Fluidic measurement device with additional remote measuring sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluidic measuring device (1) configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed flowing in a pipe (100). The fluidic measuring device (1) comprises a main body (2) including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured to protrude inside the pipe (100). The fluidic measuring device (1) includes a measuring head (3) provided on the distal end portion and including measuring sensors (4), and a housing (5) including a control unit (CU). The fluidic measuring device (1) further includes a sampling conduit opening into the measuring head (3) and configured to allow the flow of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head (3) to an additional measuring sensor (17) which is offset from the measuring head (3). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fluidic measurement device with additional remote measuring sensor. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, and more specifically a fluidic measuring device configured to perform measurements on a fluid present in a pipeline and allowing the measurement of physical characteristics relating to the quality of the fluid present in said pipeline. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to use fluidic measuring devices to perform a number of measurements to characterize a fluid flowing in a pipeline. Such fluidic measuring devices generally include:

[0003] - a main body comprising a proximal end portion and a portion of the distal end, the distal end portion being configured to protrude inside the pipe,

[0004] - a measuring head provided on the distal end portion and comprising measurement sensors configured to measure various parameters related to the quality of the fluid being analyzed, and

[0005] - a housing configured to be accessible from outside the pipeline and including a control unit.

[0006] This type of device is particularly effective because, thanks to the measuring sensors provided on the measuring head, it allows for various measurements to be taken on the fluid being analyzed and flowing through the pipeline. However, such a device has major drawbacks, the first being its complex construction and bulky size, as the number of measuring sensors is limited by the small dimensions of the measuring head. Furthermore, a second drawback lies in the limited choice of measuring sensor types that can be used on the measuring head, as the sensors must be compatible with direct exposure to the fluid being analyzed at the pipeline level. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem at the basis of the invention therefore consists of providing a microfluidic measuring device shaped to carry out a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed, which is of simple, compact and economical structure, while allowing an additional and remote measurement on the fluid to be analyzed.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a fluidic measurement device configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid The fluid to be analyzed, composed mainly of water for example, circulating in a pipe, the fluid measurement device comprising: - a main body which is substantially tubular and which extends along an axis of extension, the main body comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured to protrude inside the pipeline, - a measuring head provided on the distal end portion and comprising measuring sensors configured to measure various parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed, the measuring head being configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the measuring device is in a usage configuration, - a housing configured to be accessible from outside the pipeline and comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the fluidic measurement device, and - a sampling conduit opening into the measuring head and configured to allow circulation of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head to an additional measuring sensor which is located away from the measuring head, said additional measuring sensor being configured to perform an additional measurement of the fluid to be analyzed.

[0009] Such a configuration of the measuring device makes it possible to maximize the number of sensors, and therefore the number of measurements of the fluid to be analyzed, at the level of the measuring head, while also allowing a remote measurement to be made relative to the measuring head by means of the sampling conduit and the additional measuring sensor; this while ensuring a high compactness of the fluidic measuring device.

[0010] By configuration of use of the fluidic measuring device, we mean a configuration in which the body of said fluidic measuring device is at least partly inserted inside the pipe in which the fluid to be analyzed flows.

[0011] The fluidic measuring device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, which may be taken alone or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an intermediate part configured to extend between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body has a substantially circular cross-section. In other words, the main body is substantially cylindrical.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the proximal end portion of the main body is configured to extend at least partially outside of the pipeline when the fluidic measuring device is in the operating configuration.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device includes a fixing element configured to fix the fluidic measuring device on the pipeline.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing element is configured to extend substantially around the intermediate part of the main body and to fix the fluidic measuring device on the pipeline, the fixing element being configured to cooperate removably with a complementary fixing element provided on the pipeline for example.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening element is configured to ensure a removable and leak-proof fastening of the fluidic measuring device with the pipeline.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing is configured to extend consecutively to the proximal end portion of the main body.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to perform at least part of the processing of information from the measurement sensors.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring head has an end face which is substantially circular.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face extends substantially transversely to the axis of extension.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face has a diameter between 22 mm and 42 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 37 mm, and for example 32 mm.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling conduit is configured to extend from the measuring head to the housing.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling conduit includes a sampling orifice provided on the end face.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body has an external thread configured to cooperate with an internal tapping provided on the fastening element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional measuring sensor is configured to measure the chlorine level, and more particularly the free chlorine level present in the fluid to be analyzed, in order to determine its disinfection potential, for example. The specific configuration of the invention advantageously allows for sampling in the pipeline, followed by measurement of the chlorine level present in the fluid to be analyzed. Indeed, measuring chlorine levels requires mixing the fluid to be analyzed with one or more reagents. Integrating the additional measuring sensor and reagents into the housing advantageously overcomes the obvious space limitations related to the dimensions of the measuring head and the main body.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional measuring sensor is a microfluidic measuring sensor. By microfluidic measuring sensor, we mean a miniaturized measuring sensor designed to manipulate and analyze very small volumes of fluids, often on the microliter or nanoliter scale.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device comprises a filtration element configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the sampling conduit. Such a configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the sampling conduit, making it impossible for the additional measuring sensor to sample the fluid to be analyzed.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is configured to extend upstream of the sampling conduit, for example at the sampling orifice. Such a configuration allows increased accessibility of the filtration element when the fluidic measuring device is removed from the pipeline.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtering element is configured to be fixed in a removable manner, for example by means of a male-female fixing system, opposite the sampling orifice.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is made at least partly from a polymer, such as plastic for example.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element has a mesh with a mesh size of approximately 10 pm.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device comprises a pressure balancing line configured to ensure pressure equalization between the pipeline and a pressurization chamber provided in the housing and suitable for receiving a reagent container, such as a bag or a flexible-walled container, for example. This configuration of the pressure balancing line advantageously allows the reagents used by the additional measuring sensor to be brought to the same pressure as the fluid to be analyzed and flowing in the sampling line.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line is configured to open into the measuring head.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line includes a balancing orifice provided on the end face.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling orifice and the balancing orifice are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a geometric center of the measuring head. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously prevents alteration of the measurement performed by the additional measuring sensor, as fluid rejection through the pressure balancing line can affect the characteristics of the fluid being analyzed in the immediate vicinity of the balancing orifice.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the geometric center of the measuring head is substantially coincident with the extension axis of the main body.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring head comprises a median longitudinal plane which is configured to extend substantially parallel to a flow axis of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipeline.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring head comprises a median transverse plane which extends perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling orifice and the balancing orifice are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device comprises a filtration element configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the pressure balancing line. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to prevent obstruction of the pressure balancing line, which would render pressure equalization between the pipeline and the pressurization chamber impossible.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the sampling conduit in order to ensure rapid pressurization of the pressurization chamber.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line has a diameter substantially equal to 2.5 mm.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is produced by machining the material composing the measuring head.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element has a mesh with a mesh size of approximately 1 mm.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise an optical sensor, such as a turbidimeter for example, configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to measure, by measuring the variation in light intensity measured by the optical sensor relative to a reference point, the quantity of suspended particles present in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device comprises at least one transparent element provided on the measuring head and covering the optical sensor, the optical sensor being configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed through at least one transparent element.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device comprises two transparent elements.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two transparent elements are configured to extend substantially along the median longitudinal plane of the measuring head.

[0050] Such a configuration of the optical sensor and the two transparent elements makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the turbidity measurement carried out by the optical sensor.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device includes a cleaning device configured to clean at least one transparent element provided on the measuring head. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to mechanically remove the accumulation of deposits and dirt on at least one transparent element, and thus prevent a deterioration in the accuracy of the measurement performed by the optical sensor.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device is movable by pivoting about a pivot axis that is parallel to the extension axis of the main body. Such a configuration of the cleaning device makes it possible to limit the space required for the cleaning function compared to a "straight-line" alternative, for example.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the cleaning device extends transversely to the median transverse plane of the measuring head.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the median longitudinal plane and the median transverse plane are angularly offset by an angle of approximately 90°.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a cleaning part, such as a flexible cleaning foam for example, the cleaning part being configured to be in contact with at least one transparent element to perform back-and-forth movements in the manner of a windshield wiper.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise a conductivity sensor, also called a conductivity meter, configured to measure the ability of the fluid to be analyzed to conduct an electric current.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the fluidic measuring device is in the operating configuration.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductivity sensor comprises two emitting electrodes, each configured to generate an electric current in the fluid to be analyzed, and two receiving electrodes, each configured to measure the electric current flowing in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two emitting electrodes and the two receiving electrodes are substantially aligned substantially parallel to the flow axis.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the fluid to be analyzed. Advantageously, measuring the temperature of the fluid to be analyzed allows for a correction to be made to the conductivity measurement performed by the conductivity sensor. This makes it possible to significantly improve the accuracy of the conductivity measurement.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise a velocity sensor, composed, for example, of two piezoelectric pellets, configured to determine the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed at the measuring head. Such a configuration of the velocity sensor makes it possible, from the measured velocity of the fluid to be analyzed and the diameter of the pipe, to determine the flow rate of the fluid circulating in the pipe.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the speed sensor, and more specifically the two piezoelectric pellets, is configured to extend substantially along a median diagonal plane of the measuring head.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the median diagonal plane intersects the central median longitudinal plane at the geometric center of the measuring head.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the median diagonal plane and the median longitudinal plane are angularly offset by an angle of approximately 45°. Since the velocity sensor technology is based on the time of flight of the fluid to be analyzed between two points, here the two piezoelectric pellets, it would have been intuitive to place the velocity sensor parallel to the flow axis of the fluid to be analyzed; however, the described configuration of the velocity sensor advantageously avoids creating an obstacle, and therefore does not adversely affect the circulation velocity of the fluid to be analyzed between the two piezoelectric pellets.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device includes a signal conditioning device, such as an electronic conditioning board, provided in the main body and configured to shape signals from the measurement sensors. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to place the signal conditioning device as close as possible to the measurement sensors. The proximity between the signal conditioning device and the measurement sensors makes it possible to avoid the appearance of noise and / or interference during the transmission of very low-intensity measurements from the measurement sensors.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conditioning device is provided in the immediate vicinity of the measuring head. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to reduce the length of the wiring between the measuring sensors and the signal conditioning device and thus reduce the risk of misinterpreting the measurements.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conditioning device is configured to receive analog signals from the measuring sensors, and to convert them into digital signals before transferring them to the control unit.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the measuring sensors and the additional measuring sensor.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the power supply to the measuring sensors and the additional measuring sensor. Such a configuration of the invention allows the measuring sensors to be powered on demand by the control unit, thereby reducing the power consumption of the fluidic measuring device compared to a continuous power supply to the measuring sensors.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a storage device, such as a memory card for example, configured to record the numerical values ​​from the measuring sensors and the additional measuring sensor.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a data transmission device, such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card, configured to transmit numerical values ​​outside the fluidic measurement device. Brief description of the figures

[0072] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0073] [Fig-1] is a side perspective view of a fluidic measuring device in a usage configuration and according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0074] [Fig.2] is a partial side view of the fluidic measuring device of [Fig.1];

[0075] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of the fluidic measurement device of the [Fig.l];

[0076] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of a measuring head of the fluidic measuring device;

[0077] [Fig.5] is a bottom view of the measuring head of [Fig.4];

[0078] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the measuring head of [Fig.5]. Detailed description

[0079] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0080] Figures 1 to 6 show a fluidic measuring device 1 configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed according to an embodiment of the invention. The fluidic measuring device 1 is configured to analyze a fluid composed mainly of water, such as drinking water, flowing in a pipe 100.

[0081] According to the embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device 1 comprises a main body 2 substantially tubular and extending along an extension axis Al, a measuring head 3 comprising measuring sensors 4, a housing 5 configured to be accessible from outside the pipe 100 and a fixing element 6 configured to secure the fluidic measuring device 1 to the pipe 100.

[0082] The main body 2 comprises a proximal end portion 7, a distal end portion 8 and an intermediate portion 9 configured to extend between the proximal end portion 7 and the distal end portion 8. The main body 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is shaped to match by complementary shape with an orifice of the pipe 100. The proximal end portion 7 of the main body 2 is configured to extend at least partially outside the pipe 100, and the distal end portion 8 is configured to protrude inside the pipe 100 when the fluidic measuring device 1 is in the operating configuration.By usage configuration of the fluidic measuring device 1, we mean a configuration in which the body of said fluidic measuring device 1 is at least partially inserted inside the pipe 100 in which the fluid to be analyzed flows.

[0083] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fastening element 6 is configured to extend around the intermediate portion 9 of the main body 2 and to fix the fluidic measuring device 1 to the pipe 100. More specifically, the fastening element 6 is configured to cooperate removably with a complementary fastening element 10 provided on the pipe 100, for example. Furthermore, the fastening element 6 is configured to ensure a leak-proof connection of the fluidic measuring device 1 to the pipe 100 in the operating configuration. According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body 2 has an external thread configured to cooperate with an internal thread provided on the fastening element 6.

[0084] According to the embodiment of the invention, the housing 5 (shown in [Fig. 1]) is configured to be accessible from outside the pipe 100 and to extend consecutively to the proximal end portion 7 of the main body 2. The housing 5 includes a control unit UC configured to control the operation of the fluidic measuring device 1, and is configured to perform at least part of the processing of information from the measuring sensors 4.

[0085] According to the embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the measuring head 3 is provided on the distal end portion 8 of the main body 2 and comprises measuring sensors 4 configured to measure various parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed. The measuring head 3 is advantageously configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the fluidic measuring device 1 is in its operating configuration.

[0086] The measuring head 3 has an end face 11 which is substantially circular and extends substantially transversely to the extension axis AL. The end face 11 has a diameter between 22 mm and 42 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 37 mm, and is, for example, 32 mm. This dimension of the end face 11 allows it to adapt to the majority of pipes while avoiding being too invasive and not hindering the flow of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipe 100.

[0087] According to the embodiment of the invention, and as shown more specifically in Figures 4 to 6, the measuring head 3 comprises an optical sensor 4.1, such as a turbidimeter for example, configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to measure, by measuring the variation in light intensity measured by the optical sensor 4.1 relative to a reference point, the quantity of suspended particles present in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0088] The measuring head 3 comprises two transparent elements 12 covering the optical sensor 4.1, the optical sensor 4.1 being configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed through the two transparent elements 12. The two transparent elements 12 are configured to extend substantially along a median longitudinal plane PI of the measuring head 3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the median longitudinal plane PI is configured to extend substantially parallel to a flow axis A2 of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipe 100.

[0089] The measuring head 3 includes a cleaning device 13 configured to clean the two transparent elements 12 provided on the measuring head 3. This configuration of the invention makes it possible to mechanically remove the accumulation of deposits and dirt on the two transparent elements 12, and thus prevent a deterioration in the accuracy of the measurement performed by the optical sensor 4.1. The cleaning device 13 is movable by pivoting about a pivot axis A3 which is parallel to the extension axis Al of the main body 2. This configuration of the cleaning device 13 makes it possible to limit the space required for the cleaning function compared to a "straight line" alternative, for example. The pivot axis A3 is advantageously provided on a median transverse plane P2 of the measuring head 3. According to a mode of In the realization of the invention, the median longitudinal plane PI and the median transverse plane P2 are angularly offset by an angle of approximately 90°.

[0090] The cleaning device 13 includes a cleaning part, such as a soft cleaning foam for example, configured to be in contact with the two transparent elements 12 and to move back and forth in the manner of a windshield wiper.

[0091] The measuring head 3 includes a conductivity sensor 4.2, also called a conductivity meter, configured to measure the ability of the fluid to be analyzed to conduct an electric current. The conductivity sensor 4.2 has four electrodes substantially aligned parallel to the flow axis A2, and configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the fluidic measuring device 1 is in its operating configuration. More specifically, the conductivity sensor 4.2 has two emitting electrodes, each configured to generate an electric current in the fluid to be analyzed, and two receiving electrodes, each configured to measure the electric current flowing in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0092] The measuring head 3 includes a temperature sensor 4.3 configured to measure the temperature of the fluid to be analyzed. Advantageously, measuring the temperature of the fluid to be analyzed allows for a correction to be made to the conductivity measurement performed by the conductivity sensor 4.2. This significantly improves the accuracy of the conductivity measurement.

[0093] The measuring head 3 includes a velocity sensor 4.4, composed of two piezoelectric pellets 15, configured to determine the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed at the measuring head 3. Such a configuration of the velocity sensor 4.4 makes it possible, from the measured velocity of the fluid to be analyzed and the diameter of the pipe 100, to determine a flow rate of fluid circulating in the pipe 100. The two piezoelectric pellets 15 are configured to extend substantially along a median diagonal plane P3 of the measuring head 3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the median diagonal plane P3 intersects the central median longitudinal plane PI at a geometric center of the measuring head 3 and is offset from the median longitudinal plane PI by an angle of approximately 45°. The technology of the velocity sensor 4.Since 4 is based on the time of flight of the fluid to be analyzed between two points, here the two piezoelectric pellets 15, it would have been intuitive to place the velocity sensor 4.4 parallel to the flow axis A2 of the fluid to be analyzed. However, the configuration of the velocity sensor 4.4 described above advantageously avoids creating an obstacle, and therefore does not adversely affect the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed between the two piezoelectric pellets 15. Furthermore, the configuration of the velocity sensor 4.4 and its alignment along the median diagonal plane P3 allows for the measurement of a change in the direction of the flow of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipe 100, for example.

[0094] Furthermore, the fluidic measuring device 1 includes a sampling conduit 16 opening into the measuring head 3 and configured to allow circulation of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head 3 to an additional measuring sensor 17, which is located remotely from the measuring head 3. This additional measuring sensor 17 is configured to perform an additional measurement of the fluid to be analyzed. Such a configuration of the fluidic measuring device 1 maximizes the number of sensors, and therefore the number of measurements of the fluid to be analyzed, at the measuring head 3, while also allowing for a remote measurement relative to the measuring head 3 by means of the sampling conduit 16 and the additional measuring sensor 17; all while ensuring a highly compact design for the fluidic measuring device 1.The sampling conduit 16 includes a sampling orifice 18 provided on the end face 11 and extends to the additional measuring sensor 17 provided in the housing 5.

[0095] The fluidic measuring device 1 includes a filter element 19 configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the sampling conduit 16. Such a configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the sampling conduit 16, which would make it impossible to sample the fluid to be analyzed by the additional measuring sensor 17. The filter element 19 is configured to extend upstream of the sampling conduit 16, and for example at the sampling orifice 18. Such a configuration allows increased accessibility of the filter element 19 when the fluidic measuring device 1 is removed from the pipe 100. The filter element 19 is configured to be removably fixed, for example by means of a male-female fastening system, opposite the sampling orifice 18.Advantageously, the filtration element 19 is made at least partly from a polymer, such as plastic for example, and has a mesh with a mesh size of about 10 pm.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional measuring sensor 17 is configured to measure the chlorine level, and more particularly the free chlorine level, for example, present in the fluid to be analyzed. The specific configuration of the invention advantageously allows for sampling in the pipe 100, followed by remote measurement of the chlorine level in the fluid to be analyzed. Indeed, measuring the chlorine level requires mixing the fluid to be analyzed with one or more reagents provided in the housing 5 so as to be accessible by a user from outside the pipe 100 without dismantling the fluidic measuring device 1. Integrating the additional measuring sensor 17 and the reagents into the housing 5 advantageously overcomes the obvious space constraints related to the dimensions of the measuring head 3 and the main body 2.

[0097] Advantageously, the additional measuring sensor 17 is a microfluidic measuring sensor. By microfluidic measuring sensor, we mean a miniaturized measuring sensor designed to handle and analyze very small volumes of fluids, often on the microliter or nanoliter scale.

[0098] The fluidic measuring device 1 further includes a pressure balancing line 20 configured to ensure pressure equalization between the pipe 100 and a pressurization chamber 21 provided in the housing 5 and suitable for receiving a reagent container 22, such as a bag or a flexible-walled container, for example. This configuration of the pressure balancing line 20 advantageously allows the reagents used by the additional measuring sensor 17 to be brought to the same pressure as the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the sampling line 16.

[0099] The pressure balancing line 20 is configured to open into the measuring head 3 at a balancing orifice 23 provided on the end face 11.

[0100] The pressure balancing line 20 has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the sampling conduit 16 in order to ensure rapid pressurization of the pressurization chamber and has a diameter substantially equal to 2.5 mm.

[0101] The sampling orifice 18 and the balancing orifice 23 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the geometric center of the measuring head 3, and more particularly on either side of the median longitudinal plane PL. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously avoids an alteration of the measurement made by the additional measuring sensor 17, the rejection of fluid by the pressure balancing line 20 being able to affect the characteristics of the fluid to be analyzed in the immediate vicinity of the balancing orifice 23.

[0102] The fluidic measuring device 1 includes a filter element 24 configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the pressure balancing line 20. This configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the pressure balancing line 20, which would make it impossible to equalize the pressures between the pipe 100 and the pressurization chamber. The filter element 24 is machined from the material composing the measuring head 3 and has a mesh with a mesh size of approximately 1 mm.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device 1 comprises a signal conditioning device (not shown in the figures), such as an electronic conditioning board. The signal conditioning device is provided in the main body 2 and is configured to shape analog signals from the measuring sensors 4. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to place the signal conditioning device as close as possible to the measuring sensors 4. The proximity between the signal conditioning device The measuring sensors 4 prevent noise and / or interference from occurring during the transmission of very low-intensity measurements from the measuring sensors 4. The signal conditioning device is located in the immediate vicinity of the measuring head 3. This configuration of the invention reduces the length of the wiring between the measuring sensors 4 and the signal conditioning device, thereby reducing the risk of misinterpreting the measurements. The conditioning device is configured to receive the analog signals from the measuring sensors 4 and convert them into digital signals before transferring them to the control unit UC.

[0104] The control unit UC is configured to control the operation of the measuring sensors 4 and the additional measuring sensor 17. More specifically, the control unit UC is configured to control the power supply of the measuring sensors 4 and the additional measuring sensor 17. Such a configuration of the invention allows the measuring sensors 4 to be powered on demand by the control unit UC, which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the fluidic measuring device 1 compared to a permanent power supply of the measuring sensors 4.

[0105] In addition, the housing 5 includes a storage device, such as a memory card, configured to record the numerical values ​​from the control unit CU. The housing 5 also includes a data transmission device, such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card, configured to transmit the numerical values ​​outside the fluidic measuring device 1.

[0106] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluidic measuring device (1) configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed flowing in a pipeline (100), the fluidic measuring device (1) comprising: - a main body 2 which is substantially tubular and which extends along an axis of extension (A1), the main body (2) comprising a proximal end portion (7) and a distal end portion (8), the distal end portion (8) being configured to protrude inside the pipeline (100), - a measuring head (3) provided on the distal end portion (8) and comprising measuring sensors (4) configured to measure different parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed, the measuring head (3) being configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the measuring device is in a configuration of use,- a housing (5) configured to be accessible from outside the pipeline (100) and comprising a control unit (CU) configured to control the operation of the fluid measurement device (1), and - a sampling conduit (16) opening into the measuring head (3) and configured to allow circulation of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head (3) to an additional measuring sensor (17) which is located away from the measuring head (3), said additional measuring sensor (17) being configured to perform an additional measurement of the fluid to be analyzed.

2. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the additional measuring sensor (17) is configured to perform a measurement of the chlorine level present in the fluid to be analyzed.

3. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the additional measuring sensor (17) is a microfluidic measuring sensor.

4. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a filtration element (19) configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed circulating in the sampling conduit (16).

5. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which includes a pressure balancing line (20) configured to ensure pressure balancing between the pipeline (100) and a pressurization chamber provided in the housing (5) and suitable for receiving a reagent container.

6. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 5, which includes a filtration element (24) configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed circulating in the pressure balancing line (20).

7. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) comprise an optical sensor (4.1) configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed.

8. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 7, which includes at least one transparent element (12) provided on the measuring head (3) and covering the optical sensor (4.1), the optical sensor (4.1) being configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed through the at least one transparent element (12).

9. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 8, which includes a cleaning device (13) configured to clean at least one transparent element (12) provided on the measuring head (3).

10. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) comprise a conductivity sensor (4.2) configured to measure the ability of the fluid to be analyzed to conduct an electric current.

11. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the conductivity sensor (4.2) comprises two emitting electrodes each configured to generate an electric current in the fluid to be analyzed, and two receiving electrodes each configured to measure the electric current flowing in the fluid to be analyzed.

12. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) include a temperature sensor (4.3) configured to measure a temperature of the fluid to be analyzed.

13. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) include a velocity sensor (4.4) configured to determine the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed at the measuring head (3).

14. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a conditioning device provided in the main body (2) and configured to shape signals from the measuring sensors (4).

15. Fluidic measuring device (1) any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to control the operation of the measuring sensors (4) and the additional measuring sensor (17).

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