Sensor, method for controlling emptying of a storage space at an input point, and material conveying system - Patents.com

Abstract

In a sensor for observing the presence, position, and / or movement of an object, such as waste material (W), within a volume of a material conveying pipe (100) or a temporary storage volume (3) of a pneumatic material conveying system, the sensors (S1, S2, S3) comprise means for processing measurement signals of the sensors (S1, S2, S3), such as measurement electronics, and means for communicating measurement results and / or data related to the measurement results for further processing. The sensors (S1, S2, S3) are radar-based sensors, such as frequency-modulated continuous wave MIMO radar-based sensors, configured to detect objects within the monitored volume and to detect the presence, position, and / or movement of objects within the monitored volume. The present invention also relates to a method and a pneumatic waste conveying system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to pneumatic material conveying systems, such as partial vacuum conveying systems, and specifically to the collection and transport of materials, such as the transport of industrial or household waste or recyclable materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems are known that can transport solid materials, such as solid waste, in a conveying pipe by suction and / or a conveying air flow. In such systems, the materials can be pneumatically transported over long distances in the conveying pipe, typically by suction and / or a pressure difference, along with conveying air. The systems are used, among other things, to transport materials in various facilities, to transport household waste, or to transport other waste. A partial vacuum device is typically used to provide the pressure difference required to transport the materials. In this partial vacuum device, negative pressure in the conveying pipe is provided by a partial vacuum generator, such as a partial vacuum pump or an ejector device. The conveying pipe typically has at least one valve member, and the amount of displacement air entering the conveying pipe is controlled by opening and closing the valve member. As a result, an air flow is provided in the conveying pipe, and the material may be transported by this air flow. Systems are also known in which the pressure difference in the conveying pipe and / or the conveying air flow can be supplied, for example, by a positive pressure generator, i.e., a blower. One convenient solution for new community construction projects is waste management operating on a pipe conveying system. This means that the separated waste or materials to be recycled are sucked through underground pipes into a waste management station common to the entire region. This system is a clean, odorless, and noiseless solution that is more environmentally friendly than traditional waste management and safer for the surrounding area. On the other hand, some of the waste often cannot be transported satisfactorily in long conveying pipes due to its size or other qualities.

[0003] In this type of modern waste or recyclable material collection system, which has a temporary storage space for inlet materials and one or more valves controlling the emptying of the temporary storage space, the emptying operation of the temporary storage space is generally controlled by using a predetermined time to control the valve open state. In this type of control of the emptying of the inlet, or input point, temporary storage space, the fixed time is defined assuming that the input point temporary space is always filled with material. However, it may often be the case that the input point temporary storage space is not filled with material, which means that emptying of these partially filled temporary storage spaces may be unnecessary. This unnecessary emptying process consumes energy by operating a pressure generator, i.e., a positive pressure generator or a partial vacuum generator, to generate a pressure difference for material transport within the transport pipe.

[0004] During continuous operation of the system, the originally defined and set discharge valve open time may sometimes become suboptimal and therefore need to be adjusted to maintain efficient emptying and thereby optimize system operation.

[0005] Setting a longer emptying time for temporary storage will result in longer operating times and increased energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sensor for observing the presence, position and / or movement of objects such as waste material within a space of a material conveying pipe or within a temporary storage space of a pneumatic material conveying system, the sensor comprising means for processing a measurement signal of the sensor, such as measurement electronics, and means for communicating the measurement results and / or data relating to the measurement results for further processing.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the sensor is a radar-based sensor, such as a frequency modulated continuous wave MIMO radar-based sensor, configured to detect objects within a monitored space and to detect the presence, location, and / or movement of objects within the monitored space.

[0008] A technical effect of one or more embodiments is that a radar-based sensor can accurately observe the movement and distance of objects within a monitored volume, such as a pipe, conduit, or vessel. This can detect the fill level of a temporary storage volume at an injection point. This can also detect the movement of material within the monitored volume or monitored portion of the volume. For example, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology can be used with the radar.

[0009] The sensor is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim.

[0010] Some other embodiments are characterized by what is stated in other claims.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are also disclosed in the specification and drawings of this patent application. The inventive subject matter of this patent application may also be defined in ways other than as defined in the following claims. The inventive subject matter may also be formed from several separate inventions, especially when the inventions are considered in the light of explicit or implicit subtasks or in terms of the benefits or benefits obtained. Therefore, some of the definitions contained in the following claims may not be necessary in view of the separate inventive ideas. Features of different embodiments of the invention may also be applied to other embodiments within the scope of the basic inventive idea.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to detect the presence and / or movement of objects, such as waste material, across the volume of the material transport pipe or the temporary storage space. An advantage is that a sensor capable of detecting the presence and / or movement of waste material can be placed on the pipe even if there is no dirt collecting structure inside the monitored space or its inner wall.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to detect the presence and / or movement of said material in the axial direction of a space in a material conveying pipe of said pneumatic material conveying system or a temporary storage space such as a feed-in receptacle at an input point. The advantage to this is that the sensor may monitor the presence and / or movement of material in a conveying pipe or temporary storage space over a considerable distance.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to use a material transport conduit of the material transport system, or a storage space, as a waveguide. An advantage to this is that the axis of the monitoring space may have a curved or other shape that deviates from a straight linear axis, allowing the sensor to detect the presence and / or movement of waste material within the transport space of the material transport conduit and / or temporary storage space.

[0015] In one embodiment, the radar-based sensor may include a lens configured to adjust the beam of the radar-based sensor. The lens may be configured to narrow the beam of the radar-based sensor. Narrowing the beam allows it to see deeper into the pipe.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for controlling the emptying of a storage space at an input point of a pneumatic material movement system.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a sensor detects the presence, position and / or movement of an object within the monitored space of the material conveying pipe and / or within the temporary storage space of the material conveying system, and based on information / signals received from said sensor, controls one or more of at least one discharge valve and / or at least one replacement air valve, and / or at least one replacement air valve of at least one input point, and / or at least one section valve of the conveying pipe, and / or at least one partial vacuum generator.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sensor may be a radar-based sensor, such as a frequency modulated continuous wave MIMO radar-based sensor, configured to detect objects within the monitored space and to detect the presence, location, and / or movement of objects within the monitored space. An advantage of this is that the radar-based sensor may be configured to detect multiple factors that may be relevant to efficient control of the pneumatic material conveying system.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method may include detecting the degree of fill of a temporary storage space of the material conveying system and / or a storage space at the input point by means of a sensor.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method may include detecting, by a sensor, the emptying of a temporary storage space of a material conveying system.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method may include using a material transport pipe, conduit, channel, or container as a waveguide for radio waves transmitted by the sensor. An advantage of this is that using the method, the sensor may be able to monitor the presence and / or movement of material within the transport pipe or temporary storage space over a significant distance. A further advantage is that the axis of the monitoring space may have a curved or other shape that deviates from a straight linear axis, and the method may allow the presence and / or movement of waste material within the transport space of the material transport pipe and / or temporary storage space to be detected.

[0022] One embodiment of the method may include configuring the sensor to sense the axial monitoring volume of a storage volume, such as a material transport pipe, conduit, channel, vessel, etc. By positioning the sensor for axial sensing, it may be possible to obtain a significantly longer operating range for the sensor while still obtaining good sensing results. Additionally, positioning the sensor for axial sensing allows the transport pipe to be used as a waveguide.

[0023] In one embodiment of the method, when the monitored space of the material transport pipe and / or temporary storage space may be positioned to include a curved portion within the limits of the monitored space, the method may include a step of detecting the monitored space in an axial direction.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method, the radar-based sensor may include a lens configured to adjust a beam of the radar-based sensor, and the lens may be configured to narrow the beam of the radar-based sensor, thereby allowing it to see deeper into the pipe.

[0025] According to a third aspect, a pneumatic waste material conveying system is provided, comprising an input point having a temporary storage space connectable to a material conveying line, and means for establishing a pressure differential for conveying material from the input point via the material conveying line to a separator / container device located at the outlet end of the pneumatic waste material conveying system.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensor according to any one of these embodiments alone or in combination with one or more of the other embodiments described above and / or below.

[0027] In one embodiment of the system, the sensor may be configured to detect the fill level of a temporary storage space of the material transport system and / or a storage space at an input point.

[0028] In one embodiment of the system, the sensor may be configured to detect the emptiness of a temporary storage space of the material transport system.

[0029] In one embodiment of the system, the sensor may be configured to detect an axial monitoring volume of a storage volume, such as a material transport pipe, conduit, channel, or vessel.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system may comprise a control device configured to control one or more of at least one discharge valve and / or at least one replacement air valve, and / or at least one replacement air valve of at least one input point, and / or at least one section valve of the conveying pipe, and / or at least one partial vacuum generator based on information / signals received from said sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary system having a sensor device. [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of detail A of FIG. 1. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of detail B of FIG. 1. [Figure 1c] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of detail C of FIG. 1; [Figure 1d] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of detail D of FIG. 1. [Figure 2] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an injection point arranged in a branch conveying pipe and equipped with filling level monitoring and emptying monitoring; [Figure 3] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an injection point arranged in a branch conveying pipe and equipped with emptying monitoring; [Figure 4a] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cross section of a material conveying pipe having a sensor. [Figure 4b] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal cross section of a material conveying pipe having a sensor. [Figure 4c]4b is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a material conveying pipe having a sensor in the direction of arrow C of FIG. 4b. [Figure 5] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an injection point with a sensor; [Figure 6] Figure 6a is a simplified diagram of an exemplary measurement result of a sensor in a first situation, Figure 6b is a simplified diagram of an exemplary measurement result of a sensor in a second situation, Figure 6c is a simplified diagram of an exemplary measurement result of a sensor in a third situation, Figure 6d is a simplified diagram of an exemplary measurement result of a sensor in a fourth situation, Figure 6e is a simplified diagram of an exemplary measurement result of a sensor in a fifth situation, and Figure 6f is a simplified diagram of an exemplary measurement result of a sensor in a sixth situation. [Figure 7] Figure 7a is a simplified diagram of an exemplary timeline for standard time emptying of the prior art; and Figure 7b is a simplified diagram of an exemplary timeline for real-time emptying. [Figure 8] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a waste chute with a sensor and a displacement air valve. [Figure 9a] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a configuration including a sensor and a replacement air valve located at an end portion of a conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space, with the replacement air valve closed. [Figure 9b] 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a configuration including a sensor and a replacement air valve located at an end portion of a conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space, the replacement air valve being open.

[0033] In the drawings, some embodiments are shown in simplified form for clarity, and in the drawings, like parts are designated with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a pneumatic material conveying system. In one embodiment, the pneumatic material conveying system may be a waste or recyclable material collection and transport system. In a pneumatic material conveying system, materials may be conveyed from an input point 1 in a material conveying pipe 100 to an outlet end of the material conveying system by a pressure differential in a conveying air stream. At the outlet end, the transported materials may be separated from the conveying air stream in a separator device 90A, 90B. The separator device may be, for example, a separator vessel. The pressure differential and conveying air stream required for conveying materials may be provided, for example, by a partial vacuum generator 121. In one embodiment, the suction side of the partial vacuum generator may be connected to operate within the material conveying pipe 100. Simultaneously, displacement air may be directed into the material conveying pipe.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a material conveying pipe 100. At least one, and typically several, branch conveying pipes 103 may be arranged along the material conveying pipe 100. The material conveying pipe 100 may be divided into several conveying pipe sections 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F, for example, by a valve member 101. In one embodiment, the material conveying pipe 100 may comprise one or more pipe sections to which the branch conveying pipes 103 are connected. Thus, according to one embodiment, the material conveying pipe 100 may be formed from several conveying pipe sections 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F. The conveying pipe sections may include further conveying pipe sections branching off from the conveying pipe 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the material conveying pipe 100 comprises two branches. A first branch of the material conveying pipe may comprise one or more pipe sections 100A and 100C. The second branch of the material conveying pipe may comprise one or more pipe sections 100B, 100D. A material input point 1 may be located within the material conveying pipe and / or along the branch material conveying pipe. The input point 1 may be a feed-in container for materials, specifically solid waste materials or recyclable materials, from which the materials are fed into the conveying system. In one embodiment, the input point may be a refuse chute from which the materials to be transported, specifically waste materials such as household waste, are fed into the conveying system. The system may comprise multiple input points 1 from which the transported materials are fed into the conveying pipe. The input point 1 may have a feed-in container 3 connectable to the branch conveying pipe 103. The materials may be fed into the feed-in container through an input opening 2 of the input point 1. In one embodiment, the feed-in container may be a temporary storage space for the materials. The input opening 2 of the input point 1 may be equipped with an openable hatch 2', as shown in FIG. 5, for example. A valve member 4 may be provided between the feed-in container 3 at the point of introduction and the branch conveying pipe 103. The material may be conveyed from the introduction point to the conveying pipe by opening and closing the valve member 4. Thus, the introduction point 1 may be connected to the branch conveying pipe 103 and further to the material conveying pipe 100.In one embodiment, one or more input points 1 may be connected to the branch conveying pipe 103. The conveying pipe section of the material conveying pipe and / or the branch conveying pipe section and / or the input point may comprise means for allowing and preventing access of replacement air to the material conveying pipe. According to one embodiment, the means for allowing and preventing access of replacement air may comprise a replacement air connection 106 or an opening provided with a replacement air valve 105, by means of which the access of replacement air to the conveying pipe may be regulated.

[0036] The replacement air required when emptying the feed-in vessels of the input point 1 may be introduced via the input point. According to one embodiment, a separate replacement air connection with a replacement air valve 5 may be associated with the input point 1. In one embodiment, emptying of the input point 1 and / or its feed-in vessel 3 may be performed according to the following sequence: first emptying the feed-in vessel of the input point located closest to the outlet end in the material conveying direction, i.e., the separator device 90A, 90B, then emptying the feed-in vessel of the input point located next closest in the material conveying direction, and so on, until the desired feed-in vessel of the input point is empty. A corresponding emptying sequence may also be applied to the feed-in vessels of the branch conveying pipes, whereby first emptying the feed-in vessel located closest to the main conveying pipe 100 in the branch conveying pipe 103 in the material conveying direction, then emptying the feed-in vessel located next closest in the material conveying direction, and so on, until the desired feed-in vessel of the input point is empty. Material fed from input point 1 into branch conveying pipe 103 is transported into the pipe section of material conveying pipe 100 and from there towards the outlet end to a separator device / vessel where the material is separated from the conveying air.

[0037] In one embodiment, the system may comprise several input points 1 with input openings 2 for supplying the material to be collected and conveyed. The input points 1 may comprise replacement air valves 5, i.e., make-up air valves, which in their open position connect the input point to atmospheric pressure and allow the ingress of replacement air, and which in their closed position close the connection to atmospheric pressure outside the input point. The input points 1 may be provided with replacement air valves 5. Emptying of the input points 1 and their temporary storage spaces 3 may be achieved by opening the replacement air valves 5 when a lower pressure is available on the conveying pipe side, i.e., when the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 121 is connected to act on the branch conveying pipe 103 via the material conveying pipe 100.

[0038] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a replacement air fitting 106 may be present in the conveying pipe, which may include a replacement air valve 105 for controlling the access of replacement air and providing a conveying air flow in the conveying pipe together with the suction provided by the partial vacuum generator 121. The conveying system may include one or more containers and / or material separators 90A, 90B, into which the conveyed material is guided in the conveying pipe by a pressure differential and / or a conveying air flow. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the separator containers 90A, 90B may be located at the outlet end of the material conveying pipe 100, in which the conveyed material is separated from the conveying air and remains in the separator device container. The conveying pipe may be provided with one or more valve members 111, and connections 112A, 112B can be opened from the conveying pipe to the separator containers 90A, 90B under control of the position of the valve member. According to one embodiment, the valve member 111 may be a multi-way valve or an arrangement of valves that may allow connection from the transfer conduit 100 to the desired separator vessels 90A, 90B. From the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 121, connections 119, 118, 117, 116, 115A, 115B, 114A, 114B may be provided to the separator vessels 90A, 90B and further to the transfer conduit 100.

[0039] In one embodiment, a sensor may be positioned to monitor the presence or movement of materials, i.e., objects, within the system. In one embodiment, sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the filling level of temporary storage space 3 at input point 1. In one embodiment, a sensor may be configured to monitor the presence and / or movement of objects within the monitored space. In one embodiment, a sensor may be configured to monitor the emptying of an input point. In one embodiment, a sensor may be configured to monitor the emptying of a temporary storage space at an input point. In one embodiment, a sensor may be configured to monitor the emptying of multiple input points or the emptying of multiple temporary storage spaces at an input point.

[0040] In one embodiment, the sensors S1, S2, and S3 may be radar-based sensors capable of detecting the presence and movement of an object. In one embodiment, the monitored object may be, for example, a solid material W, such as waste material or recyclable material. In one embodiment, the sensors S1, S2, and S3 may be installed on and / or near a surface of the monitored space, i.e., a pipe, channel, and / or container, to which the object has access. In one embodiment, the sensors may be installed on or near the wall of a pipe, channel, or container intended for the transport and / or temporary storage of material, such as waste material or recyclable material. In one embodiment, the sensors S1, S2, and S3 may be located on a sidewall or on or near the end of the pipe, channel, or container. In one embodiment, the end of the pipe, channel, or container may be open-ended or may include an opening, such as a through-hole.

[0041] In one embodiment, the pipe, conduit, channel, or vessel may act as a waveguide for the radio waves transmitted by the sensor.

[0042] In one embodiment, the system may comprise at least one sensor and may further comprise a central unit, e.g., a data processing device, comprising measurement electronics for generating sensor observations by the sensor, a processor configured to process the sensor observations, and / or a memory. In one embodiment, for example, for the purposes of the above-mentioned functions, the central unit of the system may comprise the necessary software and information about characteristic properties of the detected signals. Generally, the measurement electronics and / or the central unit may deduce information from the signals received via the sensor. The system may have a central unit capable of managing one or more sensors or groups of sensors. In one embodiment, a group of sensors may include sensors from the same part of the system, e.g., sensors positioned to detect the input points of the same branch transport pipe.

[0043] In an embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the sensor may detect solid materials in the monitored space and measure and detect the presence, movement and / or amount of monitored objects / materials in the monitored space. In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor may be configured to observe the objects / materials based on signal strength and / or by filtering out false measurements.

[0044] In one embodiment, the sensor may be installed on a surface, for example, on and / or near the wall of a pipe, conduit, channel, and / or container, and / or in the monitored space accessed by an object. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may be installed on a side or end wall of the monitored space. In one embodiment, the sensor may be positioned to detect the interior space of the pipe, channel, or container. In one embodiment, the sensor may include, for example, a millimeter-wave (MMW) radar, which may operate, for example, on the MIMO radar principle. In one exemplary embodiment, there may be, for example, three transmitting antennas and four receiving antennas. In this example, this forms a 12-element virtual antenna. The sensor of the present invention allows for accurate observation of the movement and distance of objects within the monitored space, such as a pipe, conduit, or container. This allows for the detection of the degree of filling of a temporary storage space at the injection point. This also allows for the detection of material movement within the monitored space or monitored portion of the space. For example, the radar may use frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology. In one embodiment, the structure of the monitored space may be configured to act as a waveguide for waves transmitted and received by the sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the interior walls of a conveying pipe, conduit, channel, or vessel may be configured to act as a waveguide for radio waves transmitted by the sensor device.

[0045] In one embodiment, radar-based sensors are more accurate than, for example, ultrasonic sensors or optical level sensors. Additionally, sensors based on radar technology do not require through-holes placed in the walls of pipes, conduits, channels, or vessels for accurate operation.

[0046] In one embodiment, the radar-based sensor may be capable of detecting the presence of an object or material in a pipe or conduit at a distance from the installation point of the sensor in the direction of the pipe or conduit or channel. In one embodiment, the radar-based sensor can detect the presence of a substance in the space of the pipe or conduit or channel, even if the pipe, conduit or channel is arranged to form a curve, and can detect the degree of filling of the space. In one embodiment, the waves generated by the radar-based sensor reflect off the inner wall of the pipe, conduit or vessel.

[0047] In one embodiment, the radar-based sensor may include a lens configured to adjust the beam of the radar-based sensor. The lens may be configured to narrow the beam of the radar-based sensor.

[0048] FIG. 1a is an exemplary simplified detail view of Detail A in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, two input points are connected to a branch conveying pipe 103. A replacement air conduit 104 may be disposed in the branch conveying pipe 103. The replacement air conduit may be disposed with a valve 105 for controlling the inflow of replacement air into the branch connecting pipe 103 via a replacement air connection 106. This may enable material conveyance within the material conveying pipe with the assistance of a pressure difference and / or air flow. A sensor S1 may be disposed at the connection with the branch conveying pipe 103 to monitor material emptied from the input point 1 and / or temporary storage 3. In one embodiment, the sensor S1 may be disposed in the replacement air conduit 104. In one embodiment, the sensor may be disposed adjacent to the replacement air valve 105. In one embodiment, the sensor S1 may detect whether a material object, such as waste material, has moved from a monitored space in the material conveying pipe, e.g., the branch conveying pipe 103. In one embodiment, sensor S1 may be located on a sidewall, on the end of a pipe, channel, or vessel, or near the end of the pipe, channel, or vessel. In one embodiment, the end of the pipe, channel, or vessel may be open or may have an opening such as a through-hole, or the end of the pipe may be provided with a valve. Sensor S1 may be configured to monitor the presence, position, and / or movement of an object, such as waste material W, in the axial direction of the conveying space of the conveying pipe, e.g., the axial direction of the branch conveying pipe in FIG. 1a. In one embodiment, branch valve 107 may be set to an open state, and input point 1 of branch conveying pipe 103 may be emptied. In one embodiment, while input point 1 is emptied, for example, when discharge valve 4 is open, sensor S1 may detect the movement of material from input point 1 to branch conveying pipe 103. When the movement ends, it means that input point 1 and temporary storage space 3 are emptied and no more material remains, which is detected by sensor S1. Discharge valve 4 may be closed. Next, the input point upstream of the branch conveying pipe is emptied, and so on. This process may be repeated for each of the input points in Figure 1a. A sensor S2 may be provided at input point 1, for example at the top of the input point. In one embodiment, sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the presence or movement of material, i.e., objects, at input point 1 and / or at the input point's temporary storage space 3.In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the filling level of the temporary storage space 3 of the input point 1. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the presence and / or movement of an object in the monitored space. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the emptying of the input point 1. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the emptying of the temporary storage space 3 of the input point 1. If the filling level detected by the sensor S2 of the input point 1 is low, the system may be configured to skip emptying of that input point. In one embodiment, the replacement air valve 105 may be closed when the input points 1 of the branch conveying pipes 103 are emptied and their discharge valves 4 are closed. This may save energy and shorten the emptying sequence of the pneumatic material conveying system.

[0049] FIG. 1b is an exemplary simplified detail view of Detail B in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 1b, the branch conveying pipe 103 may be provided with a material former 108, which may be configured to compact and shape the material to fit within the conveying pipe. The material former may be, for example, a type of formatter, i.e., a rotary former, which may be used to compress and / or shape the material introduced into the material conveying pipe from the input point. A data / signal receiver for Sensor 1 may be used to control the operation of the material former 108. Furthermore, Sensor S1 may be configured to monitor whether the material has moved through the material former. In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to monitor possible material blockages in the material conveying pipes 100, 103, and / or in the temporary storage space 3, and / or in the material former 108. In one embodiment, a control system may be configured to control components such as valves and / or partial vacuum generators and / or material formers and / or input points of the material conveying system based on information / signals received from Sensors S1, S2, and S3.

[0050] FIG. 1c is an exemplary simplified detail view of detail C in FIG. 1. FIG. 1c illustrates an embodiment with an input point without a discharge valve. The temporary storage space 3 of the input point 1 may be connected to a branch conveying pipe 103. The input point 1 may be provided with a replacement air valve 5. Emptying of the input point 1 and its temporary storage space 3 may be achieved by opening the replacement air valve 5 when a lower pressure is obtained on the conveying pipe side, i.e., when the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 121 is connected to act on the branch conveying pipe 103 via the material conveying pipe 100. A sensor S2 may be provided at the input point 1, for example, above the input point. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the presence or movement of material, i.e., objects, in the input point 1 and / or the temporary storage space 3 of the input point. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the filling level of the temporary storage space 3 of the input point 1. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the presence and / or movement of objects in the monitoring space. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the emptying of the input point 1. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to monitor the emptying of the temporary storage space 3 of the input point 1.

[0051] FIG. 1d is an exemplary simplified detail view of detail D in FIG. 1. FIG. 1d illustrates an embodiment including an input point 1 without a discharge valve. In the embodiment of FIG. 1d, a branch conveying pipe 103 may be provided with a replacement air conduit 104 and a replacement air valve 105 disposed within the replacement air conduit. A replacement air connection 106 is provided at the end of the replacement air conduit 104. A valve 105 may be disposed in the replacement air conduit to control the inflow of replacement air into the branch connecting pipe 103 via the replacement air connection 106. This may enable material to be conveyed within the material conveying pipe with the assistance of a pressure difference and / or air flow. A sensor S1 may be disposed at the connection with the branch conveying pipe 103 to monitor material emptied from the input point 1 and / or temporary storage 3. In one embodiment, the sensor S1 may be disposed in the replacement air conduit 104. In one embodiment, the sensor may be disposed adjacent to the replacement air valve 105. In one embodiment, sensor S1 may detect whether a material object, such as waste material, has moved out of a monitored space of a material transport pipe, e.g., branch transport pipe 103. In one embodiment, sensor S1 may be located on a sidewall, or on or near the end of a pipe, channel, or vessel. In one embodiment, the end of the pipe, channel, or vessel may be open-ended, or may include an opening such as a through-hole, or the end of the pipe may be provided with a valve. Sensor S1 may be configured to monitor the presence, position, and / or movement of an object, such as waste material W, in the axial direction of the transport space of the transport pipe, e.g., the axial direction of the branch transport pipe in FIG. 1d.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a dosing point 1 with fill level monitoring, including a sensor S2 located at the top of the dosing point 1 for detecting axial movement of the temporary storage 3. The dosing point 1 may be connected to a material conveying pipe, such as a branch conveying pipe 103, via the temporary storage 3. A discharge valve 4 may be located between the branch conveying pipe 103 and the dosing point's temporary storage. A replacement air conduit 104 may be located in the branch conveying pipe 103. A valve 105 may be located in the replacement air conduit to control the flow of replacement air into the branch connecting pipe 103. This may enable material conveyance within the material conveying pipe with the assistance of a pressure difference and / or air flow. A sensor S1 may be located at the connection with the branch conveying pipe 103 to monitor material emptying from the dosing point 1 and / or the temporary storage 3. In one embodiment, the sensor S1 can detect whether material, such as waste material, has moved from the monitored space in the branch conveying pipe 103. In one embodiment, the sensor S1 may be located on a sidewall, on the end of the pipe, channel, or container, or near the end of the pipe, channel, or container. In one embodiment, the end of the pipe, channel, or container may be open or may have an opening, such as a through-hole. The sensor S1 may be configured to monitor the presence, position, and / or movement of an object, such as waste material W, in the axial direction of the conveying space of the conveying pipe, e.g., the axial direction of the branch conveying pipe in FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the branch valve 107 may be set to an open state, and the input point 1 of the branch conveying pipe 103 may be emptied. In one embodiment, while the input point 1 is emptied, for example, when the discharge valve 4 is open, the sensor S1 may detect the movement of material from the input point 1 to the branch conveying pipe 103. When the movement ends, it means that the input point 1 and the temporary storage space 3 are emptied and no more material remains, which is detected by the sensor S1. The discharge valve 4 may be closed. Next, the input point upstream of the branch conveying pipe is emptied, and so on. This process may be repeated for each of the input points in Figure 2. If the fill level detected by sensor S2 of input point 1 is low, the system may be configured to skip emptying that input point. In one embodiment, once input points 1 of branch conveying pipes 103 are emptied and their discharge valves 4 are closed, the replacement air valves 105 may be closed.This may save energy and shorten the emptying sequence of a pneumatic material conveying system.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment having an input point 1 connected to a branch conveying pipe 103. Sensor S1 may be configured to monitor the presence, position, and / or movement of an object, such as waste material W, in the axial direction of the conveying space of the conveying pipe, e.g., in FIG. 3, the axial direction of the branch conveying pipe. In one embodiment, branch valve 107 may be set to an open state, and input point 1 of branch conveying pipe 103 may be emptied. In one embodiment, while input point 1 is emptied, e.g., when discharge valve 4 is open, sensor S1 may detect the movement of material from input point 1 to branch conveying pipe 103. When the movement is complete, meaning input point 1 and temporary storage space 3 are emptied of material, this is detected by sensor S1. Discharge valve 4 may be closed. Next, the input point upstream of the branch conveying pipe is emptied, and so on. This process may be repeated for each of the input points in FIG. 3.

[0054] 4a, 4b, and 4c show an embodiment of a sensor S3 disposed on a pipe 100. The pipe 100 may include an inner wall and an outer wall 100''. The inner wall of the pipe defines a transport space 100''' of the pipe 100. The pipe may have a longitudinal axis A. The sensor may be positioned to monitor the transport space of the pipe 100 transversely to the pipe's longitudinal axis A. In one embodiment, the sensor S3 assembly may include a casing having one or more side walls 34 and a cover 35. The sensor device 31 may be disposed inside the casing. In one embodiment, the sensor may include a control board 32. In one embodiment, the control board 32 may be disposed within the sensor assembly casing. In one embodiment, the sensor S3 may be mounted on the wall of the pipe 100. In one embodiment, the pipe wall may include a recess 30. In one embodiment, the sensor may be mounted on the recess in the pipe wall. A side wall 34 of the casing may extend into the recess 30 at a distance from the outer surface 100'' of the tube wall. Connectors 33 for energy and / or data connections may be located on the side wall.

[0055] 4a-4c, the sensor S3 may be located on or near a wall of the pipe 100, a wall of a channel, or a wall of a container intended for the transport and / or temporary storage of materials such as waste materials or recyclable materials. In one embodiment, the sensor may be located on a side wall or on or near the end of the pipe, channel, or container.

[0056] In one embodiment, the sensors S1, S2, S3 may be radar-based sensors with lenses configured to adjust the beams of the radar-based sensors.

[0057] In the embodiment of Fig. 4b, the sensor device 31 may comprise a lens 36. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the input point 1 comprising a temporary storage space 3. The temporary storage space 3 may extend in a hollow conduit from the input opening 2 towards the discharge valve 4 or valve holding device. In one embodiment, the input opening 2 of the input point 1 may comprise an openable / closable hatch 2'. The volume of the temporary storage 3 may be formed between the input opening 2 of the input point and a closure member of the discharge valve 4 or other holding device. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to measure the fill level of the temporary storage at the input point. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the sensor S2 measures the material level distance D from the origin, for example from the input opening 2 of the input point to the level of material, such as waste material W, being fed into the temporary storage space 3. M The filling level of the temporary storage space 3 can be measured by measuring the total distance D of the empty temporary storage at the input point. tot (e.g. length) M In one embodiment, the fill level of the temporary storage may be estimated based on the following: Filling degree = (1-D M / D tot )*100 It may be calculated as follows.

[0058] In one embodiment, this distance is the axial distance of the material conveying pipe, conduit, vessel or channel that forms the temporary storage space 3 .

[0059] In one embodiment, sensors S1, S2, S3 measure the distance D to an object, such as waste material W. M may be arranged to measure in the direction of the axial distance of the temporary storage 3, such as the axial distance of a material conveying pipe, conduit, channel or vessel.

[0060] In one embodiment, the sensor S2 detects the distance D to the object even when the longitudinal axis of the pipe, conduit, channel, or vessel is curved or contains portions with longitudinal axes that intersect with one another. M It may be of a type that can measure

[0061] In one embodiment, temporary storage 3 may be configured to act as a waveguide for the waves transmitted and received by sensors S1, S2, S3. In one embodiment, the inner walls of the conveying pipe, conduit, channel or vessel may be configured to act as a waveguide for the radio waves transmitted by sensor devices S1, S2, S3.

[0062] Figures 6a to 6f show different measurement results received from the sensor device in various situations. The lower horizontal axis in each figure is the distance [m] from the origin to the obstacle, i.e. the object, being fed into the material conveying pipe, conduit, channel or vessel. These measurement results show different filling levels (upper horizontal axis in Figures 6a to 6f) of the temporary storage space 3 at the input point. In Figure 6a, the measurement signal is measured at a measurement distance D of about 7.8 m from the origin. M The distance D from the start of the temporary storage 3 to the end of the injection point (i.e., relative to the closing member of the discharge valve) tot is 7.8 meters. This may mean that the closing member of the discharge valve is closed at a distance of about 7.8 meters from the starting point and the temporary storage at the injection point is empty (i.e., the filling level is 0%). In Figure 6b, the measurement signal is M In one embodiment, this indicates that the fill level of the temporary storage at the injection point is about 8%, and (1-(measured distance D M / Total distance of empty vault Dtot )*100)(1-7.2m / 7.8m)*100=7.7%≒8%.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 6c, the measurement signal of the sensor device is measured at a distance D of approximately 4.4 meters. M , which means that the filling level of the temporary storage space at the injection point is about 43%.

[0064] In the embodiment of FIG. 6d, the measurement signal of the sensor device is measured at a distance D of approximately 2.9 meters. M This means that the temporary storage space is approximately 63% full.

[0065] In the embodiment of FIG. 6e, the measurement signal of the sensor device is measured at a distance D of about 0.8 meters. M , which means that the temporary storage space is approximately 90% full.

[0066] In the embodiment of FIG. 6f, the measurement signal of the sensor device is measured at a distance D of approximately 0 meters. M , which means that the filling level of the temporary storage space is about 100%, i.e. the temporary storage space at the injection point is filled with material.

[0067] These measurements show that a single radar-based sensor may be used to detect the fill level of a temporary storage space at an input point, even if the shape of the storage space is curved rather than straight, or includes sections with longitudinal axes that intersect each other (e.g., as in Figure 5). A material-carrying pipe, conduit, channel, or container may be used as a waveguide for the waves transmitted by the sensor device.

[0068] In one embodiment, the sensor measures the distance D to the waste material W. Mmay be measured, and the operation of the waste transport system may be controlled based on the measurement. In one embodiment, the transport system may be controlled to minimize the amount of operating time used in emptying the input point temporary storage spaces. This may be done, for example, by emptying only input point temporary storage spaces that have a filling level that satisfies the emptying condition. In one embodiment, the temporary storage spaces are emptied only if, for example, the filling level is equal to or greater than a predetermined limit. In one embodiment, operating time may be minimized by using only the time required to empty each input point temporary storage, or only the time required to empty multiple input point temporary storages.

[0069] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to measure whether material has actually been transferred from the temporary storage space to the material conveying pipe 100. This may help minimize the emptying time of the temporary storage space at the input point. As soon as the sensor senses that the temporary storage space is empty and free of material, it may close the exhaust valve or the valve for controlling the replacement air (i.e., make-up air) if the conditions are met, and / or empty the next input point according to the input point emptying sequence.

[0070] In one embodiment, this real-time emptying, in which the number of injection points to be emptied is minimized based on their degree of filling and / or the emptying time of the injection points is minimized based on monitoring of the emptying process by at least one sensor device, can be illustrated as in Figure 7b.

[0071] FIG. 7a shows a timeline of so-called prior art standard time emptying, in which predetermined standard times t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, t9, and t10 are used to empty each of the ten temporary storage spaces at the input point. Time t1 refers to the time for emptying the first temporary storage space, time t2 refers to the time for emptying the second temporary storage space, and so on. In FIG. 7a, the predetermined times t1, t2, t3, ..., t10 are used for the emptying sequence of the ten temporary storage spaces at the input point. In such emptying control of the input point temporary storage, i.e., the input point, the fixed times are defined assuming that the input point temporary storage spaces are always filled with material. However, it is often possible that the input point temporary storage spaces are not filled with material, meaning that emptying these partially filled temporary storage spaces may be unnecessary.

[0072] 7b shows a timeline of the emptying sequence of ten temporary storage spaces, where emptying times t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, t9, t10 are minimized by using at least one sensor device to monitor the emptying process of each temporary storage space and controlling the emptying of the temporary storage space based on information and / or signals from the at least one sensor device. In one embodiment, at least one of the sensor devices is a type of radar sensor.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the input point 1 may be an input point for waste or recyclable materials such as a waste bin or waste chute. In one embodiment, the materials may be, for example, household waste, paper, cardboard, biowaste, metal, glass, and / or industrial materials packed in bags or sacks.

[0074] In one embodiment, multiple input points may be located on the waste chute. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the waste chute may include a vertical portion, which may include at least one input point 1 having an input opening 2. The input opening 2 may be provided with an openable hatch 2'. In one embodiment, the input openings 2 may be located at a distance from one another on the waste chute. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the input openings are located at vertical distances from one another. In one embodiment, the input openings may be located on different floors F of a building. In one embodiment, the waste chute may include a portion that is offset from the vertical portion. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the waste chute may include a vertical portion, a horizontal portion, and a curved portion connecting the vertical portion to the horizontal portion. In one embodiment, the waste chute may include temporary material storage 3. In one embodiment, the waste chute may include a discharge valve 4 or other material W retention device. In one embodiment, the waste chute may include a displacement air valve 5. In one embodiment, the waste chute may include a sensor S2 for monitoring the presence, position, and / or movement of objects, such as waste material W, within the volume of the material conveying pipe 100 of the pneumatic material conveying system or within the temporary storage space 3. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be located at the top of the waste chute. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be located in relation to the displacement air valve 5. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be located upstream relative to the displacement air valve 5. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be located downstream relative to the displacement air valve 5. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to detect the presence and / or movement of material in the axial direction of the volume of the material conveying pipe 100 of the pneumatic material conveying system or the temporary storage space 3, such as a feed-in receptacle at an input point. In one embodiment, the sensor S2 may be configured to detect the degree of fill of the temporary storage space 3 of the waste chute.

[0075] 9a and 9b are exemplary embodiments of a sensor arrangement. FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement, which includes a sensor S1 and a replacement air valve 200 disposed in an end portion 201 of a conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space, with the replacement air valve closed. In one embodiment, the replacement air valve 200 may include a closure member 205. In one embodiment, the replacement air opening may be disposed in a sidewall of the end portion 201 of the conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space. In one embodiment, the closure member may be a sleeve portion configured to move on the end portion 201 of the conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space. At least one actuator 206, 207 may be arranged to move the closure member 205. At the end of the end portion 201 of the conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space, an end cap 204 may be arranged to close the end portion 201. The sensor S1 may be disposed on the end cap 204. In one embodiment, a recess may be created on the end cap 204. In one embodiment, the sensor may be positioned to sense in the axial direction A of the end portion 201 of the conduit, tube, chute, or storage space. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 9a and 9b, the closure member 205 is configured to not interfere with the transmission and reception of waves by the sensor S1. In one embodiment, the at least one actuator may be a linear actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator may comprise a cylinder 206 disposed on the support structure 209. In one embodiment, the actuator may comprise a piston configured to move the closure member 205 between a closed state (as in FIG. 9a) and an open state (as in FIG. 9b) of the displacement air valve.

[0076] 9b is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement including a sensor and a replacement air valve disposed in an end portion 201 of a conduit, pipe, chute, or storage space, where the replacement air valve is open. In an embodiment of the sensor and replacement air valve arrangement, the sensor may be advantageously disposed upstream of the replacement air valve, which may prevent the sensor from becoming contaminated.

[0077] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic idea of ​​the invention can be implemented in various ways, therefore the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but rather may be modified within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A sensor for observing the presence, position and / or movement of an object, such as waste material (W), within a space of a material conveying pipe (100) of a pneumatic material conveying system or within a temporary storage space (3), the sensor (S1, S2, S3) comprising means for processing measurement signals of the sensors (S1, S2, S3), such as measurement electronics, and means for communicating measurement results and / or data related to the measurement results for further processing, the sensor (S1, S2, S3) being a radar-based sensor, such as a frequency-modulated continuous wave MIMO radar-based sensor, configured to detect an object within the monitored space and to detect the presence, position and / or movement of the object within the monitored space.

2. The sensor (S3) according to claim 1, configured to detect the presence and / or movement of an object such as waste material (W) in a transverse direction of the space (100''') of the material transport pipe (100) or the temporary storage space (3).

3. 2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensors (S1, S2) are configured to detect the presence and / or movement of the material in the axial direction of the space of the material conveying pipe (100) of the pneumatic material conveying system or the temporary storage space (3), such as a feed-in container at an input point.

4. The sensor (S1, S2, S3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor (S1, S2, S3) is configured to use the material transport pipe (100) of the material transport system or a storage space (3) as a waveguide.

5. The sensor of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radar-based sensor comprises a lens (36) configured to condition a beam of the radar-based sensor.

6. 1. A method for controlling the emptying of a storage space of an input point of a pneumatic material conveying system, the method comprising the steps of: detecting by sensors (S1, S2, S3) the presence, position and / or movement of an object in a monitored space of a material conveying pipe (100) and / or in a temporary storage space (3) of the material conveying system; and controlling one or more of at least one discharge valve (4), and / or at least one replacement air valve (105), and / or at least one replacement air valve (5) of at least one input point (1), and / or at least one section valve (101) of said conveying pipe (100), and / or at least one partial vacuum generator (121) based on information / signals received from said sensors.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensors (S1, S2, S3) are radar-based sensors, such as frequency modulated continuous wave MIMO radar-based sensors, configured to detect objects in the monitored space and to detect the presence, location, and / or movement of objects in the monitored space.

8. 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, comprising detecting the degree of filling of a temporary storage space and / or a storage space at an input point of the material transport system by means of the sensor (S2).

9. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the sensors (S1, S3) detect the emptying of a temporary storage space of the material conveying system.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein a material conveying pipe (100), a conduit, a channel or a vessel is used as a waveguide for the radio waves transmitted by said sensors (S1, S2, S3).

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the sensors (S1, S2, S3) are configured to detect an axial monitoring volume of a storage volume such as a material conveying pipe, conduit, channel, vessel or the like.

12. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the monitoring space of the material transport pipe (100) and / or the temporary storage space (3) is detected in the axial direction when the monitoring space is arranged to include a curved portion within the limits of the monitoring space.

13. The method of any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the radar-based sensor comprises a lens (36) configured to condition a beam of the radar-based sensor.

14. 1. A pneumatic waste material conveying system comprising an input point (1) having a temporary storage space (3) connectable to a material conveying pipe (100), and means for establishing a pressure difference for conveying material from the input point via the material conveying pipe to a separator / container device arranged at the outlet end of the pneumatic waste material conveying system, said system comprising sensors (S1, S2, S3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. 15. A pneumatic waste material conveying system according to claim 14, wherein the sensors (S1, S2, S3) are configured to detect the degree of filling of a temporary storage space of the material conveying system and / or a storage space at the input point (1).

16. 16. A pneumatic waste material conveying system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the sensors (S1, S3) are configured to detect the emptying of a temporary storage space of the material conveying system.

17. A pneumatic waste material conveying system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the sensors (S1, S2, S3) are configured to detect an axial monitoring space of a storage space such as a material conveying pipe, conduit, channel or container.

18. 18. A pneumatic waste material conveying system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the system comprises a control device configured to control one or more of at least one discharge valve (4), and / or at least one replacement air valve (105), and / or at least one replacement air valve (5) of at least one input point (1), and / or at least one section valve (101) of the conveying pipe (100), and / or at least one partial vacuum generator (121) based on information / signals received from the sensors.

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