Fluid meter detecting and distinguishing between a leak and an offset problem

Abstract

A monitoring method, implemented in a fluid meter (1) comprising a measuring device (6) arranged to measure a fluid flow rate and a valve (12), the monitoring method comprising a preliminary phase including the step of acquiring initial flow rate measurements, and a detection phase, carried out when the flow rate remains non-zero and below a first predetermined threshold for at least a predetermined duration, and comprising the steps of: - verifying that the valve is open and, if so, closing the valve; - acquiring at least a second flow rate measurement; - detecting a fluid leak if the flow rate is zero. ABRIDGED FIGURE: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid meter detecting and distinguishing between a leak and an offset problem

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fluid meters, and in particular to ultrasonic fluid meters.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An ultrasonic fluid meter typically comprises a conduit through which the fluid flows, and an ultrasonic measuring device including an upstream transducer (network side) and a downstream transducer (subscriber installation side). Each transducer successively acts as a transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic signals. The upstream transducer emits an ultrasonic signal into the conduit, which is received by the downstream transducer after traveling a predefined path (of precisely controlled length) through the fluid. Then, the downstream transducer in turn emits an ultrasonic signal, which is received by the upstream transducer after traveling the predefined path (in the opposite direction) through the fluid. The ultrasonic measuring device then evaluates the fluid velocity from the transit times of the ultrasonic signals, and then the fluid flow rate from the fluid velocity.Estimating the fluid flow rate allows for the assessment and billing of the quantity of fluid consumed.

[0004] The operating principle of the ultrasonic measuring device is therefore based on measuring the transit times of the ultrasonic signals between the two transducers. The basic equations are as follows:

[0005] v = L / (t_AB - t_BA) (equation 1),

[0006] where v is the fluid velocity, L is the distance between the transducers, t_AB is the transit time between the upstream transducer and the downstream transducer, and t_BA is the transit time between the downstream transducer and the upstream transducer.

[0007] Q = A * v (equation 2),

[0008] where Q is the volumetric flow rate and A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit.

[0009] However, in practice, it is observed that at zero flow rate, the transit time between the upstream and downstream transducers (t_AB) is not always equal to the transit time between the downstream and upstream transducers (t_BA). This phenomenon is due to the mechanical and electronic tolerances of the measurement chain integrated into the ultrasonic measuring device. This difference in transit time at zero flow rate is called the "offset error" (sometimes translated as "zero error" or "shift"), and will be referred to as "offset" in the remainder of this document.

[0010] To avoid degrading the accuracy of the counter, it is therefore necessary to calibrate the counter at zero flow rate in order to take into account its offset value.

[0011] The velocity is then obtained using the following equation:

[0012] V = L / (t_AB - t_BA - offset) (equation 3).

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of zero-flow offset measurement of an ultrasonic water meter, before calibration (points P1) and after calibration (points P2). Before calibration, the offset is centered around 2 L / h, which resembles a small drip leak. Offset calibration aims to bring the curve back to zero to avoid any erroneous measurements.

[0014] This offset poses a very particular problem.

[0015] It is of course very advantageous to be able to detect a fluid leak in the installation downstream of the meter.

[0016] A prior art method is known, consisting of detecting a leak by looking for the presence of a constant but non-zero flow rate. However, drift in the ultrasonic measuring device, or a poorly calibrated electronic offset, can generate an erroneous flow rate that can persist indefinitely. The value of this flow rate can vary depending on the water temperature.

[0017] It is therefore very difficult to distinguish between a poorly calibrated offset and a real leak, especially since one can never be certain that the actual flow rate is zero.

[0018] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention aims, in a fluid meter, to detect an actual leak downstream of the meter or an offset problem, correctly distinguishing these two events. Summary of the invention

[0020] To achieve this goal, a monitoring method is proposed, implemented in a fluid meter which comprises:

[0021] - a conduit in which a fluid flows;

[0022] - a measuring device arranged to measure a flow rate of the fluid;

[0023] - a valve located upstream of the measuring device;

[0024] - a processing unit;

[0025] the monitoring process being implemented in the processing unit and comprising a preliminary phase including the step of acquiring initial flow measurements;

[0026] the monitoring method further comprising a detection phase, carried out when the flow rate remains non-zero and below a first predetermined threshold for at least a predetermined duration, and comprising the steps of:

[0027] - check that the valve is open and, if so, close the valve;

[0028] - acquire at least one second flow measurement;

[0029] - detect a fluid leak if the flow rate is zero.

[0030] When the flow rate remains non-zero and low for a relatively long period, it means that a leak may be present in the installation downstream of the meter, or that the measuring device has an offset problem. Closing the valve then creates a zero flow rate (with certainty), which makes it possible to detect and distinguish between these two events.

[0031] A monitoring method as previously described is further proposed, in which the detection phase includes the steps, following the acquisition of at least a second flow measurement, if the flow rate is not zero, of:

[0032] - verify at least one first condition, comprising a first condition primary, which is that the flow rate is constant;

[0033] - if at least one first condition is met, detect an offset problem in the measuring device.

[0034] We further propose a monitoring method as previously described, in which at least a first condition also includes a first secondary condition, which is that the flow rate is less than a second predetermined threshold.

[0035] A monitoring method as previously described is further proposed, in which the detection phase includes the steps, following the acquisition of at least a second flow measurement, if the flow rate is not zero, of:

[0036] - verify at least a second condition, comprising a second condition primary, which is that the flow rate is variable;

[0037] - if at least one second condition is met, detect a malfunction valve operation.

[0038] We further propose a monitoring method as previously described, in which at least a second condition also includes a second secondary condition, which is that the flow rate is greater than a third predetermined threshold.

[0039] A monitoring method as previously described is further proposed, in which the detection phase includes the step of calculating a standard deviation on a predefined number of second flow measurements, the first primary condition being verified when the standard deviation is less than a predetermined deviation threshold, the second primary condition being verified when the standard deviation is greater than the predetermined deviation threshold.

[0040] A monitoring method as previously described is also proposed, in which the detection phase includes, following the step of verifying that the valve is open, if the valve is closed, detecting an offset problem in the measuring device.

[0041] A monitoring method as previously described is further proposed, wherein the preliminary phase further comprises the step of acquiring measurements of a fluid temperature, the monitoring method further comprising the step of repeat the detection phase each time the fluid temperature has varied by at least a predefined temperature threshold since the previous detection phase.

[0042] A monitoring method as previously described is also proposed, with the detection phase being implemented at night.

[0043] A monitoring method as previously described is also proposed, further comprising the step, from the moment a leak or an offset problem or a malfunction of the valve has been detected, of separately recording water consumption by the installation.

[0044] A fluid meter is also proposed, comprising:

[0045] - a conduit in which a fluid can flow;

[0046] - a measuring device arranged to measure a flow rate of the fluid;

[0047] - a valve located upstream of the measuring device;

[0048] - a processing unit in which the monitoring process is implemented as previously described.

[0049] A fluid meter as previously described is also proposed, the measuring device being an ultrasonic measuring device.

[0050] A computer program is also proposed comprising instructions which lead the processing unit of the counter as previously described to execute the steps of the monitoring process as previously described.

[0051] A computer-readable recording medium is also proposed, on which the computer program as previously described is recorded.

[0052] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0053] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0054] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] represents a graph comprising measurement points of a zero-rate electronic noise before calibration, and measurement points of this noise after calibration;

[0055] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents an ultrasonic water meter;

[0056] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents steps in the monitoring process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 2], the invention is implemented in an ultrasonic fluid meter 1. The meter 1 is in this case a water meter, which is used to measure the water consumption of a subscriber's installation 2. The water is supplied to the installation 2 by a water distribution network 3.

[0058] The meter 1 has a conduit 4 through which flows the water supplied by the network 3 to the installation 2. The water flows in the conduit 4 from upstream to downstream, as is indicated by the direction of the arrows F. Here, "upstream" means on the side of network 3, and "downstream" means on the side of installation 2.

[0059] The counter 1 includes a processing unit 5 (electronic and software). The processing unit 5 comprises at least one processing component 5a, which is, for example, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, or a programmable logic circuit such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processing circuit 5 also includes one or more memories 5b, connected to or integrated into the processing component 5a. At least one of these memories 5b forms a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored at least one computer program comprising instructions that cause the processing component 5a to execute at least some of the steps of the monitoring method that will be described below.

[0060] The meter 1 also includes an ultrasonic measuring device 6. The ultrasonic measuring device 6 is used to measure the water flow supplied to the installation 2 by the network 3.

[0061] The ultrasonic measuring device 6 comprises an upstream transducer 7a and a downstream transducer 7b. The ultrasonic measuring device 6 also comprises a processing module 9 connected to the upstream transducer 7a and the downstream transducer 7b. The processing module 9 is implemented here in the processing unit 5.

[0062] The upstream transducer 7a and the downstream transducer 7b are advantageously (but not necessarily) matched. The upstream transducer 7a and the downstream transducer 7b are here piezoelectric transducers.

[0063] Each transducer 7a, 7b successively plays the role of an emitter and a receiver of ultrasonic signals.

[0064] The processing module 9 generates an electrical excitation signal Se and provides the transmitter with this electrical excitation signal. The transmitter then generates an ultrasonic signal Su. The receiver receives the ultrasonic signal after it has traveled through the fluid along a predefined path, and the processing module 9 measures the transit time.

[0065] The predefined path here is a direct path (parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit 4, as is the case in [Fig. 1], or inclined with respect to said axis). The predefined path could also be an indirect path: the ultrasonic signals are then reflected against the inner wall of the conduit (possibly against reflectors themselves located on the inner wall).

[0066] The predefined path has a length L, which is known very precisely.

[0067] Thus, the upstream transducer 7a first emits the ultrasonic signal, which is received by the downstream transducer 7b. The processing module 9 measures the transit time between the upstream transducer and the downstream transducer.

[0068] Then, the downstream transducer 7b emits the ultrasonic signal, which is received by the upstream transducer 7a. The processing module 9 measures the transit time between the downstream transducer and the upstream transducer.

[0069] The processing module 9 calculates the water flow velocity from the transit times, then the water flow rate from the velocity.

[0070] Meter 1 also includes a valve 12 which allows water to pass through or to be stopped. Valve 12 is therefore a two-position valve.

[0071] Valve 12 is a motorized (electromechanical) valve: it is a solenoid valve. Valve 12 comprises a moving part that extends into the conduit 4. Here, valve 12 is a ball valve, and the moving part is therefore a ball. The angular position of the ball can thus be controlled either to shut off the flow or to allow the water to pass through.

[0072] It should be noted that valve 12 could also be a multi-position valve allowing the regulation, limitation, or interruption of the water flow. In this case, valve 12 is not solely dedicated to implementing the monitoring process described here, but could also fulfill another function, for example, allowing the water distributor and / or network operator to interrupt or limit the water flow in the event of non-payment.

[0073] The valve 12 is positioned, along a length of the conduit 4, upstream of the two transducers 7a, 7b.

[0074] The meter 1 also includes a temperature sensor 14, which measures the temperature of the water in the meter 1.

[0075] The counter 1 further includes a communication module 15 which is capable of implementing any type of communication, and for example communication via a cellular network of type 2G, 3G, 4G, Cat-M or NB-IOT, communication according to the LoRa protocol, according to the W-Mbus protocol, radio communication according to the Wize standard operating at the frequency of 169MHz, etc.

[0076] The principle of the invention is now described.

[0077] If valve 12 is open and meter 1 measures a non-zero flow rate for a relatively long period, typically several hours, there are three possibilities: - either there is a real leak downstream of meter 1, which therefore occurs either in the subscriber's installation 2, or at the interface between the downstream of meter 1 and installation 2 (in the case for example where meter 1 is poorly connected); - either the measuring device 6 has an offset problem (offset poorly calibrated or offset drift depending on time and / or temperature); - either valve 12 has a malfunction.

[0078] The monitoring method first comprises a preliminary phase during which processing unit 5 acquires initial flow measurements.

[0079] If, during the preliminary phase, the flow rate remains non-zero and below a first predetermined threshold for at least a predetermined duration, the processing unit 5 starts a detection phase.

[0080] The first predetermined threshold is, for example, equal to 3 L / h or 5 L / h. The predetermined duration is, for example, equal to 1 h or 2 h.

[0081] During the detection phase, the processing unit 5 first checks that the valve 12 is open.

[0082] If valve 12 is closed, the processing unit 5 detects an offset problem in the measuring device 6. Indeed, the measured flow rate should have been zero (because the actual flow rate is indeed zero, valve 12 being closed).

[0083] If valve 12 is fully open, the processing unit 5 closes valve 12.

[0084] The processing unit 5 acquires at least one second flow measurement, in the occurrence here of several second flow measurements.

[0085] The processing unit 5 then detects a water leak if the flow rate is zero. By closing the valve 12, a truly zero flow rate has indeed been generated. If the measuring device 6 correctly measures this zero flow rate, this means that there is no offset problem or problem with the valve 12.

[0086] However, following the acquisition of at least a second flow measurement, if the flow rate is not zero, the processing unit 5: - satisfies at least one first condition, including a first primary condition, which is that the flow rate is constant; - if at least one first condition is met, detects an offset problem in the measuring device 6.

[0087] Here, at least one first condition also includes a first secondary condition, which is that the flow rate is less than a second predetermined threshold.

[0088] The second predetermined threshold is here equal to 5 L / h.

[0089] Indeed, if the measured flow rate is not zero but constant, like a real flow rate null was generated, this means that measuring device 6 is malfunctioning and, more specifically, that there is an offset problem in measuring device 6.

[0090] Following the acquisition of at least a second flow measurement, if the flow rate is not zero, the processing unit 5: - satisfies at least one second condition, including a second primary condition, which is that the flow rate is variable; - if at least one second condition is met, detect a malfunction of valve 12.

[0091] Here, at least a second condition also includes a second secondary condition, which is that the flow rate is greater than a third predetermined threshold.

[0092] The third predetermined threshold is here equal to 10 L / h.

[0093] Indeed, if the measured flow rate is not zero but variable, as a truly zero flow rate has been generated, this means that valve 12 is malfunctioning.

[0094] Following the acquisition of at least one second flow measurement, if the flow is not zero, the processing unit 5 therefore checks whether the flow is constant (first primary condition) or variable (second primary condition).

[0095] For this purpose, the processing unit 5 calculates a standard deviation on a predefined number of second flow measurements, the first primary condition being verified when the standard deviation is less than a predetermined deviation threshold (here less than or equal to), the second primary condition being verified when the standard deviation is greater than the predetermined deviation threshold (here strictly greater).

[0096] The predefined number is, for example, equal to 10.

[0097] The predetermined deviation threshold is for example equal to 1 L / h.

[0098] A particular embodiment of the monitoring process is now described with reference to [Fig.3].

[0099] The process begins at step E0.

[0100] The processing unit 5 implements the preliminary phase and acquires the first flow measurements.

[0101] The processing unit 5 compares the flow rate with the first predetermined threshold SI: step EL

[0102] SI is for example equal to 3 L / h or 5 L / h.

[0103] As long as the flow rate is greater than SI (here strictly), the process loops back to step E0 and then to step EL

[0104] When the flow rate becomes less than SI (here less than or equal to), while not zero, the processing unit 5 starts a timer: step E2.

[0105] The processing unit 5 checks whether the flow rate remains non-zero and below the first predetermined threshold S1 for at least a predetermined duration D (here equal for example to 1 h or 2 h): step E3.

[0106] If this is not the case, the process returns to step E0.

[0107] If so, the detection phase begins. The process proceeds to step E4. The processing unit 5 verifies that valve 12 is open.

[0108] If valve 12 is closed, the processing unit 5 detects an offset problem in the measuring device 6: step E5.

[0109] Processing unit 5 produces an alarm message indicating this offset problem: step E6.

[0110] At step E4, if valve 12 is open, the processing unit 5 closes valve 12: step E7.

[0111] Processing unit 5 checks if the flow rate is zero: step E8.

[0112] If so, it detects a "real" leak (step E9), and it produces an alarm message indicating the presence of this leak: step E10.

[0113] If this is not the case, the processing unit 5 checks the first primary condition and the second primary condition (in this embodiment, the at least one first condition includes only the first primary condition and the at least one second condition includes only the second primary condition).

[0114] The verification of the first primary condition and the second primary condition consists first of all in measuring the standard deviation o on the predefined number (here equal for example to 10) of second flow measurements: step Eli.

[0115] The processing unit 5 checks if the standard deviation o is greater than the predetermined deviation threshold M (here strictly greater): step El2. The predetermined deviation threshold is for example equal to 1 L / h.

[0116] If this is not the case, the process proceeds to step E5: the processing unit 5 detects an offset problem in the measuring device 6. The processing unit 5 produces an alarm message indicating this offset problem: step E6.

[0117] If so, the processing unit 5 detects a malfunction of the valve 12: step E13. The processing unit 5 produces an alarm message indicating this problem related to the valve 12: step El4.

[0118] At steps E6, E10 and E14, alarm messages are sent to the water distributor and / or the network operator via the communication module 15. Alarm messages can also be transmitted to the user. Alarms can be displayed on the meter screen 1.

[0119] It is recommended to repeat the detection phase for different water temperatures. It is possible that the meter 1 may not measure a non-zero flow rate below the first predetermined threshold at one or more given temperatures, but may measure such a flow rate at one or more other temperatures.

[0120] This situation is observed, for example, in the case of offset drift as a function of temperature. For example, the offset may be correctly calibrated at 20°C, but not at 40°C, so that the meter 1 will not measure a non-zero flow rate at 20°C (in the case where, for example, valve 12 is closed), while at a temperature close to 40°C, it will measure a false flow rate.

[0121] Thus, during the preliminary phase, and therefore at step E0 on the [Fig.2], the processing unit 5 also acquires water temperature measurements produced by the temperature sensor 14.

[0122] At step E5, the offset problem is associated with the fluid temperature; the alarm message raised therefore also includes said temperature.

[0123] The detection phase is repeated each time the fluid temperature has varied by at least a predefined temperature threshold since the previous detection phase.

[0124] The predefined temperature threshold is for example equal to 5° (it may be a rise or a fall in temperature).

[0125] Optionally, from the moment a leak or an offset problem or a malfunction of the valve 12 has been detected, the treatment unit 5 separately records a water consumption by the installation 2. Thus, the overall, total consumption of the installation 2 is distinguished from the consumption of the installation 2 from the moment the anomaly was detected.

[0126] This allows the water distributor and / or the network manager and / or the user to take steps to correct and possibly compensate for billing problems resulting from this anomaly.

[0127] It should be noted that it is advantageous to implement the detection phases during the night. The detection phases require closing valve 12 for a few moments, which cuts off the water flow.

[0128] It is also advantageous to carry out the second measurements with a high frequency (example: several measurements per second), which makes it possible to limit the closing time of valve 12.

[0129] The advantages provided by the invention are as follows.

[0130] The invention allows for continuous and precise monitoring of the flow rate and temperature of the fluid.

[0131] It allows for the rapid identification of potential problems, such as leaks, electronic offset issues, and valve-related problems. It therefore also enables a quick and effective intervention to correct the problem.

[0132] The invention minimizes disruption to the user through limited intervention on the valve.

[0133] The meter proactively transmits notifications of detected problems to the water distributor and / or the network manager and / or the customer, by means of alarm messages which are either displayed on the screen of the meter 1, or sent by the communication module 15.

[0134] As we have seen, it is possible to separately account for the volume of water consumed in the event of an identified problem, thus allowing better management of the customer's overall consumption.

[0135] Thus, the invention offers an effective and proactive solution for monitoring and managing problems related to fluid flow and temperature, while maintaining an optimal user experience for the user (end customer).

[0136] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0137] The invention applies of course regardless of the positioning and configuration of the upstream transducer and the downstream transducer. The ultrasonic signals can be emitted with an orientation at any angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the conduit.

[0138] The predefined path between the transducers is not necessarily a direct path. The ultrasonic signals, emitted and received in the conduit by the transducers, may, for example, be reflected by reflectors (e.g., by mirrors oriented at 45°).

[0139] The fluid meter is not necessarily an ultrasonic meter.

[0140] The invention does not apply only to a water meter, but to any meter for any fluid: gas, oil, etc.

[0141] The valve is not necessarily a ball valve. Any type of valve can be used to shut off the flow, for example a spool valve.

Claims

Claims

1. Monitoring method, implemented in a fluid meter (1) which comprises: - a conduit (4) in which a fluid circulates; - a measuring device (6) arranged to measure a flow rate of the fluid; - a valve (12) located upstream of the measuring device; - a processing unit (5); the monitoring method being implemented in the processing unit and comprising a preliminary phase comprising the step of acquiring first flow rate measurements; the monitoring method further comprising a detection phase, carried out when the flow rate remains non-zero and below a first predetermined threshold (SI) for at least a predetermined duration (D), and comprising the steps of: - verifying that the valve (12) is open and, if so, closing the valve; - acquiring at least a second flow rate measurement; - detecting a fluid leak if the flow rate is zero.

2. Monitoring method according to claim 1, in which the detection phase comprises the steps, following the acquisition of the at least one second flow rate measurement, if the flow rate is not zero, of: - verifying at least one first condition, comprising a first primary condition, which is that the flow rate is constant; - if the at least one first condition is verified, detecting an offset problem in the measuring device (6).

3. A monitoring method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first condition also comprises a first secondary condition, which is that the flow rate is less than a second predetermined threshold.

4. Monitoring method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the detection phase comprises the steps, following the acquisition of the at least one second flow measurement, if the flow is not zero, of: - verifying at least one second condition, comprising a second primary condition, which is that the flow is variable; - if the at least one second condition is verified, detecting a fault in the operation of the valve (12).

5. The monitoring method of claim 4, wherein the at least one second condition also comprises a second secondary condition, which is that the flow rate is greater than a third predetermined threshold.

6. Monitoring method according to claims 2 and 4, wherein the detection phase comprises the step of calculating a standard deviation on a predefined number of second flow rate measurements, the first primary condition being verified when the standard deviation is less than a predetermined deviation threshold (M), the second primary condition being verified when the standard deviation is greater than the predetermined deviation threshold.

7. Monitoring method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the detection phase comprises, following the step of verifying that the valve (12) is open, if the valve is closed, detecting an offset problem in the measuring device (6).

8. A monitoring method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the preliminary phase further comprises the step of acquiring measurements of a temperature of the fluid, the monitoring method further comprising the step of repeating the detection phase each time the temperature of the fluid has varied by at least one predefined temperature threshold since the previous detection phase.

9. Monitoring method according to one of the preceding claims, the detection phase being implemented at night.

10. Monitoring method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step, from the moment when a leak or an offset problem or a malfunction of the valve (12) has been detected, of separately recording a water consumption by the installation (2).

11. Fluid meter (1), comprising: - a conduit (4) in which a fluid can circulate; - a measuring device (6) arranged to measure a flow rate of the fluid; - a valve (12) located upstream of the measuring device; - a processing unit (5) in which the monitoring method according to one of the preceding claims is implemented.

12. A fluid meter according to claim 11, the measuring device being an ultrasonic measuring device.

13. Computer program comprising instructions which cause the processing unit (5) of the meter (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12 to execute the steps of the monitoring method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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