Ultrasonic measurement device and ultrasonic measurement method

Abstract

To measure a fluid in a pipe by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves while maintaining a state in which positions of a transmitter that transmits the ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives the ultrasonic waves are adjusted with respect to a circumferential direction of the pipe.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic measurement device 100 for measuring a flow rate of a fluid in a pipe P using a transmitter 1 that transmits ultrasonic waves and a receiver 2 that receives the ultrasonic waves, includes: a casing 4 that houses the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 and holds the transmitter and the receiver in a manner that allows positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 to be adjusted relative to a circumferential direction of the pipe P; and a fixing mechanism 5 that is a separate component from the casing 4 and fixes an attitude of the casing 4, with the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 adjusted relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe P, to an external fixing surface S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic measurement device and an ultrasonic measurement method. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional ultrasonic measuring device, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, includes a device that has first and second halves that clamp a pipe, one side of the first and second halves are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge mechanism, and the other ends of the first and second halves are closed to each other by a clamp mechanism and attached to the pipe. A pair of ultrasonic transmitters and receivers that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe are embedded in the first half, and the ultrasonic measuring device measures the flow rate in the pipe by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves while attached to the pipe. This allows the flow rate to be measured by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves without cutting the existing pipe, so that it is possible to prevent fluid leakage from the pipe or the inclusion of impurities when cutting the existing pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-154894 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the ultrasonic measuring device described above is fixed to an external frame by screwing bolts into a number of screw holes provided on the back side of the first half. In this case, the posture in which the ultrasonic measuring device is attached to the pipe is uniquely determined, so the position of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe cannot be adjusted. Therefore, if a member (e.g., conductive PFA) that does not easily transmit ultrasonic waves is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, if the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver is in contact with the member, ultrasonic waves cannot be transmitted or received, and ultrasonic measurement cannot be performed.

[0005] In addition, if the thickness of the pipes varies and the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver can only be fixed to the thicker parts, ultrasonic waves will be difficult to transmit in the thicker parts, which also makes it difficult to perform effective measurements using ultrasonic waves.

[0006] Furthermore, if air bubbles or particles flow through the pipe, the air bubbles or particles will impede ultrasonic measurement. On the other hand, if there is a part in the pipe through which air bubbles or particles can easily pass, the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver cannot be fixed only to that part, and this also makes it difficult to perform measurement using ultrasonic waves.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the problems described above, and its main objective is to measure the fluid in a pipe by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves while keeping the positions of the transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and the receiver that receives ultrasonic waves adjusted circumferentially around the pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In other words, the ultrasonic measuring device of the present invention is an ultrasonic measuring device that measures a fluid in a pipe using a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves, and is characterized in that it comprises a casing that houses the transmitter and the receiver and grips the pipe with the positions of the transmitter and the receiver adjusted relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe, and a fixing mechanism that is a separate part from the casing and fixes the attitude of the casing with the positions of the transmitter and the receiver adjusted relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe to an external fixed surface.

[0009] With such an ultrasonic measurement device, a user can attach the casing to the pipe at any position in the circumferential direction of the pipe, and the fixing mechanism fixes the casing to an external fixed surface, so that the flow rate can be measured by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves while the casing is maintained in any position. Therefore, even if there is a part in the pipe where ultrasonic waves are difficult to transmit, the positions of the transmitter and receiver can be adjusted to positions that avoid that part, and the fixing member fixes the casing, so that the fluid in the pipe can be measured by ultrasonic waves while the positions of the transmitter and receiver are maintained in positions that avoid that part.

[0010] It is desirable that the casing has a fixed surface to which the fixing mechanism is fixed, and that the fixed surface is coaxial with the pipe when the casing is in a state where the pipe is gripped by the casing. With this configuration, when the fixing mechanism fixes the casing to an external fixing surface, the casing is positioned and fixed to the piping. Therefore, regardless of whether the casing is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the distance between the transmitter and the piping and the receiver does not change, and ultrasonic measurement can be performed with high accuracy.

[0011] It is desirable that the fixing mechanism defines the distance between the casing and the fixing surface. With this configuration, the distance between the casing and the fixing surface is maintained constant, so that when the fixing mechanism fixes the casing, the casing can be prevented from moving toward the fixing surface.

[0012] In a specific embodiment of the ultrasonic measurement device, a pair of matching members that contact the transmitter and the piping, or the receiver and the piping, respectively, are housed in the casing.

[0013] It is desirable that the fixing mechanism fix a position of the casing that is different from each of the aligning members in the axial direction of the pipe. With this configuration, the fixing mechanism fixes the casing, making it difficult for the alignment member to be pressed toward the piping. Therefore, regardless of the casing being fixed by the fixing mechanism, the distance between the transmitter and receiver and the piping does not change, and accurate measurements can be made using ultrasound.

[0014] The casing may include a pair of housing portions that house the pair of alignment members, respectively, and a pressing mechanism that presses the alignment members against the housing portions. With this configuration, when the alignment member is accommodated in the casing, the alignment member is pressed down by the pressing mechanism and fixed to the accommodation portion. Therefore, compared to when the alignment member is fixed to the accommodation portion using adhesive, the alignment member can be fixed without using adhesive, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0015] The casing comprises a first casing element and a second casing element divided circumferentially around the piping, a connecting portion connecting one circumferential end portion of the first casing element and the second casing element, and a locking mechanism that locks the first casing element and the second casing element in a state in which they grip the piping, and the locking mechanism has a locking member that moves along the outer peripheral surface of the first casing element or the second casing element to switch between lock and unlock. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the casing is attached to a pipe by rotating a hook-shaped member whose tip is bent into a hook shape, when the casing is unlocked, the casing does not expand in the width direction, so that the casing can be attached to a pipe installed in a narrow place, for example.

[0016] Further, an ultrasonic measurement method is an ultrasonic measurement method using an ultrasonic measurement device that measures the flow rate of a fluid in a pipe using a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves, wherein the ultrasonic measurement device houses the transmitter and the receiver and includes a casing that grips the pipe and a fixing mechanism that is a separate part from the casing, and the positions of the transmitter and the receiver are adjusted relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe, the pipe is gripped by the casing, and the attitude of the casing with the positions of the transmitter and the receiver adjusted relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe is fixed to an external fixed surface by the fixing mechanism. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the ultrasonic measurement device described above. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the positions of the transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and the receiver that receives ultrasonic waves can be kept adjusted circumferentially around the pipe, and the fluid in the pipe can be measured by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic measurement device taken along the axial direction of a pipe in the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A is a diagram showing a state in which the locking mechanism is locked, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which the locking mechanism is unlocked in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the casing is open, as viewed from the axial direction of the piping in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing the attitude of a casing as viewed from the axial direction of a pipe in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic measurement device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram of an ultrasonic measurement device according to another embodiment, as viewed from the axial direction of a pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] An embodiment of an ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in any of the drawings shown below, some parts may be omitted or exaggerated as appropriate for ease of understanding. Identical components are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0020] <Device configuration> The ultrasonic measurement device 100 according to this embodiment is a so-called clamp-on type ultrasonic flowmeter that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of a pipe P through which a fluid such as a liquid or gas flows and measures the flow rate of the fluid flowing within the pipe P.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, this ultrasonic measurement device 100 includes a transmitter 1 that transmits ultrasonic waves, a receiver 2 that receives ultrasonic waves, a pair of matching members 3 that are provided between the transmitter 1 and receiver 2 and the piping P to transmit ultrasonic waves, a casing 4 that houses the transmitter 1, receiver 2 and the pair of matching members 3, and a fixing mechanism 5 that fixes the attitude of the casing 4 to an external fixing surface S. This ultrasonic measurement device 100 is a so-called propagation time type that alternately transmits and receives ultrasonic signals using the transmitter 1 and receiver 2, and measures the flow rate based on the difference in propagation time between the two ultrasonic signals. Each part will be described below.

[0022] The transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 transmit and receive ultrasonic vibrations, respectively, through acoustic emission surfaces 1s and 2s each having a substantially circular shape. In this embodiment, the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are configured using a piezoelectric element, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0023] The transmitter 1 and receiver 2 in this embodiment are disposed one on the upstream side and one on the downstream side along the axial direction of the pipe P. Specifically, the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are disposed in a positional relationship such that the ultrasonic waves emitted from the transmitter 1 and reflected inside the pipe P (e.g., a pipe wall) are received by the receiver 2. More specifically, the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are provided at approximately the same position as each other in the circumferential direction of the pipe P when viewed from the axial direction of the pipe P.

[0024] The matching member 3 reduces the acoustic impedance difference between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 and the piping P, thereby enabling efficient transmission of ultrasonic waves. In this embodiment, the matching member 3 forms a pair in contact with the transmitter 1 and the piping P, and with the receiver 2 and the piping P, respectively, and transmits the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the transmitter 1 to the piping P, and transmits the ultrasonic signal from the piping P to the receiver 2.

[0025] Specifically, the matching member 3 has a rectangular column shape and is provided so that the column axis direction (height direction) intersects with the axis direction of the pipe P. The matching member 3 is a resin molded product entirely made of an elastic material such as a silicone-based resin. The matching member 3 has a contact surface 31 that contacts the surface of the pipe P to mutually transmit ultrasonic waves between the pipe P, an attachment surface 32 that is attached so that the acoustic emitting surfaces 1s, 2s of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are in surface contact with each other to mutually transmit ultrasonic waves between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2, and an installation surface 33 that contacts the casing 4.

[0026] The casing 4 houses the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2, and holds the pipe P in a state in which the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are adjusted relative to the circumferential direction of the pipe P. The casing 4 is, for example, an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape, and holds the pipe P such that its longitudinal direction coincides with the axial direction of the pipe P. Specifically, the casing 4 includes a first casing element 41 and a second casing element 42 divided in the circumferential direction of the pipe P, a connecting portion 43 that connects one circumferential end portions of the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 to each other, and a locking mechanism 44 that locks the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 in a state in which the casing 4 holds the pipe P.

[0027] The first casing element 41 and the second casing element house the transmitter 1, the receiver 2, and the pair of matching members 3, and in this embodiment, the first casing element 41 houses the transmitter 1, the receiver 2, and the pair of matching members 3. Note that the transmitter 1, the receiver 2, and the pair of matching members 3 may be housed in the first casing element 41, the second casing element 42, or both.

[0028] The first casing element 41 houses the transmitter 1 and the matching member 3 attached to the transmitter 1, and the receiver 2 and the matching member 3 attached to the receiver 2, spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the first casing element 41 has a pair of housing sections 411 that house the pair of matching members 3, respectively. The pair of housing sections 411 are provided so as to intersect with the longitudinal direction of the first casing element 41, and are provided apart along the axial direction of the first casing element 41. In addition, the pair of housing sections 411 have contact surfaces 411a that come into contact with the installation surface 33.

[0029] Furthermore, the first casing element 41 has a pressing mechanism 412 that presses the alignment members 3 against the accommodation portion 411. Specifically, the pressing mechanism 412 is provided corresponding to each of the pair of alignment members 3, and presses the installation surface 33 against the contact surface 411a of the accommodation portion 411 when the alignment members 3 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 411.

[0030] The second casing element 42 is connected to the first casing element 41 via a connecting part 43 which is a hinge mechanism whose rotation axis extends in the longitudinal direction, and the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 grip the piping P by rotating about the rotation axis of this connecting part 43. Note that the connecting part 43 is not limited to a hinge mechanism, and may be a hooking mechanism in which one casing element is hooked onto the other casing element.

[0031] The locking mechanism 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 4 and switches between locking and unlocking of the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 44 is accommodated in a locking mechanism accommodating recess 45 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 4 and is configured to be rotatable within the locking mechanism accommodating recess 45. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking mechanism 44 has a locking member 441 that moves along the outer peripheral surface of the second casing element 42 to switch between locking and unlocking, and an engagement portion 442 that is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first casing element 41 and engages with the locking member 441 when the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 are in a locked state. Note that the locking member 441 may be provided in the first casing element 41, and in this case, the engagement portion 442 is provided in the second casing element 42.

[0032] Here, the locking member 441 has a rotation axis 441a that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the second casing element 42, and a hooking portion 441b that hooks into the fitting portion 442. When the locking member 441 rotates around this rotation axis on the outer circumferential surface of the second casing element 42, the hooking portion 441b hooks into the fitting portion 442, as shown in Fig. 4(a), and the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 are locked. Also, when the hooking portion 441b is disengaged from the fitting portion 442, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 are unlocked.

[0033] The fixing mechanism 5 is a separate part from the casing 4, and fixes the attitude of the casing 4 to an external fixing surface S in a state in which the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are adjusted with respect to the circumferential direction of the pipe P. Specifically, the fixing mechanism 5 has an elongated base 51 placed on the fixing surface S, and an adapter 52 connected to the base 51 and holding the casing 4. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 5 being a separate part from the casing 4 means that the fixing mechanism 5 is configured to be separable from the casing 4 when the fixing mechanism 5 fixes the attitude of the casing 4 to the external fixing surface S. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 5 is made of an insulating material such as an insulating resin.

[0034] Here, the second casing element 42 has a fixed surface 42a fixed by a fixing mechanism 5, as shown in Fig. 4. When the casing 4 grips the pipe, the fixed surface 42a is coaxial with the pipe P. In this embodiment, the fixed surface 42a is an outer peripheral surface of a fixed part 421 having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the fixed part 421 is coaxial with the pipe P, and in this embodiment, is concentric. In addition, the fixed part 421 has a slit extending in the radial direction in a part of it, and is configured to be detachable from the pipe P.

[0035] Furthermore, fixed surface 42a is provided at a position different from each alignment member 3 in the axial direction of pipe P, whereby fixing mechanism 5 fixes positions different from each alignment member 3 in the axial direction of pipe P. In this embodiment, fixed parts 421 are provided at both ends of second casing element 42 in the longitudinal direction, so fixed surfaces 42a are located at both ends of casing 4 in the axial direction of pipe P, and each alignment member 3 is not housed in fixed parts 421.

[0036] The adapter 52 grips each of the fixed surfaces 42a of the casing 4. Specifically, the adapter 52 is provided corresponding to each of the fixed surfaces 42a, and in this embodiment, the adapter 52 is connected to both longitudinal ends of the base 51. The adapter 52 also has a recess for gripping the fixed surface 42a, and the recess of the adapter 52 has an inner circumferential surface that forms a roughly circular surface along the fixed surface 42a. Here, the recess of the adapter 52 is made of an elastic material that can be elastically deformed, and in a state in which the fixed surface 42a is gripped, the inner circumferential surface of the recess is in close contact with the fixed surface 42a. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the recess of the adapter 52 is in contact with any outer circumferential surface of the fixed portion 421. As a result, the fixed surface 42a becomes the outer circumferential surface of the fixed portion 421 that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the recess of the adapter 52.

[0037] Furthermore, the fixing mechanism 5 defines the distance between the casing 4 and the fixing surface S. In this embodiment, the recess of the adapter 52 is provided at a predetermined distance from the fixing surface S, and the end of the adapter 52 opposite to the recess is connected to the base 51.

[0038] <How to fix the ultrasonic measuring device to a fixed surface> Next, a method for fixing the ultrasonic measurement device 100 to the fixing surface S in this embodiment will be described.

[0039] First, with the second casing element 42 open relative to the first casing element 41, the user brings the contact surface 31 of the matching member 3 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piping P. In this case, for example as shown in FIG. 5(b), if the piping P has a part B through which ultrasonic waves are difficult to transmit, the user adjusts the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 in the circumferential direction of the piping P to bring the matching member 3 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piping P other than the part B.

[0040] Then, the user rotates the second casing element 42 via the connecting portion 43 to sandwich the piping P between the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), if the piping P has a part B through which ultrasonic waves are difficult to transmit, the user sandwiches the piping P between the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 while maintaining the adjusted positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 relative to the circumferential direction of the piping P.

[0041] The user then rotates the locking member 441 to lock the first casing element 41 and the second casing element 42 together.

[0042] Thereafter, the user fixes the orientation of the casing 4, in which the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 have been adjusted with respect to the circumferential direction of the pipe P, to the fixing surface S using the fixing mechanism 5. Specifically, the user places the base 51 on the fixing surface S, and then, while maintaining the above-mentioned orientation of the casing 4, grips the outer circumferential surface of the desired fixed portion 421 with the adapter 52. This allows the fixing mechanism 5 to fix the above-mentioned orientation of the casing 4 to the fixing surface S.

[0043] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the ultrasonic measuring device 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the user can attach the casing 4 to the pipe P at any position in the circumferential direction of the pipe P, and the fixing mechanism 5 fixes the casing 4 to the external fixing surface S, so that the flow rate can be measured using ultrasonic waves while the casing 4 is held in any position. Therefore, even if a portion B through which ultrasonic waves are difficult to transmit is provided on the side surface of the pipe P, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 can be adjusted to a position that avoids the portion B, and the fixing mechanism 5 fixes the attitude of the casing 4, so that the flow rate can be measured using ultrasonic waves while the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are held in a position that avoids the portion B. The portion B through which ultrasonic waves are difficult to transmit is, for example, a conductive PFA portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe P, a portion of the pipe P with a large wall thickness, or a portion through which air bubbles or particles easily flow in the pipe P.

[0044] In addition, since the fixed surface 42a is concentric with the piping P, when the fixing mechanism 5 fixes the casing 4 to the external fixing surface S, the casing 4 is positioned and fixed with respect to the piping P. Therefore, regardless of whether the casing 4 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 5, the distance between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 and the piping P does not change, and therefore accurate measurement can be performed using ultrasonic waves.

[0045] Furthermore, since the fixing mechanism 5 maintains a constant distance between the casing 4 and the fixing surface S, when the fixing mechanism 5 fixes the casing 4, the casing 4 can be prevented from moving toward the fixing surface S.

[0046] Furthermore, since the fixing mechanism 5 fixes the casing 4, the alignment member 3 is less likely to be pressed toward the piping P. Therefore, regardless of the fixing of the casing 4 by the fixing mechanism 5, the distance between the transmitter 1 and receiver 2 and the piping P does not change, and accurate measurements can be made using ultrasound.

[0047] Furthermore, when the alignment member 3 is accommodated in the casing 4, the alignment member 3 is pressed by the pressing mechanism 412 and fixed to the accommodation portion 411. Therefore, compared to the case where the alignment member 3 is fixed to the accommodation portion 411 using adhesive, the alignment member 3 can be fixed without using adhesive, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0048] Furthermore, since the locking mechanism 44 has a locking member 441 that moves along the outer circumferential surface of the second casing element 42 to switch between locked and unlocked states, the width of the casing 4 does not increase when the casing 4 is unlocked, as compared to a configuration in which the casing 4 is attached to the piping P by rotating a hook-shaped member whose tip is bent into a hook shape. Therefore, the user can attach the casing 4 to the piping P installed in, for example, a narrow place.

[0049] <Other embodiments> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the adapter 52 grips each of the fixed surfaces 42a of the casing 4, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the adapter 52 has a first adapter element 521 and a second adapter element 522 divided in the circumferential direction of the casing 4, and the first adapter element 521 and the second adapter element 522 may be screwed by, for example, a screw member 523. In this case, the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 can be adjusted in the circumferential direction of the pipe P by adjusting the fastening condition of the screw, and the attitude of the casing 4 after the adjustment can be fixed to the fixing surface S by fastening the screw member 523. Alternatively, the adapter 52 may be, for example, a cable tie that fastens and fixes the outer peripheral surface of the casing 4.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the fixed surface 42a and the inner circumferential surface of the recess of the adapter 52 are generally circumferential surfaces, but the fixed surface 42a and the inner circumferential surface of the recess of the adapter 52 are not limited to circumferential surfaces. For example, a recess or protrusion may be provided at a predetermined angle relative to the circumferential direction of the fixed surface 42a, and the recess of the adapter 52 may be fitted into the fixed surface 42a. As a result, the casing 4 is fixed at a predetermined angle, and therefore rotation of the casing 4 can be suppressed when the fixing mechanism 5 is fixing the casing 4.

[0052] 7, in order to facilitate adjustment of the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 in the circumferential direction of the pipe, a marker M may be provided on the side surface of the casing 4 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the pipe P. In this case, the direction in which the marker M extends toward the pipe P is approximately aligned with the column axial direction of the matching member 3 to which the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are attached. This makes it possible to facilitate adjustment of the positions of the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 in the circumferential direction of the pipe by adjusting the position of the marker M so as to avoid the portion B where ultrasonic waves are difficult to transmit.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the fixed surface 42a is concentric with the pipe P, but the fixed portion 421 forming the fixed surface 42a is not limited to being concentric with the pipe P. For example, the fixed portion 421 may be a prism having a polygonal bottom surface, and the fixed surface 42a may be the outer peripheral surface of the prism. The fixed portion 421 may be coaxial with the axis of the prism and the axis of the pipe P. In this case, when the casing 4 is rotated in the circumferential direction of the pipe P, the adapter 52 is configured to grip different outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed portion 421 in response to the rotation, so that the casing 4 can be fixed to the fixing surface S in a state where the posture of the casing 4 is adjusted to a plurality of different postures with respect to the circumferential direction of the pipe P.

[0054] In the embodiment, the fixed surfaces 42a are the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed portions 421 provided at both ends of the casing 4, but are not limited to this. The fixed surfaces 42a may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 4.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a slit is formed in the fixed portion 421, and the casing 4 is configured to be detachable from the pipe P via the slit, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the casing 4 may house a slit member that holds the pipe P. This allows the width of the casing 4 in the longitudinal direction to be reduced compared to a configuration in which slits are formed in the fixed portions 421 provided at both ends of the casing 4.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the casing 4 is configured to include the pressing mechanism 412 that presses the alignment member 3 against the accommodating portion 411 . However, the casing 4 does not necessarily have to include the pressing mechanism 412 .

[0057] In the above embodiment, the locking member 441 is rotated to switch between the locked and unlocked states, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the locking member 441 may be slid along the longitudinal direction of the casing 4 to switch between the locked and unlocked states.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement device 100 is connected to a calculation device that calculates the flow rate via a cable (not shown), but there is a possibility that liquid may enter the inside of the casing 4 from the connection part between the cable and the casing 4. Therefore, a packing may be provided at the connection part between the cable and the casing 4, and a lid that fits tightly to the packing may be provided. This can improve the waterproof performance inside the casing 4.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement device 100 is an ultrasonic flowmeter that measures the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the piping P, but is not limited to this and may be an ultrasonic concentration meter that measures the concentration of a fluid flowing through the piping P, or may be another ultrasonic measurement device.

[0060] In addition, various modifications and combinations of the embodiments may be made as long as they do not go against the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 100 Ultrasonic measuring device 1 Transmitter 2. Receiver 3. Alignment member 4. Casing 41 First casing element 411... Storage unit 412 .... Pressing mechanism 42 Second casing element 42a...Fixed surface 43...Connection part 44 Locking mechanism 441 Locking member 5...Fixing mechanism P...Piping

Claims

1. An ultrasonic measuring device that measures a fluid in a pipe using a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves, a casing that accommodates the transmitter and the receiver and grips the pipe while the positions of the transmitter and the receiver are adjusted with respect to the circumferential direction of the pipe; An ultrasonic measuring device comprising: a fixing mechanism that is a separate part from the casing and fixes the posture of the casing, in which the positions of the transmitter and the receiver are adjusted in the circumferential direction of the piping, to an external fixed surface.

2. the casing has a fixed surface to which the fixing mechanism is fixed, The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the fixed surface is coaxial with the pipe when the casing grips the pipe.

3. The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing mechanism defines a distance between the casing and the fixing surface.

4. 3. The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of matching members that contact the transmitter and the pipe, or the receiver and the pipe, respectively, are housed in the casing.

5. The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 4 , wherein the fixing mechanism fixes the casing at a position different from each of the alignment members in the axial direction of the pipe.

6. The casing comprises: a pair of accommodating portions for accommodating the pair of alignment members, respectively; The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 4 , further comprising a pressing mechanism that presses the alignment member against the receiving portion.

7. The casing comprises: a first casing element and a second casing element divided in a circumferential direction of the piping; a connecting portion that connects one circumferential end portion of the first casing element and one circumferential end portion of the second casing element to each other; a locking mechanism that locks the first casing element and the second casing element in a state where they grip the piping, 3. The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking member that moves along an outer circumferential surface of the first casing element or the second casing element to switch between locking and unlocking.

8. An ultrasonic measurement method using an ultrasonic measurement device that measures a fluid in a pipe using a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves, comprising: The ultrasonic measuring device a casing that houses the transmitter and the receiver and holds the piping; and a fixing mechanism that is a separate part from the casing, adjusting positions of the transmitter and the receiver in a circumferential direction of the pipe, and gripping the pipe with the casing; an ultrasonic measuring method, wherein the posture of the casing in which the positions of the transmitter and the receiver are adjusted with respect to the circumferential direction of the pipe is fixed to an external fixed surface by the fixing mechanism;

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