implemented with other interrogators.

[0065] For example, one could use an interrogator having at least some of the characteristics of the interrogator presented above: - a broadband light source (preferably in the window centered on 1550 nm), - a high-sensitivity dual-channel readout port for strain and / or temperature measurement using Bragg grating sensor arrays, - be suitable for use with multiple Bragg gratings and in particular two gratings (one to measure a strain, one to measure a temperature or a strain), - low electrical power consumption (e.g., via USB).

[0066] The interrogator 101 delivers measured information to a control module 102. In fact, the control module 102 can have a computer structure, and preferably, the structure of a device called a pico-computer. For example, the pico-computer sold under the commercial name LattePanda (in all its versions) by the Chinese company of the same name can be used. This pico-computer can be equipped with a Windows 10 IoT operating system, notably to receive the measured information from the interrogator 101.

[0067] The invention is nevertheless not limited to the use of this pico-computer and can be implemented with other pico-computers.

[0068] Device 100 also includes a wireless communication module 103, which receives, for transmission, the measured information transmitted to it by the control module 102. Preferably, the wireless communication module 103 is a software-defined radio module (SDR), configured to receive the measured information in digital form delivered by the control module 103, and to transmit it as a radio signal.

[0069] For example, one could use a software-defined radio module marketed under the name "HackRF One" by the American company GREAT SCOTT GADGET. This module is advantageous because it can be connected via USB to the pico-computer mentioned above. Also, although it is used here as a transmitter, this module can also function as a receiver. Furthermore, it can operate on frequencies between 1 MHz and 6 GHz. Other software-defined radio modules can be used.

[0070] Although not shown in the figure, an antenna will be used and this antenna can be integrated into the software radio module or connected to this software radio module.

[0071] Various antennas can be used. In particular, a telescopic antenna such as the one marketed under the name "SDR ANT500" by the American company GREAT SCOTT GADGET can be used. Alternatively, an antenna mounted on a printed circuit board can be used, specifically an antenna from the "MDF" range marketed by the German company AARONIA AG.

[0072] As an example, it can be noted that the "SDR ANT500" antenna and an "MDF" antenna can be adapted for different applications. The inventors of the present invention have noted that at a frequency of 169 MHz, the "SDR ANT500" antenna produces a better signal-to-noise ratio than an "MDF" antenna for sand thicknesses between the device and the surface ranging from 86 cm to 45 cm, and then between 0 cm and 5 cm, with the "MDF" antenna exhibiting a better signal-to-noise ratio between 5 and 45 cm. It is understood that the choice of antenna will depend on the application and, more specifically, on the soil type and depth.

[0073] The transmission frequency is also a parameter to consider when choosing the antenna. Different frequencies have been tested by the inventors of the present invention for different thicknesses of soil or sand (in a test tank). As a guideline, a frequency of 169 MHz may be suitable.

[0074] Of course, regulatory constraints can also be taken into account when choosing the transmission frequency. In particular, ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) frequency bands, well known to those skilled in the art, can be used.

[0075] The device 100 also includes an electrical power supply 104, which powers the control module 102, the interrogator 101, and the wireless communication module 103. Power is supplied by means of connections 105.

[0076] Preferably, the power supply 104 is a deep-cycle battery. For example, the deep-cycle battery sold under the trade name "AGM VARTA LAD 24" by the German company Varta AG can be used. As a guideline, if the device 100 is used to measure and transmit data quarterly (usage can last 15 minutes per quarter), the device's lifespan can be approximately 30 years.

[0077] To protect the device 100 from the ground and moisture, a housing 106 is used, preferably made of polymer, to allow wireless transmissions. For example, the housing 106 can be made of PVC or polypropylene, and this housing is waterproof.

[0078] The housing nevertheless includes an opening 107 for the passage of the optical fiber 202', which may be fitted with means for maintaining a watertight seal (for example, a gasket). It should be noted that if measuring devices other than optical fibers are used, the housing may include an opening for the wired connection to these other measuring devices.

[0079] Figure 3 shows an example of an embodiment of the portion dedicated to the power supply in the device 100 in which an electrical relay 108 is used.

[0080] The electrical relay 108 is connected in series between, on the one hand, the battery 104, and on the other hand, the control module 102, the interrogator 101, and the wireless communication module 103. It is controlled by a signal SG generated by a device 109 to allow, in its conducting position, or prevent, in its blocked position, the supply of power to the control module, the interrogator, and the wireless communication module.

[0081] The 109 component preferentially generates the SG signal to limit the device's electrical energy consumption, specifically ensuring that the device only consumes energy when an operator has brought a surface-mounted receiving module directly above the device. In other words, the S signal commands the electrical relay to be in a conducting state only for predetermined durations.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a first example of organ 109A capable of developing the SG signal described with reference to Figure 3. Organ 109A is here a clock module.

[0083] The 109A clock module is equipped with a real-time clock (RTC) and a controller (e.g., a microcontroller). For example, the controller will output a signal SG to place the electrical relay in its on position for specified time periods. These periods can be regular (e.g., one per month) or defined for fixed dates and times.

[0084] The clock module must nevertheless be powered, for example by battery 104.

[0085] Figure 5 shows a second example of organ 109B capable of developing the SG signal described with reference to Figure 3. Here, organ 109B is an additional wireless communication module, and more specifically an RFID module.

[0086] The RFID module is configured to be powered by a received signal, and it includes an antenna 1 12, an amplifier stage 1 13 (for example, a cascade of capacitors may be used), and a microcontroller 1 14 configured to, when powered by the received signal, generate a signal SG which switches the electrical relay to its on state, for example for a predefined duration.

[0087] Figure 6 shows the steps implemented in the software-defined radio module 103, described with reference to Figure 2, during the transmission of data D from the control module 102. For example, when the components of device 100 are powered, a computer program can be run on the control module 102 to control the interrogator and obtain several measured data points, which will be stored in the control module 102's memory (for example, the measured data points may include several measurements taken at different times and possibly of different types (temperatures, strains / stresses)). The measured data points are the data D to be transmitted here.

[0088] The data D transmitted by the control module 102 is first encoded (step E01) into packets for a communication protocol given (typically a protocol compatible with the receiving module that will be used).

[0089] Next, in step E02, a pre-transmission modulation is performed, for example a Gaussian Minimum-Shift Keying (GMSK) modulation. Other types of modulation can be used.

[0090] The modulated signal is then transmitted to the antenna for transmission at stage E03.

[0091] The emission can be implemented repeatedly for a given duration, after which device 100 can switch off (this can also correspond to a switch to the blocked state of the electrical relay).

[0092] Figure 7 shows the steps implemented within a 300 receiver module, used when the device transmitted the measured information.

[0093] First, it should be noted that the receiver module is chosen for its compatibility with the 103 software-defined radio module described above. As a guideline, the receiver marketed under the name "Airspy mini" by the French company AIRSPY can be used; it is less expensive than a transmitter such as the one mentioned above for the 103 software-defined radio module.

[0094] Once the receiving module 300 has been placed on the surface directly above the device 100, and when the device 100 has implemented the steps E01 to E03 described with reference to Figure 6, we can implement step E10 of demodulation of the signal received by an antenna of the receiving module 300 (typically a minimum Gaussian displacement demodulation), a decoding of the packets (step E11), and a recording of the data D in step E12.

[0095] Figure 8 shows the evolution of the signal-to-noise ratio (in decibels) with respect to a soil thickness (in centimeters). These measurements were carried out in a tank.

[0096] As can be seen, the signal-to-noise ratio decreases with depth but always remains above 50dB, which nevertheless allows the signal to be received well.

[0097] In a different soil, containing only sand, a decrease is also observed, but still a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 50dB.

[0098] Of course, these results are obtained directly above the device.

[0099] Figure 10 shows the results of a pressure test performed by filling a tank with water and using a Bragg grating optical fiber with the interrogator described above, to illustrate its ability to deliver strain values. There is indeed an increase in strain (here, micro-strains, dimensionless) with increasing pressure in bar.

[0100] We have therefore described a device for measuring and communicating measured information using a Bragg grating optical fiber, this device being able to be buried near a buried pipe, to be connected to a Bragg grating optical fiber which surrounds the pipe (in particular in a composite bandage).

[0101] The transmission frequencies can be adapted depending in particular on the application and the chosen depth.

[0102] Information can thus be obtained on the condition of a pipe or its composite lining without carrying out an excavation, and without needing to bring connections to the buried device to the surface less than 1 m below the surface.

Claims

Demands

1. Wireless measurement and communication device for information measured by means of a measuring element (202, 202', 203) relating to a pipeline, for example buried and measured from outside that pipeline, the device being configured, for example, to be able to be buried in the vicinity of the pipeline, the device comprising: - an interrogator (101) connected to the measuring device and configured to deliver the measured information, - a wireless communication module (103), - a control module (102) for the interrogator and the wireless communication module, configured to obtain the measured information delivered by the interrogator and to provide it, for transmission, to the wireless communication module, - an electrical power supply source (104) supplying the control module, the interrogator, and the wireless communication module, further comprising an electrical relay (105) configured to allow in its forward position or prevent in its blocked position the supply of power to the control module, the interrogator, and the wireless communication module, on the basis of a control signal (SG).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be buried in the vicinity of the pipeline which is a buried pipeline.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is generated by a clock module (109A) of the device equipped with a real-time clock (110), the clock module being configured to deliver a control signal placing the electric relay in its on position during given time ranges, taking into account the real-time clock, and to deliver a control signal placing the electric relay in its blocked position outside of the given time ranges.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is generated by an additional wireless communication module (109B) of the device, the additional wireless communication module being configured to deliver a control signal placing the electrical relay in its forward position on the basis of a signal received by the additional wireless communication module.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the additional wireless communication module is a radio frequency module configured to be powered by a received wireless signal.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wireless communication module is a software-defined radio module, configured to receive the measured information in digital form delivered by the control module, and to transmit it in the form of a radio signal.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including a waterproof protective housing (106) housing the interrogator, the wireless communication module, the control module, and the electrical power supply.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the source of electrical power is a battery.

9. System comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a receiving module (300) configured to receive the measured information transmitted by the wireless communication module.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the receiving module is configured to implement said receiving when arranged on the surface directly above the device when the device is buried in the vicinity of the pipeline which is a buried pipeline.

11. An installation comprising a system according to claim 9 or 10, a portion of piping (200), and a measuring device for information relating to the piping and measured from outside this pipe, the measuring device being connected to the interrogator of the system device.

12. An installation according to claim 11, wherein the portion of the pipeline is buried, the measuring element is buried, and the device is buried

13. Installation according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the measuring element is a Bragg grating optical fiber surrounding the pipe or a temperature sensor or a resistive strain gauge, or a piezoelectric strain gauge.

14. Method of installing a measuring and communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device is arranged in the vicinity of a pipeline and a measuring element is arranged for information relating to the pipeline measured from outside of that pipeline, the measuring element being connected to the interrogator of the device.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the pipeline is buried, and arranging the device in the vicinity of the pipeline includes burying the device in the vicinity of the pipeline, and arranging the measuring member includes burying the measuring member outside the pipeline.

16. A method of using the device installed by the method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a receiving module is positioned, and wherein the receiving module receives the measured information transmitted by the wireless communication module.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the pipeline is buried and the receiving module is positioned on the surface and directly above the measuring device which is buried.

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