Steam trap, sensor device and flow path condition detection method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control valve (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid, in particular a steam trap (2) for draining condensate, comprising a housing (9) having an inlet flange (3) and an outlet flange (5), a sensor device (10) coupled to the housing (9) for monitoring the operating state of the control valve (1), and a coupling assembly (14) for coupling the sensor device (10) to the housing (9). The sensor device (10) according to the present invention comprises a sensor (12) for detecting structure-borne sound in the coupling assembly (14) and the housing (9) and / or a sensor (39) for detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly (14) and the housing (9). The present invention relates to a sensor device (10) for detecting blockages in a flow path (8) and water leakage in the control valve (1), and a method (100) for detecting the flow path state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam trap having a housing having an inlet flange and an outlet flange, and a sensor device for monitoring the operating condition of a control valve, the sensor device having a coupling assembly for disposition in the housing and fastened to the housing. [Background technology]

[0002] As the above-mentioned control valve, for example, a steam trap is known. Control valves are used to control the flow rate of fluids in production lines, containers, piping systems, etc. In many plants in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy-related industries, steam is used as a heat carrier, which is transferred through the corresponding piping and control valve. In most cases, steam is supplied centrally at different pressure stages, for example by a steam generator. When work is done in the respective application, such as by steam loss or heat loss, a part of the steam is condensed due to the transfer of energy. Instead of steam, a medium in the vapor or liquid phase can also be used. In many applications, steam traps are often used to separate and discharge the condensate, which is in the liquid phase. In some processes, for example, the steam hammer phenomenon can occur. During the steam hammer period, the steam bubbles suddenly collapse in a cooler liquid environment. To prevent this from happening and ensure the efficient use of energy, it is necessary to remove the condensate from the piping at an early stage. In most cases, the removal of the condensate is performed by the above-mentioned steam trap. Steam traps are also used to ensure that only water is in the line under pressure while the condensate is returned to the piping. There are many different types of steam traps. They all have in common a closure member that is configured to selectively block or open the steam trap and a flow path in the drain line for condensate to drain. Mechanical (float) steam traps exploit the physical properties of steam and water. For example, a spherical float is used as the closure member, and when the condensate float rises it activates a valve to open. Other closure members are bimetallic or membrane-based and use temperature to control the opening and closing of the closure member.

[0003] For example, steam traps used in such plants may leak or become clogged due to signs of wear, fouling, and / or deposits or even magnetite formation caused by transported steam or condensate.

[0004] During operation, leaks lead to steam loss and reduce the efficiency of each plant. Early detection of leaks is essential as it incurs considerable costs. For this reason, regular maintenance inspections are often instituted. Regular maintenance inspections result in long downtimes of each plant, which is unprofitable. In plants that do not have regular maintenance inspections, it is normal to expect 15% to 25% of steam traps to be defective. Regular testing can significantly reduce this failure rate.

[0005] Steam traps, which are control valves, are subject to particularly high pressures, and therefore for safety reasons, blockages or incipient blockages of the flow paths must be detected to avoid damage to the respective systems and the entire production line. For example, condensate droplets may be transported at high speeds due to explosions caused by fast-flowing water vapor. For example, clogging in steam traps can lead to a significant decrease in the performance of the respective systems, and leaky steam traps can lead to steam losses and thus to significant economic losses, so leaks and blockages must be detected early. In addition, an increase in pressure in the network, i.e. in a system with several steam traps, is expected. As a result, some steam traps in the system may have difficulty draining. In addition, the accumulation of condensate can cause the water hammer phenomenon, which can cause serious damage to the system. Here, the water hammer phenomenon refers to a pressure surge caused by a sudden change in the flow rate in the piping.

[0006] Sensor devices are known, for example in the field of steam traps or known control valves, for detecting vibrations or temperature, which make it possible to draw conclusions about leaks or blockages from the changes in vibration or temperature. However, the sensor devices react very sensitively to interfering variables during plant operation, such as for example the fundamental vibrations of the plant or fluctuations in the operating temperature. For this reason, the sensor devices are almost always of a very complex structure in order to minimize the influence of the interfering variables. A sensor device of this kind is disclosed, for example, in WO 2019 / 003692. In this device, the probe tip is placed in a housing, the vibrations of which lead to an active relative movement of the probe tip with respect to the piezoelectric sensor. In addition to the complex setup, wear and contamination of the movable probe tip, which is in direct contact with the housing, are also disadvantages of such sensor devices. With other sensor devices, the sensor signal is strongly influenced by interfering variables, which may result in only inaccurate measurement results. It is necessary to minimize the downtimes of the control valves associated with the respective systems and to monitor their operating condition. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 003692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to increase the reliability and robustness of a sensor arrangement for monitoring the operating state of a control valve, thereby improving the overall safety and operating time of the control valve, in particular a steam trap of the type described in the patent application WO 2005 / 023366. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by means of a control valve as claimed in claim 1.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the control valve is a steam trap having a flow passage formed between an inlet flange and an outlet flange, and a closure member is arranged in the flow passage, and the closure member is configured to selectively block the flow passage and / or to communicate the flow passage. Regarding the first aspect, the sensor device is arranged downstream of the closure member and includes a sensor for detecting structure-borne sound and / or a sensor for detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly and / or the housing, and the sensor device is configured to detect a water leak in the steam trap by detecting the structure-borne sound of the coupling assembly and / or the housing, and / or to detect a blockage in the flow passage by detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly and / or the housing. With this configuration, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. The inventors have discovered the fact that in a steam trap, the effect of structure-borne sound is maximum downstream of the closure member when water leaks. This is because the intensity of the structure-borne sound is maximum in the area downstream of the closure member due to, for example, turbulence.

[0011] In order to transmit the structure-borne sound of the housing to the mounted sensor, the coupling assembly is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the sensor. Alternatively, the coupling assembly is indirectly connected to the sensor in a removable manner to the housing. Sound that propagates through solids is called structure-borne sound. Since solids can absorb shear stresses in addition to normal stresses, structure-borne sound can propagate as longitudinal and transverse waves. Preferably, the sensor is configured to detect longitudinal and / or transverse waves in the coupling assembly. This eliminates the need for regular maintenance, which can be performed as needed based on the sensor signal. This effectively reduces the downtime of each plant and improves the safety of the control valve during operation. The invention also contributes in particular to preventive maintenance, process monitoring, detection and defect location of plants and their components, in particular control valves. Rapid detection of water leakage in particular allows early elimination of steam losses and therefore energy losses, which leads to increased efficiency of any plant equipped with a control valve.

[0012] The inventors make use of the fact that the fluid flowing through the control valve generates structure-borne sounds in a defined frequency range that is defined based on the pressure, flow rate and the set operating conditions, in particular the coagulation state and the composition of the medium. Changes in the structure-borne sound of the housing therefore reliably indicate changes in the flow rate or pressure in the control valve and conclusions can be reliably drawn on the operating condition of the control valve, in particular leakage. The coupling assembly according to the invention is directly or indirectly connected to the housing in a detachable manner, forming a solid-borne sound conducting connection that can be removed if necessary. The sensor is not directly connected to the housing, but is indirectly connected to the housing via the assembly so as to conduct the structure-borne sound. The sensor is therefore particularly thermally insulated. The coupling assembly, which ensures the coupling of the sensor device to the housing and the conduction of the structure-borne sound to the sensor, simplifies the setup of the sensor device as a whole. The functional integration of the coupling assembly as a means of mechanical coupling and as a means of conducting the measurement variable to be detected simplifies the setup of the sensor device. The direct or indirect connection between the coupling assembly and the sensor and between the coupling assembly and the housing ensures a robust setup of the sensor device. The direct or indirect connection is suitable for the conduction of structure-borne sound and allows a reversible assembly of the individual components. In contrast to known devices, the structure-borne sound is conducted all the way to the sensor and is not buried in the relative movement of the interconnected components. This reduces mechanical wear.

[0013] A control valve according to the invention is intended to be a structural unit for conducting fluids, in particular gases, liquids or mixtures thereof. Structural units include valves, fittings, steam traps but also pumps. A flange according to the invention is intended to provide a connection to adjacent structural elements, in particular pipes, of the control valve. Said connection can be achieved, for example, by a number of bolts inserted through a flange ring, but can also be achieved without a flange ring or by other connection elements or sleeves, including welded connections.

[0014] The invention also allows the use of two sensors, for example a first sensor to detect structure-borne sound and a second sensor to detect an additional physical variable to monitor the operating state of the control valve.

[0015] The coupling assembly preferably extends longitudinally from the housing to the sensor, the sensor being configured to detect longitudinal waves.

[0016] Preferably, the coupling assembly has an insulating material configured to reduce heat transfer from the housing to the sensor. In the present invention, an insulating material is a solid, liquid or gas insulating material that inhibits the transfer of heat. Since sensors that detect structure-borne sound are often only operable within a specified temperature range, the reduction in heat transfer by the insulating material provides additional protection for the sensor or sensors, so that the detection of structure-borne sound or the operation of the entire sensor is not hindered by the temperature in the flow path of the control valve.

[0017] Heat transfer or heat transport is the transport of energy in the form of heat across at least one thermodynamic system boundary. Thermal insulation to reduce heat transfer from the housing to the sensor is preferably provided at least in part through the coupling assembly. Heat transfer is through mechanical contact to a cooler location.

[0018] Preferably, the housing has a flow passage formed at least in a portion between the inlet flange and the outlet flange, and the sensor device is configured to detect leakage in the flow passage by detecting solid-borne sound in the housing with the sensor. The inventors recognized that leakage in the flow passage in the control valve as well as leakage in a pipe section adjacent to the piping system have various effects on the flow of the fluid. For this reason, leakage causes, for example, a pressure drop, a change in flow rate, and a change in the aggregation state or composition of the medium, which causes a change in the solid-borne sound in the housing of the control valve. This means that leakage can be reliably detected not only in the control valve but also in the piping system connected to the control valve.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor is a piezoelectric sensor. Piezoelectric sensors operate by the piezoelectric effect and are suitable for example for measuring acceleration, stress or force. By connecting the housing to the sensor in such a way that the structure-borne sound is conducted by a coupling assembly, the sensor is subjected to mechanical vibrations due to the structure-borne sound. The structure-borne sound leads to mechanical deformation of the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric sensor, in particular to a transfer of electric polarization at the metallized surface of the respective piezoelectric element, whereby an electric charge appears at the surface, which can technically be used as a measurable electric signal. In the case of passive piezoelectric sensors, such as acceleration transducers or acoustic emission transducers, the piezoelectric effect is used to detect the structure-borne sound. The piezoelectric sensor is particularly preferably composed of at least one first and second piezoelectric element, preferably a pair of electrodes. The combination of at least two piezoelectric elements increases the measurement accuracy. The piezoelectric sensor preferably has a seismic mass, which is configured to move relative to the first and / or second piezoelectric element based on the structure-borne sound transmitted by the housing. The piezoelectric sensor further preferably has a front conductor spaced apart from the seismic mass and coupled to a coupling assembly configured to position the first and second piezoelectric elements relative to the seismic mass.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling assembly has a holding part connected to the housing in an indirectly structure-borne sound conducting manner, preferably the holding part is adapted for direct or indirect connection to the sensor and adapted for indirect connection to the coupling part.

[0021] Preferably, the retainer is configured such that at least one first piezoelectric element and at least one second piezoelectric element are arranged between the seismic mass and the front conductor, and directly or indirectly connect the seismic mass and the front conductor. The piezoelectric elements with the front conductor, seismic mass and electrodes can be arranged to receive a compressive force. The retainer connects the seismic mass and the front conductor to the housing in a structure-borne sound conducting manner, so that the one or more piezoelectric elements are subjected to a compressive force, which generates a stress in the piezoelectric element that can be measured by the electrodes. A change in the stress experienced by the piezoelectric element indicates a change in the structure-borne sound in the housing, and thus allows the operating state of the control valve to be monitored.

[0022] Preferably, the seismic mass is movably engaged with the holding portion, and the coupling assembly further comprises a fastener coupled to the holding portion and configured to transfer structure-borne sound to the seismic mass, such that the seismic mass moves relative to the first piezoelectric element and / or the second piezoelectric element.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal insulation is made of a solid insulating material and is disposed between the sensor and the housing. The sensor is thermally shielded from the coupling assembly by the thermal insulation made of the solid insulating material. The thermal conductivity of the solid insulating material is preferably smaller than the thermal conductivity of air. This improves the thermal shielding performance of the sensor.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling assembly has a coupling part for engaging the coupling surface and a retaining part configured for coupling to the sensor, which allows for a division of functions between the coupling part and the retaining part, thereby simplifying the coupling assembly or the individual parts of the coupling assembly.

[0025] Preferably, the coupling assembly comprises a coupling part which removably engages the coupling surface and is coupled to the retaining part in a structure-borne sound conducting manner. The division of functions allows a selection based on market requirements. The coupling part can be made of a particularly chemically resistant material, for example a heat resistant material, since it is arranged directly on the housing. Alternatively, the coupling part can be separate from the retaining part for weight or cost reasons.

[0026] In a second aspect, the invention solves the above-mentioned problem by means of a steam trap having the features of claim 5.

[0027] According to a second aspect, which is also a preferred exemplary embodiment according to the first aspect, in particular the coupling assembly comprises a coupling part configured for detachable connection to the housing or said coupling part and an adapter configured for connecting the sensor to the coupling part for structure-borne sound conduction and / or heat conduction to the sensor. The complexity of the coupling part can be reduced by an additional adapter. Furthermore, the indirect coupling of the sensor to the coupling part via the adapter protects the sensor from thermal loads, since the adapter is exposed to a smaller thermal load than the coupling part. Preferably, the coupling part is a screw having a head with a coupling receptacle. Such a coupling receptacle can be attached, for example, to a threaded hole or an external contour or to an external thread. This allows the coupling part to be formed of simple, robust and standard parts. The adapter, which is exposed to smaller loads, allows for functional integration, i.e. for accommodating and connecting the sensor to the coupling part.

[0028] The preferred embodiments of the control valve according to the first aspect of the invention are equally preferred for the second aspect of the invention, see above for the associated advantages and possible designs, whereby the steam trap according to the second aspect can become a control valve.

[0029] Preferably, the coupling assembly further comprises a holding part coupled to the sensor, and the adapter is configured to connect directly or indirectly to the holding part. In this way, the adapter connects the coupling part and the holding part to each other. Thus, the holding part can also be designed with a structurally simple one, for example a screw. Thus, the adapter has coupling surfaces for connecting directly or indirectly to the holding part and the coupling part.

[0030] More preferably, the coupling part and the holding part have a metallic material and the adapter has a non-metallic material, in particular technical ceramics and / or polymers, or consists entirely of such materials. The holding part and the coupling part can therefore be produced cheaply, for example from steel. Particularly for the coupling part, metallic materials are advantageous in terms of heat conduction. Due to the good heat conduction of metallic materials, a more accurate detection or a more accurate determination can be made by detecting the temperature of the coupling part. The adapter connecting the holding part to the coupling part can be made of an insulating material, for example a polymer. This allows a large degree of design freedom in terms of manufacturing technology. For example, the adapter can be an injection-molded part.

[0031] More preferably, the retainer extends a length along the longitudinal axis and the adapter has a tapped hole or external threads in the adapter mounting surface configured to engage the retainer along at least 1 / 3 of the adapter, the length of the retainer being such that the adapter provides sufficient fixation of the retainer to reduce resonant vibration of the retainer overlying structure-borne sound.

[0032] Preferably, the coupling part is a first screw having a first shank and a first head. Preferably, the retaining part is a second screw having a second shank and a second head. Thereby, the adapter can be adapted to removably engage with the first head and the second head. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling part comprises a coupling receptacle and a retaining part and / or the adapter comprises a corresponding coupling part, the coupling receptacle being removably engageable with the coupling part. In this way, the retaining part and the coupling part can be standardized, which reduces the manufacturing costs. The coupling receptacle can be an internal thread, a threaded hole or an external thread from the viewpoint of manufacturing technology. It can also be an outer contour that can be engaged with a corresponding adapter mounting surface.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter has an accommodation space in which at least a portion of the sensor is arranged. The sensor arranged in the accommodation space is preferably a temperature sensor. Such an accommodation space simplifies the arrangement of the sensor relative to the coupling assembly.

[0034] Preferably, the sensor device further comprises a sensor housing with a coupling part and the adapter comprises a corresponding housing coupling surface adapted for removably coupling to the coupling part, whereby a higher degree of functional integration can be achieved in the adapter.More preferably, the coupling surface is formed by a wall radially delimiting the receiving space, whereby a structural simplification of the adapter can be achieved.

[0035] Preferably, the adapter has a sensor mounting portion extending along or at the longitudinal axis of the adapter, and preferably extending along at least 3 / 4 of the adapter length, such that the sensor mounting portion extends into a region of the adapter adjacent the coupling portion, which allows for more accurate detection of the temperature of the coupling portion.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the coupling part has a coupling receptacle formed to receive the connecting part of the holding part. The coupling receptacle can be, for example, a threaded hole, and the coupling part of the holding part is preferably a corresponding male thread. This makes it possible to easily realize a connection between the coupling part and the holding part that transmits solid-borne sound.

[0037] Preferably, the front conductor is spaced adjacent the coupling section and / or adapter to provide an insulating cavity between the front conductor and the coupling assembly. The cavity may be filled with air or a gas to reduce thermal conduction. Air, in particular, is a cost-effective insulator.

[0038] More preferably, the front conductor has a first outer diameter adjacent to the first piezoelectric element and a second outer diameter adjacent to the coupling assembly, in particular the coupling part or the adapter, the second outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter and a sleeve arranged to be placed on a corresponding contact surface of the coupling part or the adapter. In particular, the first outer diameter is at least twice as large as the second outer diameter. The front conductor not only acts to bias the piezoelectric element but also to suppress the transfer of heat. Since the second outer diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the first outer diameter, the front conductor has only a small contact surface with the coupling part. Moreover, the front conductor has a large contact surface with the surrounding air. The surrounding air cools the front conductor. On the other hand, the transfer of heat from the coupling part is limited by the small contact surface.

[0039] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor is a first sensor and the sensor device has at least one second sensor for detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly and / or the housing, the sensor device being configured to detect a blockage in the flow path by detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly and / or the housing by means of the second sensor. The temperature sensor thereby detects the accumulation of condensed water due to the blockage causing a temperature change. This makes it possible to reduce in particular the water hammer phenomenon. Thermal effects that affect the measurement results of the first sensor can thus be further detected by the second sensor. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the first sensor can be maintained.

[0040] Preferably, the coupling assembly, more preferably the coupling part and / or the holding part of the coupling assembly, has a sensor mounting part for the second sensor. Thus, the second sensor can be easily coupled to the coupling assembly by being arranged on the sensor mounting part in order to detect the temperature of the coupling assembly. This allows the temperature of the coupling assembly to be detected. That is, since the coupling assembly is configured to be connected to the housing of the control valve, conclusions can be drawn regarding the temperature change of the flow passage in the housing.

[0041] According to a further preferred embodiment, the holding part, preferably the fastening part of the holding part and / or the holding part, has a sensor mounting part for the second sensor, which allows a simple and space-saving integration of the temperature sensor into the holding part.

[0042] The coupling assembly, in particular the coupling part, preferably has a thermal conductivity λ of less than 100 W / (m×K), preferably less than 50 W / (m×K), particularly preferably less than 15 W / (m×K), which reduces the influence of the temperature of the housing or the flow path on the sensor.

[0043] The coupling assembly, particularly the coupling portion, is made of a ceramic material, preferably zirconium oxide, which has a low thermal conductivity of 15 W / (m×K) or less, making it suitable for thermally shielding the sensor from the flow passage in the housing, and which has high hardness and excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable as a material for the control valve.

[0044] Preferably, the sensor arrangement further comprises a sensor housing having a coupling part configured for coupling to the coupling assembly and / or to the housing, thereby ensuring that the sensor is protected against environmental influences, in particular moisture and dirt.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor device comprises a transmitter, which transmits a sensor signal from the first sensor, preferably also from the second sensor, in particular by means of a signal connection, to an evaluation unit assigned to the control valve. The signal connection is preferably wireless and the sensor device also comprises an energy store. Preferably, the sensor device consists of an energy harvester, for example a thermogenerator. The evaluation unit, which is installed at the control valve or at each of the control valves, is configured to evaluate the sensor signal of the first sensor and preferably of the second sensor in order to monitor the operating state of the control valve and in particular to detect leaks and / or blockages.

[0046] More preferably, the evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the first and second sensors of the sensor device and detect the blockage based on the sensor signals. The evaluation unit may be a processor, which is arranged in a stationary or mobile device and preferably has a data storage.

[0047] The evaluation unit is preferably configured to compare the sensor signal with reference data in the data storage device and, based on this comparison, to identify leaks and / or blockages or partial blockages of the flow passage.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor device, in particular the sensor housing, has a signal connection for sending out a sensor signal or a number of sensor signals, which signal connection can be connected to a transmitter and / or an evaluation unit. Preferably, the sensor device consists of an energy harvester, for example a thermogenerator. Connecting an evaluation unit allows a direct and self-contained signal processing. The evaluated sensor data can be sent by the sensor or a transmitter coupled to the sensor to a central data storage, for example a cloud, or connected to an optional mobile device, for displaying warning messages regarding said monitored operating conditions or for displaying information regarding said monitored operating conditions.

[0049] Preferably, the coupling assembly comprises a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, for coupling the sensor or the sensors, respectively, to the housing, in particular the coupling part being made of a magnet. The magnet allows for an indirect and simple connection by magnetic force. This allows the sensor device to be mounted on the housing in a short time, thus simplifying the handling of the sensor device.

[0050] In a third aspect, the invention solves the above-mentioned problem by a steam trap having the features of claim 15.

[0051] According to a third aspect of the present invention, which is also a preferred exemplary embodiment of each of the first or second aspects of the present invention, a coupling assembly comprises a coupling part or said coupling part that can be removably engaged with a coupling surface, a holding part or said holding part that is indirectly connected to the housing so as to conduct structure-borne sound and is configured to at least indirectly connect to the coupling part, and a sensor mounting part that is installed in the holding part and configured to accommodate a second sensor that detects temperature. Thus, the coupling part is coupled to the housing, and the holding part holds the first sensor and the second sensor in the sensor mounting part adjacent to but spaced from the coupling part. Thus, the first sensor and the second sensor are protected from the outside. Furthermore, adverse effects of high temperatures of the housing conducted through the coupling part on the measurement results of the first sensor and the second sensor can be avoided.

[0052] The preferred embodiments of the control valve according to the first and second aspects of the invention are likewise preferred embodiments for the third aspect of the invention, and reference is made to the above discussion of the associated advantages and possible designs, whereby the steam trap according to the third aspect can also be a control valve.

[0053] In a fourth aspect, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by a sensor arrangement as claimed in claim 17 .

[0054] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a control valve for detecting leakage and / or clogging in a flow passage according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular in a steam trap. The sensor arrangement comprises a coupling assembly for coupling to a housing and at least one sensor for detecting structure-borne sound and / or detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly and / or the housing. The sensor arrangement is arranged downstream of a closing member of the steam trap and is configured to detect leakage in the steam trap by detecting structure-borne sound in the coupling assembly and / or the housing, and to detect clogging in the flow passage by detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly and / or the housing. This arrangement thereby solves the above-mentioned problem according to the fourth aspect.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the above-mentioned problems relating to the sensor device are solved in that the coupling assembly has a coupling part configured to removably connect to the housing and an adapter configured to connect a sensor to the coupling part for conducting structure-borne sound and / or temperature.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling assembly includes a coupling part that can be removably engaged with the coupling surface, a holding part that is configured to be at least indirectly connected to the housing so as to conduct structure-borne sound, and a sensor mounting part that is mounted on the holding part and configured to accommodate a second sensor that detects temperature. This solves the above-mentioned problems related to the sensor device.

[0057] The sensor device according to the fourth aspect of the invention provides the advantages described above with respect to the control valves according to the first to third aspects. Advantages and preferred embodiments of the first to third aspects are also advantages and preferred embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention and vice versa. The sensor device can also be applied to detect leaks and / or blockages in flow paths of pipes or other fluid conducting assemblies.

[0058] In a fifth aspect, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by a method according to claim 18.

[0059] By providing a sensor arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the advantages described above with respect to the first, second and third aspects of the invention are incorporated in the method according to the invention. Advantages and preferred embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the invention are also preferred embodiments and advantages of the fifth aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0060] Preferably, the method according to the invention further comprises the steps of providing at least one second sensor signal by a temperature sensor, transmitting the second sensor signal to an evaluation unit, and jointly evaluating the sensor signals of the first sensor and the temperature sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0061] According to the present invention, the shortcomings of the prior art can be overcome. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a control valve according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a control valve according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 3] Figure 3a shows a side view of the sensor arrangement in the control valve of Figure 2. Figure 3b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor arrangement of Figure 3a. [Figure 4] Figure 4a shows a side view of a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 4b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 4a. [Diagram 5] Figure 5a shows a side view of a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 5b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 5a. [Figure 6] Figure 6a shows a side view of a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 6b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 6a. [Figure 7] Figure 7a shows a side view of a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 7b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 7a. [Figure 8] Figure 8a shows a side view of the sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 8b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 8a. [Figure 9] Figure 9a shows a side view of a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 9b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 9a. [Figure 10] Figure 10a shows a side view of a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Figure 10b shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor device of Figure 10a. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a method for detecting leakage or clogging in the flow path of the control valve of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a control valve 1 designed as a steam trap 2. The steam trap 2 comprises an inlet flange 3 and an outlet flange 5 which can be connected to a piping system (not shown). A fluid containing a gas component and a condensed water component enters the steam trap 2 through the inlet flange 3. The steam trap 2 then discharges the condensed water through the outlet flange 5.

[0064] The steam trap 2 includes a condensate diversion section within a housing 9 having a protective screen 7 and a flow passage 8 extending between an inlet flange 3 and an outlet flange 5. A sensor device 10 is connected to the housing 9 in a structure-borne sound conducting manner.

[0065] Although not shown, the closure member 11 is disposed in the flow passage 8 inside the housing 9. The closure member 11 is configured to selectively open the flow passage 8. The closure member 11 is particularly a bimetal or a membrane, and opens the flow passage 8 in response to temperature, thereby allowing condensed water to be discharged from the steam trap 2.

[0066] The sensor device 10 comprises a sensor 12 and a coupling assembly 14 for connecting the sensor device 10 to the housing 9, in particular to a coupling surface 9a of the housing 9. The coupling assembly 14 is directly or indirectly connected to the sensor 12 and is configured to establish a detachable and direct or indirect connection to the housing 9 or to the coupling surface 9a, respectively, in order to conduct structure-borne sound in the housing 9 to the sensor 12 when worn.

[0067] The coupling assembly 14 comprises a coupling part 15 and a holding part 16 detachably connectable to the coupling part 15, and the sensor 12 is connected to the housing 9 by the coupling assembly 14 in a structure-borne sound conducting manner. This provides a connection between the sensor 12 and the housing 9 that conducts structure-borne sound, and the sensor 12 can detect structure-borne sound in the housing 9, thereby making it possible to draw a conclusion about the operating state, in particular about leakage and / or clogging in the flow path 8. This allows the combination of the coupling part 15 and the holding part 16 to realize functional sharing, and the structure-borne sound to be detected propagates inside the coupling part 15 and the holding part 16.

[0068] The sensor device 10 may be coupled to the housing 9 at any position. Preferably, the sensor device 10 is arranged downstream of the closure member 11.

[0069] A sensor device 10 of a first embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. A control valve 1 which is a steam trap 2 is shown in Fig. 2, and the configuration of the sensor device 10 is different from that in Fig. 1. In all drawings for explaining the embodiments, members having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 is referred to.

[0070] The sensor device 10 comprises a sensor housing 18. The sensor housing 18 is coupled to the coupling assembly 14 and houses the holding part 16 (see Figs. 3a, 3b) and the first sensor 12 (see Figs. 3a, 3b). This ensures that the holding part 16 and the sensor 12 are securely contained within the sensor housing 18 and protected from environmental influences. Preferably, the sensor housing 18 is detachably coupled to the holding part 16 and / or the sensor 12 and / or the coupling part 15.

[0071] 3a and 3b show the sensor device 10 of FIG. 2 in more detail.

[0072] Coupling assembly 14 includes a coupling portion 15 which is a screw for coupling to coupling surface 9a of housing 9 (see FIG. 1), and a sensor housing 18 is disposed adjacent coupling portion 15. As shown particularly in FIG. 3b, coupling assembly 14 includes a retaining portion 16 which is a screw 17 having a retaining portion 36.

[0073] The coupling part 15 formed as a screw includes a shaft part 21 and a head part 23. The head part 23 is provided with a coupling part 27 formed at the distal end of the holding part 16 and a coupling receptacle 25 in which the coupling part 27 is disposed.

[0074] The sensor 12 is a piezoelectric sensor and comprises a first piezoelectric element 28.1 and a second piezoelectric element 28.2, which in this embodiment are formed as plates with a central cylindrical hole. The sensor 12 comprises a pair of electrodes 32 for supplying an electrical signal or current, respectively. A holding part 16 formed as a screw 17 is guided through the hole in the sensor 12.

[0075] The sensor 12 includes a front conductor 33. The holding part 16 has a fastening portion 34 formed as a screw 17. The front conductor 33 is formed in a disk shape and has a central hole with an internal thread formed therein, which screws into a holding portion 36 of the holding part 16 formed as a screw 17.

[0076] The sensor 12 is arranged adjacent to the fastening part 34 and comprises a seismic mass 31, which in this example is formed in the form of a plate with a central cylindrical hole. The screw 17 is guided through the hole. The fastening part 34 is arranged on the seismic mass 31, so that the sensor 12 with at least one first and one second piezoelectric element 28.1, 28.2 can be securely positioned and fixed between the front conductor 33 and the fastening part 34, the seismic mass 31 engaging with the screw 17, in particular the holding part 36, so as to be movable relative to the first and second piezoelectric elements 28.1, 28.2.

[0077] The front conductor is disposed adjacent to and spaced from the coupling assembly 14, particularly the head 23 of the coupling part 15. As a result, a cavity 37 serving as a thermal insulator is formed between the front conductor 33 and the head 23 of the coupling part 15. In this embodiment, the cavity 37 extends radially around the holding part 36, and particularly means a space defined by the radial extension of the head 23 and the radial extension of the front conductor 33. The thermal insulation of the sensor 12 is improved by the coupling assembly 14, and thus the housing 9 (see Figures 1 and 2), and the thermal insulation performance is improved by the cavity 37.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the seismic mass 31 is connected to the sensor housing 18 via a coupling 20 of the sensor housing 18. Preferably, an indirect and / or frictional connection is formed between the seismic mass 31 and the coupling 20, as well as a connection that conducts structure-borne sound. Preferably, the coupling 20 has a contact surface 20a, which contacts the seismic mass 31, that is provided with a friction-promoting surface coating, in particular a polymer coating. Preferably, the contact surface 20a of the coupling 20 is provided with a rubber coating.

[0079] A further exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the invention is shown in figures 4a and 4b. Components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the embodiment illustrated in figures 3a and 3b. The sensor device 10 does not have a sensor housing 18. The sensor housing 18 can be added as an option in the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 4a and 4b.

[0080] The exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b differs from the above exemplary embodiment in that a solid insulating material 29 made of a thermal insulating material is arranged between the front conductor 33 and the head 23 of the coupling assembly 14. The solid insulating material 29 made of a thermal insulating material has a central hole for guiding the holding part 36. Thus, the thermal insulation made of the solid insulating material 29 is formed by the connection part 27 of the holding part 16 formed as a screw 17 arranged in the coupling receptacle 25. This makes it possible to omit further processing of the thermal insulation made of the solid insulating material 29 between the thermal insulation made of the solid insulating material 29 and the screw 17 to form an indirect connection, for example by a screw.

[0081] Figures 5a and 5b show a further exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 10 according to the invention. Components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the embodiment illustrated in figures 3a and 3b and 4a and 4b.

[0082] The sensor device 10 comprises the above-mentioned sensor 12, which in this embodiment is a first sensor, a coupling assembly 14 having a coupling part 15 and a retaining part 16 removably coupled to the coupling part 15. The retaining part 16 is formed as a screw 17 and has a retaining part 36 and a fastening part 34. The retaining part 36 engages with the front conductor 33 and the head of the screw 17 forms the fastening part 34. The coupling assembly 14 further comprises a sleeve 35 for removably coupling the coupling part 15 and the retaining part 16.

[0083] Preferably, the sleeve 35 comprises a first cylindrical portion 35a, which allows the sleeve 35 to be placed on the outer circumference of the front conductor 33, and a second cylindrical portion 35b, which allows the sleeve 35 to be placed on the head 23 of the coupling part 15. In this embodiment, the sleeve 35 functions as a screw. The sleeve 35 further comprises a central portion 35c, which tapers from the second cylindrical portion 35b towards the first cylindrical portion 35a. Preferably, the sleeve 35 indirectly connects the front conductor 33 to the head 23 of the coupling part 15. The sleeve 35 is provided for establishing a structure-borne sound conducting connection between the coupling assembly 14, in particular the head 23, and the holding part 16, in particular the seismic mass 31. In this embodiment, the structure-borne sound conducting connection to the seismic mass 31 is made indirectly by the front conductor 33 and the holding part 16. The sensor 12 is provided with a known piezoelectric sensor, preferably consisting of a first piezoelectric element 28.1 and a second piezoelectric element 28.2. The sensor 12 further comprises a pair of electrodes 32 for respectively supplying an electrical signal or current, such that the structure-borne sound is transmitted through the sleeve 35 and the holder 16 to the first piezoelectric element 28.1 and the second piezoelectric element 28.2.

[0084] A cavity 37 is further formed between the head 23 and the front conductor 33. The cavity 37 is defined in the radial direction by the sleeve 35 and in the axial direction by the head 23 and the front conductor 33. This ensures that the holding part 16, and in particular the front conductor 33, is insulated from the coupling part 15 or the housing 9 by the cavity 37 (see FIG. 1). By avoiding engagement with the holding part 36 and engagement with the coupling part 15, heat conduction is reduced and the sensor 12 is protected from the high temperature of the housing 9 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0085] In addition to the first sensor 12, which is a piezoelectric sensor with the first piezoelectric element 28.1 and the second piezoelectric element 28.2, the sensor arrangement 10 further comprises a second sensor 39 for detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly 14. The second sensor 39 is a temperature sensor. Preferably, the second sensor 39, which is a temperature sensor, is arranged in a sensor mounting part 40 formed in the head 23 of the coupling part 15.

[0086] The exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 shown in Figures 6A and 6B differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B in that a second sensor 39 is further provided in addition to the first sensor 12. Components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0087] The first sensor 12 is provided with a known piezoelectric sensor and consists of a first piezoelectric element 28.1 and a second piezoelectric element 28.2. The sensor 12 further comprises a pair of electrodes 32 for respectively supplying an electrical signal or current. The second sensor 39 is a temperature sensor and is arranged on a sensor mounting part 40. The second sensor 39 is arranged to detect a temperature change and thereby indicate a blockage in the flow passage 8. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the sensor mounting part 40 is formed on the head part 23 of the coupling part 15. Alternatively, the sensor mounting part can be arranged on the holding part 16.

[0088] The exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b preferably differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6a and 6b or 3a and 3b in that, in addition to the first sensor 12, the sensor device 10 has a second sensor 39 as a temperature sensor. Elements having the same function are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b or 3a and 3b.

[0089] The first sensor 12 is preferably a piezoelectric sensor having a first piezoelectric element 28.1 and a second piezoelectric element 28.2. The first sensor 12 further comprises a pair of electrodes 32 for respectively providing an electrical signal or current that varies based on structure-borne sound within the housing 9 (see FIG. 1).

[0090] The second sensor 39 is arranged on a sensor mounting part 40. The sensor mounting part 40 is formed on the holding part 16. In order to detect the temperature of the holding part 16, the second sensor 39 is formed to detect water blockage of the steam trap 2. Thereby, the holding part 16 is formed as a screw 17 having a head on which a fastening part 34 and a holding part 36 are arranged, and the sensor mounting part 40 extends from the fastening part 34 through the entire holding part 36 to the coupling part 27, which engages in a corresponding coupling receptacle 25 of the coupling part 15. In addition to the temperature detection of the holding part 16, a rapid detection of the temperature difference between the coupling part 15 and the housing 9 (see Figures 1 and 2) is possible by extending the second sensor 39 to the coupling part 27. The second sensor 39 therefore also indirectly detects temperature variations of the coupling part 15 by at least partial reception of the coupling part 27 in the head 23.

[0091] Figures 8a and 8b show a further exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 10 according to the invention. The exemplary embodiment shown differs from the exemplary embodiment of figures 4a and 4b in that the control valve is replaced by a tube section 43 and that a coupling assembly 14 is provided in the tube section 43. Components having the same function are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the embodiment illustrated in figures 4a and 4b.

[0092] The coupling assembly 14 is made up of two parts, the coupling part 15 being a screw and the second holding part 41 being a pipe clamp. Preferably, the coupling part 15 removably engages with a threaded hole 42 of the second holding part 41 to ensure a structure-borne sound conducting connection between the second holding part 41 formed as a pipe clamp and the coupling part 15 formed as a screw. By means of the coupling assembly 14, the sensor device 10 is configured to establish a structure-borne sound conducting connection to the control valve, in particular to the pipe part 43. Thus, a water leak in the pipe part 43 or in the control valve can be reliably detected by the sensor device 10 based on a change in the structure-borne sound. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor device 10 is configured to make a structure-borne sound conducting connection to the pipes of the piping system in order to monitor the operating state and to detect water leaks.

[0093] According to the present invention, the corresponding configuration of the coupling assembly 14 can be combined with the variants of the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 7b. And, the temperature of the coupling assembly 14 is monitored, for example by a second sensor, in order to detect a blockage in the flow path of the tube part 43.

[0094] 9a and 9b show a further embodiment of the sensor device 10. The sensor device 10 comprises a coupling assembly 14 for coupling to a housing 9 (see FIG. 1). The sensor device 10 further comprises a first sensor 12 for detecting structure-borne sound and a second sensor 39 for detecting the temperature of the coupling assembly 14 and / or the housing 9 (see FIG. 1). The coupling assembly 14 is configured to be directly connected to the first sensor 12 and to establish a removable connection to the housing 9 (see FIG. 1) in order to conduct the structure-borne sound of the housing 9 to the attached sensor 12. In this example, the sensor 12 is a piezoelectric sensor, and reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment above.

[0095] The coupling assembly 14 includes a coupling portion 15 that can be removably engaged with a coupling surface 9a (see FIG. 1) of the housing 9. The coupling assembly 14 further includes a holding portion 16 that is indirectly connected to the housing 9 so as to conduct structure-borne sound and that directly connects to the first sensor 12 of this embodiment.

[0096] The coupling part 15 is a first screw having a first shank 21 and a first head 23. The retaining part 16 is a second screw 17 having a second head 34 and a second shank 36. The second head 34 is a fastener that pre-compresses the first sensor 12. The second shank 36 is provided with a retaining part configured to engage an adapter 60 of the coupling assembly 14.

[0097] The adapter 60 includes an adapter mounting portion 62 having a threaded hole 63 formed therein. The second shaft portion 36 formed as a retaining portion is configured to engage with the threaded hole 63. The threaded hole 63 is aligned along a longitudinal axis L. A Preferably, the adapter mounting portion 62 extends coaxially with the coupling receptacle 25 of the coupling portion 15.

[0098] The holding portion 16 is aligned along a longitudinal axis L A The adapter attachment portion 62, and in particular the threaded hole 63, has a first length L1 in the direction of the retaining portion 16. The adapter attachment portion 62, and in particular the threaded hole 63, has at least 1 / 3 of the length L1 of the retaining portion 16. The threaded hole 63 of the adapter 60 is configured to engage with the retaining portion 16 along at least 1 / 3 of the first length L1. This ensures the transmission of force between the retaining portion 16 and the adapter 60.

[0099] The adapter 60 has a contact surface 60a extending in the radial direction R. The front conductor 33 of the first sensor 12 is formed as a sleeve 38 with a first diameter D1 adjacent to the first piezoelectric element 28.1 and a second diameter D2 adjacent to the contact surface 60a. The first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 thus respectively indicate the outer diameter of the sleeve 38. The second diameter D2 is thus larger than the diameter of the threaded hole 63, so that the front conductor 33 is arranged on the contact surface 60a and the retaining part 16 formed as the second screw 17 is screwed together with the retaining part 36 into the threaded hole 63. The first piezoelectric element 28.1 and the second piezoelectric element 28.2 are thereby fastened between the screw head 34 and the front conductor 33.

[0100] The adapter 60 further includes a mating portion 64 that is configured to engage the coupling receptacle 25 of the coupling part 15. Preferably, the mating portion 64 is configured for threaded engagement with the coupling receptacle 25. The mating portion 64 is plastically deformed, thereby forming a rigid connection between the adapter 60 and the coupling part 15.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 9a, the adapter 60 has an attachment 65. The adapter 60 is oriented along a longitudinal axis L A 2. The coupling portion 64 is adapted to engage the coupling receptacle 25 by rotational engagement around the mating portion 64 .

[0102] The adapter 60 further has an accommodation space 66 formed by a contact surface 60a extending in the radial direction R and a wall 67 surrounding the contact surface 60a in the radial direction R. Preferably, the accommodation space 66 is configured to at least partially accommodate the second sensor 39.

[0103] The wall 67 also defines an outer circumferential surface thereof that defines a coupling surface 68 for engaging a corresponding mounting surface 18 A of the sensor housing 18 .

[0104] An upper portion of the second sensor 39 extends into the receiving space 66 and is enclosed by the sensor housing 18. This protects the second sensor 39 and allows it to be connected to the transmitter 45 within the sensor housing 18.

[0105] Figures 10a and 10b show a further embodiment of a sensor device 10 according to the invention. Reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 9a and 9b, where components having the same function have been given the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, only the differences between the two embodiments will be mentioned.

[0106] The adapter 60 is oriented along a longitudinal axis L A 10a and 10b, the adapter 60 preferably has a sensor mounting portion 69 that extends along at least 3 / 4 of the adapter's length L2, such that the sensor mounting portion 69 extends to an area adjacent the head 23 of the coupling part 15. The sensor mounting portion 69 is thereby configured to receive a second sensor 39, which in this example is a temperature sensor.

[0107] In this embodiment, the sensor arrangement 10 further comprises a transmitter 45. The transmitter 45 is configured to transmit the sensor signal of the first sensor 12 and / or the sensor signal of the second sensor 39 by means of a signal connection 47 (see FIG. 11) to an evaluation unit 50 (see FIG. 11) installed on the steam trap 2.

[0108] 11 shows a control valve 1 according to the invention configured as a steam trap 2. The steam trap 2 comprises an inlet flange 3, an outlet flange 5, a condensate branch with a protective screen 7, and a flow passage 8 formed between the inlet flange 3 and the outlet flange 5 and extending into a housing 9.

[0109] A closure member 11 configured to selectively block or open the flow passage 8 is disposed within the housing and within the flow passage 8 .

[0110] The sensor device 10 comprises a first sensor 12 and a coupling assembly 14 for connecting the sensor device 10 to the housing 9, in particular to the coupling surface 9a of the housing 9. The coupling assembly 14 is directly or indirectly connected to the first sensor 12 and is configured to establish a detachable and, respectively, direct or indirect connection to the housing 9 or to the coupling surface 9a in order to conduct structure-borne sound in the housing 9 to the mounted first sensor 12.

[0111] The sensor device 10 is connected to the housing 9 in a structure-borne sound conductive manner (see Figs. 2a to 10b). The sensor device 10 comprises a sensor housing 18. Preferably, the sensor housing 18 is provided with a transmitter 45 in signal connection with the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 39. The second sensor 39 may be configured to detect temperature and may be thermally conductively connected to the housing 9.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment of the sensor device 10 shown in Figures 2a to 10b, instead of a transmitter 45 for signal transmission, there can also be a hardwire connection (hardwire connection not shown). The sensor housing 18 can also be provided with a plug or connector for the transmitter or evaluation unit, respectively (not shown).

[0113] The transmitter 45 is arranged to transmit the sensor signal by means of a signal connection 47 to an evaluation unit 50, which in the present example is a radio transmitter. The evaluation unit 50 is installed at each control valve 1. An energy store 49 is preferably provided for the energy supply of the transmitter 45 and / or the first sensor 12 and / or the second sensor 39. Instead of the energy store 49, a supply line can also be provided for a self-contained operation of the sensor arrangement 10.

[0114] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit 50 can be an evaluation unit for controlling a plant in which the control valve 1 is installed. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 50 can be an evaluation unit for each control valve 1. Preferably, said evaluation unit can be arranged remotely from the control valve 1. Alternatively, said evaluation unit can be installed in the housing 9 of the control valve 1.

[0115] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, an alarm device can be provided in the housing 9. Said alarm device is configured to provide an optical and / or acoustic alarm signal based on the sensor signal evaluated by the evaluation unit 50 and on the detection of leaks and / or blockages.

[0116] In a method according to the invention, leaks and / or blockages in the flow passage 8 can be detected, in particular during operation, by a method comprising the following steps: Providing a sensor device 10; connecting the sensor device 10 to the housing 9 in a structure-borne sound conductive manner by a coupling assembly 14; conducting the structure-borne sound to either or both of the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 39 by the coupling assembly 14 (see Figures 3a to 8b); The method comprises the following steps executed by the first sensor 12 and the evaluation unit 50: In step S1, the detection means 110 detects structure-borne sound by the first sensor 12, The providing means 120 in step S2 provides at least one sensor signal by the first sensor 12, The transmitting means 130 in step S3 transmits the sensor signal to the evaluation unit 50 by the transmitter 45, The evaluation means 140 in step S 4 evaluates the sensor signal of the first sensor 12 by means of the evaluation unit 50 .

[0117] In step S2, a sensor signal of the second sensor 39, which is a temperature signal, is also provided. Preferably, in step S4, both the sensor signal of the first sensor 12 and the sensor signal of the second sensor 39 are evaluated in order to monitor the operating state of the steam trap 2, in particular to detect leaks and / or blockages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Control valve 2. Steam trap 3 Inlet flange 5 Outlet flange 7 Condensate diversion with protective screen 8 Flow Path 9 Housing, 9a Coupling Face 10 Sensor device 11 Closing member 12 First sensor: Piezoelectric sensor 14 Coupling Assembly 15 Coupling part (first screw) 16 Holding part 17 Second screw 18 Sensor housing 20 Joint, 20a contact surface 21 First shaft 23 First Head 25 Coupling Receptacle 27 Joint 28.1 First Piezoelectric Element 28.2 Second Piezoelectric Element 29 Insulation 31 Vibrating mass 32 electrodes 33 Front Conductor 34 Fastening Part 35 Sleeve 35a First cylindrical portion 35b Second cylindrical portion 35c central part 36 Holding part 37 Cavity 38 Sleeve 39 Temperature Sensor 40 Sensor mounting part 41 Retaining part, pipe clamp 42 screw holes 43 Pipe section 45 Transmitter 47 Signal Connection 49 Energy Storage Unit 50 evaluation units 60 adapter, 60a contact surface 62 Adapter mounting part 63 Screw hole 64 Joint 65 Attachment 66 Containment Space 67 Wall 68 Coupling surface 69 Sensor mounting part L A axis line L1 First length L2 Second length R Radial direction D1 First outer diameter D2 Second outer diameter 100 Flow path condition detection method 110 Step S1 120 Step S2 130 Step S3 140 Step S4

Claims

1. A steam trap (2) for controlling the flow of a fluid, in particular for draining condensate, comprising: a housing (9) having an inlet flange (3) and an outlet flange (5), a flow passage (8) formed between the inlet flange (3) and the outlet flange (5), a closure member (11) disposed within the flow passage (8) and configured to selectively block or selectively open the flow passage (8), and a sensor device (10) coupled to the housing (9) for monitoring an operating condition of the steam trap (2); The sensor device (10) includes a coupling assembly (14) coupled to the housing (9), and a sensor (12, 39) for detecting structure-borne sound in the coupling assembly (14) and the housing (9) and for detecting temperatures of the coupling assembly (14) and the housing (9), a configuration for detecting leakage from the steam trap (2) by detecting the solid-borne sound, and / or a configuration for detecting clogging in the flow path (8) by detecting the temperature, The sensor device (10) is arranged downstream of the closing member (11).

2. A steam trap (2) according to claim 1, The coupling assembly (14) is directly or indirectly connected to the sensor (12, 39) for conducting solid-borne sound to the sensor (12) and / or for conducting the temperature to the sensor (39), and the coupling assembly (14) is removably connected to the housing (9).

3. A steam trap (2) according to claim 1 or 2, The steam trap (2), wherein the coupling assembly (14) has a coupling portion (15) removably engageable with a coupling surface (9a) of the housing (9).

4. A steam trap (2) according to claim 3, The coupling assembly (14) is indirectly connected to the housing (9) so as to conduct the structure-borne sound, the coupling assembly (14) is directly or indirectly connected to the sensor (12, 13), and the coupling assembly (14) has a retaining portion (16, 41) configured to indirectly connect to the coupling portion (15).

5. A steam trap (2) according to claim 1 or 2, The coupling assembly (14) has a coupling portion (15) configured to be removably connected to the housing (9), and an adapter (60) configured to connect the sensor (12, 39) to the coupling portion (15) for either or both of the structure-borne sound conduction and the temperature conduction.

6. A steam trap (2) according to claim 5, The steam trap (2) has a holding portion (16) that connects the sensor (12, 39) and the coupling assembly (14), and the adapter (60) connects the coupling assembly (14) directly or indirectly to the sensor (12, 39).

7. A steam trap (2) according to claim 6, The steam trap (2), wherein the coupling part (15) and the holding part (16) are made of a metallic material and the adapter (60) in the steam trap (2) is made of a non-metallic material, in particular technical ceramics and / or polymers.

8. A steam trap (2) according to claim 6 or 7, The holding part (16) is aligned with the axis (L Ａ ) for a predetermined length (L1), and the adapter (60) has an adapter mounting portion (62) configured to engage with the retaining portion (16) over at least 1 / 3 of the length (L1) of the retaining portion (16), and in particular has a threaded hole (63) or a male thread.

9. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the coupling part (15) being a first screw (15) having a first shank (21) and a first head (23), and / or the retaining part (16) being a second screw (17) having a second shank (36) and a second head (34); the adapter (60) releasably engages with the first head (23) and the second shaft (36), and / or the coupling portion (15) has the retaining portion (16) and a coupling receptacle (25), the retaining portion (16) and / or the adapter (60) having corresponding connecting portions (27, 64), and the coupling receptacle (25) releasably engages with the connecting portion (27, 64).

10. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, The adapter (60) has an accommodating space (66) configured to accommodate at least a portion of the sensor, and / or the sensor device (10) has a sensor housing (18) having a connecting portion (20), the adapter (60) has a coupling surface (68) that removably engages with the connecting portion (20), and the coupling surface (68) is formed by a wall (67) that radially defines the accommodating space (66).

11. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, The adapter (60) is aligned along an axis (L Ａ ), the adapter (60) having a sensor mounting portion (69) extending a second length (L2) along the adapter (60) and the sensor mounting portion (69) extending a length that is at least 3 / 4 of the second length (L2).

12. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the sensor (12) is a piezoelectric sensor, the sensor (12) comprising a first piezoelectric element (28.1) and a second piezoelectric element (28.2), a pair of electrodes (32), a seismic mass (31) configured to move relative to the first piezoelectric element (28.1) and / or the second piezoelectric element (28.2) based on the structure-borne sound, and a front conductor (33) spaced apart from the seismic mass (31) and coupled to the coupling assembly (14), the front conductor (33) being arranged such that the first piezoelectric element (28.1) and the second piezoelectric element (28.2) correspond to the seismic mass (31); The retaining portion (16, 41) is configured such that the first piezoelectric element (28.1) and the second piezoelectric element (28.2) are arranged between the seismic mass (31) and the front conductor (33), the seismic mass (31) is movably engaged with the retaining portion (16, 41), the retaining portion (16, 41) is directly or indirectly connected to the seismic mass (31) and the front conductor (33), the retaining portion (16, 41) is configured to vibrate the seismic mass (31) by conducting the structure-borne sound, and the relative movement of the seismic mass (31) with respect to the first piezoelectric element (28.1) and / or the second piezoelectric element (28.2) is performed.

13. A steam trap (2) according to claim 12, The front conductor (33) is arranged at a position close to the coupling part (15) or the adapter (60) so that a cavity (37) for thermal insulation is formed between the front conductor (33) and the coupling assembly (14), in particular the coupling part (15) or the adapter (60), or the front conductor (33) is a sleeve (38) having a first outer diameter (D1) in contact with the first piezoelectric element (28.1) and a first outer diameter (D1) in contact with the coupling assembly (14), in particular the coupling part (15) or the adapter (60). a second outer diameter (D2) in contact with a contact surface (15a) of the coupling part (15) or a contact surface (60a) of the adapter (60), the second outer diameter (D2) being smaller than the first outer diameter (D1), and the sleeve (38) being arranged to match a contact surface (15a) of the coupling part (15) or a contact surface (60a) of the adapter (60), or the coupling assembly (14) having a thermal insulation material (29, 37) configured to reduce heat transfer from the housing (9) to the sensor (12).

14. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The sensor (12, 39) is a first sensor (12), the sensor device (10) has a second sensor (39) that detects the temperature, and the sensor device (10) is configured to detect the blockage by detecting the temperature with the second sensor (39), and / or the coupling assembly (14) has a sensor mounting portion (40) for the second sensor (39).

15. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The coupling assembly (14) is configured so that the coupling portion (15) can be removably engaged with the coupling surface (9a), and the coupling assembly (14) has the retaining portion (16, 41) configured to indirectly connect to the housing (9) and the coupling portion (15) so as to conduct the structure-borne sound to the coupling portion (15), and the retaining portion (16, 41) has a sensor mounting portion (40) configured to accommodate the second sensor (39) that detects the temperature.

16. A steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The sensor device (10) has a transmitter (45) configured to transmit a sensor signal of the sensor (12, 39) via a signal connection (47) to an evaluation unit (50) provided in the steam trap (2), the evaluation unit (50) being configured to receive and evaluate the sensor signal in order to monitor the operating state and to detect the leaks and / or the blockages, the signal connection (47) being in particular a wireless signal connection, and the sensor device (10) having an energy storage unit (49).

17. A sensor device (10) for monitoring the operating state of a steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: The coupling assembly (14) and a sensor (12, 39) for detecting structure-borne sound in the coupling assembly (14) and the housing (9) and for detecting temperatures of the coupling assembly (14) and the housing (9), the sensor device (10) is disposed downstream of the closing member (11), and the sensor device (10) is configured to detect a water leak from the steam trap (2) by detecting the solid-borne sound, and / or to detect a blockage in the flow path (8) by detecting the temperature, The coupling assembly (14) has a coupling part (15) configured to be removably connected to the housing (9) and an adapter configured to connect the sensor (12, 39) to the coupling part (15) so as to transmit structure-borne sound and / or temperature, and / or the coupling assembly (14) is indirectly connected to the housing (9) so as to transmit structure-borne sound, the coupling assembly (14) is directly or indirectly connected to the sensor (12, 39), and the sensor device (10) has a coupling part (15) that can be engaged with the coupling surface (9a) in the housing (9), a holding part (16, 41) configured to indirectly connect to the coupling part (15), and a sensor mounting part (40) provided in the holding part (16, 41) and configured to accommodate the second sensor (30) that detects the temperature.

18. A flow path condition detection method (100) using the sensor device (10) according to claim 17, comprising: monitoring an operating state of the steam trap (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and detecting a water leak and / or a blockage in the flow path (8) of the steam trap (2). The flow path condition detection method (100) comprises the steps of: connecting the coupling assembly (14) directly or indirectly to the sensor (12, 39) so that the structure-borne sound from the housing (9) in the steam trap (2) is conducted to the sensor device (10) for the conduction of the structure-borne sound to the sensor (12) and the conduction of the temperature to the sensor (39); A step (S1) of detecting the structure-borne sound and / or the temperature by the sensor (12, 39); A flow path condition detection method (100) comprising the steps of: providing a first sensor signal by the sensor (12); transmitting the sensor signal to the evaluation unit (50); and evaluating the sensor signal (S4), further comprising the steps of: the sensor (12) detecting the structure-borne sound; and the sensor (39) detecting the temperature and providing a second sensor signal and transmitting the second sensor signal to the evaluation unit (50), and the evaluation unit (50) evaluating both the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

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