Slurry property measuring device

Abstract

To accurately measure the characteristics of muddy water in real time regardless of its properties.SOLUTION: A muddy water characteristics measuring device 200 that measures characteristics of muddy water comprises flow rate adjustment means (liquid supply pump 61, valve 642, flow rate control unit 71b) that adjusts the flow rate of muddy water flowing through a measurement pipe section 641 to a predetermined set flow rate, differential pressure measuring means (first pressure gauge 644, second pressure gauge 645, differential pressure calculation unit 71a) for measuring the differential pressure of muddy water flowing through the measurement pipe section 641, first calculation means (yield value calculation unit 71c) that calculates the shear rate and shear stress of muddy water flowing through the measurement pipe section 641, and second calculation means (yield value calculation unit 71c) that calculates the yield value of muddy water flowing through the measurement pipe section 641. There are multiple set flow rates. The first calculation means calculates the shear rate and shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates based on the measurement results of the differential pressure measuring means. The second calculation means calculates the yield value based on the calculation result of the first calculation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a muddy water characteristic measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] When excavating a tunnel using a mud shield machine, it is important to keep the viscosity of the mud within a specified range to prevent the pipes carrying the mud from clogging or the tunnel face from collapsing. For this reason, various techniques have been proposed to measure the viscosity of the mud circulating between the shield tunneling machine and the mud treatment plant installed on the ground.

[0003] For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe devices that use the differential pressure of mud to measure the funnel viscosity of mud in real time. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 also describes a method for determining the yield value of mud in real time from the measured funnel viscosity of mud. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2673039 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3126626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Cited Document 2, the funnel viscosity of the mud is calculated based on the ratio of the measured differential pressure and flow velocity and relationship data pre-stored in a storage means (data relating the ratio Δh / V of the pressure difference and flow velocity V of the mud flowing through the pipeline, which has been previously measured, to the viscosity). The yield value of the mud is also calculated from the relationship data pre-stored in a storage means (data relating the viscosity of the mud to the yield value) based on the calculated funnel viscosity of the mud. However, in Cited Document 2, the relationship between the pressure difference Δh and flow velocity V of the mud flowing through the pipeline is measured in advance using viscosity as a parameter, and data representing the correlation between the pressure difference ΔH, flow velocity V, and viscosity of the mud flowing through the pipeline is prepared. The pressure difference Δh and flow velocity V of the mud flowing through the pipeline are then actually measured, and the viscosity of the mud is measured by comparing this measurement data with the previously calculated correlation data. Therefore, there is a risk that the measurement results (yield value and funnel viscosity) may not correspond to changes in the mud's properties. In other words, in cited document 2, the relational data stored in the memory means is not relational data created taking into account the properties of the muddy water, so there is a risk that accurate funnel viscosity or accurate yield value cannot be obtained.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to make it possible to accurately measure muddy water characteristics (yield value and funnel viscosity) in real time regardless of the properties of the muddy water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is as follows: A muddy water characteristic measuring device for measuring muddy water characteristics, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe to a predetermined set flow rate; a differential pressure measuring means for measuring a differential pressure of muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion; a first calculation means for calculating the shear rate and shear stress of muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe; a second calculation means for calculating the yield value of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion, A plurality of the set flow rates are provided, the first calculation means calculates the shear rate and the shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates based on the differential pressure measured by the differential pressure measurement means; The second calculation means calculates a shear rate and a shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means. Obtain the flow curve , From the obtained flow curve The yield value is calculated.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is as follows: The muddy water characteristic measuring device according to claim 1, a storage means for storing in advance a correlation equation showing the relationship between the flow curve and viscosity of muddy water; viscosity calculation means for calculating the viscosity of muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section; before The viscosity calculation means is characterized in that it calculates the viscosity of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section based on the correlation equation stored in the memory means and the flow curve acquired by the second calculation means.

[0009] The invention according to claim 3 is The muddy water characteristic measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, The second calculation means calculates the shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means. Using a predetermined correction factor The yield value is calculated based on the corrected shear stress and the shear rate corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 is The muddy water characteristic measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The set flow rate is a flow rate at which the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section forms a laminar flow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the properties of muddy water (yield value and funnel viscosity) can be accurately measured in real time regardless of the properties of the muddy water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a drilling system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a portion of a mud treatment plant provided in the drilling system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a muddy water characteristic measuring device provided in the muddy water treatment plant of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing an example of data obtained by measurement using a muddy water characteristic measuring device. [Figure 5] 4 is a graph showing an example of data stored in the muddy water characteristic measuring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of measurement results. [Figure 7] FIG. 10(a) is a flowchart showing an example of a process for measuring muddy water characteristics, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of a set flow rate. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a corrected shear stress. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a corrected shear stress. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a corrected shear stress. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a corrected shear stress. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a corrected shear stress. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a corrected shear stress. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and drawings.

[0014] [1. Drilling System] First, a schematic configuration of an excavation system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a drilling system 100 .

[0015] The excavation system 100 of this embodiment is used for a mud shield tunneling method, and as shown in Figure 1, it comprises a shield excavation machine 1, a mud treatment plant 2, a mud transport section 3, a mud discharge section 4, and a central control room 5.

[0016] (Shield tunneling machine) The shield drilling machine 1 is placed in the ground G. The shield drilling machine 1 comprises a main body 11 and a cutter head 12. The main body 11 includes a chamber (not shown) filled with mud water, a cutter rotation mechanism (not shown) for rotating the cutter head 12, and a propulsion mechanism (not shown) for moving the shield tunneling machine 1 forward. The cutter head 12 is rotatably provided at the front end of the main body 11, and is rotated by the drive of a cutter rotation mechanism of the main body 11.

[0017] (Mud treatment plant) The muddy water treatment plant 2 is located on land and includes a primary treatment section 21, an adjustment tank 22, and a muddy water characteristic measuring device 200. The primary treatment unit 21 is configured to separate large-grained gravel and sand, for example by sieving, from the excavation muddy water containing a large amount of earth and sand components sent from the shield excavator 1. The primary treatment unit 21 is also configured to send the muddy water from which the gravel and sand have been separated to the adjustment tank 22.

[0018] The adjustment tank 22 temporarily stores the muddy water (muddy water after gravel and sand have been separated) sent from the primary treatment unit 21. An operator adds tap water or a thickener to the muddy water stored in this adjustment tank 22 to adjust the viscosity of the muddy water. The adjustment tank 22 is also configured to send a portion of the stored muddy water to the muddy water characteristics measuring device 200. The muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 is configured to measure funnel viscosity, yield value, etc. as characteristics of the muddy water circulating between the shield machine 1 and the muddy water treatment plant 2 (here, the muddy water stored in the adjustment tank 22). Details of the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 will be described later.

[0019] (Sludge feeding department) The mud transport section 3 includes a mud transport pipe 31, a mud transport pump 32, and the like. The mud transport pipe 31 runs from the adjustment tank 22 of the mud treatment plant 2 to the chamber of the shield tunneling machine 1. The mud pump 32 is configured to pump up the adjusted mud water from the adjustment tank 22 and send the mud water to the chamber of the shield drilling machine 1 via the mud pipe 31.

[0020] (Sludge removal section) The sludge discharge section 4 includes a sludge discharge pipe 41, a sludge discharge pump 42, and the like. The mud discharge pipe 41 extends from the chamber of the shield excavator 1 to the primary treatment section of the mud treatment plant 2. It continues to 21. The mud discharge pump 42 is configured to send muddy water accumulated in the chamber of the shield tunneling machine 1 to the primary treatment unit 21 via the mud discharge pipe 41.

[0021] (Central Control Unit) The central control room 5 is equipped with a display unit 51, a control device, an operation unit, etc., which are not shown. The control device in the central control room 5 is configured to control the rotational speed of the cutter head 12, the propulsion speed of the shield tunneling machine 1, the mud pressure in the chamber of the shield tunneling machine 1 (the amount of mud fed by the mud feed pump 32, the amount of mud discharged by the mud discharge pump 42), etc. The display unit 51 in the central control room 5 is configured to display the status of the controlled object (various numerical values, etc.). Although FIG. 1 illustrates the central control room 5 placed on the ground, the central control room 5 may be placed inside the ground G (for example, behind the shield excavator 1).

[0022] (Drilling system operation) In the excavation system 100 of this embodiment configured as described above, the mud supply pump 32 and the mud discharge pump 42 are operated under the control of the central control room 5, whereby mud water is filled into the chamber of the shield excavator 1 and the mud water pressure in the chamber is adjusted to be higher than the earth pressure received from the face. Then, under the control of the central control room 5, the cutter head 12 rotates while moving forward, thereby excavating the working face, and the generated soil and sand is taken into the chamber and discharged to the ground through the mud discharge pipe 41 as excavation mud. The excavation mud discharged to the ground is separated into gravel and sand in the primary treatment unit 21, and the separated mud is sent to the adjustment tank 22. The viscosity and other properties of the separated mud are adjusted in the adjustment tank 22, and the adjusted mud is sent to the chamber of the shield tunneling machine 1 through the mud transport pipe 31. By repeating these operations, a tunnel T is formed in the ground G.

[0023] [2. Mud water characteristics measuring device] Next, the muddy water property measuring device 200 provided in the muddy water treatment plant 2 of the drilling system 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the muddy water treatment plant 2, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200.

[0024] (Configuration of muddy water characteristic measuring device) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 includes a measuring unit 6 and a control unit 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement section 6 includes a liquid supply pump 61, a sand separator 62, a liquid supply pipe section 63, a measuring instrument 64, a cleaning pump 65, a liquid drain pipe section 66, and a sampling pipe section 67.

[0025] The liquid supply pump (sampling pump) 61 is configured to send muddy water in the adjustment tank 22 to the liquid supply pipe section 63 via the sampling pipe 61a and the sand separator 62. The liquid supply pump 61 is also capable of adjusting the flow rate of muddy water flowing through the liquid supply pipe section 63 and the subsequent measuring device 64 (measuring pipe section 641) based on the control of a flow rate control section 71b, which will be described later. The sand separator 62 is configured to separate small grain sand from the muddy water sent via the sampling pipe 61a, for example, using a cyclone system, thereby preventing sand from entering the flow path of the measuring device 64 (inside the pipe of the measuring pipe portion 641). The liquid supply pipe section 63 includes a liquid supply pipe 631 that continues from the sand separator 62 to the measuring device 64 , and a pressure gauge 632 that measures the pressure of the muddy water flowing through the liquid supply pipe 631 .

[0026] The measuring device 64 includes a measuring pipe section 641 , a valve 642 , a flow meter 643 , a first pressure gauge 644 , and a second pressure gauge 645 . The measuring pipe section 641 has a first pipe section 641a, a second pipe section 641b, and a third pipe section 641c.

[0027] The first pipe section 641a continues from the liquid supply pipe section 63 to the inlet of the second pipe section 641b. The third pipe portion 641c continues from the outlet of the second pipe portion 641b to the drain pipe portion 66. The second pipe portion 641b connects the first pipe portion 641a and the third pipe portion 641c. The measurement pipe section 641 (first pipe section 641a, second pipe section 641b, third pipe section 641c) of this embodiment is made of a transparent material, so even if mud begins to adhere to the inside of the pipe, it can be immediately detected.

[0028] In this embodiment, a transparent vinyl chloride pipe is used as the measuring pipe portion 641, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the transparent material may be acrylic or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a straight pipe is used as second pipe portion 641b, but the present invention is not limited to this, and second pipe portion 641b may be, for example, a curved pipe formed in a U-shape. By using a curved pipe as second pipe portion 641b, measuring device 64 can be made smaller.

[0029] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the measuring pipe section 641 (first pipe section 641a, second pipe section 641b, third pipe section 641c) is set to 13A. The reason for setting the pipe inner diameter to 13A is as follows. The friction pressure loss ΔP in the pipe (corresponding to the difference between the measurement value of the first pressure gauge 644 and the measurement value of the second pressure gauge 645) can be calculated using the following formula (1). ΔP=λ×(L / d)×{(ρ×u 2 ) / 2}···(1) However, λ: friction coefficient inside the pipe, L: pipe length (m), d: pipe inner diameter (m), ρ: fluid density (kg / m 3 ), u: Average flow velocity (m / sec)

[0030] Equation (1) indicates that the friction pressure loss ΔP in the pipe is inversely proportional to the pipe inner diameter d. In other words, if the pipe inner diameter d is too large, the pipe friction pressure loss ΔP calculated by equation (1) becomes too small (making it difficult to determine the funnel viscosity and yield value of the muddy water). To prevent this, the pipe length L (the distance from the first pressure gauge 644 to the second pressure gauge 645) must be increased or the feed pump 61 must be enlarged to increase the average flow velocity u. However, doing so would result in an increase in the size of the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200. In consideration of this reason, in this embodiment, the pipe inner diameter d is set to 13A (d ≈ 13 mm), which is the smallest pipe inner diameter of commercially available polyvinyl chloride pipes. Of course, the pipe inner diameter d is not limited to 13A.

[0031] The first pressure gauge 644 is provided on the outlet side (second pipe section 641b side) of the first pipe section 641a. The first pressure gauge 644 is configured to measure the pressure of the muddy water flowing through the first pipe section 641a. The second pressure gauge 645 is provided on the inlet side (second pipe section 641b side) of the third pipe section 641c. The second pressure gauge 645 is configured to measure the pressure of the muddy water flowing through the third pipe section 641c. That is, the first pressure gauge 644 measures the pressure of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 on the upstream side of the measuring pipe section 641. The second pressure gauge 645 measures the pressure of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 on the downstream side of the measuring pipe section 641, i.e., downstream of the first pressure gauge 644. In this embodiment, the pipe length L (the distance from the first pressure gauge 644 to the second pressure gauge 645) is set to 2 m, but is not limited to this.

[0032] The valve 642 is provided on the inlet side (liquid supply pipe section 63 side) of the first pipe section 641a. The valve 642 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 based on control by a flow rate control section 71b (described later). In this embodiment, a valve capable of precise flow rate control (for example, an electric proportional control valve) is used as the valve 642. The flow meter 643 is provided in the middle of the first pipe section 641a (between the valve 642 and the first pressure gauge 644). The flow meter 643 is configured to measure the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measurement pipe section 641. In this embodiment, a flow meter (for example, an electromagnetic flow meter) capable of measuring the flow rate from outside the pipe is used as the flow meter 643. The flow meter 643 may be provided in the second pipe portion 641b or the third pipe portion 641c.

[0033] The cleaning pump 65 is configured to send water (cleaning water) from the clean water tank 65a through the cleaning water pipe 65b to the measuring device 64. This allows the inside of the measuring device 64, specifically the inside of the measuring pipe portion 641, to be cleaned. Cleaning water pipe 65b branches off from the middle of first pipe section 641a (between valve 642 and flow meter 643) and continues to cleaning pump 65 in clean water tank 65a. A valve 65b1 is provided on the outlet side (measuring instrument 64 side) of cleaning water pipe 65b. This valve 65b1 is configured to open and close under the control of cleaning control section 71e, which will be described later. Since the measurement target of measuring device 64 is muddy water, there is a risk that sand, silt, clay, etc. will accumulate in the flow path of measuring device 64 (inside the pipe of measuring pipe portion 641) and affect the measurement results. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cleaning process is provided in which cleaning water is periodically passed through the flow path of measuring device 64 using a timer setting, thereby preventing sand, silt, clay, etc. from accumulating in the flow path of measuring device 64.

[0034] The drain pipe section 66 is equipped with a back pressure adjusting tube 661, a first drain pipe 662 continuing from the outlet (third pipe section 641c) of the measuring device 64 to the back pressure adjusting tube 661, a second drain pipe 663 continuing from the back pressure adjusting tube 661 to the adjusting tank 22, and a temperature sensor 664 that measures the temperature of the muddy water in the back pressure adjusting tube 661. By providing the back pressure adjusting tube 661 in the drain pipe section 66, a constant back pressure is applied to the measuring pipe section 641 (narrow tube section), making it possible to prevent the inside of the measuring pipe section 641 (inside the narrow tube) from becoming negative pressure. The sampling pipe section 67 branches off from the middle of the third pipe section 641c, and has a discharge port at its tip.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), and a storage unit 72. The CPU 71 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 72, expands them in the RAM, executes various processes in accordance with the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operation of each part of the muddy water characteristics measuring device 200. The storage unit 72 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 72 stores various programs executed by the CPU 71, etc.

[0036] The CPU 71 is divided into a differential pressure calculation section 71a, a flow rate control section 71b, a yield value calculation section 71c, a viscosity calculation section 71d, and a cleaning control section 71e according to their functions. The differential pressure calculation unit 71a acquires the upstream pressure value measured by the first pressure gauge 644 and the downstream pressure value measured by the second pressure gauge 645, and calculates the differential pressure (the difference between the upstream pressure value and the downstream pressure value).

[0037] The flow rate control unit 71b acquires the flow rate of the muddy water measured by the flow meter 643. The unit 71b controls the operation of the liquid supply pump 61 and the valve 642 so that the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 becomes a predetermined set flow rate. In this embodiment, four set flow rates are provided: a first set flow rate, a second set flow rate, a third set flow rate, and a fourth set flow rate. In addition, in this embodiment, taking into account the influence of turbulent flow within the measuring pipe 641, the combination of the inner diameter of the measuring pipe 641 and the set flow rate is set to create a laminar flow region. Specifically, laboratory tests were conducted taking into account the properties of muddy water (stabilized liquid) expected in on-site construction, and it was confirmed that when the inner diameter of the measuring pipe 641 is 13A, a set flow rate of 2 to 14 L / min creates a laminar flow region. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first set flow rate is set to 2.00 L / min, the second set flow rate is set to 6.00 L / min, the third set flow rate is set to 10.00 L / min, and the fourth set flow rate is set to 14.00 L / min. The first to fourth set flow rates are not limited to these, and may be any flow rates at which the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 forms a laminar flow (for example, a flow rate at which the Reynolds number is less than 2000).

[0038] In this embodiment, a valve capable of precise flow rate control (for example, an electric proportional control valve) is used as valve 642 so that minute changes or pulsations in the flow rate do not affect the final measurement results (apparent viscosity and converted funnel viscosity), and a flow meter (for example, an electromagnetic flow meter) capable of measuring the flow rate from outside the pipe is used as flow meter 643 so that the flow rate and pressure inside the pipe are not affected. Flow control unit 71b is configured to perform feedback control while monitoring the flow rate in real time, and to control the flow rate with an accuracy of within ±0.01 L / min.

[0039] The yield value calculation unit 71c calculates the shear rate and shear stress when the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 is the first set flow rate, the shear rate and shear stress when the flow rate is the second set flow rate, the shear rate and shear stress when the flow rate is the third set flow rate, and the shear rate and shear stress when the flow rate is the fourth set flow rate. The shear rate γ can be calculated from the flow rate and the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area inside the narrow tube) of the measuring pipe portion 641. Specifically, the shear rate γ can be calculated using the following formula (2). γ = (4Q) / (π×R 3 )···(2) Where, Q: flow rate (m 3 / sec), R: Pipe radius (m)

[0040] The shear stress f can be calculated from the shear rate γ calculated using equation (2) and the viscosity η calculated by the Poiseuille equation. Specifically, the shear stress f can be calculated using the following equation (3). f = γ × η (3) The viscosity η can be calculated by the Poiseuille equation from the dimensions (inner radius and length of the pipe) of the measuring pipe portion 641, the differential pressure, and the flow rate. Specifically, the viscosity η can be calculated using the following formula (4). η=((π×R 4 ) / 8L)×(ΔP / Q) (4) where R is the inner radius of the pipe (m), L is the pipe length (m), ΔP is the differential pressure (Pa), and Q is the flow rate (m 3 / sec) Therefore, the shear stress f can be expressed using the following equation (5). f = (R × ΔP) / (2L) (5) where R is the pipe radius (m), ΔP is the differential pressure, and L is the pipe length (m).

[0041] Then, as shown in Fig. 4, the yield value calculation unit 71c calculates a relational equation (y=ax+b) that shows the relationship between the shear rate and shear stress of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe unit 641 based on the calculated shear rate and shear stress at each flow rate. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a diagram in which the calculated data (shear rate, shear stress) at each flow rate are plotted, with the horizontal axis representing shear rate and the vertical axis representing shear stress. As shown in Fig. 4, there is a linear relationship between shear rate and shear stress, so the linear function (y=ax+b) that expresses this relational equation is found by the least squares method. That is, The flow curve connecting the four calculated data points (shear rate, shear stress) is approximated by a straight line (y = ax + b) using the least squares method. Thereafter, the yield value calculation unit 71c calculates the y value obtained by substituting "0" for x in the calculated relational equation (y=ax+b) as the yield value of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641. In other words, the value of the y intercept (b) in the calculated relational equation (y=ax+b) becomes the yield value of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641. In addition, the coefficients a and b in the calculated relational equation (y=ax+b) are used when the viscosity calculation unit 71d calculates the funnel viscosity of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641.

[0042] The viscosity calculation unit 71d compares the relational expression (y=ax+b) calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71c with the relational expression (y=Ax 3 +Bx 2 +Cx+D), the funnel viscosity (converted funnel viscosity) of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion 641 is calculated. The storage unit 72 stores, for example, measurement data (area, funnel viscosity) for each type of muddy water measured using a plurality of types of muddy water, as shown in Figs. 5(a) and 5(b), and a relational expression (y = Ax 3 +Bx 2+Cx+D) are stored in advance.

[0043] Specifically, several types of muddy water with different properties were prepared, and a flow curve (y = ax + b) was determined by linear regression from the differential pressure of measuring device 64 (capillary tube viscometer). The integral value (area) from zero flow rate to the shear rate corresponding to the maximum flow rate (here, the fourth set flow rate (14 L / min)) was calculated, and the actual funnel viscosity was measured using a funnel viscometer. The funnel viscosity of water was set to 18.5 seconds. Then, as shown in Figure 5(a), actual measurement data (area, funnel viscosity) was created that correlated the integral value (area) of the muddy water with the actual funnel viscosity of the muddy water. The actual measurement data created in this way was stored in advance in memory unit 72.

[0044] Here, the integral value (area) x from zero flow rate to the shear rate corresponding to the maximum flow rate can be expressed using the following formula (6). x=b×q+(a×q 2 )×0.5 (6) where a and b are the coefficients a and b of the flow curve (y=ax+b), and q is the maximum flow rate (maximum flow rate measured by flow meter 643) actually measured when the maximum flow rate (14 L / min) was set. In this embodiment, to simplify the calculation, the flow rate q (L / min) was used instead of the shear rate, as shown in equation (6). Because the shear rate can be calculated linearly from the flow rate q, using the flow rate q instead of the shear rate also has a linear relationship with the coefficients in the funnel viscosity calculation formula, so there is no essential difference except for the coefficients in the conversion formula. The integral value calculated using equation (6) corresponds to the area of ​​the trapezoid enclosed by the straight line (y = ax + b) representing the flow curve and the x- and y-axes.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), based on the measured area and funnel viscosity of each muddy water, a relational equation (y = Ax 3 +Bx 2Specifically, Figure 5(b) is a plot of the measured data (area, funnel viscosity) for each muddy water, with the horizontal axis representing area and the vertical axis representing funnel viscosity. As shown in Figure 5(b), the relationship between area and funnel viscosity can be approximated by a cubic function, so the cubic function (y = Ax 3 +Bx 2 +Cx+D) was calculated by the least squares method. The relational expression calculated in this way is stored in the storage unit 72 in advance.

[0046] Then, the viscosity calculation unit 71d calculates the viscosity by calculating the relational expression (y=Ax 3 +Bx 2 +Cx+D) and the relational expression (y=ax+b) calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71c. Specifically, the viscosity calculation unit 71d first calculates the funnel viscosity of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe unit 641 based on the relational expression (y=ax+b) calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71c. The coefficients a and b are extracted from the equation (6), and the area x of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641, that is, the integral value (area) from zero flow rate to the shear rate corresponding to the maximum flow rate (here, the fourth set flow rate (14 L / min)), is calculated using the relational expression (y=Ax 3 +Bx 2 +Cx+D, specifically, for example, y=17.9824+0.0687427x-0.000166907x 2 +1.79306×10 -7 x 3 The y value obtained by substituting the calculated area x for x in the above equation is calculated as the funnel viscosity (converted funnel viscosity) of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion 641.

[0047] The flow rate control unit 71b transmits the calculated flow rate to the central control room 5. Furthermore, the differential pressure calculation unit 71a transmits the upstream pressure value acquired from the first pressure gauge 644, the downstream pressure value acquired from the second pressure gauge 645, and the differential pressure calculated from these to the central control room 5. Furthermore, the yield value calculation unit 71c transmits the calculated shear rate, shear stress, and apparent viscosity (viscosity η) to the central control room 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the information transmitted from the flow rate control unit 71b, differential pressure calculation unit 71a, and yield value calculation unit 71c is displayed in real time on the display unit 51 of the central control room 5.

[0048] Furthermore, the yield value calculation unit 71c transmits the calculated data (shear rate, shear stress) at each flow rate, the calculated relational expression (y=ax+b), and the measurement results (yield values) to the central control room 5. As a result, a graph such as that shown in FIG. 4 is displayed in real time on the display unit 51 of the central control room 5 together with the measurement results (yield values). The viscosity calculation unit 71d also transmits the measurement result (funnel viscosity) to the central control room 5. As a result, the measurement result (funnel viscosity) is displayed in real time on the display unit 51 of the central control room 5. Alternatively, the viscosity calculation unit 71d uses the actual measurement data (area, funnel viscosity) and the relational expression (y=Ax 3 +Bx 2 +Cx+D) and the measurement result (funnel viscosity) may be transmitted to the central control room 5. As a result, a graph such as that shown in FIG. 5(b) is displayed in real time on the display unit 51 of the central control room 5 together with the measurement result (funnel viscosity).

[0049] The cleaning control unit 71e controls the operation of the cleaning pump 65 to periodically cause the water (cleaning water) in the clean water tank 65a to flow into the measuring pipe unit 641. The cleaning control unit 71e also controls the valve 65b1 to, for example, switch the valve 65b1 from a closed state to an open state at the start of cleaning (before the cleaning pump 65 starts operating), and switch the valve 65b1 from an open state to a closed state at the end of cleaning (after the cleaning pump 65 has finished operating).

[0050] (Mud water characteristics measurement processing) FIG. 7(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the muddy water characteristic measurement process executed by the muddy water characteristic measurement device 200, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of the set flow rate corresponding to the variable N. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the CPU 71 of the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 first sets an initial value of "4" to a variable N (step S1). Next, the CPU 71 (flow rate control unit 71b) switches the valve 642 from a closed state to an open state, and then controls the liquid supply pump 61 and the valve 642 to adjust the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 to a set flow rate corresponding to the variable N (step S2). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(b), for example, when the variable N is an initial value of "4," the operation of the liquid supply pump 61 and the valve 642 is controlled so that the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 becomes a fourth set flow rate of 14.00 L / min. Also, for example, when the variable N is "2," the operation of the liquid supply pump 61 and the valve 642 is controlled so that the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 becomes a second set flow rate of 6.00 L / min.

[0051] Next, the CPU 71 sets a flow rate stabilization waiting time (for example, 1 minute) and determines whether the flow rate stabilization waiting time has elapsed (step S3). If the answer is YES in step S3, the CPU 71 sets a measurement time (for example, 2 minutes) and determines whether the measurement time has elapsed (step S4). When the measurement time has elapsed (step S4), the CPU 71 (flow rate control unit 71b) switches the valve 642 from the open state to the closed state. Then, the CPU 71 (differential pressure calculation unit 71a) calculates the differential pressure from the pressure values ​​measured by the first pressure gauge 644 and the second pressure gauge 645 during the measurement time (step S5). Next, the CPU 71 (yield value calculation unit 71c) calculates the shear rate and shear stress based on the differential pressure calculated in step S5 (step S6).

[0052] Next, the CPU 71 updates the variable N by -1 (step S7), determines whether the variable N is 0 (step S8), and if the variable N is not 0 (step S8; No), sets the next measurement waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds), and when the next measurement waiting time has elapsed, proceeds to processing of step S2. Furthermore, if variable N is 0 (step S8; Yes), the CPU 71 (yield value calculation unit 71c) calculates a relational equation (y=ax+b) showing the relationship between the shear rate and shear stress of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 based on the shear rate and shear stress calculated in step S6 when variable N is "4," the shear rate and shear stress calculated in step S6 when variable N is "3," the shear rate and shear stress calculated in step S6 when variable N is "2," and the shear rate and shear stress calculated in step S6 when variable N is "1," and calculates the yield value of the muddy water from the calculated relational equation (step S9).

[0053] Next, the CPU 71 (viscosity calculation unit 71d) extracts coefficients a and b from the relational expression (y=ax+b) obtained in step S10, calculates the area x of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion 641 using equation (6), and then converts the calculated area x into a relational expression (for example, a cubic function shown in FIG. 5(b) (specifically, y=17.9824+0.0687427x-0.000166907x) previously stored in the storage unit 72. 2 +1.79306×10 -7 x 3 ) to calculate the funnel viscosity (step S10). By continuously performing this muddy water property measurement process, the muddy water properties (yield value and funnel viscosity) can be measured in real time.

[0054] In the muddy water characteristic measurement process, for example, after it is determined that the variable N is 0 (step S8; Yes), the inside of the measuring pipe section 641 may be cleaned. In this case, the CPU 71 (cleaning control section 71e) controls the cleaning pump 65 and the like to clean the inside of the measuring pipe section 641. Specifically, a valve closing waiting time (e.g., 10 seconds) is set to wait until the valve 642 is closed, and when the valve closing waiting time has elapsed, the valve 65b1 is switched from the closed state to the open state. Then, the operation of the cleaning pump 65 is started and a cleaning time (e.g., 10 seconds) is set, and when the cleaning time has elapsed, the operation of the cleaning pump 65 is stopped and the valve 65b1 is switched from the open state to the closed state. In addition, the muddy water characteristics measuring device 200 can set the number of times the muddy water characteristics measurement process is repeated, and when the muddy water characteristics measurement process is repeatedly performed, it can also set the waiting time from the end of the muddy water characteristics measurement process until the start of the next muddy water characteristics measurement process.

[0055] [3. Effects] The muddy water characteristics measuring device 200 according to this embodiment as described above is provided with flow rate adjusting means (feed pump 61, valve 642, flow rate control unit 71b) for adjusting the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 to a predetermined set flow rate, differential pressure measuring means (first pressure gauge 644, second pressure gauge 645, differential pressure calculation unit 71a) for measuring the differential pressure of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641, first calculation means (yield value calculation unit 71c) for calculating the shear rate and shear stress of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641, and second calculation means (yield value calculation unit 71c) for calculating the yield value of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641. A plurality of the set flow rates are provided, The first calculation means is configured to calculate the shear rate and shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates based on the differential pressure measured by the differential pressure measurement means, and the second calculation means is configured to calculate the yield value based on the shear rate and shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means. That is, the shear rate and shear stress of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 are calculated based on the actual measurement value (the differential pressure of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641), and the yield value is calculated based on the calculation results, so that the yield value can be measured taking the properties of the muddy water into consideration. Therefore, the properties of the muddy water (yield value) can be accurately measured in real time regardless of the properties of the muddy water, so that even if the properties of the muddy water suddenly change, for example, the properties of the muddy water (yield value) can be accurately measured in real time. In this embodiment, four set flow rates (2.00 L / min (first set flow rate), 6.00 L / min (second set flow rate), 10.00 L / min (third set flow rate), and 14.00 L / min (fourth set flow rate)) are provided as set flow rates, but this is not limited to these. The set flow rate may be any flow rate at which the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 forms a laminar flow (for example, a flow rate at which the Reynolds number is less than 2000, i.e., 2 to 14 L / min). Furthermore, the number of set flow rates may be multiple, and may be three or less, or five or more.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 of this embodiment, a correlation equation (relational equation (y=Ax 3 +Bx 2 The fluid dynamics system includes a storage means (storage unit 72) for prescribing a correlation equation (y = ax + b) corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first storage means (y = ax + b), and a viscosity calculation means (viscosity calculation unit 71d) for calculating the viscosity (funnel viscosity) of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641. The correlation equation stored in the storage means is an equation obtained using a plurality of types of muddy water with different properties. The second calculation means (yield value calculation unit 71c) acquires a flow curve (y = ax + b) based on the shear rate and shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means (yield value calculation unit 71c) and calculates a yield value from the acquired flow curve. The viscosity calculation means is configured to calculate the viscosity (funnel viscosity) of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 based on the correlation equation stored in the storage means and the flow curve acquired by the second calculation means (specifically, the area of ​​a trapezoid surrounded by the straight line representing the flow curve acquired by the second calculation means and the x-axis and y-axis). That is, the shear rate and shear stress of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 are calculated based on the actual measurement values ​​(the differential pressure of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641), a flow curve is obtained based on the calculation results, and the viscosity is calculated based on the flow curve obtained from the actual measurement values ​​(the differential pressure of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641) and a correlation equation obtained in advance, so that it is possible to measure the viscosity (funnel viscosity) taking into account the properties of the muddy water. Therefore, the properties of the muddy water (funnel viscosity) can be accurately measured in real time regardless of the properties of the muddy water, so that, for example, even if the properties of the muddy water suddenly change, the properties of the muddy water (funnel viscosity) can be accurately measured in real time.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 of this embodiment, the set flow rate is a flow rate at which the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section 641 forms a laminar flow, so there is no influence from internal pipe resistance, etc., and the muddy water characteristics (yield value and funnel viscosity) can be accurately measured. The number of set flow rates is not limited to four, the first to fourth set flow rates, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is plural.

[0058] Furthermore, the object of measurement by the mud property measuring device 200 is not limited to the mud used in a mud shield tunneling machine, but may also be, for example, the mud (stabilizing fluid) used in diaphragm wall construction, cast-in-place piles, etc. In other words, the mud property measuring device 200 can also be applied to quality control of the mud (stabilizing fluid) used in diaphragm walls, cast-in-place piles, etc. In that case, similar to the adjustment tank 22 in the mud shield tunneling method, a recovery tank, good fluid tank, circulation tank, etc. used in diaphragm walls, cast-in-place piles, etc. is configured to send a portion of the mud (stabilizing fluid) before sending the mud to the mud property measuring device 200.

[0059] Further, the yield value calculation unit 71c may calculate the yield value based on the corrected shear stress obtained by correcting the shear stress at each calculated flow rate using, for example, the correction coefficient shown in FIG. 13 described later, and the shear rate at each calculated flow rate. That is, based on the shear rate and the corrected shear stress at each calculated flow rate, a relational expression (y = ax + b) showing the relationship between the shear rate and the shear stress of the muddy water flowing through the measurement pipe section 641 may be calculated. By correcting the shear stress, it becomes possible to more accurately measure the characteristics (yield value, funnel viscosity) of the muddy water. The correction of the shear stress will be described below.

[0060] (Correction of shear stress) The muddy water used for measurement with the measuring instrument 64 (capillary viscometer) is measured with a B-type viscometer and a VG meter during the measurement time with the measuring instrument 64, and a flow curve (measured flow curve) is obtained from the measurement values. At this stage, it was confirmed that the flow curve can be approximated by a straight line in the shear rate region intermediate between the shear rate range measured with the B-type viscometer and the shear rate range measured with the VG meter. Also, in this case, the capillary diameter was 13A, and the flow rate was 14 L / min to 2 L / min. Also, within this flow rate range, the condition that "laminar flow exists in the capillary" during measurement was also satisfied. Furthermore, the shear stress at each flow rate calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71 was corrected respectively to obtain the corrected shear stress at each flow rate, and a relational expression (y = ax + b) was obtained based on the corrected shear stress at each flow rate and the shear rate calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71. Then, it was confirmed that this relational expression (that is, the flow curve obtained from the measuring instrument 64) coincides with the flow curve (measured flow curve) obtained from the measurement values of the B-type viscometer and the VG meter. Specifically, it is as shown below.

[0061] (Measurement using a B-type viscometer) First, the shear rate is determined from the rotation speed of the Brookfield viscometer. The Brookfield viscometer uses four types of rotors (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 rotors) to measure the viscosity (B-type viscosity) at each rotation speed (6, 12, 30, and 60 rpm). The shear rate at each rotation speed is then determined by multiplying each rotation speed by the conversion factor shown in Figure 8(a). Figure 8(b) shows the shear rate under each condition.

[0062] Next, the shear stress at each rotation speed is determined based on the viscosity (B-type viscosity) at each rotation speed and the shear rate at each rotation speed. The Brookfield viscosity value N60 (mPa s) at 60 rpm can be expressed by the following formula (7): The Brookfield viscosity value N30 (mPa s) at 30 rpm can be expressed by the following formula (8): N60=y(A60) / x(A0) (7) N30=y(B30) / x(B0) (8) where y(A60) is the shear stress at 60 rpm, x(A0) is the shear rate at 60 rpm, y(B30) is the shear stress at 30 rpm, and x(B0) is the shear rate at 30 rpm.

[0063] That is, the shear stress at 60 rpm can be calculated by multiplying the Brookfield viscosity at 60 rpm by the shear rate at 60 rpm. Similarly, the shear stress at 30 rpm can be calculated by multiplying the Brookfield viscosity at 30 rpm by the shear rate at 30 rpm. The shear stress at 12 rpm and the shear stress at 6 rpm can also be calculated in the same way. As mentioned above, the shear rate is a constant determined by the rotor number and rotation speed.

[0064] Next, the flow curve is calculated. By plotting the shear rate on the x-axis and the shear stress on the y-axis and calculating an approximate curve using the least squares method, the flow curve shown in Figure 9 can be drawn. Here, y = a + b x 1 / 2An approximation formula was represented by the modified power Law model shown by . The gradient of this flow curve and the deterioration of muddy water that cannot be detected by the funnel viscosity can be found early from the extrapolated value of the shear rate to a value of zero.

[0065] <Measurement using a VG meter> Next, the shear rate and shear stress are obtained from the measured values of the VG meter. The measured value obtained at each rotation speed of the VG meter is the shear stress at that rotation speed. The unit of the measured value (shear stress) of the VG meter is lb / 100ft 2 (lb = pound force). Also, the rotation speed and shear rate have the following corresponding relationship according to the specifications. Therefore, to obtain the flow curve from the measured values of the VG meter, the shear rate corresponding to the rotation speed is acquired, and the measured value (shear stress) is converted to dyne / cm 2 and plotted with the shear rate on the x-axis and the shear stress on the y-axis. Furthermore, by plotting the relationship between the shear rate and shear stress in the low shear rate region obtained from the measured values of the B-type viscometer on the same graph and obtaining an approximate curve, the overall flow curve (measured flow curve) can be obtained.

[0066] There is a corresponding relationship between the rotation speed and shear rate during VG meter measurement as shown in Fig. 10(a) (from API standard). Also, the measured value (shear stress) of the VG meter can be unit-converted using 1lb = 444822dyne and 1ft = 30.48cm. That is, 444822 / (100×30.48 2 ) =  4.78802, so 1lb / 100ft 2 = 4.788dyne / cm 2 Thus, the measured value (shear stress) of the VG meter can be unit-converted as shown in Fig. 10(b) for example.

[0067] <Measured flow curve> Next, the measured values of the B-type viscometer and the VG meter are combined to obtain the flow curve (measured flow curve). Specifically, first, while measurement is being performed with measuring instrument 64 (capillary tube viscometer), the muddy water is measured using a Brookfield viscometer and a VG meter. Next, the flow curve of the muddy water being measured with measuring instrument 64 (measured flow curve) is determined from the measured values ​​of the Brookfield viscometer and the VG meter. The method for determining the measured flow curve is as described above. Actual data (an example of measured flow curves from a Brookfield viscometer and a VG meter) is shown in Figure 11. The measured flow curve is calculated using the Modified Power Law Model, but it has been found that it can be approximated as a straight line in the shear rate flow range of the capillary viscometer. It was confirmed that the flow curve could be approximated by a straight line in the shear rate range between that measured with a Brookfield viscometer and that measured with a VG meter. In this case, the capillary diameter was 13A and the flow rate was 14 L / min to 2 L / min. Furthermore, this flow rate range met the condition of "laminar flow within the capillary" during measurement.

[0068] <Shear stress correction> Next, the shear stress at each flow rate calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71 of the measuring device 64 is corrected. Specifically, first, as shown in the above formula (4), the viscosity at each flow rate (each shear rate) is calculated using the Poiseuille equation from the measurement value of the measuring instrument 64 (shear rate converted from differential pressure and flow rate) and constants (pipe diameter and pipe length), and then the shear stress (shear stress based on the measurement value of the measuring instrument 64) is calculated from the viscosity and shear rate as shown in the above formula (3). Next, the shear stress corresponding to the shear rate of the measuring device 64 is obtained from the flow curve (actually measured flow curve) obtained from the measurement values ​​of the B-type viscometer and the VG meter, and the obtained shear stress (shear stress based on the actually measured flow curve) is compared with the shear stress based on the measurement value of the measuring device 64. Generally, the shear stress value based on the measurement value of the capillary viscometer is different from that of the B-type viscometer and the VG meter. Since the shear stress value obtained from the flow curve may not match the shear stress value based on the measured flow curve, a correction is made to make them match.

[0069] The unit conversion from the measurement value (measurement value) of the measuring instrument 64 to the value used for calculation is performed as shown in Fig. 12(a). The data used for calculation and its unit are shown in Fig. 12(b). The apparent viscosity η can be calculated using the following formula (9), and therefore the shear stress stress based on the measurement value of the measuring device 64 can be calculated using the following formula (10). η=(π·R 4 ·Δp) / (8·l·q)···(9) stress=shear·η =shear(π·R 4 ·Δp) / (8·l·q)···(10)

[0070] The shear stress (shear stress based on the measurement value of measuring instrument 64) calculated using equation (10) from the measurement value of measuring instrument 64 (capillary viscometer) is multiplied by a correction coefficient α to obtain the corrected shear stress so that it matches the shear stress calculated from the measurement values ​​of the B-type viscometer and VG meter (shear stress based on the measured flow curve). Here, as shown in equation (11) below, a reasonable value of η can be obtained by multiplying the correction coefficient α by the apparent viscosity η calculated using equation (9). Shear stress (stress) = shear rate (shear) η =α·shear(π·R 4 ·Δp) / (8·l·q)···(11) The correction coefficient α can be set, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0071] That is, the corrected shear stress can be calculated by multiplying the shear stress based on the measurement value of measuring instrument 64 by the correction coefficient α. Then, based on the corrected shear stress calculated in this way at each flow rate and the shear rate at each flow rate, a relational equation (y = ax + b) showing the relationship between the shear rate and shear stress of the muddy water flowing through measuring pipe 641 was calculated, and it was confirmed that this calculated relational equation (flow curve) coincided with the measured flow curve obtained from the measurement values ​​of the B-type viscometer and VG meter.

[0072] <Measurement using a muddy water characteristics measuring device> Next, we will explain the measurement procedure using the muddy water characteristic measuring device 200 when correcting the shear stress based on the measurement value of the measuring instrument 64 (i.e., the shear stress at each flow rate calculated by the yield value calculation unit 71c; hereinafter referred to as "provisional shear stress").

[0073] First, the yield value calculation unit 71c calculates the shear rate from the set flow rate and the cross-sectional area of ​​the capillary (Equation (2)). Next, the yield value calculation unit 71c calculates the viscosity at the flow rate (shear rate obtained from the flow rate) from the capillary diameter and length, the flow rate per unit time, and the differential pressure according to Hagen-Poiseuille's law (Equation (4)). Next, the yield value calculation unit 71c multiplies the shear rate calculated using equation (2) by the viscosity calculated using equation (4) to calculate a "provisional shear stress" (equation (3)).

[0074] Next, the yield value calculation unit 71c corrects the "provisional shear stress" using a correction coefficient α so that it corresponds to the shear rate-shear stress on the measured flow curve obtained from the Brookfield viscometer and VG meter. Specifically, the corrected shear stress is calculated by multiplying the "provisional shear stress" by the correction coefficient α. Next, the yield value calculation unit 71c uses the least squares method to find a linear approximation (y = ax + b) from a data set of the corrected shear stress and the shear rate calculated using equation (2). This linear approximation corresponds to the flow curve approximated by a straight line, as described above (confirming that the flow curve can be approximated by a straight line in the shear rate range between the shear rate range measured by a Brookfield viscometer and the shear rate range measured by a VG meter).

[0075] Next, the yield value calculation unit 71c calculates the yield value of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 based on a linear approximation (y=ax+b) calculated from the shear rate and corrected shear stress. Specifically, in this linear approximation, when x=0, y=b, and this b is the yield value calculated from the measuring device 64 (capillary tube viscometer). Thereafter, the viscosity calculation unit 71d calculates the linear approximation formula (y=ax+b) obtained by the yield value calculation unit 71c and the relational formula (y=Ax 3+Bx 2 +Cx+D), the funnel viscosity (converted funnel viscosity) of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe 641 is calculated. Specifically, based on a linear approximation (y=ax+b) obtained from the shear rate and the corrected shear stress, the integral value (area) x from zero flow rate to the shear rate corresponding to the maximum flow rate is calculated (Equation (6)), and the calculated area x is then applied to the relational expression (y=Ax 3 +Bx 2 +Cx+D) to find the y value. This y is the viscosity (funnel viscosity) found from the measuring instrument 64 (capillary viscometer). [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 61 Liquid supply pump (flow rate adjusting means) 71a differential pressure calculation unit (differential pressure measurement means) 71b Flow rate control unit (flow rate adjusting means) 71c Yield value calculation unit (first calculation means, second calculation means) 71d Viscosity calculation unit (viscosity calculation means) 72 Storage unit (storage means) 200 Mud water characteristics measuring device 641 Measuring pipe section 642 Valve (flow control means) 644 First pressure gauge (differential pressure measuring means) 645 Secondary pressure gauge (differential pressure measuring means)

Claims

1. A muddy water characteristic measuring device for measuring muddy water characteristics, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe to a predetermined set flow rate; a differential pressure measuring means for measuring the differential pressure of muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion; a first calculation means for calculating the shear rate and shear stress of muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe; a second calculation means for calculating the yield value of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe portion, A plurality of the set flow rates are provided, the first calculation means calculates the shear rate and the shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates based on the differential pressure measured by the differential pressure measurement means; The second calculation means obtains a flow curve based on the shear rate and the shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means, and calculates the yield value from the obtained flow curve.

2. a storage means for storing in advance a correlation equation showing the relationship between the flow curve and viscosity of muddy water; viscosity calculation means for calculating the viscosity of muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section; The muddy water characteristic measuring device described in claim 1, characterized in that the viscosity calculation means calculates the viscosity of the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section based on the correlation equation stored in the memory means and the flow curve acquired by the second calculation means.

3. 3. The muddy water characteristics measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation means calculates the yield value based on a corrected shear stress obtained by correcting the shear stress corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means using a predetermined correction coefficient, and the shear rate corresponding to each of the plurality of set flow rates calculated by the first calculation means.

4. 4. The muddy water characteristic measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the set flow rate is a flow rate at which the muddy water flowing through the measuring pipe section forms a laminar flow.

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