Turbidity monitoring device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a turbidity monitoring device. Provided in one embodiment of the present invention is the turbidity monitoring device comprising: a measurement container in which a fluid accommodation part for accommodating a fluid to be measured is formed, and which includes an inlet pipe for supplying the fluid to the fluid accommodation part and an outlet pipe for discharging the fluid to the outside; a wave source for emitting waves toward the fluid accommodation part; and a detection part for detecting laser speckles generated by the emitted waves undergoing multiple scattering in the fluid, wherein the measurement container includes a flow path formation part which is formed on one wall surface of the fluid accommodation part and which induces the flow of the fluid flowing in through the inlet pipe, and the wave source and the detection part are disposed to be adjacent to the surface of the measurement container on which the flow path formation part is formed.

Description

Turbidity monitoring device

[0001] The present invention relates to a turbidity monitoring device.

[0002] Turbidity is a quantitative indicator of the cloudiness of water and is a measure of its resistance to light transmission. Turbidity is caused by various suspended solids, and the size of turbid particles ranges from colloidal dispersions to coarse dispersions. Turbidity-causing substances range from pure inorganic substances to primarily natural organic substances. Specifically, pure inorganic substances such as sediments can also cause turbidity, as can bacteria, microorganisms, and algae produced by natural organic matter or the large amounts of inorganic and organic substances flowing into industrial wastewater and domestic sewage.

[0003] Turbidity measuring devices are essential components of water quality measurement systems in waterworks and sewerage systems. They require a wide range of turbidity measurements depending on the specific water quality (raw water, sediment, purified water, effluent, etc.). Turbidity measuring devices for measuring tap water quality can be categorized into high-concentration turbidity meters, which measure high concentrations of turbidity in raw water and effluent, and low-concentration turbidity meters, which measure low concentrations of turbidity in treated tap water.

[0004] Conventional turbidity meters used for turbidity measurement include portable probe-type turbidity meters and integrated turbidity meters installed on-site at water purification plants. To achieve accurate turbidity measurements using these turbidity meters, the amount of microbubbles in the sample must be minimized, and the sample must be unaffected by external factors such as temperature and pressure.

[0005] Conventionally, turbidity can be monitored by continuously measuring the turbidity of a supplied fluid, i.e., water, using such a turbidity measuring device. However, bubbles can form within the measurement space where the fluid remains for a predetermined period of time. These bubbles can become trapped at the edges of the measurement space and can also form on the light source and camera. Furthermore, these bubbles are not easily removed even when the water is circulated, making accurate turbidity measurements difficult.

[0006] The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a turbidity monitoring device having a structure that makes it easy to remove air bubbles generated within a measurement space of a turbidity measuring device.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a turbidity monitoring device, comprising: a measuring vessel having a fluid receiving portion formed therein for receiving a fluid to be measured, an inlet pipe for supplying the fluid to the fluid receiving portion, and an outlet pipe for discharging the fluid to the outside; a wave source for irradiating waves toward the fluid receiving portion; and a detection portion for detecting laser speckles generated when the irradiated waves are multiply scattered within the fluid; wherein the measuring vessel includes a flow path forming portion formed on one side wall of the fluid receiving portion and for guiding a flow of the fluid introduced through the inlet pipe; and wherein the wave source and the detection portion are disposed adjacent to a surface of the measuring vessel on which the flow path forming portion is formed.

[0008] The turbidity monitoring device according to embodiments of the present invention can easily remove bubbles generated within a measurement space and perform accurate turbidity measurement.

[0009] Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects.

[0010] Figure 1 is a drawing for explaining the measurement principle of a turbidity monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a turbidity monitoring device according to the prior art.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a turbidity monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 3.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 4 taken along line I-I'.

[0015] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of Figure 5.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 3.

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 3.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the measurement assembly of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 3.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a side view showing the measurement assembly of Fig. 9.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a turbidity monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 11 in an exploded state.

[0022] Figures 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views taken along line C-C' of Figure 11.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the housing of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 11.

[0024] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 11.

[0025] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a turbidity monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 17 in an open state.

[0027] Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 17 coupled to a pipe.

[0028] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of Fig. 19.

[0029] Fig. 21 is a front view of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 17 from a different angle.

[0030] Fig. 22 is a side view of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 17 from a different angle.

[0031] Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the first body part and some components of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 17 in an exploded manner.

[0032] Fig. 24 is a plan view showing the state in which the first body part and the measurement assembly of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 17 are combined.

[0033] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Figure 17.

[0034] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Figure 17.

[0035] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a turbidity monitoring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the second body part and some components of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 27 in an exploded manner.

[0037] Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second body part and the measurement assembly of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 27 are combined.

[0038] Fig. 30 is a plan view showing the state in which the second body part and the measurement assembly of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 27 are combined.

[0039] Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Fig. 27.

[0040] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Figure 27.

[0041] One embodiment of the present invention provides a turbidity monitoring device, comprising: a measuring vessel having a fluid receiving portion formed therein for receiving a fluid to be measured, an inlet pipe for supplying the fluid to the fluid receiving portion, and an outlet pipe for discharging the fluid to the outside; a wave source for irradiating waves toward the fluid receiving portion; and a detection portion for detecting laser speckles generated when the irradiated waves are multiply scattered within the fluid; wherein the measuring vessel includes a flow path forming portion formed on one side wall of the fluid receiving portion and for guiding a flow of the fluid introduced through the inlet pipe; and wherein the wave source and the detection portion are disposed adjacent to a surface of the measuring vessel on which the flow path forming portion is formed.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the inlet pipe and the central axis of the outlet pipe may be parallel to each other.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow forming portion may be arranged parallel to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the inlet pipe may be closer to the flow path forming portion than the central axis of the outlet pipe.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wave source may be placed closer to the inlet of the inlet pipe than to the detection unit.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow path forming portion may include a flat portion, a first curved portion extending from the flat portion toward the outlet pipe to form a curved surface, and a second curved portion extending from the flat portion toward the inlet pipe to form a curved surface.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit and the wave source may be arranged on the plane side.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first curved portion may be formed to have a longer length than the second curved portion.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow path forming unit can reduce bubble generation in the fluid receiving unit and reduce bubbles remaining in the fluid receiving unit by forming a flow of fluid within the fluid receiving unit.

[0050] One embodiment of the present invention provides a turbidity monitoring device including a housing having a fluid receiving portion formed therein for receiving a fluid to be measured, a measuring vessel having an inlet pipe for supplying the fluid and an outlet pipe for discharging the fluid to the outside formed as one body, a wave source for irradiating waves toward the fluid receiving portion, and a detection portion for detecting laser speckle generated when the irradiated waves are multiply scattered within the fluid, wherein the central axes of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe coincide with the central axis of the housing, and the wave source and the detection portion are disposed together on one side of the measuring vessel.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing, the inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe can be formed in a single pipe shape.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring container may include a measuring assembly receiving portion disposed on a side of the housing and receiving the measuring assembly.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring vessel may have an opening penetrating the housing and the measuring assembly receiving portion.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening may form a first space having a predetermined depth, which is a distance from the inner surface of the housing to the bottom surface of the measuring assembly.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the opening may be the same as the longitudinal direction of the housing, the width of the opening may be smaller than the inner diameter of the housing, and the length of the opening may be larger than the width of the opening.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the measurement assembly may include a case that accommodates the wave source and the detection unit, and the case may include a plate disposed adjacent to the fluid receiving unit.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plate may include a light-transmitting region.

[0058] One embodiment of the present invention provides a turbidity monitoring device, comprising a measuring assembly including a first body part arranged to surround at least one area of ​​a conduit through which a fluid to be measured flows, a second body part arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the conduit and capable of being separated or combined with the first body part, a wave source arranged in the first body part or the second body part and irradiating waves toward the fluid to be measured, and a detection part that detects a laser speckle generated when the irradiated waves are multiply scattered within the fluid, wherein the wave source and the detection part are arranged together on one side of the first body part or the second body part.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first body part and the second body part can be connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other around one axis.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first body part and the second body part are connected to each other through a hinge part including the one axis, and can be releasably coupled to each other through a fastening part disposed on the other side opposite to the hinge part.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first body part or the second body part may form an opening corresponding to an area where the measuring assembly is placed.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening may have a lengthwise distance greater than a widthwise distance.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the opening may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the width direction of the opening may be parallel to the length direction of the conduit.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wave source and the detection unit may be sequentially arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wave source and the detection unit may be sequentially arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

[0067] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0068] Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0069] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0070] These embodiments are capable of various modifications. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of these embodiments, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the detailed descriptions below, along with the drawings. However, these embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

[0071] In the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts are given similar drawing reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0072] In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0073] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0074] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification exists, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0075] In the examples below, when a part such as a unit, region, or component is said to be on or above another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly above the other part, but also the case where another unit, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0076] In the examples below, terms such as connect or combine do not necessarily mean a direct and / or fixed connection or combination of two members, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and do not exclude the presence of another member between the two members.

[0077] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0078]

[0079] Figure 1 is a drawing for explaining the measurement principle of a turbidity monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Hereinafter, the principle of monitoring turbidity of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0081] In materials with a homogeneous internal refractive index, such as glass, light refracts in a consistent direction when illuminated. However, when coherent light, such as a laser, is illuminated on an object with a heterogeneous internal refractive index, extremely complex multiple scattering occurs within the material.

[0082] Referring to Figure 1, among the light or waves (hereinafter referred to as waves for simplicity) irradiated from a wave source, some of the waves that are scattered along complex paths through multiple scattering pass through the surface to be inspected. The waves passing through multiple points on the surface to be inspected cause constructive interference or destructive interference with each other, and this constructive / destructive interference of the waves generates a grain-shaped pattern (speckle).

[0083] In this specification, waves scattered along such complex paths are named “chaotic waves,” and chaotic waves can be detected through laser speckles.

[0084] Again, the left-hand drawing of Figure 1 illustrates a stable medium irradiated with a laser. When a stable medium with no movement of internal components is irradiated with interference light (e.g., a laser), a stable speckle pattern without change can be observed.

[0085] However, as shown in the right drawing of Fig. 1, if the internal components contain an unstable medium with movement, such as bacteria, the speckle pattern changes.

[0086] That is, the optical path can change slightly over time due to the microscopic life activities of a living organism (e.g., intracellular movement, movement of microorganisms, movement of mites, etc.) or the movement of microscopic turbidity substances in a fluid. Since the speckle pattern is a phenomenon that occurs due to the interference of waves, a minute change in the optical path can cause a change in the speckle pattern. Accordingly, by measuring the temporal change in the speckle pattern, the movement of a living organism or the movement of microscopic turbidity substances in a fluid can be quickly measured. In this way, when the change in the speckle pattern over time is measured, the presence of a living organism and the concentration of the turbidity substance can be determined, and further, the type of living organism can also be determined.

[0087] This specification defines a configuration that measures changes in such speckle patterns as a Chaotic Wave Sensor.

[0088] Here, the fluid may be a liquid or a gas. Furthermore, the fluid may contain a substance capable of microbial growth, such as water, such as tap water or sewage. The fluid may contain suspended solids in water with a particle diameter of 2 μm or more and insoluble in water, or turbid substances in water with a particle diameter of less than 2 μm.

[0089]

[0090] Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a turbidity monitoring device according to a comparative embodiment. In the turbidity monitoring device according to the comparative embodiment, an inlet pipe (C101) and an outlet pipe (C102) connected to a fluid receiving portion (C104) for receiving a fluid to be measured are formed on the same axis. In other words, the central axis of the inlet pipe (C101) and the central axis of the outlet pipe (C102) may be the same. In addition, the inlet pipe (C101) and the outlet pipe (C102) are formed to penetrate the center of the fluid receiving portion (C104). In other words, a fluid receiving portion (C104) forming a space having a diameter larger than that of the inlet pipe (C101) and the outlet pipe (C102) may be connected between the inlet pipe (C101) and the outlet pipe (C102).

[0091] And, based on the central axis (Ax0) of the inlet pipe (C101) and outlet pipe (C102), the wave source (C210) is placed on one side wall of the fluid receiving portion (C104), and the detection portion (C220) is placed on the other side wall of the fluid receiving portion (C104). That is, the wave source (C210) and the detection portion (C220) are placed on different wall surfaces, and specifically, are placed on inner wall surfaces facing each other.

[0092] In addition, in the turbidity monitoring device according to the comparative example, the fluid to be measured supplied from the inlet pipe (C101) enters the fluid receiving portion (C104) and remains there for a certain period of time, and flows in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing or is discharged through the outlet pipe (C102). Meanwhile, bubbles may be generated in the flowing fluid, and the fluid to be measured may enter the fluid receiving portion (C104) with the bubbles contained therein. At this time, the bubbles do not disappear and remain in the corner areas of the fluid receiving portion (C104). In addition, bubbles may adhere to the area where the detection portion (C220) and the wave source (C210) are arranged among the inner walls of the fluid receiving portion (C104). These bubbles are not easily removed even when the fluid is received and circulated, and may remain in the fluid receiving portion (C104), interfering with the accurate turbidity measurement of the device. The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and provides a turbidity monitoring device that improves the structure of a measuring vessel including an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a fluid receiving portion, and optimizes the arrangement of a detection portion and a wave source, thereby facilitating the removal of internal bubbles and improving measurement accuracy.

[0093]

[0094] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a turbidity monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the turbidity monitoring device of Fig. 4 taken along line I-I', and Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 3, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 3.

[0095] First, referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, a turbidity monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a measuring vessel (100), a wave source (210), and a detection unit (220). In addition, although not illustrated in the drawings, the turbidity monitoring device (10) may further include a control unit (not illustrated). This will be described in detail later.

[0096] Here, the measuring vessel (100) is surrounded by a housing (103) and has a fluid receiving portion (104) formed therein for receiving a fluid to be measured, and may include an inlet pipe (101) for supplying fluid to the fluid receiving portion (104) and an outlet pipe (102) for discharging the fluid to the outside. In addition, the measuring vessel (100) may further include a flow path forming portion (230) formed on one side wall of the fluid receiving portion (104).

[0097] The measuring vessel (100) has a fluid receiving portion (104) having a predetermined volume formed therein, and an inlet pipe (101) and an outlet pipe (102) can be connected to the fluid receiving portion (104), respectively. That is, the inlet pipe (101) and the outlet pipe (102) can be formed to communicate with the fluid receiving portion (104). To express this from another perspective, a fluid receiving portion (104) that forms a space having a larger diameter than the inlet pipe (101) and the outlet pipe (102) is connected between the inlet pipe (101) and the outlet pipe (102).

[0098] The fluid receiving portion (104) may be formed so that all sides except the inlet pipe (101) and outlet pipe (102) are closed, or may have a shape in which at least one side is open. In this case, a flow path forming portion (230), which will be described later, may be arranged on the open side to close the open side of the fluid receiving portion (104).

[0099] Meanwhile, the inlet pipe (101) is a tubular member having a predetermined inner diameter and is connected to the outside to supply the fluid to be measured toward the fluid receiving portion (104). Similarly, the outlet pipe (102) is a tubular member having a predetermined inner diameter and is connected to the outside to discharge the fluid from the fluid receiving portion (104) and transport it to the outside.

[0100] Here, the inlet pipe (101), the outlet pipe (102), and the housing (103) can be formed as one body. In other words, it can be said that the inner surface of the inlet pipe (101) and the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104) are connected, and the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104) and the inner surface of the outlet pipe (102) are connected. Here, the portion where the inlet pipe (101) is connected to the fluid receiving portion (104) is referred to as the inlet portion (101a), and the portion where the outlet pipe (102) is connected to the fluid receiving portion (104) is referred to as the outlet portion (102a).

[0101] Meanwhile, the central axis of the inlet pipe (101) and the central axis of the outlet pipe (102) may be parallel to each other. That is, it can be explained that the central axis (Ax1) of the inlet pipe (101) and the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102) are not located on the same axis. Specifically, the inlet pipe (101) may be formed on one side of the fluid receiving portion (104) and the outlet pipe (102) may be formed on the other side opposite to the surface on which the inlet pipe (101) is formed. That is, the fluid receiving portion (104) may be interposed between the inlet pipe (101) and the outlet pipe (102).

[0102] Here, the flow path forming part (230) is located on one side wall of the fluid receiving part (104), and the flow path forming part (230) can be arranged parallel to the inlet pipe (101) and the outlet pipe (102). In other words, the imaginary axis (Ax3) passing through the flat portion (231) formed by the flow path forming part (230) can be arranged parallel to the central axis (Ax1) of the inlet pipe (101) and the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102). However, the spirit of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the flat portion (231) of the flow path forming part (230) can also form a predetermined angle with the central axis (Ax1) of the inlet pipe (101) or the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102).

[0103] In addition, the central axis (Ax1) of the inlet pipe (101) may be closer to the flow path forming portion (230) than the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102). That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the distance (w3) from the flat portion (231) of the flow path forming portion (230) to the central axis (Ax1) of the inlet pipe (101) may be shorter than the distance (w1) from the flat portion (231) of the flow path forming portion (230) to the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102). Therefore, the fluid supplied from the inlet pipe (101) may flow into the side adjacent to the flow path forming portion (230).

[0104] Meanwhile, the euro forming portion (230) may include not only a flat portion (231), but also a first curved portion (232) and a second curved portion (233). Here, the first curved portion (232) may be a portion that extends from the flat portion (231) toward the outlet pipe (102) to form a curved surface, and the second curved portion (233) may be a portion that extends from the flat portion (231) toward the inlet pipe (101) to form a curved surface.

[0105] Here, the flat portion (231) may be a main area forming one side wall of the fluid receiving portion (104), and the first curved portion (232) and the second curved portion (233) may be portions forming corner portions of the fluid receiving portion (104).

[0106] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the area from the position (P1) where the curved surface begins on the flat portion (231) to the position (P2) where it contacts the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104) may be referred to as the first curved portion (232). That is, one end (P1) of the first curved portion (232) may be connected to the flat portion (231) and the other end (P2) may be connected to the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104). In addition, the other end (P2) of the first curved portion (232) of the flow path forming portion (230) may be formed to be adjacent to the outlet portion (102a). To express this from another perspective, the distance (w2) from the other end (P2) of the first curved portion (232) to the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102) can be formed shorter than the distance (w1) from the flat portion (231) of the flow path forming portion (230) to the central axis (Ax2) of the outlet pipe (102).

[0107] And, from the position (P3) where another curved surface starts from the flat portion (231) to the position (P4) where it contacts the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104), it can be referred to as the second curved portion (233). That is, one end (P3) of the second curved portion (233) can be connected to the flat portion (231) and the other end (P4) can be connected to the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104). In addition, the second curved portion (233) of the flow path forming portion (230) can be formed to be adjacent to the inlet portion (101a). To express this from another perspective, the distance (w4) from the other end (P4) of the second curved portion (233) to the central axis (Ax1) of the intake pipe (101) can be formed shorter than the distance (w3) from the flat portion (231) of the flow path forming portion (230) to the central axis (Ax1) of the intake pipe (101).

[0108] Meanwhile, the first curved portion (232) may be formed to have a longer curved length than the second curved portion (233). Since the inlet pipe (101) is formed closer to the flow path forming portion (230) than the outlet pipe (102), the second curved portion (233) may be formed adjacent to the inlet portion (101a) and thus may have a relatively shorter curved length than the first curved portion (232). In other words, since the first curved portion (232) is formed adjacent to the outlet portion (102a), the first curved portion (232) may have a relatively longer curved length than the second curved portion (233), and may be formed to pass through the central axis (Ax1) of the inlet pipe (101). However, the spirit of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the lengths and shapes of the flat portion (231), the first curved portion (232), and the second curved portion (233) may be formed in various ways.

[0109] Meanwhile, in addition to the curved portion formed in the flow path forming portion (230), the corner of the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104) may form a curved portion. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a third curved portion (105) may be formed on the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (104) positioned diagonally with respect to the first curved portion (232).

[0110] In this way, the fluid receiving portion (104) includes a flow path forming portion (230) in which a curved portion is formed, and the inlet portion (101a) is arranged adjacent to the flow path forming portion (230), thereby allowing the fluid to be measured to enter the flow path forming portion (230), and the flow path forming portion (230) can guide the fluid flow so that the inflowing fluid flows along the curved portion. That is, the fluid introduced into the fluid receiving portion (104) can form a fluid flow along the curved portion of the flow path forming portion (230).

[0111] And, the measuring container (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can remove air bubbles remaining at the edge of the fluid receiving portion (104) by forming a flow of fluid within the fluid receiving portion (104) and discharge them to the outlet pipe (102), and can easily remove air bubbles attached to the flow path forming portion (230). That is, the turbidity monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the generation of air bubbles in the fluid receiving portion (104) and reduce the air bubbles remaining in the fluid receiving portion (104).

[0112] Meanwhile, the measuring vessel (100) may include a mounting portion (106) for fixing the turbidity monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention to an external device. Here, the mounting portion (10) may be formed as an integral part with the measuring vessel. The mounting portion (106) may form a space for accommodating PCB components, including a wave source (210) and a detection portion (220), within the interior. In addition, the mounting portion (106) may form a path for inserting the measuring assembly (200) into the measuring vessel (100) and at the same time form a receiving portion for accommodating the measuring assembly (200).

[0113]

[0114] Hereinafter, a wave source (210) and a detection unit (220) for measuring turbidity in a turbidity monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0115] The wave source (210) can irradiate waves having coherence toward the fluid receiving portion (104). Here, the wave source (210) can be any type of source device capable of generating waves, and may be a laser capable of irradiating light of a specific wavelength band.

[0116] Here, the wave source (210) may use a laser with good coherence to form a speckle, which is an interference pattern, in the fluid flowing through the inner tube. At this time, the shorter the spectral bandwidth of the light source, which determines the coherence of the laser light source, the higher the measurement accuracy.

[0117] That is, the longer the coherence length, the higher the measurement accuracy. Accordingly, a laser light having a spectral bandwidth of the wave source (210) that is less than a predetermined reference bandwidth can be used as the wave source (210), and the shorter the spectral bandwidth is than the reference bandwidth, the higher the measurement accuracy can be. For example, the spectral bandwidth of the light source can be set so that the condition of the following mathematical expression 1 is maintained.

[0118]

[0119] According to mathematical expression 1, in order to measure the pattern change of the laser speckle, the spectral bandwidth of the wave source (210) can be maintained at less than 5 nm when irradiating light to the fluid receiving portion (104).

[0120] Meanwhile, the detection unit (220) can detect laser speckles generated when the investigated wave is multiply scattered within the fluid receiving unit (104) at preset time points. The detection unit (220) can be placed on the fluid receiving unit (104). Specifically, the detection unit (220) can be placed adjacent to the flow path forming unit (230). The detection unit (220) can be a CCD camera. The detection unit (220) can measure an optical image emitted from the fluid receiving unit (104) and transmit it to a control unit (not shown).

[0121] Here, time means a single moment in the flow of continuous time, and the times may be set in advance at equal time intervals, but are not necessarily limited thereto, and may be set in advance at arbitrary time intervals.

[0122] For example, when using a light source in the visible light wavelength band, a CCD camera, which is a photographing device that captures images, can be used. The detection unit (220) can detect laser speckles at least at a first time point and detect laser speckles at a second time point and provide the detected laser speckles to the control unit. Meanwhile, the first time point and the second time point are only examples selected for convenience of explanation, and the detection unit (220) can detect laser speckles at multiple time points more than the first time point and the second time point.

[0123] When waves are irradiated onto the fluid in the fluid receiving portion (104), the incident waves can form laser speckles through multiple scattering within the fluid. Since laser speckles are generated by the interference phenomenon of light, if the turbidity material within the fluid is constant, a constant interference pattern can always be displayed over time.

[0124] In comparison, when a change in turbidity occurs within a fluid, the laser speckle may change over time due to the change in turbidity. The detection unit (220) may detect such time-varying laser speckle at preset time points and provide the detection result to the control unit.

[0125] The detection unit (220) must be capable of high-speed measurement to measure turbidity from flowing fluid. Here, high-speed measurement means detecting laser speckles faster than the fluid flow rate. For example, the measurement speed of the detection unit (220) may be set to be faster than the fluid flow rate within the fluid receiving unit (104).

[0126] Meanwhile, when an image sensor is used in the detection unit (220), the image sensor may be arranged so that the size d of one pixel of the image sensor is smaller than or equal to the grain size of the speckle pattern. For example, the image sensor may be arranged in the optical system included in the detection unit (220) so as to satisfy the condition of the following mathematical expression 2.

[0127]

[0128] As in mathematical expression 2, the size d of one pixel of the image sensor must be smaller than or equal to the grain size of the speckle pattern. However, if the pixel size becomes too small, undersampling may occur, making it difficult to utilize the pixel resolution. Accordingly, in order to achieve an effective signal to noise ratio (SNR), the image sensor may be arranged so that no more than 5 pixels are positioned per speckle grain size.

[0129] The control unit can estimate the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity within the target fluid in real time using the detected laser speckle. The control unit can estimate the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity within the fluid in real time based on the acquired temporal correlation. In this specification, "real-time" means estimating the concentration within 3 seconds, and preferably within 1 second.

[0130] As an example, the control unit can estimate the concentration of suspended matter or turbidity in the fluid by using the difference between the first image information of the laser speckle detected at the first time point and the second image information of the second laser speckle detected at a second time point different from the second time point.

[0131] Here, the first image information and the second image information may be at least one of the pattern information of the laser speckle and the intensity information of the wave. Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention does not only utilize the difference between the first image information at the first time point and the second image information at the second time point, but can also expand this to utilize image information of multiple laser speckles at multiple time points.

[0132] The control unit can calculate a temporal correlation coefficient between images using image information of laser speckles generated at multiple preset time points, and can estimate the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity substances in the fluid based on the temporal correlation coefficient. The temporal correlation of the detected laser speckle images can be calculated using the following mathematical expression 3. However, the following mathematical expression 3 is only an example, and it is obvious that the temporal correlation can be derived using other mathematical expressions.

[0133]

[0134] In mathematical expression 3 is the time correlation coefficient, is the normalized light intensity, (x,y) is the pixel coordinate of the camera, t is the measured time, T is the total measurement time, represents time lag.

[0135] A time correlation coefficient can be calculated according to mathematical formula 3, and as an example, the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity in a fluid can be estimated by analyzing whether the time correlation coefficient falls below a preset reference value. Furthermore, the control unit can estimate the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity in a fluid using the rate of change or peak value of the time correlation coefficient.

[0136] In another embodiment, the control unit can obtain the spatial correlation of the interference pattern. Here, the spatial correlation given by the following equation can express how similar the brightness of a random pixel and a pixel located at a distance r from the random pixel are in an image measured at time t, as a number within a certain range. The certain range can be a range of -1 to 1. In other words, the spatial correlation indicates the degree of correlation between a random pixel and another pixel, where 1 indicates a positive correlation, -1 indicates a negative correlation, and 0 indicates no correlation. Specifically, before the interference pattern is formed, the brightness is evenly emitted, so the spatial correlation of the sample image indicates a positive correlation close to 1. However, after the interference pattern is formed, the correlation value may decrease in a direction close to 0.

[0137] In the detection unit (220), the brightness measured at time t at the pixel at position r'=(x,y) can be defined as I(r',t), and the brightness of the pixel located at a distance r can be defined as I(r'+r, t). Using this, the spatial correlation can be defined as the following mathematical expression 4.

[0138]

[0139] C0(t) was used to adjust the range of Equation 4 to -1 to 1. If the brightness I(r',t) measured at time t at any pixel is the same as the brightness I(r'+r,t) at a pixel located a distance away from it, the spatial correlation is 1; otherwise, it has a value less than 1.

[0140] As an example, the present invention can also represent spatial correlation as a function of time alone. To this end, the control unit can calculate the average spatial correlation for pixels with the same size r from any pixel, as shown in Equation 5 below.

[0141]

[0142] As an example, the control unit can represent a pre-set distance as a function of time by substituting it into the above mathematical expression 5, and using this function, the degree to which an interference pattern is formed can be confirmed as a value between 0 and 1, which is a certain range.

[0143] The control unit can determine the concentration information of suspended solids or turbidity using spatial correlation as follows. Spatial correlation can be obtained by creating two identical images that are superimposed using one image, shifting one of the two images in one direction by a preset distance, and then analyzing how similar two adjacent pixels are between the shifted image and the non-shifted image. Here, spatial correlation is a measure of how uniform the image is. If an interference pattern is formed due to suspended solids or turbidity, the similarity between two adjacent pixels decreases due to the fine interference pattern, and thus the value of spatial correlation also decreases.

[0144] This spatial correlation coefficient varies depending on the shifted distance (r). Within a certain distance range, its value decreases as the shifting distance r increases. Within a certain distance range, its value decreases as the shifting distance r increases. When the certain distance range is exceeded, its value becomes almost constant. Therefore, in order to obtain a more meaningful spatial correlation, the control unit can obtain the spatial correlation by shifting the image beyond a predetermined distance. At this time, the predetermined distance r depends on the speckle size, and the control unit can obtain the spatial correlation by shifting the image by a pixel larger than the speckle size when displayed in units of pixels.

[0145] Meanwhile, the control unit can obtain not only the spatial correlation as described above, but also the temporal correlation of the interference pattern of the measured sample image, and detect the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity based on the obtained temporal correlation. The control unit can calculate the temporal correlation coefficient between the images using the image information of the interference pattern measured in time series, and can estimate the concentration of suspended solids or turbidity in the fluid based on the temporal correlation coefficient.

[0146]

[0147] Below, the arrangement structure of the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) within the measuring container (100) will be described in detail.

[0148] The wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) may be placed in the measuring vessel (100) and may be placed toward one side of the fluid receiving portion (104). Specifically, the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) may be placed adjacent to the surface of the measuring vessel (100) where the flow path forming portion (230) is formed. That is, the wave source (210) may be placed so as to irradiate waves toward the fluid receiving portion (104) through the flow path forming portion (230).

[0149] Specifically, an incident hole (not shown) penetrating the fluid receiving portion (104) may be formed in the flow forming portion (230) to transmit waves irradiated from the wave source (210) to the fluid, and the wave source (210) may be positioned toward the incident hole. Alternatively, the wave source (210) may be positioned so as to be coupled to the incident hole and irradiate waves toward the fluid receiving portion (104).

[0150] Meanwhile, the detection unit (220) may be arranged to detect laser speckles generated through multiple scattering within the fluid receiving unit (104). Specifically, the flow path forming unit (230) may be provided with an exit hole (not shown) penetrating the fluid receiving unit (104) to guide waves emitted through multiple scattering within the fluid to the detection unit (220), and the detection unit (220) may be arranged facing the exit hole. Alternatively, the detection unit (220) may be arranged to detect waves by being coupled to the exit hole.

[0151] The wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) may be placed adjacent to each other. Specifically, the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) may be placed on the same PCB.

[0152] Additionally, the wave source (210) may be placed on the flat portion (231) side of the euro forming portion (230). In other words, the wave source (210) may be placed between the end portion (P1) of the first curved portion (232) and the end portion (P3) of the second curved portion (233).

[0153] Additionally, both the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) can be placed on the flat portion (231) side of the flow path forming unit (230). In other words, the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) can be placed between the end portion (P1) of the first curved portion (232) and the end portion (P3) of the second curved portion (233).

[0154] In addition, the wave source (210) may be positioned closer to the inlet (101a) of the inlet pipe (101) than the detection unit (220). In other words, the distance (h2) between the virtual surface (U2) where the wave source (210) is positioned and the virtual surface (U1) including the inlet (101a) may be shorter than the distance (h3) between the virtual surface (U3) where the detection unit (220) is positioned and the virtual surface (U1) including the inlet (101a).

[0155] Meanwhile, there is a concern that the curved structure formed in the euro forming portion (230) may prevent the light source emitted from the wave source (210) from being irradiated in a straight line. Therefore, by arranging the wave source (210) closer to the inlet portion (101a) than the detection portion (220) as described above, the light source can avoid being obstructed by the first curved portion (232) when it travels from the wave source (210). Of course, the wave source (210) may also be arranged so as not to overlap with the second curved portion (233).

[0156]

[0157] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the measurement assembly (200) of the turbidity monitoring device (10) of FIG. 3, and FIG. 10 is a side view showing the measurement assembly (200) of FIG. 9.

[0158] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a turbidity monitoring device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a measurement assembly (200). The measurement assembly (200) may include a flow path forming portion (230), a base (235), a sealing member (234), a wave source (210), and a detection portion (220). That is, the wave source (210), the detection portion (220), and the flow path forming portion (230) may be combined to form a single semi-finished product.

[0159] Specifically, the base (235) is a part that is coupled with the measuring vessel (100) and can be formed as an integral part with the flow path forming part (230). The base (235) can have the flow path forming part (230) formed on one side and the wave source (210) and the detection part (220) coupled to the other side.

[0160] The sealing member (234) may be arranged along the periphery of the flow path forming portion (230). Specifically, the sealing member (234) may be arranged between the flat portion (231) of the flow path forming portion (230) and the base (235). Specifically, the flow path forming portion (230) may have a groove formed along the periphery at a position adjacent to the base (235), and the sealing member (234) may be arranged in the groove. The sealing member (234) may serve to seal one side of the fluid receiving portion (104) when the measuring assembly (200) is coupled to the measuring vessel (100).

[0161] In this way, by combining the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) with the base (235) to form the measurement assembly (200), the assembly process of the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) can be facilitated. That is, by separately forming the measurement assembly (200), the process of assembling the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) with the measurement container (100) can be facilitated. In addition, the processing of the flow path forming unit (230) is easy, and the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) can be precisely arranged in the flow path forming unit (230).

[0162]

[0163] Hereinafter, a turbidity monitoring device (20) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the turbidity monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a characteristically different configuration of a measuring container (1100) compared to the turbidity monitoring device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0164] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a turbidity monitoring device (20) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the turbidity monitoring device (20) of Fig. 11 in an exploded state, and Figs. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views taken along the line C-C' of Fig. 11. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the housing (1103) of the turbidity monitoring device (20) of Fig. 11, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D' of Fig. 11.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, a turbidity monitoring device (20) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a measuring vessel (1100) and a measuring assembly (1200). Here, the measuring assembly (1200) may include a wave source (1210) and a detection unit (1220). In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the turbidity monitoring device (20) may further include a control unit (not shown).

[0166] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the wave source (1210), the detection unit (1220), etc. are substantially the same as the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) described in the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0167] Hereinafter, the measuring container (1100) of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail, with a focus on the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) that receives the measuring assembly (1200).

[0168] The measuring vessel (1100) of the turbidity monitoring device (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is surrounded by a housing (1103) and has a fluid receiving portion (1104) formed therein for receiving a fluid to be measured, and may include an inlet pipe (1101) for supplying fluid to the fluid receiving portion (1104) and an outlet pipe (1102) for discharging the fluid to the outside.

[0169] To explain this from another perspective, the housing (1103) can form a fluid receiving portion (1104) therein for receiving the fluid to be measured.

[0170] And the fluid receiving portion (1104) may be a space having a predetermined volume and receiving and sending out fluid from the intake pipe (1101).

[0171] Here, the housing (1103), the inlet pipe (1101), and the outlet pipe (1102) can be formed as one piece.

[0172] To explain this from another perspective, it can be said that the inner surface of the inlet pipe (1101) and the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (1104) are connected, and the inner surface of the fluid receiving portion (1104) and the inner surface of the outlet pipe (1102) are connected. Specifically, the housing (1103), the inlet pipe (1101), and the outlet pipe (1102) can be formed in a single pipe shape.

[0173] To explain this from another perspective, the central axes of the inlet pipe (1101) and outlet pipe (1102) may coincide with the central axis of the housing (1103).

[0174] To explain this from another perspective, the measuring container (1100) according to the present embodiment can be described as having a separate inlet pipe (1101) and outlet pipe (1102) omitted.

[0175] Unlike the measuring vessel (1100) according to the first embodiment described above, in this embodiment, the housing (1103) itself may also function as the inlet pipe (1101) and the outlet pipe (1102). That is, the housing (1103) may have an inlet port at one end and an outlet port at the other end.

[0176] In other words, the fluid receiving portion (1104) may be formed as a space having the same diameter as the inlet pipe (1101) and the outlet pipe (1102), rather than being formed as a space having a larger diameter than the inlet pipe (1101) and the outlet pipe (1102) between the inlet pipe (1101) and the outlet pipe (1102).

[0177] Therefore, the fluid to be measured supplied from an external fluid supply pipe (e.g., a water pipe) can be directly introduced into the housing (1103) and pass through the fluid receiving portion (1104).

[0178] For example, the inlet pipe (1101) may be connected to a water pipe, and the outlet pipe (1102) may be connected to a water meter. In other words, one side of the housing (1103) that functions as the inlet pipe may be connected to a water pipe, and the other side of the housing (1103) that functions as the outlet pipe may be connected to a water meter.

[0179] Alternatively, a water meter connection (1107) may be coupled to the outlet pipe (1102). That is, the housing (1103) and the water meter may be connected to each other via the water meter connection (1107).

[0180] Meanwhile, the wave source (1210) and the detection unit (1220) may be placed together on one side of the measuring vessel (1100). Specifically, the wave source (1210) and the detection unit (1220) may be placed together on one side of the housing (1103) in which the fluid receiving unit (1104) is formed.

[0181] The measuring vessel (1100) may include a measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) that receives a measuring assembly (1200). Here, the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) may be disposed on a side of the housing (1103).

[0182] That is, the wave source (1210) and detection unit (1220) described above can be accommodated in the measurement assembly receiving unit (1106). The measurement assembly (1200) will be described in detail later.

[0183] Meanwhile, the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) may be formed as an integral part with the housing (1103). Of course, the idea of ​​the present invention is not limited thereto, and the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) may be formed as a separate member from the housing (1103) and may be coupled to the housing (1103).

[0184] The measurement assembly receiving portion (1106) is formed in a form in which one side (top surface) of a hollow box is removed, so that the measurement assembly (1200) can be received and assembled inside.

[0185] Referring further to FIGS. 15 and 16, the measuring vessel (1100) may have an opening (1105) penetrating the housing (1103) and the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106).

[0186] That is, the opening (1105) may be formed at a portion where the housing (1103) comes into contact with the measurement assembly receiving portion (1106). Here, the opening (1105) may be a portion where the plate (1231) of the measurement assembly (1200) described later is placed. In other words, the opening (1105) may be a portion where the wave source (1210) and the detection portion (1220) placed on the plate (1231) are placed.

[0187] To explain this from another perspective, the measurement assembly receiving portion (1106) includes a bottom portion (1106a), and an opening (1105) communicating with the housing (1103) may be formed in the bottom portion (1106a). In addition, a plate (1231) may be placed in the bottom portion (1106a) to cover the opening (1105).

[0188] The opening (1105) can be formed to have a certain length and width. Here, the longitudinal direction of the opening (1105) can be the same as the longitudinal direction of the housing (1103), and the width direction of the opening (1105) can be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing (1103).

[0189] And the width (W3) of the opening (1105) may be smaller than the inner diameter (ID) of the housing (1103), and the length (L4) of the opening (1105) may be larger than the width (W3) of the opening (1105). However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the length of the opening (1105) may be smaller than the width, and the size of the opening (1105) may be formed in various ways.

[0190] Additionally, the opening (1105) may form a first space (S1) having a predetermined depth, which is the distance from the inner surface of the housing (1103) to the bottom surface of the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106). That is, the housing (1103) may have a predetermined depth from the inner surface forming the fluid receiving portion (1104) to the bottom surface of the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106).

[0191] Referring again to FIGS. 14 and 16, the depth of the first space (S1) may vary depending on the width direction of the opening (1105). Specifically, the closest distance from the inner surface of the housing (1103) to the plate (1231) may be referred to as D1, and D1 may correspond to the outer thickness of the housing (1103) at the portion where the measurement assembly receiving portion (1106) is placed.

[0192] And the opening (1105) includes a side wall portion corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the housing (1103), and the depth corresponding to this side wall portion may be D3. And the distance of the deepest area formed by the opening (1105) may be referred to as D3.

[0193] That is, the first space (S1) formed by the opening (1105) may have a distance difference of D2 between the deepest area and the shallowest area.

[0194] To explain this from another perspective, the fluid receiving portion (1104) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a shape in which the first space (S1) formed by the opening (1105) in the second space (S2) of the pipe shape is further expanded.

[0195] And the fluid to be measured flowing within the housing (1103) can flow not only to the second space (S2) but also to the first space (S1) formed in the opening (1105).

[0196] Meanwhile, the measurement assembly (1200) may include a case (1230) that accommodates a wave source (1210) and a detection unit (1220). The case (1230) illustrated in the drawing is formed in a shape corresponding to the measurement assembly receiving unit (1106), but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the case (1230) may be formed in various shapes that accommodate the wave source (1210) and the detection unit (1220).

[0197] And the case (1230) may include a plate (1231) positioned adjacent to the fluid receiving portion (1104). Specifically, the plate (1231) may be the bottom surface of the case (1230). That is, the plate (1231) may be formed integrally with the case (1230), and the bottom surface of the case (1230) may be referred to as the plate (1231). Alternatively, the plate (1231) may be formed of a different material from the case (1230) and may be combined with the case (1230).

[0198] Here, the plate (1231) may be formed of the same material as the case (1230), but may also be formed of a different material from the case (1230).

[0199] Specifically, the plate (1231) may include a light-transmitting region. In one embodiment, the plate (1231) may have a light-transmitting region entirely. In other words, the plate (1231) may include a light-transmitting material.

[0200] A plate (1231) including a light-transmitting area is placed below the wave source (1210) and the detection unit (1220) so that waves irradiated by the wave source (1210) can reach the fluid receiving unit (1104), and the detection unit (1220) can detect a speckle pattern formed in the fluid receiving unit (1104).

[0201] When the surface facing the measurement assembly receiving portion (1106) of the plate (1231) is referred to as the outer surface of the plate, a sealing member (1232) may be bonded to the outer surface of the plate.

[0202] To explain this from another perspective, a sealing member (1232) may be interposed between the bottom portion (1106a) of the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) and the plate (1231). Specifically, a groove (1106b) into which the sealing member (1231) may be inserted may be formed in the bottom portion (1106a) of the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106).

[0203] The groove (1106b) may be formed along the perimeter of the opening (1105). And the sealing member (1232) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the groove (1106b).

[0204] In this way, when the measuring assembly (1200) is accommodated in the measuring assembly receiving portion (1106) by placing the sealing member (1232) at the bottom of the plate (1231), the space between the plate (1231) and the bottom portion (1106a) can be sealed by fitting the sealing member (1232) into the groove (1106b).

[0205] Therefore, the fluid to be measured can be restricted from leaking out of the fluid receiving portion (1104) and out of the opening (1105).

[0206] Meanwhile, the wave source (1210) and the detection unit (1220) may be accommodated in the case (1230) while being coupled to the control circuit unit (1240). Here, the control circuit unit (1240) may include the above-described control unit (not shown).

[0207] In this way, the measurement assembly (1200) can be treated as a unit part in which the wave source (1210) and the detection unit (1220) are combined in a case (1230). Therefore, a turbidity monitoring device (20) can be manufactured by assembling the measurement assembly (1200) into the measurement assembly receiving portion (1106) of the housing (1103).

[0208]

[0209] Hereinafter, a turbidity monitoring device (30) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the turbidity monitoring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a characteristically different configuration of a measuring container compared to the turbidity monitoring device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0210] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a turbidity monitoring device (30) according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the turbidity monitoring device (30) of Fig. 17 in an open state. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the turbidity monitoring device (30) of Fig. 17 in a state of being coupled to a pipe, and Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E' of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a front view showing the turbidity monitoring device (30) of Fig. 17 from a different angle, and Fig. 22 is a side view showing the turbidity monitoring device (30) of Fig. 17 from a different angle. Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the first body part (2110) and some components of the turbidity monitoring device (30) of Fig. 17 in an exploded manner, and Fig. 24 is a plan view showing the state in which the first body part (2110) and the measurement assembly (2200) of the turbidity monitoring device (30) of Fig. 17 are combined. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Fig. 17, and Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of Fig. 17.

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 22, a turbidity monitoring device (30) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a first body part (2110), a second body part (2120), and a measurement assembly (2200). Here, the measurement assembly (2200) may include a wave source (2210) and a detection unit (2220). In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the turbidity monitoring device (30) may further include a control unit (not shown).

[0212] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the wave source (2210), the detection unit (2220), etc. are substantially the same as the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) described in the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0213] Hereinafter, the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail, and the coupling structure of the measurement assembly (2200) will be described with emphasis.

[0214] The turbidity monitoring device (30) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a device provided separately from a conduit (WP) through which a fluid to be measured flows, and can be mounted on the conduit (WP) to measure the turbidity of the fluid flowing in the conduit (WP).

[0215] Here, the conduit (WP) may be a transparent conduit, and may include a material through which waves irradiated from the wave source (2210) can pass.

[0216] A turbidity monitoring device (30) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a first body part (2110), a second body part (2120), and a measurement assembly (2200).

[0217] The first body part (2110) can be arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the conduit (WP) through which the fluid to be measured flows.

[0218] Specifically, the first body part (2110) includes a first surface (2112) corresponding to the outer surface of the conduit (WP), and can be placed in close contact with the outer surface of the conduit (WP).

[0219] The second body part (2120) is arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the conduit (WP) and may be separated or combined with the first body part (2110).

[0220] In a state where a turbidity monitoring device (30) according to one embodiment is mounted on a pipe (WP), the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be arranged to face each other with respect to the pipe (WP).

[0221] Specifically, the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be formed symmetrically. That is, the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be formed to surround the periphery of the outer surface of the conduit (WP), respectively.

[0222] The turbidity monitoring device (30) according to the present embodiment may further include a hinge portion (2140) and a fastening portion (2300).

[0223] Here, the hinge portion (2140) may include a first fixing portion (2142) and a second fixing portion (2143) that are axially coupled to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other about one axis. That is, the hinge portion (2140) may include a hinge axis (2141).

[0224] And the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be connected to each other through a hinge part (2140) including the hinge axis (2141) described above.

[0225] That is, the first fixed part (2142) of the hinge part (2140) can be coupled to the first body part (2110), and the second fixed part (2143) can be coupled to the second body part (2120).

[0226] Through this, the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other around one axis.

[0227] However, the hinge portion (2140) illustrated in the drawing is described as an example, and the idea of ​​the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various structures that connect the first body portion (2110) and the second body portion (2120) to each other so as to be rotatable are possible.

[0228] Meanwhile, the fastening portion (2300) may be placed on the other side facing the hinge portion (2140). The first body portion (2110) and the second body portion (2120) may be releasably coupled to each other through the fastening portion (2300).

[0229] Specifically, the fastening member (2300) may include a first fastening member (2310) coupled to the first body part (2110) and a second fastening member (2320) coupled to the second body part (2120).

[0230] For example, the fastening member (2300) may have a ball-catch type structure. That is, the first fastening member (2310) may be a catch plate including a protrusion, and the second fastening member (2320) may be a ball housing including a ball.

[0231] That is, the protrusion (2311) of the catch plate is interposed between two balls (2321) provided in the ball housing (2322), so that the balls (2321) enter the grooves of the protrusions (2311), thereby fixing the two fastening parts (2300) to each other.

[0232] Meanwhile, the first body part (2110) may include a first expansion part (2111) as a portion to which the first fastening member (2310) is coupled. And the second body part (2120) may include a second expansion part (2121) as a portion to which the second fastening member (2320) is coupled. Here, the first expansion part (2111) and the second expansion part (2121) may be formed to extend from the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) respectively so as to be parallel to each other.

[0233] In this way, in the turbidity monitoring device (30) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, one side of the first body part (2110) and one side of the second body part (2120) are connected to each other through a hinge part (2140), and the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can rotate to come closer to or move away from each other.

[0234] And, a fastening member (2300) is coupled to the other side of the first body part (2110) and the other side of the second body part (2120), so that the first fastening member (2310) and the second fastening member (2320) can be coupled to each other in a closed state in which the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) are closest to each other. That is, when the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) surround the conduit (WP) and are closed, the first fastening member (2310) and the second fastening member (2320) are coupled, so that the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be stably fixed to the conduit (WP).

[0235] Referring further to FIGS. 23 to 26, the first body portion (2110) or the second body portion (2120) can form an opening (2113) corresponding to an area where the measuring assembly (2200) is placed.

[0236] In this embodiment, a case in which an opening (2113) is formed in the first body part (2110) will be described.

[0237] The opening (2113) may be a portion penetrating outward from the first surface (2112) of the first body portion (2110) away from the conduit (WP).

[0238] To explain this from another perspective, the opening (2113) may be an area penetrating from the outermost surface of the first body part (2110) to the first surface (2112) where the outer surface of the conduit (WP) is in contact.

[0239] The opening (2113) may be formed to correspond to the size and structure of the measurement assembly (2200). Specifically, the measurement assembly (2200) may include the wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220) described above. In addition, the wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220) may be arranged and assembled in the control circuit unit.

[0240] At this time, the wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220) may be sequentially arranged in a direction parallel to the length direction of the conduit (WP). Specifically, the wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220) may be sequentially arranged in the direction in which the fluid to be measured flows in the conduit (WP).

[0241] In this case, the measurement assembly (2200) may be positioned so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conduit (WP) as a whole.

[0242] Accordingly, the opening (2113) can be formed in a long shape in the longitudinal direction of the conduit (WP) corresponding to the direction in which the measuring assembly (2200) is placed. That is, the longitudinal direction of the opening (2113) can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conduit (WP).

[0243] In other words, the opening (2113) may have a longer length than a wider distance. That is, the length (L1) of the opening (2113) may be longer than the width (W1) of the opening (2113).

[0244] Additionally, the shape of the opening (2113) may be formed differently in the area where the wave source (2210) is placed and in the area where the detection unit (2220) is placed.

[0245] For example, the width (W1) of the area where the wave source (2210) is placed may be larger than the width (W2) of the area where the detection unit (2220) is placed.

[0246] That is, the opening (2113) may have an overall wide area, but may have some areas where the width is narrowed. In addition, the length (L2) of the narrowed area around the detection unit (2220) may be shorter than the length (L3) of the remaining area of ​​the opening (2113).

[0247] In this way, by forming the width of the opening (2113) to correspond to the size of the detection unit (2220), the empty space around the detection unit (2220) can be reduced, and thus the detection unit (2220) can be protected from external impact while the measurement assembly (2200) is mounted on the first body (2110).

[0248] The measuring assembly (2200) may be placed in the first body part (2110) or the second body part (2120). That is, the wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220) may be placed together on either side of the first body part (2110) or the second body part (2120). In addition, the measuring assembly (2200) may be covered with a cover (2130).

[0249] In this embodiment, a case is described where a wave source (2210) and a detection unit (2220) are placed together in the first body unit (2110).

[0250] As described above, an opening (2113) is formed in the first body portion (2110), and the measuring assembly (2200) can be positioned to fit the opening (2113). Here, a portion of the wave source (2210) can be positioned to protrude into the opening (2113). Similarly, a portion of the detection portion (2220) can be positioned to protrude into the opening (2113).

[0251] That is, the opening (2113) may be a part that accommodates components of the measuring assembly (2200), such as the measuring wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220).

[0252] With the first body part (2110) fixed to the transparent conduit, the measurement assembly (2200) can measure the turbidity of the fluid flowing in the transparent conduit.

[0253] Specifically, the wave source (2210) and the detection unit (2220) are arranged to face the transparent pipe, so that waves are irradiated from the wave source (2210) to the fluid flowing in the transparent pipe, and the speckle pattern is detected through the detection unit (2220), thereby measuring the turbidity of the fluid to be measured, as described in the first embodiment and the like.

[0254] According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the turbidity of the fluid to be measured can be measured by installing a turbidity monitoring device (30) in an existing transparent conduit.

[0255] The turbidity monitoring device (30) including the first body part (2110) and the second body part (2120) can be easily fixed and released from the transparent pipe, thereby improving portability and usability.

[0256]

[0257] Hereinafter, a turbidity monitoring device (40) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the turbidity monitoring device (40) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a second body part (3120) that is different from the turbidity monitoring device (30) according to the third embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0258] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a turbidity monitoring device (40) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the second body part (3120) and some components of the turbidity monitoring device (40) of Fig. 27 in an exploded manner. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second body part (3120) and the measurement assembly (3200) of the turbidity monitoring device (40) of Fig. 27 are coupled, and Fig. 30 is a plan view showing a state in which the second body part (3120) and the measurement assembly (3200) of the turbidity monitoring device (40) of Fig. 27 are coupled. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Fig. 27, and Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of Fig. 27.

[0259] Referring to FIGS. 27 to 32, a turbidity monitoring device (40) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a first body part (3110), a second body part (3120), and a measurement assembly (3200).

[0260] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the wave source (3210), the detection unit (3220), etc. are substantially the same as the wave source (210) and the detection unit (220) described in the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0261] In addition, the first body part (3110), the second body part (3120), the measuring assembly (3200), the hinge part (3140), the fastening part (3300), etc. are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment, so a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0262] Hereinafter, the second body part (3120) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail, with a focus on the joint structure of the opening part (3123) and the measurement assembly (3200).

[0263] The measurement assembly (3200) can be placed in the first body part (3110) or the second body part (3120). And the wave source (3210) and the detection part (3220) can be placed together on either side of the first body part (3110) or the second body part (3120).

[0264] The first body part (3110) or the second body part (3120) can form an opening (3123) corresponding to the area where the measuring assembly (3200) is placed.

[0265] In this embodiment, a case where a wave source (3210) and a detection unit (3220) are placed together in the second body part (3120) will be described. That is, in this embodiment, a case where an opening (3123) is formed in the second body part (3120) will be described.

[0266] The opening (3123) may be a portion penetrating outward from the second surface (3122) of the second body portion (3120) away from the conduit.

[0267] To explain this from another perspective, the opening (3123) may be an area that penetrates from the outermost surface of the second body part (3120) to the second surface (3122) where the outer surface of the conduit is in contact.

[0268] The opening (3123) may be formed to correspond to the size and structure of the measurement assembly (3200). Specifically, the measurement assembly (3200) may include the wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220) described above. In addition, the wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220) may be arranged and assembled in the control circuit unit (3240).

[0269] At this time, the wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220) may be arranged sequentially in a direction that is not parallel to the length of the pipe.

[0270] In one embodiment, the wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220) may be sequentially arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit. Specifically, the wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220) may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid to be measured flows in the conduit.

[0271] In this case, the measurement assembly (3200) can be positioned so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit as a whole.

[0272] Accordingly, the opening (3123) may be formed in a long shape in the width direction of the conduit corresponding to the direction in which the measuring assembly (3200) is arranged. That is, the longitudinal direction of the opening (3123) may be parallel to the width direction of the conduit. That is, the longitudinal direction of the opening (3123) may intersect the longitudinal direction of the conduit.

[0273] To explain this from another perspective, the width direction of the opening (3123) can correspond to the length direction of the conduit.

[0274] The opening (3123) may have a length (L1) greater than the width (W1) of the opening (3123).

[0275] Additionally, the shape of the opening (3123) may be formed differently in the area where the wave source (3210) is placed and in the area where the detection unit (3220) is placed.

[0276] For example, the width (W1) of the area where the wave source (3210) is placed may be larger than the width (W2) of the area where the detection unit (3220) is placed.

[0277] That is, the opening (3123) may have an overall wide area, but may have some areas where the width is narrowed. In addition, the length (L2) of the narrowed area around the detection unit (3220) may be shorter than the length (L3) of the remaining area of ​​the opening (3123).

[0278] And the depth of the opening (3123) of the area where the detection unit (3220) is placed may be formed differently depending on the location. For example, when the diameter direction of the conduit parallel to the first body part (3110) and the second body part (3120) is assumed to be the longitudinal direction of the opening (3123), the depth of the opening (3123) may be formed differently depending on the longitudinal direction of the opening (3123). For example, referring to the drawing illustrated in FIG. 32, when looking at the distance on the Z axis of other points based on the lowest point among several points on the second surface, the height of the narrowing area of ​​the opening (3123) may vary from H2 to H1.

[0279] In this way, by forming the width and depth of the opening (3123) to correspond to the size of the detection unit (3220), the empty space around the detection unit (3220) can be reduced, and thus the detection unit (3220) can be protected from external impact while the measurement assembly (3200) is mounted on the second body (3120).

[0280] As described above, an opening (3123) is formed in the second body portion (3120), and the measuring assembly (3200) can be positioned to fit the opening (3123). Here, a portion of the wave source (3210) can be positioned to protrude into the opening (3123). Similarly, a portion of the detection portion (3220) can be positioned to protrude into the opening (3123).

[0281] That is, the opening (3123) may be a part that accommodates components of the measuring assembly (3200), such as the measuring wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220).

[0282] With the second body part (3120) fixed to the transparent conduit, the measurement assembly (3200) can measure the turbidity of the fluid flowing in the transparent conduit.

[0283] Meanwhile, in the description of the present invention, a case in which the measuring assembly (3200) is coupled to the first body part (3110) or the second body part (3120) is described as an example, but the idea of ​​the present invention is not limited thereto, and the measuring assembly (3200) may be respectively placed in the first body part (3110) and the second body part (3120), and the wave source (3210) may be placed in the first body part (3110) and the detection unit (3220) may be placed in the second body part (3120).

[0284] And since the wave source (3210) and the detection unit (3220) are arranged to face the transparent pipe, as described in the first embodiment, etc., waves are irradiated from the wave source (3210) to the fluid flowing in the transparent pipe, and the speckle pattern is detected through the detection unit (3220) to measure the turbidity of the fluid to be measured.

[0285] According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the turbidity of the fluid to be measured can be measured by installing a turbidity monitoring device (40) in an existing transparent conduit.

[0286] The turbidity monitoring device (40) including the first body part (3110) and the second body part (3120) can be easily fixed and released from the transparent pipe, thereby improving portability and usability.

[0287]

[0288] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

[0289] The present invention relates to a turbidity monitoring device, and can be applied to a turbidity monitoring device having a structure that facilitates the removal of air bubbles generated within a measurement space of the turbidity measuring device.

Claims

1. A measuring vessel having a fluid receiving portion formed inside for receiving a fluid to be measured, an inlet pipe for supplying the fluid to the fluid receiving portion, and an outlet pipe for discharging the fluid to the outside; A wave source for irradiating waves toward the fluid receiving portion; and It includes a detection unit that detects a laser speckle generated by the above-mentioned investigated wave being multi-scattered within the fluid; The above measuring container is, It includes a flow path forming part formed on one side wall of the fluid receiving portion and guiding the flow of the fluid flowing in through the intake pipe; A turbidity monitoring device in which the wave source and the detection unit are positioned adjacent to a surface of the measuring vessel on which the flow path forming unit is formed.

2. In paragraph 1, A turbidity monitoring device in which the central axis of the inlet pipe and the central axis of the outlet pipe are parallel to each other.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned euro forming unit is a turbidity monitoring device arranged parallel to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

4. In paragraph 1, A turbidity monitoring device in which the central axis of the above inlet pipe is closer to the flow path forming part than the central axis of the above outlet pipe.

5. In paragraph 1, A turbidity monitoring device in which the wave source is placed closer to the inlet of the inlet pipe than to the detection unit.

6. In paragraph 1, The above Euro forming part is, Flat surface; A first curved portion extending from the above flat portion toward the outlet pipe to form a curved surface; A turbidity monitoring device comprising a second curved portion extending from the flat portion toward the intake pipe to form a curved surface.

7. In paragraph 6, A turbidity monitoring device in which the above detection unit and the wave source are placed on the side of the flat surface.

8. In paragraph 6, A turbidity monitoring device in which the first curved portion is formed to have a longer length than the second curved portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above Euro forming part is, A turbidity monitoring device that reduces bubble generation in the fluid receiving portion by forming a flow of fluid within the fluid receiving portion and reduces bubbles remaining in the fluid receiving portion.

10. A measuring vessel formed integrally with a housing having a fluid receiving portion formed inside for receiving a fluid to be measured, an inlet pipe for supplying the fluid, and an outlet pipe for discharging the fluid to the outside; and A measuring assembly including a wave source that irradiates waves toward the fluid receiving portion, and a detection portion that detects laser speckles generated when the irradiated waves are multiply scattered within the fluid; The central axes of the above inlet and outlet pipes coincide with the central axis of the housing, A turbidity monitoring device in which the above wave source and the above detection unit are placed together on one side of the measuring vessel.

11. In Article 10, A turbidity monitoring device in which the housing, the inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe are formed in a single pipe shape.

12. In paragraph 10, The above measuring container is, A turbidity monitoring device comprising a measuring assembly receiving portion disposed on a side of the housing and receiving the measuring assembly.

13. In paragraph 12, The above measuring container is, A turbidity monitoring device having an opening penetrating the housing and the measuring assembly receiving portion.

14. In paragraph 13, A turbidity monitoring device in which the above opening forms a first space having a predetermined depth, which is a distance from the inner surface of the housing to the bottom surface of the measuring assembly.

15. In paragraph 13, The longitudinal direction of the above opening is the same as the longitudinal direction of the above housing, A turbidity monitoring device wherein the width of the opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing and the length of the opening is larger than the width of the opening.

16. In paragraph 10, The above measurement assembly, Including a case that accommodates the above wave source and the above detection unit, A turbidity monitoring device, wherein the case comprises a plate positioned adjacent to the fluid receiving portion.

17. In paragraph 16, The above plate is a turbidity monitoring device including a light transmitting area.

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