JP2001165743A - Gas flow abnormality diagnostic device for electronic gas meter and electronic gas meter thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas flow abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter capable of gas flow abnormality diagnosis such as concretely specifying the generation of gas flow abnormality caused by various reasons in a gas supply equipment and the causes and an electronic gas meter provided with the device. SOLUTION: On the flow rate calculated by a flow rate operation means 14-11 that an electronic gas meter has, a flow rate abnormality detection means 14-2 detects a plurality of items of flow abnormality. An abnormality data memory means 16-1 stores the detected flow abnormality data in each item. The flow rate abnormality detection means 14-2 has a flow rate abnormality time counting means 14-21 for detecting the variation of stable flow rate with excess of a specific value width as flow abnormality and counting. The abnormality data memory means 16-1 stores the count value as flow abnormality data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for diagnosing an abnormal gas flow in an electronic gas meter and an electronic gas meter provided with the apparatus for diagnosing an abnormal gas flow, and more particularly, to a method for changing the gas flow in accordance with the flow rate of gas in a gas flow path. Flow rate calculating means for intermittently measuring a physical quantity to be measured and calculating a passing flow rate of the gas passing through the gas flow path based on the measured physical quantity; and a flow rate calculating an integrated flow rate based on the passing flow rate determined by the flow rate calculating means. The present invention relates to a gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device for diagnosing a gas flow rate abnormality occurring in an electronic gas meter having an integrating means, and an electronic gas meter provided with the abnormality diagnostic device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an electronic gas meter, for example, one proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-280917 has been known. This gas meter has, for example, first and second piezoelectric vibrators that operate at an ultrasonic frequency and that are arranged at a fixed distance from each other in the gas flow path in the flow direction. When an ultrasonic wave is generated in the flow direction from the other and this ultrasonic wave is detected by the other vibrator, an ultrasonic wave is generated again from the vibrator with a delay time, and this time is repeated to measure the time. The ultrasonic wave is generated from the vibrator against the flow, the similar repetition time is measured, and the gas flow velocity is calculated from the difference between the measured time and the delay time.

In measuring the gas flow velocity as described above, a waveform as shown in FIG. 6B obtained by receiving an ultrasonic wave having a transmission waveform as shown in FIG. Are mutually detected. In detecting this received signal, the received waveform is compared with a reference level R.

Then, the flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas flow path is intermittently obtained, and an arithmetic processing for obtaining an instantaneous flow rate by multiplying this flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path is performed.
The flow rate is obtained by multiplying the instantaneous flow rate by the intermittent time, and the integrated flow rate obtained by integrating this flow rate is displayed.

[0005] In such an electronic gas meter, a known maximum flow rate, an increased flow rate, a use time excess, and a return safety check are determined based on a flow rate obtained by calculation, similarly to a conventional mechanical gas meter called a membrane type gas meter. It is necessary to detect gas flow abnormalities such as gas leaks and minute leaks.However, unlike membrane gas meters, flow rate is measured, and flow rate abnormalities due to various factors that cause changes in flow velocity are considered. There is a need to.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional electronic gas meter, although it is conceivable to detect and alarm the above-mentioned general flow rate abnormality, the flow rate abnormality due to various factors that change the flow velocity is considered. There is no idea to make it possible to perform an abnormality diagnosis so that the cause of the occurrence can be specifically identified.

For this reason, for example, in a gas supply facility for supplying LP gas, a gas once vaporized due to a malfunction of a pressure regulator for converting a liquefied gas contained in a pressure vessel into a gas having a predetermined supply pressure becomes a liquid state. Back to reliquefaction,
Not only is the gas supply pressure not stable due to the occurrence of such a phenomenon, but even if the gas flow rate fluctuates and the gas flow rate changes, it is extremely difficult to find this.

Further, in a gas supply facility such as an apartment house, for example, a gas supply pipe is branched relatively upstream of the gas meter to supply gas to an adjacent house, and a gas heat pump (GHP) is provided in the adjacent house. When the gas supply is used, the gas pressure in the gas supply path fluctuates due to the operation, and the gas supply pressure becomes unstable. As with liquefaction, it was very difficult to find this.

[0009] If these are to be discovered, an operator must go to the site to diagnose and analyze the gas supply equipment over time, and to find an abnormal gas flow caused by various factors. And it was not possible to quickly respond to it.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a gas flow abnormality diagnosis that can identify the occurrence of a gas flow abnormality caused by various factors associated with gas supply equipment and the cause thereof. An object of the present invention is to provide a gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter that can be used.

[0011] The present invention also provides a gas flow abnormality diagnosis which can perform a gas flow abnormality caused by various factors associated with gas supply equipment and a gas flow abnormality diagnosis which can specifically identify the cause. It is an object to provide an electronic gas meter provided with the device.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, which is made to solve the above-mentioned problem, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Flow rate calculating means 14-11 for intermittently measuring the physical quantity to be measured and calculating the flow rate of the gas passing through the gas flow path based on the measured physical quantity; and A flow rate abnormality detecting means 14-2 for detecting a flow rate abnormality of a plurality of items with respect to the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculating means 14-11 of the electronic gas meter including a flow rate integrating means 14-12 for obtaining an integrated flow rate;
Abnormality data storage means 16-1 for storing the flow abnormality of each item detected by the flow abnormality detection means 14-2 as flow abnormality data;
2 has a flow rate abnormality number counting means 14-21 for detecting that the stabilized flow rate has changed by a predetermined value width or more, and counting the detection as a flow rate abnormality; The stored flow rate abnormal data includes a gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device in an electronic gas meter, which includes a count value of the flow rate abnormal number counting means 14-21.

[0013] In the gas flow abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an electronic gas meter according to the first aspect, a flow abnormality detection means 1 is provided.
4-2 detects flow rate abnormalities of a plurality of items with respect to the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculating means 14-11 of the electronic gas meter, and stores the detected flow rate abnormalities for each item as abnormal flow rate data in the abnormal data storage means 16-1. . The abnormal flow rate counting means 14-21 of the abnormal flow rate detecting means 14-2 detects that the stabilized flow rate has changed by a predetermined value width or more, counts the detection as an abnormal flow rate, and stores the abnormal data storage means 16-2. Since -1 stores the count value of the flow rate abnormality number counting means 14-21 as the flow rate abnormal data, the count value stored as the flow rate abnormal data in the abnormal data storage means 16-1 is used to calculate the flow rate. The abnormality of a plurality of items can be known together with the frequency of occurrence.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter according to the first aspect, each of the flow rate abnormalities is used as the flow rate abnormal data stored in the abnormal data storage means 16-1. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter, further comprising an occurrence time.

In the gas flow abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter according to the second aspect, the abnormality data storage means 16-1 further stores the occurrence time of each flow abnormality as the flow abnormality data. In addition to the operation of the present invention, the occurrence of each flow abnormality and the occurrence time can be known from the occurrence time stored as the abnormal flow data in the abnormal data storage unit 16-1.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic gas meter according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas in the gas flow path is LP gas supplied with its pressure adjusted by a pressure regulator. The flow rate abnormal number counting means 14-21 detects that the flow rate, which is stable with the flow rate, has changed by a predetermined value or more, and counts the detection as a flow rate abnormality due to reliquefaction.
-211 and the abnormal flow rate data stored in the abnormal data storage means 16-1 includes a count value of the reliquefaction frequency counting means 14-211 and an occurrence time of each of the reliquefaction. The present invention relates to a gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for diagnosing an abnormal gas flow rate in an electronic gas meter.
However, it is detected that the flow rate, which is stable with the flow rate, has changed by a predetermined width or more, and this detection is counted as a flow rate abnormality due to reliquefaction, and the abnormal data storage unit 16-1 stores the number of times of reliquefaction as abnormal flow rate data. By storing the count value of the counting means 14-211 and storing the occurrence time of each reliquefaction, in addition to the operation of the invention according to claim 1, the occurrence data stored in the abnormal data storage means 16-1 as flow rate abnormal data is stored. From the time, the occurrence of reliquefaction and the time of occurrence can be known.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gas flow abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter according to the first or third aspect, the abnormal flow rate counting means 14-21 has an average flow rate of no flow rate or an arbitrary flow rate. A pulsating flow number counting means 14-2 for detecting that the stable change in the flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and counting the detection as a flow rate abnormality due to the pulsating flow;
12 as the flow rate abnormal data stored in the abnormal data storage means 16-1.
The present invention resides in an apparatus for diagnosing gas flow rate abnormality in an electronic gas meter, which stores a count value according to 4-212 and includes an occurrence time of each of the pulsating flows.

In the gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter according to the fourth aspect, the pulsating flow number counting means 14-212 of the flow rate abnormal number counting means 14-21 has an average flow rate of no flow rate or stable at an arbitrary flow rate. The change in the flow rate is detected to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the detection is counted as a flow rate abnormality due to a pulsating flow.
6-1 is pulsation frequency counting means 14- as abnormal flow rate data.
In addition to storing the count value by the counter 212 and the generation time of each pulsating flow, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1 or 3, the generation time stored as abnormal flow rate data in the abnormal data storage means 16-1 is obtained. In addition, the generation of the pulsating flow and the generation time can be known.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic gas meter according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the flow rate calculating means 14-11 of the electronic gas meter includes a gas flow path. First and second transducers TD1 and TD2 which are arranged at a fixed distance from each other in the flow direction and transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal, switching means 14-111 for switching between transmission and reception of the transducer, When an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from one of the vibrators and a signal of a reference level or more is received by the other vibrator, the repetition means 14- performs ultrasonic propagation between the vibrators a plurality of predetermined times.
112, delay means 14-113 for delaying the transmission signal at the time of the repetition, and time-measurement means 14-114 for measuring the propagation time of each repetition, wherein the physical quantity is calculated with each time-measurement value of the time-measurement means 14-114. The delay means 14-11
The gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device in the electronic gas meter is characterized in that intermittent measurement is made based on a difference from the delay value of 3, and the passing flow rate is obtained based on the measured difference.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter, wherein the flow rate calculating means 14-11 utilizes the phenomenon that the propagation time of an ultrasonic wave in a gas changes according to the flow velocity of a gas flow. By receiving the ultrasonic wave emitted from one of the pair of ultrasonic oscillators in the gas flow direction in the gas flow path by the other oscillator, measuring the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave in the gas and obtaining the flow velocity, Even when the passing flow rate is determined, it is possible to know the gas flow rate abnormality by the operation of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gas flow rate abnormality diagnosing apparatus for an electronic gas meter according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the flow rate abnormality detecting means 14-2 detects a flow rate abnormality or a request. In accordance with the flow rate abnormality data stored in the abnormal data storage means 16-1. The warning means 14-3 provides an alarm based on the flow rate abnormality data. Means, display warning means for giving a warning by display, and remote warning means for sending the flow rate abnormal data stored in the abnormal data storage means to a remote place via a communication line.
A gas flow abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

In the gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter according to the present invention, the flow rate abnormality detection means 1 is provided.
6. The warning means 14-3 issues a warning based on the flow rate abnormality data stored in the abnormality data storage means 16-1 when 4-2 detects an abnormality or in response to a request. In addition to the operation of the invention of item (1), it is possible to know the flow rate abnormality for each item by warning.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a physical quantity that varies according to the flow velocity of the gas in the gas flow path is intermittently measured, and the flow rate of the gas passing through the gas flow path is determined based on the measured physical quantity. The flow rate calculating means 14-11 to be determined, the flow rate integrating means 14-12 to determine the integrated flow rate based on the passing flow rate determined by the flow rate calculating means, and the gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An electronic gas meter comprising:

In the electronic gas meter according to the present invention, the cause of the flow rate abnormality that disrupts the gas flow supplied through the gas meter can be specifically identified by the abnormality diagnosis device.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a gas flow rate abnormality diagnosis device and an electronic gas meter provided with the gas flow rate abnormality diagnosis device in the electronic gas meter of the present invention.
The illustrated electronic gas meter is, for example, a piezo-electric first and a first type that operate at ultrasonic frequencies that are disposed in a gas flow path 10 as a flow path in the gas meter and that are disposed opposite to each other by a distance L in a gas flow direction. It is configured as an ultrasonic gas meter having two transducers TD1 and TD2.

The transducers TD1, TD2, TD3 are connected to a transmission circuit 12 and a reception circuit 13 via interface (I / F) circuits 11a and 11b, respectively. The transmission circuit 12 transmits a signal for generating an ultrasonic signal by driving one of the transducers TD1 and TD2 under the control of the arithmetic processing control unit 14 in the form of a pulse burst. (Not shown). The receiving circuit 13 has a built-in preamplifier (not shown) that inputs signals from the other transducers TD1 and TD2 that have received the ultrasonic signal that has passed through the gas flow path 10 and amplifies the ultrasonic signal. The amplified signal is input to the arithmetic processing control unit 14.

The arithmetic processing control unit 14 stores non-volatile memory such as E ² PROM which constitutes abnormal data storage means which does not require a backup power supply, in order to store the data of the abnormal flow detected by the abnormal flow detection processing. 16
Is connected. In addition, the arithmetic processing control unit 14 sends out flow rate abnormal data stored in a monitoring device such as a facility that performs maintenance management of the gas meter via a wired or wireless communication line, A network control unit (N) for transmitting stored abnormal flow rate data in response to periodic polling from the monitoring device side via
CU) 17 is connected.

The arithmetic processing control unit 14 has a digital signal processing unit for processing signals at high speed and a microcomputer for controlling the digital signal processing unit. The microcomputer is a central processing unit for performing various processes in accordance with programs. (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM) storing a program for processing performed by the CPU, and the like.
It incorporates a read / write RAM, a clock, a calendar, and the like, which have a work area used in various processing steps in the CPU, a data storage area for storing various data, and the like.

The arithmetic processing control unit 14 performs the following processing to measure the flow rate. First, switching control for alternately switching between a transducer for supplying a signal from the transmission circuit 12 and a transducer for receiving an ultrasonic signal in the reception circuit 13 is performed. The signal received and amplified by the receiving circuit 13 is A / D converted and input, and the input signal is compared with a preset reference level. When the input of the signal higher than the reference level is detected by this comparison, a predetermined time is delayed,
The operation of transmitting a signal for driving the vibrator from the transmission circuit 12 is repeated a predetermined number of times. As a result, after a signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit, the reception circuit 13
The above operation is repeated a set number of times each time that the signal received via the CPU exceeds the reference level, but the timer counter configured in the CPU starts the operation of measuring the time from the start of the repetition. By stopping when the set number of times ends, the time from the start of transmission of the set number of times to the end of transmission is measured.

After time measurement is performed based on an ultrasonic signal transmitted from one transducer and received by the other transducer, the transducers on the transmission side and the reception side are switched, for example, from downstream to upstream. Then, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted, and this transmission is repeated as described above, and the time is measured. And
As described above, the flow rate is calculated by taking into account the size of the gas flow path 10 and the state of the flow from the time difference between the times measured as described above. The flow rate value is integrated to obtain an integrated flow rate, and the flow rate integrated value obtained by the flow rate integration is displayed on the display 1.
The amount of gas used is measured and displayed by displaying it at 5.

When the ultrasonic wave is received and transmitted repeatedly as described above, the ultrasonic signal reflected between the transducers is superimposed on the transmission wave. However, by delaying the transmission timing as described above, the interference of the reflected wave is prevented. Can be prevented.

As described above, when the measurement is started, a state is established in which ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from the first transducer TD1 to the second transducer TD2. Driving starts burst transmission, and the reception and transmission of ultrasonic waves are continuously repeated with a predetermined time delay as described above. When the number of repetitions reaches a set value, the repetition is stopped and the timer counter is stopped. Then, time T1 is measured. next,
The state is switched to a state where ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from the second transducer TD2 to the first transducer TD1. Then, the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave are repeated, the time T2 is measured, and the measurement is completed.

Since the times T1 and T2 include the delay time Td, the true ultrasonic wave propagation times T1 'and T2' are calculated by performing the delay removal processing and subtracting the delay time. That is, T1 '= T1-Td (1) T2' = T2-Td (2) The average transit time is obtained from the average value of T1 'and T2', and the average transit time and the distance L between the transducers TD1 and TD2 are obtained.
From this, the sound velocity C at the time of measurement is obtained. That is, C = L / ((T1 '+ T2') / 2) (3) Since the sound speed C has a relationship of C = 331.5 + 0.607t (4) with the temperature t, the temperature can be calculated.

A flow rate value Q is obtained by a flow rate calculation based on the difference between T1 'and T2' described above and a flow coefficient K1 determined by the shape of the gas flow path and a correction coefficient K2 based on the temperature t1. That is, Q = K1 × K2 × (T1′−T2 ′) (5) Assuming that the gas flow velocity is V, T1 ′ = L / (C + V) (6) T2 ′ = L / (C−V) ( 7) When the reciprocal of the time T1 'and T2' is obtained and multiplied by the flow coefficient K3 to obtain the flow Q, Q = K3 × ((1 / T1 ')-(1 / T2')) (8) As a result, the flow rate can be calculated without correcting the sound speed C that changes depending on the temperature.

The arithmetic processing controller 14 also controls the gas flow path 10
The other transducer TD1, which receives the ultrasonic signal passing through
The ultrasonic signal that has received the signal from the TD2 is received by the receiving circuit 13
When the data is amplified and subjected to A / D conversion and input, the flow rate Q is calculated, and then the flow rate abnormality detection processing for detecting various flow rate abnormalities is performed. Is performed, and a warning process is performed based on the stored flow rate abnormality data.

The flow rate abnormality detection processing and abnormality data storage processing performed by the arithmetic processing control unit 14 include processing for detecting a flow rate abnormality based on the calculated flow rate and processing for storing the detection result. The abnormal flow rate detected by the abnormal flow rate detection process is converted into data and stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 connected to the arithmetic processing control unit 14.

In the flow rate abnormality detection processing, based on the calculated flow rate, abnormalities such as a known maximum flow rate, increased flow rate, use time excess, leakage during return safety confirmation, and minute leakage are detected. Processing for detecting reflow liquefaction and each flow abnormality of the pulsating flow, respectively, is performed.

First, in the reliquefaction abnormality detection processing, FIG.
As shown in (a) or (b), it is detected that the flow rate stabilized at an arbitrary flow rate has changed by a predetermined value width Δq or more,
The number of times of this detection is counted as the number of times of reliquefaction, and this count value is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as abnormal flow rate data, and a warning is issued when the count value exceeds a predetermined value.

Further, for example, a gas heat pump (GH)
In the pulsating flow abnormality detection processing for detecting the pulsating flow generated in the gas flow path by the operation of P), as shown in FIG. 4A or 4B, there is no flow rate, that is, a state of zero flow rate or an arbitrary flow rate. It is detected that the flow rate stabilized at Q ′ has no average flow rate or a change flow rate of a predetermined width Δq ′ or Δq ″ or more has occurred at an arbitrary average flow rate Q ′, and the number of times is counted as a pulse flow,
The count value and the occurrence time of each pulsating flow are stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as abnormal flow rate data. Also in this case, a warning is issued when the count value becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value.

In the warning processing performed by the arithmetic processing control unit 14, a sound emission warning that gives a warning by sound, a display warning that gives a warning by display, and abnormal flow rate data stored in the abnormal data storage means are transmitted via a communication line. At least one of the remote alerts to be sent to a remote location is performed, and in each case,
At least, if necessary, the content of the flow rate abnormality can be specifically notified by the stored flow rate abnormality data. In addition, when the stored abnormal flow rate data is read out, it can be cleared by a reset request from outside by communication or switch operation.

The warning by sound can be given by a fuzzer sound or a sound when a flow rate abnormality has occurred a predetermined number of times. The warning by the display can be performed together or selectively with the display unit 15 made of, for example, liquid crystal or LED, which displays the integrated flow rate and the security display, to perform all the items or only the presence or absence of the flow rate abnormality. In order to minimize the consumption of the battery power, the display may be performed only when the external switch is operated. In addition, a warning by communication to a remote place is issued by calling a terminal via the network control unit when an abnormality occurs, and the flow rate abnormality stored in a monitoring device such as a gas meter or other facility performing maintenance management work is stored. It is also possible to send data or send stored abnormal flow rate data in response to periodic polling from the monitoring device. In any case, when there is a warning, by referring to the flow rate abnormality data, the cause of the flow rate abnormality can be specified, and a countermeasure against the flow rate abnormality can be easily and promptly taken.

As the warning means, sound emission warning means for giving a warning by sound, display warning means for giving a warning by display,
By providing at least one of the remote warning means for sending the stored abnormal flow data to a remote place via a communication line, the sound, display, or remote control of the abnormal flow data stored in the abnormal data storage means is provided. By sending it to the ground, a warning of a flow rate abnormality is issued, and the warning can be given by a method as needed.

Specifically, when incorporated in an ultrasonic gas meter, various effects can be obtained. For example, early detection, early warning, early notification, and repair recommendation and warning of an abnormal flow rate of a gas flow supplied through a gas meter can be performed, so that the user can be reassured and a warning is issued. Occasionally, a quick response can be made by easily specifying the flow rate abnormality generating section, and a detailed analysis of the defect becomes possible, thereby making it possible to easily take a post-action measure.

The general operation has been described above, but the details will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the processing performed by the CPU of the arithmetic processing control unit 14.

The arithmetic processing control unit 14 starts its operation, for example, when the power is turned on, connects the first transducer TD1 to the transmission circuit 12 in the first step S1, and
After switching to connect the second vibrator TD2 to the receiving circuit 13, the process proceeds to step S2 to drive, and the number of repetitions is incremented and counted. Proceeding to the next step S3, it is determined whether or not the number of driving is 2. If the determination is YES, the flow proceeds to step S4 to start time measurement for time measurement.
4 and skips to step S5 to wait for the elapse of the transmission delay time before proceeding to step S6 where the transmission circuit 12
A transmission signal for causing the vibrator 12 to vibrate is output through the interface to generate an ultrasonic signal.

Next, the process proceeds to step S7, where the second vibrator T
D2 receives and converts the ultrasonic signal, amplifies the electrical signal obtained by the receiving circuit 13, and then A / D converts and inputs the signal. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8, where it is determined whether or not the received signal has exceeded the predetermined reference level. If the received signal has not exceeded the reference level and the determination in step S8 is NO, the process returns to step S7, and the process returns to step S7. Until the determination in S8 becomes YES, the electric signal amplified by the receiving circuit 13 is A / D converted and input is continued.

A signal equal to or higher than the reference level is detected, and step S
If the determination in step 8 is YES, the process proceeds to step S9, where the electric signal amplified by the receiving circuit 13 is again A / D converted and input, and then the process proceeds to step S10 to perform the above-described step S9.
Then, it is determined whether or not the received signal input has zero-crossed. If the zero-cross point cannot be detected and the determination in step S10 is NO, the process returns to step S9, where the zero-cross is detected and the signal amplified by the receiving circuit 13 is A / D-converted until the determination in step S10 becomes YES. And keep typing.

If the zero cross point is detected and the determination in step S10 is YES, the process proceeds to step S11, where it is determined whether or not the number of repetitions has reached the set number N based on the number of drives counted in step S2. N
If the determination in step S11 is NO, the process returns to step S2 to restart the driving, increments and counts the number of times of driving, and then proceeds to step S3.
Since the determination in step S3 is NO, in step S5, which skips step S4 and waits for the elapse of the transmission delay time, the flow proceeds to step S6, where the first vibrator 12 is connected via the transmission circuit 12. The above operation of outputting a transmission signal to be vibrated and generating an ultrasonic signal is repeated.

When the number of repetitions reaches the set number N and the determination in step S11 becomes YES, the flow advances to step S12 to end the time measurement for time measurement started in step S4, and the ultrasonic wave propagation time T1 at that time. Get. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13 to determine whether or not the time measurement has been completed. However, since the measurement of the ultrasonic wave propagation time T2 from the second transducer TD2 to the first transducer TD1 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S13. The determination is NO, and the process returns to step 1 to connect the second oscillator TD2 to the transmission circuit 12 and to connect the first oscillator TD1 to the reception circuit 13.
Is switched after the connection is performed, and then the above-described step S2 is performed.
The subsequent processing is repeated.

By this repetitive processing, step S11 is performed.
Is YES, the measurement of the ultrasonic propagation time T2 from the second transducer TD2 to the first transducer TD1 is completed in step S12, and step S13 is completed.
Is also YES, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the propagation times T1 'and T2' are obtained by removing the delay time Td included in the propagation times T1 and T2 measured in step S12. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15, and the flow rate Q is calculated based on the above equation (8) using the propagation times T1 'and T2' obtained in step S14. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S16 to perform a flow rate abnormality detection process based on the flow rate calculated in step S15. After the flow rate abnormality detection process in step S16 is completed, the above-described step S16 is performed for the next time measurement.
Returning to step 1, the above processing is repeated.

In the flow rate abnormality detection processing of step S16, storage of flow rate abnormality data and warning processing are also performed.

[0053]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the abnormality of a plurality of items with respect to the flow rate together with the frequency of occurrence by using the count value stored as the abnormal flow rate data. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter capable of diagnosing abnormality so that the cause of occurrence can be specifically identified is obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the occurrence of each flow abnormality and its occurrence time can be known from the occurrence time stored as the abnormal flow data, so that the cause of the occurrence of the abnormal flow can be specifically determined. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter that can perform abnormality diagnosis that can be easily specified is obtained.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the occurrence and time of reliquefaction can be known from the occurrence time stored as the abnormal flow rate data. A gas flow abnormality diagnostic device for an electronic gas meter that can perform abnormality diagnosis that can more easily identify the cause of occurrence can be obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the occurrence of the pulsating flow and its occurrence time can be known from the occurrence time stored as the abnormal flow rate data. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter capable of diagnosing abnormality such that the cause can be more easily specified specifically is obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even if the electronic gas meter measures the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave in the gas and determines the flow velocity, the electronic gas meter determines the passing flow rate. A gas flow abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an electronic gas meter having the same effects as the invention described above can be obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when an abnormality is detected or in response to a request, a warning is issued based on the stored flow abnormality data, whereby the flow abnormality for each item can be known by the warning. A gas flow abnormality diagnosis device for an electronic gas meter that can be obtained is obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic gas meter capable of specifically specifying the cause of a flow rate abnormality that disrupts the gas flow supplied through the gas meter by the abnormality diagnosis device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a gas flow abnormality diagnosis device in an electronic gas meter according to the present invention and a basic configuration of an electronic gas meter incorporating the device.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an embodiment of a gas flow rate abnormality diagnosis device in an electronic gas meter according to the present invention and an electronic gas meter incorporating the device.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a waveform example of a reception waveform when a reliquefaction flow rate abnormality occurs.

FIG. 4 is a waveform chart showing a waveform example of a reception waveform when a pulsating flow rate abnormality occurs.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by an arithmetic processing control unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal for explaining an example of a method of measuring an ultrasonic propagation time in an ultrasonic system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Gas flow path TD1 1st vibrator TD2 2nd vibrator 14-11 Flow rate calculating means (calculation processing control part) 14-111 Switching means (calculation processing control part) 14-112 Repeating means (calculation processing control part) 14-113 Delay means (arithmetic processing control unit) 14-114 Clocking means (arithmetic processing control part) 14-12 Flow rate integrating means (arithmetic processing control part) 14-2 Flow abnormality detection means (arithmetic processing control part) 14-21 Abnormal flow rate counting means (arithmetic processing control unit) 14-211 Reliquefaction frequency counting means (arithmetic processing control part) 14-212 Pulsating flow frequency counting means (arithmetic processing control part) 14-3 Warning means (arithmetic processing control part) 16-1 Abnormal data storage means (non-volatile memory)

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G01F 1/66 102 G01F 1/66 102 15/06 15/06

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A flow rate calculating means for intermittently measuring a physical quantity which varies according to a gas flow velocity in a gas flow path, and obtaining a flow rate of a gas passing through the gas flow path based on the measured physical quantity; A flow rate abnormality detecting means for detecting a flow rate abnormality of a plurality of items with respect to the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculating means of the electronic gas meter, comprising a flow rate integrating means for obtaining an integrated flow rate based on the passing flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculating means; Abnormality data storage means for storing, as flow abnormality data, the flow abnormality for each item detected by the flow abnormality detection means, wherein the flow abnormality detection means detects that the stabilized flow has changed by a predetermined value width or more. And a flow abnormality number counting means for counting the detection as a flow abnormality. The flow abnormality data stored in the abnormality data storage means includes the flow abnormality. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter, which includes a count value of a number counting means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said abnormal flow rate data stored in said abnormal data storage means further includes a time of occurrence of each of said abnormal flow rates. 3. The gas in the gas flow path is an LP gas supplied under pressure regulation by a pressure regulator, and the flow rate abnormal number counting means is configured such that the flow rate having a flow rate and the stable flow rate is equal to or more than a predetermined value width. And a re-liquefaction frequency counting means for counting the detection as an abnormal flow rate due to re-liquefaction. The flow abnormal data stored in the abnormal data storage means is counted by the re-liquefaction frequency counting means. The apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter according to claim 1, further comprising a numerical value and an occurrence time of each of the reliquefaction. 4. The abnormal flow rate counting means detects that the average flow rate is stable at no flow rate or at an arbitrary flow rate and the change width of the flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Having a pulse flow number counting means for counting as, and as the flow rate abnormal data stored in the abnormal data storage means, storing a count value by the pulse flow number counting means and including each generation time of the pulse flow. 4. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The first and second vibrators for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, wherein the flow rate calculating means of the electronic gas meter is disposed at a predetermined distance in the gas flow path relative to the flow direction. Switching means for switching between transmission and reception of the vibrator;
When an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the one transducer and a signal of a reference level or more is received by the other transducer, a repetition unit that performs a predetermined number of times of ultrasonic propagation between the transducers; and A delay means for delaying the transmission signal at times, and a timing means for measuring the propagation time of each repetition, wherein the physical quantity is intermittently measured by a difference between each of the timing values of the timing means and the delay value of the delay means. The apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow rate is obtained based on the measured difference. 6. An alarm means for issuing an abnormality warning based on flow rate abnormality data stored in the abnormality data storage means when the flow rate abnormality detection means detects a flow rate abnormality or in response to a request. Is a sound emission warning means that warns by sound,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a display / warning means for giving a warning by display, and a remote warning means for sending flow rate abnormality data stored in said abnormality data storage means to a remote place via a communication line. 6. An apparatus for diagnosing gas flow abnormality in an electronic gas meter according to any one of claims 5 to 5. 7. A flow rate calculating means for intermittently measuring a physical quantity which varies according to a gas flow velocity in a gas flow path, and obtaining a passing flow rate of the gas passing through the gas flow path based on the measured physical quantity; An electronic gas meter comprising: a flow rate integrating means for calculating an integrated flow rate based on a passing flow rate determined by the flow rate calculating means; and the gas flow rate abnormality diagnostic device according to claim 1.