Fluidic measurement device having an offset additional measurement sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluidic measurement device (1) configured to take a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analysed that is circulating in a pipe (100). The fluidic measurement device (1) includes a main body (2) comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured to project inside the pipe (100). The fluidic measurement device (1) includes a measurement head (3) provided on the distal end portion and including measurement sensors (4) and a housing (5) including a control unit (UC). The fluidic measurement device (1) further includes a sampling duct opening into the measurement head (3) and configured to allow the fluid to be analysed to circulate from the measurement head (3) to an additional measurement sensor (17) which is offset with respect to the measurement head (3).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Fluidic measurement device with additional remote measuring sensor

[0003] technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a measuring device, and more specifically a fluidic measuring device configured to perform measurements on a fluid present in a pipeline and allowing the measurement of physical characteristics relating to the quality of the fluid present in said pipeline.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] It is known from prior art to use fluidic measuring devices to perform a number of measurements to characterize a fluid flowing in a pipe. Such fluidic measuring devices generally include:

[0007] - a main body comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured to protrude inside the pipeline,

[0008] - a measuring head located on the distal end portion and comprising measuring sensors configured to measure various parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed, and

[0009] - a box configured to be accessible from outside the pipeline and containing a control unit.

[0010] This type of device is particularly effective because, thanks to the measuring sensors on the measuring head, it allows for various measurements to be taken on the fluid being analyzed and flowing through the pipeline. However, such a device has major drawbacks. The first is its complex construction and bulky size, as the number of measuring sensors is limited by the small dimensions of the measuring head. Furthermore, a second drawback lies in the limited choice of sensor types that can be used on the measuring head, as the sensors must be compatible with direct exposure to the fluid being analyzed within the pipeline. Summary of the invention

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a microfluidic measurement device designed to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed, which is of simple, compact and economical structure, while allowing an additional and remote measurement on the fluid to be analyzed.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a fluidic measurement device configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed, the fluid to be analyzed being composed mainly of water, for example, flowing in a pipe, the fluidic measurement device comprising:

[0013] - a main body which is substantially tubular and which extends along an axis of extension, the main body comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured to protrude inside the pipeline,

[0014] - a measuring head provided on the distal end portion and comprising measuring sensors configured to measure various parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed, the measuring head being configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the measuring device is in a usage configuration,

[0015] - a housing configured to be accessible from outside the pipeline and comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the fluidic measurement device, and

[0016] - a sampling conduit opening into the measuring head and configured to allow circulation of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head to an additional measuring sensor which is located away from the measuring head, said additional measuring sensor being configured to perform an additional measurement of the fluid to be analyzed.

[0017] This configuration of the measuring device maximizes the number of sensors, and therefore the number of fluid measurements to be analyzed, at the measuring head, while also allowing for remote measurements using the sampling conduit and the additional measuring sensor. This is achieved while ensuring a highly compact fluid measurement device. The operating configuration of the fluid measurement device refers to a configuration in which the body of the device is at least partially inserted inside the pipe through which the fluid to be analyzed flows.

[0018] The fluidic measuring device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, which may be taken alone or in combination.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an intermediate part configured to extend between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body has a substantially circular cross-section. In other words, the main body is substantially cylindrical.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the proximal end portion of the main body is configured to extend at least partially outside the pipeline when the fluidic measuring device is in the operating configuration.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device includes a fixing element configured to fix the fluidic measuring device onto the pipeline.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing element is configured to extend substantially around the intermediate part of the main body and to fix the fluidic measuring device on the pipeline, the fixing element being configured to cooperate removably with a complementary fixing element provided on the pipeline for example.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening element is configured to ensure a removable and leak-proof fastening of the fluidic measuring device with the pipeline.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing is configured to extend consecutively to the proximal end portion of the main body.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to perform at least part of the processing of information from the measurement sensors.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring head has an end face that is substantially circular.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face extends substantially transversely to the axis of extension. According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face has a diameter between 22 mm and 42 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 37 mm, and for example 32 mm.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling conduit is configured to extend from the measuring head to the housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling conduit includes a sampling orifice provided on the end face.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body has an external thread configured to cooperate with an internal tapping provided on the fastening element.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional measuring sensor is configured to measure the chlorine level, and more particularly the free chlorine level present in the fluid to be analyzed, in order to determine its disinfection potential, for example. The specific configuration of the invention advantageously allows for sampling from the pipeline, followed by measurement of the chlorine level in the fluid to be analyzed. Indeed, measuring the chlorine level requires mixing the fluid to be analyzed with one or more reagents. Integrating the additional measuring sensor and the reagents into the housing advantageously overcomes the obvious space constraints related to the dimensions of the measuring head and the main body.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional measuring sensor is a microfluidic measuring sensor. By microfluidic measuring sensor, we mean a miniaturized measuring sensor designed to manipulate and analyze very small volumes of fluids, often on the microliter or nanoliter scale.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device includes a filtration element configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the sampling conduit. Such a configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the sampling conduit, which would make it impossible for the additional measuring sensor to sample the fluid to be analyzed.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter element is configured to extend upstream of the sampling conduit, for example, at the sampling orifice. Such a configuration allows for increased accessibility of the filter element when the fluidic measuring device is removed from the pipeline. According to another embodiment of the invention, the filter element is configured to be removably fixed, for example, by means of a male-female fastening system, opposite the sampling orifice.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is made at least partly from a polymer, such as plastic for example.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element has a mesh with a mesh size of approximately 10 pm.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device includes a pressure balancing line configured to ensure pressure equalization between the pipeline and a pressurization chamber provided in the housing and suitable for receiving a reagent container, such as a bag or a flexible-walled container, for example. This configuration of the pressure balancing line advantageously allows the reagents used by the additional measuring sensor to be brought to the same pressure as the fluid to be analyzed and flowing in the sampling line.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line is configured to open into the measuring head.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line includes a balancing orifice provided on the end face.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling orifice and the balancing orifice are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a geometric center of the measuring head. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously prevents alteration of the measurement performed by the additional measuring sensor, as fluid rejection through the pressure balancing line can affect the characteristics of the fluid being analyzed in the immediate vicinity of the balancing orifice.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the geometric center of the measuring head is substantially coincident with the extension axis of the main body.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring head comprises a median longitudinal plane configured to extend substantially parallel to a flow axis of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipeline. According to another embodiment of the invention, the measuring head comprises a median transverse plane extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line is arranged symmetrically to the sampling conduit with respect to the median longitudinal plane, the sampling conduit and the pressure balancing line being, for example, each arranged along the median transverse plane.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sampling orifice and the balancing orifice are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device includes a filtration element configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the pressure balancing line. Such a configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the pressure balancing line, which would make it impossible to equalize the pressures between the pipeline and the pressurization chamber.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the sampling conduit in order to ensure rapid pressurization of the pressurization chamber.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing line has a diameter substantially equal to 2.5 mm.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is produced by machining the material composing the measuring head.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element has a mesh with a mesh size of approximately 1 mm.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise an optical sensor, such as a turbidimeter, configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to measure, by measuring the variation in light intensity measured by the optical sensor relative to a reference point, the quantity of suspended particles present in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device comprises at least one transparent element provided on the measuring head and covering the optical sensor, the optical sensor being configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed through the at least one transparent element.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device comprises two transparent elements.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two transparent elements are configured to extend substantially along the median longitudinal plane of the measuring head. Such a configuration of the optical sensor and the two transparent elements improves the accuracy of the turbidity measurement performed by the optical sensor.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring head comprises a central zone including the central axis of the measuring head and comprising the two transparent elements covering the optical sensor. Advantageously, the two transparent elements covering the optical sensor are arranged symmetrically on either side of the median transverse plane comprising the pivot axis.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device includes a cleaning device configured to clean at least one transparent element provided on the measuring head. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to mechanically remove the accumulation of deposits and dirt on the at least one transparent element, and thus prevent a deterioration in the accuracy of the measurement performed by the optical sensor.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device is movable by pivoting about a pivot axis that is parallel to the extension axis of the main body. Such a configuration of the cleaning device makes it possible to limit the space required for the cleaning function compared to a "straight-line" alternative, for example.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the cleaning device extends transversely to the median transverse plane of the measuring head.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the median longitudinal plane and the median transverse plane are angularly offset by an angle of approximately 90°.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a cleaning portion, such as a flexible cleaning foam, the cleaning portion being configured to be in contact with at least one transparent element to move back and forth in the manner of a windshield wiper. According to another embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise a conductivity sensor, also called a conductivity meter, configured to measure the ability of the fluid to be analyzed to conduct an electric current.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the fluidic measuring device is in the operating configuration.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductivity sensor comprises two emitting electrodes, each configured to generate an electric current in the fluid to be analyzed, and two receiving electrodes, each configured to measure the electric current flowing in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face comprises a first portion including the conductivity sensor, and a second portion which is opposite the first portion and which includes the pivot axis of the cleaning device.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the end face and the second portion of the end face are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductivity sensor is configured to extend substantially opposite the pivot axis of the cleaning device relative to the median longitudinal plane.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two emitting electrodes and the two receiving electrodes are substantially aligned substantially parallel to the flow axis.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the fluid to be analyzed. Advantageously, measuring the temperature of the fluid to be analyzed allows for a correction of the conductivity measurement performed by the conductivity sensor. This significantly improves the accuracy of the conductivity measurement.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensors comprise a velocity sensor, composed, for example, of two piezoelectric pellets, configured to determine the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed at the measuring head. Such a configuration of the velocity sensor makes it possible, from the measured velocity of the fluid to be analyzed and the diameter of the pipe, to determine the flow rate of the fluid circulating in the pipe. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the piezoelectric pellets of the velocity sensor is inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the flow axis of the fluid to be analyzed.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric pellets of the speed sensor are each provided in the immediate vicinity of a peripheral edge of the end face so as to be as far apart as possible in order to maximize the accuracy of the speed measurement.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the speed sensor, and more specifically the two piezoelectric pellets, is configured to extend substantially along a median diagonal plane of the measuring head.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the median diagonal plane intersects the central median longitudinal plane at the geometric center of the measuring head.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the median diagonal plane and the median longitudinal plane are angularly offset by an angle of approximately 45°. Since the velocity sensor technology is based on the time of flight of the fluid to be analyzed between two points, here the two piezoelectric pellets, it would have been intuitive to place the velocity sensor parallel to the flow axis of the fluid to be analyzed; however, the described configuration of the velocity sensor advantageously avoids creating an obstacle, and therefore does not adversely affect the circulation velocity of the fluid to be analyzed between the two piezoelectric pellets.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face comprises two columns respectively integrating one of the two piezoelectric pads of the speed sensor.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the two columns incorporates the temperature sensor. Advantageously, and in order not to impact the speed measurement performed by the speed sensor, the temperature sensor is configured to extend along the peripheral edge of the end face.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measurement device includes a signal conditioning device, such as an electronic conditioning board, provided within the main body and configured to shape signals from the measurement sensors. This configuration of the invention allows the signal conditioning device to be placed as close as possible to the measurement sensors. The proximity between the signal conditioning device and the measurement sensors prevents the appearance of noise and / or interference during the transmission of very low-intensity measurements from the measurement sensors.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the signal conditioning device is located in the immediate vicinity of the measuring head. This configuration reduces the length of the cabling between the measuring sensors and the signal conditioning device, thereby reducing the risk of misinterpreting the measurements.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the conditioning device is configured to receive analog signals from the measuring sensors, and to convert them into digital signals before transferring them to the control unit.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the measuring sensors and the additional measuring sensor.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the power supply to the measuring sensors and the additional measuring sensor. Such a configuration of the invention allows the measuring sensors to be powered on demand by the control unit, thereby reducing the power consumption of the fluidic measuring device compared to a continuous power supply to the measuring sensors.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a storage device, such as a memory card for example, configured to record the numerical values ​​from the measuring sensors and the additional measuring sensor.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a data transmission device, such as a wifi or Bluetooth card for example, configured to transmit the numerical values ​​outside the fluidic measurement device.

[0082] Brief description of the figures

[0083] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0084] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a fluidic measuring device in a usage configuration and according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0085] Figure 2 is a partial side view of the fluidic measuring device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the fluidic measuring device of Figure 1;

[0086] Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of a measuring head of the fluidic measuring device;

[0087] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the measuring head of Figure 4;

[0088] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the measuring head of Figure 5.

[0089] Detailed description

[0090] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0091] Figures 1 to 6 depict a fluidic measuring device 1 configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed according to an embodiment of the invention. The fluidic measuring device 1 is configured to analyze a fluid composed mainly of water, such as drinking water, flowing in a pipe 100.

[0092] According to the embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device 1 comprises a main body 2 substantially tubular and extending along an extension axis A1, a measuring head 3 comprising measuring sensors 4, a housing 5 configured to be accessible from outside the pipe 100 and a fixing element 6 configured to secure the fluidic measuring device 1 to the pipe 100.

[0093] The main body 2 comprises a proximal end portion 7, a distal end portion 8, and an intermediate portion 9 configured to extend between the proximal end portion 7 and the distal end portion 8. The main body 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is shaped to match by complementary shape with an orifice of the pipe 100. The proximal end portion 7 of the main body 2 is configured to extend at least partially outside the pipe 100, and the distal end portion 8 is configured to protrude inside the pipe 100 when the fluidic measuring device 1 is in the operating configuration.The operating configuration of the fluid measuring device 1 is understood to be a configuration in which the body of said fluid measuring device 1 is at least partially inserted inside the pipe 100 through which the fluid to be analyzed flows. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fastening element 6 is configured to extend around the intermediate portion 9 of the main body 2 and to secure the fluid measuring device 1 to the pipe 100. More specifically, the fastening element 6 is configured to cooperate removably with an additional fastening element 10 provided on the pipe 100, for example. Furthermore, the fastening element 6 is configured to ensure a leak-proof connection between the fluid measuring device 1 and the pipe 100 in the operating configuration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body 2 has an external thread configured to cooperate with an internal tapping provided on the fastening element 6.

[0094] According to the embodiment of the invention, the housing 5 (shown in Figure 1) is configured to be accessible from outside the pipe 100 and to extend consecutively to the proximal end portion 7 of the main body 2. The housing 5 includes a control unit UC configured to control the operation of the fluidic measuring device 1, and is configured to perform at least part of the processing of information from the measuring sensors 4.

[0095] According to the embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the measuring head 3 is provided on the distal end portion 8 of the main body 2 and includes measuring sensors 4 configured to measure various parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed. The measuring head 3 is advantageously configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the fluidic measuring device 1 is in its operating configuration.

[0096] The measuring head 3 has an end face 11 that is substantially circular and extends substantially transversely to the extension axis A1. The end face 11 has a diameter between 22 mm and 42 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 37 mm, and is, for example, 32 mm. This dimension of the end face 11 allows it to adapt to the majority of pipes while avoiding being too invasive and not hindering the flow of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipe 100.

[0097] According to the embodiment of the invention, and as shown more specifically in Figures 4 to 6, the measuring head 3 comprises an optical sensor 4.1, such as a turbidimeter, configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to measure, by measuring the variation in light intensity measured by the optical sensor 4.1 relative to a reference point, the quantity of suspended particles present in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0098] The measuring head 3 comprises two transparent elements 12 covering the optical sensor 4.1, the optical sensor 4.1 being configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed through the two transparent elements 12. The two transparent elements 12 are configured to extend substantially along a median longitudinal plane P1 of the measuring head 3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the median longitudinal plane P1 is configured to extend substantially parallel to a flow axis A2 of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipe 100. Furthermore, the measuring head 3 includes a central area comprising the central axis of the measuring head and comprising the two transparent elements 12 covering the optical sensor 4.1.

[0099] The measuring head 3 includes a cleaning device 13 configured to clean the two transparent elements 12 provided on the measuring head 3. This configuration of the invention allows for the mechanical removal of accumulated deposits and dirt on the two transparent elements 12, thus preventing a deterioration in the measurement accuracy performed by the optical sensor 4.1. The cleaning device 13 is pivotally movable about a pivot axis A3, which is parallel to the extension axis A1 of the main body 2. This configuration of the cleaning device 13 reduces the space required for the cleaning function compared to a "straight-line" alternative, for example. The pivot axis A3 is advantageously located on a median transverse plane P2 of the measuring head 3. Advantageously, the two transparent elements 12 cover the optical sensor 4.1 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the median transverse plane P2 comprising the pivot axis A3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the median longitudinal plane P1 and the median transverse plane P2 are angularly offset by an angle of approximately 90°.

[0100] The cleaning device 13 includes a cleaning part, such as a soft cleaning foam for example, configured to be in contact with the two transparent elements 12 and to move back and forth in the manner of a windshield wiper.

[0101] The measuring head 3 includes a conductivity sensor 4.2, also called a conductivity meter, configured to measure the ability of the fluid to be analyzed to conduct an electric current. Furthermore, the conductivity sensor 4.2 is disposed on a first portion of the end face 11 which is opposite a second portion of the end face 11 comprising the pivot axis A3 of the cleaning device 13; the first portion of the end face 11 and the second portion of the end face 11 being disposed on either side of the median longitudinal plane P1, the conductivity sensor 4.2 being configured to extend substantially opposite the pivot axis A3 with respect to the median longitudinal plane P1. The conductivity sensor 4.2 comprises four electrodes substantially aligned parallel to the flow axis A2, and configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the fluidic measuring device 1 is in its operating configuration. More specifically, the conductivity sensor 4.2 comprises two emissive electrodes, each configured to generate an electric current in the fluid to be analyzed, and two receptive electrodes, each configured to measure the electric current flowing in the fluid to be analyzed.

[0102] The measuring head 3 includes a temperature sensor 4.3 configured to measure the temperature of the fluid being analyzed. Advantageously, measuring the temperature of the fluid being analyzed allows for a correction to be made to the conductivity measurement performed by the conductivity sensor 4.2. This significantly improves the accuracy of the conductivity measurement.

[0103] The measuring head 3 includes a velocity sensor 4.4, composed of two piezoelectric pellets 15, configured to determine the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed at the measuring head 3. Advantageously, each of the piezoelectric pellets 15 of the velocity sensor 4.4 is inclined at approximately 45° to the flow axis A2 of the fluid to be analyzed. Furthermore, the piezoelectric pellets 15 must be as far apart as possible to maximize the accuracy of the velocity measurement; to this end, each of the piezoelectric pellets 15 of the velocity sensor 4.4 is provided in the immediate vicinity of a peripheral edge of the end face 11. This configuration of the velocity sensor 4.4 makes it possible, from the measured velocity of the fluid to be analyzed and the diameter of the pipe 100, to determine the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the pipe 100.The two piezoelectric pellets 15 are configured to extend substantially along a median diagonal plane P3 of the measuring head 3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the median diagonal plane P3 intersects the central median longitudinal plane P1 at a geometric center of the measuring head 3 and is offset from the median longitudinal plane P1 by an angle of approximately 45°. Since the velocity sensor technology 4.4 is based on the time of flight of the fluid to be analyzed between two points, here the two piezoelectric pellets 15, it would have been intuitive to place the velocity sensor 4.4 parallel to the flow axis A2 of the fluid to be analyzed. However, the configuration of the velocity sensor 4.4 described above advantageously avoids creating an obstacle, and therefore does not adversely affect the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed between the two piezoelectric pellets 15. Furthermore, the configuration of the velocity sensor 4.4 and its alignment along the median diagonal plane P3 allows us to measure a change in the direction of the flow of the fluid to be analyzed in the pipe 100 for example.

[0104] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the end face 11 comprises two columns, each integrating one of the two piezoelectric pellets 15 of the velocity sensor 4.4. Furthermore, one of the columns integrates the temperature sensor 4.3 (see Figure 6). Advantageously, and in order not to interfere with the velocity measurement performed by the velocity sensor 4.4, the temperature sensor 4.3 is configured to extend along the peripheral edge of the end face 11. In addition, the fluidic measuring device 1 includes a sampling conduit 16 opening into the measuring head 3 and configured to allow circulation of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head 3 to an additional measuring sensor 17, which is offset from the measuring head 3. This additional measuring sensor 17 is configured to perform an additional measurement of the fluid to be analyzed.Such a configuration of the fluidic measuring device 1 makes it possible to maximize the number of sensors, and therefore the number of measurements of the fluid to be analyzed, at the measuring head 3, while also allowing a remote measurement relative to the measuring head 3 by means of the sampling conduit 16 and the additional measuring sensor 17; this while ensuring a high compactness of the fluidic measuring device 1. The sampling conduit 16 includes a sampling orifice 18 provided on the end face 11 and extends to the additional measuring sensor 17 provided in the housing 5.

[0105] The fluidic measuring device 1 includes a filter element 19 configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the sampling conduit 16. This configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the sampling conduit 16, which would make it impossible to sample the fluid to be analyzed by the additional measuring sensor 17. The filter element 19 is configured to extend upstream of the sampling conduit 16, for example, at the sampling orifice 18. This configuration allows for increased accessibility of the filter element 19 when the fluidic measuring device 1 is removed from the pipe 100. The filter element 19 is configured to be removably fixed, for example, by means of a male-female fastening system, opposite the sampling orifice 18.Advantageously, the filtration element 19 is made at least partly from a polymer, such as plastic for example, and has a mesh with a mesh size of about 10 pm.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional measuring sensor 17 is configured to measure the chlorine concentration, and more particularly the free chlorine concentration, for example, present in the fluid to be analyzed. The specific configuration of the invention advantageously allows for sampling in the pipe 100, followed by remote measurement of the chlorine concentration in the fluid to be analyzed. Indeed, measuring the chlorine concentration requires mixing the fluid to be analyzed with one or more reagents provided in the housing 5 so as to be accessible by a user from outside the pipe 100 without dismantling the fluidic measuring device 1. Integrating the additional measuring sensor 17 and the reagents into the housing 5 advantageously overcomes the obvious space constraints related to the dimensions of the measuring head 3 and the main body 2.Advantageously, the additional measuring sensor 17 is a microfluidic measuring sensor. By microfluidic measuring sensor, we mean a miniaturized measuring sensor designed to handle and analyze very small volumes of fluids, often on the microliter or nanoliter scale.

[0107] The fluidic measuring device 1 further includes a pressure balancing line 20 configured to ensure pressure equalization between the pipe 100 and a pressurization chamber 21 provided in the housing 5 and suitable for receiving a reagent container 22, such as a bag or a flexible-walled container, for example. Advantageously, the pressure balancing line 20 is arranged symmetrically to the sampling conduit 16 with respect to the median longitudinal plane P1, the sampling conduit 16 and the pressure balancing line 20 each being arranged, for example, along the median transverse plane P2. Such a configuration of the pressure balancing line 20 advantageously allows the reagents used by the additional measuring sensor 17 to be brought to the same pressure as the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the sampling conduit 16.

[0108] The pressure balancing line 20 is configured to open into the measuring head 3 at a balancing orifice 23 provided on the end face 11.

[0109] The pressure balancing line 20 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the sampling conduit 16 in order to ensure rapid pressurization of the pressurization chamber and has a diameter approximately equal to 2.5 mm.

[0110] The sampling orifice 18 and the balancing orifice 23 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the geometric center of the measuring head 3, and more particularly on either side of the median longitudinal plane P1. This configuration of the invention advantageously prevents alteration of the measurement performed by the additional measuring sensor 17, as fluid rejection through the pressure balancing line 20 can affect the characteristics of the fluid being analyzed in the immediate vicinity of the balancing orifice 23.

[0111] The fluidic measuring device 1 includes a filtration element 24 configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed flowing in the pressure balancing line 20. This configuration of the invention prevents obstruction of the pressure balancing line 20, which would make it impossible to equalize the pressures between the pipe 100 and the pressurization chamber. The filtration element 24 is machined from the material composing the measuring head 3 and has a mesh with a mesh size of approximately 1 mm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic measuring device 1 includes a signal conditioning device (not shown in the figures), such as an electronic signal conditioning board. The signal conditioning device is provided in the main body 2 and is configured to shape analog signals from the measuring sensors 4.Such a configuration of the invention allows the signal conditioning device to be placed as close as possible to the measuring sensors 4. The proximity between the signal conditioning device and the measuring sensors 4 prevents the appearance of noise and / or interference during the transmission of very low-intensity measurements from the measuring sensors 4. The conditioning device is located in the immediate vicinity of the measuring head 3. Such a configuration of the invention reduces the length of the cabling between the measuring sensors 4 and the signal conditioning device, thus reducing the risk of misinterpreting the measurements. The conditioning device is configured to receive the analog signals from the measuring sensors 4 and convert them into digital signals before transferring them to the control unit UC.

[0112] The control unit UC is configured to control the operation of the measuring sensors 4 and the additional measuring sensor 17. More specifically, the control unit UC is configured to control the power supply of the measuring sensors 4 and the additional measuring sensor 17. Such a configuration of the invention allows the measuring sensors 4 to be powered on demand by the control unit UC, which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the fluidic measuring device 1 compared to a permanent power supply to the measuring sensors 4.

[0113] In addition, the housing 5 includes a storage device, such as a memory card, configured to record the numerical values ​​from the control unit CU. The housing 5 also includes a data transmission device, such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card, configured to transmit the numerical values ​​outside the fluidic measuring device 1.

[0114] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Fluidic measuring device (1) configured to perform a plurality of measurements relating to the quality of a fluid to be analyzed flowing in a pipe (100), the fluidic measuring device (1) comprising: - a main body 2 which is substantially tubular and which extends along an axis of extension (A1), the main body (2) comprising a proximal end portion (7) and a distal end portion (8), the distal end portion (8) being configured to protrude inside the conduit (100), - a measuring head (3) provided on the distal end portion (8) and comprising measuring sensors (4) configured to measure various parameters relating to the quality of the fluid to be analyzed, the measuring head (3) being configured to be in contact with the fluid to be analyzed when the measuring device is in a usage configuration, - a housing (5) configured to be accessible from outside the pipeline (100) and comprising a control unit (CU) configured to control the operation of the fluidic measuring device (1), and - a sampling conduit (16) opening into the measuring head (3) and configured to allow circulation of the fluid to be analyzed from the measuring head (3) to an additional measuring sensor (17) which is located away from the measuring head (3), said additional measuring sensor (17) being configured to perform an additional measurement of the fluid to be analyzed.

2. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the additional measuring sensor (17) is configured to perform a measurement of the chlorine level present in the fluid to be analyzed.

3. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the additional measuring sensor (17) is a microfluidic measuring sensor.

4. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a filtration element (19) configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed circulating in the sampling conduit (16).

5. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a pressure balancing line (20) configured to ensure a pressure balancing between the pipeline (100) and a pressurization chamber provided in the housing (5) and suitable for receiving a reagent container.

6. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 5, which includes a filtration element (24) configured to filter the fluid to be analyzed circulating in the pressure balancing line (20).

7. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) comprise an optical sensor (4.1) configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed.

8. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 7, which includes at least one transparent element (12) provided on the measuring head (3) and covering the optical sensor (4.1), the optical sensor (4.1) being configured to measure the clarity of the fluid to be analyzed through the at least one transparent element (12).

9. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 8, which includes a cleaning device (13) configured to clean at least one transparent element (12) provided on the measuring head (3).

10. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) comprise a conductivity sensor (4.2) configured to measure the ability of the fluid to be analyzed to conduct an electric current.

11. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the conductivity sensor (4.2) comprises two emitting electrodes each configured to generate an electric current in the fluid to be analyzed, and two receiving electrodes each configured to measure the electric current flowing in the fluid to be analyzed.

12. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) comprise a temperature sensor (4.3) configured to measure a temperature of the fluid to be analyzed.

13. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensors (4) comprise a velocity sensor (4.4) configured to determine the flow velocity of the fluid to be analyzed at the measuring head (3).

14. Fluidic measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a conditioning device provided in the main body (2) and configured to shape signals from the measuring sensors (4).

15. Fluidic measuring device (1) any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (CU) is configured to control the operation of the measuring sensors (4) and the additional measuring sensor (17).

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