A mounting arrangement and a sensing arrangement for a fluid pipe

Abstract

A sensing apparatus on a fluid pipe, the sensing apparatus comprising a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap with at least one sensor mounted thereto for insertion and removal of the at least one sensor within the fluid pipe.

Description

[0001] A MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT AND A SENSING ARRANGEMENT FOR A FLUID PIPE

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to monitoring of fluid pipes. In particular, the invention relates to a mounting arrangement for mounting a sensing arrangement using a sensing fibre relative to a fluid pipe.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Many modern services rely upon a network of pipes to carry or distribute fluids. Examples include fresh water, wastewater and sewage, and fuels such as oil or gas. It is common to monitor the operation of the network and the condition of pipes. In this manner, blockages, leaks or other issues can be identified and scheduled for repair.

[0006] Fibre sensing is a technique that uses the changes in the optical properties of a sensing fibre, to make measurements of the fibre’s environment, such as pressure, temperature, strain, and vibrations (acoustics). As these sensing fibres can be made relatively cheaply, they can be run over long distances and then used to make measurements at different points along their length. This makes them very useful for data collection activities where power or access is limited, such as along buried pipes or in remote areas. This can assist in the monitoring of pipe networks such as fresh water, wastewater and sewage, and fuels such as oil or gas. It is common to monitor the operation of the network and the condition of pipes. In this manner, blockages, leaks or other issues can be identified and scheduled for repair.

[0007] In order to make measurements, light pulses are coupled into a sensing fibre. The external environment and conditions of the sensing fibre affect backscattered light pulses generated as the light pulses travel through the sensing fibre. These backscattered pulses can then be detected and used to make a measurement of a property of interest at different points along the sensing fibre. There are a number of different techniques that can be employed such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) (or distributed vibration sensing (DVS)), distributed strain sensing (DSS) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS). This technique is also further described in WO2019 / 166809A1. A current limitation of widespread monitoring systems is the cost of deployment of highly distributed sensors, so at present these are very dispersed and infrequently located, meaning the full realisation of the benefits cannot be achieved.

[0008] There is also a further issue with installation, servicing, repair and replacement of distributed sensors. This is experienced in situations where a sensor is in a remote or difficult to access location where it is difficult to reach or a long way from support but also where there are many sensors in a small area, which may be easier to access, but their high density means that servicing, repair or replacement can be time consuming.

[0009] Both situations give rise to increased costs and time taken in installation, servicing, repair and replacement as well as potentially requiring complex and difficult disassembly and reassembly of a sensor apparatus on site.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid distribution system comprising one or more fluid pipes and at least one sensing apparatus according to the present invention provided at one or more points within the fluid distribution system; and a system controller wherein each sensing apparatus is connected to the system controller.

[0011] In this manner, the system controller can monitor fluid flow at multiple points within a fluid distribution system.

[0012] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects, methods, examples or embodiments described herein may be applied to any other method, aspect, example, embodiment or feature. Further, the description of any aspect, method, example or feature may form part of or the entirety of an embodiment of the invention as defined by the claims. Any of the examples described herein may be an example which embodies the invention defined by the claims and thus an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensing apparatus on a fluid pipe, the sensing apparatus comprising a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap with at least one sensor mounted thereto for insertion and removal of the at least one sensor within the fluid pipe.

[0015] The provision of one or more sensors on a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap provides for convenient installation, servicing, repair and replacement of any associated sensors. In addition, this reduces the complexity or difficulty of such actions.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bypass sensing apparatus for monitoring a fluid pipe, the sensing apparatus comprising a) a bypass assembly on pipe entry / exit flange cap, the bypass assembly comprising an upstream conduit with an entry oriented opposite to a fluid flow direction and configured to divert a portion of the fluid flow externally of the fluid pipe and a downstream conduit with an entry oriented in the fluid flow direction and configured to return the portion of the fluid flow to the fluid pipe; and b) at least one sensor located between the upstream conduit and the downstream conduit on the bypass assembly, the upstream conduit and the downstream conduit each being provided with an isolation valve configured to selectively fluidly isolate the upstream / downstream conduit from the fluid pipe and a coupling element configured to enable the at least one sensor to be removed from the bypass assembly.

[0017] The flanged fitting cap may be removably attachable to a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting on or connected to the fluid pipe. The pipe entry / exit flanged fitting preferably extends at an angle to the fluid pipe. Although any angle may be used including an acute angle or an obtuse angle, the angle may be approximately 90 degrees.

[0018] A flange may be provided at an outer end of the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting. The flanged fitting cap may be joined to the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting using a number of bolts to attach the two parts together, preferably with a gasket in between.

[0019] The flange fitting cap may be substantially planar. A number of openings may be provided spaced about an outer periphery of the flange cap, corresponding to the number of openings may be provided spaced about an outer periphery of the flange on the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting. The sensing apparatus may be used to mount any type of at least one sensor relative to a fluid pipe. For example, the at least one sensor may be or comprise at least one sensing fibre, for example a sensing fibre used for DAS, DTS and / or DSS sensing.

[0020] The at least one sensor may be positioned within the fluid flow within the fluid pipe. Positioning the at least one sensor within the fluid flow may allow the at least one sensor to monitor at least one characteristic of the fluid within the fluid pipe.

[0021] The at least one sensor may be positioned relative to the fluid pipe itself. Positioning the at least one sensor relative to the fluid pipe may allow the at least one sensor to monitor at least one characteristic of the fluid pipe.

[0022] The at least one sensor may be mounted or attached directly or indirectly to the flanged fitting cap.

[0023] At least one sensor may be mounted directly to the flanged fitting cap. Preferably, the at least one sensor may be mounted to an underside of the flanged fitting cap. This may locate the at least one sensor within the fluid pipe and / or within the fluid flow within the fluid flow.

[0024] At least one mounting member or mounting assembly may be mounted to the flanged fitting cap. The at least one mounting member or mounting assembly may mount at least one sensor relative to the flanged fitting cap. This may allow the removal of the at least one sensor mounted to the flanged fitting cap by removing the flanged fitting cap.

[0025] The at least one mounting member or mounting assembly may be a part of, or be separate from, a sensor fibre guide element.

[0026] The at least one mounting member or mounting assembly may preferably comprise an elongate mount. In one form, the elongate mount may extend transversely to the direction of fluid flow within the fluid pipe and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis of the fluid pipe.

[0027] The at least one mounting member or mounting assembly may be attached to the flanged fitting cap. The at least one mounting member or mounting assembly may extend through the flanged fitting cap. Alternatively, the at least one mounting member or mounting assembly may be attached to the flanged fitting cap without extending through the flanged fitting cap.

[0028] At least one sensor fibre guide element may be mounted to the flanged fitting cap. The at least one sensor fibre guide element may mount at least one sensor fibre and / or at least one sensor relative to the flanged fitting cap.

[0029] In one form, the at least one mounting member or mounting assembly and / or at least one sensor fibre guide element may comprise a tube through which at least one sensing fibre and / or a sensing cable may enter or exit the fluid pipe.

[0030] The tube may be mounted relative to the fluid pipe and / or pipe fitting via an isolation valve. The isolation valve may be configured to selectively fluidly isolate the tube and / or at least one sensing fibre and / or sensing cable from the fluid pipe. The isolation valve may comprise any type of suitable valve such as a ball valve, gate valve, plug valve, butterfly valve or the like. Thus, the isolation valve can allow easy connection and disconnection of the tube and / or at least one sensing fibre and / or sensing cable from the fluid pipe as needed, such as for maintenance or if it is no longer required.

[0031] The isolation valve may be provided on a section of the tube configured to, and / or intended to, remain outside the fluid pipe. The isolation valve may be provided outside the fluid pipe. This ensures that the isolation valve remains easily accessible.

[0032] The tube may comprise an opening at one end in fluid communication with the fluid pipe. The tube may extend into the fluid pipe to be monitored. The opening may be provided inside the fluid pipe to be monitored. The isolation valve may be provided between the opening and the sensing element. Thus, the tube is conveniently in communication with the fluid inside the fluid pipe.

[0033] The tube may be configured to connect to an access valve provided on the fluid pipe to be monitored. The access valve may be configured to position the tube within the fluid pipe. The access valve may be configured to selectively fluidly isolate the tube from the fluid flow within the pipe. The access valve may comprise any suitable valve, for example as described in relation to the isolation valve.

[0034] The fluid pipe may comprise an access tube extending from the inside of the pipe to the access valve. In such embodiments, the tube may, or may not, comprise an isolation valve.

[0035] In an embodiment, the tube may extend into the fluid pipe transversely. The tube may extend to position the opening at the in-pipe end adjacent to but spaced from the pipe invert, which is the fluid pipe wall opposite to the entry end of the tube. This may assist with locating or positioning the at least one sensing fibre and / or sensing cable substantially parallel to the pipe invert. The at least one sensing fibre and / or sensing cable may abut the pipe invert.

[0036] As mentioned above, the tube may function as a mount for the at least one sensor. A separate mount for the at least one sensor may however be provided.

[0037] The sensing apparatus may be provided relative to a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting provided on the fluid pipe, through which a sensing cable may enter or exit the fluid pipe. The pipe entry / exit flanged fitting may be configured to support the sensing fibre and or the tube. The pipe entry / exit flanged fitting may be configured to be fitted to the fluid pipe. Thus, the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting provides convenient attachment of the sensing fibre to the fluid pipe and allows removal of the at least one sensor by removing the flanged fitting cap.

[0038] The pipe entry / exit flanged fitting may provide entry / exit points on the fluid pipe for the sensing fibre and the tubes of two sensors, each sensor associated with one of the two sensing locations. Thus, the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting enables simple and efficient connection to the inside of the pipe. The entry / exit points may be standard access openings on the fluid pipe or may be dedicated openings formed for mounting the sensing fibre and / or the tube of the sensor.

[0039] The pipe entry / exit flanged fitting may comprise a semi-rigid tubular arrangement configured to be inserted into the fluid pipe. The tubular arrangement may be configured to resist a fluid flow within the pipe. The sensing fibre may be provided inside the tubular arrangement. The tubular arrangement may be configured to control placement of the sensing fibre within the fluid pipe. Thus, the sensing fibre position in the pipe is better controlled relative to the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting.

[0040] In other embodiments, the pipe to be monitored may provide entry / exit points and / or tubular arrangements as described above. The pipe entry / exit flanged fitting may be configured to mount the sensing fibre and one or more sensing locations (e.g. two sensing locations) to an outside of the pipe to be monitored. Thus, the pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap and the mounted at least one sensor can be simply and easily mountable to the pipe.

[0041] A bypass assembly may be mounted to the flanged fitting cap. The bypass assembly may mount at least one sensor relative to the flanged fitting cap.

[0042] A bypass assembly may be provided with an upstream conduit extending into the fluid flow and a downstream conduit extending into the fluid flow. The upstream conduit extending into the fluid flow preferably has a fluid entry oriented toward the fluid flow. The downstream conduit extending into the fluid flow preferably has a fluid exit oriented in the direction of the fluid flow, or may in an alternative embodiment have a direct transverse entry into the fluid pipe.

[0043] An upper end of the upstream conduit and the downstream conduit may be within the fluid pipe, but preferably extend outside the fluid pipe.

[0044] A housing or chamber may be provided to fluidly connect the upper ends of the upstream conduit and the downstream conduit. The at least one sensor may be provided in the housing or chamber. In one form, an upstream sensor and a downstream sensor are provided. In another form, a rotor may be provided in the housing to detect fluid flow velocity.

[0045] In use, the bypass assembly may be positioned relative to the fluid flow within the fluid pipe such that a portion of the fluid flow is diverted outside the fluid pipe, through a housing within which the at least one sensor is located, allowing monitoring of a fluid characteristic by the at least one sensor, before the portion of the fluid flow re-enters the fluid pipe.

[0046] The at least one sensor may be provided in a form of a sensing apparatus comprising at least one sensor configured to generate characteristic events indicative of a sensed parameter of the fluid in the fluid pipe and at least one sensing fibre extending within the fluid pipe, a light emitter for introducing light pulses with particular characteristics into the at least one sensing fibre, a light detector module configured to detect backscattering of the light pulses from the at least one sensing fibre in multiple different sensing modes and output a detector output signal in response thereto, and a processing unit configured to process the detector output signal to extract a component of the detector output signal derived from said characteristic events from the detector output signal so as to monitor the sensed parameter, wherein at least the at least one sensor is mounted relative to a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap for insertion and removal of the at least one sensor within the fluid pipe.

[0047] The sensing apparatus may be provided as or as a part of a flow sensing apparatus for a fluid pipe. In this form, the sensing apparatus may comprise at least one sensing fibre provided within the pipe, a light emitter for introducing light pulses with particular characteristics into the fibre, a light detector module configured to detect backscattering of the light pulses from the sensing fibre in multiple different sensing modes and output a detector output signal in response thereto, at least one flow velocity sensor element configured to generate characteristic acoustic events at a rate indicative of fluid flow velocity, and a fluid flow processing unit configured to process the detector output signal to extract a component of the detector output signal derived from said characteristic acoustic events from the detector output signal so as to monitor flow velocity.

[0048] In one form, the at least one flow velocity sensor element may be mounted to the flanged fitting cap. The at least one flow velocity sensor element may comprise a rotor. The rotor may be a rotor of any type configured to rotate under fluid flow in the fluid pipe.

[0049] In embodiments where the fluid flow velocity sensor element comprises a rotor, the fluid flow velocity sensor element may additionally comprise a static component, wherein interaction between the at least one rotor and the static component generates the characteristic acoustic event.

[0050] As mentioned above, the characteristic acoustic event may be detected by the sensing fibre. The static component may be or may project from a mount upon which the rotor is provided. In suitable embodiments, the static component may be a tube through which the at least one sensing fibre and / or sensing cable may enter or exit the fluid pipe.

[0051] The interaction between the rotor and the static component may be direct or may be indirect.

[0052] In embodiments where there is direct interaction between the rotor and the static component, the interaction may be a physical interaction with a contact member.

[0053] In embodiments where there is indirect interaction between the rotor and the static component, the interaction may result from a magnetic interaction between cooperating magnetic elements on the rotor and the static component. In such embodiments, the cooperating magnetic elements may be configured to mutually attract or mutually repel as required or desired.

[0054] A rotor movement detector may be provided relative to the rotor.

[0055] A non-contact relay such as a reed relay or similar activated by a magnet on the rotor for example or a semiconductor or similar magnetic field detector (such as a Hall Effect sensor, or the like) activated by a magnet on the rotor for example may be used.

[0056] A relay may be provided associated with the respective detector, to work with sounder or vibrator, to apply an acoustic signal to the sensing fibre or a sounder or vibrator to apply an acoustic signal to the fluid pipe or fluid within the pipe. The acoustic signal may then be analysed by an analyser to interrogate the specific location of the sensor apparatus and to ascertain the characteristic acoustic profile of the acoustic signal. The acoustic signal may be a periodic signal with a repetition rate indicative of the fluid flow rate detected for example. If so, an algorithm may then relate the periodicity of the acoustic signal and derive and / or remotely monitor the fluid flow velocity in the fluid pipe at the sensor location. In these embodiments, the detector, 31, relay and / or sounder may require power to function, and the power can be provided by a battery or similar or by provision of a power generator in association with the rotor.

[0057] In alternative arrangements, the sounder or vibrator may be configured to directly output acoustic signals indicative of the relay or magnetic field detector output. Such acoustic signals can be detected and extracted using the sensing fibre as described above. Subsequently, the acoustic signals may be decoded to recreate the Hall effect sensor output. This can thereby facilitate the relay or magnetic field detector output being transmitted over the sensing fibre for processing at a remote location.

[0058] The rotor movement detector may be a light transceiver. The light transceiver may output light of a suitable frequency and detects reflections of the output light. The output light may be generated by an LED or laser and may typically have a frequency in the infrared range. The rotor movement detector may be a sonar transceiver. The sonar transceiver may output sound of a suitable frequency and detects reflections of the output sound. The output sound may have a frequency in the ultrasonic range, for instance 20kHz - 40kHz. The output sound may be generated by a piezo-electric source.

[0059] The sensing apparatus comprise a power generation and flow sensing apparatus for a fluid pipe. Such a sensing apparatus may comprise a flow rotor configured to rotate in response to fluid flow within the pipe, a rotation rate detector configured to detect the rotation rate of the flow rotor and output a signal indicative thereof, a generator module comprising a rotator element and a stator element, wherein relative movement between the rotator element and stator element against electromagnetic resistance generates an output electrical current; and a switching module configured to switch the apparatus between an active mode where the flow rotor is coupled to the generator module and a passive mode where the flow rotor is not coupled to the generator module.

[0060] Providing a power generation and flow sensing apparatus for a fluid pipe with these features allows a single flow rotor to function as both an output electrical current when coupled to the generator module and as a fluid flow velocity sensor element when decoupled from the generator module. Utilising the flow rotor as a fluid flow velocity sensor element when decoupled from the generator module may allow the flow rotor to rotate at a rate to give a more accurate representation of rotation rate due to the fluid flow velocity to the rotation rate detector.

[0061] The flow rotor may be a multipurpose rotor, provided as a part of a flow sensing apparatus to function as both a flow velocity sensor element associated with the fluid flow within the fluid pipe and having a secondary, power generation function. Any one or more of the abovementioned components of the sensing apparatus may be mounted relative to the flanged fitting cap for removal and attachment to the flanged fitting, with the flanged fitting cap.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensing apparatus for monitoring a fluid pipe, the sensing apparatus comprising: a) at least one sensor extending within the fluid pipe, b) at least one sensor guide element mounted to guide entry / exit of the at least one sensor into / out of the fluid pipe, c) an isolation valve configured to selectively fluidly isolate the at least one sensor guide element and / or the at least one sensor from the fluid pipe and d) a coupling element configured to enable the at least one the at least one sensor guide element and / or the at least one sensor to be removed from the fluid pipe.

[0063] Providing a sensing apparatus and / or mounting arrangement as defined above allows installation, servicing, repair and replacement of the sensing apparatus relative to a fluid pipe without requiring any disassembly and / or reassembly of the sensor apparatus on site. It may allow the sensing apparatus to be isolated from the fluid pipe to facilitate removal of the sensing apparatus from the fluid pipe.

[0064] The fluid pipe in which the sensing arrangement is provided may be a single unbranched length of pipe. In such embodiments, the sensing fibre may run along the pipe from one end to the other. In other such embodiments the sensing cable may run in a loop from one end of the pipe to be monitored to the other end and back again.

[0065] The fluid pipe in which the sensing arrangement is provided may comprise a branched network of pipes or part of a branched network of pipes. In such embodiments the sensing cable may run in a loop from an entry point to the far end of each branch in turn.

[0066] The branched network may be any suitable branched network of fluid pipes. In one example, the branched network is a district metered area of a water supply network. In some embodiments, a sensing arrangement may be adapted to monitor multiple pipes under test. In such embodiments, each pipe to be monitored may be a single unbranched length of pipe or each pipe to be monitored may be branched network of pipes or part of a branched network of pipes. In further such embodiments, some pipes to be monitored may be single unbranched lengths of pipe and other pipes to be monitored may be branched networks of pipes or parts of branched networks of pipes.

[0067] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid distribution system comprising one or more fluid pipes and at least one sensing apparatus according to the present invention provided at one or more points within the fluid distribution system; and a system controller wherein each sensing apparatus is connected to the system controller.

[0068] In this manner, the system controller can monitor fluid flow at multiple points within a fluid distribution system.

[0069] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects, methods, examples or embodiments described herein may be applied to any other method, aspect, example, embodiment or feature. Further, the description of any aspect, method, example or feature may form part of or the entirety of an embodiment of the invention as defined by the claims. Any of the examples described herein may be an example which embodies the invention defined by the claims and thus an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0071] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0072] Figure 1A is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a rotor with a contact assembly therein according to an embodiment.

[0073] Figure IB is a top view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1A.

[0074] Figure 2A is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a rotor with a contact assembly therein according to a further embodiment. Figure 2B is a top view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 2A.

[0075] Figure 3A is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a rotor with a contact assembly therein according to an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 3B is a detailed view of a mechanism identified by 18 in Figure 3 A in a first condition.

[0077] Figure 3C is a detailed view of the mechanism identified in Figure 3B in a second condition.

[0078] Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement as illustrated in any one of Figures 5 to 7 showing a trace of the contacts made.

[0079] Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a magnetic sensor arrangement and an active mechanism to deliver acoustic energy to a cable or fibre according to an embodiment.

[0080] Figure 5A is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 5 as ‘A’ in a first embodiment.

[0081] Figure 5B is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 5 as ‘A’ in a second embodiment.

[0082] Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a magnetic sensor arrangement and an active mechanism to deliver acoustic energy to the fluid pipe according to an embodiment.

[0083] Figure 6A is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 6 as ‘B’ in a first embodiment.

[0084] Figure 6B is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 6 as ‘B’ in a second embodiment.

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement and an active mechanism to deliver acoustic energy to a cable or fibre according to an embodiment. Figure 7A is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 7 as ‘C’ in a first embodiment.

[0086] Figure 7B is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 7 as ‘C’ in a second embodiment.

[0087] Figure 8 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement and an active mechanism to deliver acoustic energy to the fluid pipe according to an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 8A is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 8 as ‘D’ in a first embodiment.

[0089] Figure 8B is a schematic side elevation view of the active mechanism illustrated in Figure 8 as ‘D’ in a second embodiment.

[0090] Figure 9 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement in a bypass configuration and with an active mechanism to deliver acoustic energy to a cable or fibre.

[0091] Figure 10 is a detailed view of the sensor and active mechanism as shown in Figure 9.

[0092] Figure 11 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement in a bypass configuration and with an active mechanism to deliver acoustic energy to a cable or fibre.

[0093] Figure 12 is a detailed view of the sensor and active mechanism as shown in Figure 11.

[0094] Figure 13 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement in a first bypass configuration.

[0095] Figure 13 A is an end view from an upstream end of the configuration shown in

[0096] Figure 13.

[0097] Figure 13B is an end view from an upstream end of the configuration shown in Figure 13. Figure 14 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement in a second bypass configuration.

[0098] Figure 14A is an end view from an upstream end of the configuration shown in Figure 14.

[0099] Figure 14B is an end view from an upstream end of the configuration shown in Figure 14.

[0100] Figure 15 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement in a further bypass configuration.

[0101] Figure 15A is a detailed view of the sensor as shown in Figure 15 with loop of fibre to increase gauge length.

[0102] Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a fluid pipe with continuous fibre length according to an embodiment.

[0103] Figure 17 is a schematic side elevation view of a pipe with a sensor arrangement in a further bypass configuration.

[0104] Figure 18 is a detailed view of the sensor arrangement as shown in Figure 17.

[0105] A number of alternative configurations of sensing apparatus mounted relative to a fluid pipe access port are illustrated in the Figures.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 2B, the sensing apparatus comprises a sensing fibre 15 extending into a fluid pipe 2 through a pipe access portion, via a fitting top plate 12 mounted to a flange fitting on the fluid pipe 2. The sensing fibre 15 is located within a tube 14 which is mounted to the fitting top plate 12 to allow entry / exit of the sensing fibre 15 to / from the fluid pipe 2. The sensing fibre 14 extends through the tube 14 and to the pipe invert and then along a length of the fluid pipe.

[0107] A flow velocity sensor element, a rotor in the form illustrated in Figures 1A to 2B, is mounted within the fluid flow in the fluid pipe. Figures 1A and IB show a Savonius-type rotor 3 mounted for rotation about a vertical axis 4b. The rotor 3 is provided with a number of contact elements 13 to physically contact the tube 14 when the rotor 3 is rotating under flow conditions. This physical contact with the tube 14 may cause at least one acoustic event within the sensing fibre 15 indicative of fluid flow velocity.

[0108] The embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B is similar in operating principle to that of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and IB but is based on a H-Darrieus or H-rotor configuration with vertically oriented blades 11 mounted on arms radiating from the vertical axis 9 of rotation.

[0109] As illustrated, the axis 4b, 9 of the rotors in Figures 1A to 2B is mounted using mounting arms 16 mounted to the tube 14. The tube 14 is in turn mounted to the flanged fitting cap 90 which is in turn, attached to the flanged fitting 91 on the fluid pipe 2. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A to 2B, the tube 14 also allows the sensing fibre 15 to enter / exit the fluid pipe 2. A similar configuration of tube 14 is shown in Figure 5.

[0110] In contrast to the rotors in Figures 1A to 2B which generate characteristic acoustic events by direct interaction between the rotor 3 and a static component such as tube 14, in an alternative form illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C, the rotation of the rotor 3 may not make direct contact with the tube 14 or the sensing fibre but may instead be indirectly associated with the tube or the sensing fibre, such as via cooperating magnetic elements 17, 18 for example.

[0111] An example of an indirect association is illustrated in Figure 3A where the vertically mounted rotor 3 has multiple blades 11 provided with one or more magnetic elements 17. The tube 14 is provided with a magnetic mechanism 18. As the rotor 3 rotates, each magnetic element 17 passes the magnetic mechanism 18. This results in a magnetic interaction between the magnetic element 17 and the magnetic mechanism 18. This interaction causes the magnetic mechanism 18 to generate a characteristic acoustic event.

[0112] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate two possible embodiments of a magnetic mechanism 18. Each embodiment comprises a contact arm 19, which may be a magnetic or ferrite element 19 mounted to the tube 14 which the at least one sensing fibre 15 is mounted.

[0113] In Figures 3B and 3C, the contact arm 19 is mounted on a pivot 22. The contact arm 19 is biased toward (Figure 3B) or away from (Figure 3C) the tube 14 within which the sensing fibre 15 is mounted, by a spring 20 (Figure 3B) or 21 (Figure 3C). Interaction with the magnetic element 17 draws the contact arm 19 away from the tube 14 within which the sensing fibre 15 is mounted as the rotor rotates by attraction toward the magnetic element 17 on the rotor 3.

[0114] In Figure 3B, as the magnetic element 17 passes away, the magnetic interaction weakens and the spring 20 pulls the contact arm 19 and back towards the tube 14. The physical contact between contact pad 19a and the tube 14 thereby generates a characteristic acoustic event. In Figure 3C, as the magnetic element 17 passes away, the magnetic interaction weakens and the spring 21 pushes the contact arm 19 back towards the tube 14. The physical contact between contact pad 19a and the tube 14 thereby generates a characteristic acoustic event.

[0115] As in the previous embodiments, the magnetic interaction between magnetic elements 17 and the magnetic mechanism 18 illustrated in Figures 3 A to 3C causes a periodic physical contact with the tube 14 within which the sensing fibre 15 is mounted as the rotor 3 rotates.

[0116] As illustrated schematically in Figure 4, the periodic physical contact causes a signal 26 in the sensor element 15. The sensor element 15 shown in Figure 4, enters the fluid pipe through entry fitting 23 and exits at exit fitting 24. A base module 110 can be provided to interrogate the specific location of the sensor apparatus and to ascertain the characteristic acoustic profile of the acoustic signal 26. An algorithm may then relate the periodicity of the acoustic signal 26 and derive and / or remotely monitor the fluid flow velocity in the fluid pipe 2 at the sensor location, with no power required at the rotor 3 location.

[0117] It can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 4, that the tube 14 which also acts as the rotor mount, is mounted through the top cap of the pipe entry / exit fitting so that the entire assembly (tube 14 and rotor 3) can be removed with the top cap of the pipe entry / exit fitting.

[0118] The embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 to 12 are similar to those already described in that they each involve a sensor element in the form of a rotor 3, but the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 to 12 each have a sounder or vibrator 32 to deliver acoustic energy to the sensor element 15 or the tube 14 through which the sensor element 15 extends or into the fluid pipe 2 itself which is then detected by the sensor element 15.

[0119] As shown in Figure 5, the rotor 3 with blades 11 may be provided with one or more magnetic or ferrite elements 17. The rotor 3 is vertically mounted relative to the tube 14 through which the sensor element 15 extends into or out of the fluid pipe 2. A detector is provided relative to the rotor 3.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the rotor movement detector uses a non-contact relay 30 such as a reed relay or similar activated by magnet 17 on the rotor.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5B, the rotor movement detector uses a semiconductor or similar magnetic field detector 31 (such as a Hall Effect sensor, or the like) activated by magnet 17.

[0122] In both embodiments, a relay 29 is provided associated with the respective detector, to work with sounder or vibrator 28, to apply an acoustic signal to the sensing fibre 15 or a sounder or vibrator 32 to apply an acoustic signal to the pipe 2 or fluid within the pipe 2. The acoustic signal may then be analysed by an analyser to interrogate the specific location of the sensor apparatus and to ascertain the characteristic acoustic profile of the acoustic signal 26. The acoustic signal may be a periodic signal with a repetition rate indicative of the fluid flow rate detected. If so, an algorithm may then relate the periodicity of the acoustic signal 25 and derive and / or remotely monitor the fluid flow velocity in the fluid pipe 2 at the sensor location. In these embodiments, the detector 30, 31, relay 29 and / or sounder 28 will require power to function and the power can be provided by a battery or similar or by provision of a power generator, for example in association with the rotor 3. In alternative arrangements, the sounder or vibrator 28, 32 is configured to directly output acoustic signals indicative of the relay 30 or magnetic field detector 31 output. Such acoustic signals can be detected and extracted using the sensing fibre as described above. Subsequently, the acoustic signals may be decoded to recreate the Hall effect sensor 31 output. This can thereby facilitate the relay 30 or magnetic field detector 31 output being transmitted over the sensing fibre for processing at a remote location.

[0123] It can be seen in Figures 5 to 5B that the tube 14 which also acts as the rotor mount, is mounted to the top cap of the pipe entry / exit fitting so that the entire assembly (tube 14, rotor 3, non-contact relay 30 or detector 31 and relay 29 and sounder 28, if also mounted to the top cap) can be removed with the top cap of the pipe entry / exit fitting.

[0124] The configuration illustrated in Figures 6 to 6B is similar to the configuration illustrated in Figures 5 to 5B except that the rotor mount 27 is a standalone fitting and does not have a sensor element extending therethrough. In this configuration, the sensor element would be provided elsewhere in the fluid pipe, again, preferably extending along a sidewall of the fluid pipe.

[0125] In this configuration, a non-contact relay 30 such as a reed relay or similar activated by magnet 17 on the rotor in Figure 6 A or a semiconductor or similar magnetic field detector 31 (such as a Hall Effect sensor, or the like) activated by magnet 17 in Figure 6B may again be used. A relay 29 is again provided but in the embodiments in Figures 6A and 6B, the sounder or vibrator 32 delivers acoustic energy into the fluid pipe, or a knocker (such as a solenoid or similar) to tap a wall of pipe, either of which may be located internally or externally to the pipe. This creates a signal in the pipe which can be detected by the sensing fibre preferably extending along a sidewall of the fluid pipe which may be analysed as previously described.

[0126] Again, the rotor mount 27 is mounted to the flanged fitting cap 90 of the pipe entry / exit fitting 91 so that the entire assembly (rotor mount 27, rotor 3, non-contact relay 30 or detector 31 and relay 29 and sounder 28, if also mounted to the top cap) can be removed with the top cap of the pipe entry / exit fitting. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 7 to 7B and 8 to 8B are similar to those illustrated and described in Figures 5 to 5B and 6 to 5B, except that in Figures 7A and 8A, the rotor movement detector is a light transceiver 33. The light transceiver 33 outputs light of a suitable frequency and detects reflections of the output light. The output light may be generated by an LED or laser and may typically have a frequency in the infra-red range. In Figures 7B and 8B, the rotor movement detector is a sonar transceiver 34. The sonar transceiver 34 outputs sound of a suitable frequency and detects reflections of the output sound. The output sound may have a frequency in the ultrasonic range, for instance 20kHz - 40kHz. The output sound may be generated by a piezo-electric source.

[0127] A number of alternative configurations of sensing apparatus mounted relative to a fluid pipe bypass configuration are illustrated in Figures 9 to 18.

[0128] As illustrated in Figure 9, a fluid pipe is provided with an access port in the form of a flanged fitting 9 land a flanged fitting cap 90 is provided with a tube 14 mounted thereto, within which extends a sensing cable / fibre 15 to extend into the pipe and along the pipe invert as shown. The fluid flow direction in the fluid pipe is denoted as 6.

[0129] A bypass arrangement is shown including an upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and a downstream static pressure tube 40. A pressure sensor 35 is arranged outside the fluid pipe, relative to the pipe access fitting, and between the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and a downstream static pressure tube 40. The bypass arrangement illustrated in also mounted to the flanged fitting cap 90.

[0130] As shown in more detail in Figure 10, the pressure sensor 35 contains two pressure sensor units 36, 37 each fed respectively from the upstream pitot tube 39 and the static pressure port 40. A sensor relay 38 is provided to take pressure data from sensors 36 & 37, process to data and provide to a sounder or vibrator 28, to apply an acoustic signal to the sensor element 15 as shown in Figure 10.

[0131] Also shown in Figures 9 to 12 is an isolation arrangement allowing the pressure sensor 35 to be isolated from the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and downstream static pressure tube 40. The illustrated isolation system includes an isolation valve 80 on the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and an isolation valve 81 on the downstream static pressure tube 40. Closing these valves 80, 81 will isolate the pressure sensor 35 in the bypass arrangement. A pair of mating flanges 82 are provided on each of the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and downstream static pressure tube 40, which can be disconnected when the pressure sensor has been isolated, allowing the pressure sensor 35 to be removed, for maintenance, repair or replacement as needed, without removing the flanged fitting cap from the fluid pipe 2. This allows ‘live action’ removal, repair or maintenance of the pressure sensor of these embodiments (and any sensor mounted in the same way).

[0132] The difference between the configuration in Figures 11 and 12 as compared to Figures 9 and 10 is that the sensor relay 38 is provided to take pressure data from sensors 36 & 37, process to data and provide to a sounder or vibrator 32, to apply an acoustic signal to the fluid pipe as shown in Figure 12.

[0133] The upstream facing orifice 41 of the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 may be of similar nominal cross-sectional area to the exit orifice 42 of the downstream static pressure tube 40 as shown in Figures 13 to 13B

[0134] In an alternative embodiment, the upstream facing orifice 43 of the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 may be of substantially larger nominal cross-sectional area to the exit orifice 42 of the downstream static pressure tube 40 as shown in Figures 14 to 14B.

[0135] Figures 15 and 15A show an alternative embodiment of a pressure sensor arrangement of pressure sensor 68, which may be internal or preferentially external to the fluid pipe 2, in which fibre strain-based pressure detectors 69 are implemented on the upstream pitot 39 and downstream static ports 40 within the fluid pipe.

[0136] In this form, one of the fibre strain-based pressure sensors 69 for remote analyser based detection is connected to an in-bound sensing fibre 70 from sensing cable 15 (into fitting 73) and the other of the fibre strain-based pressure sensors 69 is connected to on-bound connection 72 back into pipe 2 from a second fitting, spliced into the appropriate fibre within the sensing cable 15 (into fitting 74 via spliced interconnect fibre 58). A loop of fibre 71 is provided between the sensors 69 with a suitable length with respect to the gauge length of the analyser to allow differentiation and correct determination of strain from the two fibre strain sensors 69.

[0137] Also shown in Figures 15 and 15A is an isolation arrangement allowing the pressure sensor 68 to be isolated from the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and downstream static pressure tube 40. The illustrated isolation system includes an isolation valve 80 on the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and an isolation valve 81 on the downstream static pressure tube 40. Closing these valves 80, 81 will isolate the pressure sensor 35 in the bypass arrangement. A pair of mating flanges 82 are provided on each of the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and downstream static pressure tube 40, which can be disconnected when the pressure sensor has been isolated, allowing the pressure sensor 35 to be removed, for maintenance, repair or replacement as needed, without removing the flanged fitting cap from the fluid pipe 2.

[0138] As illustrated in Figure 16, the sensing cable is elongate, entering the fluid pipe through fittings 74, and exiting the fluid pipe through fittings 73, before exiting 59 a final time in connection with to a base module 61.

[0139] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 is also a bypass configuration. In this embodiment, a containment chamber 75 is provided to allow through flow under dynamic pressure from the upstream pitot 39 and downstream static ports 40 within the fluid pipe.

[0140] A rotor may be provided within the containment chamber as shown in Figure 18. The rotor may be of any type previously described or disclosed.

[0141] A chamber detector apparatus 77 may be provided in association with containment chamber 75 to detect rotor rotation (per previous methods described) and to provide either direct impulse signals to a sensing fibre 15 or tube 14 (per methods previously described), or via electronic means to derive an acoustic or knocking signal (per methods previously described).

[0142] Again, an isolation arrangement allowing the containment chamber 75 to be isolated from the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and downstream static pressure tube 40. The illustrated isolation system includes an isolation valve 80 on the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and an isolation valve 81 on the downstream static pressure tube 40. Closing these valves 80, 81 will isolate the containment chamber 75 in the bypass arrangement. A pair of mating flanges 82 are provided on each of the upstream dynamic pressure pitot tube 39 and downstream static pressure tube 40, which can be disconnected when the containment chamber 75 has been isolated, allowing the containment chamber 75 to be removed, for maintenance, repair or replacement as needed, without removing the flanged fitting cap from the fluid pipe 2.

[0143] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sensing apparatus on a fluid pipe, the sensing apparatus comprising a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap with at least one sensor mounted thereto for insertion and removal of the at least one sensor within the fluid pipe.

2. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor is or comprises at least one sensing fibre used for DAS, DTS and / or DSS sensing.

3. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor is positioned within fluid flow within the fluid pipe.

4. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensor is mounted indirectly to the flanged fitting cap via at least one mounting member or mounting assembly mounted to the flanged fitting cap and the at least one mounting member or mounting assembly mounts the at least one sensor.

5. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one mounting member or mounting assembly is a sensor fibre guide element through which a sensing fibre enters or exits the fluid pipe.

6. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the sensor fibre guide element extends through the flanged fitting cap.

7. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the sensor fibre guide element is mounted relative to the flanged fitting cap via an isolation valve configured to selectively fluidly isolate the sensor fibre guide element and / or at least one sensing fibre and / or sensing cable from the fluid pipe.

8. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the isolation valve is provided outside the fluid pipe.

9. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the sensor fibre guide element extends into the fluid pipe transversely to position an opening at an in-pipe end adjacent to but spaced from a pipe invert.

10. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a bypass assembly mounted to the flanged fitting cap to mount the at least one sensor relative to the flanged fitting cap.

11. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the bypass assembly comprises an upstream conduit extending into the fluid flow with a fluid entry oriented toward the fluid flow, and a downstream conduit extending into the fluid flow with a fluid exit oriented in the direction of the fluid flow or transversely into the fluid flow.

12. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein an upper end of the upstream conduit and the downstream conduit extend outside the fluid pipe.

13. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11 further comprising a housing or chamber provided to fluidly connect respective upper ends of the upstream conduit and the downstream conduit and the at least one sensor is provided in the housing or chamber.

14. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one sensing element configured to generate characteristic events indicative of a sensed parameter of the fluid in the fluid pipe, at least one sensing fibre extending within the fluid pipe, a light emitter for introducing light pulses with particular characteristics into the at least one sensing fibre, a light detector module configured to detect backscattering of the light pulses from the at least one sensing fibre in multiple different sensing modes and output a detector output signal in response thereto, and a processing unit configured to process the detector output signal to extract a component of the detector output signal derived from said characteristic events from the detector output signal so as to monitor the sensed parameter, wherein at least the at least one sensor is mounted relative to a pipe entry / exit flanged fitting cap for insertion and removal of the at least one sensor within the fluid pipe.

15. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensor comprises a flow velocity rotor configured to rotate under fluid flow in the fluid pipe and mounted to the flanged fitting cap.

16. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the fluid flow velocity sensor element additionally comprises a static component, wherein interaction between the rotor and the static component generates a characteristic acoustic event.

17. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the characteristic acoustic event is detected by a sensing fibre within the fluid pipe.

18. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein interaction between the rotor and the static component is a physical interaction with a contact member.

19. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein interaction between the rotor and the static component is an indirect interaction between cooperating elements of a rotor movement detector on the rotor and the static component to detect provided rotation of the rotor.

20. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein the sensing apparatus comprises a power generation and flow sensing rotor configured to rotate in response to fluid flow within the pipe, a rotation rate detector configured to detect the rotation rate of the flow rotor and output a signal indicative thereof, a generator module comprising a rotator element and a stator element, wherein relative movement between the rotator element and stator element against electromagnetic resistance generates an output electrical current; and a switching module configured to switch the apparatus between an active mode where the flow rotor is coupled to the generator module and a passive mode where the flow rotor is not coupled to the generator module.

21. A fluid distribution system comprising one or more fluid pipes and at least one sensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one sensing apparatus is provided at one or more points within the fluid distribution system; and a system controller wherein each sensing apparatus is connected to the system controller.

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