JP2001324437A - Method and apparatus for monitoring sedimentation of sludge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus, whereby the sedimentation state of sludge of a seabed or the like can be monitored at many points and wide range information can be managed concentratedly. SOLUTION: A vibrator having a magnetostriction element, an actuator coil and a plurality of vibration vanes is vibrated in water. The resistance load of the vibration vanes changes when a concentration of the sludge in water changes, consequently the vibration characteristics of the vibrator are changed. A sensing means which includes a sensor coil detects the change of the vibration characteristics as viscosity information of the sludge. A plurality of detection unit coupling bodies are disposed in water, so as to collect the viscosity information of a wide range and different depths, and the sludge sedimentation state is monitored through concentrated management of data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for monitoring sludge accumulation on a seabed or a riverbed by detecting a change in water quality in the environmental technical field.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The conventional water quality monitoring technology generally employs a sampling method in which water is regularly sampled by a ship, analyzed and investigated.
Some use a method of scanning underwater with an ultrasonic sensor provided on the side of the ship, or a method of piercing a stick to measure the depth of penetration into sludge.

[0003]

However, in this conventional monitoring method, there are restrictions on the place and time of monitoring, and only a measurement within a limited range can be performed, and multi-point measurement data can be easily obtained. However, since data cannot be collected in one place, there are problems in the range, number, processing speed, and efficiency of data collection and management.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to make it unnecessary to collect water and data while moving water quality including sludge, and to provide a wide area and multi-point. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly efficient monitoring method and apparatus capable of constantly collecting and managing water quality data. At the same time, another object of the present invention is to provide a detection unit structure which is a basic device capable of easily knowing the quality of water including sludge.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the sludge accumulation monitoring method of the present invention has the following features. (1) A detecting unit including a vibrator having a vibrating wing driven in water and a sensor means for detecting a vibrating characteristic of the vibrator is provided, and a change in the vibrating characteristic of the vibrator is detected to obtain sludge concentration information. Use it.

The method for monitoring sludge accumulation according to the present invention may further include at least one of the following features. (2) Collecting and collecting the sludge concentration information at a predetermined position and a predetermined depth by connecting and arranging a plurality of the detection units at predetermined intervals and installing the detection units in water as a connection of the detection units.

(3) A plurality of the linked detection unit units vertically suspended in water are arranged in the plane direction, and sludge concentration information at a plurality of predetermined depths and plane positions obtained by these is wired or connected. Concentrating and managing in a predetermined place using a wireless network or a neural network.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the sludge accumulation monitoring device of the present invention has the following features. (4) a detection unit including a vibrator having a vibrating blade driven in water, and a sensor unit for detecting vibration characteristics of the vibrator;
Detecting means for detecting vibration characteristics of the vibrator;

[0009] The sludge accumulation monitoring device of the present invention may further include at least one of the following features. (5) A giant magnetostrictive element or a magnetostrictive element is used as a vibrating member of the vibrator.

(6) The detection unit is provided with waterproofness by taking out the vibrating wing and enclosing the vibrator and the sensor means with a resin material.

(7) A plurality of the detection units are mechanically connected at predetermined intervals, and a buoy, a power supply means, a drive circuit means and a detection circuit means are provided at an upper end thereof, and a fixed position means is provided at a lower end thereof. A drive line and a detection line are connected to the unit to form a linked detection unit, and each of the detection units is located at a predetermined depth when suspended in water.

(8) The apparatus further comprises a network means or a neural network means for collecting a plurality of the vertically connected bodies and information transmitted by the plurality of the vertically connected bodies.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detection unit which is a basic device, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof, with a block diagram of an operation circuit added. Reference numeral 1 denotes a substantially cylindrical giant magnetostrictive element having an actuator coil 2 around it.
And the sensor coil 5 are wound. At the upper end of the giant magnetostrictive element 1, a column 31 in which a plurality of disk-shaped (not necessarily circular) vibrating blades 3 made of stainless steel are joined at the center is fixed, and these constitute a vibrating body. ing. The giant magnetostrictive element 1 and the two coils are accommodated in an enclosure 6 made of a resin material such as nylon, and the vibrating blade 3 is exposed to the outside, and is made of a soft material such as silicon resin (does not hinder the vibration of the column 31 and the vibrating blade 3). The sealing member 7 is hermetically sealed, and the whole constitutes an integrated waterproof detection unit. The size can be reduced, for example, to the extent that it can be put on the palm of one hand. A cable for hanging the detection unit underwater is connected to the suspension ring 61 provided on the side surface of the enclosure 6.

The actuator coil 2 is connected to an external drive circuit 21. When an oscillating current is applied, the giant magnetostrictive element 1
Vibrates in the vertical direction, and the vibrating blade 3 vibrates in the vibration direction 4 indicated by the arrow. The sensor coil 5 is connected to an external detection circuit 22. The amplitude of the voltage generated in the sensor coil 5 by the vibration of the giant magnetostrictive element 1 is
However, when the detection unit is submerged and operated, the vibrating wing receives the resistance of the surrounding water (viscous resistance and inertial resistance) and becomes the resistance of vibration. To reflect changes. When the water contains sludge, the viscosity increases, the vibration resistance increases, the amplitude decreases, and the detection voltage amplitude of the sensor coil 5 detected by the detection circuit 22 decreases. Therefore, a change in the voltage amplitude, which is one of the vibration characteristics of the giant magnetostrictive element 1 (that is, a change from the state in the clean water... If the driving force is constant, may use the voltage amplitude itself) at the sludge in the place It can be used as density information.

As materials capable of exciting vibration, there are piezoelectric materials, magnetostrictive materials, giant magnetostrictive materials, and the like. Of these materials, giant magnetostrictive materials can generate the most powerful vibration power with respect to injected power in a small volume. This is most preferable because it has the advantages that the detection unit can be miniaturized and that the range of use can be extended to viscous water with high sludge concentration. Magnetostrictive materials follow, followed by piezoelectric materials. As a specific example of the giant magnetostrictive material, a terbium-dysprosium-iron alloy is known, and as a composition example, Tb0.27, Dy0.73, Fe1.9,
Further, there are Tb0.3, Dy0.7, and Fe2.

In the form of the vibrating blade 3, detection is possible with only one blade, but a plurality of blades are used to increase the resistance so that a change in water quality can be sensed sensitively. The diameter of each disk was changed to make it easier for the water to enter the back (center) of each wing. The small disk is on the side of the enclosure 6 for the same purpose. At the same time, the large disk receiving the highest resistance is separated from the surface of the enclosure to reduce the influence on the vibration characteristics due to proximity to the fixed surface.

The input / output lines connecting the actuator coil 2, the sensor coil 5 and the drive circuit 21 and the detection circuit 22 outside the enclosure 6 must also be connected in a watertight manner.
Pass the sealing material 7 at the center of the sensor unit, or
Is provided with a small hole, and is connected to the coil using a waterproof connector or the like.

A detection operation using other vibration characteristics will be described. A change in impedance of the sensor coil 5 due to a change in load resistance applied to the vibration wing 3 due to a change in water quality is detected by a suitable measuring device, or the vibration of the vibrating body is detected. It is possible to observe changes in resonance characteristics (frequency, etc.), apply a pulse-like drive signal to the actuator coil 2, and observe changes in the electrical response and electrical equivalent circuit constant of the vibrator through the sensor coil 5. is there. The change in the electrical response may be observable from the actuator coil 2 in some cases. The information necessary for these measurements is output by the detection circuit 22.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment relating to a method and an apparatus for performing multipoint observation in the ocean or the like. Reference numeral 8 denotes a detection unit, which is connected to a plurality of cables 16 at a predetermined interval (for example, 1 m). A weight 12 or a fixed position means such as an anchor or a fixed pile is connected to an end of the cable 16, and a buoy 9 is connected to an upper end thereof. The buoy 9 transmits a drive circuit 21 (not shown) and a detection circuit 22 (not shown) together with a battery 11 which is a power source for driving the vibrating body and each circuit, and further transmits an operation control circuit and observation data as necessary. Wireless (or wired) transmission circuit (not shown). Input / output lines (not shown) from each detection unit are connected to a cable 16
The cable is loosely connected to the battery 11 and the circuit group at the upper end (the cable may also function as a cable if the mechanical strength of the electric wire is sufficient). The whole of the above-mentioned group of elements connected by the cable 16 in this manner constitutes a detection unit connection body 20.

The connected detector unit 20 is submerged underwater (in the sea), and the buoy 9 is floated on the sea surface 10. The concentration of the sludge 13 varies depending on the depth. The concentration of the upper layer is zero or thin, and the concentration generally increases toward the bottom of the water (sea bottom). If the linked detection unit is suspended so as to be substantially vertical (it is desirable to adjust the cable length so that the weight 12 reaches almost the bottom of the water), the depth position of each detection unit 8 is determined by the cable 16.
Since it is determined by the places arranged in the above order, for example, if the number of each detection unit 8 and its sludge concentration information (vibration characteristic data) are known, the functional relationship of the sludge concentration with respect to the depth of the river or the sea at that place can be understood. If the observation is performed continuously or at predetermined intervals, the depth distribution of the sludge concentration can be known, and then the sludge accumulation state can be estimated and monitored. Further, the difference in vibration characteristics between the detection unit 8 at a shallow position in the sludge-free water 14 and the detection unit 8 at a deep position in the sludge-free water can be used as sludge concentration information immediately.

FIG. 3 further shows a plurality of connected detector units 20.
Is suspended in another place on the water surface (sea surface), so that the detection unit 8 is arranged also in a different place in a plane,
This shows a state in which multi-point sludge concentration information is obtained three-dimensionally and the sludge accumulation status is monitored. The data of the sludge concentration information from each detection unit 8 on each detection unit connection is concentrated at a predetermined monitoring place (not shown) by a wired or wireless network 17 and managed by a computer.

The network 17 may be an ordinary network which directly connects the outputs of the detection circuits 22 of a large number of individual detection units 8 and the input interface of a host computer at a centralized control place. Needs the same number as the number of detection units 8. However, if data is serially transmitted, the number of signal lines can be reduced, and if wireless transmission is performed, signal lines connecting the linked detection unit are unnecessary.
However, if a neural network that has been receiving attention in recent years is applied, not only the number of signal lines can be further reduced, but also the operation control of each detection unit and data collection can be performed with higher efficiency.

In a neural network (not shown) which is a distributed network technology, a neuron chip storing predetermined operation software is preferably arranged for each detection unit or for each of a plurality of detection units. The neuron chip controls data from the associated detection unit. Only one signal line is required (one pair) inside the connected detection unit or between the connected detection units. Data is transmitted simultaneously, and data is transmitted only when the concentration is higher than the previous measurement, for example. At the same time, a function of operating a purifying device (separately provided) can be provided.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the detection unit according to the present invention.
It is sectional drawing which shows embodiment (facing type). The detection unit is divided into two parts, a drive part 100a and a sensor part 100b, and both have almost the same structure, and are connected so that the vibrating blades face each other by a number of connection bodies 18 of a number that does not hinder the flow of water. Each is a giant magnetostrictive element 1a, 1b,
a, 3b, an actuator coil 2 or a sensor coil 5 wound on each side, enclosures 6a, 6b surrounding them, suspension rings 61a, 61b, sealing materials 7a, 7b which do not hinder vibration, etc. The basic structure and an external circuit (not shown) are similar to those of the detection unit according to the first embodiment. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, it can be used to obtain multipoint sludge concentration information as a linked detection unit.

When the driving-side vibrating wing 3a is excited in water by the actuator coil 2 and the giant magnetostrictive element 1a, the vibration of the vibrating wing 3a is transmitted to the vibrating wing 3b on the sensor side via water, and the giant magnetostrictive element 1b is Vibrate. As a result, an induced voltage is generated in the sensor coil 5. Since the degree of transmission of the vibration varies depending on the water quality (viscosity, etc.), this is used as the detection voltage and used as the sludge concentration information. This embodiment is characterized in that the sensor coil 5 does not directly induce the drive current flowing through the actuator coil 2 and the detection voltage is considered to reflect the water quality well. The interval between the vibrating blades 3a and 3b, the facing surface shape By changing the above, it is possible to adjust the vibration transmission characteristics.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the detection unit according to the present invention.
And FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment (parallel type). The operation principle and partial structure are common to the second embodiment (opposite type). Corresponding parts have the same reference characters allotted, and will not be described again. The difference is that the driving unit 100a and the sensor unit 10
0b are arranged in parallel and integrated by the enclosure 6, and the plurality of vibrating blades 3a and the vibrating blades 3b are interposed between each other so that vibration is transmitted via a fluid. Reference numeral 62 denotes a cable mounting hole that penetrates through the enclosure 6. The vibration transmission characteristics can be adjusted by changing the number, spacing, facing area, and the like of the vibrating blades.

It is obvious that the present invention can have various embodiments and modified examples other than the above-described embodiment or modified examples. For example, the external shape of the detection unit, the shape and arrangement of the magnetostrictive element and the vibrating wing (for example, there is a view that providing a fixed wall or a fixed wing, etc. and approaching the same is more susceptible to concentration change), the shape structure of the enclosure (If the quality of the water to be measured is non-corrosive and the internal mechanism is protected, it may be possible to use a non-watertight structure), the connection structure with the cable, or the configuration of the connection unit of the detection unit, the attitude and installation in water Situation (for example, each detection unit group may be placed sideways, that is, at a certain depth or at a certain height from the water bottom), the distance between the detection units in the connected body (for example, according to the assumed sludge depth distribution). There are various practical degrees of freedom such as dense arrangement near the bottom of the water and sparse arrangement at a shallow depth for efficient measurement), positioning means underwater, and the like. The drive / detection circuit may have various modes.

In some cases, it may be necessary to correct vibration characteristics depending on the temperature and pressure of the place where the detection unit is placed. This may be corrected as necessary based on the depth and the water temperature measured at the same time. The correction of the change in the vibration characteristics including these can be calculated on the computer side that has received the data, so that the detection circuit on the detection unit side can directly output the vibration characteristics as substantial sludge concentration information.

Although the method and apparatus of the present invention are extremely effective in monitoring sludge, they can be further extended. For example, installing a large detection unit in the fishway of the dam,
It can be applied to detect and monitor the density of fish passing therethrough, or to monitor abnormal occurrence of plankton or algae such as blue-green algae in lakes and the like.

[0030]

The sludge accumulation monitoring method of the present invention has the following effects. (1) By using the change in vibration characteristics as sludge concentration information, water quality data can be collected and managed without time restrictions without the need for the observer to move, so that sludge monitoring can be performed efficiently and quickly. The method was realized and contributed to the development of environmental technology. (2) By using the linked detection unit, multi-point sludge concentration information can be collectively collected, and the sludge concentration distribution state is obtained by associating the position information of each detection unit with the individual sludge concentration information. It became easy to grasp. (3) Further, by arranging a plurality of linked detection unit planes and centrally managing the sludge concentration information from them, a wide area can be constantly monitored.

The sludge accumulation monitoring device of the present invention has the following effects. (4) Since the change in the vibration characteristic of the detection unit is used as sludge concentration information, water quality data can be easily collected, and a device capable of efficiently and quickly monitoring sludge can be provided. (5) Furthermore, since a giant magnetostrictive element or a magnetostrictive element is used as the vibration member, a high-output and high-sensitivity sludge deposition monitoring device can be realized. (6) Further, by providing the detection unit with a resin-sealed waterproof structure, a durable sludge accumulation monitoring device having a wide range of application to water quality and environment can be realized.

(7) Further, since the detection unit group is configured to be able to be fixed in water, a sludge accumulation monitoring device capable of simultaneously collecting multipoint information and easily grasping the sludge concentration distribution status has been realized. . (8) A sludge accumulation monitoring device capable of centrally managing a wide area and a multi-point concentration of sludge by providing a plurality of connected detecting units and a network means or a neural network means for collecting information transmitted by the detection unit. Could be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for performing multipoint measurement by the detection unit of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b Giant magnetostrictive element 2 Actuator coil 3, 3a, 3b Vibration wing 31 Support 4 Vibration direction 5 Sensor coil 6, 6a, 6b Enclosure 7, 7a, 7b Sealing material 8 Detection unit 9 Buoy 10 Water surface 11 Battery DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Weight 13 Sludge 14 Underwater without sludge 15 Underwater with sludge 16 Cable 17 Neural network 18 Connecting rod 20 Detecting unit connecting body 21 Drive circuit 22 Detecting circuit 31, 31a, 31b Post 61, 61a, 61b Hanging ring 61 Mounting hole 100a Drive unit 100b Sensor unit

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 17, 2000 (2005.1.
7)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Patent application title: Sludge accumulation monitoring method and apparatus

Continuing from the front page (71) Applicant 500020287 Micro Stone Co., Ltd. 1394 1172 Kusakoshi, Miyoda-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Inventor Nobuyuki Kobayashi 2130-1, Mikage-Nitta, Komoro-shi, Nagano Pref. (72) Inventor Yuji Asanuma 2130-1, Mikage Nitta, Komoro-shi, Nagano Pref. Inside Cellco, Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshihisa Shimada 1-1-18, Wakasato, Nagano-shi, Nagano Pref. Inventor Shunji Kitazawa 1-1-18 Wakasato, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Inside the Nagano Pref.Industrial Experimental Station (72) Inventor Mika Makimura 1-1-18-1, Wakasato, Nagano City, Nagano Pref.In the Nagano Prefectural Industrial Research Station (72) Inventor Tatsuo Kotabashi 1-18-1 Wakasato, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture Industrial Testing Laboratory (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Wakiwaka, Nagano City, Nagano City, Wakasato, 1709-5, Funatarijima (72) Inventor, Norihiko Shiratori, Miyoda-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, 1173 Kusakoshi 1394 Micro Stone Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor City Kazutoyo Kawa 1173 Kusakoshi, Miyoshida-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Pref. 1394 Micro Stone Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Keiya Okada 1173 Kusukoshi, Miyota-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Pref. 1394 Micro Stone Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4D059 AA30 EA01

Claims (8)

[Claims] A detecting unit including a vibrator having a vibrating blade driven in water; and a sensor means for detecting a vibrating characteristic of the vibrator. A sludge accumulation monitoring method characterized by monitoring the state of sludge accumulation by using the information as information. 2. The sludge concentration information at a predetermined position and depth is collectively collected by connecting and arranging a plurality of the detection units at a predetermined interval and installing the detection units in the water as a connection of the detection units. The sludge accumulation monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein 3. A plurality of detection unit linked bodies vertically suspended in water are arranged in a plane direction, and sludge concentration information at a plurality of predetermined depths and plane positions obtained by these is wired or wirelessly. The sludge accumulation monitoring method according to claim 2, wherein the sludge accumulation monitoring method is performed by concentrating and managing the sludge at a predetermined place by using a network or a neural network. 4. A detection unit including a vibrator having a vibrating blade driven in water, sensor means for detecting vibration characteristics of the vibrator, and detection circuit means for detecting vibration characteristics of the vibrator. A sludge accumulation monitoring device, characterized in that: 5. A giant magnetostrictive element or a magnetostrictive element is used as a vibrating member of said vibrator.
A sludge accumulation monitoring device according to claim 1. 6. The waterproofing device according to claim 4, wherein the detecting unit is provided with waterproofness by taking out the vibrating wing and enclosing the vibrator and the sensor means with a resin material. A sludge accumulation monitoring device according to claim 1. 7. A plurality of said detection units are mechanically connected at predetermined intervals, a buoy, a power supply means, a drive circuit means and a detection circuit means are provided at an upper end thereof, and a fixed position means is provided at a lower end thereof. A drive line and a detection line are connected to each other to form a vertical connection body, and each of the detection units is positioned at a predetermined depth when suspended in water. A sludge accumulation monitoring device according to any one of the above. 8. The sludge accumulation monitoring according to claim 4, further comprising a network means or a neural network means for collecting a plurality of said connected detection units and information transmitted from them. apparatus.