Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device capable of accurately measuring a surface temperature of a measurement object although a member having a circular outer periphery is set as the measurement object.SOLUTION: A measuring device measures a steam pipe having a circular outer periphery. A temperature probe 107 has a long section 107b, and its end 107a abuts on an outer peripheral surface of the steam pipe, thus measuring the surface temperature of the steam pipe. A probe pedestal 102 has a through hole 102b into which the long section 107b of the temperature probe 107 is inserted, and is a columnar pedestal disposed so as to block at least one portion of an opening 100a of a probe case 100. In the probe pedestal 102, the long section 107b of the temperature probe 107 is thermally connected in a part into which the long section 107b is inserted. A surface 102a of the probe pedestal 102 is along the outer peripheral surface of the steam pipe and is formed so as to abut at least partially.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement device, and more particularly to a measurement device having a temperature probe for measuring the surface temperature of a member having a circular outer periphery as a measurement object. [Background technology]

[0002] Steam traps are known for use in discharging only condensate (drain) from piping equipment through which steam flows. The vibration intensity and surface temperature of the steam trap and the steam piping at its inlet are measured, and the presence or absence of a steam leak is diagnosed based on the correlation between these values. Such a diagnosis uses a measuring device equipped with a vibration probe for measuring the vibration intensity of the steam trap and a temperature probe for measuring the surface temperature of the steam trap.

[0003] Here, measuring devices include portable types that are carried by an operator and installed types that are fixed to a steam trap or the like. Patent Document 1 discloses an installed type measuring device. Conventional measuring devices, including the measuring device disclosed in Patent Document 1, will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0004] As shown in Fig. 8, a measurement device 9 according to the prior art includes a probe unit 90, a main body 91, a connection pipe 94, a clamp 92, and a bolt 93. As shown in part A of Fig. 8, the probe unit 90 is housed in a case and includes a temperature probe 907 and a vibrating probe 908, whose tips 907a and 908a protrude toward the steam pipe 500. The temperature probe 907 and the vibrating probe 908 are disposed so that their respective tips 907a and 908a abut against the outer circumferential surface 500a of the steam pipe 500. In the measurement device 9 according to the prior art, the temperature probe 907 and the vibrating probe 908 are fixed to a probe base 902 so as to be aligned in the radial direction of the steam pipe 500. The tip 908a of the vibrating probe 908 is disposed so as to point toward the pipe axis Ax500 of the steam pipe 500.

[0005] The main body 91 houses a circuit board for receiving data on the vibration intensity and surface temperature measured by the probe 90 and transmitting the data to a repeater, a plant control room, etc., a battery unit as a power source, etc. The connecting pipe 94 houses wiring for connecting the temperature probe 907 and vibration probe 908 of the probe 90 to the circuit board of the main body 91, etc.

[0006] Clamps 92 and bolts 93 secure the probe portion 90 and main body portion 91 to the steam pipe 500 . [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6389098 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, as shown in part A of Fig. 8, in the measurement device 9 according to the prior art, the tip 907a of the temperature probe 907 only makes point contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, leaving room for improvement in terms of temperature detection accuracy. That is, in the measurement device 9 according to the prior art, heat is not transferred well from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 to the temperature probe 907, making it difficult to accurately measure the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500. Note that although the measured temperature is corrected by a circuit in the main body 91, it is difficult to accurately determine the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 due to the influence of the surrounding environment and the like, even when correction is made by the circuit.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a measurement device that can more accurately measure the surface temperature of an object to be measured, even if the object is a member having a circular outer periphery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A measurement device according to one aspect of the present invention is a measurement device for measuring a member having a circular outer periphery, and includes a probe case, a temperature probe, and a probe base. The probe case has a cylindrical shape and one end in the axial direction of the cylinder is open, and the one end is directed toward the measurement object. The temperature probe has a long portion that extends from the inside of the probe case toward the measurement object and is arranged so that its tip is exposed outward from the opening, and the tip of the long portion abuts against the measurement object to measure the surface temperature of the measurement object. The probe base is a columnar base that has a through hole through which the long portion of the temperature probe is inserted and is arranged to block at least a portion of the opening of the probe case.

[0011] In the measuring device of this aspect, the long portion of the temperature probe is fixed to the probe base in a state where it is thermally coupled at the portion that passes through the through hole, and the probe base is configured so that the surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured follows the outer peripheral surface and at least a portion of it abuts the outer peripheral surface.

[0012] In the measurement device according to the above aspect, the probe base is thermally coupled to the temperature probe, and the probe base is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object and at least partially abuts against the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, in the measurement device according to the above aspect, in addition to a direct heat transfer path from the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object to the temperature probe, a heat transfer path to the temperature probe via the probe base is formed, allowing the temperature probe to receive heat from the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object more efficiently. Therefore, the measurement device according to the above aspect can measure the surface temperature of the measurement object more accurately than a measurement device according to the prior art, in which the temperature probe only makes point contact with the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object.

[0013] In the measurement device according to the above aspect, the surface of the probe base facing the measurement object may be formed as a concave curved surface that fits along the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object.

[0014] In the measurement device according to the above aspect, the surface of the probe pedestal is formed as a concave curved surface so as to conform to the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object, and therefore, compared to a measurement device according to the prior art that includes a probe pedestal with a flat surface (see probe pedestal 902 in FIG. 8 ), heat can be received from the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object more efficiently. That is, in the measurement device according to the above aspect, the surface of the probe pedestal is formed as a concave curved surface so as to conform to the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object, and therefore, heat from the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object can be received by the probe pedestal with high efficiency through heat transfer by contact and heat transfer by radiation. Therefore, in the measurement device according to the above aspect, heat from the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object can be effectively guided to the temperature probe via a heat transfer path via the probe pedestal.

[0015] Note that due to variations in the outer diameter of the measurement object or variations in the manufacturing process of the probe pedestal, the entire surface may not be in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object, but may be in close proximity. Even when a portion of the surface of the probe pedestal is not in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object but is in close proximity, the probe pedestal is still effective in receiving heat from the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object by radiation. Therefore, even if the entire surface of the probe pedestal is not necessarily in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object, the surface temperature of the measurement object can be measured with higher accuracy than with measurement devices according to conventional technology.

[0016] In the measuring device according to the above aspect, the tip of the long portion of the temperature probe may be oriented in the tube axis of the object to be measured and formed with a concave curved surface that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured, and the surface of the probe base and the tip of the temperature probe may be arranged so as to be flush with each other when viewed from the front from the direction of the tube axis of the object to be measured.

[0017] In the measuring device according to the above aspect, the tip of the long part of the temperature probe is also formed with a concave curve so as to conform to the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured, so that the temperature probe itself can receive heat from the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured more efficiently than measuring devices according to conventional technology that have temperature probes with tips that are formed with a flat or convex curve. That is, in the measuring device according to the above aspect, the tip of the long part of the temperature probe is formed with a concave curve so as to conform to the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured, so that the temperature probe can receive heat from the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured more efficiently through heat transfer by contact and heat transfer by radiation.

[0018] Even in the measurement device according to the above aspect, due to variations in the outer diameter of the measurement object or manufacturing variations in the long portion of the temperature probe, the concave curved surface forming the tip may not be in surface contact with the outer surface of the measurement object in its entirety, but may be in close proximity. Even when a portion of the concave curved surface forming the tip of the long portion of the temperature probe is not in surface contact with the outer surface of the measurement object but is in close proximity, the temperature probe is still effective in receiving heat from the outer surface of the measurement object by radiation. Therefore, even if the concave curved surface forming the tip of the temperature probe is not necessarily in surface contact with the outer surface of the measurement object in its entirety, the surface temperature of the measurement object can be measured with higher accuracy than measurement devices according to conventional technology.

[0019] In addition, in the measurement device according to the above aspect, the surface of the probe base and the tip of the temperature probe are arranged so as to be flush with each other when viewed from the front in the tube axis direction of the measurement object, so that the surface of the probe base and the tip of the temperature probe both follow the outer surface of the measurement object and are in at least partial contact. Therefore, in the measurement device according to the above aspect, the tip of the temperature probe and the surface of the probe base come into contact with and close to the outer surface of the measurement object without interfering with each other. Therefore, the measurement device according to the above aspect can measure the surface temperature of the measurement object with high accuracy.

[0020] In the measuring device according to the above aspect, the probe base has a protruding portion that protrudes from the opening toward the object to be measured and a contained portion that is contained inside the probe case, and the protruding portion and the contained portion are integrally formed from the same material, and the contained portion may be formed so that the volume of the contained portion is larger than the volume of the protruding portion.

[0021] In the measurement device according to the above aspect, the probe base is formed so that the volume of the accommodated portion is larger than the volume of the protruding portion, thereby ensuring a large heat capacity in the probe base and suppressing heat dissipation to the external environment. Therefore, in the measurement device according to the above aspect, the heat of the outer surface of the measurement object received by the surface of the probe base can be transferred to the temperature probe while suppressing heat dissipation to the outside. Therefore, the measurement device according to the above aspect can measure the surface temperature of the measurement object with high accuracy.

[0022] The measuring device according to the above aspect may further include: a bracket attached to the probe case and having two through holes spaced apart from each other; a U-bolt having threaded portions formed at both longitudinal ends and an arc portion bent 180° in an arc shape at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, the threaded portions being inserted into the two through holes in the bracket with the arc portion placed above the object to be measured; and two nuts threadedly engaging with the threaded portions of the U-bolt, wherein the probe case may be placed below the object to be measured so that the probe base abuts against a lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured, and the probe case may be fixed below the bracket by threading the nuts onto the threaded portion of the U-bolt placed above the object to be measured, with the arc portion hanging downward relative to the object to be measured.

[0023] In the measurement device according to the above aspect, the probe case is fixed in a position that hangs down below the object to be measured, so even if the probe case tilts due to wind or other factors and the tip of the temperature probe temporarily moves away from the object to be measured, the weight of the probe case and the temperature probe housed therein will return it to its original hanging position. Therefore, with the measurement device according to the above aspect, even if an external force is applied to the probe case due to wind or other factors, it is possible to continue measurement without the need for an operator to perform repair work.

[0024] Furthermore, in the measuring device according to the above aspect, the probe case is fixed to the object to be measured using general-purpose parts such as a U-bolt and a nut, which makes it possible to reduce installation costs compared to when dedicated parts are used.

[0025] The measuring device according to the above aspect may further include an adjustment member that extends radially of the object to be measured, has two through holes through which the U-bolts are inserted, and is arranged to abut against an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the object to be measured, and the probe case may be fixed to the object to be measured by radially clamping the object to be measured between the probe base and a portion of the adjustment member between the two through holes.

[0026] The measuring device according to the above aspect further includes an adjustment member used when fixing to the measurement object, so that even if the size (particularly the radial dimension) of the measurement object is small, it can be fixed to the measurement object without changing the design. Therefore, the measuring device according to the above aspect can reduce manufacturing costs by utilizing mass production effects compared to when the design is changed for each size of the measurement object.

[0027] In the measuring device according to the above aspect, the measuring device may further include a vibration probe having a probe rod that extends from the inside of the probe case toward the object to be measured and has a tip that is exposed outward from the opening, and the tip of the probe rod abuts against the object to be measured to measure the intensity of vibration in the object to be measured, and the tip of the probe rod in the vibration probe may be arranged adjacent to the tip of the long portion in the temperature probe at a distance from each other in a direction along the tube axis of the object to be measured, and may be arranged to point toward the tube axis of the object to be measured.

[0028] The measurement device according to the above aspect is equipped with a vibration probe in addition to a temperature probe, which allows the vibration intensity and surface temperature of the measurement object to be measured at a location very close to the measurement object, enabling more accurate measurements to determine the state of the measurement object (such as the presence or absence of steam leakage in the case of a steam pipe or steam trap) than when the vibration intensity and surface temperature are measured separately at distant locations.

[0029] Furthermore, in the measuring device according to the above aspect, the tip of the temperature probe and the tip of the vibration probe are arranged adjacent to each other at a distance in the direction along the tube axis of the object to be measured, so that the tip of the temperature probe and the tip of the vibration probe can each be brought into contact with the outer surface from a direction perpendicular to the outer surface so as to point toward the tube axis of the object to be measured, thereby enabling more accurate measurements to be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The measurement device according to each of the above aspects can more accurately measure the surface temperature of a measurement object, even if the measurement object is a member having a circular outer periphery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a measurement device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a probe unit in the measuring device. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a temperature probe relative to a probe base. [Figure 4] FIG. 1(a) is a front view showing the shape of the tip of the temperature probe, and FIG. 1(b) is a front view showing the shape of the surface of the probe base. [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a front view showing the configuration of a probe base, and FIG. 1B is a front view showing the configuration of a probe base provided in a measuring device according to a comparative example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a partial configuration of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a partial configuration of a measurement device according to a reference example. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a measurement device according to a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments except for the essential configuration.

[0033] [First embodiment] 1. Schematic configuration of measurement device 1 The schematic configuration of a measurement device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] 1, the measuring device 1 includes a probe unit 10, a main body 11, a U-bolt 12, and a nut 13. The probe unit 10 includes a cylindrical probe case 100, a bracket 101, and a probe base 102. The bracket 101 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the probe case 100. A portion of the probe base 102 protrudes from an opening on one side (upper side) in the Z direction of the probe case 100, and the remainder is housed within the probe case 100.

[0035] The U-bolt 12 has threaded portions 12a formed on both longitudinal ends and an arc-shaped portion 12b bent 180° in the middle longitudinal direction. The threaded portions 12a on both ends are inserted into the through-holes 101a of the two brackets 101, respectively. Two nuts 13 are threadedly engaged with the threaded portions 12a of the U-bolt 12 below the bracket 101.

[0036] The steam pipe 500 is an elongated member whose outer periphery in a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis Ax500 is formed into a circle and which extends along the pipe axis Ax500. The U-bolt 12 is arranged so that the arc portion 12b abuts against an upper portion of the outer circumferential surface 500a of the steam pipe 500.

[0037] The measuring device 1 is fixed to the steam pipe 500 with the probe portion 10 hanging downward. The measuring device 1 is fixed to the steam pipe 500 by clamping the steam pipe 500 from above and below between the arc portion 12b of the U-bolt 12 and the probe base 102.

[0038] 2. Configuration of the probe unit 10 The configuration of the probe section 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] 2, the probe unit 10 further includes bolts 103 and 104, hexagon socket set screws 105 and 106, a temperature probe 107, and a vibration probe 108. The bolt 103 is a member that fixes the bracket 101 to the probe case 100, and is inserted through a through-hole 101b provided in the bracket 101 and threadedly engages with a screw hole 100c provided in the probe case 100. The bolt 104 is a member that fixes the probe base 102 to the probe case 100, and is threadedly engaged with a screw hole 102e provided in the probe base 102.

[0040] The temperature probe 107 has a long portion 107b extending upward from the inside of the probe case 100, and an upper tip 107a of the long portion 107b protrudes upward from an upper opening 100a of the probe case 100 and is exposed to the outside. As shown in FIG. 3 , the long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107 is arranged so that a portion of the tip side, including the tip 107a, is inserted through a through hole 102b provided in the probe base 102. The portion of the temperature probe 107 that passes through the through hole 102b is fixed in a thermally coupled state to the probe base 102 by a hexagon socket set screw 105 that screws into the screw hole 102d. The tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 is exposed upward from the upper opening of the through hole 102b and at least a portion of it abuts against the outer circumferential surface 500a of the steam pipe 500.

[0041] The long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107 is made of a metal material and is a pipe-shaped member with a closed top, and is formed by joining a pair of thermocouple wires to the inner surface of the tip 107a. The temperature probe 107 receives heat from the contact portion with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 and detects the surface temperature.

[0042] The vibration probe 108 includes a vibration sensor 1080, a probe rod 1081, a heat insulating member 1082, and a sensor base 1083. The vibration sensor 1080 is, for example, a piezoelectric acceleration sensor that uses piezoelectric ceramics as the piezoelectric element. The probe rod 1081 is a long, rod-shaped or cylindrical member made of a metal member (for example, stainless steel). As shown in FIG. 3 , a portion of the tip side of the probe rod 1081 of the vibration probe 108, including a tip 1081a, is inserted through a through-hole 102c provided in the probe base 102. The portion of the probe rod 1081 that is inserted through the through-hole 102c is fixed to the probe base 102 by a hexagon socket set screw 106 that screws into a screw hole 102e. In this embodiment, the bolt 104 and the hexagon socket set screw 106 are threaded into the screw hole 102e of the probe base 102. However, the probe base 102 may be provided with separate threaded holes for threading with the bolt 104 and the hexagon socket set screw 106.

[0043] The heat insulating member 1082 is, for example, a long, cylindrical member made of alumina ceramics, and has an upper end fixed to the probe rod 1081 and a lower end fixed to the sensor base 1083. The heat insulating member 1082 suppresses the transfer of heat from the probe rod 1081 to the sensor base 1083.

[0044] Sensor base 1083 is a member made of a metal material (stainless steel, for example), and has vibration sensor 1080 fixed to its lower end. In vibration probe 108, vibration of steam pipe 500 is input from tip 1081a of probe rod 1081 that abuts against outer circumferential surface 500a of steam pipe 500, and the vibration is transmitted to vibration sensor 1080, thereby measuring the intensity of the vibration.

[0045] 3, the probe base 102 is disposed so that the surface 102a on the steam pipe 500 side is flush with the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 and the tip 1081a of the probe rod 1081 of the vibrating probe 108. That is, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, by being fixed to the steam pipe 500, at least a part of the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107, the tip 1081a of the probe rod 1081 of the vibrating probe 108, and at least a part of the surface 102a of the probe base 102 each come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500.

[0046] The tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 and the tip 1081a of the probe rod 1081 of the vibration probe 108 are spaced apart from each other in the X direction (the direction along the pipe axis Ax500 of the steam pipe 500) and are arranged so as to point toward the pipe axis Ax500 of the steam pipe 500.

[0047] 3. Shape of the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 The shape of the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4(a).

[0048] 4(a), in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 is not a flat surface but is formed as a concave curved surface with a radius of curvature R107. The radius of curvature R107 of the tip 107a is set to satisfy the following relationship with the outer diameter dimension D500 of the steam pipe 500 shown in FIG. R107 ≒ D500 / 2 (Equation 1)

[0049] In the above relational expression 1, a difference between the radius of curvature R107 and half the value of the outer diameter D500 is allowed within the range of manufacturing variations in the long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107 and dimensional variations in the steam pipe 500. Therefore, even if the radius of curvature R107 and half the value of the outer diameter D500 do not perfectly match, a part of the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 will abut against the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, and the remaining part will be in close proximity.

[0050] 4. Shape of the surface 102a of the probe base 102 The shape of the surface 102a of the probe base 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4(b).

[0051] 4(b), in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, the surface 102a of the probe base 102 is not a flat surface but is formed as a concave curved surface with a radius of curvature R102. The radius of curvature R102 of the surface 102a is set to satisfy the following relationship with respect to the outer diameter dimension D500 of the steam pipe 500 shown in FIG. R102 ≒ D500 / 2 (Equation 2)

[0052] Note that in the above relational expression 2, a difference between the radius of curvature R102 and half the value of the outer diameter dimension D500 is allowed within the range of manufacturing variations in the probe base 102 and dimensional variations in the steam pipe 500. For this reason, even if the radius of curvature R102 and half the value of the outer diameter dimension D500 do not perfectly match, a part of the surface 102a of the probe base 102 will abut against the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, and the remaining part will be in close proximity.

[0053] Here, the probe base 102 is formed so that the central axis Ax102b of the through-hole 102b, through which the long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107 is inserted, passes through the bottom BP of the curvature of the surface 102a and extends in the Z direction (normal direction). This allows the surface 102a of the probe base 102 to be aligned along the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, and the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 to also be aligned along the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500.

[0054] 5. Shape of the probe base 102 The shape of the probe pedestal 102, excluding the shape of the surface 102a already described, will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing the probe pedestal 102 of the measurement apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing the probe pedestal 902 of the measurement apparatus 9 according to the comparative example (the measurement apparatus described with reference to Fig. 8).

[0055] As shown in Figure 5(a), the probe base 102 has a protruding portion 102f that protrudes upward from the probe case 100 (see Figure 2, etc.) and a contained portion 102g that is contained inside the probe case 100, and the protruding portion 102f and the non-contained portion 102g are integrally formed from the same material (e.g., stainless steel).

[0056] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the probe base 902 provided in the measuring device 9 according to the comparative example also has a protruding portion 902f that protrudes from the probe case toward the steam pipe 500 side, and a contained portion 902g that is contained inside the probe case, and the protruding portion 902f and the non-contained portion 902g are integrally formed from the same material.

[0057] When comparing the probe base 102 shown in FIG. 5(a) with the probe base 902 shown in FIG. 5(b), the volume of the protrusion 102f of the probe base 102 shown in FIG. 5(a) is larger than the volume of the protrusion 902f of the comparative probe base 902, which is formed in a flat disk shape, because the surface 102a of the probe base 102 is formed in a concave curved surface.

[0058] 5(a), the dimension T102 of the accommodated portion 102g in the Z direction is set to be larger than the dimension T902 of the non-accommodated portion 902g of the comparative example shown in FIG. 5(b). For example, the dimension T102 is set to be at least twice the dimension T902. As a result, in the probe base 102, the volume of the accommodated portion 102g is larger than the volume of the protruding portion 102f.

[0059] By adopting the above configuration, the probe base 102 of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment can ensure a larger heat capacity than the probe base 902 of the measurement device 9 according to the comparative example. Furthermore, by making the dimension T102 larger, at least twice the dimension T902, a larger area can be secured whose outer periphery is covered by the probe case 100, making it possible to suppress heat dissipation to the external environment. Therefore, in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, heat from the outer circumferential surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 received by the surface 102a of the probe base 102 can be transferred to the temperature probe 107 while suppressing heat dissipation to the outside, making it possible to measure the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 with high accuracy.

[0060] 6.Effects In the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, the probe base 102 is thermally coupled to the temperature probe 107, and the probe base 102 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, with at least a portion of the probe base 102 abutting against the outer peripheral surface 500a. Therefore, in the measurement device 1, in addition to a direct heat transfer path from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 to the temperature probe 107, a heat transfer path to the temperature probe 107 via the probe base 102 is formed, so that heat from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 can be more efficiently received by the temperature probe 107. Therefore, the measurement device 1 can measure the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 more accurately than the measurement device 9 according to the conventional technology, in which the temperature probe 907 is only in point contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500.

[0061] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the surface 102a of the probe base 102 is formed as a concave curved surface so as to conform to the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, and therefore heat can be received more efficiently from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 than in the measuring device 9 according to the prior art, which is provided with a probe base 902 having a flat surface as its surface 902a. That is, in the measuring device 1, the surface 102a of the probe base 102 is formed as a concave curved surface so as to conform to the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, and therefore the heat of the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 can be received by the probe base 102 with high efficiency through heat transfer by contact and heat transfer by radiation. Therefore, in the measuring device 1, the heat of the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 can be effectively guided to the temperature probe 107 via a heat transfer path via the probe base 102.

[0062] Note that, due to variations in the outer diameter D500 of the steam pipe 500 and manufacturing variations in the probe base 102, there are cases where the entire surface 102a does not come into surface contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, but only a portion thereof is in close proximity. In this way, even when a portion of the surface 102a of the probe base 102 is in close proximity to the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 (when a portion is not in surface contact), the probe base 102 is effective in receiving heat from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 by radiation. That is, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, even when a portion of the surface 102a of the probe base 102 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, the temperature probe 107 can measure the heat of the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 more efficiently than the probe base 902 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 5(b) because the surface 102a is more easily able to receive radiant heat. Therefore, even if the entire surface 102a of the probe base 102 does not necessarily come into surface contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 can be measured with higher accuracy than with the measuring device 9 according to the conventional technology.

[0063] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 according to the present embodiment, the tip 107a of the long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107 is also formed with a concave curved surface so as to fit along the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, so that the temperature probe 107 itself can highly efficiently receive heat from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, compared to the measurement device 9 according to the prior art that includes a temperature probe 907 whose tip 907a is formed with a flat surface. That is, in the measurement device 1, the tip 107a of the long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107 is formed with a concave curved surface so as to fit along the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500, so that the temperature probe 107 can highly efficiently receive heat from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 through heat transfer by contact and heat transfer by radiation.

[0064] Incidentally, with respect to the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107, due to variations in the outer diameter dimension D500 of the steam pipe 500 and manufacturing variations in the long portion 107b of the temperature probe 107, the concave curved surface constituting the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 may not be in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 in its entirety, but may be in close proximity to it in part. Even in such a case, the temperature probe 107 is still effective in receiving heat from the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 by radiation. Therefore, even if the concave curved surface constituting the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 is not necessarily in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 in its entirety, the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 can be measured with higher accuracy than with the measuring device 9 according to the prior art.

[0065] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, the surface 102a of the probe base 102 and the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 are arranged so as to be flush with each other when viewed from the front in the direction in which the pipe axis Ax500 of the steam pipe 500 extends (X direction), so that the surface 102a of the probe base 102 and the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 both extend along the outer circumferential surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 and are in contact with each other at least partially. Therefore, in the measurement device 1, the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 and the surface 102a of the probe base 102 come into contact with and close to the outer circumferential surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 without interfering with each other. Therefore, the measurement device 1 can measure the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 with high accuracy.

[0066] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the probe base 102 is formed so that the volume of the accommodated portion 102g is larger than the volume of the protruding portion 102f, thereby ensuring a large heat capacity in the probe base 102 and suppressing heat radiation to the external environment. Therefore, in the measuring device 1, the heat of the outer peripheral surface 500a of the steam pipe 500 received by the surface 102a of the probe base 102 can be transferred to the temperature probe 107 while suppressing heat radiation to the outside. Therefore, the measuring device 1 can measure the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 with high accuracy.

[0067] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, the probe case 100 is fixed in a position hanging downward in the Z direction (vertically downward) relative to the steam pipe 500, so even if the probe case 100 tilts due to the influence of wind or the like and the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 temporarily moves away from the steam pipe 500, the probe case 100 and the temperature probe 107 housed therein will return to the original hanging position due to the weight of the probe case 100. Therefore, in the measurement device 1, even if an external force is applied to the probe case 100 due to the influence of wind or the like, it is possible to continue measurement without the need for an operator to perform repair work.

[0068] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the probe case 100 is fixed to the steam pipe 500 using general-purpose parts, namely, the U-bolt 12 and the nut 13, so that it is possible to reduce installation costs compared to when dedicated parts are used.

[0069] Furthermore, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a vibration probe 108 in addition to the temperature probe 107. Therefore, it is possible to measure the vibration intensity and surface temperature of the steam pipe 500 at a location very close to the steam pipe 500, and more accurate measurements can be made to determine the state of the steam pipe 500 (presence or absence of steam leakage) compared to when the vibration intensity and surface temperature are measured separately at distant locations.

[0070] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 and the tip 1081a of the probe rod 1081 of the vibration probe 108 are arranged adjacent to each other at a distance in the direction (X direction) along the pipe axis Ax500 of the steam pipe 500, so that the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 and the tip 1081a of the probe rod 1081 of the vibration probe 108 can be brought into contact with the outer surface 500a from a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 500a so as to be oriented toward the pipe axis Ax500 of the steam pipe 500, and the vibration intensity and surface temperature can be measured with high accuracy.

[0071] As described above, the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment can more accurately measure the surface temperature of the steam pipe 500, even though the steam pipe 500 has a circular outer periphery as the measurement object.

[0072] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a measurement device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the measurement device 2 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has an outer diameter D501 of a steam pipe 501, which is the object to be measured, and in that it includes an adjustment member 14 as a configuration.

[0074] The steam pipe 501 that is the measurement target of the measurement device 1 has an outer diameter D501 that is smaller than the steam pipe 500 that is the measurement target of the measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment. However, the probe unit 10 employs the same configuration as in the first embodiment, including the probe base 102, and therefore, when fixed to the steam pipe 501, only a portion of the surface of the probe base 102 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 501a of the steam pipe 501.

[0075] The adjusting member 14 is a plate-shaped member having two through holes 14a. The portion of the U-bolt 12 between the threaded portion 12a and the arc portion 12b is inserted into the through holes 14a of the adjusting member 14. Then, the nut 13 is screwed onto the threaded portion 12a of the U-bolt 12, whereby the adjusting member 14 and the probe base 102 vertically clamp the steam pipe 501.

[0076] The measuring device 2 according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration differs from the first embodiment in that it includes the outer diameter D501 of the steam pipe 501 to be measured and the adjust member 14, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the measuring device 2 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0077] Furthermore, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment further includes an adjusting member 14 used when fixing to the steam pipe 501, so even if the outer diameter D501 of the steam pipe 501 is different from that of the first embodiment, it can be fixed to the steam pipe 501 simply by additionally employing the adjusting member 14, without requiring any design changes to other components. Therefore, with the measuring device 2, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs through mass production effects compared to when the design of the bracket 101 or the like is changed for each outer diameter of the steam pipe 501.

[0078] [Reference example] The configuration of a measurement device 8 according to a reference example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, parts having the same configuration as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0079] 7, a measurement device 8 according to a reference example differs from those of the first and second embodiments in the configuration of a probe unit 80. Specifically, the probe unit 80 of the measurement device 8 includes a probe base 802 having a flat surface 802a on the steam pipe 501 side (upper side) and disposed at a distance from the outer peripheral surface 501a of the steam pipe 501.

[0080] The temperature probe 807 and the vibrating probe 808 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction (the radial direction of the steam pipe 501, along the surface 802a of the probe base 802). The tip 807a of the temperature probe 807 and the tip 808a of the vibrating probe 808 are each in point contact with the outer circumferential surface 501a of the steam pipe 501. Furthermore, the tip 808a of the vibrating probe 808 is arranged to point to the pipe axis of the steam pipe 501, but the tip 807a of the temperature probe 807 is arranged to point to a position shifted in the radial direction from the pipe axis of the steam pipe 501.

[0081] The measuring device 8 according to this reference example is also fixed to the steam pipe 501 by additionally using the adjusting member 14 .

[0082] As in the second embodiment, the measuring device 8 according to this reference example also further includes an adjusting member 14 used when fixing to the steam pipe 501, so even if the outer diameter D501 of the steam pipe 501 is different from that of the first embodiment, it can be fixed to the steam pipe 501 simply by additionally employing the adjusting member 14, without requiring any design changes to other components. Therefore, the measuring device 8 can also reduce manufacturing costs through mass production effects compared to when the design of the bracket 101 or the like is changed for each outer diameter of the steam pipe 501.

[0083] [Variations] In the first and second embodiments, the probe pedestal 102 has a surface 102a configured as a concave curved surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a probe pedestal having a stepped surface when viewed from the front in the direction of the axis of the steam pipes 500, 501, or a probe pedestal having a shape similar to a V-block, can also be used. Even in this case, the probe pedestal can abut the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object at multiple points, or can be brought close to the outer peripheral surface without abutting. Therefore, the same effect as described above can be obtained even when such a configuration is adopted.

[0084] In the first and second embodiments, the tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 also has a concave curved surface, but the present invention is not limited to this. The tip 107a of the temperature probe 107 may also have a stepped shape when viewed from the front, similar to the probe base described above.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the probe base 102 is employed in which the volume of the accommodated portion 102g is larger than the volume of the protruding portion 102f, but the present invention is not limited to this. The volumes of the accommodated portion and the protruding portion may be equal, or a probe base in which the volume of the protruding portion is larger than the volume of the accommodated portion may be employed.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the reference example, the measuring devices 1, 2, and 8 are fixed to the steam pipes 500 and 501 using the U-bolts 12 and nuts 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fixing structure using a wire rope, a roller chain, or even a clamping device can also be adopted.

[0087] In addition, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the reference example, the probe case 100 is suspended vertically downward from the steam pipes 500, 501 that are the measurement object, but the present invention is not limited to this. The measurement device may be fixed with the probe case standing upright above the measurement object.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the reference example, the probe section 10, 80 is configured to include a vibration probe 108, 808 in addition to the temperature probe 107, 807, but in the present invention, it is not essential that the probe section include a vibration probe.

[0089] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the reference example, the measuring devices 1, 2, and 8 are attached to the steam pipes 500 and 501, but in the present invention, the measurement object of the measuring device is not limited to this. For example, a steam trap may also be used as the measurement object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1,2 Measuring equipment 10 Probe section 14 Adjustment member 100 Probe Case 100a opening 102 Probe base 102a surface 102b Through hole 107 Temperature Probe 107a Tip 108 Vibration Probe 500, 501 Steam piping (measurement object) 500a,501a Outer surface

Claims

1. A measurement device for measuring a member having a circular outer periphery, a probe case having a cylindrical shape, one end side of which is open in the cylindrical axis direction and which is directed toward the measurement object; a temperature probe that extends from the inside of the probe case toward the measurement object and has a long portion disposed so that a tip thereof is exposed outward from the opening, and the tip of the long portion abuts against the measurement object to measure a surface temperature of the measurement object; a columnar probe base having a through hole through which the long portion of the temperature probe is inserted and disposed so as to close at least a portion of the opening of the probe case; Equipped with the elongated portion of the temperature probe is fixed to the probe base in a state where the elongated portion is thermally coupled to the probe base at a portion that passes through the through hole; the probe base is provided so that a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the measurement object is along the outer peripheral surface and at least a portion of the surface is in contact with the outer peripheral surface; Measuring equipment.

2. a surface of the probe base facing the measurement object is formed as a concave curved surface along the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object; The measurement device according to claim 1 .

3. the tip of the elongated portion of the temperature probe is oriented toward the tube axis of the measurement object and is formed with a concave curved surface that fits along the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object, the surface of the probe base and the tip of the temperature probe are arranged so as to be flush with each other when viewed from the front in the tube axis direction of the measurement object. The measurement device according to claim 2 .

4. the probe base has a protruding portion protruding from the opening toward the measurement object and a contained portion contained inside the probe case, the protruding portion and the contained portion being integrally formed from the same material; The accommodated portion is formed so that the volume of the accommodated portion is larger than the volume of the protruding portion. The measurement device according to claim 1 .

5. a bracket attached to the probe case and having two through holes spaced apart from each other; a U-bolt having threaded portions formed on both longitudinal ends and an arc portion whose longitudinal middle portion is bent 180° into an arc shape, the threaded portions being inserted into the two through holes in the bracket with the arc portion placed on the measurement object; Two nuts that are screwed onto the threaded portion of the U-bolt; Furthermore, the probe case is disposed below the object to be measured such that the probe base abuts against a lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the object to be measured, and the arc portion is fixed in a state of hanging downward from the object to be measured by the nut being screwed below the bracket onto the threaded portion of the U-bolt disposed on the object to be measured. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. an adjustment member extending in a radial direction of the measurement object, having two through holes through which the U-bolts are inserted, and arranged to abut against an upper portion of the outer circumferential surface of the measurement object; the probe case is fixed to the object to be measured by radially sandwiching the object to be measured between the portion of the adjuster member between the two through holes and the probe base; The measurement device according to claim 5 .

7. a vibration probe having a probe rod that extends from the inside of the probe case toward the object to be measured and that is disposed so that a tip thereof is exposed to the outside through the opening, and the tip of the probe rod abuts against the object to be measured, thereby measuring the intensity of vibration in the object to be measured; the tip of the probe rod of the vibration probe is disposed adjacent to the tip of the long portion of the temperature probe at an interval in a direction along the tube axis of the measurement object, and is arranged so as to be oriented toward the tube axis of the measurement object. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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