JP2914673B2 - Liquid replenishment device leak monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid leak monitoring device of a liquid replenishing device provided with a liquid tank for replenishing a liquid to a liquid circulation path.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, there has been a method of monitoring a liquid leak by arranging a pair of electric wires for detecting the liquid leak with an electric short circuit caused by the leaked liquid at a location where the liquid may leak.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, in the above-described conventional method, a pair of liquid leakage detection wires must be provided over the entire area where there is a possibility of liquid leakage, so that assembling equipment of the apparatus becomes complicated and large, and There was a problem that the cost was high.

In particular, if it is desired to monitor liquid leakage in a liquid circulation path receiving liquid replenishment from the liquid tank (for example, a hot water circulation path in a hot water circulation type heating device), a pair of electric wires for liquid leakage detection must be connected along the liquid circulation path. In addition, it is necessary to extend the entire length of the liquid circulation path, and the above-mentioned problem is particularly remarkable.

An object of the present invention is to simplify the device configuration by adopting a reasonable liquid leak detection mode.

[Means for solving the problem]

The liquid leak monitor of the liquid replenishing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by a high liquid level detecting means for detecting that the liquid level of the liquid tank is at a preset high level, and a low liquid level detection for detecting that the liquid level of the liquid tank is at a preset low level. Means, measuring means for measuring the time from when the high liquid level detecting means detects the set high level to when the low liquid level detecting means detects the set low level, and the measuring time set by the measuring means is set. When the time is shorter than the lower limit time,
A safety means for executing a predetermined liquid leakage countermeasure is provided, and the operation and effect are as follows.

[Action]

The measuring means measures the time from when the high liquid level detecting means detects the set high level to when the low liquid level detecting means detects the set low level.If the measured time is shorter than the set allowable lower limit time, It is assumed that the liquid level has dropped abnormally quickly due to the liquid decrease due to liquid leakage in the tank itself or the liquid circulation path that receives liquid replenishment from the liquid tank, and the predetermined liquid leakage countermeasures are automatically executed. When the measurement time is longer than the set permissible lower limit time, it is assumed that the liquid level gradually decreases due to the decrease in the liquid which is recognized as being within the normal range due to spontaneous evaporation of the liquid, and the execution of the predetermined liquid leakage countermeasure is postponed.

In other words, the liquid tank replenishes the liquid to the liquid circulation path, so that the liquid level in the liquid tank does not change much.

Therefore, the time from when the high liquid level detecting means detects the set high level to when the low liquid level detecting means detects the set low level is measured, and when the measured time is shorter than the set allowable lower limit time, it is determined that the liquid leaks. Since the liquid leakage is determined based on a relatively long elapsed time in the determination, a small amount of liquid leakage can also be detected.

〔The invention's effect〕

That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to omit the arrangement of a pair of wires for detecting liquid leakage over the entire area where there is a possibility of liquid leakage, and to provide a device configuration for detecting liquid leakage in comparison with the conventional system. In a greatly simplified state, it is possible to deal with liquid leakage in the liquid tank itself or in a liquid circulation path that receives liquid replenishment from the liquid tank, and thus a simple device configuration while ensuring safety against liquid leakage Therefore, assembling equipment of the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional method.

Further, a small amount of liquid leakage can be detected in a liquid tank having a small change in liquid level, such as a liquid tank for liquid supply to the liquid circulation path.

〔Example〕

 Next, an embodiment will be described.

The drawings show the overall configuration of the hot water supply / heating device, where (1) is the main unit, and (2A) and (2B) are the first and second units which function as a heating source heat medium using the hot water supplied from the main unit (1). It has two terminals.

The main unit (1) includes, as main interior equipment, a first heat exchanger (3) for general hot water supply, a second heat exchanger (4) for heating and hot water supply,
A first burner (5) for heating flowing water in the first heat exchanger (3), a second burner (6) for heating flowing water in the second heat exchanger (4), and first and second burners (5). ),
The air for combustion (secondary air) is supplied to (6) in a state of being distributed in parallel through the first and second air passages (7A) and (7B), and the first and second air is supplied. Heat exchanger (3),
(4) A fan (9) for forcibly exhausting the combustion gas to the outside through an exhaust path (8), a controller (10) for controlling operation, and a makeup water tank (11) for heating and hot water supply. And a circulation pump (12).

(13) is a water supply channel, and this water supply channel (13) is a main water supply channel (13A) connected to the first heat exchanger (3) for general hot water supply.
And a make-up water channel (13B) connected to a make-up water tank (11) for heating and hot water supply. A water governor (14) and a water amount sensor (15) are interposed in the main water supply channel (13A). The makeup water channel (13B) is provided with a makeup water solenoid valve (16) and a manual makeup water valve (17).

 (18) is a drain plug with a filter.

The hot water supply path (19) from the first heat exchanger (3) is connected to a general hot water tap (21) via an external hot water supply pipe (20), while the second heat exchanger (4) and each terminal are connected. Units (2A) and (2B) are connected by hot water circulation paths (22A) and (22B) formed with internal and external piping, and terminals (2A) and (2B)
The replenishment tank (11) in the return hot water circuit (22B) from
And a circulation pump (12).

Reference numeral (23) denotes a fuel gas supply path. The fuel gas supply path (23) includes a first fuel path (23A) connected to a first burner (5) for general hot water supply, and a second burner for heating and hot water supply. Branching into a second fuel path (23B) connected to (6),
The fuel passages (23A) and (23B) have burners (5),
First and second fuel solenoid valves (24A) and (24B) for intermittently supplying fuel gas to (6), and each burner (5),
First and second electromagnetic proportional valves (25A) and (25B) for adjusting the fuel gas supply amount to (6) are provided.

(26) is a safety solenoid valve for shutting off the supply of fuel gas to both burners (5) and (6) at once.

In addition, in the figure, (27) is a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water from the first heat exchanger (3) for general hot water supply, (2)
8) is a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water from the second heat exchanger (4) for heating and hot water supply, and (29A), (29)
B) is the first and second spark plugs for the first and second burners (5) and (6), respectively, and (30A) and (30B) are the first and second burners (5) and (6), respectively. 1) are first and second frame rods for confirming ignition.

The controller (10) executes the following general hot water supply operation control and heating / hot water supply operation control as basic operation control.

(General hot water supply operation control) When the general hot water supply operation control (21) is opened, the fan (9) is started in response to the detection of the water flow by the water amount sensor (15), and To activate the first spark plug (29A) and to operate the safety solenoid valve (2
6) and the first fuel solenoid valve (24A) is opened to ignite the first burner (5).

First burner (5) with first frame rod (30A)
When the ignition of the first ignition plug (29A) is confirmed, the spark operation of the first spark plug (29A) is stopped.

The fuel gas supply amount required to obtain the set general hot water supply temperature is calculated based on the detected water amount by the water amount sensor (15) and the set general hot water supply temperature, and the fuel gas supply amount to the first burner (5) is calculated. The first to set the calculated fuel gas supply amount
Adjust the opening of the solenoid proportional valve (25A). After that, the opening degree of the first electromagnetic proportional valve (25A) based on the detection information of the first temperature sensor (27) so as to maintain the hot water supply temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (27) at the set general hot water supply temperature. Is finely adjusted as appropriate.

When the general hot water tap (21) is closed, the safety solenoid valve (26) and the first fuel solenoid valve (24A) are closed in response to the water flow sensor (15) being in a water flow non-detection state accordingly. To extinguish the first burner (5), followed by stopping the fan (9).

(Heating and hot water supply operation control) When the operation of at least one of the terminal units (2A) and (2B) is started, a signal from the started terminal unit is received, and the circulation pump (12) is started. Fan (9)
And subsequently, a second spark plug (29
B), and the safety solenoid valve (26) and the second fuel solenoid valve (24B) are opened to ignite the second burner (6).

2nd burner (6) by 2nd frame rod (30B)
When the ignition of is confirmed, the spark operation of the second spark plug (29B) is stopped.

Then, based on the detection information of the second temperature sensor (28), the second electromagnetic proportional valve (25B) is adjusted in its opening degree to maintain the hot water supply temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (28) at the set heating hot water supply temperature. The fuel gas supply to the two burners (6) is adjusted.

When the hot water supply temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (28) becomes higher than the set heating hot water supply temperature even if the opening of the second electromagnetic proportional valve (25B) is adjusted to the lower limit opening, that is, the second electromagnetic proportional valve If the heating load on the terminals (2A) and (2B) becomes too small to follow with the heating and hot water supply capacity adjustment by adjusting the opening of the valve (25B), the second fuel solenoid valve (24B) The ON / OFF control of the second burner (6) by opening and closing is executed.

When the operation of both terminals (2A) and (2B) is stopped,
In response to the stop signal from the terminal, the safety solenoid valve (26) and the second fuel solenoid valve (24B) are closed to extinguish the second burner (6), followed by the fan (9). ) And the circulation pump (12) are stopped.

The general hot water supply operation and the heating hot water supply operation can be performed in parallel, and when the other operation is started while only one of the general hot water supply operation and the heating hot water supply operation is being performed, the valve is already opened. The operation of opening the safety electromagnetic valve (26) and the operation of starting the already activated fan (9) are omitted, and the general hot water supply operation and the heating hot water supply operation are performed in parallel. When only one of the operations is stopped, the safety solenoid valve (26) is closed, and
The operation of stopping the fan (9) is omitted.

The controller (10) executes water replenishment control for the make-up water tank (11) in addition to the above-described general hot water supply operation control and heating / hot water supply operation control. Specifically, the controller (10) 11) A high water level sensor (31A) that is turned on when the water level is higher than the set high level (H) and a low water level sensor (31B) that is turned on when the water level is higher than the set low level (L) ), These two water level sensors (31A),
When the water level of the make-up water tank (11) drops to the set low level (L) based on the detection information of (31B) (that is, when both water level sensors (31A) and (31B) are OFF), Open the water solenoid valve (16) and make up the make-up water tank (11)
Automatically start refilling the water, and after that,
When the water level in the make-up water tank (11) rises to the set high level (H) (that is, when both water level sensors (31A) and (31B) are ON), the make-up water solenoid valve (16) is closed. The valve is automatically stopped to supply water to the makeup water tank (11).

In addition, while the water replenishment control as described above is executed, the controller (10) includes a water replenishment automatic start point (in other words, both water level sensors (31A) and (31B)) in each automatic water replenishment. The first measuring circuit (10A) that measures the elapsed time (t) from the time when both are turned OFF). In each automatic water replenishment, both water level sensors (31A) and (31B) are used after the water replenishment automatic stop. A second measurement circuit for measuring the time (T) until both are turned OFF (in other words, the time until the water level of the makeup water tank (11) drops from the set high level (H) to the set low level (L)) (10B) and when the high water level sensor (31A) is not turned on until the detection elapsed time (t) by the first measurement circuit (10A) reaches the set allowable upper limit elapsed time (tmax). , Make-up water tank (11), hot water circuit (22A), (22B)
Assuming that there is a relatively large amount of water leakage or that the high water level sensor (31A) has failed, shut off the supply water solenoid valve (16) that is open while water supply is in progress, and issue an alarm. When the time (T) measured by the second measuring circuit (10B) is shorter than the set permissible lower limit time (Tmin), the makeup water tank (11) and the hot water circulation paths (22A) and (22B)
Each of the safety circuits (10C) that, based on the fact that both water level sensors (31A) and (31B) have been turned off, prevent the automatic start of water replenishment and issue an alarm, assuming that there is a relatively small amount of water leakage. Is incorporated.

The set allowable upper limit elapsed time (tmax) is based on the amount of make-up water per unit time from the make-up water channel ((13B)) and the volume of the make-up water tank (11) (specifically, the set low order (L) and the set high order (H ), And the set permissible lower limit time (Tmin) is determined to be within the normal range due to natural evaporation of water, etc. It is determined based on the volume of (11) (the volume between the set low position (L) and the set high position (H)).

The manual make-up water valve (17) is normally opened.

 (23) in the figure is an overflow pipe and a ventilation pipe.

(Another embodiment)

 Next, another embodiment will be described.

(A) The liquid tank targeted in the present invention is not limited to the makeup water tank in the hot water circulation type heating apparatus, but may be liquid tanks for various uses.

(B) The start and stop of liquid supply to the liquid tank may be either automatic or manual, respectively.

(C) The predetermined measures to be taken by the safety means to prevent liquid leakage are not limited to the prevention of automatic liquid supply to the liquid tank and the notification of liquid leakage information (alarms, etc.). Any form, such as opening a drain valve, may be used.

Further, the predetermined measure against the liquid leak executed by the safety means may be any one kind or plural kinds.

In the claims, reference numerals are provided for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the attached drawings.

[Brief description of the drawings]

The drawing is an apparatus configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. (10B) ... Measurement means, (10C) ... Safety means, (11)
... liquid tank, (31A) ... high liquid level detecting means, (31B) ... low liquid level detecting means, (22A), (22B) ... liquid circulation path.

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01M 3/32 F17D 5/06

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A liquid leakage monitoring device for a liquid replenishing device provided with a liquid tank (11) for replenishing liquid to a liquid circulation path (22A), (22B). High liquid level detecting means (31A) for detecting that the liquid level is at the set high level, and low liquid level detecting means (31B) for detecting that the liquid level is at the set low level
Measuring means (10B) for measuring a time from when the high liquid level detecting means (31A) detects the set high level to when the low liquid level detecting means (31B) detects the set low level; A liquid leakage monitoring device for a liquid replenishing device provided with a safety means (10C) for performing a predetermined liquid leakage countermeasure when the measurement time by the measuring means (10B) is shorter than a set allowable lower limit time (Tmin). . 2. A liquid leakage monitoring device for a liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein said safety means (10C) reports liquid leakage information as said predetermined liquid leakage countermeasure. The safety means (10C) is provided with a function as a countermeasure against the liquid tank (11) when the liquid level of the liquid tank (11) drops to a predetermined level below the set low level. 3. The liquid leakage monitoring device for a liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein an operation of an automatic liquid supply means for automatically starting liquid supply is prevented. 4. The safety means (10C) opens a drain valve as a measure against the predetermined liquid leakage.
4. The liquid leakage monitoring device of the liquid supply device according to 2 or 3.