Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F7/00—Volume-flow measuring devices with two or more measuring ranges; Compound meters
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
  • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
  • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
  • G01F1/22—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by variable-area meters, e.g. rotameters
  • G01F1/24—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by variable-area meters, e.g. rotameters with magnetic or electric coupling to the indicating device
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
  • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
  • G01F1/06—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with tangential admission
  • G01F1/075—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with tangential admission with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
  • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
  • G01F1/10—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with axial admission
  • G01F1/115—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects using rotating vanes with axial admission with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
  • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
  • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
  • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
  • G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
  • G01F1/28—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
  • G01F15/005—Valves

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a means of determining the consumption of a liquid in real time, which is reliable, precise and compact.
• the present invention relates to a flow meter capable of measuring low flow rates and higher flow rates with precision.
• the flowmeter according to the present invention is particularly suitable for monitoring domestic water consumption but it can be used for any other liquid measurement whose flow rate requires instantaneous measurement.
• All the taps in an apartment can thus be equipped, so as to allow precise measurements of consumption and of their origin.
• the highest flow rates are determined by means of a paddle wheel, which does not allow the lowest flow rates to be measured accurately.
• the lowest flow rates are determined by directing the water into a narrow channel. This type of flowmeter requires a preselection valve directing the water to one or other of the available channels depending on its flow rate.
• This preselection valve is likely to generate leaks or blockages which make the measurements imprecise. In addition, the presence of such a preselection valve induces a pressure drop, detrimental to the comfort of use. [0005] There is therefore scope for improving the means of measuring flow rates so as to accurately determine water consumption over a wide range of flow rates while limiting the effects of pressure drop.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a flow meter suitable for measuring low flow rates, even detecting leaks, and measuring high flow rates.
• the present invention proposes a flowmeter suitable for measuring a wide range of flow rates, between 0 and 2000 L/hour, or between a value close to 0 and a high flow rate of the order of 1800 l/hour. .
• the flowmeter of the present description comprises a low-flow module provided with a movable piston in the pipe through which passes the liquid whose flow rate is to be measured.
• the pipe forms a jacket adjusted to the diameter of the piston and a widened part leaving a larger clearance to allow the passage of the liquid around the piston.
• the widening of the pipe is progressive and results from at least one flare or even two successive flares of the pipe.
• the piston assumes a stable position in the pipe.
• the liquid passes through the flare of the pipe and pushes the piston all the closer to its widest part as the flow rate is high.
• a detection module makes it possible to determine the position of the piston between its limit positions.
• the piston may include one or more magnets, arranged along its longitudinal axis, so that the detection module can determine its position.
• a return device such as a compression spring, keeps the piston in position against the force exerted by the liquid.
• the flow meter may further comprise a high flow module arranged downstream of the low flow module and suitable for measuring high flow rates. It comprises in particular a paddle wheel which may comprise one or more series of blades arranged around a hub.
• the paddle wheel comprises a device for detecting its angular position. Such a device may for example comprise one or more magnets, arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation of the bladed wheel. The speed of rotation of the paddle wheel can thus be determined by the detection module.
• the detection module can be calibrated so as to correct or compensate for the interaction of the magnets of the piston, in the low flow module, and those of the paddle wheel, when present. Such an arrangement is advantageous for compact devices.
• This description includes a reliable and precise method for measuring or determining a flow rate over a wide range of flow rates, making it possible in particular to measure low flow rates by means of the low flow module described here and higher flow rates by means of of the broadband module.
• Figure 1 flow meter according to the invention, front longitudinal section view
• Figure 2 flow meter according to the invention, view in longitudinal profile section;
• Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d Longitudinal sectional view of the piston in the first position; in intermediate positions and in the second position;
• Figure 4a Cross-sectional view of the piston in the pipe
• Figure 4b three-dimensional view of an example of a piston
• Figure 6 longitudinal sectional view of an example of a flowmeter according to the invention.
• the flowmeter 1 comprises a body 10 provided with a connection means 11 to a liquid line.
• a liquid pipe may for example be a drinking water tap comprising at its end a thread, in particular intended to screw on a jet aerator (not shown).
• the connection means 11 is for example a threaded pox that can be screwed onto such a tap thread instead of a jet aerator.
• Other devices can however be used as connection means 11 of the flow meter 1, such as a clip, a clamp, or a quarter-turn locking system.
• the connection means 11 is arranged at one of the ends of the body 10 and makes it possible to fix the flowmeter to a pipe whose liquid flow rate is to be determined.
• the flowmeter 1 comprises a tip 13, arranged at the opposite end of the body 10 with respect to the connection means 11.
• the connection means 11 and the tip 13 are thus arranged on either side of a central part 12 of the body 10.
• the connection means 11 comprises a central recess allowing the liquid to pass through the flowmeter 1.
• the central recess of the connection means 11 thus acts as a supply line 14 for the flowmeter 1.
• the end piece 13 is also hollowed out in its central part and acts as an outlet pipe 15 for the flow meter 1.
• the central part 12 is also hollowed out in its center and forms with the supply pipe 14 and the outlet pipe a pipe single pipe crossing from end to end the flow meter 1.
• This single pipe, or central pipe therefore corresponds to the only channel taken by the liquid.
• a single pipe is understood here as not comprising any bifurcation capable of dividing the path of the liquid towards several distinct paths. This also implies that there is no preselection device aimed at distributing the flow of liquid.
• the body 12 of the flowmeter 1 comprises at least two zones distributed upstream of each other along the central pipe.
• a first zone, arranged upstream, designates a low-speed module 20.
• a second zone, downstream of the first, designates a high-speed module 30.
• upstream and downstream here designate the commonly accepted arrangement with respect to the flow of liquids.
• the liquid entering the flow meter 1 via the supply pipe 14, passes through the low flow module 20, then the high flow module 30, before leaving the flow meter 1 via the outlet pipe 15.
• the low flow module 20 is preferably directly connected or integrated into the supply pipe 14.
• the high flow module 30 is itself directly connected or integrated into an outlet pipe 15.
• the low flow modules 20 and the high flow module 30 are in fluidic connection, either directly , or via an intermediate chamber 24.
• the low-flow module 20 makes it possible to detect any leaks from the pipe to which the flow meter 1 is connected.
• the leaks here designate unwanted residual flows, which are necessarily of low flow.
• Leaks typically have flow rates below about 3 liters per hour.
• the low-flow module 20 then makes it possible to detect flows with flow rates comprised between about 3.5 and 0.5 liters per hour, or else comprised between 3 and 2 liters per hour.
• the low-flow module 20 also makes it possible to measure the flow rate of low-flow liquid flows. Typically, beyond a flow rate of about 2 liters per hour or about 3 liters per hour, the flow rate value can be precisely determined by means of the low flow module 20. Low flow rates are understood to be understood as between 0 and about 150 liters per hour, or between 0 and about 120 liters per hour. Beyond a maximum flow rate value, the measurement of the flow rate by the low flow rate module 20 is no longer as precise, or even impossible. Below a minimum flow rate value, only detection is possible but precise measurement of its value remains difficult or even impossible. The low flow module 20 typically makes it possible to accurately measure flow rates comprised between around 2 liters per hour and around 180 liters per hour, or between 3 and 120 liters per hour.
• the low flow module 20 comprises a piston 21 concealing the internal pipe close to the supply pipe 14.
• Proximity preferably means immediately downstream of the supply pipe 14.
• the passage of the liquid in the internal pipe to the flowmeter 1 is hampered due to the relative dimensions of the piston 20 and the jacket 22, corresponding to the internal part of the central pipe in which the piston 21 is arranged.
• the diameter of the piston 21 is determined to allow the play necessary for its sliding in the central pipe while nevertheless limiting the passage of the liquid in the central pipe to a flow rate close to, or equal to 0 liters per hour.
• the piston 21 may include a cylindrical part 212, concealing the central pipe. It may also include a conical part 211 oriented towards the supply line 14.
• the clearance between the piston 21, determined by the diameter of its cylindrical part 212, with the sleeve 22, is of the order of 0.03 to 0.1 mm.
• Figures 3a to 3d show the arrangement of the piston in its sleeve 22.
• the sleeve 22 comprises a cylindrical part facing the cylindrical part of the piston 21.
• the sleeve 22 further comprises a flared part, 221, 222, on at least one part of its circumference.
• the flared part can also be opposite the cylindrical part 212 of the piston 21.
• the piston further comprises a holding device, such as a housing 214 into which a spring 23 can be inserted.
• the housing 214 is thus arranged on the underside of the piston 21 and along its longitudinal axis.
• the spring 23 can be of the compression spring type.
• the holding device may alternatively have the shape of an axis which may be surrounded by a spring 23.
• the piston 21 may thus slide in the sleeve 22 over a predetermined distance and in a reversible manner thanks to the spring 23.
• Other elastic devices can be used to allow the stroke of the piston 21 in the sleeve 22.
• the sleeve 22 further comprises one or more stops 220, making it possible to limit the stroke of the piston 21 in the sleeve 22.
• the piston 21 comes into contact with the stop(s) 220 of the sleeve under the effect of the thrust of the spring 23.
• the contact can be established for example at the level of a rim or a chamfer 210 of the piston 21.
• a rim or chamfer can for example correspond to the end of the cylindrical portion of the piston 21.
• the stroke of the piston 21 is determined so that its cylindrical part 212 can move from the cylindrical part of the sleeve 22 towards its flared part 221, 222 and vice versa.
• the displacement of the piston 21 takes place against the stiffness of the spring 23 under the effect of the liquid passing through the central pipe, in such a way that the cylindrical part 212 of the piston 21 passes progressively from the cylindrical part of the sleeve 22 towards its part. flared 221, 222.
• the flared part 221, 222 of the jacket 22 thus lets the liquid flow into the central pipe of the flow meter 1.
• the position of the piston 21 corresponds to a position of equilibrium between the force exerted by the liquid which flows through the flared part 221, 222 of the sleeve 22 and the spring 23.
• the force exerted by the liquid being relative at its flow rate, the flow rate of the liquid can be determined according to the position of the piston 21 .
• the position of the piston 21 can be determined precisely by means of a magnetic sensor.
• the piston can be provided with one or more permanent magnets.
• a magnetic sensor arranged in the sleeve 22 or close to the piston 21 makes it possible to determine the position of the permanent magnet(s) and consequently the precise position of the piston in the central pipe. The flow can thus be measured.
• the magnetic sensor can for example be integrated or combined with a detection module 40.
• the piston comprises 2 magnets arranged along its longitudinal axis. [0021] A reverse arrangement of the magnet, or magnets, and of the sensor can of course be envisaged.
• a slight displacement of the piston, retained in the sleeve with a sufficiently small clearance and a sufficiently weak restoring force to be moved by the friction of the water, can then be detected. Either or both of piston movement or position can be detected.
• An alarm can be initiated if, for example, a flow rate of the order of 1.0L/hour to approximately 3L/minute is measured continuously for a predetermined period of time thanks to the position measurement of the piston.
• the flared part 221, 222 of the sleeve 22 may have a first flare angle A1 of a few degrees, of the order of 1° to less than 10° or less than 8° or less than 5° with respect to to the longitudinal axis of the flow meter 1.
• the first angle of flare A1 makes it possible in particular to determine the value of the flow in a first range of flow rates of low values thanks to the slight widening 221 of the passage around the piston 21.
• the flared part may comprise a second flare angle A2, of the order of 5° to 30°, or from 10° to 20°, the second flare angle A2 being greater than the first flare angle A1.
• the second flare angle A2 makes it possible in particular to determine the value of the flow rate in a second range of flow rates with higher values than those of the first range of flow rates, thanks to the widening 222 of the larger passage around the piston 21 .
• flare angles A1 and A2 can be provided in the sleeve 22.
• more than two flare angles can be provided depending on the needs and the ranges of targeted debits.
• the piston 21 may further comprise an anti-rotation device.
• a device may for example comprise one or more fins 211a, 211b (FIG. 4a) intended to limit the rotation of the piston about its longitudinal axis, which also corresponds to its axis of translation.
• the fin(s) 211a, 211b can cooperate with one or more lugs 223a, 223b of the sleeve 22. It is understood that the fin(s) can alternatively be inserted into one or more grooves provided in the sleeve 22 to prevent rotation of the piston 21.
• piston 21 may be provided with one or more longitudinal grooves cooperating with one or more lugs projecting from sleeve 22.
• lugs may correspond to lugs 223a, 223b intended to limit the stroke of piston 21
• a suitable stop is provided in the groove or grooves of the piston 21.
• Other anti-rotation devices can be envisaged depending on the circumstances to limit or avoid the rotation of the piston 21.
• one or more seals may be provided.
• the friction of the seals on the sleeve 22 risks disturbing the sliding of the piston and distorting the accuracy of the flow measurement. Consequently, the piston 21 is preferably free of seals. It is also made of a material with a low coefficient of friction such as Teflon, an STL resin, or a compound of the MoS2 type.
• the piston 21 can be composed for example of a material known under the term iglidur®.
• the sleeve 22 also comprises a material limiting the friction forces, which can be the same as that of the piston or different.
• the sleeve 22 has a widened part 224, corresponding to its maximum diameter.
• the widened part 224 is arranged in the continuity of the flared part 221, 222.
• the clearance between the cylindrical portion 212 of the piston and the widened part of the central pipe can be between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm. It may for example be of the order of 0.5 mm or of the order of 0.7 mm.
• the piston 21 is thus movable in translation between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to the closure of the central pipe, and the second position corresponding to the maximum opening of the central pipe.
• the diameter of the pipe varies progressively over the course of the piston 21 between a minimum value and a maximum value.
• the first position is reached when the piston is in contact with the end stop 220.
• the second position is reached when the upper end of the cylindrical portion 212 of the piston 21 arrives opposite the part widened 224 of the sleeve 22.
• An end stop can be provided in the lower position so as to limit the stroke of the piston when it reaches the second position.
• the high flow module 30 comprises a paddle wheel 31 provided with blades 310 and a hub 311.
• the hub 311 comprises a central housing 313 adapted to contain an axis 315 (fig. 5) on which the paddle wheel 31 can turn. Housing 313 may optionally pass through the hub of the impeller.
• the axis of rotation 315 (Fig.5a) is transverse to the flow of the liquid, that is to say transverse to the central pipe of the flow meter 1.
• the blades 310 are arranged around the hub 311 on the path of the liquid so as to rotate the wheel at blade 31 under the effect of the flow of liquid.
• the blade wheel 31 rotates all the more rapidly as the flow of liquid increases.
• the high-speed module 30 can be separated from the low-speed module 20 by a wall 240 transverse to the central pipe and blocking the central pipe over a proportion of between approximately 10% and 80% of its section, or between 40 and 60 % of its cross-section, or of the order of 50% of its cross-section so as to provide a passage 241 allowing the flow of the liquid towards the high-speed module 30.
• the passage 241 is preferably eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central pipe so as to direct the flow of liquid onto the blades of the paddle wheel 31.
• the widened part 224 can thus form an intermediate chamber 24 between the low flow module 20 and the high flow module 30.
• the central pipe can remain straight so as to maintain the flow of liquid in its longitudinal axis and the paddle wheel 31 can be offset so as to present the blades 310 in the flow of liquid.
• a lug or pivot 230 may be provided to hold spring 23 in the vertical position, in the longitudinal axis of piston 21.
• one or more lower stops 231 may be provided near lug 230 to limit the piston stroke 21.
• the hub 311 of the impeller 31 comprises one or more housings 314a, 314b allowing for example to fix magnets.
• the housings 314a, 314b are preferably remote from the central housing 313 so as to easily determine the variation of their angular position by means of a detection module 40.
• the central pipe can be widened at the location of the paddle wheel 31, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 6. Such a widening can form a cavity adapted to the rotation of the paddle wheel 31.
• the radius of the paddle wheel 31 partly determines the accuracy of the flow rate measurements. Other parameters such as the length of the blades 310, or their shape, or their width, can also influence the measurement precision.
• Several examples of paddle wheels 31 are illustrated by Figures 5a to 5c.
• the clearance 350 made between the blades 310 of the bladed wheel 30 and the wall of the central pipe can be subject to adjustments. It can for example be limited to a minimum value such as between approximately 0.03 mm and 0.1 mm, so that a maximum of the liquid passing over the blades 310 produces a rotational force of the blade wheel 31. Alternatively, clearance 350 may be greater than 0.1 mm, for example between 0.2 and 0.5 mm or even greater than 1 mm, so as to allow sufficient escape for the liquid.
• the paddle wheel 31 thus remains without effect on the flow rate of
• the shape of the cavity comprising the paddle wheel 31 can be adapted depending on the uses.
• the operating clearance 350 can be regular over the entire circumference of the paddle wheel 31.
• the clearance 350 may vary so as to limit any liquid rising due to the rotation of the paddle wheel 31.
• the clearance 350 may be maximum at the place of the passage provided for the flow of the liquid. and minimal, that is to say, immediately under the passage 241. The diametrically opposite play can be reduced so as to limit or prevent the rise of the liquid.
• the impeller 31 preferably comprises 2 diametrically opposed magnets, although more than 2 magnets may be provided.
• the diameter of the hub 311 partly conditions the spacing of the side housings 314a, 314b where the magnets are arranged.
• the hub 311 can advantageously represent one third, or half or two thirds of the diameter of the paddle wheel 31.
• the ratio between the radius of the hub 311 and the length of the blades 310 can be 1/1 or 1/2 or 2/1, or take other values as needed.
• the side housings 314a, 314b are here arranged in the hub 311, this does not exclude fixing the magnets on two diametrically opposed blades. The distance separating the magnets can thus be significantly increased. Note that the paddle wheel 31 must remain relatively balanced so as to rotate at constant speed. The magnets therefore preferably have the same mass.
• the impeller 31 may only comprise a series of blades 310.
• the blades may all be identical or may have different lengths or shapes. For example, an alternation of short and long blades can be provided to avoid limiting the flow rate of the liquid while ensuring good rotation of the blade wheel 31.
• the blade wheel 31 comprises several series of blades 310, either two series of blades or at least two series of blades arranged side by side on the same hub 311.
• FIG. 5a shows an example of a blade wheel 31 comprising three series of blades.
• the contiguous blades of two series of blades can be arranged in the same plane, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, or else be offset with respect to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 5d. others configurations can be considered depending on the needs.
• a space 312 can be provided between the series of blades 310.
• Such a space can be advantageous for the construction of the paddle wheel 31, in particular for its molding, which can be carried out in several parts. Additionally or alternatively, it may be necessary for the passage of liquid flow. In the absence of such a passage, the paddle wheel 31 could block the duct too much and limit the flow of liquid in an undesirable way.
• the shapes of the blades of two contiguous series can be the same or differ from one to the other.
• the blades 310 of a series arranged in the center of the hub 311 can be longer and more symmetrical than the blades 310 of the lateral series, close to the wall of the central pipe.
• the paddle wheel 31 makes it possible to measure the highest flow rates.
• the low speeds of rotation, corresponding to the low flow rates, do not allow sufficiently precise measurements.
• the measurement of the flow rate can be carried out thanks to the rotation of the paddle wheel 31.
• the flow rates ranging up to about 1500 liters per hour, or 1300 liters per hour, can be determined through the paddle wheel 31.
• the piston 21 and the paddle wheel 31 are dimensioned so as to be able to determine flow rate values over overlapping ranges.
• An overlapping of ranges can be provided for example for flow rates comprised between around 0.5 L/minute and around 3 L/minute. Other values can be provided as needed.
• the flowmeter 1 may comprise a detector or a set of detectors making it possible to detect both the position of the piston 21 and the position of the blade wheel 31.
• the detector also makes it possible to correct the measurement of the position of the piston 21 as a function of the position of the paddle wheel 31.
• a detection module 40 is arranged laterally to the central pipe of the flow meter 1 so as to determine instantly or at regular intervals the position of the magnets contained or associated with the piston 21 and the paddle wheel 31.
• a single detector allows the simultaneous detection of the positions of the piston 21 and of the paddle wheel 31.
• the detection module 40 allows an automatic correction of the position of the piston 21 according to the position of the paddle wheel 31.
• the magnets fixed or integrated into the piston 21 and the impeller 31 can be directly in contact with the flow of liquid.
• Non-oxidizable materials should be used.
• the magnets are preferably free of Neodymium, too likely to oxidize. They are preferably selected from AlNiCo or ferrite.
• the magnets arranged in the blade wheel 31, in the housings 314a and 314b, provided for this purpose, are placed antiparallel. When there are two magnets, the positive pole of one of the two magnets and the negative pole of the other magnet are oriented towards the outside of the hub 311.
• the detection module 40 is preferably integrated into the intermediate part 12 of the body 10.
• the detection module 40 is calibrated so as to be able to determine a flow rate according to the position of the instantaneous piston 21, the speed of rotation instantaneous position of wheel 31, or the combination of the instantaneous position of piston 21 and the instantaneous speed of rotation of wheel 31.
• the detection module 40 is able to correct any interaction between piston 21 and wheel 31 so as to limit or eliminate measurement errors.
• the detection module 40 determines the instantaneous position of the paddle wheel 31 and the piston 21 at predetermined time intervals.
• the time interval defines a frequency which can be of the order of 100 to 2000 Hz depending on requirements.
• a frequency of the order of 400 Hz to 600 Hz, typically 500 Hz can be quite suitable.
• Such a frequency makes it possible to determine the number of rotation cycles of the wheel vanes 31, thanks to the fluctuation of the magnetic field of the magnets arranged in the side housings 314a, 314b.
• a standby position can be provided so as to limit energy consumption. In the standby position, a frequency of the order of 1 to 10 Hz can be programmed to maintain residual detection, which can be useful in particular for detecting leaks.
• the instantaneous position of the piston 21 can be averaged over several consecutive measurements so as to increase the precision.
• the flow rate value determined by the detection module 40 can also take into consideration the position of the piston 21, whether it is closer to its first position of closure of the pipe or else to its second position of maximum opening. , and the speed of the rotation of the impeller 31, to determine whether it is a low flow rate, to be measured by the low flow module 20, or a higher flow rate, to be determined by the broadband module 30.
• the value thus measured can be weighted according to the position of the piston 21 relative to the speed of rotation of the blade wheel 31.
• the detection module 40 can be programmed to trigger the measurements when a sudden increase in flow is detected.
• the detection module 40 may further comprise a data recording device and a recorded data processing device. It thus makes it possible to accumulate the flow rates measured and to determine a volume of liquid consumed for a given period.
• the observation period can be pre-scheduled or requested on demand. It can correspond to a day, or a week, or one or more months, or a year.
• the detection module 40 may comprise or be associated with a communication device adapted to transmit the measured data or part of the data, or the results of their processing. Debits measured or the volumes consumed can thus be transmitted remotely to a server or a terminal. Such communication can be carried out via a Bluetooth type mode, or else via WiFi, or include an RFID type recording that can be interrogated by means of a suitable device.
• the flowmeter 1 may also comprise a temperature sensor.
• a temperature sensor can be a probe, in direct contact with the liquid passing through the central pipe.
• the temperature sensor can be a thermistor welded to the wall of the central pipe so as to determine the temperature or the variation in temperature of this wall under the effect of the passage of the liquid.
• the temperature sensor can be connected to the detection module 40.
• the temperature sensor can be connected to a thermal device so as to be able to regulate the temperature of the liquid instantaneously.
• the flowmeter 1 may further comprise a liquid conductivity sensor, which may be connected to the detection module 40.
• the flow meter 1 can be designed so that its intermediate part 10 comprises both the low flow module 20 and the high flow module 30.
• the assembly can thus be molded in one piece and ensure optimum compactness.
• the flowmeter 1 can be modular.
• the low bit rate module 20 can be used independently of the high bit rate module 30.
• a connection system makes it possible to combine the high bit rate module 30 with the low bit rate module 20.
• the detection module 40 can also be interchangeable on demand, depending in particular on the configuration of the flowmeter 1 and its equipment.
• the configuration of the flow meter 1 relates to the presence of the low flow module 20 alone, or to the presence of a high flow module 30 added to the low flow module 20, or to a body integrating both the low flow module 20 and the high-speed module 30.
• the equipment is as to them relating to the presence or absence of temperature or conductivity sensors, and/or any means of communication and data storage.
• the present invention also covers a method for determining the flow rate of a fluid in circulation by means of the flow meter described here.
• the method comprises in particular the determination of a low flow rate by means of the low flow rate module, in particular when the flow rate is comprised in a range ranging from 1 l/hour to approximately 400 l/hour.
• the method may further comprise the determination of a higher flow rate, in particular comprised between a range of 300 l/hour to approximately 1800 l/hour.
• the determination of such a bit rate is performed by means of a high bit rate module 30 as described above.
• the method also makes it possible to determine the flow rate of a liquid over a wide range with high precision, both for low flow rates, typically less than 400 l/hour or 200 l/hour, or 100 l/ hour, and for high flow rates comprised in a range of the order of 100 to 2000 l/hour, or in a range of the order of 200 to 1800 l/hour.
• Such a measurement over a wider range is made possible thanks to the combination of the low bit rate 20 and high bit rate 30 modules described above and to the detection module 40 which makes it possible in particular to weight the values measured by means of the low bit rate 20 and high bit rate modules. rate 30.
• the bit rate is understood here as an instantaneous value.
• the value can however be averaged over time.
• the present method further comprises a step of processing the measured values so as to produce usable values such as a volume of liquid consumed over a given period.
• the terms "upper” and “lower” or equivalent herein designate commonly used orientations or positions. They apply in particular to the flowmeter of the present invention when it is in the useful position, that is to say in the position for measuring a flow rate when the liquid is passing.
• the uppermost part of the flowmeter corresponds in this respect to the most upstream portion of the liquid flow, and the lowermost part of the flowmeter corresponds to its most downstream part of the liquid flow.
• the flowmeter is arranged in a vertical position, that is to say its longitudinal axis T is in a substantially vertical position.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)

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• 2020
  • 2020-11-17 CH CH01466/20A patent/CH718073A1/fr unknown
• 2021
  • 2021-11-10 WO PCT/IB2021/060398 patent/WO2022106961A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2021-11-10 US US18/253,334 patent/US20240027240A1/en active Pending
  • 2021-11-10 EP EP21811487.4A patent/EP4248176A1/de active Pending

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