WO2007112725A1

WO2007112725A1 - Device for testing water meters

Info

Publication number: WO2007112725A1
Application number: PCT/DE2007/000563
Authority: WO
Inventors: Werner Neumann
Original assignee: Neumann & Co. Wasserzähler Glaubitz GmbH
Priority date: 2006-04-03
Filing date: 2007-03-23
Publication date: 2007-10-11
Also published as: DE112007001353A5; DE202006014631U1; EP2005124A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for testing water meters (6), consisting of a removable upper casing (16), a lower part (2) and a removable lower casing (3) and containing a measuring unit (23) and a measured value processing unit (41), the upper casing (16) being detachably fastened by hinges to the lower part (2), so that it can be swung open. Scales (10), whose weighing platform (18) is installed in a menu (21) of the lower part (2), form the central part of the measuring unit (23). Said scales (10) can be calibrated using a control weight (14) in the lower part (2). A measuring receptacle (9) can be placed on the weighing platform (18) and the device is equipped with a curved supply conduit (19) that can be fixed over the edge of the measuring receptacle (9), is separate from the latter (9), forms an extension of the connection line to the water meter (6) and ends above the measuring receptacle (9). The supply conduit (19) has a limiting normal comprising an observation section (8) and is connected on the input side to a control valve (31) that is actuated by a connected electronic control system (11). A thermometer (13) for detecting the temperature of the water is connected by a signalling process to the electronic control system (11) and the volume of the water that has been poured into the measuring receptacle (9) can be determined for a predefined flow rate measuring period from the weight that has been measured by the scales (10). A computer (24) forms the central part of the measured value processing unit (41), said computer being provided with programming elements that are used to calculate the measuring error of the water meter (6) from the comparison of the volume measured by the measuring unit (23) with the volume indicated by the water meter (6) at the start and end of the measurement process.

Description

Apparatus for checking water meters

description

The invention relates to a device for testing a water meter.

It is known that water meters are removed and tested in the laboratory, whereby a problem is that the installation conditions are not taken into account on site and thus the determined volume values may vary significantly from the determined volume values of the water meter to be tested. One of the installation conditions on-site considering measuring device for testing water meters is described in the document DE 197 17 128 A1, the core is a fixed volume pump, which works by means of Impulsabgriff the consumption meter to be tested and by means of a control unit for adjusting the flow of the flowing through the utility meter medium , Thus, predetermined test points are constantly adjustable and it can be recorded with a defined test volume of the pump, a measurement deviation curve, which is taken into account in the calculation of the measured volume. That is very expensive.

Other trained in the form of a test case devices for testing water meters contain a fixed comparison counter. It contains an impeller counter and a series-connected dummy housing into which a measuring capsule to be tested can be inserted. Adapters for connection to the faucet are available as an accessory, the perlator must be time-consuming unscrewed. An inlet and an outlet for the hose connection are attached to the front of the case. Before use, however, the comparison counter must be time-consuming calibrated on a test bench. The measurement deviations are recorded as correction values.

One problem is that the comparison meters as reference devices have error limits that can match those of the water meter and thus are ultimately inaccurate. Another problem of the devices mentioned is that the start-up of the water meter can not be determined exactly.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for testing water meters, which is designed so suitable that a statement about the condition and quality of the tested water meter can be made by a determination of parameters. In addition, it should be ensured that the measurement error of water meters in the installed state can be determined much more accurate.

The object of the invention is solved by the features of patent claim 1. The device for testing water meters consists of a removable o- beren panel, a lower part and a removable lower panel and includes a measuring device and a Messwertverarbeitungseinrichtung, the upper panel is hinged to the base hinged and releasably attached, the central part of the measuring device a scale whose balance platform is installed on a menu of the lower part, wherein the balance can be calibrated with a control weight present in the lower part, wherein a measuring container can be placed on the scale platform, wherein an attached over the edge of the measuring container, separate from the measuring container, curved inlet pipe is present as an extended connecting line to the water meter above the measuring container ending, wherein the inlet pipe has a demarcation standard with sight line and the input side with a control valve, operated by a connected control electronics t is associated with the control electronics, a thermometer for Tempe- raturerfassung the water is associated with signaling technology, wherein at a predetermined flow measuring the volume of the water flowing into the measuring container can be determined from the weight measured by means of the balance, and wherein the central part of Measured value processing device is a computer which is provided with program-technical means by which the measurement error of the water meter can be calculated from the comparison between the volume measured by the measuring device and the volume displayed at the water meter at the beginning and at the end of the measurement.

The computer includes a watertight temperature distribution or table stored and may be integrated into the lid or base or also connectable to an on-menu interface. - A -

In the area of the menu of the lower part, a leveling device with at least one adjusting device for the horizontal alignment of the measuring device or the device as well as a display and an operating terminal are arranged.

An associated power supply for all electronic and electrical components and components is installed independently of the network by means of a rechargeable battery.

A thermometer is provided in the measuring device, with which the temperature of the water is detected, wherein preferably carried out an infrared reading and a signaling connection to the control electronics can exist.

For a tapping point, a connection adapter for connecting the measuring device is provided on an intended line of the water meter.

The control weight is used in conjunction with the calibration device to calibrate the balance.

The sighting line serves to control the air bubble portion of the water flowing through and has a demarcation standard which serves to tear off the water into the measuring tank at a defined point within the sighting distance.

The measuring container is dimensioned such that, with its opening facing downwards, it can simultaneously serve as a cover for the balance and generally as a transport safety device.

In addition to the computer, the measured value processing device optionally has a reading device which scans the volume meter readings of the water meter. The connection adapter and other connecting elements for connecting the measuring device to the water meter to be tested are integrated components of the measured value processing device, which still includes the computer and other supply and signal lines.

The measuring container can carry a thermal insulation layer, whereby the measurement and the test can also be carried out with water of different temperature (hot, cold).

A number of buttons may be located on the menu, in particular a vent button, a "START" button, a "STOP" button, a measurement time button and a "TARE" button.

The menu of the lower part may be formed inclined in the display for better operation and view forward.

In the lower part leading a water connection is attached to the downstream of the control valve, wherein the supply pipe is connected, with two rotary hinges are immediately after the control valve, so that the inlet pipe is movable, on the one hand erectable and on the other hand inserted into a recess of the menu.

The inlet pipe may be formed arcuate in its free end, so that its inlet end is arranged in the erected state of the feed pipe above the measuring container.

The rechargeable via a charging socket accumulator represents the power supply of the measuring device, with an on / off button a circuit for the balance with the connected control terminal and the display, for a timer device (English, timer) for setting the measuring time of the water flow and for the Served control valve, taking in front of the entrance to the circuit for operating the A voltage converter is connected, wherein the timer device is connected both to the measuring time setting switch and to the "START" button and the "STOP" button, and the circuit-related vent button is in direct communication with the control valve. The filling of the measuring container can be started and stopped via the control electronics.

The control valve may be magnetically switchable or controllable by a drive.

The elimination of the deficiencies of the prior art is achieved with the device according to the invention, with the water meters are tested in the installed state and in which the water meter flowed through water at defined flows weighed and taking into account the water temperature, the volume is determined with the volume Counter displays of the tested water meter is compared at the beginning and at the end of the measurement.

The advantage of the device according to the invention is also that the measurement error of water meters in the installed state can be determined with an accuracy of <1%.

The invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment by means of several drawings:

Show it:

1 is an illustration of the device according to the invention in the open operating state,

Fig. 2 is an illustration of the device in the open transport state of FIG.

1 ,

3 is an illustration of the device in front view, 4 is an illustration of the device in plan view,

Fig. 5 is a hydraulic diagram of the device and

Fig. 6 is a part of an electrical scheme within the device.

In the following, FIGS. 1 and 2 are considered together.

In Fig. 1, a device 1 for testing a water meter 6 is shown, which is designed as a suitcase and opened in the operating state. 2 shows a representation of the device in the open transport state.

The device 1 consists of a removable cover 16 as upper cover, a lower part 2 and a removable bottom 3 as lower cover and contains a measuring device 23 and a Messwertverarbeitungseinrichtung 41, wherein the lid 16 is hinged by hinges on the lower part 2 and also releasably attached, wherein the central part of the measuring device 23 is a balance 10 whose scale platform

18 is installed on a menu 21 of the lower part 2, wherein the balance 10 can be calibrated with a present in the lower part 2 control weight 14, wherein on the balance platform 18, a measuring container 9 can be placed, with an attachable over the edge of the measuring container 9, from Measuring container 9 separate, curved inlet pipe

19 is present as an extended connecting line to the water meter 6 above the measuring container 9 ending, wherein the inlet pipe 19 has a demarcation standard with sight line 8 and the input side with a control valve 31 which is actuated by a connected control electronics 11, is connected, wherein the control electronics 11 is a thermometer 13 is associated with the temperature detection of the water signal technically, wherein at a predetermined flow measuring time, the volume of the water flowing into the measuring container 9 can be determined from the weight measured by means of the balance 10, and the central part of the measured value processing means 41 is a computer 24, the programmatic means with which the comparison between the volume measured by means of the measuring device 23 and the volume of the water meter 6 displayed at the water meter 6 at the beginning and at the end of the measurement carried out can be calculated.

The computer 24 may be connectable to an interface 15 located on the menu 21 and contains a watertemperature-temperature distribution or table which is used to determine the volume in the measuring container 9.

In addition, in the region of the menu 21 of the lower part 2, at least one leveling device 4 and an adjusting device 5 for horizontal alignment of the measuring device 23 or the device 1 and a display 17 and an operating terminal 30 can be arranged.

The associated power supply for all electronic and electrical modules and components takes place independently of the network by means of a rechargeable accumulator 12.

With the thermometer 13, the temperature of the water is detected.

In addition to the computer 24, the measured value processing device 41 can optionally have a reading device 42 scanning the volume counter readings of the water meter 6.

For a tapping point on a designated line of the water meter 9 belonging to the device 1, a connection adapter 7 may be provided to easily connect the measuring device 23 can.

The adjusting device 5 is connected to the balance 10 and the control weight 14 correspondingly and thus allows monitoring of the accuracy of the adjustment of the scale 10th The sighting line 8 serves to control the air bubble portion of the water flowing through and has a demarcation standard, which serves to tear off the flow of water into the measuring container 9 at a defined point within the sighting line 8.

The measuring container 9 also serves as a cover of the balance 10 and transport protection.

The connection adapter 7 and other connecting elements - e.g. a hose line 36 - for connection of the measuring device 23 to the water meter to be tested 6 in the installed state are integrated components of Meßwertverarbeitungs- device 41, to which the computer 24 and other supply and signal lines belong. The program-technical means of the computer 24 essentially relate not only to the calculation of the measurement error of the water meter 6 but also the flow rate.

The measuring container 9 can carry a thermal insulation layer, whereby the measurement and the test can be carried out with hot water.

Between the bottom 3 and the lower part 2 there may be recesses in which the hose lines 36, which are provided for connection between the tap 37 and the water connection 22, may be located.

While in Fig. 1, the device 1 is shown in the open operating state, in Fig. 2, the menu 21 of the lower part 2 is indicated in the transport state. A number of buttons are also located on menu 21: a vent button 25, a "START" button 27, a "STOP" button 26, a measuring time button adjuster 28, a "TARA" button 29.

In Fig. 3 is a schematic representation in front view of the essential components of the measuring device 23 in the operating state, ie shown in the connection state on site in the water meter 6, wherein the menu 21 of the lower part. 2 is formed in the region of the display 17 beveled forward. Leading into the lower part 2, the water connection 22 is attached laterally, to which the control valve 31 is arranged downstream, with the feed pipe 19 being subsequently connected. Immediately after the control valve 31 are two hinges 32 and 33, so that the inlet pipe 19 can be inserted into both a recess 34 of the lower part 2 as well as from this position can be erected.

The inlet pipe 19 is arc-shaped in its end region, so that the inlet end 20 is arranged in the erected state of the feed pipe 19 above the measuring container 9. The balance 10 is located in the lower part 2, wherein the measuring container 9 is placed on the above scale platform 18. The display 17 is electrically connected to the scale 10 and to the control electronics 11 arranged next to it.

In Fig. 4, the measuring device 23 is shown in plan view in a schematic representation.

In this case, the feed pipe 19 is pivoted by means of the rotary hinges 32,33 and introduced into the recess 34 incorporated in the lower part 2. The display 17 in the front part of the menu 21 is located in an operating terminal 30. The connection adapter 7 can be stored in the area next to the control weight 14 and the leveling device 4. The measuring container 9 is slipped in the transport state with its opening down over the scale 10.

In Fig. 5, the hydraulic diagram of the measuring device 23 is shown. To the water meter 6, the outlet valve 37 is connected, which is led to the water connection 22 with a hose line 36. After the magnetically switchable control valve 31, the pipe path to the inlet pipe 19 and the demarcation standard with sight line 8 to the inlet end 20. The inlet end 20 is located above the measuring tank 9. The menu 21 includes the "START" button 27, the "STOP" button 26 and the vent button 25th In Fig. 6, a part of the electrical scheme of the measuring device 23 is shown. The rechargeable via the charging socket 35 accumulator 12 ensures the power supply of the measuring device 23. Via an on / off button 39, the circuit for the scale 10 is operated with the connected operating terminal 30 and the display 17, for the timer device 40 for setting the measuring time of the water flow and for the magnetically switchable control valve 31. Before the entrance into the circuit for operating the scale 10, a voltage converter 38 is connected. The timer device 40 is connected to both the measuring time setting switch 28 and the "START" button 27 and the "STOP" button 26 and the control valve 31. The vent button 25 is in direct communication with the control valve 31.

The control valve 31 may also be driven by a drive, e.g. Engine be designed controllable.

The control electronics 11 is designed in conjunction with the display 17, the timer device 40 and the interface 15 such that all measured values can be transferred to the connected computer 24, whereby all settings and switching functions for measuring by the computer 24 by associated further program-technical means and testing can be made.

The mode of operation of the device 1 according to the invention is explained in more detail below:

Via the water meter 6 and subsequently via the connection adapter 7, the water reaches the demarcation standard with sight line 8 into the measuring container 9, which stands on a balance 10 with a display 17 and an operating terminal 30. The control electronics 11 with the connected control valve 31 opens and closes the control valve 31 after preselected and set measuring times.

The functioning of the measuring device 23 according to the invention is based on the weighing of a water meter 6 to be tested at a defined throughput. flow rate and on the calculation of the volume from this amount taking into account the temperature-dependent water density. From the calculated water volume value of the measuring container 9 and from the meter reading volume values at the beginning and at the end of the measurement to be tested - the difference is the determined volume value of the water meter 6 - the measuring error of the water meter 6 to be tested is calculated.

The following individual processes are carried out in associated phases: In a preparation phase, the following is carried out: 1. Removal of the lower cladding - of the floor 3 -

2. unrolling the connection hose 36,

3. Construction of the device 1 on a flat surface in the vicinity of the tap 37 with an outlet valve,

4. Check that all other taps are closed and there are no leaks in the pipeline system, with all other displays of the water meter 6 having to stand still,

5. Horizontal adjustment of the device 1 by means of the leveling device 4 and the adjusting device 5,

6. removal of the measuring container 9 and placing it on the scale platform 18,

7. erecting the inlet pipe 19 and setting up the associated inlet end 20, so that the water flows into the measuring container 9, wherein the Meßbehäiter 9 and the feed pipe 19 may not touch,

8. Open the tap 37 and check the inlet pipe 19 for leaks, 9. By pressing the vent button 25 is vented, and the sight glass of

Sight line 8 resulting water bubbles are observed. If no bubbles are visible, the vent button 25 is pressed again and then the measuring container 9 emptied.

In the phase of determining the start-up, which, by definition, represents the flow rate at which the starter or pointer of the counter is at its lowest Display unit of the water meter 6 begins to move, the following steps are completed:

1. Outlet valve at the tap 37 open until the time at which the water meter 6 begins counting. 2. Test sequence:

Input / acceptance of the current volume count of the water meter 6 into the computer 24,

- set measurement time,

- empty the measuring container 9, place it back on the scale 10, align it and determine the tare,

- Press the "START" button 27,

Filling of the measuring container 9,

measure the temperature of the water after automatically switching off the water flow, input / transfer of the final volume count of the water meter 6 into the computer 24,

- calculate the volume of water that has flowed through the inlet pipe 19,

- Calculate measurement errors.

In the phase of determining the flow, the steps are carried out:

- adjust a defined flow,

- select measuring time by means of measuring time setting button 28,

- Press the button "TARE" 29 on the scale 10 and wait until the measuring container weight is determined and the display 17 shows "0".

- Press the "START" button 27,

Filling of the measuring container 9,

- after the automatic shutdown of the measuring time and the weighed water quantity as well as the measured water temperature the flow is calculated. In the phase of calculating the measurement error, the following steps are performed:

- input / name of the current volume count of the water meter 6 in the computer 24, - set measuring time,

- empty the measuring container 9, place it back on the balance 10, align it, press the "TARE" button 29 on the balance 10 and wait until the weight of the measuring container is determined and the display 17 indicates "0",

- press the "START" button 27, - fill the measuring container 9,

- after automatically switching off the water flow, measure the temperature of the water using a thermometer 13,

Input / takeover of the final volume counter reading of the water meter 6 into the computer 24, calculate water volume passed through the feed pipe 19,

- Calculate measuring error of the water meter 6.

The invention makes it possible that the water meter 6 can be tested in the installed state and thus on site.

The invention opens up the possibility that with the specified device also the start, starting at zero of the count of the water meter 6, and essentially the associated measurement error of the water meter 6 is determined and thus an exact statement on the qualitative state of the water meter 6 can be made , LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

2 lower part

3 floor

4 leveling device

5 adjustment device

6 water meters

7 connection adapter

8 Demarcation standard with line of sight

9 measuring containers

10 scales

11 control electronics

12 accumulator

13 thermometers

14 control weight

15 interface

16 lids

17 display

18 scale platform

19 inlet pipe

20 incoming ends

21 menu

22 water connection

23 measuring device

24 computers

25 vent button

26 "STOP" button

27 "START" button

28 measuring time setting button

29 buttons "TARA"

30 operator terminal 31 control valve

32 First rotary hinge

33 Second rotary hinge

34 recess 35 charging socket

36 hose line

37 tapping point

38 voltage transformers

39 On / Off button 40 Time switch device

41 measured value processing device

42 reading device

Claims

claims

Device (1) for testing water meters (6), consisting of a removable upper casing (16), a lower part (2) and a removable lower casing (3) and containing a measuring device (23) and a

Messwertverarbeitungseinrichtung (41), wherein the upper panel (16) by hinges on the lower part (2) hinged and releasably attached, wherein the central part of the measuring device (23) is a balance (10) whose scale platform (18) on a menu ( 21) of the lower part (2) is installed, wherein the balance (10) with a in the lower part (2) existing control weight (14) can be calibrated, wherein on the balance platform (18) a measuring container (9) can be placed, one on the Attached edge of the measuring container (9), from the measuring container (9), curved inlet pipe (19) as an extended connecting line to the water meter (6) above the measuring container (9) is present, wherein the inlet pipe (19) a demarcation standard with sight line

(8) and on the input side with a control valve (31) which is actuated by a connected control electronics (11) is connected, wherein the control electronics (11) is associated with a thermometer (13) for detecting the temperature of the water signal technically, wherein at a given The volume of the water flowing into the measuring container (9) can be determined from the weight measured by means of the balance (10), and the central part of the measured value processing device (41) is a computer (24) provided with program-technical means, with which the measurement error of the water meter (6) can be calculated from the comparison between the volume measured by means of the measuring device (23) and the volume indicated at the water meter (6) at the beginning and at the end of the measurement performed.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a device-internal computer (24) provided or the computer (24) selectively connectable to an on the menu (21) located interface (15) wherein the computer (24) contains a water-temperature-temperature distribution or a water-temperature-temperature table.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the region of the menu (21) of the lower part (2) a leveling device (4) with at least one adjusting device (5) for horizontal alignment of the measuring device (23) or the device (1) and a display (17) and an operator terminal (30) are arranged.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that an associated power supply for all electronic and electrical components and components is installed independently of the network by means of a rechargeable accumulator (12).

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that a thermometer (13) to the measuring device (23) belongs, with which the temperature of the water is detected.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that the measured value processing means (41) next to the computer (24) optionally one of the volume counter readings of the water meter (6) scanning

Reading means (42), wherein the program means of the computer (24) preferably relate to the calculation of the flow and the measurement error of the water meter.

7. Device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a connection adapter (7) for connecting the measuring device (23) is provided on a designated line of the water meter (9) for a tapping point (37).

8. Device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the adjusting device (5) with the balance (10) and the control weight (14) is connected correspondingly and allows monitoring of the accuracy of the adjustment of the balance (10).

9. Device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the sighting line (8) serves to control the air bubble portion of the water flowing through and has a demarcation standard, which serves that the water flow into the measuring container (9) at a defined position within the

Sight line (8) breaks off.

10. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the measuring container (9) with its opening directed downwards simultaneously serves as a cover of the balance (10) and as a transport lock.

11.Vorrichtung according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the connection adapter (7) and further connecting elements for connecting the measuring device (23) to the water meter to be tested (6) in the installed state are integrated components of the measured value processing device (41), in addition to the computer (24) further supply and signal lines belong.

12. Device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the measuring container (9) carries a thermal insulation layer, whereby the measurement and the test can also be performed with water of different temperature.

13. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that on the menu (21) a number of buttons is mounted in particular a vent button (25), a button "START" (27), a button "STOP" (26), a Measuring time adjuster (28) and a button "TARE" (29).

14. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that in the lower part (2) leading laterally a water connection (22) is mounted, which the control valve (31) is arranged downstream, wherein subsequently the supply pipe (19) is connected, being directly two rotary hinges (32) and (33) are located after the control valve (31), so that the inlet pipe (19) can be placed both in a recess (34) of the menu (21) and erected to fill the measuring container (9).

15. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the feed pipe (19) is arc-shaped in its free end, so that its inlet end (20) in the erected state of Zulaufrohrlei- device (19) above the measuring container (9) is arranged ,

16. The device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that via a charging socket (35) rechargeable accumulator (12) represents the power supply of the measuring device (23), wherein an on / off button (39) a circuit for the balance (10 ) with the connected operator terminal (30) and the display (17), for a timer device (40) for adjusting the measuring time of the water flow and for the control valve (31) operated, wherein in front of the entrance to the circuit for operating the balance (10) a voltage converter (38) is connected, wherein the timer means (40) with both the measuring time setting switch (28) and with the button "START" (27) and the button "STOP" (26) is connected and belonging to the circuit vent button (25) with the control valve (31) is in direct connection.

17. Device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the control valve (13) is magnetically switchable or controllable by a drive.