Multi-point pressure measurement guide bearing, System for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid, with a pole guided by the bearing, Application to monitoring in bioproduction.

Abstract

Guide bearing with several pressure measurement points, System for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid, with a pole guided by the bearing, Application to monitoring in bioproduction. The invention relates to a guide bearing (10) with a central axis (X), comprising: - a ring (11), intended to be mounted tightly in a holding structure, the internal surface of which is adapted to assemble with a clearance fit, and preferably guide in translation along the X axis, a tube intended to constitute a measuring pole; - an angulation element (12), formed integrally or fixed inside the internal surface of the ring by projecting inside the latter, so as to form an angulation axis of the tube relative to the X axis; - a plurality of pressure sensors (13.1-13.12) each adapted to measure a pressure point exerted by a support point of the tube in one of its angled positions, the pressure sensors being distributed along the internal surface of the ring, on either side of the angulation element. Figure for the abstract: fig.5.

Description

Title of the invention: Guide bearing with several pressure measurement points, System for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid, with a pole guided by the bearing, Application to monitoring in bioproduction. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pressure measuring instrumentation, more particularly dedicated to knowing the state of a fluid.

[0002] It aims in particular to provide a reliable, precise and rapid solution for measuring the viscosity and / or Reynolds number of a fluid within a bioreactor.

[0003] Although described with reference to this measurement application, the invention can be envisaged for any application for measuring the state of a fluid (liquid, gas) within a container such as a tank, more particularly with opaque walls, the conditions of use of which put the fluid into global or local movement. It may for example be a production or settling tank.

[0004] In the case of a fluid stirred within the tank, the invention can be used to optimize the efficiency of the stirring, in particular to adapt the speed, the height and / or the type of stirring turbine. Prior art

[0005] Stirred tank reactors, such as bioreactors, are widely used in many areas of the chemical industry.

[0006] In the field of bioproduction, the manufacture within bioreactors of biological products, which are living substances (vaccines, micro-algae, biological pharmacological molecules, etc.) cannot be carried out by a completely pre-established protocol.

[0007] Indeed, it requires permanent adaptation to adjust the physical parameters of the fluid, such as its viscosity, its mixing speed, its temperature, as well as its content of bubbles, gas, nutrients, etc. from imperfect measured parameters, which consist of indirect biochemical measurements, such as pH, and / or valid only locally and / or incomplete, etc.

[0008] The study of fluid flow in a bioreactor is essential, in order to provide key information for choosing the best adaptation to be made in real time. In particular, the viscosity and, by correlation, the Reynolds number which defines the nature of a flow as a function of its speed and also the viscosity of the flowing medium, is a parameter which is essential to know.

[0009] When the reactor vessels have transparent walls, the measurement of the state of a fluid can be obtained by indirect observation measurement means carried out from the outside. These may be optical means, such as lasers, fast cameras, or even visual observations, etc.

[0010] However, many bioreactors have a tank with opaque walls to prevent light from penetrating or for reasons of equipment cost or robustness. This therefore de facto rules out the aforementioned indirect measuring means.

[0011] Furthermore, it is generally impossible or prohibited to use in bioreactors measuring capsules moving freely according to the permanent or intermittent movements of the fluid.

[0012] There is therefore a need to find a reliable and precise measurement solution for the state of a fluid, in particular its viscosity and / or its Reynolds number, within a bioreactor, in particular one with opaque walls.

[0013] More generally, there is a need to find a reliable, precise and rapid measurement solution for the state of a fluid (liquid, gas) whether moving or not within a tank, whatever it may be, in particular a settling or production tank.

[0014] The aim of the invention is to respond, at least in part, to this(these) need(s). Statement of the invention

[0015] To do this, the invention relates to a central axis guide bearing (X), comprising:

[0016] - a ring, intended to be mounted tightly in a holding structure, the internal surface is adapted to assemble with a clearance fit, and preferably guide in translation along the X axis, a tube intended to constitute a measuring pole;

[0017] - an angulating element, integrally formed or fixed inside the surface internal part of the ring, projecting inside it, so as to form an axis of angulation of the tube relative to the X axis;

[0018] - a plurality of pressure sensors, connected to each other and each adapted for measure a pressure point exerted by a support point of the tube in one of its angled positions, the pressure sensors being distributed along the internal surface of the ring, on either side of the angulation element.

[0019] A tank may be equipped with one or more tubes, for example, to provide means for stirring the fluid, or a means for introducing nutrients or a gas, or any other functions. In general, the poles are fixed, but some may be mobile in rotation or translation and operated by motors. A pole may be equipped with one or more measuring probes, in particular a probe capable of carrying out electrochemical measurements.

[0020] The invention proposes to use any of these types of poles to carry out the measurements according to the invention, called for this purpose, measuring pole.

[0021] Advantageously, the angulation element is an O-ring.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the pressure sensors are distributed in equal number on either side of the angulation element.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment, the pressure sensors are housed individually or in groups in cavities of the internal surface of the ring and each comprise a protuberance adapted to be in contact with the support point of the tube.

[0024] According to a first configuration alternative, the pressure sensors are aligned along one or more straight lines parallel to the central axis (X).

[0025] According to a second alternative, the pressure sensors are arranged along a surface, so that when the tube is angled, the pressure sensors come into contact separately one after the other with the tube.

[0026] According to a third alternative, the pressure sensors are arranged along a surface, so that when the tube is angled, the pressure sensors come into contact one after the other with the tube, accumulating the pressure that they detect.

[0027] Advantageously, there are four pressure sensors, coupled in pairs, for each diameter of the internal ring surface over which they are distributed.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the guide bearing comprises at least one cylindrical or conical ball cage, intended to hold the tube, the ball cage being mounted while being held inside the ring with a portion without balls in contact with the angulation element and at least a part of the balls each forming the support point in contact with a pressure sensor arranged in the internal surface of the ring.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the guide bearing comprises at least one sleeve mounted while being held inside the ring, the sleeve comprising:

[0030] - protrusions each forming the support point in contact with a sensor of pressure arranged in the internal surface of the ring, and / or

[0031] - at least a portion of the pressure sensors distributed along its external surface.

[0032] Preferably, the pressure sensors are piezoelectric sensors.

[0033] The invention also relates to a system for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid contained in a container, such as a tank, in particular with opaque walls, comprising: - at least one guide bearing as described above, mounted tightly in a wall of the container, - a measuring pole forming the tube, assembled by adjustment with play in the ring of the guide bearing and one end of which, free, is intended to be immersed in the fluid, - at least one means for fixing the other end of the measuring pole, the means being adapted to limit the angulation of the measuring pole in the ring.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the system comprises a sleeve forming a diameter adapter in which the measuring pole is tightly mounted and which is assembled by adjustment with play with the ring.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the diameter adapter preferably comprises, on its external surface, a plurality of protuberances each forming the support point in contact with a pressure sensor arranged in the internal surface of the ring.

[0036] Preferably, the electrochemical sensor is attached to the free end of the measuring pole.

[0037] The invention also relates to a settling or production tank, in particular of a bioreactor, comprising a system as described above.

[0038] The invention also relates to the use of a measuring system as described previously or of a bioreactor as described above for monitoring bioproduction.

[0039] The invention therefore essentially consists of a guide bearing comprising a ring in which a measuring pole is mounted with clearance adjustment, the bearing integrating an element for angulating the measuring pole within the ring.

[0040] The angulation element makes it possible to create an angulation support or in other words a pivot support for the measuring pole so as to stabilize the relative movements with respect to the ring and to distribute on either side of said support the forces undergone by the pole when it is immersed in a fluid of which the viscosity or Reynolds number is to be measured.

[0041] The bearing is instrumented by several pressure sensors distributed along the internal surface of the ring which will measure different pressures of the pole when it takes angled positions depending on the pressure of the fluid applied to the free end of the pole.

[0042] The distribution of the pressure sensors is advantageously carried out so as to distribute them in equal numbers on either side of the angulation element. This distribution makes it possible to symmetrize the pressure measurements with respect to the angulation support and therefore makes averaged or differential measurements possible.

[0043] The pressure sensors are connected to each other, advantageously in the form of a row-column matrix or a network configuration called “Daisy chain”, forming a connection linked to an electronic reading means (analog or digital) followed by digitization.

[0044] Sensors can be standard as long as they are accurate and low in space requirement. For example, the sensors marketed by the company Wormsensing (https: / / www.wormsensing.com / ) can be implemented for both large and smaller rings, suitable for small diameter measuring poles.

[0045] For each use case, i.e. of a given fluid under certain conditions, a law can be defined which links the position of each support point of a measuring pole on a pressure sensor to the angle of the pole. The maximum angle of the pole being constrained by an ad hoc fixing means, for example a universal joint and / or a radial stop, it provides information on the overall pressure experienced by the pole.

[0046] Thus, the spatialization of the pressure measurement inside a guide bearing of a measuring pole makes it possible to analyze the pressure state of a fluid in which the pole is immersed, which is at a distance from the bearing.

[0047] For the analysis itself, an interpolation method can be implemented.

[0048] It is also possible to implement an artificial intelligence method, by classification to determine and discriminate the different pressure states accumulated and mixed in the measured data. The classes created can be made mainly based on two measurement groups, namely a group of several classes associated with a discretization of the average pressure levels and a group characterizing the rapid pressure fluctuations around the discrete pressure levels.

[0049] It is thus possible to determine the Reynolds regime and / or the viscosity level of the fluid.

[0050] As a corollary to the analysis of the data measured by the guide bearing according to the invention, it is possible to dynamically control, in real time, i.e. during the execution of an industrial process which uses a fluid, the choice between several settings or several configurations of a system for regulating the conditions of the fluid, for example a control-command system acting for example on a mixing turbine or a bubbling system. This can occur in particular due to a significant variation in the viscosity of the fluid or a lack of oxygenation.

[0051] This dynamic control can be implemented by means of a digital twin. Depending on the environmental variables, provided by the classification method according to the measurement data of the bearing according to the invention, the digital twin can carry out new simulations. These simulations can be carried out for example by finite elements. The digital twin can also change the calculation model, for example by model order reduction (MOR) which is a technique for reducing the computational complexity of mathematical models in digital simulations.

[0052] Ultimately, the invention provides several advantages, among which we can cite:

[0053] - definition of a law which links the pressure and the angulation of a measuring pole by definition of the pole support points and the possible custom manufacturing of the associated pressure sensor arrangement surface. The instrumented guide ring is sensitive to the pole supports, which produce compressive forces, on the defined points and is insensitive to tensile forces and tangential forces on these points. The ring is also intrinsically insensitive to axial forces. This makes it possible to correlate the measured behavior with also radial forces submitted by the fluid on the measuring pole; - determination of the order of magnitude of the pressures experienced by the measuring pole in a pressure range; - the determination of the regime of a fluid flow around a measuring pole, defined by its Reynolds number and / or its viscosity; - the performance of accurate measurements, even in a small footprint or in containers (tanks) containing the fluid to be measured, which are not stirred or whose stirring is non-turbulent. In such conditions, a change can be measured in the overall mean pressure value and / or in the spatial distribution of pressures recorded by the sensors, which acts as an indicator of the state of the environment (static pressure becoming high, high turbulence, etc.). - the possibility of estimating the three-dimensional pressure field of the fluid on the measuring pole and possibly, partially, around a part of the submerged pole. In the best configurations, the information collected is a direct and faithful image of the spatial distribution of the pressures applied by the fluid on the distant (and submerged) part of the measuring pole. In this case, it is necessary to first carry out a detailed numerical simulation of the pole, the fluid, the interactions between the pole and the fluid by FSI (“Fluid-Structure-Interaction”) or CFD (“Computational Fluid Dynamics”) calculations, the instrumented guide bearing and in particular the specific arrangement of the sensor surface. The spatialized data makes it possible to calibrate the spatial response on the surface of the arrangement of the sensors within the ring, which then makes it possible to define the three-dimensional pressure field of the fluid that produces this response. - the possibility of using spatialized monitoring of pressures measured by the bearing, as a useful tool in a digital twin of the container, such as a tank, which contains the fluid in which the measuring pole is immersed.

[0054] Other advantages and characteristics will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the following figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0055] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of the implementation of a pole of the system for measuring the physical state of a fluid in a container, according to the invention.

[0056] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a pole of the measuring system according to the invention with its angulation-limiting connecting means, the distal end of which is at zero angulation, possibly equipped with a translation or rotation drive motor.

[0057] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a variant of [Fig.2].

[0058] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates, in the form of a curve, the increase in the average angle of a measuring pole, a part of which is immersed in a fluid which exerts a given level of pressure on said immersed part and the fluctuations around the average levels originating from vibrations in the pole, which are induced by fluctuations in the dynamic pressure in the fluid.

[0059] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal sectional view of an instrumented guide bearing according to the invention with its guide ring in which a measuring rod is mounted with clearance adjustment.

[0060] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view of an advantageous embodiment of the guide bearing, the internal surface of the ring of which has a profile adapted to the measurement of pressures for a given fluid.

[0061] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal sectional view of a first advantageous variant embodiment of the guide bearing comprising a ball cage inside the guide ring.

[0062] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment variant with the measuring pole mounted tightly in a measuring adapter itself mounted with clearance adjustment in the guide ring.

[0063] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal sectional view of a second advantageous variant embodiment of the guide bearing comprising a sleeve with support protrusions, inside the guide ring.

[0064] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal sectional view of a third advantageous embodiment variant of the guide bearing comprising a sleeve itself provided with pressure sensors, inside the guide ring.

[0065] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal sectional view of another alternative embodiment with a conical diameter sleeve or adapter inside the guide ring.

[0066] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment variant with a cylindrical cage with balls of different diameters, inside the guide ring.

[0067] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment variant with a conical cage with balls of different diameters, inside the guide ring.

[0068] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a schematic view of another embodiment of a measuring system according to the invention. Detailed description

[0069] For the sake of clarity, the same references designating the same elements according to the invention are used for all figures 1 to 14.

[0070] The drawings and the arrangement of the various elements between them are not shown to scale.

[0071] Throughout the present application, the terms "above", "below", "lower" and "upper" are to be understood with reference to the measuring system according to the invention as it is in an installation configuration with the guide bearing arranged vertically.

[0072] [Fig.l] illustrates a system 1 for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid contained in a container R, such as a tank, in particular with opaque walls. This may be the tank of a bioreactor containing a bioproduction fluid for which the mixing conditions are to be known and controlled.

[0073] The system 1 comprises a guide bearing 10, mounted tightly in a wall of the container R, which is instrumented by several pressure sensors distributed spatially along the bearing, as explained below. As illustrated, the bearing 10 can be mounted vertically in an upper wall, in particular the cover of the container R.

[0074] A measuring pole 20 is assembled by adjustment with play in the guide bearing 10 to allow both translational guidance and to allow angulation of the pole.

[0075] The lower, free end of the pole 20 is immersed in the fluid contained in the container R, the viscosity or Reynolds number of which is to be measured. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the lower end of the pole can support one or more electrochemical sensors 21 which are used to determine chemical properties of the fluid.

[0076] The upper end of the measuring pole is fixed by a fixing means which is adapted to limit the angulation of the pole in the guide bearing 10.

[0077] This angulation limitation will make it possible to increase the range of fluid pressure which will be able to be measured by the instrumented guide bearing 10.

[0078] As a means of fixing the pole, preference is given to those which promote translational movements of the pole 20 in the bearing 10 rather than rotation at the level of the fixing.

[0079] In the case where it is not desired to restrict the oscillation movements of the measuring pole, fixed or made mobile by means of a drive motor, cardan mounting solutions can be implemented.

[0080] Such an example of attachment is shown in [Fig.2]: the upper end of the pole 20 is connected to a rotation drive motor 22, with an axis coincident with the central axis X of the guide bearing 10, by a simple universal joint 23.

[0081] A variant is illustrated in [Fig.3]: the connection between the motor 22 and the pole 20 can be achieved by a double cardan 24, which has the advantage of attenuating the rocking movements of the pole in the fluid.

[0082] Other means of limiting angulation can also be envisaged, such as a radial stop which can for example be implanted directly in the wall in which the guide bearing 10 is mounted. In contact with the stop, the measurements according to the invention lose their meaning.

[0083] The curve of [Fig.4] illustrates on the one hand, the increase in the average angle taken by a measuring pole 20 with a given level of pressure exerted on the immersed part of the pole, and on the other hand the fluctuations around the average levels coming from the vibrations in the pole, which are induced by the fluctuations in the dynamic pressure in the fluid.

[0084] The assembly clearance between the guide bearing 10 and the measuring pole 20 makes it possible to amplify the measurable fluctuations around the average levels. As well as the range of pressure of the fluid which can be measured by the guide bearing 10 instrumented with a spatialization of its pressure sensors.

[0085] A guide bearing 10 with central axis X according to the invention is shown in detail in [Fig.5].

[0086] It firstly comprises a ring 11 which is the component intended to be mounted tightly in the wall of the container R, the internal surface 110 of which is assembled with a clearance fit and makes it possible to guide the measuring pole 20 in translation along the X axis.

[0087] An O-ring 12, preferably made of a hard, smooth material, is secured inside the internal surface 110 of the ring projecting inside it, so as to form an axis of angulation of the pole 20 relative to the axis X. In other words, the O-ring 12 is a pivot support which makes it possible both to stabilize the relative movements between the measuring pole 20 and the ring 10 and to distribute on either side, the pressure forces undergone by the pole in the immersed part of the fluid.

[0088] A plurality of pressure sensors 13.1 to 13.12 are housed individually in cavities 111 of the internal surface 110 of the ring 11. Each of these sensors 13.1 to 13.12 comprises a protuberance 130 adapted to be in contact and therefore measure a pressure value exerted by the fluid on a support zone of the pole inducing one of its angled positions.

[0089] The sensors 13.1 to 13.12 can be standard insofar as they are precise and compact. For example, the sensors marketed by the company Wormsensing (https: / / www.wormsensing.com / ) can be implemented both for rings of large dimensions or smaller dimensions, adapted to measuring poles of small diameter.

[0090] As illustrated, the pressure sensors are preferably distributed in equal numbers on either side of the O-ring 12. Thus, the pressure measurements can be symmetrical, i.e. the measurements of the sensors 13.1, 13.3, 13.5 are symmetrical with those of the sensors 13.8, 13.10, 13.12 and the measurements of the sensors 13.2, 13.4, 13.6 are symmetrized with those of the sensors 13.7, 13.9, 13.11. With this symmetry of pressure measurements, average or differential measurements can be determined.

[0091] In [Fig.5], the pressure sensors are all arranged along an internal surface 110 of the ring which is rectilinear, parallel to the X axis. This arrangement may be suitable in certain applications.

[0092] Advantageously, it is possible to envisage producing an internal surface profile 110 of the ring 11 which makes it possible to optimize the spatialization of pressure measurements and to construct for each case of use of the fluid and its conditions in the container R, the law which links the position of each point of contact with a pressure sensor 13.1 to 13.12 and the angulation of the measuring pole 20.

[0093] To define the appropriate profile, a digital surface generation tool can be used to create the virtual profile. An interpolation tool can be used to create and describe polynomial and parametric curves (called Bézier curves) in one or two dimensions (lines or surfaces) from a few points and a few parameters (angles, lengths, distances).

[0094] For a given diameter of measuring pole, dedicated profiles can be produced and a global virtual surface can be generated according to the angulation ranges authorized for the measuring pole. The global virtual surface can be made identical for different diameters, in particular by means of an adapter; the global virtual surface then being designed for the largest diameter envisaged.

[0095] Once the appropriate profile has been defined, the ring 11 can be manufactured in 2D then rolled or in 3D by additive manufacturing, or by digital machining or other. If an adaptation means has been provided, it can be manufactured separately and be removable or be part of the manufacture of the ring which will thus become dedicated for a given diameter.

[0096] Two variants can be envisaged for this optimization of the internal ring surface.

[0097] The first consists of producing an internal surface 110 such as during an angulation of the pole 20, the pressure sensors 13.1 to 13.12 come into contact separately one after the other with the pole 20. This makes it possible to achieve a subdivision of the pressure range which is established gradually.

[0098] The second consists of producing an internal surface 110 so that during an angulation of the pole 20, the pressure sensors 13.1 to 13.12 come into contact one after the other with the pole, accumulating the pressure that they detect. This variant makes it possible to promote the widening of the pressure range that it is possible to measure, by progressively increasing a resistance to pressure according to forces that can become non-linear. This can be particularly suitable for certain uses.

[0099] An example of an optimized internal surface 110 is shown in [Fig.6]. It can be seen that the profile of the internal surface 110 follows a defined curve on which the different sensors 13.1 to 13.12 are arranged.

[0100] An advantageous embodiment of the guide bearing 10 is illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0101] A cylindrical ball cage 14 is mounted while being held inside the ring 11. A portion 140 without balls of the cage is in contact with the O-ring 12. The ring 14 can be held in place by stop rings 141, 142, arranged respectively at the top and bottom of the ring 11. These stop rings limit the extent of the oscillations orthogonal to the X axis. The translational or rotational movements of the pole are made possible or facilitated by the ball cage 14 without disturbing the measurements.

[0102] At least a portion of the balls 14.1 to 14.20 each forms the support point in contact with a pressure sensor 13.1 to 13.12 arranged in the internal surface 110 of the ring.

[0103] It is possible to provide a number of balls corresponding to that of the sensors and to arrange these balls so that each of them forms a support point of the pole on one of the pressure sensors. The balls can be calibrated according to a single diameter.

[0104] As illustrated in this [Fig.7], alternatively, it can be provided that only a portion of the balls form support points. With the possibility of rotation of the pole allowed by the ball cage, this makes it possible to create a cadence or to make the supports random with the pressure sensors, and also to extend the life of the balls.

[0105] Other variants and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0106] A variant illustrated in [Fig.8] may consist of mounting a measuring pole 20 of smaller diameter in an adapter of diameter 15 which is itself in pivot support against the O-ring 12 and is mounted with adjustment with play in the guide ring 10.

[0107] Another variant illustrated in [Fig.9] may consist of mounting a measuring pole 20 of smaller diameter in a cylindrical sleeve 16 which is itself pivotally supported against the O-ring 12 and is mounted with a clearance fit in the guide ring 10. This sleeve 16 comprises protrusions each forming a support point in contact with a pressure sensor 13.1 to 13.12 arranged in the internal surface 110 of the ring 11. The protrusions 160 may be of different dimensions to produce a graduated pressure surface profile. This cylindrical sleeve 16 may be a diameter adapter.

[0108] Another variant illustrated in [Fig. 10] may consist of mounting a measuring pole 20 of smaller diameter in another cylindrical sleeve 16 which is itself pivotally supported against the O-ring 12 and is mounted with a clearance fit in the guide ring 10. This sleeve 16 comprises pressure sensors 16.1 to 16.12 each forming a support point in contact with a pressure sensor 13.1 to 13.12 arranged in the internal surface 110 of the ring 11. It is also possible to provide not to equip the internal surface 110 of the ring 10 with pressure sensors, the pressure sensors 16.1 to 16.12 distributed inside the sleeve 16, along the internal surface 110 of the ring 12 then coming directly into contact with the latter. This cylindrical sleeve 16 may also be a diameter adapter.

[0109] Another variant illustrated in [Fig.l 1] may consist of mounting a measuring pole 20 of smaller diameter in a sleeve 17 which is itself pivotally supported against the O-ring 12 and is mounted with clearance adjustment in the guide ring 10. The external surface 170 of the sleeve 17 may not be cylindrical and may be produced according to a profile which contributes to constructing the spatialization law of the pressure range measured by the sensors 13.1 to 13.8. This non-cylindrical sleeve 17 may also be a diameter adapter.

[0110] In the embodiment with ball cage, instead of a single one-piece cage 14 mounted in the guide ring 10 as illustrated in [Fig.7], it is possible to envisage assembling two ball cages arranged on either side of the O-ring with a space between them so that the latter is in pivot support directly with the measuring pole 20.

[0111] The variant illustrated in [Fig. 12] shows such an embodiment with two cylindrical ball cages 18, 19 on either side of the O-ring 12. Furthermore, the size of the balls can be adapted according to their position along the X axis. For example, as illustrated, the larger diameter balls 180, 190 can be those closest to the pivot support 12 and those of small diameter 181, 191 positioned opposite the ends of the ring 11.

[0112] Instead of cylindrical ball cages, conical ball cages 18, 19 can be arranged as shown in [Fig.13].

[0113] [Fig. 14] illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the complete measuring system 1 for the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid contained in a container R.

[0114] A double-cardan connection 24 connects the upper end of the measuring pole 20.

[0115] To improve the translational guidance along the X axis of the pole 20 and adjust the arrangement length of the pressure sensors, two guide bearings 10 instrumented according to the invention are mounted tightly in the wall of the container, at a distance from each other. The translational guidance is improved because the friction can be adjusted and / or eliminated.

[0116] It is also possible to provide an additional radial stop 25 which limits the angular movement of the pole 20. This radial stop 25 can also have an anti-shock and / or anti-excessive wear protection function.

[0117] Finally, at least one scraper seal 26 can be fixed to the wall of the container R and / or to the measuring pole so as to avoid any risk of pollution by the medium within the container; of the instrumented guide bearing(s) 10.

[0118] In the examples illustrated, the number of pressure sensors used is equal to 8 or 12, distributed in equal numbers on either side of the angulation element (O-ring). The guide bearing can of course be instrumented with a lower or higher number depending on the spatialization of pressure measurement that is desired.

[0119] .

Claims

Claims

1. Guide bearing (10) with a central axis (X), comprising: - a ring (11), intended to be mounted tightly in a holding structure, the internal surface of which is adapted to assemble with a clearance fit, and preferably guide in translation along the X axis, a tube intended to constitute a measuring pole; - an angulation element (12), formed integrally or fixed inside the internal surface of the ring by projecting inside the latter, so as to form an axis of angulation of the tube relative to the X axis; - a plurality of pressure sensors (13.1-13.12) each adapted to measure a pressure point exerted by a support point of the tube in one of its angled positions, the pressure sensors being distributed along the internal surface of the ring, on either side of the angulation element.

2. A guide bearing according to claim 1, the angulation element being an O-ring.

3. Guide bearing according to claim 1 or 2, the pressure sensors being distributed in equal number on either side of the angulation element.

4. Guide bearing according to one of the preceding claims, the pressure sensors being housed individually or in groups in cavities of the internal surface of the ring and each comprising a protuberance adapted to be in contact with the support point of the tube.

5. Guide bearing according to one of the preceding claims, the pressure sensors being aligned along one or more straight lines parallel to the central axis (X).

6. Guide bearing according to one of claims 1 to 4, the pressure sensors being arranged along a surface, so that during an angulation of the tube, the pressure sensors come into contact separately one after the other with the tube.

7. Guide bearing according to one of claims 1 to 4, the pressure sensors being arranged along a surface, so that during an angulation of the tube, the pressure sensors come into contact with each other after the others with the tube, accumulating the pressure they detect.

8. Guide bearing according to one of the preceding claims, the pressure sensors being four in number, coupled in pairs, for each diameter of the internal ring surface on which they are distributed.

9. Guide bearing according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one cylindrical or conical ball cage, intended to hold the tube, the ball cage being mounted while being held inside the ring with a portion without balls in contact with the angulation element and at least a part of the balls each forming the support point in contact with a pressure sensor arranged in the internal surface of the ring.

10. Guide bearing according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one sleeve mounted while being held inside the ring, the sleeve comprising: - protuberances each forming the support point in contact with a pressure sensor arranged in the internal surface of the ring, and / or - at least a portion of the pressure sensors distributed along its external surface.

11. Guide bearing according to one of the preceding claims, the pressure sensors being piezoelectric sensors.

12. System for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid contained in a container, such as a tank, in particular with opaque walls, comprising: - at least one guide bearing according to one of the preceding claims, mounted tightly in a wall of the container, - a measuring pole forming the tube, assembled by adjustment with play in the ring of the guide bearing and one end of which, free, is intended to be immersed in the fluid, - at least one means for fixing the other end of the measuring pole, the means being adapted to limit the angulation of the measuring pole in the ring.

13. A measuring system according to claim 12, comprising a sleeve forming a diameter adapter in which the measuring pole is tightly mounted and which is assembled by play-fitting with the ring.

14.

15.

16.

17. Measuring system according to claim 13, the diameter adapter comprising, on its external surface, a plurality of protuberances each forming the support point in contact with a pressure sensor arranged in the internal surface of the ring. Measuring system according to one of claims 12 to 14, the electrochemical sensor being fixed to the free end of the measuring pole. Settling or production tank, in particular of a bioreactor, comprising a system according to one of claims 12 to 15. Use of a measuring system according to one of claims 12 to 15 or of a bioreactor according to claim 16 for monitoring bioproduction.

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