(19)
(11)EP 2 639 664 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
05.08.2020 Bulletin 2020/32

(21)Application number: 11840007.6

(22)Date of filing:  26.10.2011
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
G01F 15/00(2006.01)
G01F 1/00(2006.01)
G01F 15/07(2006.01)
G05D 11/13(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/ES2011/070739
(87)International publication number:
WO 2012/062944 (18.05.2012 Gazette  2012/20)

(54)

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A NON-COMPRESSIBLE FLUID

VORRICHTUNG UND VERFAHREN ZUR MESSUNG EINER NICHT KOMPRIMIERBAREN FLÜSSIGKEIT

DISPOSITIF ET PROCÉDÉ DE MESURE D'UN FLUIDE INCOMPRESSIBLE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 12.11.2010 ES 201031675

(43)Date of publication of application:
18.09.2013 Bulletin 2013/38

(73)Proprietor: Aurep Dos S.L.
08201 Sabadell (Barcelona) (ES)

(72)Inventor:
  • ERTA CARRERA, José
    08201 Sabadell (Barcelona) (ES)

(74)Representative: Durán-Corretjer, S.L.P. 
Còrsega, 329 (Paseo de Gracia/Diagonal)
08037 Barcelona
08037 Barcelona (ES)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 515 082
ES-U- 1 042 714
JP-A- 59 185 941
US-A- 4 073 304
WO-A1-2005/080202
FR-A1- 2 465 516
US-A- 3 353 711
US-A- 5 304 001
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] This invention relates to a device and method for measuring a non-compressible fluid.

    [0002] More particularly this invention relates to a device and method which can be applied especially advantageously to measure a non-compressive fluid in a hydraulic circuit comprising another fluid which is also non-compressible, for example water.

    [0003] This is the case for example in washing machines, in which at least one fluid and in some cases more than one, such as for example a detergent and a softener, are metered in a hydraulic circuit which carries water.

    [0004] In these cases, because of the different density and rheological properties of the fluids which have to be metered it is necessary to use a flowmeter for each of the fluids so that the quantity metered can be precisely measured. Using a single flowmeter for all fluids implies the use of compensation factors related to the properties of the fluids, but given that the properties of the fluids are very variable within a characteristic range this implies high inaccuracy of measurement or the need for costly equipment to measure the properties of the fluids being metered.

    [0005] This invention offers a solution to the problem stated, providing a device and method of measurement which make accurate and economical measurement possible, especially in the types of circuit mentioned above.

    [0006] The invention is based on use of the fact that when an incompressible body is introduced into a container containing a first non-compressible fluid the volume of the first fluid displaced is equal to the volume of the body introduced.

    [0007] From one point of view, this invention envisages the provision of a flowmeter with a by-pass located downstream from the point at which the second fluid is injected. When a second fluid is injected into the circuit all the fluid can be made to pass through the flowmeter. In this way the flowmeter measures the quantity of the first liquid or fluid displaced by the second fluid. Because of the presence of the by-pass the second fluid cannot pass through the flowmeter.

    [0008] Related prior art is also disclosed in EP1515082A1.

    [0009] The present invention comprises a device according to claim 1.

    [0010] The device comprises a storage facility, such as a reservoir or receiving vessel, to store fluid in fluid contact with the first outlet, the second outlet, the first inlet and the second inlet.

    [0011] More preferably the first output has no flowmeter.

    [0012] In an especially preferred embodiment the receiving vessel has a liquid outlet which bifurcates providing a passage to the first and second outlets.

    [0013] In a likewise especially preferred embodiment the receiving vessel has a single inlet to the vessel into which the first and second inlets flow together.

    [0014] Even more preferably the first and second outlets have corresponding first and second inlet valves to the receiving vessel.

    [0015] This invention also comprises a method of measurement carried out in the device which is the subject matter of this invention. In particular, this invention comprises a method according to claim 7.

    [0016] Preferably the storage facility in the device increases the measurement capacity of the system.

    [0017] Preferably, when the second fluid is introduced the second outlet valve is closed and the first outlet valve is opened so that the second fluid circulates without passing through the flowmeter.

    [0018] For a better understanding of the invention a number of drawings of an embodiment of this invention are provided by way of explanation but without restriction.

    Figure 1 shows a diagram of a measuring device according to this invention in the resting state (without flow or with a flow of fluid).

    Figure 2 shows the diagram in Figure 1 as the second liquid is injected and while the injected flow is being measured.

    Figure 3 shows a diagram of the measurement device once measurement is complete, with the second fluid circulating through the hydraulic circuit.



    [0019] An embodiment of a measuring device according to this invention in a hydraulic circuit which may possibly be applied in a washing machine can be seen in Figure 1.

    [0020] The device in Figure 1 comprises a first inlet -1-for fluid, such as water, an inlet -2- for a second fluid, such as for example a detergent solution, and other inlets -2'-, -2"- for other fluids (for example softeners). Each inlet has its own inlet valve -11-, -12-, -12'-, 12"- to open/shut off passage of the corresponding non-compressible fluid.

    [0021] Each of the inlets has a pipe -3- which in turn provides entry to a receiving vessel -4- which is assumed to be a storage vessel for fluid.

    [0022] In this example the receiving vessel has an outlet pipe -5- which leads to a bifurcation. At the first bifurcation or outlet -6- there is a first outlet valve -61-, while at the second bifurcation or outlet there is a second outlet valve -72-. A flowmeter -73- is located downstream from second outlet valve -72-. Both bifurcations -6-, -7- flow together into the same pipe -8-feeding the hydraulic circuit. Although not shown in the figures, one or two non-return valves may be placed in each of bifurcations -6-, -7- close to pipe -8- feeding the hydraulic circuit.

    [0023] Figure 1 shows the circuit in a resting condition. In this state the circuit is full of vehicular liquid -100-, and there is no flow. There may also be a flow of fluid -100-, such as for example water.

    [0024] In the active condition, the product or products, that is to say the second and third non-compressible fluids, are introduced into the circuit in sequence, upstream from receiving vessel -4-, as illustrated in Figure 2. For proper functioning the volume of the receiving vessel will determine the maximum volume of second liquid -200- which has to be metered. In this condition, first outlet valve -61- is closed and second outlet valve -72- is open. If the compressibility of fluid -100- is negligible, the volume of second liquid -200-introduced which has to be measured is equal to the volume of fluid -100- displaced. Given the locations of the outlet valves all the displaced fluid -100- passes through flowmeter -73- and therefore the quantity measured by flowmeter -73- corresponds to the volume of second liquid -200- introduced through second inlet valve -12-.

    [0025] The second fluid may be added either by injection through second inlet -2- or by aspiration for example through pipe -8- feeding the hydraulic circuit, with the second inlet valve -12- open and the other inlet valves -11-, -12'-, -12"- closed.

    [0026] Finally, and as will be seen in Figure 3, the resulting mixture is carried to consumption points in the hydraulic circuit. For the purposes of flushing second inlet valve -12- can be closed, first valve -11- can be opened and more fluid -100- can be introduced into the circuit.

    [0027] The embodiment illustrated offers as advantages, among others, the use of a metering device and measurement which are independent of the properties of the fluid being measured (for example density and rheology), as the result of which less error and greater accuracy of measurement is obtained without the need to use compensation factors in order to calculate this.

    [0028] Although the invention has been described in relation to preferred embodiments, these must not be regarded as restricting the invention, which is defined by the broadest interpretation of the following claims.


    Claims

    1. A measuring device for metering a non-compressible fluid, characterised in that it comprises:

    - a first fluid inlet (1)

    - a second fluid inlet (2), the downstream side of the first (1) and second (2) fluid inlets being in liquid contact with each other

    - a storage facility (4) for receiving fluid flowing into the first (1) and second (2) inlets

    - a first outlet (6) and a second outlet (7) in fluid contact with the storage facility (4)

    - a first outlet valve (61) providing fluid access to the first outlet (6),

    - a second outlet valve (72) providing fluid access to the second outlet (7),

    - the first (6) and second (7) fluid outlets being in fluid contact with each other at a downstream connection point,
    the second fluid outlet (7) having a flowmeter (73) between the second outlet valve (72) and the downstream connection point of the outlets (6, 7).


     
    2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the storage facility (4) is arranged to store fluid.
     
    3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, only the second outlet (7) has a flowmeter (73).
     
    4. A device according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the storage facility (4) has a liquid outlet which bifurcates providing a passage to the first (6) and second (7) outlets.
     
    5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the storage facility (4) has a single inlet to the storage facility (4) into which the first and second inlets flow.
     
    6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the first (1) and second (2) inlets have corresponding first and second inlet valves to the storage facility.
     
    7. A process for measuring a non-compressible fluid, characterised in that it comprises the steps of:

    - providing a measurement device comprising:

    - a first fluid inlet (1)

    - a second fluid inlet (2)
    the downstream side of the first (1) and second (2) fluid inlets being in liquid contact with each other,

    - a storage facility (4) for receiving fluid flowing into the first (1) and second (2) inlets

    - a first outlet (6) and a second outlet (7) in fluid contact with the storage facility (4)

    - a first outlet valve (61) providing fluid access to the first outlet (6),

    - a second outlet valve (72) providing fluid access to the second outlet (7),

    - the first (6) and second (7) fluid outlets being in fluid contact with each other at a downstream connection,
    the second fluid outlet (7) having a flowmeter (73) between the second outlet valve (72) and the downstream connection,
    the process further comprising:

    - filling the measurement device with a first fluid,

    - closing the first outlet valve (61), thus preventing the first fluid from entering the first outlet (6);
    - - introducing into the storage facility (4), by injection or aspiration, a second
    fluid which has to be metered;

    - using the flowmeter (73) to measure the first fluid displaced by the entry of the second fluid.


     
    8. A method according to claim 7 , characterised in that the storage facility (4) increases the measurement capacity of the system.
     
    9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that when the second fluid is introduced the second outlet valve is closed and the first outlet valve is opened in such a way that the second fluid circulates without passing through the flowmeter.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Messvorrichtung zum Dosieren von einem nicht kompressiblen Fluid, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie das Folgende umfasst:

    - einen ersten Fluideinlass (1)

    - einen zweiten Fluideinlass (2),
    wobei die stromabwärtige Seite des ersten (1) und zweiten (2) Fluideinlasses in Flüssigkeitskontakt miteinander stehen,

    - eine Speichereinrichtung (4) zum Aufnehmen von Fluid, das in den ersten (1) und zweiten (2) Einlass strömt,

    - einen ersten Auslass (6) und einen zweiten Auslass (7) in Fluidkontakt mit der Speichereinrichtung (4),

    - ein erstes Auslassventil (61), das einen Fluidzugang zu dem ersten Auslass (6) bereitstellt,

    - ein zweites Auslassventil (72), das einen Fluidzugang zu dem zweiten Auslass (7) bereitstellt,

    - wobei der erste (6) und zweite (7) Fluidauslass an einer stromabwärtigen Verbindung miteinander in Fluidkontakt stehen,
    wobei der zweite Fluidauslass (7) einen Durchflussmesser (73) zwischen dem zweiten Auslassventil (72) und der stromabwärtigen Verbindung der Auslässe (6, 7) aufweist.


     
    2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Speichereinrichtung (4) eingerichtet ist, Fluid zu speichern.
     
    3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass nur der zweite Auslass (7) einen Durchflussmesser (73) aufweist.
     
    4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Speichereinrichtung (4) einen Flüssigkeitsauslass aufweist, der sich gabelt, wodurch ein Durchgang zu dem ersten (6) und zweiten (7) Auslass bereitgestellt ist.
     
    5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Speichereinrichtung (4) einen einzigen Einlass in die Speichereinrichtung (4) aufweist, in den der erste und der zweite Einlass münden.
     
    6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste (1) und der zweite (2) Einlass ein entsprechendes erstes und zweites Einlassventil zu der Speichereinrichtung (4) aufweisen.
     
    7. Verfahren zum Messen von einem nicht kompressiblen Fluid, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

    - Bereitstellung von einer Messvorrichtung, umfassend:

    - einen ersten Fluideinlass (1)

    - einen zweiten Fluideinlass (2),
    wobei die stromabwärtige Seite des ersten (1) und zweiten (2) Fluideinlasses in Flüssigkeitskontakt miteinander stehen,

    - eine Speichereinrichtung (4) zum Aufnehmen von Fluid, das in den ersten (1) und zweiten (2) Einlass strömt,

    - einen ersten Auslass (6) und einen zweiten Auslass (7) in Fluidkontakt mit der Speichereinrichtung (4),

    - ein erstes Auslassventil (61), das einen Fluidzugang zu dem ersten Auslass (6) bereitstellt,

    - ein zweites Auslassventil (72), das einen Fluidzugang zu dem zweiten Auslass (7) bereitstellt,

    - wobei der erste (6) und zweite (7) Fluidauslass an einer stromabwärtigen Verbindung miteinander in Fluidkontakt stehen,
    wobei der zweite Fluidauslass (7) einen Durchflussmesser (73) zwischen dem zweiten Auslassventil (72) und der stromabwärtigen Verbindung aufweist,
    wobei das Verfahren ferner das Folgende umfasst:

    - Füllen von der Messvorrichtung mit einem ersten Fluid,

    - Schließen von dem ersten Auslassventil (61), wodurch verhindert wird, dass das erste Fluid in den ersten Auslass (6) eintritt;

    - Einführen in die Speichereinrichtung (4), durch Injizieren oder Ansaugen, von einem zweiten Fluid, das dosiert werden soll;

    - Verwenden von dem Durchflussmesser (73), um das erste Fluid zu messen, das durch den Eintritt des zweiten Fluids verdrängt wird.


     
    8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Speichereinrichtung (4) die Messkapazität des Systems erhöht.
     
    9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, wenn das zweite Fluid eingeführt wird, das zweite Auslassventil geschlossen und das erste Auslassventil geöffnet wird, so dass das zweite Fluid zirkuliert, ohne den Durchflussmesser zu passieren.
     


    Revendications

    1. Dispositif de mesure pour le dosage d'un fluide non compressible, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

    - une première entrée de fluide (1)

    - une deuxième entrée de fluide (2),
    les côtés aval des première (1) et deuxième (2) entrées de fluide étant en contact liquide l'un avec l'autre,

    - une installation de stockage (4) pour recevoir le fluide pénétrant dans les première (1) et deuxième (2) entrées

    - une première sortie (6) et une deuxième sortie (7) en contact fluide avec l'installation de stockage (4)

    - une première vanne de sortie (61) donnant accès à la première sortie (6) pour le fluide,

    - une deuxième vanne de sortie (72) donnant accès à la deuxième sortie (7) pour le fluide,

    - les première (6) et deuxième (7) sorties de fluide étant en contact fluide l'une avec l'autre en un point de connexion aval,
    la deuxième sortie de fluide (7) ayant un débitmètre (73) entre la deuxième vanne de sortie (72) et le point de connexion aval des sorties (6, 7).


     
    2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'équipement de stockage (4) est organisé pour stocker du fluide.
     
    3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que seule la deuxième sortie (7) possède un débitmètre (73).
     
    4. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que l'équipement de stockage (4) possède une sortie de liquide qui bifurque en fournissant un passage vers les première (6) et deuxième (7) sorties.
     
    5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'équipement de stockage (4) comporte une seule entrée dans l'équipement de stockage (4) par laquelle pénètrent les premier et deuxième flux d'entrée.
     
    6. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que les première (1) et deuxième (2) entrées ont des première et deuxième vannes d'entrée correspondantes dans le l'équipement de stockage (4).
     
    7. Procédé de mesure d'un fluide non compressible, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes suivantes :

    - fournir un dispositif de mesure comprenant :

    - une première entrée de fluide (1)

    - une deuxième entrée de fluide (2),
    les côtés aval des première (1) et deuxième (2) entrées de fluide étant en contact liquide l'un avec l'autre,

    - une installation de stockage (4) pour recevoir le fluide pénétrant dans les première (1) et deuxième (2) entrées

    - une première sortie (6) et une deuxième sortie (7) en contact fluide avec l'installation de stockage (4)

    - une première vanne de sortie (61) donnant accès à la première sortie (6) pour le fluide,

    - une deuxième vanne de sortie (72) donnant accès à la deuxième sortie (7) pour le fluide,

    - les première (6) et deuxième (7) sorties de fluide étant en contact fluide l'une avec l'autre en une connexion aval,
    la deuxième sortie de fluide (7) ayant un débitmètre (73) entre la deuxième vanne de sortie (72) et la connexion aval,
    le procédé comprenant en outre :

    - le remplissage du dispositif de mesure avec un premier fluide ;

    - la fermeture de la première vanne de sortie (61), empêchant ainsi le premier fluide de pénétrer dans la première sortie (6) ;

    - l'introduction dans l'installation de stockage (4), par injection ou aspiration, d'un deuxième fluide qui doit être dosé ;

    - l'utilisation du débitmètre (73) pour mesurer le premier fluide déplacé par l'entrée du second fluide.


     
    8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'installation de stockage (4) augmente la capacité de mesure du système.
     
    9. Procédé selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que lorsque le second fluide est introduit, la deuxième vanne de sortie est fermée et la première vanne de sortie est ouverte de telle sorte que le second fluide circule sans traverser le débitmètre.
     




    Drawing














    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description