EP3994422A1

EP3994422A1 - Device for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement or deformation of an external element to be monitored

Info

Publication number: EP3994422A1
Application number: EP20747109.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Giorgi; Sergio SIGALA; Paolo SALINA
Original assignee: Giorgi Engineering Srl
Current assignee: Giorgi Engineering Srl
Priority date: 2019-07-05
Filing date: 2020-07-02
Publication date: 2022-05-11
Also published as: WO2021005468A1; IT201900011067A1

Abstract

A device is described for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element to be monitored, for example a portion of industrial plant or an architectural element, comprising a first sensor module and a second sensor module being able to detect a rotational displacement of the external element to be monitored, which are associated with and spaced from each other by means of a connection member comprising at least one linear displacement sensor of the external element to be monitored and rotatably associated with a first support element and a second support element respectively, wherein the first and second support elements are suitable to be associated with the external element to be monitored in a fixed and independent manner; a system is also described for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element to be monitored comprising at least one device of the above-mentioned type.

Description

Title: Device for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement or deformation of an external element to be monitored

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present invention relates to a device comprising mechanical and electronic components for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement of an external element to which it is applicable, the storage and the transmission of information associated with these physical parameters.

Specifically, this detection device comprises therein a plurality of elements for the detection of physical parameters, and at least one unit for transmitting, particularly sending and receiving, detected information, possibly wirelessly i.e. in a wireless manner. According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to an integrated system comprising one or more of these detection devices and further comprising a control box connected to these devices and being able to exchange information therewith.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement of an external element to which it is applicable inside an industrial plant or an architectural structure, such as for example a building or an infrastructure.

Prior art

It is well known in the art and of great relevance to provide systems for the detection, acquisition and monitoring of physical parameters related to the displacement of elements inside both industrial and civil structures, in particular in order to verify the proper operation of these structures or portions thereof.

Many large industrial plants in developed countries, as well as energy and large communication infrastructures, are by now quite old and, for this reason, monitoring the state of maintenance and the stability of the elements constituting these plants and infrastructures is more and more necessary.

In fact, it is of interest both for the operator of industrial plants and infrastructures, and for the community, to ensure high security standards inside these industrial plants and infrastructures, so as to avoid failures or service breaks, if not even events like serious accidents at the industrial plants or irreversible damages or even collapses at the infrastructures.

Unfortunately, at least regarding large communication infrastructures, such as roads or bridges, particularly in recent years and in countries with a high hydrogeological and seismic risk, such as Italy for example, events involving irreversible damages and collapses thereof are not rare.

The need to provide new generation systems allowing the detection, measurement and monitoring of physical parameters related to the displacement of elements inside the above-mentioned structures in a constant and reliable manner is thus particularly felt.

Specifically, it is of particular interest to develop a device of the above- mentioned type which is applicable to a variety of structures, which are even very different from each other, and which allows physical parameters related to the displacement of an external element to which this device is applicable to be detected and measured, in particular parameters which are different from each other, for example concerning the relative displacement of a structural element to which the device is applied and/or the deformation of this element.

In particular, regarding applications in the industrial field, devices of the above-mentioned type are known, which are able to detect the deformation of pipelines and/or expansion elements thereof, such as metal expansion bellows and compensators.

As well known, in fact, the pipelines are usually subject to expansions generated by temperature variations, by the pressure of the fluids conveyed therein, as well as by external forces acting on the external walls of the pipeline.

It is also known that, in the event that the overall stress to which a pipeline is subject exceeds the tolerance limits of the material which makes the pipeline itself, it is necessary to use compensators which facilitate the different expansions in the longitudinal and radial direction.

The presence of these compensators does not make the pipeline free of problems, relating to the stress undergone by the pipeline itself, but also by the compensator, particularly relating to the displacements performed under stress, such as roto-translation displacements.

In fact, on the basis both of the plant operating conditions, which in some cases can be particularly strict, and of the lifetime of the pipeline and / or compensator, a certain number of exceedances beyond a limit value for each single displacement can occur, these limit values being set so as to ensure a proper operation of the pipeline and/or compensator and a non plastic deformation of these elements.

A constant monitoring of each single displacement performed by the pipeline and/or compensator in a specific time period is thus necessary, so as to take adequate measures in the event that the number of exceedances of the relevant limit values were excessive.

Meanwhile, regardless of the lifetime of an industrial plant and/or architectural structure, it is anyhow convenient to detect, measure and monitor physical parameters related to the displacement of elements constituting them, such as pipelines or expansion compensators in the case of industrial plants, or such as beams, pillars or structural support elements in the case of architectural structures, particularly of the civil type.

The utility model KR200451212 describes a device for the measurement of the elongation of an expansion bellows. The device being concerned essentially comprises a telescopic connection rod between two ends of the bellows, coinciding with the junction points between the bellows and the pipeline segments between which it is installed.

In this device a ruler or a digital measuring unit is integrated, which is able to signal the distancing between the two ends of the bellows and to allow the operator to check the entity thereof.

However, it is emphasized that the above-mentioned device would not allow a real-time warning if the measured elongation were beyond a limit value, which involves in particular a deformation or anyway a damage of the bellows which the device is associated with, nor it would even allow a warning if the number of exceedances beyond this limit value in a predetermined unit of time were excessive, which involves in particular a real breaking of such a bellows.

The patent application KR101365957 describes a device for the monitoring of the elongation of a pipeline, this device being placed at an expansion bellows connected to the pipeline. This device is attached to clamping collars, arranged in the junction point between the pipeline and the expansion bellows and it measures the mutual distancing or approaching thereof.

Here again, the device comprises a connection rod between the two above- mentioned collars, which is able to elongate depending on the deformation; a detection unit is present on the rod. The detection unit can operate a LED and / or an audible warning to warn an operator in the event that a limit value is exceeded.

The device described in this application KR101365957 does not comprise any sensor being able to provide indications about other types of mutual displacement between the two clamping collars, besides the linear distancing between these elements, i.e. the elongation of the bellows.

The patent application CN 108534224 relates to a system comprising a monitoring and signalling device for a metal expansion bellows. In particular, the device comprises a strain gauge, a radial displacement sensor, as well as a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

The system also comprises a wireless router, a data processing unit, a monitoring unit and a warning unit and it is particularly arranged for signalling possible malfunctions of the metal bellows and for generating a warning signal, in order to prevent failures of the bellows itself.

The monitoring device being concerned and the relevant system allow only the elongation of the bellows and the radial expansion thereof to be detected. However, it is clear that these displacements are not representative of all the possible deformations which can be undergone by pipelines, in particular expansion compensators such as bellows, of industrial plants or - similarly - elements of civil structures.

In fact, the measurement and monitoring of deformations such as vertical misalignment, horizontal misalignment and angular misalignment is of particular importance, for example in an expansion compensator of a pipeline in an industrial plant or between two structural elements being consecutive and connected to each other of a civil structure or means of transport to be able to signal possible malfunctions of these elements and prevent more serious damages.

As a result, the need to provide a device, as well as a system comprising this device, which is innovative and alternative to generally used ones, with particular reference to the prior art, and which solves the limits of the above-stated solutions, is particularly felt in the field.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is thus to provide a device for the detection, measurement and monitoring of physical parameters related to the displacement of elements placed inside plants or structures both of the industrial type and of the civil type, particularly for the measurement and monitoring of all the possible deformations which can be undergone by the elements constituting these plants or structures and to which this device is applied, as well as a system comprising this device and a method for using it, so as to ensure a complete monitoring of the possible deformations and to more effectively prevent any damage of these elements or defects in the operation thereof, as well as failures or breaks in the activity of an industrial plant or irreversible damages which undermine the stability of civil structures.

Summary of the invention

This technical problem is solved, according to the present invention, by a device for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and / or deformation of an external element to be monitored comprising at least one first sensor module and one second sensor module being able to detect a rotational displacement of this external element to be monitored, which are associated with and spaced from each other by means of a connection member comprising at least one linear displacement sensor of this external element to be monitored and rotatably associated with a first support element and a second support element respectively, this first and second support elements being suitable to be associated with this external element to be monitored in a fixed and independent manner.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention further comprises a unit for transmitting and receiving information associated with these detected physical parameters, preferably wirelessly.

Preferably, this connection member of the present device comprises an extensible telescopic arm, wherein this linear displacement sensor is configured to detect an extension or shortening displacement of this telescopic arm, more preferably this linear displacement sensor is a linear potentiometer.

Just as preferably, this first sensor module comprises a first angular displacement sensor being able to detect a rotational displacement of this first support element and this second sensor module comprises a second angular displacement sensor being able to detect a rotational displacement of this second support element.

Just as preferably, this first end of the above-mentioned connection member is rotatably connected to this first sensor module, which comprises a third angular displacement sensor being able to detect a rotational displacement of this first end, and a second end of this connection member is rotatably connected to this second sensor module, which comprises a fourth angular displacement sensor being able to detect a rotational displacement of this second end.

More preferably, the above-mentioned first and second angular displacement sensors and/or the above-mentioned third and fourth angular displacement sensors are rotational potentiometers.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present device, this first and second support elements comprise a first bracket and a second bracket respectively, preferably equipped with a respective first U-shaped element and second U-shaped element being suitable to rotatably house these first and second sensor modules, respectively.

Preferably, this first and second support elements respectively comprise at least one spacer from this external element to be monitored having a predetermined length, more preferably equal to at least 5 cm.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention comprises at least one additional sensor selected from one or more temperature sensors, pressure sensors and moisture sensors.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention comprises at least one internal memory for storing the above-mentioned information associated with these detected physical parameters.

More preferably, the present device further comprises a control and processing unit of information associated with these detected physical parameters, wherein this internal memory element is able to store data deriving from the processing of these information associated with these detected physical parameters, still more preferably wherein this control and processing unit comprises a computation unit to derive from these information associated with these detected physical parameters a specific single displacement or deformation of this external element to be monitored.

Just as preferably, the present device further comprises a tracker being able to determine the geographical position of this device, more preferably a GPS receiver.

In accordance with the present invention, the device according to the present invention can be associated with this external element to be monitored in a fixed and independent manner, wherein this external element to be monitored is selected from a portion of an industrial plant, a pipeline, a metal expansion bellows, an architectural element.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned technical problem is also solved by means of a system for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element to be monitored comprising at least one device according to the present invention connected to a central processing unit equipped with an interface for an interaction with an operator and at least one transceiver being suitable to receive and transmit signals from and/or to this at least one device.

Preferably, the above-mentioned central processing unit comprises a control box being able to process these information associated with these detected physical parameters as received from this at least one device and being able to communicate with this at least one transceiver, wherein this control box comprises at least one computation unit to derive from these information associated with these detected physical parameters at least one specific single displacement or deformation of this external element to be monitored and at least one memory unit being able to store these information associated with these detected physical parameters as received from this at least one device and these data deriving from this computation unit.

More preferably, this memory unit further comprises at least one database being able to store security ranges of these data deriving from this computation unit for the above-mentioned external element to be monitored, wherein this system further comprises evaluation means being able to compare these data deriving from this computation unit with these security ranges stored in this database.

Still more preferably, the system according to the present invention further comprises means for emitting a warning signal based on a result of the above-mentioned comparison carried out by these evaluation means.

Just as preferably, these evaluation means and/or these means for emitting are aboard this at least one device and / or are comprised in this central processing unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of devices associated with this external element to be monitored and in communication with this central processing unit, wherein this central processing unit processes all the information related to these physical parameters detected by this plurality of devices.

The features and advantages of the detection device and of the system according to the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, and embodiments thereof given by way of non limiting examples with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1A schematically represents a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element to be monitored to which this device is applicable.

Figure IB schematically represents a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 schematically represents an application mode on an expansion bellows of a device of the present invention according to the embodiment depicted in figure 1A.

Figure 3 schematically represents a system for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element to be monitored, comprising at least one device according to the present invention.

Figures 4A and 4B represent a first type of displacement of an external element to be monitored, which is detectable by the device of the present invention according to any of the embodiments in Figures 1A, IB or 3, when applied to an expansion bellows.

Figures 5A and 5B represent a second type of displacement of an external element to be monitored, which is detectable by the device of the present invention according to any of the embodiments in Figures 1A, IB or 3, when applied to an expansion bellows.

Figures 6A and 6B represent a third type of displacement of an external element to be monitored, which is detectable by the device of the present invention according to any of the embodiments in Figures 1A, IB or 3, when applied to an expansion bellows.

Figures 7A and 7B represent a fourth type of displacement of an external element to be monitored, which is detectable by the device of the present invention according to any of the embodiments in Figures 1A, IB or 3, when applied to an expansion bellows. Figure 8 represents in an absolutely stylized manner a device of the present invention according to any of the embodiments in Figures 1A or IB, wherein the external element to be monitored is a civil house.

Figure 9 represents in an absolutely stylized manner a device of the present invention according to any of the embodiments in Figures 1A or IB, wherein the external element to be monitored is a road bridge.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

A device 1 for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element 2 to be monitored, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated in figure 1A.

The device 1 essentially comprises a first sensor module 3a and a second sensor module 3b being able to detect a rotational displacement of the external element 2 to be monitored, which are associated with and spaced from each other by means of a connection member 4 comprising at least one linear displacement sensor, the latter being able to detect a linear displacement of the external element 2 to be monitored and being always indicated with the numeral reference 4.

The first and second sensor modules 3a and 3b are rotatably associated with a first support element 5a and a second support element 5b respectively, wherein the first and second support elements, 5a and 5b, are suitable to be associated with the external element 2 to be monitored in a fixed and independent manner.

Advantageously, by means of the first sensor module 3a, the second sensor module 3b and the linear displacement sensor 4, the device 1 according to the present invention allows to detect physical parameters related to the displacement and / or deformation of an external element 2 to be monitored to which the device 1 is applicable.

In particular, due to the presence of the first and second support elements, 5a and 5b, the device 1 can be applied to and associated with the external element 2 to be monitored in a fixed manner, the support elements, 5a and 5b, being associated with two different parts of this external element 2 to be monitored in an independent manner; specifically, the first support element 5a is associated in a fixed manner with a first part and the second support element 5b is associated in a fixed manner with a second part of the external element 2 to be monitored.

Thereby, also because of a rotatable association between the first sensor module 3a and the first support element 5a, between the second sensor module 3b and the second support element 5b, as well as because of the connection member comprising the linear displacement sensor 4, the device according to the present invention measures a relative displacement between two different parts or portions of an external element 2 to be monitored.

In particular, the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b are made of a material that is suitable for the application; more particularly, they can be made of stainless steel due to its features of stiffness and strength in terms both of mechanical wear and of attack by external chemical or physical agents.

Conveniently, the first and second support elements 5a and 5b comprise association means with the external element 2 to be monitored, which can be in the form of a welding, hooking means, screwing means or any association means which ensures a solid and fixed coupling between two elements to be associated with each other.

Just as conveniently, the first sensor module 3a and the second sensor module 3b are rotatably associated with the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b, respectively, for example by means of suitable pins.

As it can be noted from Figure 1A, the connection member comprising the linear displacement sensor 4 also comprises an extensible telescopic arm 4c, the linear displacement sensor 4 being configured to detect a extension or shortening displacement of the extensible telescopic arm 4c.

In particular, the linear displacement sensor 4 is a linear potentiometer, for example a resistive linear position transducer, such as for example a transducer belonging to the families REC38L and KIT LMF, manufactured by the company Vishay Sfernice.

Advantageously, the extensible telescopic arm 4c undergoes an elongation when the first part of the external element 2 to be monitored, which the first support element 5a is associated with, distances from the second part of the external element 2 to be monitored, which the second support element 5b is associated with. Thereby, the linear displacement sensor 4 detects a corresponding elongation of the external element 2 to be monitored. Vice versa, when the extensible telescopic arm 4c shrinks, the linear displacement sensor 4 detects a corresponding contraction displacement along the length of the external element 2 to be monitored.

Furthermore, the first sensor module 3a comprises a first angular displacement sensor 7a, being able to detect a rotational displacement of the first support element 5a, and the second sensor module 3b comprises a second angular displacement sensor 7b, being able to detect a rotational displacement of the second support element 5b.

Advantageously, since the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b are associated in a fixed manner with the external element 2 to be monitored, when the first part of the external element 2 to be monitored experiences a rotational displacement with respect to the second part of the external element 2 to be monitored, the first angular displacement sensor 7a and the second angular displacement sensor 7b are able to detect this mutual displacement between the first part and the second part of the external element 2 to be monitored, particularly in terms of relative angles, by detecting the rotational displacement of the first support element 5a and the rotational displacement of the second support element 5b, respectively.

Moreover, a first end 4a of the connection member 4 is rotatably connected to the first sensor module 3a, which comprises a third angular displacement sensor 8a being able to detect a rotational displacement of the first end 4a itself; consistently, a second end 4b of the connection member 4 is rotatably connected to the second sensor module 3b, which comprises a fourth angular displacement sensor 8b being able to detect a rotational displacement of the second end 4b.

Advantageously, because of the presence of the third angular displacement sensor 8a and of the fourth angular displacement sensor 8b, besides the presence of the linear displacement sensor 4, as well as of the first angular displacement sensor 7a and of the second angular displacement sensor 7b, the device 1 allows to detect an even larger number of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of the external element 2 to be monitored.

Thereby, the displacements and / or deformations of the external element 2 that can be monitored by means of the device 1 are even more numerous and the axial displacement, vertical misalignment, horizontal misalignment and angular misalignment and torsion are listed among them, by way of non-limiting example.

As it will be described in greater detail below, the device 1 also comprises a circuit portion being able to process the signals obtained by the different sensor elements of the device 1 itself.

Specifically, the first end 4a of the connection member 4 comprises a first L-shaped element L 4a’ and it is rotatably connected to the first sensor module 3a by means of this first L-shaped element 4a’.

Consistently, the second end 4b of the connection member 4 comprises a second L-shaped element 4b’ and it is rotatably connected to the second sensor module 3b by means of a second L-shaped element 4b’. The first L-shaped element 4a’ and the second L-shaped element 4b’ are associated in a fixed manner with the first and second ends 4a and 4b of the connection member 4, respectively, as well as they are respectively rotatably journaled to the first sensor module 3a and to the second sensor module 3b, so that the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b can easily and freely undergo a rotational displacement the one independent from the other, this rotational displacement being consistent with the rotational displacement of the first and second parts of the external element 2 to be monitored, respectively, as well as in such a way as to allow the third and fourth angular displacement sensors, 8a and 8b, to properly perform the respective detection operations.

Advantageously, according to an embodiment thereof, as represented in Figure 1A, the device 1 according to the present invention allows the detection of a plurality of rotational displacements which the external element 2 experiences.

In particular, precisely because of the just-described specific shape of the device 1 and because of the rotatable connection between the connection member 4 and the first and second sensor modules, 3a and 3b, respectively, when the first part of the external element 2 to be monitored experiences a rotational displacement with respect to the second part of the external element 2 to be monitored, the third angular displacement sensor 8a and the fourth angular displacement sensor 8b can advantageously detect this mutual displacement of the parts of the external element 2 to be monitored, by detecting the rotational displacement of the first end 4a and second end 4b, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second angular displacement sensors 7a and 7b and/or the third and fourth angular displacement sensors 8a and 8b are rotational potentiometers, for example resistive rotational potentiometers, such as for example the potentiometers belonging to the family P1 1L, manufactured by the company Vishay Sfernice. Even more specifically, as it is clear from Figure 1A, the first and second support elements 5a and 5b of the device 1 comprise a first bracket 9a and a second bracket 9b respectively, wherein this first and second brackets, 9a and 9b, are equipped with a first U-shaped element 10a and a second U-shaped element 10b, being suitable to rotatably house the first and second sensor modules 3a and 3b, respectively.

Advantageously, these U-shaped elements 10a and 10b allow the following advantages to be achieved:

- determine an extremely compact configuration of the device 1, so that it can be more easily associated with an external element 2 to be monitored, especially when the latter is positioned in a place that is not conveniently accessible; furthermore the elements constituting the device 1 can thereby easily move when the external element 2 to be monitored undergoes a displacement or a deformation;

- ensure a particular strength to the first and second support elements 5a and 5b, which are thus able to resist for a long time to the stresses which they can undergo;

- serve as protection elements of the first and second sensor modules 3a and 3b, respectively, these modules being thus surrounded on at least three sides because of the U-shape of these elements 10a and 10b.

Preferably, the first and second support elements 5a and 5b also respectively comprise at least one spacer 1 1a and l ib from the external element 2 to be monitored having a predetermined length, wherein this length is at least 5 cm.

Thereby, the spacers 1 1a and l ib allow a practical and functional installation of the device 1 according to the present invention, ensuring an appropriate manoeuvre room to the operator upon associating in a fixed manner the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b with the external element 2 to be monitored. Moreover, the spacers 1 1a and l ib allow all the sensitive electronic elements of the device 1, such as the angular displacement 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b and elongation 4 sensors, to operate at a suitable predetermined distance from the external element 2 to be monitored.

In particular, with reference to Figure 2, when the external element 2 to be monitored is a pipeline in which a fluid having a high temperature or a very low temperature flows, it is not convenient to install in proximity to the hot and/or cold external surface of the pipeline the sensors and the sensitive electronic components comprised in the circuit portion 1’ of the device 1 , since defects of operation and / or a quick wear thereof could occur.

Preferably, the device 1 depicted in figure 1A can comprise at least one additional sensor, for example selected from a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a moisture sensor, not shown in figure 1A.

The temperature sensor, the pressure sensor and the moisture sensor are used, for example, to detect physical parameters related to the environment surrounding the external element 2 to be monitored, such as the temperature, the pressure and the environmental moisture of the place where this external element 2 to be monitored lies.

Depending on the application field, the detection and monitoring of the temperature, pressure and moisture can be in fact very important to determine the general physical state and the structural conditions of the external element 2 to be monitored, in particular in the context of one or more undesirable displacements or deformations undergone by the latter.

In fact, fully advantageously, both the detection of parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of the external element 2 to be monitored, and the detection of the temperature, pressure and moisture conditions, are important operations for the evaluation of the general physical state and the structural conditions of the external element 2 to be monitored, in particular with reference to the structural stability thereof and to possible phenomena damaging it, such as structural weakening or crack formations, due to excessive stresses and/or corrosive phenomena.

Always with reference to Figure 1A, the device 1 comprises a covering envelope, not represented, being able to prevent the contact of the mechanical components thereof and of the circuit portion 1’ with external chemical or physical agents, such as dust, dirt in general, moisture, sun light, radiations or fluids of various kinds.

In particular, the covering envelope is made of a flexible or stiff material, such as for example a metal material. The covering envelope can be a tamper-evident envelope.

Advantageously, the covering envelope is sized and shaped in such a way as not to hinder the displacements of the device 1, in particular this envelope allows the extensible telescopic arm 4c of the connection member 4 to completely extend.

With reference to Figure IB, a device 1 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The device 1 represented in Figure IB comprises all the elements already listed and described with reference to the device represented in Figure 1A which have been given the same numeral references for ease of illustration.

Unlike the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A, the device 1 of Figure IB comprises a pair of brackets 9a and 9b having a S-shape, wherein the spacers 1 1a and l ib of the first and second brackets, 9a and 9b, comprise connection means, 1 1a’ and l ib’, respectively, for the association thereof in a fixed and independent manner with the external element 2 to be monitored.

Advantageously, the connection means 1 1a’ and l ib’ allow a specific association with the external element 2 to be monitored, for example by means of fixed pins or screwing elements. In addition, the brackets 9a and 9b of the device 1 represented in Figure IB allow an even greater reliability of the first and second support elements, 5a and 5b, in terms of strength and resistance to mechanical stresses thereof.

With reference to Figure IB, the circuit portion 1’ of the device 1 is now illustrated in greater detail, comprising first of all a unit for transmitting and receiving information 6 associated with the detected physical parameters; in the present case, wirelessly.

The circuit portion 1’ of the device 1 further comprises an internal memory 12 for storing information associated with the physical parameters detected by the angular displacement sensors 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b and by the elongation sensor 4.

This circuit portion G further comprises a control and processing unit 13 of the same information associated with the so-detected physical parameters and being able to communicate with the internal memory 12, wherein the latter is meanwhile arranged for storing data deriving from the processing of the information associated with the so-detected physical parameters.

The control and processing unit 13 also comprises a computation unit 14 to derive from the information associated with the so-detected physical parameters a specific single displacement or deformation of the external element 2 to be monitored.

Advantageously, the device 1 allows not only to perform the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element 2 to be monitored, but also to store information associated with these physical parameters, as well as, because of the control and processing unit 13 and of the computation unit 14, respectively, to process these information and/or derive therefrom a specific displacement or deformation which the external element 2 to be monitored has undergone or is undergoing. Moreover, fully advantageously, the device 1 can store data deriving from the processing of these information, so that they can be made available to be later sent outside the device itself and/or to be later further processed and consulted by a central processor, which is outside the device 1 and connected thereto, or also by an operator.

The device 1 represented in Figure IB further comprises a tracker 15 being able to determine the geographical position of the device 1 itself, for example a GPS receiver. The tracker 15 is particularly useful when the device 1 is installed inside very extensive industrial plants and comprising areas or units which can be hardly accessed by a human operator, or when the device 1 is installed inside civil buildings with structures which can be hardly reached by a human operator, such as bridges or dams.

Thereby, an operator can easily associate the device 1 with the specific external element 2 to be monitored which it is associated with, and in case go on-site, easily locating the device 1 according to the present invention in case of need.

The operator can thus check by himself as fast as possible the state of the external element 2 to be monitored, when the device 1 has detected a defect in the external element 2 to be monitored and raised a warning signal through suitable means for emitting 19.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a battery 16 for powering the control unit 13 or, depending on the requirements of the operator and of the application of the device 1 itself, it can comprise a power supply unit 16’, directly connected to an external energy source.

A device 1 is represented in figure 2, formed according to the embodiment already described with reference to Figure 1A, applied to a metal expansion bellows of a pipeline in which a high-temperature fluid flows.

In particular, from Figure 2 it is clear that the first support element 5a is associated in a fixed and independent manner with a first part 2a of the external element 2 to be monitored, i.e. with a corrugation of the illustrated metal expansion bellows, while the second support element 5b is associated in a fixed and independent manner with a second part 2b of the external element 2 to be monitored, i.e. with a corrugation which is different from that which the first support element 5a is associated in a fixed manner with.

Under rest conditions of the metal expansion bellows 2, the corrugation 2a is aligned with the corrugation 2b on the horizontal plane described by the axes y and x as from Figure 2; consistently, the first support element 5a is aligned with the second support element 5b. Under the same rest conditions, the corrugation 2a has a predetermined distance with respect to the corrugation 2b along the axis x.

Under stress conditions of the metal expansion bellows 2, for example when the latter undergoes an elongation displacement, the corrugation 2a moves with respect to the corrugation 2b, in the case represented in Figure 2, the corrugation 2a distances from the corrugation 2b, and the extensible telescopic arm 4c of the connection member 4 undergoes an elongation.

The linear displacement sensor of the connection member 4 thus detects the extension displacement of the extensible telescopic arm 4c and, consequently, the extension displacement of the metal expansion bellows 2 to be monitored, i.e. the distancing of the corrugation 2a, associated in a fixed manner with the first support element 5a, from the corrugation 2b, associated in a fixed manner with the second support element 5b.

Similarly to what is represented in Figure 2, the device 1, according to the embodiment represented in Figure 1A or in Figure IB, can be applied and associated with a portion of an industrial plant, a pipeline or an architectural element of a civil or industrial structure.

In Figure 3 a system 20 for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element 2 to be monitored is represented, schematically and by way of a block diagram, comprising at least one device 1, particularly of the type represented in Figure IB.

As illustrated in greater detail in this Figure 3, the device 1 also comprises evaluation means 18 being able to compare data deriving from the computation unit 14 with security ranges of the data deriving from the computation unit 14 for the external element 2 to be monitored.

Preferably, the internal memory 12 further comprises an internal memory element 17 being able to store security ranges of data deriving from the computation unit 14 for the external element 2 to be monitored.

Thereby, the means for emitting 19 are able to emit a warning signal based on a result of the comparison carried out by the evaluation means 18.

Advantageously, when the evaluation means 18 determine that the data deriving from the computation unit 14 have values which do not fall within the security ranges stored in the internal memory element 17, the device 1 then emits a warning signal being able to warn a unit outside the device 1 or an operator that the external element 2 to be monitored is undergoing or has undergone a deformation and/or an anomalous displacement.

Moreover, fully advantageously, when the data deriving from the computation unit 14 have values which do not fall within the security ranges stored in the internal memory element 17, these anomalous values can be stored in the internal memory element 17 as well, so that they can be available for the consultation thereof.

In fact, according to a preferred application mode of the device 1, the evaluation means 18 are also able and can be used to consult the internal memory 12 and count absolutely or in a unit of time the number of times these anomalous values were recorded. The evaluation means 18 are moreover able and can be used to compare the so-counted number of times the external element 2 to be monitored has undergone a specific type of displacement and/or deformation recorded by the device 1 , with security ranges of the number of times the external element 2 to be monitored can undergo a specific type of displacement and/or deformation absolutely or in the unit of time, respectively; this latter security ranges are stored in the internal memory element 17 as well.

The means for emitting 19 are able and can be used to emit a warning signal based on a result of the comparison carried out by the evaluation means 18, after the just-described consultation, counting and comparison operations.

In other words, when the evaluation means 18 determine that the external element 2 to be monitored has exceeded the maximum number of times it can undergo a specific displacement and/or deformation, the means for emitting 19 emit a warning signal.

As previously seen, the device 1 can comprise a battery 16 for powering the control unit 13 or a power supply unit 16’, directly connected to an external energy source, such as for example a photovoltaic cell or any fully conventional energy source.

Finally, the device 1 comprises an interface electronic board between the control and processing unit 13 and the displacement sensors 4, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, as well as in case the temperature sensor, pressure sensor and/or moisture sensor if any.

The device 1 is connected to a central processing unit 21, equipped with an interface 22 for an interaction with an operator and a transceiver 23, being suitable to receive and transmit signals from and / or to the device

1.

The central processing unit 21 also comprises a control box 24, being able to process information, associated with the detected physical parameters, as received from the device 1 , and being able to communicate with the transceiver 23.

The control box 24 comprises a computation unit 25 to derive from the information associated with the detected physical parameters at least one specific single displacement or deformation of the external element 2 to be monitored.

The central processing unit 21 also comprises a memory unit 26 being able to store information, associated with the detected physical parameters, as received from the device 1; at the same time the memory unit 26 is able to store data deriving from the computation unit 25.

The memory unit 26 further comprises a database 27 being able to store security ranges of data deriving from the computation unit 25 for the external element 2 to be monitored.

Consistently, the system 20 can also comprise evaluation means 28 being able to compare the data deriving from the computation unit 25 with the security ranges stored in the database 27.

The system 20 can further comprise means for emitting 29 a warning signal based on a result of a comparison carried out by the evaluation means 28.

Specifically, the evaluation means 28 and the means for emitting 29 are comprised in the central processing unit 21.

Advantageously, as previously described with reference only to the device 1, when the evaluation means 28 determine that the data deriving from the computation unit 25 of the control box 24 have values which do not fall within the security ranges stored in the database 27, the system 20 emits through the means for emitting 29 a warning signal being able to warn a unit outside the system 20 or an operator that the external element 2 to be monitored is undergoing or has undergone a deformation and/or an anomalous displacement. Fully advantageously, inside the system 20, the comparison operation can be carried out by the evaluation means 18 aboard the device 1 or by the evaluation means 28 of the system 28 comprised in the central processing unit 21.

Similarly, just as advantageously, inside the system 20, the warning signalling operation can be carried out by the means for emitting 19 aboard the device 1 or by the means for emitting 29 comprised in the central processing unit 21.

Moreover, similarly to what was previously described with reference only to the device 1, also the means for emitting 29 are suitable and can be used to emit a warning signal when the evaluation means 28 determine that the external element 2 to be monitored has exceeded the maximum number of times it can undergo a specific displacement and/or deformation absolutely or in a unit of time, according to the modes previously described with reference to the units of the device 1, in this case carried out by the units of the system 20 being able to perform similar functions.

In short, when the data deriving from the computation unit 24 have values which do not fall within the security ranges stored in the database 27, these anomalous values can be stored in the database 27 as well, so that they can be available for the consultation thereof.

The evaluation means 28 are suitable and can later be used to carry out a counting operation, similarly to what was previously described with reference to the device 1; the evaluation means 28 are suitable and can then be used to carry out a comparison operation of the so-counted number with security ranges; the means for emitting 29 are suitable and can be used to emit a warning signal based on the result of the comparison operation.

In other words, when the evaluation means 28 determine that the external element 2 to be monitored has exceeded the maximum number of times it can undergo a specific displacement and/or deformation, the means for emitting 29 emit a warning signal.

As a result, depending on the requirements thereof and/or the application of the system 20 shown in Figure 3, the operator can configure the control and processing unit 13 so that the comparison operation is carried out by the evaluation means 18 comprised therein or he can configure the control box 24 so that this operation is carried out by the evaluation means 28 comprised therein.

In case the external element 2 to be monitored is undergoing or has undergone a deformation and/or an anomalous displacement, the warning signal can be raised from the warning unit 19 of the device 1 , in the first case, or from the warning unit 29 comprised in the central processing unit 21, in the second case.

More specifically, the system 20 can comprise additional devices 1, not shown in figure 3, each of them is associated with different and distinct parts or units of the external element 2 to be monitored and is in communication with the central processing unit 21 , the latter being able to process all the information related to the physical parameters detected by each device 1.

Advantageously, the system 20 allows to detect physical parameters related to the displacement and / or deformation of an external element 2 to be monitored, which in this case is an industrial plant, not represented, comprising a plurality of pipelines which are likely to be subject to a displacement and/or deformation, such as for example metal expansion bellows.

Some relative displacements between corrugations of a metal expansion bellows to which the device 1 is applied, which are detectable by it, are examined below, by way of non-limiting example.

With reference to Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B and 7A-7B, merely by way of non-limiting example of the capabilities of the device 1, how the device succeeds in adapting to these displacements is illustrated below, by changing its own spatial arrangement, because of its peculiar modular shape and of the single elements constituting it.

As indicated, in this illustrative example, the device 1 is used to detect physical parameters related to the displacements of the metal expansion bellows 2. Between the displacements which can be detected by the device 1, the following ones are listed:

- axial displacement;

- horizontal misalignment;

- vertical misalignment;

- angular misalignment.

With reference to Figure 4A, a side view of the device according to the present invention is illustrated, which is applied to a pair of corrugations 2a and 2b of a metal expansion bellows 2, which are opposite to each other, when the metal expansion bellows is subject to an axial displacement.

A corresponding representation of the physical magnitudes involved in the above axial displacement is depicted in figure 4B, wherein the letter “1” indicates the elongation of the connection member 4 of the device 1, comprising a linear displacement sensor, specifically a linear potentiometer.

As can be seen in figure 4B, the axes t’ and t” of the corrugations 2a and 2 b are parallel and coinciding, the displacement is clearly of the axial type and the sole operating sensor is the linear potentiometer.

A plan view of the device 1 applied to the pair of corrugations 2a and 2b of a metal expansion bellows 2 is depicted in figure 5A, when the metal expansion bellows 2 is subject to a horizontal misalignment displacement. A representation of the physical magnitudes involved in the horizontal misalignment is depicted in figure 5B, wherein the letter“11” represents the elongation of the connection member 4 of the device 1, R1 represents the angle of rotation detected by the first angular potentiometer 7a, R2 represents the angle of rotation detected by the second angular potentiometer 7b,“a” the distance of the axis of rotation of the first angular potentiometer 7a from the axis t’ of the corrugation 2a and“b” the distance of the second angular potentiometer 7b from the axis t” of the corrugation 2b.

As can be seen in figure 5B, the axes, t’ and t”, of the corrugations are parallel, but not coinciding: the displacement is of the horizontal misalignment type. No vertical misalignment occurs: the linear potentiometer 4, the first angular potentiometer 7a and the second angular potentiometer 7b are operating. The third and fourth angular potentiometers, 8a and 8b, are at rest.

With reference to Figure 6A, a side view of the same device 1 applied to the pair of corrugations 2a and 2b of the metal expansion bellows 2 is depicted, when the metal expansion bellows is subject to a vertical misalignment displacement.

A representation of the physical magnitudes involved in the vertical misalignment are depicted in figure 6B, wherein the letter“12” represents the elongation of the connection member 4 of the device 1 , R3 represents the angle of rotation detected by the third angular potentiometer 8a, R4 represents the angle of rotation detected by the fourth angular potentiometer 8b,“c” the distance of the axis of rotation of the second angular potentiometer 8a from the axis t of the connection member 4 and “d” the distance of the axis of rotation of the fourth angular potentiometer 8b from the axis t of the connection member 4.

As can be seen in figure 6A, the axes t’ and t” of the corrugations 2a and 2b, respectively, are parallel but not coinciding: the displacement is of the vertical misalignment type. No horizontal misalignment occurs: the linear potentiometer 4, the third angular potentiometer 8a and the fourth angular potentiometer 8b are operating. The first and second angular potentiometers, 7a and 7b, are at rest.

With reference to Figure 7A, a side view of the device according to the present invention is depicted, which is applied to a pair of corrugations 2a and 2b of an expansion bellows, which are opposite to each other, when this bellows is subject to an angular misalignment displacement.

A representation of the physical magnitudes involved in the above vertical misalignment is depicted in figure 7B, wherein the letter“13” represents the elongation of the connection member 4 of the device 1 and, R3 represents the angle of rotation detected by the third angular potentiometer 8a, R4 represents the angle of rotation detected by the fourth angular potentiometer 8b,“c” the distance of the axis of rotation of the third angular potentiometer 8a from the axis t of the connection member 4 and“d” the distance of the axis of rotation of the fourth angular potentiometer 8b from the axis t of the connection member 4.

As can be seen in figure 7B, the axes t’ and t” of the corrugations 2a and 2b, respectively, lie on the same transverse plane and, not being parallel, they intersect with each other.

Based on the relative rotation of the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b it is possible to trace and distinguish the angular misalignment from the simpler vertical misalignment, described with reference to Figure 6: the linear potentiometer 4, the third angular potentiometer 8a and the fourth angular potentiometer 8b are operating. The first and second angular potentiometers, 7a and 7b, are at rest.

Advantageously, by virtue of the modular shape and of the single elements constituting it, the device 1, in the preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, can also be applied to structural elements which are consecutive and connected to each other of a civil house or a road bridge. Specifically, with reference to Figure 8, the device 1 is associated in a fixed manner, by means of the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b respectively, not represented, with an external load- bearing wall 2a of the civil house 2 and with a support beam 2b of the roof of the same civil house 2, located in the slab positioned below the roof of the house.

Advantageously, when the external wall 2a undergoes a displacement with respect to the support beam 2b, the device 1 is suitable for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement which the civil house 2 experiences.

More specifically, looking at the circle on the top left in figure 8, the directions of the displacements which are detectable by the device 1 in the represented application field are indicated with two-headed arrows.

A first arrow indicates a displacement movement, i.e. when the slab pushes towards the vertical wall 2a, or distances, on the axis x, from the vertical wall 2 a.

A displacement of the same type also occurs when the slab rises and lowers on the axis y.

A second arrow indicates a misalignment displacement, i.e. a lateral oscillation of the slab, with respect to the vertical wall 2a, on the axis z.

Similarly, according to a form of application thereof which is not represented, when inside a civil house or any other type of building, the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b are respectively associated with an external wall or a load-bearing pillar of the building and with an element outside the building, firmly anchored to the surrounding ground, the instrument can easily monitor deformations due to seismic shocks.

In Figure 9 a first device G is associated in a fixed manner, by means of the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b, respectively, not represented, with a support beam 2a’ of a segment of the road surface of a road bridge 2 and with a stay 2b’ departing from a support pillar of the road bridge 2.

A second device 1” is associated in a fixed manner with the same road bridge 2, by the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b respectively, not represented, with the stay 2a” (coinciding with the stay 2b’) and with the same support pillar, 2b”, of the road bridge.

Advantageously, when the support beam 2a’ undergoes a displacement with respect to the stay 2b’ or when the stay 2a” undergoes a displacement with respect to the pillar 2b”, the device G and the device 1” are able to detect physical parameters related to the displacement or to the displacements undergone by the road bridge 2, respectively.

More specifically, in figure 9, the directions of the displacements which can be detected by the device 1 in the represented application field are indicated with two-headed arrows.

A first down left arrow indicates a displacement movement, i.e. an elongation or compression displacement of the stay 2b’ with respect to the support beam 2a’ of the road surface segment.

A second down left arrow indicates a misalignment displacement, i.e. a lateral oscillation of the support beam 2a’.

Similarly, a first top right arrow indicates a displacement movement, i.e. an elongation or compression displacement of the stay 2a” (in this case with respect to the pillar 2b”).

Always on the top right, a second arrow indicates a misalignment displacement, i.e. a lateral oscillation of the pillar 2b”.

Therefore, as explained in detail with reference to the detailed description, the device according to the present invention is suitable for the detection not only of physical parameters related to the displacement and / or deformation of an external element to be monitored such as the metal bellows, a pipeline and/or a portion of an industrial plant, but effectively also of physical parameters related to the displacement of structural elements of civil buildings, such as houses or transport infrastructures, such as road or railway bridges.

Claims

1. Device ( 1) for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and/or deformation of an external element (2) to be monitored comprising at least one first sensor module (3a) and one second sensor module (3b) being able to detect a rotational displacement of said external element (2) to be monitored, which are associated with and spaced from each other by means of a connection member (4) comprising at least one linear displacement sensor of said external element (2) to be monitored and being rotatably associated with a first support element (5a) and a second support element (5b) respectively, said first and second support elements (5a; 5b) being suitable to be associated with said external element (2) to be monitored in a fixed and independent manner.

2. Device ( 1) according to claim 1, further comprising a unit for transmitting and receiving information (6) associated with said detected physical parameters, preferably wirelessly.

3. Device ( 1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said connection member (4) comprises an extensible telescopic arm (4c), said linear displacement sensor (4) being configured to detect an extension or shortening displacement of said telescopic arm (4c), said linear displacement sensor (4) being preferably a linear potentiometer.

4. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first sensor module (3a) comprises a first angular displacement sensor (7a) being able to detect a rotational displacement of said first support element (5a) and said second sensor module (3b) comprises a second angular displacement sensor (7b) being able to detect a rotational displacement of said second support element (5b).

5. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first end (4a) of said connection member (4) is rotatably connected to said first sensor module (3a), which comprises a third angular displacement sensor (8a) being able to detect a rotational displacement of said first end (4a), and a second end (4b) of said connection member (4) is rotatably connected to said second sensor module (3b), which comprises a fourth angular displacement sensor (8b) being able to detect a rotational displacement of said second end (4b).

6. Device ( 1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said first and second angular displacement sensors (7a; 7b) and/or said third and fourth angular displacement sensors (8a; 8b) are rotational potentiometers.

7. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second support elements (5a; 5b) comprise a first bracket (9a) and a second bracket (9b) respectively, preferably equipped with a respective first U-shaped element ( 10a) and second U-shaped element ( 10b) being suitable to rotatably house said first and second sensor modules (3a; 3b), respectively.

8. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second support elements (5a; 5b) respectively comprise at least one spacer ( 1 1a; l ib) from said external element (2) to be monitored having a predetermined length, preferably equal to at least 5 cm.

9. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least one additional sensor selected from one or more temperature sensors, pressure sensors and moisture sensors.

10. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least one internal memory (12) for storing said information associated with said detected physical parameters.

1 1. Device ( 1) according to claim 10 further comprising a control and processing unit ( 13) of information associated with said detected physical parameters, said internal memory ( 12) being able to store data deriving from the processing of said information associated with said detected physical parameters, preferably said control and processing unit ( 13) comprising a computation unit (14) to derive from said information associated with said detected physical parameters a specific single displacement or deformation of said external element (2) to be monitored.

12. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a tracker ( 15) being able to determine the geographical position of said device ( 1), preferably a GPS receiver.

13. Device ( 1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein said external element (2) to be monitored is selected from a portion of an industrial plant, a pipeline, a metal expansion bellows, an architectural element.

14. System (20) for the detection of physical parameters related to the displacement and / or deformation of an external element to be monitored comprising at least one device (1) according to any of the preceding claims connected to a central processing unit (21) which is equipped with an interface (22) for an interaction with an operator and at least one transceiver (23) being suitable to receive and transmit signals from and/or to said at least one device (1).

15. System according to claim 14, wherein said central processing unit (21) comprises a control box (24) being able to process said information associated with said detected physical parameters as received from said at least one device ( 1) and being able to communicate with said at least one transceiver (23), said control box (24) comprising at least one computation unit (25) to derive from said information associated with said detected physical parameters at least one specific single displacement or deformation of said external element (2) to be monitored, and at least one memory unit (26) being able to store said information associated with said detected physical parameters as received from said at least one device ( 1) and said data deriving from said computation unit (25).

16. System according to claim 15, wherein said memory unit (26) further comprises at least one database (27) being able to store security ranges of said data deriving from said computation unit (25) for said external element (2) to be monitored, said system (20) further comprising evaluation means (28) being able to compare said data deriving from said computation unit (25) with said security ranges stored in said database (27).

17. System according to claim 16, further comprising means (29) for emitting a warning signal based on a result of said comparison carried out by said evaluation means (28).

18. System according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said evaluation means ( 18; 28) and/or said means ( 19; 29) for emitting are aboard said at least one device ( 1) and/or are comprised in said central processing unit (21).

19. System according to any of claims 14 to 17, comprising a plurality of devices ( 1) associated with said external element (2) to be monitored and in communication with said central processing unit (21), said central processing unit (21) processing all the information related to said physical parameters detected by said plurality of devices ( 1).