Method for verifying the operation of water level detection electrodes

Abstract

This invention provides a method for verifying the operation of a water level detection electrode that uses simple equipment and tools during operational checks and can directly detect the water level in a water tank during actual operation. [Solution] The process consists of the steps of: attaching a transparent tube 12 to the outside of the water tank 11 using tapping screws 15 and 16 for the water level gauge 14 to be permanently installed (S1); temporarily installing an electrode 13 inside the transparent tube 12 (S2); adjusting the water level inside the transparent tube 12 and performing an electrode test (S3); and after the electrode test, permanently installing the electrode 13 inside the transparent tube 12 into the water tank 11, removing the transparent tube 12 from the tapping screws 15 and 16, and installing the water level gauge 14 (S4, S5, S6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement in a method for checking the operation of an electrode for detecting the water level of a water tank, and particularly to an improvement in a method for checking the operation of an electrode for detecting the water level in a pre-commissioning inspection of a water tank installed in a building, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water level detection device including a transparent container disposed on the side of a water tank for accommodating an electrode rod of a water level detector, an upper pipe connecting the container and the upper part of the water tank in communication with each other and having an on-off valve interposed therein, a lower pipe connecting the container and the lower part of the water tank in communication with each other and having an on-off valve interposed therein, a supply means for supplying water to the container, and a discharge means for discharging the water in the container.

[0003] In this device, at the time of inspection, the on-off valves of the upper pipe and the lower pipe are closed to cut off the container from the water tank, and the operation of the water level detector can be confirmed by supplying / discharging water to / from the container. In this device, since the capacity of the container is smaller than that of the water tank, the water level can be quickly raised and lowered. Therefore, the operation check can be performed in a short time, and the cost of the water used can be saved.

[0004] On the other hand, during actual operation (normal time), by opening the on-off valves of the upper pipe and the lower pipe to make the water levels of the water tank and the container the same, the water level in the water tank can be constantly detected by the water level detector in the container.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which when corrosion is considered to have occurred on an electrode rod of a water level detection device in a water storage tank, a transparent main body (container) is attached near the water storage tank, the electrode in the water storage tank is removed and stored in the main body, water is supplied to the main body, and the operation of the electrode rod is confirmed while changing the water level. And if corrosion has occurred on the electrode rod, it is assumed that the electrode rod is replaced.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a method for confirming the operation of an electrode rod by detachably fixing the upper end of a transparent pipe with a closed bottom to the ceiling wall of a water storage tank, facing an electrode seat, housing an electrode rod inside the pipe, and supplying water to the pipe and draining water from the pipe. It also describes removing the pipe after the inspection to return to the normal operating state. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-32022 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-310340 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-130712 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The water level detection device described in Patent Document 1 permanently installs a transparent container housing electrodes on the side of the water tank. This eliminates the need to move the electrodes from the water tank to the container during inspection of the water level detector, and also eliminates the need to return them to the water tank after inspection. However, during actual operation, the water level in the tank is not directly detected, but rather estimated from the water level in the container outside the tank. Therefore, the accuracy of water level detection during actual operation is not necessarily high. Furthermore, since the transparent container is a permanent fixture, installation costs are high, and it takes up space.

[0009] When performing testing with the test apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the electrodes in the water tank are temporarily transferred to a transparent container placed to the side of the water tank for testing. After the test, the electrodes are returned to the water tank and the transparent container is removed. Therefore, the equipment and tools used are simple. However, this only confirms the operation of the electrodes in a container separated from the water tank, and does not reflect the operating conditions inside the water tank.

[0010] The test method described in Patent Document 3 involves attaching and detaching a transparent pipe with a closed lower end into a water tank, allowing for testing with simple equipment, and the electrode operation during testing closely resembles actual operation. However, since the testing is performed in a water tank, the testing procedure is cumbersome.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a method for verifying the operation of a water level detection electrode that uses simple equipment and tools during operational checks and can directly detect the water level in a water tank during actual operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The method for verifying the operation of an electrode for detecting the water level in a water tank according to the present invention consists of the steps of: attaching a transparent tube 12 to the outside of a water tank 11 using tapping screws 15 and 16 for attaching a device (14) to be permanently installed outside the water tank (S1); temporarily installing an electrode 13 inside the transparent tube 12 (S2); adjusting the water level inside the transparent tube 12 and performing an electrode test (S3); and after the electrode test, permanently installing the electrode 13 inside the transparent tube 12 inside the water tank 11, removing the transparent tube 12 from the tapping screws 15 and 16, and attaching the device (14) (S4, S5, S6).

[0013] In this operational verification method, it is preferable to fill the water tank 11 with water and adjust the water level in the transparent tube 12 by opening and closing the valves 17 and 18 between the water tank 11 and the transparent tube 12, and the drain valve 19 of the transparent tube 12. When installing the electrodes 13 inside the transparent tube 12, it is preferable to install them at the same height as when they are permanently installed. The device (14) to be permanently installed outside the water tank 11 is preferably a water level gauge 14 for visually checking the water level inside the water tank 11. It is preferable that the control panel 21 for the electrodes 13 is installed near the water tank 11, and that the wires 20 connecting the control panel 21 and the electrodes 13 have sufficient length to allow for testing (S3) and permanent installation (S4, S5) of the electrodes 13 without rewiring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the method for verifying the operation of a water level detection electrode of the present invention, tapping screws intended for mounting equipment to be permanently installed outside the water tank are temporarily repurposed for the temporary installation of a transparent tube, thereby reducing the number of through-holes formed in the water tank. The relationship between the electrode inside the transparent tube attached to the tapping screw and the water level can be easily confirmed visually. Furthermore, it is possible to confirm from outside the water tank that equipment such as drain valves and water supply motors are being controlled normally in response to changes in the water level. After the inspection, the electrode is permanently installed inside the water tank, allowing for direct detection of the water level inside the tank. The removed transparent tube can be used for inspecting another water tank.

[0015] In this operational verification method, if the tank is filled with water and the water level inside the transparent tube is adjusted by opening and closing the valve between the tank and the transparent tube, as well as the drain valve in the transparent tube, then the operation of the electrodes inside the transparent tube can be verified under conditions that are almost the same as those for detecting the water level in the tank during actual operation, in terms of water pressure and other factors.

[0016] Furthermore, when installing electrodes inside a transparent tube, even if they are installed at the same height as during permanent installation, operational verification can be performed under conditions similar to those of water level detection in the tank during actual operation. If the device planned for permanent installation outside the tank is a water level gauge for visually checking the water level inside the tank, the water level gauge is usually installed in a location that is easy to see, making it easy to visually check the relationship between the electrodes inside the transparent tube attached to the tapping screw for the water level gauge and the water level. Also, after the electrode inspection, the transparent tube is removed from the tapping screw and the water level gauge is permanently installed in its place, so no extra space is required outside the tank. If the electrode control panel is installed near the tank, and the wires connecting the control panel and the electrodes have sufficient length to allow electrode testing and permanent installation without rewiring, then electrode testing and permanent installation can be performed without rewiring. It is possible to permanently install with short wires, but in that case there is a risk of connection errors. Therefore, connection confirmation is necessary, which is time-consuming and troublesome. Furthermore, in some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the inspection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1]FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are schematic side views and plan views showing an embodiment of equipment used in the method for confirming the operation of the water level detection electrode of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C are a schematic front view of a transparent tube, a schematic side view of an electrode, and a schematic front view of a water level gauge. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a schematic front view showing another embodiment of the transparent tube, and FIG. 3B is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the electrode. [Figure 4] It is a process diagram showing an embodiment of the method for confirming the operation of the water level detection electrode of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a process diagram showing in detail the first half of the operation confirmation method of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a process diagram showing in detail the second half of the operation confirmation method of FIG. 4.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] First, referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the equipment 10 used in the method for confirming the electrode operation for the water tank of the present invention will be described. This equipment 10 mainly comprises a water tank 11, a transparent tube 12 detachably attached to the outer wall of the water tank 11, an electrode 13 that can be inserted into the transparent tube 12 and electrically detects the water level in the water tank 11, a device attached to the outer wall of the water tank 11, and a control panel 21 connected by an electric wire 20 to the electrode 13. In this embodiment, the device attached to the outer wall of the water tank 11 is a water level gauge (water level detection tube) 14 for visually observing the water level in the water tank 11 from the outside. However, other devices such as a water sampling tap or a faucet can also be used.

[0019] The water tank 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is generally made of metal such as steel, synthetic resin such as polyethylene, or fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), and is installed underground, on the roof, or indoors of a building. When installed on the roof, it is desirable to cover it with an openable / closable cover to prevent algae from growing on the transparent water level gauge 14. The water tank 11 may be supported by a frame (not shown) such as a section steel around it. The water tank 11 is usually fixed to a pedestal 11a made of concrete. The size of the water tank 11 varies depending on the equipment, but usually has a capacity of about 100 to 150 cubic meters and a height of about 2 to 3 m. It is also possible to use a composite water tank in which 2 to 5 water tanks 11 are connected in series.

[0020] The upper plate 11b of the water tank 11 has an opening 11c into which the electrode 13 can be inserted for actual operation and an electrode attachment portion 11d for attaching the electrode base 13a. And tapping (extraction fittings) 15 and 16 for attaching instruments such as the water level gauge 14 are provided above and below the front side wall 11e of the water tank 11. The tapping 15 and 16 are composed of threaded pipes or the like passed through holes penetrating the wall of the water tank 11 and fixed. For example, a flange is provided at one end of the pipe, female threads are formed on the inner and outer circumferences of the pipe, a nut is screwed onto the outer circumference of the other end of the pipe, and the wall of the water tank is sandwiched and fixed by the flange and the nut. A sealing ring is interposed between the flange and the inner wall of the water tank or between the nut and the outer wall of the water tank. The pipe may be adhered to the water tank 11, and in that case, the flange and the nut can be omitted.

[0021] In this embodiment, a flange is attached to one end of the tapping 15 and 16 attached to the water tank 11, the flange and one end of the valves 17 and 18 are flange-connected, and the other ends of the valves 17 and 18 and the metal fittings (bottom member 12c) of the transparent pipe 12 are screwed together. The valves 17 and 18 are instruments for switching the communication / blocking between the water tank 11 and the transparent pipe 12, and for example, a ball valve, a globe valve, a cock, etc. can be used. Furthermore, it is preferable that the flow rate can be adjusted. Note that considering the valves 17 and 18 as part of the water tank 11, the female thread on the other side of the valve can also be unscrewed from the tapping.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1A and 2A, the transparent tube 12 comprises a transparent cylindrical synthetic resin pipe body 12a, an electrode mounting portion 12b provided at the upper end of the body 12a, and a bottom member 12c attached to the lower end of the body 12a. The upper and lower parts of the body 12a are provided with connecting portions 12a1 and 12a2 for connecting to valves 17 and 18. The lower connecting portion 12a2 is provided on the bottom member 12c. A drain valve 19 for draining water from inside the body 12a is attached to the lower end of the bottom member 12c. A globe valve, ball valve, cock, etc., can be used as the drain valve 19. The inner diameter of the transparent tube 12 varies depending on the electrodes 13 placed inside, but is usually around 50A (JIS standard: inner diameter 52.9 mm). The same diameter can be used for both the 3-electrode transparent tube 12 and the 5-electrode transparent tube (see reference numeral 13A in Figure 3B).

[0023] The upper valve 17 is for air venting, and it is not necessary to provide it if air can be vented between the electrode seat 13a and the body 12a of the transparent tube 12. In that case, the upper valve 17 simply supports the transparent tube 12. Therefore, when installing on a rooftop or the like, the upper valve 17 may be omitted, and a drain plug (faucet) may be provided on the lower valve 18. It is preferable that the upper valve 17 and the body 12a of the transparent tube 12 be detachably connected by a union, flange, etc., and it is also preferable that the drain valve 19 and the bottom member 12c be easily connected by a union, flange, etc. However, the sockets 15a and 16a provided in the water tank 11 may be detachably connected to each valve 17 and 18. In that case, the female threads on the free end side of the sockets 15a and 16a become tapping (connecting parts). In this case, supplying and draining water from the water tank is not necessary during electrode testing, but when attaching or detaching the transparent tube 12, the water in the water tank 11 should be drained beforehand to make it empty.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2B, the electrode 13 consists of an electrode seat 13a attached to the electrode mounting sections 11d and 12b of the water tank 11 and transparent tube 12, an electrode rod 13b whose upper end is attached to the electrode seat 13a and extends downward, and an electric wire 20 extending from the top or side of the electrode seat 13a. Typically, multiple electrode rods 13b1, 13b2, and 13b3 of different lengths are used as the electrode rod 13b. The short electrode rod 13b1 and the long electrode rod 13b3 are sensors that work in conjunction with a common electrode rod (common electrode) 13b2 of intermediate length to electrically detect whether their lower ends are submerged in water or in the air. This allows for constant detection of whether the water level is within or outside the lower and upper limits, and transmits this information via the electric wire 20 to the control panel 21 and central monitoring panel, which then commands the opening and closing of the drain valve 19 and the starting / stopping of the water supply pump.

[0025] The length of the wire 20 connecting the control panel 21, which is located near the water tank 11, and the electrode 13 shall be such that both electrode testing (S3 in Figure 4) and permanent electrode installation (S5 in Figure 4) can be performed without rewiring. That is, the wiring shall be made to match the longer of the length from the control panel 21 to the transparent tube 12 and the length from the control panel 21 to the water tank 11, and the excess length shall be bundled or rolled up so as not to get in the way.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1A and 2C, the water level gauge 14 consists of a transparent tubing 14a and connectors 14b and 14c that detachably connect the tubing 14a to valves 17 and 18. It is a device for visually checking the water level during actual operation. Connectors 14b and 14c are unions, flanges, or other connectors that detachably connect to the tapping screws 15 and 16 of the water tank 11. The tubing 14a and connectors 14b and 14c are made of synthetic resin, but may also be made of glass or other materials. Structures commonly used in water level gauges may be adopted, such as those with a scale or those with thin vertical lines on the inner surface of the tubing 14a, where the vertical lines are magnified and displayed by the cylindrical water. The upper and lower ends of the tubing 14a are sealed with caps or plugs. Note that the upper valve 17 can be omitted if it can be connected to the outside air. Furthermore, the upper and lower valves 17 and 18 may also be omitted. In that case, drain the water from the tank 11 and make it empty before removing the valve 18.

[0027] Figure 3A shows a double transparent tube 22 used when selecting and employing two types of electrodes: a 3-electrode electrode (13 in Figure 2B) and a 5-electrode electrode (13A in Figure 3B). This double transparent tube 22 consists of a transparent tube 12 that houses the 3-electrode electrode 13 and a transparent tube 12A that houses the 5-electrode electrode 13A, connected by upper and lower horizontal tubes 23 and 24, with the central part of the horizontal tubes 23 and 24 connected to the water tank 11. This double transparent tube 22 can accommodate cases where the number of electrode rods used differs depending on the water tank. It can also be used to inspect multiple electrodes 13 and 13A with different numbers of electrode rods at once. The transparent tube 12A for the 5-electrode electrode 13A can be made larger in diameter than the transparent tube 12 for the 3-electrode electrode.

[0028] Figure 3B shows the five-pole electrode 13A. This electrode 13A is equipped with two electrode rods 13b4 and 13b5 in addition to the three electrode rods 13b1 to 13b3 mentioned above, and can detect not only the upper and lower limits of the water level mentioned above, but also the full water level warning level and the low water level warning level when the water level rises or falls further beyond the upper and lower limits.

[0029] Next, referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the method for verifying the operation of the water level detection electrode in the water tank 11 using the equipment 10 in Figure 1 will be explained. First, attach the transparent tube 12 to the outside of the water tank 11, which is filled with water, using the tapping screws 15 and 16 for the water level gauge 14 to be installed (transparent tube installation process S1). Keep the lower valve 18 closed (see process S1 in Figure 5). The upper valve 17 can be either open or closed. The reason for filling the water tank 11 with water is to perform a water leak test on the water tank 11, and it is efficient to perform the electrode test immediately after this test. However, it is also possible to fill the water before the electrode test process S3, for example, before the on-site test.

[0030] Next, the electrode 13 is temporarily installed inside the transparent tube 12 (temporary electrode installation step S2). At this time, the electrode base 13a is installed at the same height as when it is permanently installed. This ensures that the conditions during testing and permanent installation are the same, guaranteeing the accuracy of the inspection. In addition, the length of the electric wire 20 is set to have enough length to allow both electrode testing (S3 in Figure 4) and permanent electrode installation (S5 in Figure 4) to be performed without rewiring. This eliminates the need to rewire the electric wire 20 (attaching and detaching terminals), reducing the risk of incorrect wiring that often occurs when rewiring. When permanently installed, the electric wire 20 is bundled or wound up to leave excess length inside the wire box (see Figure 1).

[0031] Next, by opening and closing the lower valve 18 and the drain valve 19, the water level in the transparent tube 12 is adjusted, and an electrode test is performed to confirm that the electrodes 13 are functioning correctly (electrode test process S3). That is, as shown on the left end of S3 in Figure 5, first the lower valve 18 is opened, and water from the water tank 11 is poured into the transparent tube 12 from below. At this time, the drain valve 19 is kept closed. If the upper valve 17 is closed, it is opened to release air, creating communication between the upper space of the transparent tube 12 and the upper space in the water tank 11. When the water level in the transparent tube 12 rises and reaches the long electrode rod 13b3, and then the short electrode rod 13b1, a signal is transmitted to the control panel 21 via the wire 20 to indicate this.

[0032] Furthermore, when the water level reaches the top (see the center of step S3 in Figure 5), valves 17 and 18 communicating with the water tank 11 are closed, and the drain valve 19 is opened to drain the water from the transparent tube 12 (see the right end of step S3 in Figure 5). As a result, the water level in the transparent tube 12 gradually decreases. Inspectors and witnesses can then check from outside the water tank 11 the relationship between the water level in the transparent tube 12 and the signal, and whether the drain valve 19 and the water supply pump (not shown) are being controlled accurately based on the signal.

[0033] For example, when the water level rises and the short electrode rod 13b1 detects the water level, a full alarm is issued, opening the solenoid valve (drain valve) to drain the water and lowering the water level. Then, when the short electrode rod 13b1 detects a drop in the water level, the solenoid valve is closed. Also, when the long electrode rod 13b3 detects a drop in the water level, a low alarm is issued, stopping the pump to prevent dry running. The inspector can verify that these functions of the actual machine are performed accurately.

[0034] In these test processes, it is ensured that the water levels in the transparent tube 12 and the water tank 11, which are connected by upper and lower valves 17 and 18, are the same. Furthermore, the water pressure and atmospheric pressure in the water tank 11 are the same as those in the transparent tube 12, and the water used is the same water from the water tank 11. Since the conditions are the same for both the test and the actual installation, the validity of the test is guaranteed.

[0035] The time required to fill the transparent pipe 12 with water and then drain the water from the transparent pipe 12 is far shorter than the time required to fill and drain the water tank 11. As a result, the waiting time for inspectors and witnesses is significantly reduced, and the amount of water used is greatly less. This is especially beneficial when considering the multiple inspections required, such as self-inspections by the construction manager, inspections by the supervisor, and inspections by the client with the client present, resulting in significant savings in water costs and time. Furthermore, the reduced frequency of filling and draining the water tank lowers the risk of water leaks.

[0036] After the electrode test, the electrode 13 inside the transparent tube 12 is permanently installed in the water tank 11 (electrode permanent installation process S4), the transparent tube 12 is then removed from the tapping 15 and 16 of the water tank 11 (transparent tube removal process S5), and the water level gauge 14 is installed (water level gauge permanent installation process S6). Finally, the lower valve 18 is opened (see the right end of process S6 in Figure 6). This allows the equipment 10, equipped with the water tank 11 and electrode 13, to enter operation. When permanently installing the electrode 13 in the water tank 11, it is preferable to do so without disconnecting the electric wire 20 and the electrode seat 13a, as described above. It is preferable to use parts that are easy to connect / separate, such as unions, for connecting / separating the transparent tube 12 and the water tank 11. This reduces the work involved in installing and removing the transparent tube 12 and installing the water level gauge 14.

[0037] In the above inspection method, a transparent tube 12 is temporarily installed for testing using tapping screws 15 and 16 to which the water level gauge 14 is attached, and the electrode 13 is placed in the transparent tube 12 for testing. Finally, the electrode 13 is permanently installed on the top plate 11b of the water tank 11. Therefore, there is no need to create extra through holes in the water tank 11. Thus, the number of man-hours can be reduced, and the strength of the water tank 11 is not reduced. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the operating conditions during testing and during permanent installation (actual operation) can be made the same, and the test time and the amount of water used can be significantly reduced.

[0038] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the upper space inside the water tank 11 and the upper space inside the transparent tube 12 are connected, but the upper space inside the transparent tube 12 may simply be opened to the outside air. Also, even when the upper space inside the water tank 11 and the upper space inside the transparent tube 12 are connected, the upper valve 17 can be omitted. Even in that case, water can be stably filled into and released from the transparent tube 12 through the lower valve 18.

[0039] In the above embodiment, a test was described for the installation of a new water tank, but it can also be used to inspect equipment that has been used for several years, especially to check the degree of deterioration of the electrodes. In that case, additional steps such as removing the water level gauge and transferring the electrodes from the water tank to the transparent tube should be added. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 10. Equipment (used for verifying the operation of the water level detection electrode) 11 Aquariums 11a Pedestal 11b Top plate 11c aperture 11d Electrode mounting section 12, 12A transparent tube 12a Main Unit 12a1, 12a2 connection part 12b Electrode mounting section 12c bottom part 13, 13A electrode 13a Electrode seat 13b, 13b1~5 Electrode rod 14 Water level gauge 14a Capillary 14b, 14c connector 15, 16 Tapping 15a, 16a sockets 17, 18 valves 19 Drain valve 20 Electric wire 21 Control Panel 22 Dual transparent tube 23, 24 horizontal pipe

Claims

1. The process of attaching a transparent tube to the outside of the aquarium using tapping screws intended for mounting fixtures that are planned to be permanently installed outside the aquarium. The process of temporarily installing electrodes inside a transparent tube, The process of adjusting the water level inside the transparent tube and performing an electrode test, and After the electrode test, the electrodes inside the transparent tube are permanently placed in the water tank, the transparent tube is removed from the tapping mechanism, and the aforementioned device is installed. A method for verifying the operation of a water level detection electrode consisting of the following.

2. A method for confirming the operation of a water level detection electrode according to claim 1, wherein the water tank is filled with water, and the water level inside the transparent tube is adjusted by opening and closing a valve between the water tank and the transparent tube and a drain valve in the transparent tube.

3. A method for verifying the operation of a water level detection electrode according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when installing the electrode inside a transparent tube, it is installed at the same height as when it was permanently installed.

4. The operation confirmation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device to be permanently installed outside the water tank is a water level gauge for visually checking the water level inside the water tank.

5. The operation verification method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an electrode control panel is installed near the water tank, and the wires connecting the control panel and the electrodes have sufficient length to allow electrode testing and permanent electrode installation without rewiring.

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