FR3067107B1 - DEVICE AND MEASUREMENT NETWORK, FLUID TRANSPORT TUBE FIXED THEREFOR, AND FIXING METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring, intended to be fixed in an external opening (T) of access, which is delimited by a wall (P), extends in a first direction (D) through which fluid in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR) located around the direction (D) and opens into an inner section (CAN) fluid passage, wider than the opening (T) transversely to the direction (D). The invention is characterized in that the device (1) comprises a part (7) for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2), the part (7) being able to be displaced via the body ( 3) and / or the fixing part in the first direction (S1) of insertion direction (D), directed from the opening (T) to the section (CAN), so that - the fluid is prevented from passing from the inlet (72) in the channel (71) to the outlet (73), when the part (7) is in a first position, in which the inlet (72) is against the wall ( P) and is closed by the wall (P) and - that the fluid passes from the inlet (72) in the channel (71) to the outlet (73), when the part (7) is in a second position, wherein the inlet (72) is in the section (CAN) located beyond the wall (P) in the direction (S1) or flush with the wall (P).

Description

The invention relates to a measuring device, a fluid transport tube and a method of fixing the measuring device to the tube. The invention particularly relates to a measuring module (s) by sensor (s) and data exchange by radio frequency, integrated and secured by its mechanics (sealed to a product transport tube (s) or fluid (s) , as well as a method of fixing the module to the tube.

A field of application of the invention generally relates to fluid transport tubes, such as, for example, buried pipelines conveying gas or liquids or air or semi-liquid materials such as, for example, food materials such as compote or wheat. The tube can in particular be used in a distribution network or used to transport a material. One of the problems of fluid transport tubes in a distribution system is that they are most often buried in the ground such as gas and water pipes or in a concrete screed as is the case in factory or integrated in a closed wall as a wall and therefore difficult to access.

Another problem is to make precise measurements on the transported product or inside the tube without having direct access to the tube.

Another problem is to make the most direct measurements possible on the product or in the tube without affecting the product or affecting as little as possible the mechanical integrity of the transport tube.

Another problem is the respect of the mechanical and / or chemical seals that the Module must guarantee in order to provide perfect insulation between the inside of the tube where a potentially dangerous product circulates, such as city gas for example, or the oxygen that circulates. in hospitals and outside the tube.

Another problem relates to the integration aspects of product measurement sensor systems integrated in a tube and the security guaranteed by this integration with respect to the product and the operation of the tube. There is a risk of ejection of the measuring system or even explosion of the tube or pollution of the product internal to the tube by the external measuring system.

Another problem is to transmit in a viable and safe manner to a receiver - person, point, node, network - by a radiofrequency signal, the sensor measurement data integrated into the module associated with a tube buried in the ground which can be the earth, stone, sand, water (...) at depths ranging from 1cm to 3 meters or a concrete screed or a wall of cement. The environment of the pipe or the environment of the pipeline, potentially composed of a multitude of possible configurations by their nature such as concrete, water, earth, cement, sand (...) directly affects the signal radio frequency and can greatly attenuate the power of the radiofrequency signal, make phase changes of the signal and finally make changes in its propagation.

In particular, it is sought to measure at least one physical parameter of the product transported in the tube such as the pressure or the temperature for the fluids and / or a derivative of the product such as CO2 following a combustion of the product such as an electric cable that burns and / or to detect a leakage of product through the tube in order to validate, for example, the tightness of the tube or its robustness or to provide preventive monitoring of the tube or to ensure safety or to manage the activity of the tube by reading parameters related to the interior of the tube; tube and the transported product.

So, at present, to check if a buried gas transport tube does not leak during its installation, we pass water with a certain pressure and a certain temperature in the tube and we measure the temperature of the soil around the tube to deduce by correlation with the flow and the pressure if locally the tube leaks or does not leak. The disadvantage of this method is that it is not sufficiently reliable, which is due to the various errors in the measurement or due to the low quantities of leaks to be measured.

On these types of pipes such as gas pipes, of small or large diameter D30cm D140cm, buried in the ground, it is not easy and not easy for mechanical constraints including, to install, integrate and operate pressure gauges for example because the tube is buried. Burial operations can potentially pose a risk of damage to the manometer built into the tube. Its direct use and direct exploitation are impossible. It is therefore necessary to have a communication towards the operator on the surface. Such a manometer should also have a current source such as a battery and thus force maintenance of this battery. It is known to those skilled in the art to have such a pressure gauge with battery associated with radio transmission means but only in a surface operation free of any burial constraint. It is possible to associate a wired electrical connection between, for example, a pressure gauge installed on a buried pipe in order to bring the energy to its operation and to acquire the pressure data in the pipe, but the problems of maintenance, for example, of such an achievement would not be solved so far, since the manometers need a periodic calibration and therefore would entail significant costs in its operation just to get the equipment.

Moreover, at present, there is no provision for measuring fire, fire (...) directly inside the tubes or pipes for the same operating constraints of this type of equipment integrated into a system. buried pipe or pipe. The operating costs of this type of equipment directly integrated into a tube, for example to fetch faulty equipment in a 10-tonne pipe buried under 3 meters below a channel or to change a battery or a battery this equipment would be too important. Another constraint relates to the integrity of the system. In addition, it is desired that a sensor measuring module can be integrated with all the guarantees on the operation and risks in a tube carrying very sensitive materials such as oxygen or gas or very corrosive or mechanically very difficult materials. Hard like sand.

Furthermore, it is known to have a conduit (called spacer) opening into the tube to fix on the conduit, for example, a pressure gauge to measure the gas pressure inside the tube. These manometers have the disadvantage of being expensive, of having a guaranteed accuracy for a limited time and also of being potentially dangerous, because they present a risk of ejection under the pressure of the gas prevailing in the tube. These pressure gauges are widely used in the industry. They are favorably integrated into aerial pipelines, therefore for surface application. The object of the invention is to obtain a solution which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above and which makes it possible to guarantee the operational safety of the measurement system and of the tube, which makes it possible to easily carry out physical measurements in buried or overhead tubes. For this purpose, a first object of the invention is a measuring device (1), intended to be fixed in an access opening (T, C), which is delimited by a wall (P), extends in a first direction (D) of fluid passage in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR, Cl) located around the first direction (D) crossing and opens into an inner section (CAN, C3) of fluid passage of a fluid transport tube (TTF), wider than the access opening (T, C) transversely to the direction (D) of passage,

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device (1) comprises a portion (32) for fixing at least one measurement sensor (2), which makes it possible to measure at least one determined quantity.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device (1) comprises a body (3), which is intended to be fixed to the fixing part (32) and which comprises at least a first inner housing (33), in which is an electronic unit (4) to be electrically connected to the sensor (2), a cap (8) for closing the first inner housing (33) being fixed to the body (3).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device (1) further comprises at least a first antenna (6) connected by at least one electrical conductor to the electronic unit (4) and arranged to enable communication to the outside the body (3) the quantity having been measured by the sensor (2).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device (1) comprises a portion (7) for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the selective contacting part (7) has a first opening-fixing lateral surface (76) (T, C) which extends around the first direction ( D) and in which there is a first external thread (760) arranged around the first direction (D) of passage to be screwed into the tapping (TAR, Cl) of the outer opening (T, C) according to a first direction (SI) of insertion of the first direction (D) crossing, directed from the outer opening (T, C) to the inner section (CAN, C3).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the selective contacting portion (7) has a first internal channel (71) extending from a fluid inlet (72) which opens into the first lateral surface (76) in upstream of at least a first portion (761) of the first external thread (760) and downstream of at least a second portion (762) of the first external thread (760) in the first direction (SI) of insertion of the first direction (D) crossing, the first inner channel (71) up to an inner outlet (73) opening towards the sensor (2).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body (3) and / or the attachment part (32) comprises fixing means (31, 321, 322) for fixing the body (3) in a fluid-tight manner and / or the part (32) for fixing to the opening (T, C) and / or the part (7) for making selective contact and for positioning the sensor (2) upstream of the next internal outlet (73) the first direction (SI) of insertion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the part (7) for making selective contact is able to be moved via the body (3) and / or the fixing part (32) in the first direction ( SI) of insertion of the first direction (D) crossing, directed from the outer opening (T, C) to the inner section (CAN, C3), so that - the fluid is prevented from passing from the input (72) in the channel (71) to the output (73), when the selective contacting part (7) is in a first position, in which the input (72) is against the wall (P). ) delimiting the opening (T, C) and is closed by the wall (P) and - that the fluid passes from the inlet (72) in the channel (71) to the outlet (73), when the part (7) ) is in a second position, in which the inlet (72) is in the fluid cross section (CAN, C3) beyond the wall (P) in the direction (SI) of insertion or is flush with the wall (P).

Thanks to the invention, the measurement provided by the sensor can be read away from the tube buried beneath the surface, for example using an HF and / or UHF reading device, which an operator passes near the modules to enable to receive the electromagnetic signal that is emitted by the antenna and that contains the measurement. The invention thus makes it possible to position the sensor in direct contact with the fluid and thus to have a measurement on the fluid itself and not an indirect measurement. This measurement can be for example a measurement of fluid pressure and / or temperature. Thus, the invention allows an operator to measure remotely, up to 3 meters, measurements made on the fluid transported in a buried tube. The invention makes it possible to position a series of measurement modules along a buried tube, which allows an operator to successively record the measurements provided by the modules by simply moving above them on the ground. The invention thus makes it possible to quickly record the measurements and to reduce the costs associated with the collection of the measurements. The invention also provides a reliable measurement module having a long life and compatible with mechanical, chemical and explosive. The invention thus makes it possible to obtain an intelligent communicating sensor with a self-diagnostic capability by measuring, for example, its consumption, its memory capacity, its temperature and to transmit an analysis report in order to monitor the aging of the integrated module. tube or duct. The measuring module device can form a measuring module that can be for example a bolt or a screw, secured and screwed into the hole or conduit.

For example, by its shape and its functionalities, this module is called by the acronym "B.S.R.M. "As Secure Bolt Radio Frequency Measurements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing means (31, 321, 322) comprise a second lateral surface (31) of the body (3) and / or of the attachment part (32), which extends around the first direction (D) of crossing and in which there is a second external thread (310) arranged around the first direction (D) crossing to be screwed or unscrewed in the tapping (TAR, Cl) of the opening outside (T, C) for fixing the body (3) and / or the portion (32) for attachment to the opening (T, C).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second thread (760) extends over at least 50% or at least 90% of the length of the second lateral surface (31) of the body (3) and / or the part (32) attachment along the first direction (D) of fluid passage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion (7) for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2) is distinct from the body (3) and the fixing part (32) and is capable of being fixed. in a detachable manner with respect to the body (3) and the fixing part (32), the selective contacting part (7) being applied against the fixing part (32) and / or against the sensor (2). ) in the second position, the inner outlet (73) being applied against the sensor (2) in the second position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) is moved away from a second end portion (35) of the body (3) in the insertion direction (SI) of the body (3) in the aperture (T, C), the second end portion (35) having a second aperture (351) for inserting the electronic unit (4) into the first housing (33) and which is closed by the cap (8), the means (31, 321, 322) for fixing being able to position the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) upstream of the contacting part (7). selective according to the first insertion direction (SI).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion (32) for attaching the sensor (2) comprises at least a first drive member (321, 322) adapted to cooperate with a second member (74, 75). a drive located on the selective contacting part (7) for rotating, by rotation of the body (3) around the direction (D), the part (7) for making selective contact around the direction (D). ) to move the latter in the first direction (SI).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion (7) of selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2) is in one piece with the portion (32) of attachment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the attachment part (32) is in one piece with the body (3).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) is distinct from the body (3) and is capable of being fixed in a manner removably relative to the body (3).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body (3) and the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) together have a first length along the first direction (D) of fluid traversing, located at minus 90% or entirely in the outer opening (T, C).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body (3) and the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) together have a first length, which is located along the first direction (D) of fluid traversal and of which at least 10% exceeds the outer opening (T, C) in a second direction (S2), inverse of the first direction (SI).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first thread (760) extends over at least 50% or at least 90% of the length of the first lateral surface (76) of the contacting part (7). selective along the first direction (D) of fluid traversal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap (8) is attached to a third end portion (35) of the body (3), the sensor (2) being remote from the third end portion (35). following the first direction (SI) of insertion of the first direction (D) of crossing, a first opening (351) for inserting the electronic unit (4) in the first housing (33) being formed in the third part (35) end and being closed by the cap (8).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second portion (7) is remote from a third end portion (35) of the body (3) in the first direction (SI) of insertion of the first direction (D). ), the third end portion (35) having a second opening (351) for inserting the electronic unit (4) and the sensor (2) in the first housing (33).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the third end portion (35) of the body (3) comprises a head (34), which is wider than the outer surface (31) transversely to the first direction (D). of crossing and which is intended to be on or above the hole (T) or duct (C) outside the tube (TTF) in a second direction (S2), inverse of the first direction (SI) of insertion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the third end portion (35) of the body (3) is as wide or less wide than the outer surface (31) transversely to the first direction (D) of crossing and is intended to be on or in the hole (T) or duct (C).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the attachment part (32) comprises a second housing (37) in which the sensor (2) is fixed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor (2) comprises a second external thread (20) allowing the sensor (2) to be screwed into a first internal thread (370) of the second housing (37) from a second opening ( 371) of the body (3), communicating with the second housing (37).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body (3) and / or the attachment part (32) and / or the selective contacting part (7) is metallic.

According to one embodiment of the invention, around the sensor (2) and / or the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) is at least one sealing gasket (21) applied against the part (7). ) selectively contacting in the second position, so that the fluid is sent in a sealed manner from the inner outlet (73) to the sensor (2).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is entirely housed in the first inner housing (33), the cap (8) being made of a material arranged to let out electromagnetic radiation, which carries the magnitude measured by the sensor (2) and which is able to be emitted by the first antenna (6).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is partially or entirely located outside the first inner housing (33) and outside the body (3).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) comprises a first antenna part (64) housed in the first inner housing (33) and a second antenna part (65), which is fixed on the cap (8) and which is connected to the first antenna part (64) by capacitive or inductive coupling, the cap (8) being made of a material arranged to pass electromagnetic radiation that can be emitted by the first part ( 64) and the second antenna part (65).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is of LF or HF or UHF type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is of the WPC and / or RFID and / or GSM and / or LoRa and / or WiFi type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is of the RFID and / or NFC and / or RFID HF and / or NFC HF type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is of UHF RFID and / or UHF NFC type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device (1) is associated with a remote reader and / or remote transmitter and / or remote receiver, which are of a type corresponding to the type of the first antenna ( 6).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the remote reader and / or remote transmitter and / or remote receiver is of the RFID and / or NFC and / or LF and / or HF and / or UHF and / or WPC and / or RFID and / or GSM and / or LoRa and / or WiFi and / or RFID HF and / or NFC HF and / or RFID UHF and / or NFC UHF.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is of the UHF type, at least one battery (10) for supplying electricity to the first antenna (6) being housed in the first inner housing (33).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is connected by the at least one electrical conductor to receiving means (Rx) of a signal that can be received by the first antenna (6) and to means for transmitting (Tx) a signal that can be transmitted by the first antenna (6).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the reception means (Rx) and the transmission means (Tx) comprise a repeater for retransmitting in the signal transmitted by the transmitting means (Tx), in addition to the magnitude having been measured by the sensor (2), the signal received by the reception means (Rx).

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one rechargeable battery (10) or a rechargeable battery (10) for supplying electricity to the electronic unit (4) and / or the sensor (2) is housed in the first housing interior (33), the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery (10) being connected by electrical conductors to a second antenna (6 ') contained in the first inner housing (33) or the first antenna (6), the first or second antenna (6, 6 ') being configured to receive non-contact energy from external electromagnetic radiation from a remote charger to charge or recharge the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery ( 10).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery (10) is connected by electrical conductors to the second antenna (6 ') contained in the first inner housing (33), the second antenna ( 6 ') is of the RF type and is configured to be able to receive contactless energy by RF electromagnetic radiation from the outside from a remote charger to charge or recharge the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery (10). ).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is of the UHF type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first antenna (6) is configured to receive contactless energy, by electromagnetic radiation from the outside sent by a remote device, to supply electricity to the unit. electronics (4) and / or the sensor (2).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device (1) comprises neither battery nor battery.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring device (1) comprises means for its geolocation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for geolocation comprises at least one RFID tag attached to the device (1).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit (4) is able to emit towards the outside of the body (3) via the first antenna (6) at least one intrinsic diagnostic information.

Another object of the invention is a measurement network, comprising a plurality of measuring devices (1) as described above, intended to be fixed respectively in a plurality of said external access openings (T, C) opening in the inner section (CAN, C3) fluid passage and distributed over a length of the tube (TTF), the measuring devices (1) being distributed over the length (F) of the tube (TTF).

Another object of the invention is a fluid transport tube (TTF), comprising: an inner section (CAN) for transporting the fluid in the tube (TTF), at least one external opening (T) for access, which is delimited by a wall (P), extends in a first direction (D) of fluid passage in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR, Cl) located around the first direction (D) crossing and opens into the inner section (CAN, C3) of fluid passage, wider than the access opening (T, C) transversely to the first direction (D) of passage, at least one measuring device (1) as described above, the selective contacting portion (7) of which is screwed into the tapping (TAR, Cl) of the external opening (T) of access, the body (3) and / or the portion (32) being secured in fluid-tight manner to the access opening (T, C) and / or the contacting portion (7). lective for positioning the sensor (2) upstream of the inner outlet (73) in the first direction (SI) of insertion, the wall (P) being that delimiting the internal section (CAN) for transporting the fluid in the tube ( TTF) or being that of a duct (C), which is fixed to another wall delimiting the internal section (CAN) conveying the fluid and opening into the latter and which extends outwardly from the inner section ( CAN) fluid transport.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an access opening (T, C) is provided with a plurality of access openings (T, C) distributed over a length (L) of the tube (TTF). there is provided as measuring device (1) a plurality of said measuring devices (1) as described above, which are distributed over the length (L) of the tube (TTF) and the respective parts (7) of which selective contact are screwed into the tapping (TAR, Cl) respective access openings (T, C), the body (3) and / or the portion (32) of attachment of the respective measuring devices (1) being fixed d a fluid-tight manner at the respective access opening (T, C) and / or the respective selective contacting part (7) for positioning the respective sensor (2) upstream of the outlet (73) respective inner one according to the respective first direction (SI) of insertion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid is combustible gas.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening (T, C) access is located in an upper part of the tube (TTF).

Another object of the invention is a method of fixing the measuring device (1) as described above in an access opening (T, C), which is delimited by a wall (P), s' extends in a first direction (D) of fluid passage in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR, Cl) located around the first direction (D) crossing and opens into an inner section (CAN, C3) fluid passage, wider than the opening (T, C) access transversely to the direction (D) of crossing, method in which the body (3) and / or the portion (32) for fixing the in a fluid-tight manner at the opening (T, C) and / or the selective contacting portion (7) for positioning the sensor (2) upstream of the inner outlet (73) in the first direction (SI) insertion is made through the body (3) and / or the portion (32) of fixing the portion (7) of contacting selecti in the internal thread (TAR, Cl) of the outer opening (T, C) in the first direction (SI) of insertion to the first position, then screwed through the body (3) and or of the part (32) for fixing the part (7) for making selective contact in the internal thread (TAR, Cl) of the external opening (T, C) in the first insertion direction (SI) until in the second position.

The reader may be an RFID NFC RF reader, which may for example be 13.56MHZ, or a UHF RFID reader, which may for example be 868MHZ or 915MHZ. Ideally, this player works in a frequency band to limit the effects of the ground on the radio and the spread of the radio. A frequency lower than 50MHZ is a good compromise. The 13.56MHZ frequency enables the communication expected between the Embedded Tube Module and the surface and provides the necessary energy for the operation of the Module and reloading of the battery by Harvesting. A lower frequency such as 100KHZ or 1MHZ increases the number of turns of the Reader and Module antenna, which may be a disadvantage for Module integration. UHF frequencies have a relatively low power transfer power compared to HF and LF frequencies.

The measurement reader can be mobile and transportable or fixed on a mobile support such as a drone, a motorized vehicle such as a crane or any construction machine or a quad. The measurement reader can also be fixed on a support fixed to the ground near one or more Modules.

The reader can be equipped with radiofrequency telecommunication means such as Wifi, GSM, UMTS, SigFox or LoRa. The reader then has the possibility of transmitting the data exchanged with the integrated module to the buried tube to a network.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible to measure the movements of the buried tube or its rotation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface is surmounted by a head, which is narrower than the outer surface transversely to a direction of insertion of the body into the hole or conduit and which is intended to be on or above the hole or leads to the outside of the tube.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface is surmounted by a head, which is of the same width as the outer surface transversely to a direction of insertion of the body into the hole or conduit and which is intended to be located on or above the hole or leads to the outside of the tube.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap is attached to a third end portion of the body, the sensor being remote from the third end portion in a direction of insertion of the body into the hole or conduit, a first opening for inserting the electronic unit into the first housing being formed in the third end portion and being closed by the cap. According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the body comprises a first external thread for fixing the body in the hole or conduit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part comprises a second housing, which is formed in the body and in which is fixed the sensor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor comprises a second external thread for screwing the sensor into a first internal thread of the second housing from a second opening of the body, communicating with the second housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part is moved away from a third end portion of the body in a direction of insertion of the body into the hole or conduit, the third end portion having a first opening allowing inserting the electronic unit into the first housing, the second part being a separate part cooperating with the first part against the sensor inserted between the first part and the second part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part is in one piece with the body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part is moved away from a third end portion of the body in a direction of insertion of the body into the hole or conduit, the third end portion having a first opening allowing to insert the electronic unit and the sensor in the first housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part comprises a first inner channel from a fluid inlet opening outwards and up to an inner outlet opening towards the sensor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body and / or the second part is metallic.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna is entirely housed in the first inner housing, the cap being made of a material arranged to let outward electromagnetic radiation, which carries the magnitude having been measured by the sensor. and which is able to be transmitted by the antenna.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna is partially or entirely located outside the first inner housing and outside the body, the antenna being connected by at least one electrical contact through the cap or the body to the electronic unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna is of the RFID and / or NFC and / or RFID HF and / or NFC HF type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna is of UHF RFID and / or UHF NFC type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna is of the UHF type.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one radio frequency rechargeable battery or battery (WPC) for supplying electricity to the electronic part being housed in the first inner housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has at least one winding intended to be arranged around the tube.

Another object of the invention is a fluid transport tube, comprising: a wall delimiting a second fluid transport channel, at least one hole passing through the wall, at least one measuring module as described above being fixed in said at least one hole or in a conduit, which is fixed in the hole and which extends outwards.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of measurement modules as described above are fixed in a plurality of holes or ducts, which are fixed in the plurality of holes and which extend outwards. of the tube, the plurality of holes or conduits being distributed over a length of the tube.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid is flue gas.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hole is located in an upper part of the tube.

Another object of the invention is a method of fixing the measuring module as described above to a hole passing through a wall of a fluid transport tube or in a duct which is fixed to the hole and which extends to the outside of the tube, the outer surface of the body of the measuring module having a first external thread, wherein the body is screwed into the hole of the tube or in the conduit for fixing the body in the hole or conduit. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a measurement module fixed at a fluid transport tube, according to one embodiment of the invention, - Figure 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the measuring module fixed in a fluid transport tube, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view in longitudinal section of a measurement module according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the measuring module according to FIG. assembled state, - Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the measuring module according to another embodiment of the invention, in the assembled state, - Figure 6 is an exploded schematic view in longitudinal section of the measuring module according to another embodiment of the invention, - Figure 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the measuring module according to Figure 6, in the assembled state, - Figure 8 is a schematic view of a measuring module fixed to a duct, according to one embodiment of the invention, - Figures 9 to 17 are schematic views of the measuring module according to other embodiments of the invention, - Figures 18, 19, 20, 21 and 26 are schematic views in vertical section of the measuring module according to other embodiments of the invention, - Figures 22 and 23 are schematic front and perspective views of embodiments of the invention. an antenna support, which can be used in the measurement module according to another embodiment of the invention; - FIGS. 24 and 25 are diagrammatic views from above and a corresponding electrical circuit, of an antenna can be used in the m Measurement module according to another embodiment of the invention.

Various features and embodiments of the invention are described below.

In the figures, the measuring device 1 according to the invention is intended to be associated with a TTF tube for transporting fluid. In the figures, the measuring device 1 according to the invention is intended to be fixed in a hole T passing through a wall P of the fluid transport tube TTF (FIGS. 1 and 2) or in a conduit C which is fixed in the hole T and extending outward (Figures 6, 7 and 8). Fe hole T or duct C are generally designated by external opening T, C. In the following and in the figures, the measuring device 1 is also called measuring module 1. The outer opening T, C of access is delimited by the wall P. The outer opening T, C extends in the first direction D of the fluid passage in the wall P. The outer opening T, C, comprises an inner thread TAR, Cl located around the first direction D crossing. The outer opening T, C opens into the internal fluid passage section CAN (FIGS. 1, 2 and 8) or C 3 (FIGS. 6, 7 and 8), which is wider than the access opening T, C transversely to the crossing direction D.

The device 1 comprises a portion 32 for fixing at least one measurement sensor 2, which makes it possible to measure at least one determined quantity.

The device 1 comprising a body 3, which is intended to be fixed to the fixing part 32 and which comprises at least a first inner housing 33, in which there is an electronic unit 4 intended to be electrically connected to the sensor 2.

A cap 8 for closing the first inner housing 33 is attached to the body 3.

The device 1 comprises at least a first antenna 6 connected by at least one electrical conductor to the electronic unit 4. The first antenna 6 is arranged to make it possible to emit outside the body 3 a first electromagnetic radiation at least the magnitude having been measured by the sensor 2.

The device 1 comprises a portion 7 for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor 2. The selective contacting portion 7 comprises a first lateral surface 76 for fixing to the opening T, C. This first lateral surface 76 is extends around the first direction D crossing (Figures 3 to 7). In this first lateral surface 76 is a first external thread 760 arranged around the first direction D through to be screwed into the tapping TAR, C1 of the outer opening T, C in a first direction SI insertion of the first direction D of crossing, directed from the outer opening T, C to the inner section CAN, C3, that is to say transversely to the direction L of the length of the tube TTF.

The portion 7 of selective contacting comprises a first inner channel 71 from a fluid inlet 72, which opens into the first lateral surface 76 upstream of at least a first portion 761 of the first external thread 760 and downstream of at least a second portion 762 of the first external thread 760 according to the first insertion direction SI of the first direction D of crossing (Figures 3 to 7). The first inner channel 71 extends to an inner outlet 73 opening towards the sensor 2.

The body 3 and / or the fixing portion 32 comprise means 31 and / or 321 and / or 322 for fastening the body 3 and / or the fastening portion 32 to the opening T in a fluid-tight manner. , C and / or the part 7 of selective contacting and to position the sensor 2 upstream of the inner outlet 73 in the first insertion direction SI.

In a first position of the portion 7 of selective contacting, the inlet 72 is against the wall P defining the opening T, C and is closed by the wall P.

In a second position of the selective contacting part 7, the inlet 72 is in the internal CAN section, C3 for fluid passage located beyond the wall P in the insertion direction D or flush with the P wall

The part 7 of selective contact is able to be moved via the body 3 and / or the attachment part 32 in the first direction SI insertion of the first direction D of crossing, directed from the opening outside T, C to the inner section CAN, C3, from the first position to the second position.

Thus, the fluid is prevented from passing from the inlet 72 in the channel 71 to the outlet 73, when the selective contacting portion 7 is in the first position.

The fluid flows from the inlet 72 in the channel 71 to the outlet 73, when the part 7 of selective contacting is in the second position.

The displacement of the contacting part 7 thus makes it possible not to pass then to pass fluid from the inner section CAN, C3 of the tube in the channel 71 to the sensor 2.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the part 7 of selective contact is traversed or flush with the internal section CAN, C3 fluid passage in the second position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a secure and anti-ejection and anti-projection waterproof module (1) is thus obtained for the acquisition and radiofrequency transmission of physical measurements of a product placed in a conduit intended to be fixed in a threaded hole (T) whose ends traverse or are flush with the walls (P) of the inside and outside of a fluid transport tube (TTF) or intended to be fixed in a duct (C) which is fixed to the hole (T) and extending out of the tube (TTF).

Fluid may be any gas or liquid, such as a combustible gas, which may be natural gas, or semi-solid or semi-liquid or solid such as sand or wheat. For example, the TTF tube may be part of a distribution network for this fluid, which may extend into a territory to supply fluid to living quarters or businesses in towns and / or villages. Fe TTF tube can in particular be buried.

Fe TTF tube can be metal, PVC, polypropylene or a compound of metals and non-conductive materials.

Fe module 1 of measurement comprises one or more sensor (s) 2 measurement, for measuring at least a specific quantity, for example fluid and / or tube. This determined quantity can be, for example, in the case of a gas, a pressure of the fluid in the TTF tube. Of course, the determined quantity may be any parameter, which may be for example a fluid or tube temperature, a fluid pressure, a fluid moisture, a tube vibration, a sensor or module or tube position, a flow of the fluid in the tube, an electric and / or magnetic field of the fluid, a force on the tube, a torsion of the tube, an electromagnetic radiation of the tube or fluid, the presence of or the content of a determined chemical in the fluid , a concentration in a chemical composition determined in the fluid, a chemical, the presence or absence of fluid, the volume of fluid in the tube, the height of fluid in the tube or any other parameter of the fluid or tube.

Fe module 1 of measurement comprises the body 3 allowing the attachment of the measurement module 1 in the hole T of the wall P of the TTF tube in FIG. 1 or in the duct C fixed to the hole T of the wall P of the TTF tube at the Of course, what is described above for fixing the measurement module 1 in the hole T is also valid for fixing the measurement module 1 in the conduit C.

Fa wall P delimits the CAN internal section of fluid transport in the TTF tube. The hole T passes through the wall P of the inside of the TTF tube, formed by the CAN channel of fluid transport to the outside of the TTF tube. In FIG. 2, the inner surface of the wall P, which delimits the CAN channel, has the reference SI and is shown in phantom. The outer surface of the wall P bears the reference SE and is shown in solid lines. The hole T extends from the inner surface SI to the outer surface SE.

The body 3 has an outer surface 31 for the insertion and attachment of the body 3 in the hole T or conduit C. This outer surface 31 of the body 3 may comprise a second external thread 310 for fixing the body 3 in the hole T of the duct C. For this purpose, the hole T or duct C may comprise an internal tapping TAR in which the body 3 is screwed to fix it, the internal threading TAR having a thread corresponding to the thread of the In this case, the module 1 may be in the form of a threaded bolt or threaded screw and may comprise a bolt head 34 (with flat outer edges) or a screw head 34 (comprising one or more upper grooves, for example in the cap 8) for actuating the head 34 to rotate the body 3 by means of a screwing tool around the crossing direction D, to screw the module 1 in the hole T or conduit C.

Thanks to the invention, the installation of the measurement module 1 on the TTF tube is easy and can be performed at the factory or on site.

The outer surface 31 of the measuring module 1 can also be fixed by other means in the hole T or conduit C, for example by welding or otherwise.

The body 3 comprises a first inner housing 33 serving to contain an electronic unit 4. The electronic unit 4 is connected by son 51, 52 of electrical connection to the sensor 2. The son 51, 52 connection can pass in one or more recess (s) 510, 520 formed in the body 3 and communicating with the first housing 33 and with the first part 32.

The module 1 further comprises at least the antenna 6 electrically connected to the electronic unit 4. The antenna 6 is arranged to communicate to the outside of the TTF tube the quantity that has been measured by the sensor 2.

A material may be introduced into the first inner housing 33 to secure the electronic unit 4, the son 51, 52 of connection and / or the antenna 6 in the body 3, this material may be an insulating material which is poured in and then solidifies, such as silicone.

The module 1 comprises a second part 7 for bringing the fluid transported by the tube TTF into contact with the sensor 2. This second part 7 is fixed to the body 3.

The module 1 comprises a cap 8 fixed to the body 3 to close the first inner housing 33. The cap 8 is fixed on a third end portion of the body 3.

It may be formed in the wall P of the TTF tube a series of holes T or ducts C, in which is fixed respectively a series of measuring modules 1. The measurement modules 1 are distributed over the length L of the TTF tube. The measurement modules 1 can be associated together by a radiofrequency or wired connection, or by the TTF tube, in order to create a network of measurement modules 1. This network can range from a few meters to several kilometers. In addition, it may be provided that certain measurement modules are used as repeaters along the TTF tube, instead of performing measurements or in addition to this function.

The measurement module (s) 1 can be connected, by a wireless communication via the antenna 6, to a remote external device, such as for example a reader, an alarm unit or fluid control unit (for example to monitor the fluid parameters as measured by the module (s) 1).

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 and 18 to 21, the sensor 2 is moved away from the third end portion in the insertion direction SI of the body 3 into the hole T or conduit C. In the third end portion found a first opening 351 for inserting the electronic unit 4 in the first housing 33. This first opening 351 communicates with the first housing 33 and is closed by the cap 8. The first part 32 of the sensor mounting is removed from the third end portion of the body 3 along the insertion direction SI of the body 3 in the hole T or conduit C.

According to one embodiment, the outer surface 31 of the body 3 may be surmounted by a head 34, which is wider than the outer surface 31 transversely to the direction D through. This head 34 may for example form the third end portion of the body 3, have the first opening 351 and receive the cap 8. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16 , 18, the head 34 is on the hole T and protrudes outside the TTF tube when the module 1 is mounted on the TTF tube. In the embodiments shown in Figures 10, 13, 15, 17, the head 34 is wholly or partly in the hole T when the module 1 is mounted on the TTF tube. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the head 34 is on the conduit C and protrudes outside the conduit C when the module 1 is mounted on the conduit C. Of course, in other embodiments , the head 34 may be, in whole or in part in the conduit C when the module 1 is mounted on the conduit C.

According to an embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7, the sensor 2 is fixed in a second housing 37 provided in the first portion 32 of the body 3. For this purpose, the sensor 2 may comprise a second external thread 20 allowing to screw the sensor 2 in a first internal thread 370 of the second housing 37, the first portion 32 of the body 3 having a second opening 371 communicating with the second housing 37 and for inserting the sensor 2 therein.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, the second part 7 for bringing the fluid into contact is a part 70, distinct from the body 3. This part 70 co-operates with the first part 32 for mounting the sensor 2 In the assembly position of the different parts of the module 1, shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the part 70 is positioned against the sensor 2 inserted between the first part 32 and the second part 7 for bringing the fluid into contact. For this purpose, the first mounting portion 32 of the sensor 2 may comprise one or more pin (s) or rod (s) or member (s) 321, 322, which fit into one or more recess (s) 74, 75 of the part 70 in the assembly position, which are turned towards the recess (s) 74, 75 in the SI direction of insertion and which project for example from the first part 32 being located near the opening 371.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the second fluid contacting portion 7 is in one piece with the body 3. In this case, the first opening 351 provided in the third end portion 35 allows to insert the sensor 2, then the electronic unit 4 in the first housing 33. In the assembly position shown in Figure 5, the inner channel 71 of the second portion 7 of contacting is in fluid communication via the inner outlet 73 with the sensor 2 located in the first housing 33.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 and 18 to 21, the second part 7 comprises the fluid inlet 72 opening outwards to allow the introduction of fluid coming from the CAN channel of the TTF tube into the internal channel 71 of the second part 7. , which inner channel 71 extends inside the second portion 7 to an inner outlet 73 opening to the sensor 2. The fluid is thus fed from the inlet 72 to the outlet 73 to the sensor 2 by passing by the inner channel 71, in the second position.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 and 18 to 21, the inlet 72 is on the lateral surface 76 of the second part 7 for selectively contacting the fluid and / or away from the lower end surface 77 of this second part 7, remote from its output 73 near the sensor 2 in the insertion direction SI, and is able to be plugged or left open by moving the body 3 and the second part 7 in the hole T or conduit C (by unscrewing or screwing the body 3 and / or the second part 7 into the hole T or conduit C). Thus, the body 3 and / or the second part 7 for selectively contacting the fluid in the SI direction of insertion is moved by screwing them into the hole T or duct C, in order to pass the entry 72 beyond the edge of the hole T first in the first position, then in the second position, so in the second position to enter the CAN channel, so that the fluid enters the channel 71 to the sensor 2 in the second position. According to one embodiment, by moving the body 3 and / or the part 7 for selectively contacting the fluid in the direction opposite to the insertion direction S1, the part 7 for selectively contacting the fluid of the second part is passed through. position at the first position, which closes the inlet 72 by covering the wall P of the TTF tube, to prevent the penetration of the fluid in the channel 71 to the sensor 2, by the means 31, 321, 322.

The body 3 and / or the second part 7 may be for example metallic. The body 3 and / or the second part 7 could also be made of a synthetic material, for example PVC or polypropylene, ceramic or other. The environment of the TTF fluid transport tube can be of any type, for example a soil, and this environment can also be gaseous, such as for example air, or liquid such as water.

According to an embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the body 3 is fixed, for example screwed, by its outer surface 31 described above, in the conduit C. The conduit C comprises for example the internal thread C1 in which is screwed the outer thread 310 of the outer surface 31 of the body 3 in the insertion direction SI. This embodiment can be used with the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 as shown in Figures 6 and 7, wherein the second part 7 is a separate part 70 of the body 3, in which case this part 70 has the external thread 760 identical to the external thread 310 of the body 3 and located in the extension thereof in the SI insertion direction in the assembly position, so that the body assembly 3-second part 7 can be screwed into the conduit C, the thread 760 is also screwed into the internal thread C1 of the duct C. The duct C has an opening C2 facing the hole T and / or towards the surface S1 to allow the introduction of fluid into the duct C towards the sensor 2 by means of intermediate of the second part 7 of contacting. The conduit C may comprise, between its end opening C2 and its attachment surface Cl to the body 3 and / or the second part 7 of contacting the fluid, a compartment C3 communicating with the opening C2. The displacement of the body 3 and / or the second part 7 in the insertion direction SI from the first position to the second position respectively allows the entry 72 to be left free in the compartment C3, thus allowing the fluid to enter, via the opening C2, in the compartment C3, then in the channel 71 to the sensor 2. According to one embodiment, the displacement of the body 3 and / or the second part 7 of the second position to the first position in the In the opposite direction of the insertion direction SI, respectively, the inlet 72 is closed against the surface C1, in order to prevent the fluid from entering through the channel 71 to the sensor 2. Of course, these embodiments may also be used. with the embodiment of Figure 5 to also be inserted in the same manner in the conduit C.

According to one embodiment, said integrated antenna type antenna 6 is fully housed in the first inner housing 33. The cap 8 is made of a material arranged to let out electromagnetic radiation, which carries the size having been measured by the sensor 2 and which is able to be emitted by the antenna 6.

According to another embodiment, said type external antenna, the antenna 6 is partially or entirely located outside the first inner housing 33 and outside the body 3, the antenna 6 being connected by at least an electrical contact passing through the cap 8 or the body 3 to the electronic unit 4 and through a secure mechanical interface.

According to embodiments described below, the antenna 6 may be of the RFID and / or NFC and / or RFID HF and / or NFC HF type. The antenna 6 is able to be read by a remote RFID reader and / or NFC, not shown, when this reader is approached from the antenna 6. RFID is the abbreviation of radio frequency identification (in English: "radiofrequency identification "). NFC is an abbreviation for "near-field communication". HF is the abbreviation of high frequencies. The antenna 6 may be of the integrated antenna type, as shown in FIGS. 1, 8 to 11, 20 and 21. In this case, the antenna 6 allows a communication distance of approximately 50 cm. The antenna 6 may comprise an RFID tag and the frequency band of the antenna 6 of the RFID HF and / or NFC HF type may correspond to a tuning frequency of the antenna 6 located in a high frequency band HF or equal to 30 kHz and less than 80 MHz. For example, this tuning frequency may be 13.56 MHz. Of course, this antenna 6 could be integrated in the cap 8 or more generally in the upper part of the module 1.

Advantageously, the electronic unit 4 can be without battery and without power supply embedded in the module 1 as shown in FIG. 20, the energy necessary for the operation of the sensor 2, the electronic unit 4 and the antenna 6 being sent remotely by the reader to the antenna 6, when this reader is approached from the module 1. The antenna 6 may also be of the external antenna type, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 19, 26. This type antenna increases the field received from the reader. In this case, the antenna 6 allows a communication distance of about 300 cm. In Figures 16, 19 and 26, the antenna 6 may comprise one or more windings 60 arranged around the TTF tube, that is to say around its outer surface S. The winding (s) can be arranged d one side of the TTF tube relative to the module 1, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 26, or on both sides of the TTF tube relative to the module 1, as shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. may comprise one or more windings 60 disposed on an outer side TTF1, by the upper outer side TTF1 of the TTF tube.

According to embodiments described below, the antenna 6 is RFID type and / or NFC and / or RFID UHF and / or NFC UHF and / or UHF. The antenna 6 is adapted to be read by a remote RFID reader and / or NFC, not shown, when this reader is approaching the antenna 6. UHF is the abbreviation of ultra high frequencies. The antenna 6 may be of the integrated antenna type, as shown in FIGS. 1, 8 to 11, 20 and 21. In this case, the antenna 6 allows a communication distance of about 20 m. The antenna 6 may also be of the external antenna type, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, 20 and 21. This type of antenna makes it possible to increase the field received from the reader. In this case, the antenna 6 allows a communication distance of 20 meters to about 200 m. This antenna 6 has a tuning frequency included in the ultra-high frequency band (UHF) corresponding to frequencies greater than or equal to 80 MHz and less than or equal to 5 800 MHz.

For example, the tuning frequency of the antenna 6 may be 868 MHz or 915 MHz.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the antenna 6 of the external antenna and UHF RFID and / or UHF NFC type may comprise a strand 61 extending parallel to the direction D.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the antenna 6 of the external antenna type and UHF RFID and / or UHF NFC type can be of monopole stranded type 61. The metal body 3 is mechanically and electrically connected to the TTF tube. The antenna 6 is arranged, for example, to extend parallel to the direction D. In FIG. 15, the antenna 6 can be any type of antenna using a reference plane such as a planar antenna located at a distance from a reference plane. This reference plane can be electrically connected to the metal outer surface SE of the TTF tube. The TTF tube then brings a beneficial effect to the antenna 6 by mechanically increasing the surface of the reference plane.

According to another embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 21, the antenna 6 is of the UHF type. At least one battery 10 for supplying electricity to the antenna 6 is housed in the first inner housing 33. This antenna 6 may be of the antenna type integrated in FIG. 21 or of the external antenna type in FIG. 18. In FIG. the UHF antenna 6 may be of the PIFA type (planar inverted-F antennal antenna), that is to say having a plate 62, which is located at a distance from a plane 63 which is short-circuited to this reference plane 63. This reference plane 63 may be electrically connected to the outer metal surface SE of the TTF tube. In general, because of its low cost and long life, antenna 6 and module 1 measurement can remain buried or installed on site on the TTF tube and be used for several years and during any the lifetime of the TTF tube.

According to one embodiment, the antenna 6 may be with ferrite.

According to one embodiment shown in Figures 16, 19, 22, 23 and 26, in the case where the antenna 6 is wound around the TTF tube, the at least one winding 60 of the antenna 6 is fixed on an electrically support insulator 610, for example annular or circular cylindrical, adapted to surround the TTF tube and adapted to be open to pass the winding 60 open around the TTF tube and to be closed around this TTF tube to form the closed coil 60 around the TTF tube. The support 610 for example comprises at least one hinge pin 62 connected to two semicircular portions 611 and 612 of the support 61, which can rotate about this axis 62 between the one and the other - a position d opening, not shown, in which the first semicircular portion 611 and a first semicircular portion 601 of the winding 60 carried by this first semicircular portion 611 are separated from a second semicircular portion 612 of the support 61 and a second semi-circular portion 602 of the winding 60 carried by this second semi-circular portion 612 (for bringing the antenna 6 in the open position around the TTF tube), and a closed position , shown in Figures 22 and 23, wherein the first semicircular portions 611 and 601 are in contact with the second semicircular portions 612 and 602, the end 603 of the first semicircular portion 601 of the coil 60 , far from the articul 62, being in electrical contact with the end 604 of the second semi-circular portion 602 of the winding 60, remote from the hinge 62, to form, by other contacts at the hinge 62, a or more windings 60. The advantage that the antenna 6 is wrapped around the TTF tube is that its establishment around the TTF tube can be made in advance and that the antenna 6 can transmit upwards and to the reader of an operator regardless of the angular position of installation of the antenna 6 around the TTF tube, since the winding (s) 60 of the antenna 6 always have a portion at the top of the TTF tube and radiate in all directions around the TTF tube. Of course, any other device for integrating or fixing or mounting the antenna 6 around the TTF tube may be provided. In general, the reader can be connected to a network via a GSM and / or GPRS and / or Wi-Fi connection and / or of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) type. The UHF type antenna makes it possible to transmit the measurements autonomously at relatively short time intervals, less than an hour, for example every second.

In addition, in general, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, 16, a cover 9 can be mounted above the cap 8 and the first end portion 35, in order to reinforce the mechanical protection. of module 1 and therefore security.

In addition, in general, the measurement module 1 may comprise a reading screen, not shown, for example integrated in the cap 8 or the cover, this reading screen being activated only when a reader device reads the antenna 6 .

The RFID reader HF or UHF reads the measurement made by the module 1 and may include a screen for displaying to the user the measurement received from the module 1 and / or a memory for recording the measurement transmitted by the module 1.

Of course, a wired connection may also be provided to transmit the measurement and / or bring a supply voltage to the operation of the measurement module 1. A wired connection may also complete a connection via the antenna 6. The measurement module 1 may furthermore comprise a detector recording the variations of position of the sensor 2. The user can then control, via the transmission via the antenna 6, the variations experienced between the TTF tube and the measurement module 1.

According to one embodiment, in the case where the sensor 2 or module 1 does not have an onboard voltage source (battery), the user can request the position of the sensor 2 to the module 1 and a comparison logic can be done between the n previous measurements. A calculation logic where the user can then conclude that the measurement module 1 has suffered too many shocks, deformations, vibrations or constraints, and thus make the decision necessary for the good security of the installation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of fixing the measurement module 1 to a fluid transport tube TTF provides that the body 3 and / or the second fluid contacting part 7 are screwed on, having on their outer surface 31 and / or 76 an external thread 310 and / or 760 in the corresponding tapping TAR or Cl of the hole T or conduit C, in order to fix the measurement module 1 in the hole T or conduit C.

According to one embodiment, represented in FIGS. 24 and 25, the antenna 6 of the RFID and / or NFC types described above is of the loop type and comprises several turns 60 formed of conductive sections, for example rectilinear and bent, wound in a plan around at least one interior perimeter.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the antenna 6 of the RFID and / or NFC types described above comprises a number of at least three turns (60), the antenna (6) having a first terminal (D) end and a second end terminal (E), at least two access terminals (100, 200) for the connection of a load, at least one capacity (C1) according to a frequency prescribed tuning having a first capacitance terminal (C1X) and a second capacitance terminal (CIE), an intermediate terminal (A) connected to the antenna (6) and separate from the end terminals (D, E) , a first means (CON1 A) for connecting the intermediate tap (A) to a first (100) of the two access terminals, a second means (CON2E) for connecting the second terminal (E) of the end to the second terminal (CIE) of capacity, third means (CON31, CON32) connecting the first terminal (C1X) of capacity and the second (2) of the two bor access to respectively a first point (PI) of the antenna (6) and a second point (P2) of the antenna (6), the second point (P2) of the antenna (L) being connected at the second terminal (E) of the antenna (6) by at least one turn (30) of the antenna (6) and being connected to the first point (PI) of the antenna (6) by at least one turn (S) of the antenna (6).

The module 1 may have radiofrequency means for receiving (Rx) electromagnetic radiation and radiofrequency transmission means (Tx) for electromagnetic radiation, connected to the antenna 6 and corresponding thereto, these means Rx, TX may be of the RFID and / or NFC or RFID HF and / or NFC HF, or UHF RFID and / or UHF or UHF NFC type. For example, the module 1 associated with a TTF tube buried at 3 m depth can be interrogated by RFID HF.

According to one embodiment, the antenna 6 is formed by the metal TTF tube. In this case, the means Rx, Tx use propagation of the electromagnetic radiation by propagation by the TTF metal tube, which may for example be at a frequency located in the ultra-high frequency band (UHF) corresponding to frequencies greater than or equal to 80 MHz and less than or equal to 5,800 MHz, and for example 868 MHz. It can be the same when the module 1 is used in pressure gauge.

According to one embodiment, represented in FIG. 21, the module 1 comprises a rechargeable battery 10 electrically connected to the electronic unit 4 and recharging means 11 for recharging the battery 10.

According to one embodiment, the recharging means 11 are connected by electrical conductors to another antenna 6 'contained in the compartment 33 or to the antenna 6. The antenna 6 or 6' is configured to receive the non-contact energy, namely by electromagnetic radiation from outside (sent by a remote charger, not shown, having means for emitting this radiation without contact), in order to recharge via the recharging means 11 the battery 10. L antenna 6 or 6 'and the charger can be at low transmission and reception frequency, included in the LF band of frequency greater than or equal to 30 kHz and less than or equal to 300 kHz, and for example equal to 100 kHz. In this case, the antenna 6 or 6 'and the charger can be of the WPC type, which is the abbreviation for wireless power charging (in English: "wireless power charging"). The antenna 6 or 6 ', the recharging means 11 and the charger may be at transmission and reception frequency HF, included in the HF band described above, and for example equal to 13.56 MHz (RFID) or in the UHF band (for example RFID at 915MHZ or at 868MHz). It is therefore possible to have recharging means 11 integrated in the module 1 (second antenna 6 'referred to as recharging or the same antenna 6 serving for communication) and a non-contact recharging charger and / or reader also forming a non-contact recharging charger .

According to one embodiment, the battery 10 of the module 1 can also be recharged by contact. It can be provided two first and second contacts (+ and -) accessible on the outer housing (cover 9 or part 35 or head 34) of the module 1. The first contact can be electrically connected to the TTF metal tube, the outer surface SE of it. The TTF tube can also be used as a contact channel for recharging module 1.

According to one embodiment, a first module 1 as described above (for example RFID and / or NFC or RFID HF and / or NFC HF, or RFID UHF and / or NFC UHF or UHF) can be associated with a system fixed or mobile with a second module 1 as described above (for example RFID and / or NFC or RFID HF and / or NFC HF, or RFID UHF and / or NFC UHF or UHF). These modules 1 can be used to measure a twist between them or a distance between them. The first module 1 (master) integrates a battery / battery and is fixed on a first structure. The second module 1 is fixed on a second structure and is slave of the first module 1. The master module 1 interrogates by the antennas 6 the second slave module 1, for example to measure the position of the second slave module 1 with respect to the position of the first module 1 master. The master module 1 analyzes N measurements that have been performed and concludes on them. The invention makes it possible in particular to obtain a module, sealed and secured by its mechanical design "a single body", electrically powered without contact to an external source, physical measurement acquisition closer to the contact of the product to be measured and transported by a measuring tube and radiofrequency transmission of data measurements from sensor and a method of fixing the module to a tube, which allows to multiply the measuring points along the tube, which makes it possible to easily perform physical measurements in buried or overhead tubes by measuring the measurement, by radiofrequency communication, over short distances from the tube (there 30cm), average distances from the tube (1 to 3 meters) as long distances from the tube (10 to 300 meters) by HF RFID, RFID UHF and UHF telecoms, or even very long distances (1 to 50 kilometers).

Of course, the features and embodiments of the invention described above can each be selected independently of one another and combined with each other.

Claims (44)

1. Device (1) for measuring, intended to be fixed in an external opening (T, C) access, which is delimited by a wall (P), extends in a first direction (D) of fluid traversal in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR, Cl) located around the first direction (D) of passage and opens into an inner section (CAN, C3) fluid passage of a tube (TTF) of fluid transport, wider than the opening (T, C) for access transversely to the direction (D) of passage, the device (1) comprising a portion (32) for fixing at least one sensor (2) measuring device, which makes it possible to measure at least one determined quantity, the device (1) comprising a body (3), which is intended to be fixed to the fixing part (32) and which comprises at least a first inner housing (33). ), in which there is an electronic unit (4) to be electrically connected to the sensor (2), a cap (8) in order to close the first inner housing (33) being fixed to the body (3), the device (1) further comprising at least a first antenna (6) connected by at least one electrical conductor to the electronic unit (4) and arranged to make it possible to communicate to the outside of the body (3) the quantity that has been measured by the sensor (2), characterized in that the device (1) comprises a part (7) for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2), the selective contacting portion (7) having a first opening-fixing lateral surface (76) (T, C) extending around the first (D) crossing direction and in which there is a first external thread (760) arranged around the first direction (D) of passage to be screwed into the thread (TAR, Cl) of the outer opening (T, C) in a first direction (SI ) of insertion of the first direction (D) of crossing, directed of the ouve the outer section (T, C) to the inner section (CAN, C3), the selective contacting portion (7) having a first inner channel (71) extending from a fluid inlet (72), which opens into the first lateral surface (76) upstream of at least a first portion (761) of the first external thread (760) and downstream of at least a second portion (762) of the first external thread (760) in the first direction ( SI) insertion of the first direction (D) crossing, the first inner channel (71) up to an inner outlet (73) opening towards the sensor (2), the body (3) and / or the part Fastening means (31, 321, 322) for sealing the body (3) and / or the fastening part (32) to the opening (T, C) in a fluid-tight manner and / or the selective contacting part (7) and for positioning the sensor (2) upstream of the inner outlet (73) in the first direction (SI) of inse tion, the part (7) of selective contacting being able to be moved via the body (3) and / or the portion (32) of attachment in the first direction (SI) insertion of the first direction (D) crossing, directed from the outer opening (T, C) to the inner section (CAN, C3), so that - the fluid is prevented from passing from the inlet (72) in the channel ( 71) towards the outlet (73), when the selective contacting part (7) is in a first position, in which the inlet (72) is against the wall (P) delimiting the opening (T, C) and is closed by the wall (P) and - that the fluid passes from the inlet (72) in the channel (71) to the outlet (73), when the part (7) selective contacting is located in a second position, in which the inlet (72) is in the inner section (CAN, C3) of fluid passage beyond the wall (P) in the direction (SI) of inserting or flush with the wall (P). Measuring device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means (31, 321, 322) comprise a second lateral surface (31) of the body (3) and / or of the part (32). fastener, which extends around the first direction (D) of crossing and in which there is a second external thread (310) arranged around the first direction (D) crossing to be screwed or unscrewed in the thread (TAR) , Cl) of the outer opening (T, C) for fixing the body (3) and / or the portion (32) for attachment to the opening (T, C). 3. Device (1) for measuring according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second thread (760) extends over at least 50% or at least 90% of the length of the second lateral surface (31) of the body (3). and / or the fastening portion (32) along the first fluid flow direction (D). 4. Measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the portion (7) for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2) is distinct from the body (3) and the fastening portion (32) and is detachably attachable relative to the body (3) and the fastening portion (32), the selectively engaging portion (7) being applied against the fastening portion (32). (32) and / or against the sensor (2) in the second position, the inner outlet (73) being applied against the sensor (2) in the second position. 5. Device (1) for measuring according to claim 4, characterized in that the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) is remote from a second end portion (35) of the body (3) in the direction (SI) for inserting the body (3) into the opening (T, C), the second end portion (35) having a second opening (351) for inserting the electronic unit (4) in the first housing (33) and which is closed by the cap (8), the means (31, 321, 322) for fixing being able to position the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) upstream of the part (7) selective contacting according to the first insertion direction (SI). 6. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) comprises at least a first member (321, 322) suitable training to cooperate with a second drive member (74, 75) located on the selective contacting part (7), for rotating, by rotation of the body (3) around the direction (D), the part (7) 7) selectively contacting the direction (D) to move the latter in the first direction (SI). 7. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the portion (7) for selectively contacting the fluid with the sensor (2) is in one piece with the part (32) fastening. 8. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the portion (32) of attachment is in one piece with the body (3). 9. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) is distinct from the body (3) and is adapted to be fixed by a removable manner relative to the body (3). 10. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the body (3) and the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) together have a first length along the first direction (D) of fluid passage, at least 90% or fully in the outer opening (T, C). 11. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the body (3) and the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) together have a first length, which is located along the first direction (D) of fluid traversing and at least 10% of which exceeds the outer opening (T, C) in a second direction (S2), inverse of the first direction (SI). Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first thread (760) extends over at least 50% or at least 90% of the length of the first lateral surface (76). ) of the selective contacting part (7) along the first direction (D) of fluid passage. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap (8) is fixed to a third end portion (35) of the body (3), the sensor (2) being remote from the third end portion (35) in the first insertion direction (S1) of the first direction (D) of passage, a first opening (351) for inserting the electronic unit (4) into the first housing (33) being formed in the third end portion (35) and closed by the cap (8). 14. Device (1) for measuring according to claim 7, characterized in that the second portion (7) is remote from a third end portion (35) of the body (3) in the first direction (SI) of insertion of the first direction (D) of crossing, the third portion (35) end having a second opening (351) for inserting the electronic unit (4) and the sensor (2) in the first housing (33). ). Measuring device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the third end portion (35) of the body (3) has a head (34), which is wider than the outer surface (31) transversely at the first direction (D) of crossing and which is intended to be on or above the hole (T) or duct (C) outside the tube (TTF) in a second direction (S2), the inverse of first sense (SI) insertion. Measuring device (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the third end portion (35) of the body (3) is as wide or less wide than the outer surface (31) transverse to the first direction ( D) and is intended to be on or in the hole (T) or conduit (C). 17. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion (32) of attachment comprises a second housing (37), in which is fixed the sensor (2). Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor (2) comprises a second external thread (20) enabling the sensor (2) to be screwed into a first internal thread (370) of the second housing ( 37) from a second opening (371) of the body (3), communicating with the second housing (37). Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (3) and / or the fixing part (32) and / or the selective contacting part (7) is metallic. 20. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that around the sensor (2) and / or the portion (32) for fixing the sensor (2) is at least one seal Sealing member (21) applied against the selective contacting portion (7) in the second position, for the fluid to be sealed from the inner outlet (73) to the sensor (2). Measuring device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is entirely housed in the first inner housing (33), the cap (8) being made of a material arranged to let outward electromagnetic radiation, which carries the magnitude that has been measured by the sensor (2) and which is adapted to be emitted by the first antenna (6). 22. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is partially or entirely located outside the first inner housing (33) and outside of the body (3). Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the first antenna (6) has a first antenna part (64) housed in the first inner housing (33) and a second antenna part (65), which is fixed on the cap (8) and which is connected to the first antenna part (64) by capacitive or inductive coupling, the cap (8) being made of a material arranged to let passing electromagnetic radiation adapted to be emitted by the first antenna portion (64) and the second antenna portion (65). 24. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is of type LF or HF or UHF. 25. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is WPC and / or RFID type and / or GSM and / or LoRa and / or WiFi. 26. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is RFID type and / or NFC and / or RFID HF and / or NFC HF. 27. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is UHF RFID type and / or UHF NFC. 28. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that it is associated with a remote reader and / or remote transmitter and / or remote receiver, which or which are of a type corresponding to the type of the first antenna (6). 29. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is UHF type, at least one battery (10) for supplying electricity to the first antenna (6). ) being housed in the first inner housing (33). 30. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is connected by the at least one electrical conductor to means (Rx) for receiving a signal suitable for received by the first antenna (6) and transmission means (Tx) of a signal adapted to be transmitted by the first antenna (6). 31. Device (1) for measuring according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receiving means (Rx) and the transmitting means (Tx) comprise a repeater for retransmitting in the signal transmitted by the transmitting means (Tx ), in addition to the magnitude having been measured by the sensor (2), the signal received by the receiving means (Rx). 32. The measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rechargeable battery (10) or a rechargeable battery (10) for supplying electricity to the electronic unit (4) and / or the sensor (2) is housed in the first inner housing (33), the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery (10) being connected by electrical conductors to a second antenna (6 ') contained in the first inner housing (33) or at the first antenna (6), the first or second antenna (6, 6 ') being configured to be able to receive non-contact energy from external electromagnetic radiation from a remote charger to charge or recharge the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery (10). Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (10) or rechargeable battery (10) is connected by electrical conductors to the second antenna (6 ') contained in the first internal housing ( 33), the second antenna (6 ') is of the RF type and is configured to be able to receive contactless energy by RF electromagnetic radiation from the outside from a remote charger to charge or recharge the rechargeable battery ( 10) or rechargeable battery (10). 34. Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is of the UHF type. Measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the first antenna (6) is configured to receive contactless energy by electromagnetic radiation from the outside sent by a remote device, to supply electricity to the electronic unit (4) and / or the sensor (2). 36. Device (1) for measuring according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for its geolocation. 37. Device (1) for measuring according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means for geolocation comprises at least one RFID tag attached to the device (1). Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic unit (4) is able to emit towards the outside of the body (3) via the first antenna ( 6) at least one intrinsic diagnostic information. 39. Measuring network, comprising a plurality of measuring devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, intended to be fixed respectively in a plurality of said external access openings (T, C) opening into the inner section ( CAN, C3) of fluid passage and distributed over a length of the tube (TTF), the measuring devices (1) being distributed over the length (F) of the tube (TTF). 40. A tube (TTF) for fluid transport, comprising: an inner tube transport section (CAN) for the fluid in the tube (TTF), at least one external opening (T) for access, which is delimited by a wall (P) ), extends in a first direction (D) of fluid passage in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR, Cl) located around the first direction (D) of passage and opens into the inner section ( CAN, C3) of fluid passage, wider than the access opening (T, C) transversely to the first direction (D) of passage, at least one measuring device (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 38, the selective contacting portion (7) of which is screwed into the tapping (TAR, Cl) of the external access opening (T), the body (3) and / or the part (32). in the fluid-tight manner at the opening (T, C) of access and / or the portion (7) for bringing into selective contact e for positioning the sensor (2) upstream of the inner outlet (73) in the first direction (SI) of insertion, the wall (P) being that delimiting the internal section (CAN) for conveying the fluid in the tube ( TTF) or being that of a duct (C), which is fixed to another wall delimiting the internal section (CAN) conveying the fluid and opening into the latter and which extends outwardly from the inner section ( CAN) fluid transport. 41. A fluid transport tube (TTF) according to claim 40, wherein a plurality of access openings (T, C) distributed over a length (L) are provided as an access opening (T, C). of the tube (TTF), there is provided as measuring device (1) a plurality of said measuring devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 38, which are distributed over the length (L) of the tube (TTF) and whose respective selective contacting portions (7) are screwed into the tapping (TAR, Cl) of respective access openings (T, C), the body (3) and / or the fastening portion (32). respective measuring devices (1) being fluid-tightly attached to the respective access opening (T, C) and / or the respective selective contacting part (7) for positioning the sensor ( 2) respectively upstream of the respective inner outlet (73) according to the respective first insertion direction (SI). 42. A fluid transport tube (TTF) according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the fluid is combustible gas. 43. A fluid transport tube (TTF) according to any of claims 40 to 42, wherein the access opening (T, C) is located at an upper portion of the tube (ΤΤΓ). 44. A method of fixing the measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 38 in an access opening (T, C), which is delimited by a wall (P), extends in a first direction (D) fluid passage in the wall (P), has an internal thread (TAR, Cl) located around the first direction (D) crossing and opens into an inner section (CAN, C3) of fluid passage, wider than the opening (T, C) of access transversely to the direction (D) of crossing, in which method the body (3) and / or the fastening part (32) are fixed in a sealed manner to fluid at the opening (T, C) and / or the selective contacting part (7), for positioning the sensor (2) upstream of the inner outlet (73) in the first direction (SI) of by the body (3) and / or the fastening part (32), the selective contacting part (7) is screwed into the internal tapping (TAR, Cl) of the outer opening (T, C) in the first direction (SI) of insertion to the first position, and then screwing through the body (3) and / or the part (32) for fixing the part (7) for making selective contact in the internal thread (TAR, Cl) of the external opening (T, C) in the first direction (SI) of insertion up to the second position. Device and measuring network, fluid transport tube attached thereto and method of attachment