Easy-to-maintain device for monitoring fluid flowing in a pipeline

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring device (1) for a fluid circulating in a pipe, intended to be interposed fluidically between two portions of this pipe, said device defining a conduit (C) ensuring the continuity of the fluidic flow and comprising measuring means (130) as well as connection means for its fixing;said device comprising an instrumented ring including an annular ring (110) carrying said measuring means and provided with a tubular sleeve (111) the inner face of which defines said conduit at least partially, said device also comprising a covering and interface envelope (200) surrounding the outer periphery of said ring to which it is made detachably attached by screw fastening means, said ring and said envelope defining between them a technical zone sealed with respect to the fluid circulating in said conduit, and housing at least partially said measuring means. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 6;

Description

Title of the invention: Easy-maintenance device for monitoring a fluid flowing in a pipeline. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates in a general way to the field of monitoring devices for a fluid circulating in a pipeline, intended to be interposed in a fluidic manner between two upstream and downstream portions of said pipeline. Previous technique

[0002] In modern industrial systems, the transport of fluids through pipelines is an essential component of production, distribution and processing.

[0003] Whether liquid or gaseous, any fluid flowing in a pipeline is in constant interaction with its environment, which can result in variations in some of its characteristics (such as, for example, its flow rate, pressure, temperature, density, viscosity, or even the presence of air bubbles or foreign bodies), the measurement of which makes it possible not only to monitor the condition of the infrastructure and the fluid but also to optimize the performance of the systems.

[0004] The fundamental role of this monitoring is particularly evident in certain industrial sectors such as energy, water, chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, or even agri-food, for which even minimal deviations in the characteristics of fluids can lead to significant disturbances, or even failures with major economic and environmental consequences.

[0005] The measurement of one or more characteristics of the fluid can be obtained by means of at least one instrumented device through which this fluid passes and which is interposed between two upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline to which it is connected in a sealed manner.

[0006] Such a monitoring device defines an axial measuring conduit enabling the continuity of the fluid flow between the upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline and includes means for measuring certain characteristics of said fluid as well as means for connecting it to said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline.

[0007] For example, as disclosed in particular by document EP 2 533 023 Bl, magnetic induction flowmeters for measuring the flow rate of a circulating fluid are known, comprising a measuring conduit and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field passing at least partially through this measuring conduit. Such a flow meter also classically includes two electrodes to take a measurement voltage induced in the circulating fluid.

[0008] Monitoring devices using the principle of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) are also known, which is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows visualization of the internal electrical properties of the fluid by measuring variations in its impedance.

[0009] Weak electric currents thus pass through this fluid via a series of electrodes positioned around the measuring conduit. These currents generate electrical potential differences that the other electrodes measure. Depending on the variations in conductivity within the object, these measurements vary, which makes it possible, in particular, to detect the presence of heterogeneities, such as foreign bodies or air bubbles.

[0010] Generally, the measuring means of such a monitoring device are housed in a sealed, non-removable casing, which means that in the event of a malfunction, the device must be returned to the manufacturer's after-sales service for repair.

[0011] This constraint results in relatively long periods of unavailability of the device for the customer which can have very significant repercussions, particularly when the absence of this device requires the shutdown of the production line. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention therefore aims to facilitate the maintenance of such a monitoring device so as to reduce its period of unavailability in the event of failure or malfunction.

[0013] For this purpose, it proposes a device for monitoring a fluid circulating in a pipeline, intended to be interposed fluidically between two upstream and downstream portions of this pipeline, said device defining an axial measuring conduit enabling the continuity of the fluidic flow between said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline and comprising means for measuring certain characteristics of said fluid as well as means for connecting it to said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline.

[0014] According to the invention, the device comprises an instrumented ring including an annular ring carrying said measuring means and provided with a tubular sleeve whose inner face defines at least partially said measuring conduit, said device also comprising a covering and interface envelope surrounding the outer periphery of said ring to which it is made detachably attached by screw fastening means.

[0015] Said ring and said envelope define between them a technical zone sealed with respect to the fluid circulating in said measuring conduit as well as from the outside and housing at least partially said measuring means.

[0016] The particular conformation of the monitoring device thus allows its easy dismantling in the event of malfunction, giving access in particular to the measuring means so as to be able to carry out the necessary repairs on site without systematically having to send this device back to the manufacturer's after-sales service.

[0017] The invention thus ensures a considerable reduction in the period of unavailability of the monitoring device in the event of failure or malfunction.

[0018] In order to enable the detection of the presence of heterogeneities such as foreign bodies or air bubbles in the fluid, said measuring means advantageously comprise a plurality of electrical impedance tomography electrodes, arranged along the same average radial plane around the circumference of said ring and partially housed in a sealed manner in radial through holes provided in this ring, so that their respective internal ends are located flush with its cylindrical internal face in contact with the fluid circulating in said measuring conduit.

[0019] According to an advantageous construction facilitating in particular their extraction, said electrodes each comprise at their external end an electrical connection head protruding out of said ring inside said technical zone and electrically connected to an electrical cable.

[0020] In order to optimize the cost price of the device, said electrodes are preferably made up of simple standardized metal screws.

[0021] For reasons of simplicity and convenience in both manufacture and use, said ring is advantageously made in one piece from an electrically conductive material, said electrodes being screwed into electrically insulating cylindrical sockets and hermetically embedded in said radial through holes.

[0022] In order to prevent any radial displacement of the electrodes due to the pressure exerted on them by the fluid passing through the measuring conduit, each said electrode is preferably capped with an electrically insulating retaining cap cooperating radially against said peripheral envelope.

[0023] In order to prevent it from generating interference that could disrupt the potential measurements taken by the electrodes, said ring advantageously has a blind hole extending radially from its outer face near one of said radial through holes and into which a screw electrically connected to one end of an electrical grounding cable.

[0024] According to an even more economical embodiment of the instrumented ring, said ring can be made in one piece from an electrically insulating material, said electrodes then being directly screwed in a sealed manner into said radial through holes.

[0025] In order to obtain a more precise distribution of the internal resistivity of the fluid in the corresponding area of ​​the measuring conduit, said electrodes can be arranged mainly on a predefined angular sector between 45 and 90°.

[0026] According to a first preferred embodiment of the device, said casing comprises a metal cup defining a socket-type housing for said instrumented ring, said cup comprising a radial annular flange attached against a lateral radial face of said ring and a peripheral cylindrical band projecting axially opposite said flange over a depth corresponding to the axial depth of said ring which it surrounds.

[0027] For construction reasons ensuring the sealing of said technical area with respect to the fluid circulating in said measuring conduit, the inner lateral face of said flange in contact with said ring preferably has, near its inner perimeter, an annular groove receiving a seal made of elastomeric material.

[0028] For construction reasons ensuring the sealing of said technical area against the outside, said ring advantageously comprises a cylindrical tubular sleeve and a peripheral annular collar projecting radially from the outer lateral end portion of said sleeve and having, on its outer peripheral face in contact with said band, an annular groove receiving a seal made of elastomeric material.

[0029] In order to facilitate the movement of electrical cables connected to the measuring means around the sleeve, the inner face of said band preferably has an annular recess opening onto said technical area extending radially between said sleeve and said band and axially between said collar and said flange.

[0030] According to a second preferred embodiment of the device, said envelope comprises two metal half-shells fitted onto said ring and comprising two respective peripheral cylindrical half-bands joined together in a sealed manner by a flat gasket so as to form a continuous peripheral cylindrical band.

[0031] In order to optimize investment costs, the two metal half-shells are advantageously identical overall, each being made from a single part following a process comprising the molding of a common blank from the same mold followed by a differentiated complementary machining.

[0032] In order to be able to electrically connect the monitoring device according to the invention to external power supply, control and / or analysis devices while ensuring easy assembly, said enclosure also preferably includes a connection base attached fixedly and securely to the external face of said peripheral band and around the perimeter of a cylindrical passage orifice radially through this band opening onto said technical area, so as to allow the introduction of an electrical connector through this orifice and its assembly by snapping it securely onto said base.

[0033] According to a particularly compact construction of the device, said connection means are advantageously constituted by a plurality of axial cylindrical holes through said peripheral band and provided to be crossed by bolts also passing through holes made in flat attachment flanges arranged at the connection ends of said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline.

[0034] Finally, and according to construction variants allowing the device to be connected to other types of standardized attachment fittings arranged at the connection ends of the upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline, the device may also include a second interface element fixed in a removable manner by screwing to said ring of the instrumented ring and comprising a metal cheek having a flange attached against the radial lateral face of said ring opposite said casing, said connection means being made up of two standardized fittings welded to the free ends of two annular lateral protrusions projecting respectively from the external faces of said corresponding flanges of said cup and of said second interface element. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The description of the invention will now be continued by a detailed description of several embodiments, given below by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which: - [Fig.1] represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for monitoring a fluid flowing in a pipe; - [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] are exploded perspective views taken from different angles of the device of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the instrumented ring of the device of [Fig.1], without its insulating caps; - [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the device of [Fig.1] taken along its median radial plane; - [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] are cross-sectional views of the device of [Fig.1] taken respectively according to planes VI and VII of [Fig.5]; - [Fig.8] represents a perspective view of a first variant of the first embodiment of a device according to the invention; - [Fig.9] and [Fig. 10] are exploded perspective views taken from different angles of the device in [Fig.8]; - [Fig.1 1] represents a cross-sectional view of the device of [Fig.8] taken along an axial plane passing through the fixing screws of the envelope and of the second interface element on the instrumented ring; - [Fig. 12] represents a perspective view of a second variant of the first embodiment of a device according to the invention; - [Fig. 13] and [Fig. 14] are exploded perspective views taken from different angles of the device in [Fig. 12]; - [Fig. 15] represents a cross-sectional view of the device of [Fig. 12] taken along an axial plane passing through the fixing screws of the envelope and of the second interface element on the instrumented ring; - [Fig. 16] represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for monitoring a fluid circulating in a pipe; - [Fig. 17] and [Fig. 18] are exploded perspective views taken from different angles of the device in [Fig. 16]; - [Fig. 19] is a cross-sectional view of the device in [Fig. 16] taken along its median radial plane; and - [Fig.20] and [Fig.21] are cross-sectional views of the device of [Fig.1] taken respectively along planes XX and XXI of [Fig. 19]. Description of the implementation methods

[0036] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a device 1, according to a first embodiment of the invention, for monitoring a fluid circulating in a pipe not shown.

[0037] This device 1 is particularly intended to detect the presence of air bubbles, blockages, clogging or foreign bodies in the fluid by means of technical means implementing electrical resistivity tomography.

[0038] Intended to be interposed in a fluidic manner between two upstream and downstream portions of such a pipeline, the device 1 defines a cylindrical passage conduit C with axis A allowing the continuity of the fluidic flow between these two portions.

[0039] This device 1 comprises an instrumented ring 100 and a cover and interface envelope 200 fixedly fitted one into the other in a detachable manner along this axis A.

[0040] In the remainder of this description, the terms "external" and "internal" will be used to define the relative position of an element with reference to the axis A of the measuring conduit C. The element closest to this axis A will thus be described as internal as opposed to the other element further away from this same axis A which will be described as external.

[0041] Furthermore, the term "axial" will be used to define the orientation of an element along a direction parallel to the axis A of the measuring conduit C, while the term "radial" will be used to define the orientation of an element along a direction extending radially to this same axis.

[0042] We will now describe in more detail the instrumented ring 100 and the cover and interface envelope 200 with support in particular of figures 2 and 3 representing exploded views in perspective from different angles of the device 1.

[0043] The instrumented ring 100 comprises an annular ring 110 made in one piece (advantageously by a molding process followed by a clean machining) in an electrically conductive material (preferably in a metal such as stainless steel).

[0044] Having a symmetry of revolution about the axis A, the annular ring 110 includes a cylindrical tubular sleeve 111 whose inner face 111A defines at least partially the measuring conduit C centered on this axis A.

[0045] This annular ring 110 also includes, at its outer lateral end located on the side opposite to that turned towards the casing 200, a peripheral annular collar 112 projecting radially from the sleeve 111 and having on its outer peripheral face an annular groove receiving an O-ring 120 made of elastomeric material.

[0046] According to embodiment variants particularly adapted to pipelines in which acidic fluids circulate, the annular ring 110 could be made in one piece from an electrically conductive ceramic or from an electrically conductive thermoplastic polymer such as, for example, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) loaded with conductive carbon fibers.

[0047] The instrumented ring 100 also includes measuring means comprising a plurality of electrical impedance tomography electrodes 130 (in this case, four) carried by the annular ring 110, arranged along the same average radial plane around its circumference and partially housed in a sealed manner in radial through holes 114 formed in the sleeve 111, so that their respective internal ends are located flush with its cylindrical internal face in contact with the fluid circulating in the measuring conduit C.

[0048] Advantageously made up of simple standardized stainless steel screws, these electrodes 130, more clearly visible in Figures 4 to 6, each include at their external end an electrical connection head 131 protruding from the ring 110 and on which is attached, as illustrated by [Fig.4], a lyre-shaped metal clip 140 electrically connected to the first end of an electrical cable not shown.

[0049] The electrodes 130 are arranged mainly on a predefined angular sector advantageously between 45 and 90° (being preferably spaced two by two with the same angular interval on this sector) in order to obtain a more precise distribution of the internal resistivity of the fluid in the corresponding area of ​​the measuring conduit C.

[0050] Such an arrangement is therefore particularly relevant for detecting, efficiently and relatively cheaply due to the limited number of electrodes 130, the presence of air bubbles in fluids flowing in horizontal pipes since these air bubbles will naturally tend to be found in the upper part of these pipes where the concentration of these electrodes 130 will be maximum.

[0051] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the number, shape and / or arrangement of the electrodes 130 may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, they may be uniformly distributed angularly around the circumference of the ring 110.

[0052] In order to electrically isolate the electrodes 130 from each other and from the ring 110, the latter are screwed, by means of a screw recess provided in their head 131, into electrically insulating cylindrical sockets made of plastic material 150, visible in figures 5 and 6, and embedded in a sealed manner in the holes 114.

[0053] As illustrated by figures 5 and 6, the seal between each sleeve 150 and a corresponding bore 114 of the ring 110 is ensured by an O-ring 121 made of elastomer material received in an annular groove formed in this sleeve 150 and being compressed against the inner wall of this bore 114.

[0054] With reference to this [Fig.6], the seal between each electrode 130 and a corresponding sleeve 150 is ensured by an O-ring 122 made of elastomer material received in a counterbore formed at the entrance of this sleeve 150 and compressed by the head 131 of this electrode 130.

[0055] In order to prevent any radial displacement of the electrodes 130 due to the pressure exerted on them by the fluid flowing through the measuring conduit C and with reference to the Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, each electrode 130 is capped with an electrically insulating cap 160 mounted on its head 131 by means of a pin 161 provided on this cap 160 and pressed into their screwing imprint.

[0056] Having a curved external face with a radial cross-section in an arc of a circle centered on the axis A, each cap 160 has an external face that fits the profile of the external peripheral perimeter of the annular collar 112.

[0057] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the sleeve 111 also has a blind tapped hole 115 extending radially from its outer face near one of the through holes 114 and into which a screw 170 is screwed in a sealed manner, using a polymerizable anaerobic resin such as Loctite® 542. This screw is electrically connected to one end of a grounding cable (not shown). The presence of this screw 170 ensures that the ring 110 is grounded to the fluid flowing in the measuring conduit C, thus preventing the ring 110 from generating interference that could disrupt the potential measurements taken by the electrodes.

[0058] The second ends of the electrical cables connected to the electrodes 130 and to this grounding screw 170 are further electrically connected, preferably by welding, to a connector 180 visible only on the [Fig.5].

[0059] Again with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the cover and interface envelope 200 surrounds the outer periphery of the ring 110 of the instrumented ring 100. This envelope 200 includes a cup 210 made in one piece (advantageously by a molding process followed by a clean machining) in a metallic material such as stainless steel.

[0060] Having substantially a symmetry of revolution about the axis A, the bowl 210 includes, at its external lateral end located on the side opposite to that turned towards the instrumented ring 100, a radial annular flange 211 attached against a lateral radial face of the ring 110 and of the same internal diameter as that of the sleeve 111 which it extends axially.

[0061] This bowl 210 also includes a peripheral cylindrical band 212 extending axially from the side of the instrumented ring 100 from and along the outer peripheral border of the flange 211.

[0062] This peripheral cylindrical band 212 protrudes axially vis-à-vis the flange 211 over a depth corresponding to the axial depth of the ring 110 which it surrounds, and has an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the collar 112 of this ring 110, so as to define a socket-fitting housing for the latter.

[0063] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the cover and interface envelope 200 also includes an attached branch base 220 fixedly by screwing in a watertight manner, via a seal 230 integrated into this base 220 and visible on the [Fig.5], against a flat 213 made on the external face of the bowl 210 and on the perimeter of a cylindrical passage orifice 214 radially crossing the peripheral band 212.

[0064] Opening onto the technical area housing the electrode heads 131, the clipping clips 140 and the electrical cables, extending radially between the sleeve 111 and the band 212 and axially between the collar 112 and the flange 211, this passage 214 allows, during the assembly of the instrumented ring 100 on the casing 200, the connector 180 of the instrumented ring 100 to be introduced so as to be able to mount it by snap-fitting in a leak-proof manner on this base 220 via a seal 190 integrated into this connector 180 and visible on the [Fig.5].

[0065] As can be seen in particular on [Fig.6], the inner face of the peripheral band 212 advantageously has an annular recess 215 opening onto the technical area so as to facilitate the movement of the electrical cables connected to the electrodes 130 around the sleeve 111 by allowing them in particular to pass over the insulating caps 160.

[0066] With reference to figures 2 and 6, the inner lateral face of the flange 211 in contact with the ring 110 has, near its inner perimeter, an annular groove receiving an O-ring 240 made of elastomer material.

[0067] In the mounted configuration of the device 1 and as illustrated by [Fig.6], this seal 240 ensures the sealing of the technical area with respect to the fluid circulating in the measuring conduit C.

[0068] It will be noted on this occasion in support of this same [Fig.6], that the O-ring 120, received in the annular groove provided on the external peripheral face of the peripheral annular collar 112 in contact with the band 212, makes it possible for this technical area to be sealed against the outside of the device 1 in order to avoid in particular any infiltration of liquid in the event of cleaning of this device by a high pressure cleaner.

[0069] It will also be noted, again with reference to [Fig.6], that the radial cooperation against the inner face of the peripheral band 212 ensures the radial retention of the electrodes 130 against the thrust force exerted by the fluid circulating in the measuring conduit C.

[0070] In order to avoid any risk of pinching the electrical cables connecting the electrodes 130 during the assembly of the instrumented ring 100 on the casing 200 and as illustrated by figures 2 and 5, the inner lateral face of the flange 211 facing this instrumented ring 100 also advantageously presents an indicative annular groove 216 visually translating for the operator in charge of this operation the radial limit of the technical zone.

[0071] Again with reference to [Fig.2], this flange 211 further has several (in this case, four) smooth axial through holes 217, arranged radially between the annular groove receiving the seal 240 and the annular groove 216.

[0072] Advantageously distributed angularly and regularly around the circumference of the bowl 210, these holes 217 are provided to receive, after the casing 200 is fitted onto the ring 110 of the instrumented ring 100 and as illustrated by [Fig.7], fixing screws Vj which are then screwed in a sealed manner, via a polymerizable anaerobic resin such as Loctite® 542, into corresponding axial tapped through holes 116 provided on the sleeve 111 and visible on [Fig.3], so as to achieve the fixing in a removable manner between this casing 200 and this ring 110.

[0073] In order to prevent the heads of the screws Vj from protruding axially from the outer lateral face of the flange 211, reception counterbores 217A for these are further provided at the entrance of the holes 217 as illustrated by [Fig.3].

[0074] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 6, the flange 211 finally has means for facilitating the extraction of the instrumented ring 100 from the casing 200 after the removal of the fixing screws Vp. These means consist in this case of two axial through-drilled extraction holes 218, arranged radially in a diametrically opposed manner between the annular groove receiving the seal 240 and the annular groove 216, and intended to receive extraction screws not shown having threaded rods whose length is greater than the thickness of this flange 211 so as to exert an axial thrust force on the sleeve 111 causing the instrumented ring 100 to come out of the casing 200.

[0075] In order to allow its connection by bolting between two standardized flat attachment flanges arranged at the connection ends of the upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline between which it is interposed, the device 1 finally comprises a plurality of axial cylindrical holes 219 through the peripheral band 212 of the bowl 210 advantageously according to the standard NF EN 1092 relating to flat flanges and provided for to be crossed by bolts also passing through holes provided in these two flat attachment flanges.

[0076] It will be noted that the flat gaskets interposed each between the device 1 and one of these flat attachment flanges to ensure sealing at the interfaces of connection between these elements will also seal the inlets of the smooth bores 217 receiving the screws Vi as well as those of the extraction bores 218 in order to avoid any risk of liquid infiltration from outside the device 1 into the technical area and through these bores 217, 218 in particular in the event of cleaning this device by a high pressure cleaner.

[0077] As illustrated by [Fig. 1], the integration of the fixing means in the peripheral band 212 ensures a minimization of the axial thickness of the device 1 which will in practice be mainly defined by that of the instrumented ring 100 advantageously between 20 and 50 millimeters (and even more preferably between 30 and 40 millimeters), so as to allow it to be installed without having to cut a section of the pipeline but by simply inserting it between two pre-existing portions of this pipeline previously connected by bolting which will simply be moved slightly apart from each other.

[0078] We will now quickly describe, with support of figures 8 to 11, a device 1' conforming to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention described above and intended to be connected between two standard SMS type (for "Swedish Manufacturing Standard" in English) attachment fittings arranged at the connection ends of the upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline between which it is interposed.

[0079] In the following and in these figures 8 to 11, the same references have been kept for the elements identical to the first embodiment and a prime has been added for the similar elements.

[0080] The device 1' comprises an instrumented ring 100 identical to that of the device 1 and a cover and interface envelope 200' similar to that of this device 1 except for the differences listed below.

[0081] The peripheral band 212' of its cup 210' is devoid of fixing holes such as 219 and has a lesser radial thickness. This cup 210' further comprises an annular protrusion 210A' of revolution about the axis A and projecting axially from the outer face of the flange 211' from its inner periphery.

[0082] The cover and interface envelope 200' also includes a first male or female metal fitting (preferably in stainless steel) of type SMS 250', fixedly attached to the free end of this annular protrusion 221' by a weld bead Sf advantageously treated by a passivation process in order to improve its corrosion resistance.

[0083] The holes 217' made in the bottom flange 211' are without counterbores to accommodate the heads of the fixing screws Vj which protrude axially from the outer lateral face of this bottom flange 211 (no external element comes into contact with this outer lateral face when fixing the device 1' between two upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline).

[0084] It will also be noted in support of [Fig. 1 1] that the inlet circumference of each bore 217' is provided with a counterbore receiving a compressed elastomer O-ring 260', in the mounted configuration of the device 1' by the head of a Vicorrespondante fixing screw, in order to prevent any risk of infiltration of liquid from outside the device 1' into the technical area and through these perforations 217' in particular when cleaning this device with a high pressure cleaner.

[0085] V2 screws with threaded stems whose length is less than the thickness of this bottom flange 211' are further screwed in a sealed manner onto the extraction holes 218 via a polymerizable anaerobic resin such as Loctite® 542 and in order to avoid any risk of liquid infiltration from outside the device 1' into the technical area and through these extraction holes 218 in particular in the event of cleaning this device by a high pressure cleaner.

[0086] The device 1' also includes a second interface element 300' fixedly attached to the lateral end of the instrumented ring 100 opposite the envelope 200'.

[0087] This second interface element 300' comprises a one-piece metal cheek 310' having a symmetry of revolution around the axis A and comprising a radial annular flange 311', attached against the radial lateral face of the ring 110 opposite the envelope 200', and of the same internal diameter as that of the sleeve 111 which it axially extends.

[0088] With reference to [Fig. 10], the inner lateral face of the flange 311' facing the instrumented ring 100 has, near its inner perimeter, an annular groove receiving an O-ring 320' made of elastomeric material.

[0089] In the mounted configuration of the device 1', this seal 320' ensures the seal between the measuring conduit C in which the fluid flows and the outside of this device 1'.

[0090] As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, this flange 311' also has several (in this case, four) smooth axial through holes 313' advantageously distributed angularly and regularly around its circumference. These holes 313' are designed to receive, after the second interface member 300' is pressed against the instrumented ring 100 and as illustrated in [Fig. 11], fixing screws V3 which are then screwed in a sealed manner, using a polymerizable anaerobic resin such as Loctite® 542, into the corresponding tapped axial through holes 116 provided in the sleeve 111, so as to achieve the fixing between this instrumented ring 100 and this second interface member 300'.

[0091] The cheek 310' further includes an annular protrusion 314' of revolution around the axis A, projecting axially from the outer face of the flange 311' from its inner perimeter.

[0092] This second interface element 300' also includes a second male or female metal fitting (preferably made of stainless steel) of type SMS 330', reported fixedly to the free end of this annular protrusion 314' by a weld bead S2' advantageously treated by a passivation process in order to improve its corrosion resistance.

[0093] We will now quickly describe, with support of Figures 12 to 15, a device 1” conforming to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention described above and intended to be connected between two standard quick-release clamp fittings (commonly called “Clamp” according to their Anglo-Saxon designation) arranged at the connection ends of the upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline between which it is interposed.

[0094] In the following and in these figures 12 to 15, the same references have been kept for the elements identical to the device 1' according to the first variant and a double prime has been added for the similar elements.

[0095] The device 1” includes an instrumented ring 100 identical to that of devices 1 and 1', and a cover and interface envelope 200” similar to that 200' of device 1' except that it includes a first male or female metal fitting (preferably in stainless steel) of the quick-release clamp type 270”, fixedly attached to the free end of the annular protrusion 210A” of its cup 210” (whose profile is adapted to this fitting) by a Si” weld bead advantageously treated by a passivation process in order to improve its corrosion resistance.

[0096] This device 1” also includes a second interface element 300” similar to that 300' of the device 1’ except that it includes a second male or female metal fitting (preferably in stainless steel) of the quick-release clamp type 340”, fixedly attached to the free end of the annular protrusion 314” of its cheek 310” (whose profile is adapted to this fitting) by a weld bead S2” advantageously treated by a passivation process in order to improve its corrosion resistance.

[0097] We will now describe, with reference to Figures 16 to 21, a device 2 conforming to a second embodiment of the invention and also intended to be interposed fluidically between two upstream and downstream portions of a pipeline.

[0098] Defining a cylindrical measuring conduit C' of axis A' allowing the continuity of the fluidic flow between these two portions, this device 2 comprises an instrumented ring 400 and a covering and interface envelope 500.

[0099] With reference to figures 17 and 18, the instrumented ring 400 comprises an annular ring 410 made of an electrically insulating material and having rotational symmetry about the axis A'.

[0100] The ring 410 is advantageously obtained by a three-dimensional printing process, from a reinforced thermoplastic polymer resin possibly in synthetic and / or natural fillers. The three-dimensional printing process used will for example be of the type by fused filament deposition (or FDM for "Fused Deposition Modeling" in English), by stereolithography (or SLA for "Stereolithography" in English), or by selective laser sintering (or SLS for "Selective Laser Sintering" in English).

[0101] In the case of larger production volumes, this ring 410 could alternatively be produced by a plastic injection process.

[0102] In order to limit mechanical wear over time and ensure a lifespan of several years, this thermoplastic polymer resin will preferably be chosen from glycolized polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) and polycarbonate (PC).

[0103] The ring 410 comprises a cylindrical tubular sleeve 411, the inner face 411A of which defines at least partially (and in this case entirely) the measuring conduit C' centered on this axis. This ring 410 also comprises a peripheral annular collar 412 projecting radially from the sleeve 411 and axially centered on the radial median plane of this ring 410.

[0104] The two lateral portions of the sleeve 411 located axially on either side of this annular collar 412 each have on their external peripheral face a respective annular groove receiving a corresponding O-ring 421, 422 made of elastomeric material.

[0105] As illustrated by [Fig. 19], the instrumented ring 400 further comprises measuring means including a plurality of electrical impedance tomography electrodes 430 (in this case, four) carried by the annular ring 410 arranged along the same average radial plane around its circumference and partially housed in a sealed manner in radial through holes 414 provided in the sleeve 411, so that their respective inner ends are located flush with its cylindrical inner face in contact with the fluid circulating in the measuring conduit C'.

[0106] Advantageously made up of simple standardized stainless steel screws, these electrodes 430 each include at their external end an electrical connection head 431 protruding out of the ring 410 and on which is attached a metal clip not shown similar to the clips 140 of device 1 and electrically connected to the first end of an electrical cable not shown.

[0107] In the same way as for device 1, the electrodes 430 are arranged mainly on a predefined angular sector advantageously between 45 and 90° (being preferably spaced two by two at the same interval angular on this sector) in order to obtain a more accurate distribution of the internal resistivity of the fluid in the corresponding area of ​​the measuring conduit C'.

[0108] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the number, shape and / or arrangement of the electrodes 430 may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, they may be uniformly distributed angularly around the circumference of the ring 410.

[0109] The electrodes 430 can be screwed directly in a sealed manner, via a polymerizable anaerobic resin such as Loctite® 542, into the holes 414 advantageously tapped beforehand.

[0110] It will be noted that the plastic composition of the ring 410 ensures the electrical insulation of these electrodes from each other and with respect to this ring 410, so as to make it possible to do without insulating sleeves such as 150 as well as grounding screws such as 170.

[0111] Such screwing of the electrodes 430 into the tapped holes 414 also allows blocking these radially, which also eliminates the need for stop caps such as 160.

[0112] The second ends of the electrical cables connected to the electrodes 430 are further electrically connected, preferably by welding, to a connector not shown and similar to that 180 of the device 1.

[0113] Again with reference to Figures 17 and 18, the cover and interface envelope 500 surrounds the outer periphery of the ring 410 of the instrumented ring 400, to which it is attached in a removable manner. This envelope 500 comprises two metal half-shells 510A, 510B (preferably made of stainless steel) having substantially rotational symmetry about the axis A' and being fixedly attached to each other in a sealed and removable manner along this axis.

[0114] Generally identical, these metal half-shells 510A, 510B are each made from a single piece advantageously following a process comprising the molding of a common blank from the same mold followed by complementary machining differentiated by precision and cleanliness.

[0115] The use of a single mold for the manufacture of these two metal half-shells 510A, 510B is thus particularly advantageous from an economic point of view since it makes it possible to considerably reduce the investment costs required for the manufacture of the device 2.

[0116] Each half-shell 510A, 510B comprises at its outer lateral end located on the side opposite that facing the instrumented ring 400, a radial annular flange 511A, 511B whose internal diameter corresponds to the external diameter of the sleeve 411 onto one of the lateral portions of which it fits by coming to attach by its inner lateral face against a corresponding lateral face of the collar 412 forming shoulder (see [Fig.20]).

[0117] Each metal half-shell 510A, 510B also includes a peripheral cylindrical half-band 512A, 512B extending axially from the side of the instrumented ring 100 from and along the outer peripheral border of its bottom flange 51 IA, 511B.

[0118] The peripheral cylindrical half-bands 512A, 512B are joined to each other in a sealed manner by their respective inner lateral faces via a flat annular seal 520 made of metal or an elastomeric material, so as to form a continuous cylindrical band 512.

[0119] The cover and interface envelope 500 also includes a branch base not shown but similar to that 220 of the device 1 and fixedly attached by screwing in a sealed manner, via a seal integrated into this base, against a flat 513 provided on the external face of the band 512 and on the periphery of a cylindrical passage orifice 514 radially traversing this same peripheral band 512 (the flat 513 and the passage orifice 514 being each formed for half by the half-band 512A and for the other half by the half-band 512B as illustrated by figures 17 and 18).

[0120] Opening onto the technical area housing the heads 431 of the electrodes 430, the clipping clips and the electrical cables by extending radially between the peripheral annular collar 412 and the band 512 and axially between the inner lateral faces of the two flanges 51 IA, 511B, this passage 514 allows, during the assembly of the instrumented ring 400 on the envelope 500, the connector of this instrumented ring 400 to be introduced so as to be able to be mounted by snap-fitting in a sealed manner on the connection base via a seal integrated into this connector.

[0121] The presence of this passage orifice 514 causing a discontinuity in the flat seal 520, the cover and interface envelope 500 also includes a cylindrical sleeve 530 embedded in a sealed manner, via at least one sealing O-ring not shown integrated into this sleeve 530, in this orifice 514 and in which the connector is housed.

[0122] In the mounted configuration of the device 2 and as illustrated by figures 19 to 21, the flat gasket 520 associated with the sleeve 530 as well as the O-rings 421, 422 received in the annular grooves provided on the lateral portions of the sleeve 411 of the instrumented ring 400 make it possible to ensure the sealing of the technical area with respect to the outside of the device 2 in order to avoid in particular any infiltration of liquid in the event of cleaning of this device by a high pressure cleaner.

[0123] Again with reference to [Fig. 21], the peripheral half-band 512B further has several (in this case, four) smooth axial through holes 517, advantageously distributed angularly and regularly around its circumference, and designed to receive, after the half-shells 510A, 510B are fitted onto the ring 410 of the instrumented ring 400, fixing screws (not shown) passing through the flat gasket 520 and then screwing in a watertight manner, via a polymerizable anaerobic resin such as Loctite® 542, into corresponding tapped axial through holes 516 provided on the peripheral half-band 512A, so as to achieve a removable connection between these two half-bands 512A, 512B, which has the effect of making the casing 500 of ring 410.

[0124] In order to prevent the heads of these fixing screws from protruding axially from the outer lateral face of the peripheral half-band 512B, reception counterbores 517A for these are further provided at the entrance of the holes 517 as illustrated by [Fig. 18].

[0125] In order to allow its fixing by bolting between two standardized flat attachment flanges arranged at the connection ends of the upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline between which it is interposed, the device 2 finally includes a plurality of axial cylindrical holes 519 through the peripheral band 512 and the flat gasket 520 advantageously according to standard NF EN 1092 relating to flat flanges and provided for to be crossed by bolts also passing through holes provided in these two flat attachment flanges (these holes 519 being each formed for half by the half-band 512A and for the other half by the half-band 512B as illustrated by figures 17 and 18).

[0126] Many other embodiments are also possible and it should be recalled in this regard that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented, but also encompasses all the execution variants within the reach of a person skilled in the art.

[0127] The ring of the instrumented ring 100 of the devices 1, 1' and 1” could for example be made in one piece from an electrically insulating material, the electrodes 130 being directly screwed in a sealed manner into the radial through holes of this ring.

[0128] Conversely, the ring of the instrumented ring 400 of the device 2 could be made in one piece from an electrically conductive material, the electrodes 430 then being screwed into electrically insulating cylindrical sockets such as 150 and hermetically embedded in the radial through holes of this ring.

[0129] The devices according to the invention could also include other types of measuring means housed at least partially in the technical area, such as, in particular: - a temperature sensor partially housed in a sealed manner in a radial through-drilling made in the ring so that its inner end is flush with its cylindrical inner face in contact with the fluid circulating in the measuring conduit, and equipped with an electrical connection head positioned in this technical area; - a temperature sensor entirely housed in the technical area by being in contact with one of the electrode heads; - a piezoelectric pressure sensor partially housed in a sealed radial through-drilling in the ring so that its inner end is flush with its cylindrical inner face or protrudes inside the measuring conduit, and equipped with an electrical connection head positioned in this technical area; - an electromagnetic flowmeter entirely housed in the technical area; - a radiation sensor, such as a BG51 type sensor, mounted on a mini electronic board housed in the technical area, capable of measuring beta and gamma radiation as well as X-rays; and / or - other means of measurement such as gyroscope, hydrometer, geopositioning sensor, gas analyzer, level sensor, sonar, etc.

Claims

Demands

1. A monitoring device (1; 1'; 1"; 2) for a fluid flowing in a pipeline, intended to be fluidically interposed between two upstream and downstream portions of that pipeline, said device defining an axial measuring conduit (C; C') enabling the continuity of the fluid flow between said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline and comprising measuring means (130; 430) for certain characteristics of said fluid as well as connecting means (219; 250', 330'; 270", 340") for its attachment to said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline; characterized in that it comprises an instrumented ring (100; 400) including an annular ring (110; 410) carrying said measuring means (130; 430) and provided with a tubular sleeve (111; 411) the inner face of which defines at least partially said measuring conduit (C; C'), said device (1; 1'; 1”;2) also comprising a covering and interface envelope (200; 200'; 200"; 500) surrounding the external periphery of said ring (110; 410) to which it is made detachably attached by screw fastening means (Vi), said ring (110; 410) and said envelope (200; 200'; 200"; 500) defining between them a technical zone sealed with respect to the fluid circulating in said measuring conduit (C; C') as well as from the outside and housing at least partially said measuring means (130; 430).;

2. Device (1; 1'; 1"; 2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said measuring means comprise a plurality of electrical impedance tomography electrodes (130; 430), arranged along the same average radial plane around the circumference of said ring (110; 410) and partially housed in a sealed manner in radial through holes (114; 414) provided in this ring (110; 410), so that their respective inner ends are located flush with its cylindrical inner face in contact with the fluid circulating in said measuring conduit (C; C').

3. Device (1; 1'; 1"; 2) according to claim 2, characterized in that said electrodes (130; 430) each comprise at their external end an electrical connection head (131; 431) projecting out of said ring (110; 410) inside said technical area and electrically connected to an electrical cable.

4. Device (1; 1'; 1"; 2) according to claim 3, characterized in that said electrodes (130; 430) are made up of simple standardized metal screws.

5. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said ring (110) is made in one piece of an electrically conductive material, said electrodes (130) being screwed into electrically insulating cylindrical sockets (150) and hermetically sealed into said radial through holes (114).

6. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 5, characterized in that each said electrode (130; 430) is capped with an electrically insulating retaining cap (160) cooperating radially in butt against said peripheral envelope (200; 200'; 200").

7. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said ring (110) has a blind hole (115) extending radially from its outer face near one of said radial through holes (114) and in which is screwed in a sealed manner a screw (170) electrically connected to a first end of an electrical grounding cable.

8. Device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said ring (410) is made in one piece of an electrically insulating material, said electrodes (430) being directly screwed in a sealed manner into said radial through holes (414).

9. Device (1; 1'; 1"; 2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said electrodes (130; 430) are arranged predominantly on a predefined angular sector between 45 and 90°.

10. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said casing (200; 200'; 200") comprises a metal cup (210; 210'; 210") defining a snap-fit ​​housing for said instrumented ring (100), said cup (210; 210'; 210") comprising a radial annular flange (211; 211') attached to a lateral radial face of said ring (110) and a peripheral cylindrical band (212; 212') projecting axially from said flange (211; 211') to a depth corresponding to the axial depth of said ring (110) which it surrounds.

11. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 10, characterized in that the inner lateral face of said flange (211; 211') in contact with said ring (110) has, near its inner perimeter, an annular groove receiving a seal made of elastomeric material (240) ensuring the sealing of said technical area with respect to the fluid circulating in said measuring conduit (C).

12. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said ring (110) comprises a cylindrical tubular sleeve (111) and a peripheral annular collar (112) projecting radially from the outer lateral end portion of said sleeve (111) and having, on its outer peripheral face in contact with said band (212; 212'), an annular groove receiving a seal made of elastomeric material (120) ensuring the sealing of said technical area with respect to the outside.

13. Device (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 12, characterized in that the inner face of said band (212; 212') has an annular recess (215) opening onto said technical area extending radially between said sleeve (111) and said band (212; 212') and axially between said collar (112) and said flange (211; 211').

14. Device (1'; 1") according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it also comprises a second interface element (300'; 300") detachably fixed by screwing to said ring (110) of the instrumented ring (100) and comprising a metal cheek (310'; 310") having a flange (311') attached to the radial lateral face of said ring (110) opposite said casing (200'; 200"), said connection means being constituted by two standardized fittings (250', 330'; 270", 340") welded to the free ends of two annular lateral projections (314', 210A'; 314", 210A") projecting respectively from the outer faces of said corresponding flanges (211', 311') of said bowl (210' ; 210”) and of said second interface element (300' ; 300”).

15. Device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said casing (500) comprises two metal half-shells (510A, 510B) fitted onto said ring (410) and comprising two respective peripheral cylindrical half-bands (512A, 512B) joined to each other in a hermetically sealed manner by a flat joint (520) so as to form a continuous peripheral cylindrical band (512).

16. Device (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that the two metal half-shells (510A, 510B), which are overall identical, are each made from a single piece following a process comprising the molding of a common blank from the same mold followed by a differentiated complementary machining.

17. Device (1; 1'; 1"; 2) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that said enclosure (200; 200'; 200"; 500) also comprises a branch base (220) fixedly and hermetically attached to the outer face of said peripheral band (212; 212'; 512) and around the perimeter of a cylindrical passage orifice (214; 514) radially passing through this band (212; 212'; 512) and opening onto said technical area, so as to allow the introduction of an electrical connector (180) through this orifice (214; 514) and its mounting by snap-fitting in a hermetically sealed manner onto said base (220).

18. Device (1; 2) according to any one of claims 10 to 13 and 14 to 17, characterized in that said connection means consist of a plurality of axial cylindrical holes (219; 519) through said peripheral band (212; 512) and provided to be traversed by bolts also passing through holes made in flat attachment flanges arranged at the connection ends of said upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline.