JP2001099814A - Gas-monitoring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To instantaneously monitor gas characteristics of a plurality of kinds of gases by a single apparatus and detect an abnormality of a gas state without physically switching the apparatus body. SOLUTION: A pair of electrodes 3 and 4 are arranged opposite to each other via an electrode gap 2 of a constant gap interval in a test gas space 1, thereby constituting an electrode part 5. A variable voltage power source device 6 which can change a voltage value is connected via an impedance 7 to both ends of the electrode part 5. A discharge voltage-detecting device 8 is connected to both ends of the electrode part 5 to detect a discharge voltage generated in the electrode gap 2. Reference data related to characteristics of gases to be tested is stored in a memory part 9. A value of the discharge voltage measured by the discharge voltage-detecting device 8 and the reference data stored in the memory part 9 are inputted to a comparison part 10. The comparison part 10 compares the inputted value of the discharge voltage and reference data, and outputs the comparison result to an output device 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas monitoring apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus for monitoring a gas state using a gap discharge and an operation system thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an example of a general apparatus for investigating a gas state, it is known that a pressure is measured by a Bourdon tube and a gas composition is measured by a gas chromatograph method (for example, Tadashi Naito, Handbook of Industrial Measurement Methods). March 10, 1982, p. 325, p. 430). The Bourdon tube is a device in which a tube having an elliptical or flat cross section is a curved tube having a semicircular shape or the like, the tip of the tube is sealed, and gas pressure is measured using displacement of the tip generated according to internal pressure. Also,
A gas chromatograph is a type of separation / analysis method utilizing a difference in physical affinity at an interface between substances (mobile phase and stationary phase) called chromatography.

[0003]

However, the prior art for examining the gas state as described above has the following problems. First, the gas chromatograph is a complicated and large-scale device due to its structure.
For example, it is difficult to monitor the gas composition at the site of the gas container to be monitored, and it is not suitable for use in monitoring the gas state immediately. Also, the cost was high.

On the other hand, a gas pressure measuring device using a Bourdon tube is a small and simple device. However, the present device alone can monitor only gas pressure, and it is necessary to monitor gas characteristics other than pressure. However, it was necessary to separately prepare other devices.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a single device to immediately monitor a plurality of types of gas characteristics and detect an abnormal gas state without physically switching the device body. To provide a highly versatile and reliable gas monitoring device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a gas monitoring apparatus for monitoring a gas state of a test gas, which uses reference data and gap discharge on characteristics of the test gas. By monitoring the gas state, a single device can immediately monitor a plurality of types of gas characteristics or detect an abnormality in the gas state.

The features of the gas monitoring device of the first aspect are as follows. That is, the gas monitoring device firstly includes electrodes that are opposed to each other with a gap in the test gas space,
A power supply device for applying a voltage between the electrode gaps, a detecting means for detecting a predetermined object related to a discharge between the electrode gaps, and an output for outputting a signal relating to a gas state of the test gas based on a detection result by the detecting means Means. The gas monitoring device is configured to monitor the gas state of the test gas using reference data on the characteristics of the test gas.

In this gas monitoring device, a voltage is applied to an electrode gap provided in a test gas space to cause a discharge, and a detection result of an object related to the discharge and reference data are used to detect the test gas. The gas condition can be monitored immediately. In this case, by using data on a plurality of types of gas characteristics as reference data, a plurality of types of gas characteristics can be monitored.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gas monitoring apparatus of the first aspect, a method of determining a state of a test gas is characterized. That is, this gas monitoring device first has a comparison unit that determines the state of the test gas by comparing the reference data with the detection result of the detection unit. In this gas monitoring device, the output means is configured to output the gas state determined by the comparison means.

In this gas monitoring device, by comparing the reference data with the detection result of the object related to the discharge, the gas state can be monitored by effectively using those data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gas monitoring apparatus according to the second aspect, which is characterized in that the detection target is a detection target. That is, in this gas monitoring device, the power supply device is configured to be able to change the voltage value, and the detection unit is configured to detect a discharge voltage when a discharge occurs between the electrode gaps. The comparing means is configured to compare the reference data with the discharge voltage detected by the detecting means to determine the state of the test gas.

In this gas monitoring device, the value of the voltage applied between the electrode gaps is appropriately changed, for example, gradually increased, and when the discharge occurs, the discharge voltage is compared with reference data to obtain the data. Can be used effectively to monitor the gas state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gas monitoring apparatus according to the second aspect, characterized in that the detection target is a detection target. That is, this gas monitoring device first has means for changing the gap interval between the electrodes. The power supply device is configured to apply a constant voltage between the electrode gaps, and the detection unit is configured to detect a maximum gap interval at which a discharge can occur between the electrode gaps. Further, the comparing means is configured to compare the reference data with the maximum electrode gap interval at which the discharge detected by the detecting means can occur.

In this gas monitoring device, the maximum gap interval at which discharge can occur is detected by appropriately changing the gap interval between the electrodes while applying a constant voltage between the electrode gaps, and the gap interval is used as reference data. By comparing, the data can be effectively used to monitor the gas state.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gas monitoring apparatus of the first aspect, a discharge is generated when the gas state becomes abnormal. That is, in this gas monitoring device, the electrodes are opposed to each other with a fixed gap interval set based on the reference data. The power supply device is configured to apply a constant voltage set based on the reference data between the electrode gaps, and the detecting unit detects the discharge when the discharge occurs between the electrode gaps. It is composed of Further, the output means is configured to output an alarm signal when the discharge is detected by the detection means.

In this gas monitoring device, an alarm is immediately issued when a gas state occurs in which a discharge occurs at the electrode gap interval and the applied voltage set based on the reference data. It is possible to promptly notify the gas user that some abnormality has occurred.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gas monitoring apparatus according to the third or fifth aspect, the reference data is:
At least one of data indicating a relationship between an electrode discharge voltage and a gas pressure under a constant electrode gap interval condition and data indicating a relationship between an electrode discharge voltage and a gas density under a constant electrode gap interval condition is included. It is characterized by:

In this gas monitoring device, the pressure state and density state of the test gas can be monitored by the discharge voltage value in the electrode gap according to the data included in the reference data.

[0019] The gas monitoring device of claim 7 is the third aspect of the present invention.
In the gas monitoring device of 5 or 6, when the test gas is a mixed gas of at least two or more gases, the reference data is obtained by mixing the discharge voltage of the electrode and the mixing of the test gas under the condition that the electrode gap interval is constant. It is characterized by including data indicating the relationship with the ratio.

In this gas monitoring device, the mixed state of the test gas can be monitored based on the discharge voltage value at the electrode gap.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, in the gas monitoring apparatus according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the reference data is the maximum gap interval and the maximum possible gas gap at which discharge can occur under the condition that the voltage applied to the electrode is constant. It is characterized by including at least one of data indicating a relationship with a pressure and data indicating a relationship between a maximum gap interval at which a discharge can occur and a gas density under a constant applied voltage of an electrode.

In this gas monitoring device, the pressure state and the density state of the test gas can be monitored based on the data included in the reference data and the maximum gap interval at which discharge can occur at the electrode.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the gas monitoring apparatus according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, when the test gas is a mixed gas of at least two or more gases,
The reference data is characterized in that the reference data includes data indicating a relationship between a maximum gap interval at which a discharge can occur and a mixing ratio of a test gas under a constant applied voltage to the electrodes.

In this gas monitoring device, the mixed state of the test gas can be monitored by the maximum gap interval at which discharge can occur at the electrode.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gas monitoring device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein:
It is characterized in that it is selected from a needle-like electrode and a spark plug, which are fixed and opposed to each other by an insulating member.

In this gas monitoring device, stable discharge can be performed using electrodes suitable for discharge.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is directed to the gas monitoring apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, characterized in that the configuration of the power supply unit is different. That is, in this gas monitoring device, the power supply device is a device using a DC power supply, a device using an AC power supply, and a time constant τ
A device using a CR charge / discharge circuit that performs charging and discharging, and a device using a spatial potential distribution generated between a conductor having a potential difference with respect to the ground potential existing in the test gas space and the ground potential, Is selected from

In this gas monitoring device, the following operation is obtained. That is, when a DC power supply or an AC power supply is used, a highly reliable discharge power supply can be obtained. When a CR charging / discharging circuit is used, the charging time constant and the discharging time constant given by CR can be arbitrarily set according to the values of the capacitor C and the resistance R, so that the gas state sampling rate can be freely set. Can be set. further,
When the spatial potential distribution generated between the conductor and the ground potential is used, electric power for causing a discharge in the electrode gap can be passively supplied in the test gas space.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the gas monitoring apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the electrodes are arranged at at least two or more locations in the test gas space.

In this gas monitoring device, the distribution and difference of the gas state in the test gas space can be monitored by the electrodes arranged at a plurality of locations in the test gas space.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gas monitoring device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the electrode forms a sampling space isolated from the main gas space of the test gas space. And an electrode is arranged in a sampling space formed by the isolation means.

In this gas monitoring device, discharge is performed in the sampling space that is isolated from the main gas space of the test gas space, so that the influence of the change in the characteristics of the test gas due to the discharge does not affect the main gas space. Monitoring of gas state can be performed.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a gas monitoring apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) (Structure) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a gas monitoring apparatus to which the present invention according to claims 1 to 3, 6, and 7 is applied. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in a test gas space 1, a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 are opposed to each other via an electrode gap 2 having a fixed gap interval to form an electrode portion 5. At both ends of part 5,
A variable voltage power supply 6 capable of changing a voltage value is connected via an impedance 7.

A discharge voltage detector 8 is connected to both ends of the electrode section 5 so as to detect a discharge voltage generated between the electrode gaps 2. The gas monitoring device further includes a storage unit 9, a comparison unit 10, and an output device 1
1 is provided. The storage unit 9 stores reference data relating to the characteristics of the test gas. on the other hand,
The comparator 10 receives the discharge voltage value measured by the discharge voltage detector 8 and the reference data stored in the storage unit 9. Then, the comparison unit 10
Is configured to compare the input discharge voltage value with the reference data and output the comparison result to the output device 11.

In this embodiment, specific reference data stored in the storage unit 9 is as shown in FIG.
0 to 12 are prepared. Here, FIGS. 10 to 12 all show the relationship between the discharge voltage of the electrode and the gas characteristics, FIG. 10 is a graph showing reference data on gas pressure, and FIG. Graph showing reference data, FIG.
Is a graph showing reference data on the gas mixture ratio.

(Operation) The operation of monitoring the test gas space 1 by the gas monitoring apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is as follows. First, when the voltage applied between the electrode gaps 2 is gradually increased by the variable voltage power supply 6, discharge occurs at a certain discharge voltage determined by the characteristics of the test gas. The discharge voltage in this case is detected by the discharge voltage detecting device 8, and the discharge voltage
Input to 0.

The comparison unit 10 compares the input discharge voltage value with the reference data stored in the storage unit 9, that is, the relationship between the discharge voltage value and the test gas characteristic value.
The pressure, the density, or the mixing ratio of the test gas is determined by comparing with each reference data of No. 2. By outputting each value (pressure, density, or mixture ratio) of the gas state determined in this way to the output device 11, the user of the test gas is immediately notified of the gas characteristic value at that time. be able to.

(Effects) As described above, in the present embodiment, only by preparing reference data on a plurality of gas characteristics of different test gases, the state of the plurality of gas characteristics can be monitored by a plurality of gases. A single gas monitoring device can be used immediately without physically switching the monitoring device, and a highly versatile and highly reliable gas monitoring device can be provided.

(Second Embodiment) (Configuration) FIG. 2 shows a gas monitoring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, to which the inventions according to claims 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9 are applied. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the point that a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 are arranged opposite to each other via an electrode gap 2 in a test gas space 1 to form an electrode section 5 is the same as the first embodiment described above. Same as the form, but
In the present embodiment, the gap interval of the electrode gap 2 is not constant, but can be adjusted by the gap interval adjuster 21. A constant voltage power supply 22 for applying a constant voltage is connected to both ends of the electrode section 5 via the impedance 7 and a discharge detection device 23 for detecting the occurrence of the discharge itself.

Further, the point that a storage unit 9, a comparison unit 10, and an output device 11 are provided is the same as that of the first embodiment. The discharge detection signal from the device 23, the gap interval from the gap interval adjuster 21, and the reference data stored in the storage unit 9 are input.
Then, when the discharge is detected, the comparison unit 10 compares the gap interval at that time with the reference data, and outputs the comparison result to the output device 11.

In this embodiment, specific reference data stored in the storage unit 9 is as shown in FIG.
Data shown in FIGS. 3 to 15 are prepared. Here, FIGS. 13 to 15 all show the relationship between the maximum gap interval at which discharge can occur and the gas characteristics.
Is a graph showing reference data on gas pressure, FIG. 14 is a graph showing reference data on gas density, and FIG. 15 is a graph showing reference data on gas mixture ratio.

(Operation) The operation of monitoring the test gas space 1 by the gas monitoring apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is as follows. First, when the gap interval of the electrode gap 2 is gradually reduced by the gap interval adjuster 21, discharge occurs at a certain gap interval determined by the characteristics of the test gas. This discharge is detected by the discharge detection device 23, and the discharge detection signal
Is input to

Upon receiving the discharge detection signal, the comparing section 10
Immediately, the value of the current gap interval input from the gap interval adjuster 21 is used to determine the relationship between the maximum gap interval at which discharge can occur and the test gas characteristic value.
By comparing with each reference data of FIG. 15,
Determine the pressure, density, or mixture ratio of the test gas. By outputting each value (pressure, density, or mixture ratio) of the gas state determined in this way to the output device 11, the user of the test gas is immediately notified of the gas characteristic value at that time. be able to.

(Effects) As described above, in the present embodiment, only by preparing reference data relating to a plurality of gas characteristics of different test gases, the state monitoring of the plurality of gas characteristics can be performed by the plurality of gas characteristics. A single gas monitoring device can be used immediately without physically switching the monitoring device, and a highly versatile and highly reliable gas monitoring device can be provided.

(Third Embodiment) (Structure) FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the gas monitoring apparatus to which the inventions according to claims 1, 5, and 6 to 9 are applied. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the point that a pair of electrodes 2 are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined gap interval (electrode gap 2) in the test gas space 1 to form the electrode section 5 is described above. This is the same as in the first embodiment. A constant voltage power supply 22 is connected to both ends of the electrode section 5 via the impedance 7,
The fact that the discharge detection device 23 is connected
This is the same as the embodiment. Further, in this embodiment, an alarm device 31 is used instead of the storage unit 9, the comparison unit 10, and the output device 11 in the first and second embodiments.
Is provided, and a discharge detection signal from the discharge detection device 23 is input to the alarm device 31.

In this embodiment, the gap between the electrode gaps 2 and the voltage value of the constant voltage power supply 22 are:
It is set based on reference data on gas characteristics so that discharge occurs when the test gas reaches a predetermined gas state. The reference data used in this case is, specifically, as shown in FIGS.
FIG. 9 is reference data on an individual relationship between each of a discharge voltage of an electrode and a maximum gap interval in which discharge can occur, and each of a gas pressure, a gas density, and a gas mixture ratio.

(Operation) The operation of monitoring the test gas space 1 by the gas monitoring apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is as follows. First, in normal times, discharge does not occur at a set constant gap interval and a constant applied voltage. However, when an abnormal change occurs in the test gas for some reason, discharge occurs at the constant gap interval and the constant applied voltage. This discharge is detected by the discharge detection device 23, and a discharge detection signal is sent to the alarm device 31. The alarm device 31 issues an alarm immediately upon receiving the discharge detection signal.

(Effect) As described above, in the present embodiment, a constant voltage is applied between the electrode gaps 2 with a constant gap interval set based on reference data on a plurality of different gas characteristics of the test gas. Just apply
If any abnormality occurs in the test gas state, discharge can be reliably generated and an alarm can be issued immediately,
The gas user can be quickly notified of the gas state abnormality.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an electrode part of a gas monitoring apparatus to which the inventions of claims 1 and 10 are applied as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. . In FIG. 4, the electrodes 3 and 4 of the electrode section 5 are needle-shaped electrodes fixed at a fixed gap by an insulating fixing member 41, and terminals 42 and 43 are provided at both ends of the electrode section 5.
Are provided respectively.

In this configuration, a pair of terminals 42, 4
By applying a voltage equal to or more than a certain value between the electrodes 3, a discharge can be reliably generated between the electrode gaps 2. According to the present embodiment, stable discharge can be performed, so that a highly reliable gas monitoring device can be provided.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an electrode section of a gas monitoring apparatus to which the inventions of claims 1 and 10 are applied as a fifth embodiment of the present invention. . In FIG. 5, a spark plug used for an automobile engine or the like is used for the electrode portion 5, and an insulating material 51, a screw electrode 52, a bushing 53, and a terminal 54 are provided.
It has.

In this configuration, by applying a voltage higher than a certain value to the terminal 54, a discharge can be reliably generated between the electrode gaps 2. According to the present embodiment, stable discharge can be performed, so that a highly reliable gas monitoring device can be provided.

(Sixth Embodiment) (Structure) FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the gas monitoring apparatus according to the first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus includes an electrode unit 5, a discharge voltage detection device 8, a storage unit 9, a comparison unit 10, and an output device 11. The comparison unit 10 compares a discharge voltage value with reference data. The configuration for outputting the result to the output device 11 is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

The feature of the present embodiment is that a CR charge / discharge circuit for charging and discharging with a certain time constant τ by a capacitor and a resistor is used as a power supply for applying a voltage to the electrode section 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, a first capacitor 61 and a first resistor 62 and a second capacitor 63 and a second resistor 64 are connected in series, respectively, and they are connected in parallel via a switch 65. It is connected to both ends of the electrode unit 5. First capacitor 61
Are charged in advance by the capacitor charging device 66.

(Operation) The operation of monitoring the test gas space 1 by the gas monitoring apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is as follows. First, since the first capacitor 61 is charged in advance, closing the switch 65 causes the first resistor 62 and the second resistor 6 to be closed.
Through 4, the second capacitor 63 is charged. The charging time constant τ _C at this time is determined by the first resistor 62 and the second resistor 6.
4 are R1 and R2, respectively, and the first capacitor 6
The capacitances of the first and second capacitors 63 are C1,
Assuming C2,

Τ _C = {C1 / C2 / (C1 + C2)} · (R
1 + R2).

As the second capacitor 63 is charged, a voltage is applied to the electrode portion 5 and a discharge occurs at a voltage determined by the characteristics of the test gas. On this occasion,
The second capacitor 63 discharges through the second capacitor 64, and its discharge time constant τ _D is:

## EQU2 ## It is given by τ _D = C2 · R2. This discharge voltage is detected by the discharge voltage detecting device 8 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
The gas state is determined by comparing the discharge voltage value with the reference data, and the comparison result is output to the output device 11.
Is output by

When the above discharge is completed,
The second capacitor 63 is charged by the first capacitor 61 again. That is, the cycle of charging and discharging as shown in FIG. 7 is repeatedly performed.

(Effect) As described above, in the present embodiment, the resistance value and the capacitance value of the capacitor
Since the charging time constant τ _C and the discharging time constant τ _D can be set arbitrarily, the sampling rate of the gas state can be set freely. Thus, it is also possible to monitor very fast gas state changes.

(Seventh Embodiment) (Configuration) FIG. 8 shows a gas monitoring apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention to which the inventions according to claims 1, 5, 6 to 9 and 11 are applied. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, a test gas is filled in a grounded tank 71 to form a test gas space 1.
2 are provided. A metal shield 73 is provided in the tank 71, and a voltage dividing capacitor 74 is connected to the shield 73, and the voltage dividing capacitor 74 is connected to the tank 71. That is, the high-voltage conductor 7
2, when a voltage is applied to the high voltage conductor 72 and the shield 73, the voltage is shared between the floating electrostatic capacity 75 and the voltage dividing capacitor 74 existing between the high voltage conductor 72 and the shield 73. The terminals of the electrode section 5 are connected to both ends of the voltage dividing capacitor 74.

As in the third embodiment, the discharge detecting device 23 is connected to both ends of the electrode unit 5 via bushings 76 penetrating the tank 71, as described above.
The discharge detection signal from the discharge detection device 23
1 is input. In the present embodiment, the gap between the electrode gaps 2 and the voltage value applied to the electrode unit 5 from the voltage dividing capacitor 74 are set such that a discharge occurs when the test gas reaches a predetermined gas state.
As in the third embodiment, it is set based on reference data relating to gas characteristics.

(Operation) The operation when monitoring the test gas space 1 in the tank 71 by the gas monitoring device of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is as follows. First, when a voltage is applied to the high-voltage conductor 72,
Voltage sharing occurs between the floating capacitance 75 existing between the high-voltage conductor 72 and the shield 73 and the voltage dividing capacitor 74. Therefore, the voltage dividing capacitor 7 is
The partial pressure at 4 is always applied.

The operation of the electrode section 5, the discharge detection device 23, and the alarm device 31 is the same as that of the third embodiment. That is, in normal times, discharge does not occur with the set constant gap interval and the constant applied voltage applied from the voltage dividing capacitor 74. However, when an abnormal change occurs in the test gas for some reason, discharge occurs at the constant gap interval and the constant applied voltage. This discharge is detected by the discharge detection device 23, and a discharge detection signal is sent to the alarm device 31. The alarm device 31 issues an alarm immediately upon receiving the discharge detection signal.

(Effects) In the present embodiment as described above, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as in the third embodiment. That is, since the spatial potential distribution generated between the high-voltage conductor 72 and the tank 71 that is the ground potential is used, it is possible to passively supply the power required for discharging the electrode unit 5, There is no need to supply electric power for discharge from outside.

(Eighth Embodiment) (Configuration) FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of a gas monitoring apparatus to which the inventions of claims 1, 12, and 13 are applied. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the test gas is filled in the tank 81 to form a main gas space 1a of the test gas space. This tank 81
, A plurality of sampling vessels 82 forming a plurality of sampling spaces 1b isolated from the main gas space 1a in the tank 81 are provided. Discharge electrodes are provided in the sampling spaces 1b in the respective sampling vessels 82. The part 5 is arranged.

More specifically, four sampling vessels 8
2 are arranged vertically along the side surface of the tank 81, and each of these sampling containers 82 is provided with a sampling valve 83 on the tank 81 side and a discharge valve 84 on the opposite side to the tank 81. A sampling space 1b isolated from the main gas space 1a in the inside 81 is formed. In addition, each of these sampling containers 82 is connected to a different vertical position of the tank 81 through a sampling pipe 85 disposed horizontally.

Here, the four connection points between the tank 81 and the individual sampling pipes 85 are sampling points, and the four sampling points are the tanks 8.
1 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. In the figure, 8
Reference numeral 6 denotes a pipe for connecting the tank 81 to another tank or device, and reference numeral 87 denotes a gas dividing valve provided in the pipe 86.

(Operation) When monitoring the test gas space 1 in the tank 81 by the gas monitoring apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the following gas sampling is performed. First, before starting monitoring, each sampling valve 83 is closed, each discharge valve 84 is opened, and the gas in each sampling space 1b in which the electrode unit 5 is installed is evacuated. Thereafter, when each exhaust valve 84 is closed and each sampling valve 83 is opened, the test gas in the tank 81 is supplied into each sampling space 1b via each sampling pipe 85.

In this case, in each sampling space 1b, gas near each connection point with each sampling pipe 85, which is a corresponding sampling target portion of the tank 81,
Supplied as is. Thereafter, each sampling valve 83 is closed, and the sampling space 1b is
After being isolated from the electrode 1, a voltage is applied to the electrode unit 5 and the state of the test gas is monitored by using discharge.

In the present embodiment, the operation for monitoring the state of the test gas differs according to another configuration (not shown) of the gas monitoring apparatus. The same monitoring operation can be performed using the same configuration as that of the embodiment or the second embodiment.

That is, similarly to the first embodiment, the discharge voltage value is compared with the reference data by using the discharge voltage detecting device 8, the storage unit 9, the comparing unit 10, and the output unit 11, and As in the second embodiment, the gap interval is compared with the reference data at the time of discharge detection using the gap interval adjuster 21, the discharge detection device 23, the storage unit 9, the comparison unit 10, and the output device 11. And the like. In each case, the first,
As in the second embodiment, the user of the test gas can be immediately notified of the gas characteristic value at that time.

(Effects) In the present invention having the above-described structure, the test gas at each of the sampling locations is sampled in a different sampling space 1b with the four locations in the vertical direction of the tank 81 as sampling locations. , It is possible to monitor the distribution and difference of the gas state in the main gas space 1a of the test gas space. The main gas space 1 in the tank 81
Since a discharge is performed in the sampling space 1b isolated by the sampling valve 83 with respect to a, the gas state can be monitored without affecting the characteristic change of the test gas due to the discharge on the main gas space 1a. it can. Therefore, it is effective for gas monitoring of the equipment during operation.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. . For example, as reference data, FIGS.
The case where the reference data as shown in FIG. 5 is applied has been described. However, the reference data is not limited to these. In addition, all the gas characteristics that can have a one-to-one correspondence with the discharge voltage or the gap interval are used. And can be similarly used as reference data. By increasing the types of reference data, the types of gas characteristics that can be monitored can be increased.

Further, in the present invention, an electrode, a power supply device,
The specific configuration of each unit such as the detection unit and the output unit is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately selected. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the electrode portion is configured by a pair of electrodes has been described. However, the electrode portion may be configured by two or more pairs of electrodes. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where reference data is stored in the storage unit in advance has been described. However, it is also possible to receive data existing in a remote place via communication means or the like and use it as reference data. The specific method of providing reference data can be freely selected.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By monitoring the gas state using reference data on the characteristics of the test gas and gap discharge, multiple types of gas characteristics can be monitored immediately with a single device without physically switching the device itself. And a highly versatile and reliable gas monitoring device capable of detecting an abnormal gas state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a gas monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a gas monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a gas monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an electrode unit of a gas monitoring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an electrode unit of a gas monitoring device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a gas monitoring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph schematically showing an applied voltage waveform according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a gas monitoring device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a gas monitoring device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of reference data relating to pressure used in the gas monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of reference data relating to density used in the gas monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of reference data relating to a mixing ratio used in the gas monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of reference data relating to pressure used in the gas monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of density-related reference data used in the gas monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of reference data relating to a mixing ratio used in the gas monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Test gas space 1a ... Main gas space 1b ... Sampling space 2 ... Electrode gap 3, 4 ... Electrode 5 ... Electrode part 6 ... Variable voltage power supply 7 ... Impedance 8 ... Discharge voltage detection device 9 ... Storage part 10 ... Comparison Part 11: Output device 21: Gap interval adjuster 22: Constant voltage power supply 23: Discharge detection device 31: Alarm device 41: Insulation fixing member 42, 43 ... Terminal 51: Insulation material 52: Screw electrode 53: Bushing 54: Terminal 61, 63 ... condenser 62, 64 ... resistance 65 ... switch 66 ... condenser charging device 71, 81 ... tank 72 ... high voltage conductor 73 ... shield 74 ... partial pressure condenser 82 ... sampling container 83 ... sampling valve 84 ... discharge valve 85 ... Sampling piping 86 ... Piping 87 ... Valve

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shiro Maruyama 2-1 Ukishima-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term in the Toshiba Hamakawasaki Plant (reference) 2F055 AA11 BB08 BB10 CC45 DD20 EE39 FF31 GG43

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A gas monitoring device for monitoring a gas state of a test gas, comprising: electrodes arranged in a test gas space to face each other with a gap therebetween; and a power supply device for applying a voltage between the electrode gaps. And detecting means for detecting a predetermined object related to the discharge between the electrode gaps; and output means for outputting a signal relating to the gas state of the test gas based on a detection result by the detecting means. A gas monitoring device configured to monitor a gas state of a test gas using reference data on characteristics. 2. A comparison means for comparing the reference data with a detection result by the detection means to determine a state of a test gas, wherein the output means outputs a gas state determined by the comparison means. The gas monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the gas monitoring device is configured to perform the operation. 3. The power supply device is configured to be capable of changing a voltage value, the detection unit is configured to detect a discharge voltage when a discharge occurs between the electrode gaps, and the comparison unit is configured to: 3. The gas monitoring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference data is compared with a discharge voltage detected by the detection unit to determine a state of the test gas. 4. The power supply device includes means for changing a gap interval between the electrodes, wherein the power supply device is configured to apply a constant voltage between the electrode gaps, and wherein the detecting means discharges between the electrode gaps. Wherein the comparing means is configured to compare the reference data with the maximum electrode gap distance at which a discharge detected by the detecting means may occur. The gas monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes are disposed opposite to each other with a constant gap interval set based on the reference data, and the power supply device is fixed between the electrode gaps based on the reference data. A voltage is applied, the detecting means is configured to detect the discharge when the discharge occurs between the electrode gaps, and the output means is configured to detect the discharge by the detecting means. 2. The gas monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein an alarm signal is output. 6. The reference data includes data indicating a relationship between a discharge voltage of the electrode and a gas pressure under a constant electrode gap interval, and a discharge voltage and a gas density of the electrode under a constant electrode gap interval. The gas monitoring device according to claim 3, further comprising at least one of data indicating a relationship with the gas monitoring device. 7. When the test gas is a mixed gas of at least two or more gases, the reference data is:
7. The gas monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising data indicating a relationship between a discharge voltage of the electrode and a mixing ratio of a test gas under a constant electrode gap interval. 8. The reference data includes data indicating a relationship between a maximum gap interval at which a discharge can occur and a gas pressure under a condition where the voltage applied to the electrode is constant, and discharge data under a condition where the voltage applied to the electrode is constant. 5. The data according to claim 4, further comprising at least one of data indicating a relationship between a maximum gap interval and a gas density in which the gas density can occur.
8. The gas monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. When the test gas is a mixed gas of at least two types of gas, the reference data is:
The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising data indicating a relationship between a maximum gap interval at which a discharge can occur and a mixing ratio of a test gas under a condition where the voltage applied to the electrode is constant. Gas monitoring equipment. 10. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is selected from a needle-like electrode and a spark plug which are fixed by an insulating member and arranged opposite to each other. Gas monitoring device. 11. An apparatus using a DC power supply, an apparatus using an AC power supply, an apparatus using a CR charge / discharge circuit for charging and discharging with a certain time constant τ by a capacitor and a resistance, 11. A device selected from the group consisting of a conductor having a potential difference with respect to a ground potential existing in a gas space and a device utilizing a spatial potential distribution generated between the ground potential and the conductor. A gas monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims. 12. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes are arranged at at least two places in a test gas space.
12. The gas monitoring device according to any one of items 1 to 11. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an isolating means for forming a sampling space isolated from a main gas space of the test gas space, wherein the electrode is arranged in the sampling space formed by the isolating means. Claims 1 to 1
3. The gas monitoring device according to any one of 2.