EP3489425A2 - Device and method for monitoring the flushing activity of a water conduit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (2) and a method for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe. The device has an interface (4) which can be connected to the water line, two electrically conductive contact surfaces (6, 8) between which an electrically insulating material (10) is arranged and which is connected to the water line of the device (2). can be flowed by fluid located in the water line, and a measuring module (20) for checking an electric current flow and / or an electrical resistance and / or an electrical voltage between the two contact surfaces (6, 8). In this case, the different conductivity of water and air is used to check the flow of water downstream of the purge valve. In a secondary aspect, the present invention provides a drinking water system.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe.

From the prior art it is known to check the flushing activities of a water pipe by measuring the water temperature or the flow rate / flow volume. The DE 10 2011 013 955 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for self-purging using a temperature sensor. By means of the temperature sensor, a temperature profile of the water in the water pipe is recorded and a rinsing process is triggered when the water temperature exceeds or falls below predetermined limits. These limits are typically chosen to be outside of a temperature interval in which bacterial microorganisms, such as Legionella, are viable. Thus, it can be prevented in particular in drinking water pipes that worsens with prolonged non-use of a consumer water quality. From the DE 20 2008 002 822 U1 and the DE 10 2007 009 007 A1 It is known to use a flow sensor in addition to the temperature sensor. The flow sensor is located in a pipe and measures the flow rate through the pipe. The flow sensor allows a quantitative monitoring of the flushing activities of the water pipe. Flow sensors are also used, inter alia, to detect water pipe breaks, as for example in the DE 201 07 717 U1 is described.

For certain requirements and possibly to save costs can be dispensed with a quantitative measurement of the flow rate and only be required to monitor the functional opening or closing of a purge valve. A temperature sensor alone is unsuitable for this requirement profile, since a change in temperature of the water during a flushing process in the water line only after some time by a thermal compensation with fresh air flowing into the line, usually cold water sets. Thus, a malfunction can be determined only after some time of waiting.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simpler way of monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe.

To solve the problem, the present invention proposes a device for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe with the features of claim 1. The device has an interface that is connectable to the water line. In particular, the interface is fluid-tight connectable to the water line. In general, the interface can be connected to the water pipe with connection techniques known in sanitary engineering. These include, for example, screw, solder, welding, adhesive and press connections. Preferably, the interface for connection to the water pipe can be provided with a seal, for example an O-ring or a fiber seal, such as hemp or paper.

The device has two electrically conductive contact surfaces, between which an electrically insulating material is arranged, for example made of ceramic or plastic. In connected to the water line state of the device, the two contact surfaces of befindlichem in the water pipe fluid can be flowed. In particular, the electrically insulating material is arranged such that the two electrically conductive contact surfaces are not in direct contact with each other. Preferably, the two electrically conductive contact surfaces and the electrically insulating material form a, in particular cylindrical, pipe section, at one end of the interface is formed. The other end of the pipe section is usually formed as a free outlet. The water is usually drained into the public sewers. In particular, the device is designed in such a way that fluid contained therein always runs out. Preferably, the device is integrated in a valve, in particular a solenoid valve, or a valve housing.

The device furthermore has a measuring module for checking an electrical current flow and / or an electrical resistance and / or an electrical voltage between the two contact surfaces. By way of example, the measuring module may include a voltage source for applying different electrical potentials to the two contact surfaces and, when bridging the electrically insulating material, measuring an electric current flow between the two contact surfaces.

Thus, it can be determined in a simple manner whether the water pipe is flushed through, that in a flushing activity, a water column bridges the electrically insulating material and in the absence of flushing activity, the two contact surfaces are electrically isolated by the electrically insulating material and the ambient air. Thus, the measuring module measures different values, depending on whether the water pipe or the device is flushed through or not. However, the measurement of an electric current flow between the two contact surfaces can also take place via direct consumption of an electrical consumer connected thereto.

Preferably, the measuring device is contactable with the contact surfaces and provided outside the flow path of the fluid. In general, the contact surfaces have an inside and an outside, wherein only the inside of the fluid can be flowed against. The contact surfaces on the inside are usually flush with the inner circumference of the receiving circle. Usually, the outer sides of the contact surfaces with the measuring device in, in particular electrical, contact. Since the measuring module has no disturbing internals, which dive into the flow path of the fluid, and since the measuring principle is substantially independent of pressure, density, temperature and viscosity of the fluid, a particularly störungsunanfällige monitoring of flushing activities of a water pipe can be ensured.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contact surfaces are each formed by a metallic pipe section. The insulating material is connected as circumferentially closed intermediate piece with the metallic pipe sections. In particular, the metallic pipe sections have a cylindrical shape. The material from which the metallic pipe sections are formed is preferably gunmetal. The insulating material is preferably a plastic. With this development, a structurally simple and inexpensive to manufacture embodiment of the present invention is given.

According to a further preferred development of the present invention, the insulating material forms a pipe section. The pipe section is preferably substantially cylindrical. The contact surfaces are in this case arranged spaced from each other in this pipe section. This development is to be preferred in terms of electrical insulation and electrical safety. Furthermore, this preferred development allows more complex arrangements of the contact surfaces relative to each other. For example, the contact surfaces can be arranged in the flow direction at the same height or offset from one another. Just as well, the contact surface orthogonal to the flow direction at the same height or offset from one another. Preferably, the pipe section is arranged horizontally and has two lower contact surfaces in the lower half of the pipe section and two upper contact surfaces in the upper half of the pipe section. Usually, however, the pipe section still has a slight inclination towards the free drain in order to avoid stagnant water in the device. This makes it possible to carry out one measurement simultaneously for the lower contact surfaces and the upper contact surfaces and to combine the measured values, in particular to add them up. For example, results in a different result in a half only filled pipe section compared to an empty or substantially completely filled pipe section. Thus, under certain circumstances, a conclusion on the at least approximate flow rate can be made. It can also be determined hereby whether a flushing valve arranged in the water line opens fully functional or releases a passage reduced in relation to the open position. More preferably, the pipe section has a plurality of contact surfaces, which are arranged in pairs at different heights, wherein the contact surfaces forming the pair are arranged at the same height.

According to a preferred development of the present invention, the device has a signal module that outputs a signal as long as the two contact surfaces are in electrical contact via a water column. The signal can be both analog and digital in nature. The signal may be, for example, a square wave signal, a tone signal or a flare signal. Under certain circumstances, the measured size of the measuring module itself can be output as the signal. The signal module is usually designed such that it detects whether a closed circuit is present between the two contact surfaces by means of a water column and / or whether the measured value of the measuring module is above a predetermined limit value. If the signal module detects that this is the case, it usually outputs the signal. The limit value can be determined in advance by a control measurement, in particular fixed, but also overwritable. Preferably, the signal module has an information technology interface for location-remote output of the signal. Thus, the signal can optionally be displayed directly on the device and / or remote, for example on a central controller for flushing the water pipe. In the latter case, an operator can directly adjust the signal with purging times stored in the controller. A malfunction of a flush valve arranged in the water line can thus be recognized immediately.

More preferably, the signal module outputs no or another signal when there is no water column between the two contact surfaces. In this case, there is usually no bridging of the electrically insulating material, so that the contact surfaces are electrically insulated from one another. Usually then no current flows between the contact surfaces. Usually then no difference in the electrical potential of the two contact surfaces is measurable. In this case, the signal module does not output a signal. The absence of a signal can therefore be interpreted by an operator so that no flushing takes place.

According to a further preferred development of the present invention, the measuring module and the signal generator are designed as a continuity tester, i. the continuity tester contains the measuring module and the signal transmitter. A continuity tester is an electrical tester that uses an optical or audible signal to indicate whether two points are electrically connected. As a rule, a continuity tester has two test probes, between which it generates an auxiliary or test voltage by means of a built-in battery. In series there is a signal lamp or an acoustic signal generator in the continuity tester. If there is an electrical connection between the test probes, a current flows, which the tester signals optically or acoustically. The measuring module, however, can also be designed as a resistance measuring device. Digital resistance meters usually have current sources with a constant current and determine the electrical resistance based on a measured voltage.

Preferably, the device has a memory unit, on which measured values of the measuring module can be stored over time, as is known from US Pat DE 10 2007 009 007 A1 known per se. In addition or as an alternative, the memory unit can store the duration and possibly the start and end time of the signal. The storage unit thus enables the continuous display of the flushing activity of a water pipe.

Further preferably, the device has a parameter unit on which map data of the electrical current and / or the electrical resistance and / or the electrical voltage and / or limit values for the purging duration and, if appropriate, a rinsing plan with such limit values can be stored. The map data are usually determined by control measurements and stored in advance on the parameter unit. The limit values for the purging duration usually result from the time difference of the actuating signals for opening or closing the purging valve and a certain tolerance interval. The tolerance interval can vary depending on the requirement. In general, the tolerance interval and the limits are set before or during the installation of the device. Preferably, the parameter unit has an input interface by which the map data and / or the limit values or the tolerance interval can be overwritten. A rinsing plan generally has a plurality of data blocks, wherein a data block includes at least the start and end times and possibly the rinsing time of a planned rinsing process. An advantage of such a parameter unit is, as in the DE 10 2007 009 007 A1 described that thereby different water supply networks can be considered by the deposit of different Spülgrenzwerte. The input interface preferably has operating elements for setting the purging limit values or the tolerance interval.

According to a preferred development of the present invention, the device has an adjustment module, which balances the data stored on the storage unit with the data stored on the parameter unit in order to determine the flushing activity of the water line. In the simplest case, the adjustment module compensates the measured purging duration, which corresponds to the duration of the signal, with the purging duration limit stored on the parameter unit. If the measured value is below the lower purge duration threshold or above the upper purge duration threshold, the output module preferably issues a warning signal. The warning signal can be realized optically, for example in the form of a red-lit lamp, or acoustically, for example in the form of an alarm tone. However, the matching module may include the memory unit and the parameter unit. The memory unit, the parameter unit and the adjustment module are preferably combined in an integrated circuit on a circuit board. The calibration module enables the automated evaluation and interpretation of the measurements of the measuring module. An operator or maintenance person therefore only has to intervene actively if the balancing module indicates a malfunction.

According to a further preferred development of the present invention, the adjustment module has an information technology interface for location-remote output of the warning signal. Thus, a malfunction can be displayed directly in the office or the job site of a maintenance person and / or at a central control of the flushing device. The information technology interface can be wireless or wired.

With a subsidiary aspect, the present invention aims to provide an outlet fitting comprising a device according to claim 1 or one or more of said preferred developments. The outlet fitting is characterized in that the electrically conductive contact surfaces in the flow direction upstream of a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve is preferably a flush valve. The flush valve may be connectable to a central purge control. Thus, with the help of a single valve, both the flushing process can be performed and monitored.

In a secondary aspect, the present invention provides a drinking water system with a connection to a water supply, in particular to the public supply network, with at least one supply line leading to at least one consumer and a flushing valve downstream of the consumer in the flow direction. Such a drinking water system is well known. For example, such a drinking water system is in the European patent application EP 1 845 207 A1 described, its embodiment is made by this reference to the disclosure of the present application. The flush valve of the drinking water system or the outlet fitting may, however, be connected in terms of control with a central control unit, as shown in the EP 1 845 207 A1 is described. With this reference, in particular the described embodiment of the controllable flushing valve, the central control unit, as well as the control coupling of the control unit with the flushing valve to the disclosure content of the present application is made. The drinking water system according to the present application is characterized in that two electrically conductive contact surfaces arranged downstream of the flushing system in the flow direction are provided, between which an electrically insulating material is arranged and which can be flowed in by drinking water when the flushing valve is open. The drinking water system furthermore has a measuring module for checking an electrical current flow and / or an electrical resistance and / or an electrical voltage between the two contact surfaces. The drinking water system may be designed according to one or more of the developments mentioned in connection with the device.

However, the present invention also relates to a method of monitoring the purging activity of a water pipe in which the different electrical conductivity of water and air is utilized to check the flow of water downstream of the flushing valve. The method may be essential to the invention on its own, in particular according to one or more of the preferred developments described below.

In the method according to the invention, it is preferable to measure the electrical contact between two electrically conductive contact surfaces of a line section which are spatially spaced apart by an electrically insulating material, in order to check whether the gap between the contact surfaces is substantially filled with air or water. So the process can be carried out in a very simple way. The information generated by the method can be limited to the essentials, namely the answer to the question of whether or not it is properly rinsed. Preferably, a flow signal is output as long as the contact surfaces are in electrical contact via a water column. Thus, the flow signal, usually by an operator, be matched with flushing times, which are stored for example in a Spülplan. More preferably, no or other signal is output when the gap between the contact surfaces is substantially filled with air.

In the method, the time difference ΔT between a control signal S1 for opening a flush valve and a control signal S2 for closing the flush valve is preferably compared with the duration ΔD of the flow signal and a warning signal output when ΔD <ΔT - I1, where I1 is a first predetermined tolerance time.

Preferably, the time difference ΔT between a control signal S1 for opening a purge valve and a control signal S2 for closing the purge valve compared to the duration .DELTA.D of the flow signal and a warning signal is output when .DELTA.D> .DELTA.T + I2, where I2 is a second predetermined tolerance time.

More preferably, the output time T1 of a control signal S1 for opening a purge valve is compared with the start time D1 of the flow signal and a warning signal is output when D1> T1 + I3, where I3 is a third predetermined tolerance time.

Very preferably, the output time T2 of a control signal S2 for closing a purge valve is compared with the end time D2 of the flow signal and a warning signal is output if D2> T2 + I4, where I4 is a fourth predetermined tolerance time.

Usually, the evaluation of the aforementioned inequalities takes place with the aid of a computer-controlled arithmetic unit. The tolerance times are usually adjustable. The warning signal is usually very noticeable. It can usually be issued both locally and remotely.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zur Überwachung der Spülaktivitäten einer Wasserleitung und

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Auslaufarmatur aufweisend eine Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1.

Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. In this show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe and

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of an outlet fitting comprising a device according to Fig. 1 ,

In Fig. 1 a device 2 for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe is shown. The device 2 has an interface 4, which is fluid-tightly connectable to a water line. In the present case, the interface 4 is designed as a (not shown) external thread. The interface 4 is formed integrally with a first electrically conductive contact surface 6. The first electrically conductive contact surface 6 is made as a cylindrical tubular section made of red brass. A second electrically conductive contact surface 8, which is formed identical to the first electrically conductive contact surface 6 except for the interface is, is spaced therefrom by an electrically insulating material 10. The electrically insulating material 10 is connected on the one hand to the first electrically conductive contact surface 6 and on the other hand to the second electrically conductive contact surface 8. The electrically insulating material 10 is circumferentially closed, so that the electrically conductive contact surfaces 6, 8 are not in direct contact with each other. The interface 4, the electrically conductive contact surfaces 6, 8 and the electrically insulating material 10 thus form a substantially tubular conduit section 12. At the end of the conduit section 12 facing away from the interface 4, this is designed as a free outlet 14. The water can always drain away and stagnation in the device can be prevented. The direction of flow of the water is indicated by the arrow marked with reference numeral 16. A water column flowing into the device is identified by reference numeral 18. A measuring module 20 is formed in the present case as an ohmmeter and is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive contact surfaces 6, 8 in order to measure an electrical resistance between these contact surfaces 6, 8. A signal module 22 is connected to the ohmmeter 20. The signal module 22 has a signal light 24, which is lit up as long as the measured resistance is below a predetermined limit. The limit value is determined so that it is below the measured value when the device is empty. Decreases the electrical resistance by a water column, which bridges the electrically insulating material 10, the signal light 24 lights up.

The Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an outlet fitting with a device according to Fig. 1 , Identical components are designated here by the same reference numerals. The outlet fitting 30 has an inlet 32 and an outlet 34, which is designed as a free outlet. Furthermore, the outlet fitting has a shut-off valve 36, which is upstream of the two contact surfaces 6, 8 in the flow direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Device for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe

4

Interface / thread

6

first electrically conductive contact surface

8th

second electrically conductive contact surface

10

electrically insulating material

12

Pipeline section

14

free outlet

16

Flow direction of the water

18

water column

20

ohmmeter

22

signal module

24

signal light

30

outlet fitting

32

inlet

34

outlet

36

shut-off valve

Claims (15)

Device (2) for monitoring the flushing activities of a water pipe, characterized by an interface (4) which is connectable to the water pipe, two electrically conductive contact surfaces (6, 8), between which an electrically insulating material (10) is arranged and in connected to the water line state of the device (2) of befindlichem in the water pipe fluid can be flowed, and a measuring module (20) for checking an electric current flow and / or an electrical resistance and / or an electrical voltage between the two contact surfaces (6, 8 ). Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring module (20) with the contact surfaces (6, 8) is contactable and provided outside the flow path of the fluid. Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact surfaces (6, 8) are each formed by a metallic pipe section and the insulating material (10) is connected as circumferentially closed intermediate piece with the metallic pipe sections (6, 8) , Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insulating material (10) forms a pipe section and the contact surfaces (6, 8) spaced from each other in this pipe section (10) are arranged. Device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pipe section (10) is arranged horizontally and has two lower contact surfaces in the lower half of the pipe section and two upper contact surfaces in the upper half of the pipe section (10). Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a signal module (22) which outputs a signal as long as the two contact surfaces (6, 8) are in electrical contact via a water column. Device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the signal module (22) outputs no signal when between the two contact surfaces (6, 8) is not a water column. Device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the measuring module (20) and the signal module (22) are designed as a continuity tester. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a memory unit, on the values measured over time of the measuring module (20) and / or duration and possibly start and end time of the signal of the signal module (22) can be stored. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a parameter unit, on the map data of the electrical current and / or the electrical resistance and / or the electrical voltage and / or limits for a purging period and, if necessary, a rinsing plan with such limits is stored , Device (2) according to claim 10, characterized by an adjustment module, which balances the data stored on the storage unit with the data stored on the parameter unit in order to determine the flushing activity of the water pipe. Device (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the balancing module outputs a warning signal when the data does not match in the adjustment within a predetermined tolerance range. Outlet fitting (30) comprising a device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a shut-off valve (36) upstream of the contact surfaces (6, 8) in the flow direction. Drinking water system with a connection to a water supply, in particular to the public water supply network, at least one leading to at least one consumer supply line and the consumer downstream in the flow direction flushing valve, characterized by two the flushing valve in the flow direction downstream electrically conductive contact surfaces, between which an electrically insulating material is and when open Purge valve are flowed through by drinking water, and a measuring module for checking an electric current flow and / or an electrical resistance and / or an electrical voltage between the two contact surfaces. A method of monitoring the purging activity of a water pipe in which the different electrical conductivity of water and air is utilized to check the flow of water downstream of the purging valve.

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