Transportable measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole

Abstract

Transportable measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole, adapted to verify the progress of erosion caused by the most common atmospheric agents on poles and on metal artifacts used in telecommunications or lighting systems, sending an exploration current adapted to detect the variation in resistance due to the reduction in the thickness of the walls of said poles; each detection being managed by at least a microcontroller, adapted to acquire the exploration current I, the environmental temperature values Ta around the diode, the n cyclic measurements, which are subsequently adapted to be sent to a remote control center, in order to carry out a more in-depth analysis on the degradation of the poles caused by erosion phenomena; said measurement system being adapted to be transferable to any existing pole, attaching itself thereto through the use of common straps.

Description

[0001] “Transportable measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention refers to an innovative system for measuring the electrical resistance inside a common pole, so as to determine the thickness thereof and therefore the deterioration caused by corrosion due to atmospheric agents; said system being transferable and usable on any existing and operating pole.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] To date, the use of electric current for the dimensional monitoring of metallic artifacts encounters a major obstacle in the low resistivity characterizing the measurements of very small voltages, which are the quantities usually found in electronic devices crossed by high currents.

[0007] Very often it is necessary to measure very small resistances, less than thousandths of an ohm, in direct current conditions, this is the case of shunt resistors, high frequency antenna coils, electrical cables, metal pipes, particular junctions, resistors of water heaters and stoves.

[0008] It is also necessary, in the current state of the art, to use electrical prospecting on metal apparatuses to carry out dimensional analyses on areas subjected to corrosion, using an appropriate current stress.

[0009] Some equipment today ensures high accuracy, with sensitivity down to a hundredth of a nano ohm; however, such equipment appears to be too expensive to be used in small artifacts.

[0010] The purchase costs of such equipment can exceed €5,700, further making them inconvenient. The most cutting-edge testers eliminate a long series of parasitic effects such as:

[0011] • the voltage burden introduced, which occurs at the ends of the ammeter input terminals during the measurement which reduces the effective current flowing in the circuit, thus penalizing the accuracy; • the tribo-electric currents generated by the charges on the interface between a conductor and insulator due to the friction between the two: the free electronics detach from the conductor and create an imbalance of charges which causes a flow of current;

[0012] • piezoelectric-type currents are generated when mechanical stresses are applied to certain crystalline materials used for insulated terminals and interconnection systems;

[0013] • currents of an electrochemical nature are due to ionic imbalances which cause local batteries of low intensity between two conductors on supports of the measurement circuit;

[0014] • the dielectric absorption which is due to voltage applied to the ends of an insulator causes positive and negative charges therein, which polarize it.

[0015] The most cutting-edge testers in the sector would still be inadequate, not only due to the price, but also due to the objective difficulties encountered in a fixed and already operational system. If it were therefore necessary to carry out a multiplicity of measurements of small resistances, indicative of corrosive processes on metal artifacts spread over a geographically extensive territory, the instrumentation currently available on the market would be totally inadequate in terms of cost, sensitivity and functionality. Not even patent JP2017110250, published on June 22, 2017, solves the aforesaid problems as it claims a diagnostic system adapted to predict and anticipate the total deterioration of a sacrificial anode, so as to preserve any main component subject to erosion. Said patent JP2017110250 does not provide any useful tool for monitoring the state of deterioration of the component to be protected.

[0016] The object of the present patent application is therefore to describe a transportable measurement system applicable to existing poles, useful for monitoring the state of deterioration thereof following erosion caused by the most common atmospheric phenomena; said monitoring is carried out using components known in the current state of the art, used and arranged so as to obtain precise and reliable results never achieved before.

[0017] Description of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a transportable measurement system is created for monitoring corrosion inside a pole which effectively solves the problems already indicated.

[0019] The measurement system described in the present patent application is mathematically expressible in a topologically similar figure, and is adapted to monitor the thinning of the external walls of poles, used for example in the telecommunications or lighting sectors.

[0020] Said system is adapted to use a current, defined as "exploration", useful for detecting the change in resistance due to the reduction in the thickness of the walls of said poles. In fact, such a reduction in thickness can be caused by continuous exposure to atmospheric agents, complicit in an erosion which can lead to the deterioration of the poles in question.

[0021] The present measurement system is advantageously adapted to be applied on any existing pole already operating in its field.

[0022] A contact plate, made of rigid synthetic material, is in fact comprised in the present system, so as to support a plurality of electrodes, necessary to carry out the current measurements to establish the degree of deterioration of the monitored pole.

[0023] The data obtained from the measurements are adapted to be stored on a special memory card. Said plate is adapted to be attached to the pole in question, using at least two straps, which are in turn attached to special grooves engraved on said plate; said straps therefore favor a stable grip of the plate on the pole, during the operations of measuring the electrical resistance.

[0024] In an embodiment, said two straps are made of leather.

[0025] A plurality of holes, coated in metal, are arranged above said contact plate, so as to accommodate a key each, comprising a female thread.

[0026] Said keys are made of conductive metallic material and are adapted to be screwed inside said holes, coming into contact with said pole, creating a multiplicity of contacts useful for measuring the extent of the contact resistance and the conductivity of the underlying metal. Each contact point advantageously makes it possible to carry out a further voltage measurement, making the calculated resistivity value more reliable.

[0027] Said keys are characterized by a tip on their lower flap, adapted to cut into the external surface of the pole; a threaded part is instead adapted to engage inside the relevant hole, keeping the key in a stable position throughout the measurement process. Above said threaded part, the keys comprise a smooth section, on which the cables of the measuring apparatus are engaged; the head of each key is characterized by a shape compatible with any torque wrench, useful for giving the same pressure to all the keys, optimizing the electrical resistance measurements of the present transportable measurement system.

[0028] Said keys, in an embodiment thereof, are made of brass.

[0029] A geolocator is also installed inside said contact plate, adapted to identify, by means of geographical position, a given pole, recognizing it in subsequent measurements dedicated to monitoring corrosion.

[0030] The measuring apparatus instead comprises a diode, inserted in feedback on an operational amplifier with input voltage Vin> 0 [V]; said diode is adapted to remain counter-polarized, so as to optimize the measurement of very small voltages, useful for estimating the internal dimensions of poles and metal artifacts subjected to erosion by atmospheric agents.

[0031] A polarity switch is adapted to change the polarity of the current depending on the operations preliminary to the actual measurement.

[0032] A plurality of current, voltage and resistivity leads, area adapted to be connected to the measuring apparatus through the use of a bundle of cables.

[0033] In order to manage the measurement cycles completed by said diode, at least a programmable microcontroller is used, adapted to create a detailed report to be subsequently sent to a remote control center, where the data obtained in each cycle will be examined.

[0034] A battery is adapted to power the components comprised inside said plate.

[0035] By way of non-limiting example, a lithium battery powers said contact plate, with the aim of powering the present measurement system until its charge runs out, simplifying the internal circuits and consequently the entire system which is the subject-matter of the invention; said lithium battery is advantageously replaceable.

[0036] The dimensional measurements carried out are saved on a memory card, allowing the extrapolation of a historical trend of the corrosion of the monitored pole.

[0037] The system described above is supported by a measurement method which makes use of a plurality of steps, necessary to maintain a high quality standard of the measurements carried out, so as to optimize the available resources.

[0038] The measurements first occur with the forward bias of the diode, and subsequently with the reverse bias of such a diode, and comprise the following steps:

[0039] - measurement of the temperature Ta;

[0040] - measurement of the stress current I with optical connection from the programmable microcontroller;

[0041] - storage of the results obtained;

[0042] - change of power supply, so as to carry out a measurement with reverse bias;

[0043] - connection with the potential to be measured V;

[0044] - measurement of the offset voltage os at the opening of the measurement campaign;

[0045] - initial setting of the measurement electronics and setting of the reiterations;

[0046] - start preliminary procedure;

[0047] - elementary variation of an electronic rheostat;

[0048] - control of the direction of the output voltage Vout;

[0049] - measurements to be repeated n times respecting the minimum number of cycles to guarantee high standards of reliability;

[0050] - exit from the loop until switching occurs;

[0051] - storage of the number of steps to the electronic rheostat;

[0052] - verification of the number of repeated measurements and return to 7.i if the / / -th measurement is not reached;

[0053] - measurement of the offset voltage Vos at the end of the n measurement operations.

[0054] The advantages offered by the present invention are evident in the light of the description presented thus far and will be even clearer thanks to the attached figures and the detailed description.

[0055] The invention will be described hereinafter in at least a preferred embodiment by way of nonlimiting example with the aid of the appended figures, in which: FIGURE 1 shows an example diagram of the transportable system which is the subj ectmatter of the invention. In fact, the present system comprises a contact plate 11 adapted to be attached to a generic metal pole 20 by means of the use of at least two belts. Said plate 11 comprises a plurality of holes 12, adapted to house specific keys, necessary to maintain contact with said pole 20 during the resistance measurement operations. Photovoltaic panels 10 are further installed above said plate 11, necessary to separately power the electrical circuits comprised internally.

[0056] FIGURE 2 shows the electrical diagram adapted to guarantee the operation of said measuring apparatus, using a diode inserted in feedback on an operational amplifier with input voltage Vm> 0 [V],

[0057] FIGURE 3 shows the flowchart underlying the measurement method for monitoring corrosion inside a pole described in independent claim 5.

[0058] Detailed description of the invention

[0059] The present invention will now be illustrated by way of a purely non-limiting or binding example, resorting to the figures which illustrate some embodiments with respect to the present inventive concept.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a simplified external view of the measurement system necessary to detect the variation in resistance due to the reduction in thickness of the walls of the poles 20 already used and widespread in the telecommunications and lighting sectors.

[0061] Said system comprises the use of a contact plate 11, adapted to comprise the entire measuring apparatus therein, consisting of a diode inserted in feedback on an operational amplifier with input voltage Vm> 0 [V],

[0062] The contact plate 11 comprises on its external surface a plurality of holes 12, each adapted to host a key, creating a multiplicity of contacts necessary to measure the extent of the contact resistance and the conductivity of the underlying metal. Each additional contact point makes it possible to carry out a further voltage measurement, thanks to which the calculated resistivity value is made more reliable. The present measurement system is powered by two portable batteries, one for powering the exploration current generator and one dedicated to powering the electronics.

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the main circuit, adapted to detect and measure the passage of current necessary to determine the state of deterioration of the pole 20.

[0064] Said diagram comprises a diode inserted in feedback on an operational amplifier with input voltage Vin> 0 [V]; said diode is maintained counter-polarized, so as to optimize the measurement of very small voltages, useful for estimating the internal dimensions of poles 20 and metal artifacts subjected to erosion by atmospheric agents.

[0065] The electrical diagram illustrated in figure 2 constitutes the measuring apparatus of the present localized measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole 20.

[0066] FIG. 3 shows the flow chart which defines the plurality of steps necessary to ensure the correct operation of the measurement method described.

[0067] Said method comprises the steps of:

[0068] - measurement 100 of the temperature Ta;

[0069] - measurement 200 of the stress current I with optical connection from the programmable microcontroller;

[0070] - storage 300 of the results obtained;

[0071] - change of power supply 400, in order to carry out a measurement with reverse bias;

[0072] - connection 500 with the potential to be measured Vin;

[0073] - measurement 600 of the offset voltage os at the opening of the measurement campaign;

[0074] - initial setting 700 of the measurement electronics and setting of the reiterations;

[0075] - start 800 preliminary procedure;

[0076] - measurements to be repeated 900 n times respecting the minimum number of cycles to guarantee high standards of reliability;

[0077] - elementary variation 910 of an electronic rheostat;

[0078] - control 920 of the direction of the output voltage Vout;

[0079] - exit 930 from the loop until switching occurs;

[0080] - storage 940 of the number of steps to the electronic rheostat; - verification 950 of the number of repeated measurements and return to 7.i if the / / -th measurement is not reached;

[0081] - measurement 1000 of the Vos offset voltage at the end of the n measurement operations. Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variations that are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection provided by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Transportable measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole (20), designed to verify the progress of erosion caused by atmospheric agents on poles (20) and on metal artefacts used in telecommunications or lighting systems, sending an exploration current suitable for detecting the variation in resistance due to the reduction in the thickness of the walls of said poles (20); these corrosion effects are monitored through a diode, inserted in a circuit in which its sensitivity is manageable through a resistor Rl, on the negative lead of an operational amplifier; each detection being managed by at least a microcontroller, capable of acquiring the exploration current I, the temperature values Ta, the n cyclic measurements, which are subsequently suitable for being processed at a remote control center, in order to perform an analysis on the degradation of the poles (20) caused by erosion phenomena; said measurement system being capable of being transferable to any existing pole (20), attaching itself to it through the use of common straps; said localized measurement system for corrosion monitoring being characterized in that it includes: at least a contact plate (11), made of rigid synthetic material, suitable for supporting a plurality of electrodes suitable for carrying out current measurements to establish the degree of deterioration of the monitored pole (20); said contact plate (11) being connected to a power supply system and isolated from a measuring apparatus; the data obtained are suitable for being stored on a special memory card; at least two straps, fastened to the external edges of said contact plate (11), in special grooves, designed to allow a stable grip of the plate (11) on the pole (20), during the electrical resistance measurement operations; a plurality of metal-coated holes (12), arranged above said contact plate (11), suitable for hosting a key each; said holes (12) include a female thread, suitable for hosting and securing the inserted keys; at least four keys, made of metallic and conductive material, suitable for being screwed inside said holes (12), coming into contact with said pole (20), creating thecontacts useful for measuring the extent of the contact resistances and the conductivity of the underlying metal; each contact point making it possible to carry out a further voltage measurement, thanks to which the calculated resistivity value is made more reliable; said keys being equipped with a tip, on their lower edge, suitable for cutting the external surface of the pole (20); a threaded part is designed to engage internally with the relevant hole (12), keeping the key in a stable position throughout the measurement; above said threaded part, the keys include a smooth section, on which the cables of the measuring apparatus are engaged; the head of each wrench being equipped with a shape compatible with any torque wrench, useful for giving the same pressure to all the wrenches, optimizing the measurements of electrical resistance; at least a geolocator, installed inside said contact plate (11), capable of identifying a specific pole (20) by geographical position, recognizing it in subsequent measurements for corrosion monitoring; at least a diode, as a measuring device, inserted in feedback on an operational amplifier with input voltage Vin> 0 [V]; said diode being able to remain counterpolarized, in order to optimize the measurement of very small voltages, useful for estimating the internal dimensions of poles (20) and metal artefacts subjected to erosion by atmospheric agents; at least a polarity switch, capable of keeping said diode counter-polarized; at least some current, voltage and resistivity leads, capable of being connected to the measuring apparatus via a bundle of cables; at least a programmable microcontroller, capable of managing the measurement cycles completed by said diode, in order to create a detailed report to be subsequently sent to a remote control center, where the data obtained in each cycle will be examined; at least a battery suitable for accumulating the energy obtained from said photovoltaic panels (10), in order to power the components included inside said plate(i i); at least a memory card capable of storing within it the plurality of dimensional measurements carried out, allowing the extrapolation of a historical trend of the corrosion of the monitored pole (20).

2. Transportable measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole (20), according to the previous claim 1, characterized in that said poles (20) are monitored, when powered by an alternating current belonging to a lighting system, are designed to obtain a low-level continuous power supply, guaranteeing the energy autonomy of the poles (20) thanks to the use of at least a rectifier, a filtering apparatus and an earth connection system.

3. Transportable measurement system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole (20), according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that a lithium battery, included inside said contact plate (11), is suitable to power the present measurement system until its charge runs out, simplifying the internal circuits and consequently the entire system.

4. Transportable measuring system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole (20), according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said two straps, designed to allow a stable grip of the plate (11) on the pole (20) during measurement operations, are made of leather.

5. Transportable measuring system for monitoring corrosion inside a pole (20), according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said keys, suitable for being screwed inside said holes (12), entering in contact with said pole (20), are made of brass.

6. Measurement method for monitoring corrosion inside a pole (20) characterized in that is makes use of the system of any of the previous claims to carry out a measurement consistent with the state of erosion of the monitored metal pole (20), through the use of the plurality of components described in the previous claims; said measurement method including the steps of: measurement (100) of the temperature Tameasurement (200) of the stress current I with optical connection from theprogrammable microcontroller (15); storage (300) of the results obtained; change of power supply (400), in order to carry out a measurement with reverse bias; connection (500) with the potential to be measured Vin; measurement (600) of the offset voltage 70S at the opening of the measurement campaign; change of power supply (500), in order to carry out a measurement with reverse bias; connection (600) with the potential to be measured Vin; initial setting (700) of the measurement electronics and setting of the reiterations; start (800) preliminary procedure; measurements to be repeated (900) n times respecting the minimum number of cycles to guarantee high standards of reliability; elementary variation (910) of an electronic rheostat; control (920) of the direction of the output voltage Vout; exit (930) from the loop until switching occurs; storage (940) of the number of steps to the electronic rheostat; verification (950) of the number of repeated measurements and return to 7.i if the n-th measurement is not reached; measurement (1000) of the VOS offset voltage at the end of the n measurement operations.

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