Method for detecting a deposit in a flow channel through which a medium flows

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for detecting a deposit (9) in a flow channel (40) through which a medium (1) flows, the method (100) comprising: - measuring a distance from the medium (1) and a flow velocity (v) of the medium (1), - determining an actual ratio (I) between the measured distance and the measured flow velocity (v), and - detecting the deposit (9) on the basis of a comparison of the actual ratio (I) with a target ratio (S) between the distance and the flow velocity (v).

Description

METHOD FOR DETECTING A DEPOSIT IN A FLOW CHANNEL THROUGH A MEDIUM REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2024 110 503.8, filed on April 15, 2024, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into this document. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a method for detecting a deposit in a flow channel through which a medium flows, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium and a measuring system for detecting a deposit in a flow channel through which a medium flows. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In various flow channels through which a medium flows, particles carried by the medium can settle on the flow channel. Such deposits can impede the flow of the medium and, in the worst case, lead to blockage of the flow channel.

[0004] Examples of flow channels where deposits can form and be a hindrance are the channels of wastewater systems. To avoid blockages, the channels are cleared of deposits at regular intervals. These intervals are often too short, resulting in the flow channels being cleared of deposits too frequently and uneconomically, even when the deposits are still small and therefore not critical. Such cycle-based testing and cleaning is complex and costly. On the other hand, there is a risk that the intervals may be set too long, resulting in the flow channels not being cleared of deposits until a problem has already arisen, such as a blockage. In addition, it is challenging to locate the deposits in a wastewater system that are causing a problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the invention to at least partially overcome the above disadvantages, in particular to provide a method with which deposits in a flow channel can be detected in a simple and reliable manner.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for detecting a deposit in a flow channel through which a medium flows, the method comprising: - Determining a distance to the medium and a flow velocity of the medium, - Determining an actual relationship between the measured distance and the measured flow velocity, and - Detecting the deposit based on a comparison of the actual ratio with a target ratio between the distance and the flow velocity.

[0008] Consequently, the problem is solved by providing a method by which it is possible to detect deposits in the flow channel. For this purpose, a distance to the medium and a flow velocity of the medium are recorded and combined or related to one another in order to obtain reliable information about a change in the flow situation in the flow channel, from which a deposition can be concluded. To be precise, an actual ratio, i.e. a current ratio, is formed. The actual ratio can take any form, for example, but not limited to, a value for distance and flow velocity from the measured values ​​of distance and flow velocity measured simultaneously or consecutively, a mathematical relationship between the two, a series of measured values ​​over time, etc.The deposit can be detected by comparing the actual ratio with a target ratio between the distance and the flow velocity. The target ratio can be predefined and can also take any form, for example, but not limited to, a series of measured values ​​over time, a minimum and maximum of one or more values ​​or mathematical ratio, a mathematical function for the distance and flow velocity or dependent on one of the two, or similar. The target ratio can correspond to a state of the flow channel, in particular at the location or in the range of the detected distance to the medium and / or the flow velocity of the medium, in which there is no deposit, only minimal deposit and / or a deposit that is acceptable according to the definition of the target ratio.If the actual ratio corresponds to the target ratio, in particular for the currently recorded distance and / or recorded flow velocity, or if it lies within the target ratio or a range around the target ratio, it can be assumed that no deposits are present or that the deposits are only marginal or acceptable. However, if the actual ratio does not correspond to the target ratio or if it lies outside the target ratio or a range around the target ratio, it can be assumed that deposits are present, in particular deposits that are unacceptable according to the defined target ratio or are sufficiently large that they could cause a problem or that clearing the flow channel of the deposits is necessary or beneficial.

[0009] The terms actual ratio and target ratio are to be understood and interpreted broadly. Mathematical ratios in the form of values ​​do not necessarily have to be formed between the recorded measured values ​​of distance and flow velocity. As mentioned, other, arbitrary forms of ratios or relations can also exist, such as a value assignment between the two measured values, for example, but not limited to, the form of a table with the measured values, a function, or the like for the actual ratio and / or the target ratio. Rather than the form of the ratio, what is relevant is that the ratio of the two measured values is considered together when it comes to the detection of the deposit, because reliable detection of a deposit is not possible from the individual measured values ​​alone, without the relation or ratio between them.

[0010] The method according to the invention is therefore based on the finding that in a flow channel, a distance to the medium can be assigned to a specific flow velocity or vice versa. The distance to the medium can in particular correlate with the fill level of the flow channel and can thus be assigned to or calculated from this. The fill level is in particular a height of the medium from a lowest point or a lowest surface of the flow channel or, in other words, of the fluidized bed to the surface of the medium. In other words, the fill level can indicate a water level in the flow channel or fluidized bed. If, for example, the distance to the medium is recorded by a measuring arrangement from above the flow channel, the fill level can be determined using known dimensions of the flow channel and the known location of the measuring arrangement.If a deposit forms in the flow channel, the relationship, or in other words, the ratio of flow velocity to fill level or, analogously, distance to the medium, changes. By predefining or specifying the target ratio, a threshold can be set to detect a deposit. By predefining the target ratio, the sensitivity of the method and the size of the deposit to be detected can be set.

[0011] The method can, in particular, be a computer-implemented method. One, several, or all steps of the method can be executed or carried out by a computing device, for example, one or more computers. The recording of the distance and flow velocity can be understood as a computer-implemented step, i.e., recording the relevant data from a measuring device that acquires this data by measurement. The determination of the actual ratio and the detection of the deposit can also be computer-implemented steps. Alternatively, or additionally, the recording of the distance and flow velocity, for example, can be carried out by the measuring device.

[0012] The target ratio can be based on recorded distances to the medium and recorded flow velocities of the medium. In particular, these can be previously recorded distances and flow velocities, i.e., those recorded before the detection process was carried out. This can occur, for example, after installation or attachment of a corresponding measuring arrangement or measuring system in, on, or near the flow channel, whereby it can be ensured, for example, through cleaning or visual measures, that the flow channel is essentially free of deposits. After installation, a learning phase of the measuring system can then take place, during which the target ratio is learned and, thereby or subsequently, is predefined.It is therefore possible to learn what the target ratio is for a flow channel that is essentially free of deposits, particularly with increasing fill level, such as during a heavy rainfall event in the example of a wastewater system, and possibly within which value range it may fluctuate. The target ratio can therefore represent, in particular, an actual ratio for a flow channel that is essentially free of deposits. The learning process can take place over any period of time, from several seconds, minutes, hours, or days. deterministically, for example, by recording a table of values ​​and subsequently constructing a range of values ​​for the target ratio with minimum and maximum ratio values ​​for specific distances and / or flow velocities and / or using statistical methods. Alternatively, or additionally, artificial intelligence, in particular machine learning, can be used to learn and / or predefine the target ratio. Learning and / or predefining the target ratio can be used as a step in the method. Alternatively, or additionally, the target ratio can be stored in a data memory of the computing arrangement.

[0013] The target ratio can be a target ratio range between the distance and the flow velocity. The deposit can be detected if the actual ratio lies outside the target ratio range. The target ratio range can, on the one hand, encompass the previously mentioned fluctuations during the learning phase and, on the other hand, take into account that the target ratio is typically not constant but changes with changing fill levels and / or flow velocity. Accordingly, it may be necessary to compare the actual ratio with the corresponding target ratio or target ratio range for different fill levels and / or flow velocities.

[0014] On the other hand, additionally or alternatively, the target ratio range can also be based on a limit value around the detected distances to the medium and the detected flow velocities of the medium. In other words, the target ratio range can include a limit value around the previously detected target ratio for a substantially deposit-free flow channel, in particular for different distances, i.e., fill levels, and / or flow velocities. This can increase the sensitivity of the method so that even small coincidences between the actual ratio and the target ratio range do not trigger a detection. The target ratio can therefore, in particular, represent an actual ratio for a substantially deposit-free flow channel, including a limit value.

[0015] The flow channel can be a channel, in particular of a wastewater system. The channel can be an open or closed channel. In addition to a channel of a wastewater system, it is possible for the channel to be of another system, such as, more generally, water pipes, riverbeds, waterwheels, etc. Further areas of application of the invention include, but are not limited to, the measurement of river levels, even during backflow; flow measurement in sewer networks for wastewater, also in sewer networks for cooling water and the like; and tide measurement on coastal and offshore areas, particularly with flow information.

[0016] The detected distance to the medium and the detected flow velocity of the medium can be based on a transmission signal emitted by a measuring arrangement and reflected by the medium. The measuring arrangement can in particular be a radar-based measuring arrangement or a measuring arrangement based on radar technology. The measuring arrangement can have a signal generation module for generating the transmission signal and an antenna module for emitting the transmission signal onto the medium or the flow channel and receiving the transmission signal reflected therefrom. A first part of the transmission signal can be emitted in a first direction perpendicular to a flow direction or, in other words, the flow direction of the medium, and a second part of the transmission signal can be emitted in a second direction that is unequal to the first direction, in particular can be oblique thereto. For example, the second direction can have an angle to the flow direction of the medium and thus to its surface, which lies between 0 degrees and 90 degrees and is for example between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, for example approximately 45 degrees. The transmission signal can be emitted in the two directions in different ways. For example, it can be provided that part of the transmission signal is emitted in the first direction and at the same time a second part of the transmission signal is emitted in the second direction. It can also be provided that first the entire transmission signal is emitted in the first direction and subsequently the transmission signal is emitted completely in the second direction. This can be done for example by a switching process in the measuring arrangement.

[0017] At least part of the transmission signal can be a frequency-modulated continuous wave signal, which in particular can have a rising and falling frequency ramp. Alternatively, or additionally, at least part of the transmission signal can be a continuous wave signal. The frequency-modulated continuous wave signal (FCMW for short) can originate from an FMCW unit or an FMCW radar of the signal generation module, or the signal generation module can be designed as an FMCW module or FMCW radar. The frequency-modulated continuous wave signal can in particular be the first part of the transmission signal, which is in particular only emitted in the first direction. The continuous wave signal (CW for short) can originate from a CW unit or a CW radar of the signal generation module, or the signal generation module can be designed as a CW module or CW radar.In particular, the signal generation module can comprise an FMCW unit or an FMCW radar, or can be designed as an FMCW module that can generate the transmission signal with both parts, i.e., once as a frequency-modulated continuous wave signal and once as a continuous wave signal that is unmodulated, particularly with regard to its frequency. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for one unit or one radar in the measuring arrangement. The continuous wave signal can, in particular, be the second part of the transmission signal, which is, in particular, only emitted in the second direction. Since the surface of the flowing medium can exhibit slight ripples or waves, the flow velocity of the medium can be determined from the CW transmission signal or CW part of the transmission signal, which is, in particular, emitted obliquely, reflected at the surface of the medium, and picked up by the antenna module, taking the Doppler effect into account.The FMCW transmission signal or FMCW part of the transmission signal, which is emitted in particular perpendicular to the surface of the medium, can be used after its reflection at the surface of the medium and reception by the antenna module to detect the distance, or in other words, distance from or to the medium.

[0018] As an alternative to radar measurement, other measurement methods can be used for either distance measurement, flow velocity measurement, or both, allowing the measurement setup to be designed accordingly. Non-limiting examples of such alternative measurement methods include non-contact measurement systems, such as ultrasonic sensors, pressure systems, etc., or contact-based measurement systems, such as those with a sensor for detecting the fluid level.

[0019] The method can comprise detecting a size, in particular height, of the deposit based on a comparison of the actual ratio with at least two different target ratios between the distance and the flow velocity. Different target ratios or target ratio ranges, as described in detail above, can be predefined for different deposits. This can also be achieved through the previously mentioned learning and / or, for example, through simulation and / or estimation. Accordingly, it may be possible, for example, to define different threshold values ​​for different deposit sizes, in particular deposit heights, using multiple target ratios, and thus continuously monitor the deposit size.This makes it possible to identify at an early stage where deposits are likely to form and how they develop, in order to plan countermeasures at an early stage, for example in the form of cleaning the flow channel.

[0020] The method may further comprise outputting information based on the detected deposit. This information may, for example, indicate that a deposit has been detected and, if applicable, indicate the location of the deposit or the measuring arrangement and / or the size of the deposit. The information may, in particular, be output as a warning message. The information may, for example, be output to a remote server or computer and displayed there, for example graphically, so that an operator of a wastewater system or other system that includes the flow channel can recognize on the remote server or computer that action is required, such as cleaning the flow channel at the installation location of the measuring arrangement.

[0021] A second aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular or alternatively, the computer program can be configured such that, when executed on a computing device of a measuring system, it instructs the measuring system to perform the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular or alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to include the instructions or computer program which, when executed by a computing device of a measuring system, instructs the measuring system to execute the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0023] A third aspect of the invention relates to a measuring system for detecting a deposit in a flow channel through which a medium flows, wherein the measuring system has a measuring arrangement and a computing arrangement for detecting a distance to the medium and a flow velocity of the medium, and wherein the computing arrangement is set up to determine an actual ratio between the detected distance and the detected flow velocity and to detect the deposit on the basis of a comparison of the actual ratio with a desired ratio between the detected distance and the detected flow velocity.

[0024] For example, the measuring arrangement can provide measurement data which the computing arrangement processes to record the distance and the flow velocity or, alternatively, the The measuring arrangement itself provides the distance and the flow velocity to the calculation arrangement, which the calculation arrangement records accordingly.

[0025] The measuring arrangement and the computing arrangement can be located away from one another, in particular only having a wired and / or wireless communication connection, or they can be arranged next to one another. Both arrangements can have corresponding communication modules. In the first variant, the measuring arrangement can be arranged, for example, in, on or near the flow channel, for example in the wastewater system, while the computing arrangement can be arranged away from it, for example in a computing box or in a server center or the like. In this respect, the measuring arrangement can, for example, only transmit the measurement data to the computing arrangement, while the computing arrangement takes over the evaluation of this measurement data and the detection of the deposit. Advantageously, several measuring arrangements can also be connected to one computing arrangement.In the second variant, the measuring arrangement can be, for example, a measuring device with the measuring arrangement and the computing arrangement, both of which can be contained in the device, in particular can be enclosed by a common housing.

[0026] The measurement setup can be a radar measurement setup. In particular, the previously described radar measurement method can be used with CW and FMCW components or CW and FMCW transmission signals.

[0027] For example, the measuring arrangement can comprise a signal generation module for generating a transmission signal and an antenna module for radiating the transmission signal in a first direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium and in a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein the computing arrangement can be configured to determine the distance to the medium and the flow velocity of the medium by evaluating the transmission signal reflected by the medium and received by the antenna module.

[0028] The measuring system can comprise at least two measuring assemblies that can be arranged remotely from one another in the flow channel, wherein the computing assembly can be configured to localize the deposits in the flow channel based on the detected distance to the medium and the detected flow velocity of the medium, in particular the actual ratio, of each measuring assembly. By using two or more spatially separated measuring assemblies or entire measuring devices that are in communication with each other, for example wirelessly, deposits can be detected based on the known installation locations of the measuring assemblies or measuring devices, even where no measuring assembly or measuring device is located.If, for example, an actual ratio at one location in the flow channel deviates from a target ratio, but there is no measuring device at this location that could determine this, then, if this location is located between two measuring devices on the flow channel, for example, the measurement data from this measuring device can be used to determine that there is a deposit between the two measuring devices. To do this, the computing device or one of two computing devices can, for example, compare discrepancies between the measurement data of the measuring devices or the actual ratios at both locations in the measuring devices. For example, a determined discrepancy can also be compared with a predefined threshold value to determine whether there is a deposit between. a deposit, in particular of a predefined size and / or height, is present in the measuring arrangements.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals designate like or similar elements. Like or similar elements may, however, also be designated by different reference numerals. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary measuring system in its application.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows schematically another exemplary measuring system in its application.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows schematically another exemplary measuring system in its application.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary detection method.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram with actual ratios and a target ratio range for the detection method from Fig. 4.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a wastewater system in which several measuring systems are used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Figure 1 shows a measuring system 10 with a computing arrangement 20 and a measuring arrangement 30. The measuring system 10 and / or the measuring arrangement 30 can be designed, for example, as a measuring device, in particular as a distance measuring device, for example in the form of a level radar. The computing arrangement 20 can be provided together with the measuring arrangement 30 in the measuring device or can be arranged remotely therefrom, in particular communicating with it wirelessly.

[0037] The measuring system 10 is used for a flow channel 40, which can be configured, for example, as a channel, in particular of a wastewater system 50, as shown in Fig. 6. A medium 1, in particular a fluid, especially a liquid, such as water, flows through the flow channel 40, which can be open. In the example of the wastewater system 50, the medium 1 is wastewater, for example.

[0038] Using the measuring system 10, it is possible to measure the flow velocity v of the medium 1 in the flow direction 2 and the distance from the measuring arrangement 30 or the measuring device to the medium. The distance correlates with a height or fill level of the medium 1 in the flow channel 40. The measuring arrangement 30 can be radar-based. The measuring arrangement 30 can, for example, have two antennas or a single antenna.

[0039] The measuring arrangement 30, in particular an antenna module 34 of the measuring arrangement 30, can be designed in particular to emit a second transmission signal or a second part of a transmission signal, in particular a CW transmission signal, in a second direction 3, which can be oblique to the flow direction 2 of the medium 1. The transmission signal can be generated by a signal generation module 32, in particular a radar-based one, and transmitted to the antenna module 34. The signal generation module 32 can be designed, for example, as an FMCW module. Furthermore, the antenna module 34 can be designed to radiate a first transmission signal or another part of the transmission signal, in particular an FMCW transmission signal, in a first direction 4 which is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction 2 of the medium 1.

[0040] The transmission signals or parts thereof are then at least partially reflected by the surface of the medium 1. Since the surface of the medium may exhibit slight ripples or waves, the flow velocity v or flow rate of the medium 1 can be determined from the obliquely emitted transmission signal, reflected by the surface of the medium and picked up by the antenna arrangement 34, taking the Doppler effect into account. The transmission signal emitted in the first direction 4 or part thereof can be used for distance measurement after being reflected by the surface of the medium and picked up by the antenna arrangement 34, so that the fill level h of the flow channel 40 with the medium 1 can be determined.

[0041] When using two separate antennas in the antenna arrangement 34, the distance and the flow velocity v of the medium 1 can be measured alternately using a switch. Furthermore, the antenna arrangement 34 can be a single antenna having multiple main radiation directions 3, 4. This results in a simple setup for measuring the distance to a surface of the medium 1 and for simultaneously (or subsequently) measuring the flow velocity v and, if applicable, also the flow direction of the medium 1. The flow rate of the medium 1 can also be determined if the geometry of the flow channel 40 or its fluidized bed is known.

[0042] The computing arrangement 20 can be connected to the signal generation module 32, in particular an RF module. The signal generation module 32 can be connected to the antenna module 34 via a signal line. The antenna module 34 can be located on a housing of the measuring system 10, and it can be provided that the antenna module 34 can be rotated relative to the signal generation module 32.

[0043] The antenna module 34 thus emits a transmission signal, whereby a relatively large portion of the transmission signal can be directed in the first direction 3 at an angle to the flow direction 2. At least a portion of this obliquely emitted signal portion is reflected by the surface of the flowing or streaming medium 1 and sent back to the antenna module 34 in the second direction 3. The antenna module 34 then receives this reflected signal portion of the transmission signal.

[0044] After this measurement (or before), a further, possibly smaller, signal component is radiated perpendicular to the flow velocity 2 of the medium 1 in the first direction 4, reflected at the surface of the medium 1, and radiated in the opposite direction back to the antenna module 34. The antenna module 34 then receives this signal component of the reflected transmission signal.

[0045] An echo curve can then be generated from the recorded, reflected transmission signal components, from which the distance to the surface of the medium 1 (and hence the filling height h) as well as the flow velocity v (by a Doppler evaluation of the transmission signal or transmission signal component emitted obliquely to the flow direction 2) are determined.

[0046] When using an FMCW radar method for distance measurement, it is possible to also generate a CW signal with the same signal generation module 32, in particular a microwave system, in order to detect the flow velocity v, for example, of a flowing body of water as medium 1.

[0047] When measuring distance, a frequency difference between the transmitted and received signal can be determined using a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal. The difference frequency is proportional to the distance from the water surface. A detailed analysis of the reflection signals using FFT analysis (FFT: Fast Fourier Transformation) can be used to determine various reflections.

[0048] The speed of an object can be determined using a continuous wave (CW) signal. A microwave signal is reflected onto a moving object. The movement results in a Doppler shift of the reflected signal compared to the transmitted signal. The difference frequency is directly proportional to the speed. The same electronics can be used for distance and speed measurement. Furthermore, no modulation of the transmitted signal is necessary during speed measurement.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, it is possible to use only one antenna in the antenna module 34, which radiates in a single direction to measure distance and velocity. However, this may result in inaccuracies in the distance measurement. In this case, both the FMCW signal and the CW signal are radiated in the same direction, oblique to the flow direction 2 of the medium 1.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a further measuring system 10. In comparison to the measuring system 10 in Fig. 2, two antennas 36, 37 are provided here, each of which is connected via its own signal line to a directional coupler, a power splitter, or a switch 35, which connects the two antennas 36, 37 to the signal generation module 32. Thus, in particular, one FMCW module can be provided for both measurements (distance and flow velocity), which is coupled to a switch 35, a power splitter, or directional coupler, each with an antenna 37 for distance measurement and another antenna 36 for the flow velocity v. Via the switch 35, one of the two antennas 36, 37 can be selected for measurement. This enables alternating measurements of distance and flow velocity. By using two separate antennas 36, 37, larger amplitudes of the two received signals can be achieved.

[0051] As already described, the signal generation module 32 can also be connected to the two antennas via a directional coupler or power splitter, as shown schematically in Fig. 3. An optimized antenna is used for each of the two measurements. The antenna 37 radiates the transmission signal perpendicular to the flow direction 2, as symbolized by the transmission lobe 6. The second antenna 36, ​​which is arranged obliquely to the first antenna 37, radiates the transmission signal in the oblique direction 3, as symbolized by the transmission lobe 5.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a method 100 for detecting a deposit 9 in the flow channel 40 through which the medium 1 flows, in particular in the channel of the wastewater system 50 from Figure 6. The method 100 can be carried out at least partially or completely if a computer program 25, which can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 24, is executed by a processor unit 22 or a CPU of the computing arrangement 20 (see Fig. 1).

[0053] In the wastewater system 50 shown as an example in Fig. 6, a road 55 is shown, from which, for example, a drainage grate 51 and two inspection shafts 54 branch off or lead to the flow channel 40 in the form of a channel. The drainage grate 51 leads, for example, to an intermediate channel 52, which leads to the flow channel 40 and, for example, a gully 53 partially filled with sediment. Between the two inspection shafts 54 and behind the rear of the two inspection shafts 54 in the flow direction 2, two measuring systems 10 are shown, whereby instead, only the measuring arrangements 30 can be arranged here, which can in particular be wirelessly connected to the same computing arrangement 20, which can be arranged in a cloud or based on a cloud application. By way of example, the measuring systems 10 are therefore shown here as independent measuring devices 10, which can nevertheless be networked in order to communicate wirelessly with a remote server or computer (not shown) in a cloud application. In principle, the measuring systems 10 or the measuring arrangements 30 can advantageously be arranged where problems can arise due to the conditions in the sewer network or wastewater system 50, for example in curves, at inlets, etc.

[0054] The method 100 is explained below by way of example with reference to the measuring system 10 on the left in Fig. 6. In step 101 of the method 100, the distance to the medium 1 and the flow velocity v of the medium 1 are detected by the measuring arrangement 30, in particular by the computing arrangement 20 of the measuring system 10, which in turn can measure the distance and flow velocity v. For this purpose, the signal generation module 32 can emit a transmission signal, partly oblique to the flow direction 2 of the medium 1 in the form of a CW signal and partly perpendicular to the flow direction 2 of the medium 2 in the form of an FMCW signal. The antenna module 34, which emits the transmission signal, can receive the reflected transmission signals and either evaluate them independently and calculate the distance and flow velocity v therefrom or, alternatively, transmit the measurement data relating to the reflected transmission signals to the computing arrangement 20, which records the distance and flow velocity v therefrom.

[0055] In a second step 102, an actual ratio I between the detected distance and the detected flow velocity v can now be determined, in particular continuously, which in turn can be carried out by the computing arrangement 20.

[0056] In a third step 103 of the method 100, the deposit 9 in the flow channel 40 can finally be determined, which in turn can be carried out by the computing arrangement 20. For this purpose, the actual ratio I can be compared with a previously defined target ratio S between the distance and the flow velocity v. As shown by way of example in Figure 5, the target ratio S can be defined as a target ratio range S, since the target ratio S can vary with the fill level h and / or the flow velocity v, and limit values ​​can also be included to improve the sensitivity of the method 100. Here, it is shown by way of example that the ongoing measurements of distance and flow velocity v, expressed in the actual ratio I with a curve of fill level h versus flow velocity v, lie outside the target ratio range S.Accordingly, the deposit 9 is so large, in particular high, that the actual ratio I deviates so far from the target ratio range S that the deposit 9 can be detected with great reliability.

[0057] Finally, in a fourth step 104 of the method 100, information, in particular a warning message, regarding the detected deposit 9 can be output. This can be transmitted by the computing arrangement 20, for example, wirelessly to the aforementioned remote server or computer. The measuring system 10 can accordingly comprise a wireless communication module. wherein the communication module can use any wireless connection technology such as a mobile radio standard, WLAN and the like.

[0058] Furthermore, the two or more spatially separated measuring arrangements 30 or measuring systems 10 in Fig. 6 would make it possible to reliably detect a deposit 9 even between them. For this purpose, for example, an evaluation of the measurement data from both measuring arrangements 30 or Measuring system 10. The computing arrangement 20 can compare discrepancies between the measurement data of the measuring arrangements 30 or measuring systems 10 or the actual conditions at both installation locations. For example, a discrepancy thus determined can also be compared with a predefined threshold value to determine whether a deposit, in particular of a predefined size and / or height, is present between the measuring arrangements 30.

[0059] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above examples or aspects may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other examples or aspects described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered limitations.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method (100) for detecting a deposit (9) in a flow channel (40) through which a medium (1) flows, the method (100) comprising: - detecting a distance to the medium (1) and a flow velocity (v) of the medium (1), - Determining an actual ratio (I) between the measured distance and the measured flow velocity (v), and - Detecting the deposit (9) based on a comparison of the actual ratio (I) with a target ratio (S) between the distance and the flow velocity (v).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the target ratio (S) is based on detected distances to the medium (1) and detected flow velocities (v) of the medium (1).

3. The method (100) according to claim 2, wherein the target ratio (S) is a target ratio range (S) between the distance and the flow velocity (v), and the deposit (9) is detected when the actual ratio (I) is outside the target ratio range (S).

4. The method (100) according to claim 3, wherein the desired ratio range (S) is further based on a limit value around the detected distances to the medium and detected flow velocities (v) of the medium (1).

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow channel (40) is a channel, in particular of a wastewater system (50).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detected distance to the medium (1) and the detected flow velocity (v) of the medium (1) are based on a transmission signal emitted by a measuring arrangement (30) and reflected by the medium (1).

7. The method (100) of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the transmission signal is a frequency-modulated continuous wave signal, and wherein at least a portion of the transmission signal is a continuous wave signal.

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises detecting a size of the deposit (9) on the basis of a comparison of the actual ratio (I) with at least two different target ratios (S) between the distance and the flow velocity (v).

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) further comprises: - Outputting information based on the detected deposit (9).

10. A computer program (25) comprising instructions which, when the program (25) is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A computer-readable storage medium (24) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Measuring system (10) for detecting a deposit (9) in a flow channel (40) through which a medium (1) flows, wherein the measuring system (10) has a measuring arrangement (30) and a computing arrangement (20) for detecting a distance to the medium (1) and a flow velocity (v) of the medium (1), and wherein the computing arrangement (20) is set up to determine an actual ratio (I) between the detected distance and the detected flow velocity (v) and to detect the deposit (9) on the basis of a comparison of the actual ratio (I) with a target ratio (S) between the detected distance and the detected flow velocity (v).

13. Measuring system (10) according to claim 12, wherein the measuring arrangement (30) is a radar measuring arrangement.

14. Measuring system (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the measuring arrangement (30) has a signal generation module (32) for generating a transmission signal and an antenna module (34) for radiating the transmission signal in a first direction (4) perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium (1) and in a second direction (3) which is different from the first direction (4), wherein the computing arrangement (20) is set up to determine the distance to the medium (1) and the flow velocity (v) of the medium (1) by evaluating the transmission signal reflected by the medium (1) and picked up by the antenna module (34).

15. Measuring system (10) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the measuring system (10) has at least two measuring arrangements (30) which can be arranged remotely from one another in the flow channel (40), wherein the computing arrangement (20) is designed to localize the deposit (9) in the flow channel (40) on the basis of the detected distance to the medium (1) and the detected flow velocity (v) of the medium (1) of each measuring arrangement (30).

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