JP2006226755A - Flow measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flow measuring device mountable on the side of a bridge pier safely and securely. <P>SOLUTION: This device is equipped with a support 38 mounted detachably on the side of the bridge pier 37 of a river, a flow velocity detection element 14 for measuring the flow velocity of water flowing in from the front end of a conductor 16 disposed on the support 38 and flowing out from the rear end, a shell type net cap 20 connected to the front end of the conductor 16, and a transmission device for transmitting wirelessly flow velocity information acquired by the flow velocity detection element 14. A wholly net-shaped protection cover may be used instead of the net cap 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow rate measuring device that is fixedly or temporarily provided in a river and used to measure the flow rate of the river.

Understanding river flow is one of the most important issues in river management. For example, in the case of torrential rain, on-time understanding of the river flow along the river basin to be warned is extremely useful for disaster prevention. In the system that predicts the river flow rate and the water level in each part of the river from the rainfall, facilities for measuring the river flow rate are also required. If river flow can be measured accurately, it will be useful for river improvement plans, dam construction plans, water utilization, river water quality management, and research on the relationship between vegetation and ecosystems and river flow. For this purpose, various methods for measuring river flow have been developed (see Patent Documents 1 to 5).
JP 2004-117119 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-14868 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-356834 JP-A-9-196727 JP-A-10-197299

Here, the conventional river flow observation system has the following problems to be solved.
As described in the above patent documents, the conventional measuring method using video cameras, water level gauges, radar observation, ultrasonic water depth measurement, floats, etc., makes the apparatus large when trying to measure the river flow rate with high accuracy. There was a problem that the equipment cost was high. In addition, there are problems to be solved in terms of safety because the staff operates the measuring device in the field for measurement work and acquisition of measurement data.
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and provides a flow rate measuring device that can be easily installed in a river flow and can determine the flow velocity distribution of each part of the river using an inexpensive flow velocity detection element. The purpose is to do.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a robust flow rate measuring device that can sufficiently withstand collision with foreign matter such as the pressure of flowing water and driftwood.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flow rate measuring device that can easily repair and replace individual flow velocity detecting elements even if a failure occurs.

In each embodiment of the present invention, the above-described problems are solved by the following configurations.
<Configuration 1>
A plurality of supports that are erected in the water stream of the river, and a plurality of units arranged on the support at predetermined intervals, with the front end facing the upstream side of the river and the rear end facing the downstream side, respectively. And a flow rate detecting element for acquiring flow rate information by detecting a flow rate of water flowing in from the front end of the conduit and flowing out from the rear end of the conduit. On the other hand, a bullet-shaped net cap connected so as to cover the front end thereof, an information collecting device for collecting flow velocity information acquired by a plurality of flow velocity detecting elements on the support, and the collected flow velocity information, A flow rate measuring device comprising: a transmitting device that transmits to the outside together with identification information for identifying a flow velocity detecting element.

  The support fixedly supports the plurality of flow velocity detection elements in the river water flow. The flow velocity detecting element includes a conduit disposed so as to go upstream of the river and a flowmeter built in the conduit, and measures flow velocity of water flowing through the conduit to acquire flow velocity information. While the net cap allows water to pass through the net, it has a bullet shape, so that the impact force exerted on the flow velocity detection element by foreign matter such as driftwood is mitigated and the flow meter in the conduit is protected. Flow velocity information acquired by a plurality of flow velocity detection elements on the support is collected by an information collecting device and transmitted to the outside. Flow rate information for each support is collected at a management center or the like, and the flow rate of the river is monitored. Since the flow velocity information is independently collected from each flow velocity detection element, identification information of the flow velocity detection element is included in order to identify the detection position.

<Configuration 2>
A support installed upright in the water flow of the river, and a plurality of units disposed on the support at predetermined intervals, each placed in a flow path for flowing water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the river A flow velocity detecting element for detecting flow velocity of water passing through the flow path to obtain flow velocity information, and the one or a plurality of flow velocity detecting elements in cooperation with the support. Information collection that collects flow velocity information acquired by a plurality of flow velocity detection elements on the support, and a protective cover in which at least the upstream side and downstream side form a net-like shape, which blocks foreign substances other than running water by passing and flowing water through A flow rate measuring device comprising: a device; and a transmitter that transmits collected flow rate information to the outside together with identification information for identifying each of the flow rate detection elements.

  In this example, a net that protects the entire flow velocity detection element is used. This protective cover made of a net has an effect of mechanically protecting the flow rate detecting element from foreign matter such as driftwood and preventing foreign matter from entering the conduit. The protective cover may enclose the support body and the flow velocity detection element at once, or the support body may surround one side and the flow velocity detection element may surround the remaining portion. What is necessary is just to surround a flow velocity detection element complementarily and mutually cooperating.

<Configuration 3>
3. The flow rate measuring device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the support is part of a river pier or integrated with a river pier.

  If the means for fixing the flow velocity detecting element is integrally provided on the river pier, the installation work is easy and mechanically strong.

<Configuration 4>
The flow rate measuring apparatus according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the support is detachably fixed to a river pier.

  For example, the support may have a flat plate shape, a ladder shape, or a hook shape, and may be detachably fixed to the side surface of the river pier by a string-like material such as a rope. It may be fastened and fixed with a bolt or the like. Thereby, for example, when a warning of a typhoon or a torrential rain occurs, it can be quickly attached and detached.

<Configuration 5>
The flow rate measuring apparatus according to Configuration 2, wherein the protective cover has a substantially streamlined longitudinal section cut by a plane parallel to the water flow.

  While reducing the resistance of the flow velocity detection element in running water, the impact of foreign objects on the protective cover was reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the protective cover.

<Configuration 6>
The flow rate measuring device according to Configuration 2, wherein the protective cover surrounds the flow velocity detecting element by a surface that rises smoothly and continuously from the side surface of the pier.

  Even if a foreign object such as driftwood collides with the pier and the protective cover, the protective cover has a surface that rises smoothly and continuously from the side of the pier, so it is possible to prevent foreign objects from being caught between the pier and the protective cover. it can.

<Configuration 7>
The flow rate measuring device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein each flow velocity detecting element is detachably fixed to a support.

  If any of the flow rate detection elements can be easily attached to and detached from the support, only the corresponding part in the case of a failure or the like can be exchanged, so that there is an effect that maintenance becomes easy.

<Configuration 8>
In the flow rate measuring device according to Configuration 1 or 2, when a plurality of units including a support body and a plurality of flow velocity detection elements disposed on the support body are erected in the width direction of the river, the plurality of units are A flow rate measuring apparatus comprising: a transmission device that transmits flow rate information collected from a flow rate detection element arranged to the outside together with identification information for identifying each flow rate detection element.

  When a plurality of units are set up in the river, the flow rate information acquired by all flow rate detection elements is collected and sent to the management center in a lump. Thereby, when viewed from the cross-sectional view of the river, the flow velocity of the river can be measured at multiple points in a two-dimensional direction, and the data can be collected.

<Configuration 9>
A support body standing upright in the water flow of the river and a plurality of velocity meters arranged on the support body at predetermined intervals are provided, and the flow velocity of each part in the vicinity of the support body is measured by these flowmeters. A flow rate detection element that detects flow rate information by detection, an information collection device that collects flow rate information acquired by each flow rate detection element on the support, and an identification that identifies each flow rate detection element from the collected flow rate information A flow rate measuring device comprising a transmitting device that transmits information to the outside.

  The flow rate measuring device of the present invention is erected in a stream of a river. It may be provided independently or may be attached to the side surface using a pier. Permanent equipment may be used, or temporary equipment may be removed after the river flow is measured for a certain period. The apparatus includes a plurality of flow velocity detecting elements, and a part or all of them can be used while being replaced or repaired as necessary. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a flow velocity detecting element used in the flow rate measuring device according to the first embodiment.
The flow rate detection element 14 includes a conduit 16 and a velocimeter 18 provided in the conduit 16. A net cap 20 is connected to the front end of the conduit 16, that is, the front end portion that is upstream when installed. The net cap 20 has a bullet shape and is formed in a mesh or lattice shape into which flowing water can be introduced. The anemometer 18 may be an arbitrary one as long as it measures the flow velocity of water flowing in from the front end of the conduit 16 and flowing out from the rear end. FIG. 1 shows a current meter that detects and measures an induced electromotive force that changes with the generation of Karman vortices in a flow path.

  In addition to this, the flowmeter built in the conduit includes a method of measuring the rotation of the impeller, a method of measuring Karman vortex streets using piezoelectric elements, and an induced electromotive force that changes with the generation of vortices in the flow path. An arbitrary anemometer including a known method such as a method of detecting and measuring the current is used. The flow rate of the river can be calculated from the product of the flow velocity value obtained by the measurement of the flow velocity detection element and the cross-sectional area of the river. This velocimeter 18 is configured as follows. That is, a cylindrical vortex generator 24 disposed so as to cross the direction of flowing water indicated by an arrow 22 and two electrodes 26 are disposed behind the conduit 16. These electrodes 26 are connected to a measurement circuit unit 30 disposed outside the conduit 16 through lead wires 28. A pair of magnets 32 are arranged opposite to each other on the outside of the conduit 16 to generate a magnetic field in the direction of an arrow 34 indicated by a broken line in the conduit 16.

  In the velocimeter 18 configured as described above, a Karman vortex street 35 is generated by the vortex generator 24 in the flow of water flowing into the conduit 16. When the electrode 26 vibrates in the magnetic field by the Karman vortex street 35, an induced electromotive force is generated. The generation period of the Karman vortex street 35 depends on the flow velocity. Therefore, the flow rate can be measured by analyzing the AC component of the signal taken out through the lead wire 28. Since this apparatus is a known apparatus, further explanation is omitted, but the flow velocity is converted into digital data as flow velocity information. The flow velocity information is stored in a memory or the like together with the identification information of the flow velocity detecting element. The information may be read at a predetermined timing. These processes are executed by the measurement circuit unit 30.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a pier 37 that supports a river bridge 36 and a support 38 in which the flow velocity detection elements 14 and the like are arranged in the vertical direction along the side surface of one pier 37. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing one side of FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the support 38 and the flow velocity detection element disposed on the support 38. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the mounting state of the flow velocity detecting element 14 of FIG.

  In these drawings, the plurality of flow velocity detection elements 14 described above are arranged on a column or plate-like support 38 so as to be arranged at a constant interval. The support body 38 is fixed to the side surface of the pier 37. For example, when the height of the pier 37 is 8 to 12 m, 10 to 20 flow velocity detection elements 14 are arranged at regular intervals from the lower side of the pier 37. In addition, the conduit | pipe 16 (FIG. 1) of each flow velocity detection element 14 is arrange | positioned so that the front end may go to the upstream of a river.

  A unit box 40 is disposed above the pier 37. The unit box 40 accommodates a transmission device 52, a data reading device 53, a storage device 54, a power supply 55, and the like. The unit box 40 is connected to each flow velocity detection element 14 by an electric wire 41. The data reading device 53 has a function of accessing the measurement circuit units 30 of all the flow velocity detecting elements 14 supported by the support body 38 and reading the flow velocity information and the identification information. The storage device 54 is for temporarily storing information read by the data reading device 53.

  The transmission device 52 wirelessly transmits the flow rate information and the like stored in the storage device 54 to a computer or the like of a management center that performs data analysis. Of course, wired transmission may be used, but it is preferable to use a wireless communication network such as a PHS or a cellular phone network under severe conditions such as wind and water damage. The power source 55 is not a commercial power source that is constantly supplied from an electric power company, but is a power source obtained by any one or a combination of photovoltaic power generation, hydroelectric power generation, wind power generation, which is obtained as soon as possible at a place where a flow rate measuring device is installed Is desirable. Since the individual flow velocity detection elements 14 are disposed in water, wireless transmission is difficult. Therefore, the acquired information is collected in the unit box 40 by using the mechanically sufficiently protected electric wire 41. If the unit box 40 is arranged above the water surface, it is possible to transmit information collected by radio.

  The support 38 has a flat plate shape, a ladder shape, or a saddle shape, and is disposed at an arbitrary position on the side surface of the pier 37 and protrudes from the river bed. A plurality of support plates 44 for supporting the plurality of flow velocity detecting elements 14 are arranged in the vertical direction of the support 38. Each support plate 44 is an L-shaped plate, one surface of which is fixed to the support 38 with mounting bolts 46, and the conduit 16 of the flow velocity detecting element 14 is pressed and fixed to the other surface by a U-shaped fastener 48. Yes. Accordingly, the flow velocity detection element 14 can be freely attached and detached individually, so that replacement at the time of failure is easy.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a flow velocity detecting element of Example 2, and (a) to (c) show modified examples.
The flow velocity detection element of Example 2 uses a protective cover 50 instead of the net cap 20 shown in FIG. The protective cover 50 according to this embodiment is a net made of a metal wire, plastic fiber, natural fiber, or the like, and mechanically protects the flow rate detecting element 14 from foreign matter such as driftwood, Prevent foreign matter from getting into the. The internal structure of the conduit 16 may be the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The protective cover 50 shown in FIG. 6A has a vertical cross-section of the protective cover 50 that has an acute triangular shape, and covers the flow rate detection element 14 fixed to the support 38. One by one may be enclosed, or a plurality of flow velocity detection elements may be collectively enclosed. The protective cover 50 may be a net made entirely of metal wires, plastic fibers, natural fibers, or the like, but may have a partially net structure in which at least the upstream side and the downstream side are net-like. Further, a grid such as a catcher mitt may be further provided on the upstream side of the protective cover 50 to prevent a large foreign object from colliding with the protective cover.

  The protective cover 50 shown in FIG. 6B has an arc shape in the longitudinal section. In the example of (a) and the example of (b), the outer surface of the protective cover is substantially streamlined. The protective cover 50 shown in FIG. 6 (c) forms a crescent-shaped column in cooperation with the support body 38. In addition, this column protects the flow velocity detecting element by a surface that rises smoothly and continuously from the side surface of the pier with respect to the outer side surface of the pier.

  In any case, the protective cover 50 covers the flow velocity detecting element 14 fixed to the support 38 so as to leave a predetermined buffer space inside. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the impact of driftwood or earth and sand colliding with the flow velocity detection element 14. In addition, when the flow velocity is slightly weakened by the protective cover 50, the measurement data may be corrected, and robust and stable measurement can be performed. Further, when this unit is fixed to the pier, in the case shown in this figure, there is no gap in which driftwood or the like is sandwiched between the pier and the flow velocity detection element, so that the fluid resistance is small. . In particular, if the protective cover forms a surface that rises smoothly and continuously from the side surface of the pier with respect to the outer surface of the pier, it can be integrated with the pier and the resistance to water can be minimized.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a modification and arrangement of the above unit.
The above unit may be fixed to the pier as a whole, or may be suspended from the middle of the bridge, for example. Alternatively, it may be erected in a column at an appropriate location in the middle of the river. As the shape, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 </ b> B, and 7 </ b> C, an arbitrary number of flow velocity detecting elements 61 may be accommodated in the protective covers 62, 63, and 64. Moreover, what is necessary is just to incorporate the above unit boxes 40 in the top part. Since the unit box 40 is preferably arranged above the water surface of the river, the upper end of the unit is preferably above the water surface. The unit is most preferably structured such that the lower end is fixed to the riverbed and the upper end is fixed to a part of the bridge. However, it may be driven into the river flow or suspended.

  In the above example, in FIG. 7D, when the river water is flowing as indicated by the arrow, the unit is fixed at a broken line position 66 corresponding to the side surface of the pier 60. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 7E, the unit may be arranged at the side surface position 67 on the upstream side of the pier. At this time, the flow velocity can be measured without the influence of vortices by the pier. On the other hand, the unit may be arranged at the side surface position 68 on the downstream side of the pier. At this time, a collision with a large driftwood or the like is hindered by the pier 60, and measurement can be continued safely and reliably. By arranging these units at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the river, when viewed from the cross-sectional view of the river, it is possible to measure the flow velocity of each part of the river two-dimensionally and calculate the accurate flow rate. Become.

Next, a flow rate measuring method using the flow rate measuring device of the present invention provided with a plurality of flow velocity detecting elements will be described.
The output of the flow velocity detection element is obtained as a voltage signal having a certain relationship with the flow velocity, for example. This voltage signal is converted from analog to digital to obtain flow velocity information. Further, measurement data including measurement time information and identification information for identifying each flow velocity detection element is generated. The measurement data is collected in the unit box 40 for all the flow velocity detecting elements.

  The unit box 40 collects the measurement data of all the flow velocity detection elements included in each unit and transmits them to the management host computer using, for example, a mobile phone network. The host computer can obtain the flow velocity measurement results at multiple points in the two-dimensional direction as seen from the river cross section, and the river flow can be calculated by further data analysis.

  Note that, for example, some flow rate detection elements respond faithfully to a slow flow rate range, but a measurement error exceeds an allowable range at a high flow rate. There is also a flow rate detecting element having the opposite characteristics. However, the river flow velocity differs significantly between normal times and disasters, and the flow velocity range (dynamic range) to be measured is very wide. Therefore, it is preferable to use a combination of flow velocity detection elements having different characteristics. In addition, the signal cable for connecting the unit box and the flow velocity detecting element should be constructed to be embedded and molded in a support rod for fixing and supporting the flow velocity detecting element, and to be as strong as a submarine cable. Is preferred.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow velocity detection element used for the flow volume measuring apparatus of Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the support body which provides a flow velocity detection element etc. in the bridge pier of a river. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing one aspect of FIG. 2. It is a front view which shows the flow velocity detection element arrange | positioned at the support body. It is a top view which expands and shows the attachment condition of the flow velocity detection element of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow-velocity detection element of Example 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification and arrangement | positioning of a unit.

Explanation of symbols

14 Flow velocity detection element 16 Conduit 18 Current meter 20 Net cap 22 Arrow 24 Vortex generator 26 Electrode 28 Lead wire 30 Measurement circuit section 32 Magnet 34 Arrow 35 Karman vortex street 36 Bridge 37 Bridge pier 38 Support body 40 Unit box 42 Rope 44 Bearing plate 46 Mounting bolt 48 U-shaped fastener 50 Protective cover

Claims (9)

A support erected in the stream of the river,
A plurality of units are arranged at predetermined intervals on the support, each including a conduit with a front end facing the upstream side of the river and a rear end facing the downstream side, and a flow meter built in the conduit, With this flow meter, a flow rate detection element that detects flow rate of water flowing in from the front end of the conduit and flowing out from the rear end to acquire flow rate information,
A bullet-shaped net cap connected to the conduit so as to cover a front end thereof;
An information collecting device for collecting flow velocity information acquired by a plurality of flow velocity detecting elements on the support;
A flow rate measuring device comprising: a transmission device that transmits collected flow rate information to the outside together with identification information for identifying each flow rate detection element. A support erected in the stream of the river,
A plurality of units are arranged on the support at predetermined intervals, and each has a flow velocity meter placed in a flow channel for flowing water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the river. A flow rate detecting element for detecting flow velocity of water passing through and acquiring flow velocity information;
A protective cover that surrounds the one or a plurality of flow velocity detection elements in cooperation with the support, blocks foreign substances other than the flowing water by passing the flowing water, and at least the upstream side and the downstream side form a net;
An information collecting device for collecting flow velocity information acquired by a plurality of flow velocity detecting elements on the support;
A flow rate measuring device comprising: a transmission device that transmits collected flow rate information to the outside together with identification information for identifying each flow rate detection element. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the support is part of a river pier or integrated with a river pier. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
A flow rate measuring device, wherein the support is detachably fixed to a river pier. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 2,
The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover has a substantially streamlined longitudinal section cut by a plane parallel to the water flow. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 2,
The flow rate measuring device, wherein the protective cover surrounds the flow velocity detecting element by a surface that rises smoothly and continuously from the side surface of the pier. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
Each flow velocity detection element is fixed to the support so as to be detachable. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
When a plurality of units including a support body and a plurality of flow velocity detection elements arranged on the support body are erected in the width direction of the river,
A flow rate measuring device comprising: a transmission device that transmits flow rate information collected from flow rate detection elements arranged in the plurality of units to the outside together with identification information for identifying each flow rate detection element. A support erected in the stream of the river,
A plurality of flow velocity meters arranged at predetermined intervals on the support, and a flow velocity detection element for obtaining flow velocity information by detecting flow velocity of water in each part in the vicinity of the support with these flow velocity meters; ,
An information collection device for collecting flow velocity information acquired by each flow velocity detection element on the support;
A flow rate measuring device comprising: a transmission device that transmits collected flow rate information to the outside together with identification information for identifying each flow rate detection element.

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