JP2861689B2 - Gas supply equipment abnormality monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas supply equipment abnormality monitoring apparatus for detecting an abnormality in a gas supply path, a gas supply pressure adjusting device, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art On the downstream side from a gas meter, the gas meter monitors the usage time of the gas appliance, judges that the gas appliance has been forgotten to turn off the gas appliance for a long time exceeding a specified value, and stops the gas supply. It is being incorporated. On the upstream side from the gas meter, there has been proposed an apparatus that monitors a gas pressure fluctuation based on a gas pressure in a gas pipe and a gas flow rate supplied from the gas meter to a gas appliance and detects an abnormality.

A conventional apparatus for detecting an abnormality of gas supply equipment upstream of a gas meter of this type will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 8, 1 is a gas cylinder, 2 is a main stopper of the cylinder 1, 3 is a pressure regulator, 4 is a gas meter, 5 is a gas pipe, 6 is a pressure sensor connected to the gas pipe 5 for measuring gas pressure, Reference numeral 7 denotes a flow sensor for measuring a gas flow rate in the gas pipe 5, and reference numeral 8 denotes a gas appliance. Further, 9 is a comparator that inputs a flow signal from the flow sensor 7, 10 is a comparator that inputs a pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor 6, 11 is a gate circuit that inputs an output signal from the comparators 9 and 10, and performs a logical product operation. The calculated output is supplied to the timer circuit 12
The timer circuit 12 is connected so as to output a signal to the output means 13 at the next stage if the output signal from the gate circuit 11 continues for a predetermined time or more.
When the flow rate sensor 7 detects a predetermined flow rate or more, that is, when the gas appliance 8 is used, the pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor 6 is equal to or more than a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 330 mmH ₂ O) or a predetermined lower limit value (for example, If it is less than 230 mmH ₂ O), the gate circuit 11 outputs an abnormal output signal to the timer circuit 12, and the timer circuit 12 outputs an abnormal output signal to the output means 13 when this state continues for a predetermined time. . The output unit 13 turns on or blinks an LED indicating a predetermined gas supply facility abnormality, or stops gas supply.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the gas supply equipment when using gas, but it is not possible to detect an abnormality in the gas supply equipment when gas is not used, that is, when the gas is blocked. That is, the occurrence of gas leakage or the like cannot be detected from the stop of the use of gas to the next use, and danger can not be avoided. Also, when detecting an abnormality (leakage, etc.) in the gas supply equipment at the time of blockage by detecting the presence or absence of a pressure increase due to an expansion phenomenon due to a rise in the temperature of the gas in the gas supply equipment due to the outside air temperature, sunlight, etc. Due to the variation of the blocking pressure detection value at the time of gas use stoppage due to the blocking pressure characteristics at the time of blocking, if the weather or the like is irregular thereafter, a predetermined amount of pressure rise cannot be detected, or pressure detection means or pressure detection If the temperature characteristic of the circuit or the like has a temperature characteristic opposite to that of the pressure rise, there has been a problem that an abnormality such as gas leakage cannot be detected or erroneously detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and constantly monitors for abnormalities in gas supply equipment even when gas is not used, and monitors for abnormalities in gas supply equipment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable gas supply facility abnormality monitoring device that can avoid the influence of temperature characteristics of a detection unit, a pressure detection circuit, and the like.

[0007]

According to the present invention, as a first means for achieving the above object, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a gas fluid, a gas flow detecting means for measuring a gas flow, Gas piping to supply fluid and stop using gas
A gas blocking pressure storing means for storing a gas blocking pressure afterward , a time measuring means for measuring time, a measured pressure signal from a pressure sensor, a gas flow signal from a gas flow detecting means, and a timing signal from the timing means are inputted. Then, when the gas blocking pressure after the stoppage of gas use is input from the timer unit at each predetermined time, the gas blocking pressure storage unit is updated as the gas blocking pressure reference value, and during the gas stoppage time , The deviation between the gas block pressure reference value and the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor after the update is
And a gas pressure monitoring means for constantly determining whether or not the pressure exceeds a predetermined value to thereby determine an abnormality of the gas supply equipment.

As a second solution, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas fluid, a gas flow detecting means for measuring the gas flow, a gas pipe for supplying the gas fluid, and a gas pressure after stopping the gas use are provided. Gas occlusion pressure storage means for storing a gas occlusion pressure reference value, and a comparison means for inputting a measured pressure signal and a gas occlusion pressure reference value from a pressure sensor when gas is not used and outputting a comparison result signal determined by comparison. The measurement pressure signal from the pressure sensor, the gas flow rate signal from the gas flow rate detection means and the comparison result signal from the comparison means are input, and the measurement pressure signal from the pressure sensor after the gas use is stopped is the gas immediately after the gas use is stopped. the gas occlusion pressure storage means is lower than the occlusion pressure reference value is updated as a gas occlusion pressure reference value, and, moth
During the use stoppage time, the updated gas blocking pressure reference value and
Deviation from the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor after update
And a gas pressure monitoring means for constantly determining whether or not the difference exceeds a predetermined value to thereby determine an abnormality in the gas supply equipment.

[0009]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by the above configuration.

According to the first solution, when the gas is not used, the gas closing pressure is updated every predetermined time, and the updated gas closing pressure reference value and the measured pressure from the pressure sensor are constantly updated.
Based on the deviation from the signal, it is determined whether or not there is a pressure increase due to an expansion phenomenon due to a temperature rise of the gas in the gas supply equipment due to outside air temperature, sunlight, or the like. Therefore, it may be affected by fluctuations in the closing pressure characteristics when the pressure regulator is closed or aging.
It is possible to monitor the gas supply equipment abnormally with high reliability.

According to the second solving means, even if the initial closing pressure value is detected to be abnormally high due to the variation of the closing pressure characteristic when the pressure regulator is closed, the reference value of the closing pressure is adjusted to the adjusted pressure value of the pressure regulator. Since the update can be performed, an opportunity to detect the presence or absence of a pressure increase due to a rise in the temperature of the gas in the gas supply equipment due to the outside air temperature, sunlight, or the like can always be secured.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals and described.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a gas supply facility abnormality monitoring device of Embodiment 1. In the figure, reference numeral 14 denotes time measuring means for measuring time, reference numeral 15 denotes gas blocking pressure storage means for storing a detected gas blocking pressure value, and reference numeral 16 denotes a measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor 6 and a gas flow rate detecting means (hereinafter, referred to as a gas flow detecting means). A gas flow rate signal from the timer 7 and a timing signal from the timing means 14 are input, and the gas blocking pressure when the gas is not used is determined by inputting the timing signal from the timing means 14 at predetermined time intervals. Storage means 1
A gas pressure monitoring means for causing the gas supply equipment to update the gas supply pressure reference value and comparing the updated gas supply pressure reference value with the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor after the update; It is.

Further, the gas pressure monitoring means 16 is connected to notify a gas supplier or the like (not shown) via a telephone line via a telephone line interface 17 when a gas leak or a gas supply equipment abnormality is detected. .

The gas pressure monitoring means 16 receives a pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor 6 and a gas flow rate signal from the flow rate sensor 7 and performs the following gas pressure normality / abnormality determination.

FIG. 2 shows a pressure detection signal: P from the pressure sensor 6 at each time: T. The pressure detection signal is configured to output an analog output signal proportional to the gas pressure.

FIG. 3 shows the outside air temperature at each time: T: Ta
It is. The temperature of the gas in the gas pipe 5 shows a value substantially close to the outside air temperature (Ta).

<Inspection of Pressure Fluctuation When Gas Is Not Used (Gas Leakage Inspection)> As shown in FIG. 2, when the gas of T = T1 to T2 to T3 is not used, the sunshine on the gas pipe 5, the fluctuation of the outside air temperature, etc. (Pressure increase of blocking gas: according to Boyle-Charles law, 37.8 mm H ₂ O / ° C.)
It is. ) Occurs. At this time, as shown in FIG.
It rises from around 14:00 and shows a rising tendency until around 14:00. During this time, when the gas pressure rises when the gas at T = T1 to T2 is not used, the gas pressure monitoring means 16
Since the initial closing pressure value at T = T1 stored in 7 is compared with the gas closing pressure value detected from the timer 14 every predetermined time (15 to 30 minutes), the increase in the closing pressure is confirmed. Pressure regulator 3, which is a gas supply facility,
It is found that there is no gas leakage from the gas pipe 5, the gas meter 4, the gas appliance 8 which is a gas consuming facility, and the like.

At this time, the initial closing pressure value is represented by A,
Variations occur due to the characteristics (temperature characteristics, aging, etc.) of the pressure regulator 3 as shown in B. However, as shown in FIG. 3, when the outside air temperature: Ta is a certain amount or more throughout the day, or when there is a gas supply facility in a place affected by sunshine or the like, the pressure rises considerably. ,
In any case B, the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure rise determination level (ΔPS) near T = T2, so that it can be determined that there is no gas leakage from the gas supply equipment or the like.

However, the outside air temperature: Ta is irregular weather,
In the case of cloudy weather or rainy weather, a large pressure increase does not always occur. In some cases, the use of the gas is stopped when the outside air temperature or the like tends to decrease.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, T = T4 to T5.
When the gas is not used in T6 and T7,
There is no occurrence of sunshine, an increase in the outside air temperature, or the like on the gas pipe 5, and after a certain period of time, an increase in the gas pressure may occur due to an increase in the outside air temperature. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the temperature inside the gas pipe 5 is lower than the outside air temperature when the gas is stopped.
Thereafter, the temperature tends to increase from about T = T5. During this time, when the gas pressure increases when T = T4 to T7 when the gas is not used, the gas pressure monitoring means 16 determines the initial closing pressure value at T = T4 stored in the gas closing pressure storage means 17 and the time counting means 14
Is compared with the gas blockage pressure value detected every predetermined time (15 to 30 minutes) from this time. At this time, the initial blockage pressure value is determined by the pressure regulator 3 as shown by C and D in FIG. Variations occur due to the closing pressure characteristics (temperature characteristics, aging, etc.) as in FIG. Here, regardless of whether the initial closing pressure value is low (C) or high (D), a predetermined pressure level for gas contraction in the gas supply facility (from the initial closing pressure value due to a decrease in outside air temperature ( The closing pressure value decreases to the regulating pressure of the pressure regulator (PK) due to the governor characteristics of the pressure regulator.

The gas pressure monitoring means 16 receives the time signal from the time measuring means 14 and stores the gas closing pressure when the gas is not used.
T = T5
Then, the initial closing pressure value is updated to the closing pressure value (PK).

Thereafter, when T = T6, the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure rise determination level (ΔPS) (point F in FIG. 4), and it can be determined at this point that no gas leakage has occurred from the gas supply equipment.

When the gas at T = T4 to T5 to T6 to T7 is not used, when the gas pipe 5 is illuminated or the outside air temperature rises, the gas pressure rises due to the outside air temperature rise or the like. If not, the gas pressure monitoring means 16 is used for the gas supply equipment (pressure regulator 3, gas meter 4, gas pipe 5).
, Etc.). When such a situation occurs at a predetermined frequency, the gas pressure monitoring means 16
It is determined that there is a leak from the gas supply equipment (the pressure regulator 3, the gas meter 4, the gas pipe 5, etc.), and a notification is sent to a gas supplier or the like (not shown) by a telephone line via the telephone line interface 17. Will be.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the ambient temperature (T
c) for positive and negative temperature characteristics (Δ
Vo / ΔTc: G in FIG. 6, ΔVo ′ / Tc: H in FIG.
Even if there is a pressure detecting means (pressure sensor 6) or a pressure detecting circuit having the above, the influence of the temperature characteristic is eliminated at a predetermined time in order to update the closing pressure value at a constant time. When there is a pressure rise exceeding the pressure rise determination level (ΔPS), it can be determined at this point that no gas leakage has occurred from the gas supply equipment.

In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 6 and the flow sensor 7 are configured to be connected to the outside of the gas meter 4, but it is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained by the configuration built in the gas meter 4. .

It is needless to say that a similar effect can be obtained even if the pressure sensor 6 and the flow rate sensor 7 are incorporated in the pressure regulator 3.

Further, it goes without saying that the gas pressure monitoring means 16 may be realized by software logic by a microcomputer, or may have the same effect by being realized by a digital circuit.

Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a gas supply facility abnormality monitoring device according to a second embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

Numeral 18 denotes a comparing means for inputting a measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor 6 when the gas is not used and a gas occlusion pressure reference value from the gas occlusion pressure storage means 15 and outputting a comparison result signal determined by comparison, 19 Inputs the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor 6, the gas flow signal from the flow sensor 7 and the comparison result signal from the comparing means 18, and the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor 6 after the gas use is stopped is the gas use stop signal. When the gas occlusion pressure is lower than the immediately following gas occlusion pressure reference value, the gas occlusion pressure storage means 15 is updated as the gas occlusion pressure reference value, and the updated gas occlusion pressure reference value and the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor 6 after the update are used. And a gas pressure monitoring means for determining an abnormality of the gas supply equipment.

Further, the gas pressure monitoring means 19 is connected so as to notify a gas supplier or the like (not shown) via a telephone line via the telephone line interface 17 when a gas leak or a gas supply equipment abnormality is detected. .

The gas pressure monitoring means 19 receives a pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor 6 and a gas flow rate signal from the flow rate sensor 7 and performs the following gas pressure normality / abnormality determination.

Hereinafter, as in the first embodiment, a description will be given based on FIGS. <Pressure fluctuation test when gas is not used (gas leak test)> Fig. 2
As shown in (2), when the gas of T = T1 to T2 to T3 is not used, the gas pressure rises due to the sunshine on the gas pipe 5, the fluctuation of the outside air temperature, etc. (the pressure rise of the blocking gas: 37 according to the Boyle-Charles law). .8 [mmH ₂ O / ° C]). At this time, the temperature inside the gas pipe 5 rises from about 6:00, as shown in FIG.
It shows a rising tendency until around 14:00. During this time, the gas pressure monitoring means 19 detects the initial closing pressure value at T = T1 stored in the gas closing pressure storage means 17 and the pressure sensor 5 when the gas pressure increases when T = T1 to T2 is not used. Since the increase in the closing pressure is confirmed by comparing with the gas closing pressure value, the gas leaks from the pressure regulator 3, the gas pipe 5, the gas meter 4, the gas consuming device 8, etc., which are the gas supply facilities. Turns out not to be. At this time, the initial closing pressure value varies depending on the characteristics (temperature characteristics, aging, etc.) of the pressure regulator 3 as shown in A and B in FIG. However, as shown in FIG.
When Ta is a certain amount or more throughout the day or when gas supply equipment is located in a place affected by sunshine or the like, a considerable increase in pressure occurs. Therefore, in both cases of the initial closing pressure values A and B, T = T2. In the vicinity, since the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure rise determination level (ΔPS), it can be determined that there is no gas leakage from the gas supply equipment or the like.

However, the outside air temperature: Ta is irregular weather,
In the case of cloudy weather or rainy weather, a large pressure increase does not always occur. In some cases, the use of the gas is stopped when the outside air temperature or the like tends to decrease.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, T = T4 to T5.
When the gas is not used in T6 and T7,
There is no occurrence of sunshine, outside air temperature rise, etc. on the gas pipes, and after a certain period of time, a rise in gas pressure due to outside air temperature rise, etc. may occur. At this time, the temperature in the gas pipe 5 is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the outside air temperature is lower than when the gas usage is stopped, and thereafter, the temperature tends to increase from about T = T5. Meanwhile, the comparison means 1
8 indicates that T = T4 stored in the gas blocking pressure storage means 17 when the gas pressure increases when T = T4 to T7 is not used.
4 is compared with the gas closing pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 5, and the initial closing pressure value at this time is determined by the pressure regulator 3 as shown by C and D in FIG. Variations occur due to the closing pressure characteristics (temperature characteristics, aging, etc.) as in FIG. Here, regardless of whether the initial closing pressure value is low (C) or high (D), a predetermined pressure level (pressure) due to gas shrinkage in the gas supply equipment is reduced from the initial closing pressure value due to a decrease in outside air temperature. The closing pressure value decreases to the regulating pressure (PK) of the regulator due to the governor characteristics of the pressure regulator 3.

When the gas closing pressure when the gas is not used is lower than the initial closing pressure value, the comparing means 18 outputs a signal indicating the result to the gas pressure monitoring means 19. Gas pressure monitoring means 1
9 updates the gas occlusion pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 5 at this time in the gas occlusion pressure storage means 15 as the gas occlusion pressure reference value, so that at T = T5, the initial occlusion pressure value becomes the occlusion pressure value (PK ) Is updated.

Thereafter, when T = T6, the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure rise determination level (ΔPS) (point F in FIG. 4), so that it can be determined at this time that no gas leakage has occurred from the gas supply equipment.

Further, when the gas of T = T4 to T5 to T6 to T7 is not used and the gas pipe 5 is illuminated or the outside air temperature rises, the gas pressure rises due to the outside air temperature rise or the like. If not, the gas pressure monitoring means 19 is provided with gas supply equipment (pressure regulator 3, gas meter 4, gas pipe 5).
, Etc.). When such a situation occurs at a predetermined frequency, the gas pressure monitoring means 16
It is determined that there is a leak from the gas supply equipment (the pressure regulator 3, the gas meter 4, the gas pipe 5, etc.), and a notification is sent to a gas supplier or the like (not shown) by a telephone line via the telephone line interface 17. Will be.

In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 6 and the flow rate sensor 7 are configured to be connected to the outside of the gas meter 4. However, it is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained by a configuration built in the gas meter 4. .

It is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained even when the pressure sensor 6 and the flow rate sensor 7 are incorporated in the pressure regulator 3.

Further, it goes without saying that the gas pressure monitoring means 19 may be realized by software logic by a microcomputer or by a digital circuit to have the same effect.

[0042]

According to the gas supply equipment abnormality monitoring apparatus of the present invention as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) From when gas is not used ( when gas is blocked)
Judgment of gas supply equipment abnormality based on blockage pressure deviation at regular time intervals
The variation in the closing pressure characteristics of the pressure regulator
The effects of variations in detected occlusion pressure due to
No error detection and erroneous determination can be avoided.

(2) From when not using gas (when gas is blocked)
Judgment of gas supply equipment abnormality based on blockage pressure deviation at regular time intervals
Of the gas supply equipment,
Highly reliable gas supply equipment that enables time monitoring
An abnormality monitoring device can be provided.

Further, even if the initial closing pressure value is detected to be abnormally high due to the variation of the closing pressure characteristic when the pressure regulator is closed, the closing pressure reference value can be updated to a predetermined pressure value.
An opportunity to always detect the presence or absence of a pressure increase due to a rise in the gas temperature in the gas supply equipment due to the outside air temperature, sunlight, etc., can be secured at all times. , Pressure regulator malfunction, etc.) monitoring can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a gas supply equipment abnormality monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pressure change characteristic of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram of an outside air degree change in the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a pressure change characteristic diagram in the same device.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram of a change in outside air degree in the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a pressure detection output voltage characteristic diagram with respect to a change in ambient temperature of a pressure detection unit and a pressure detection circuit of the device.

FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a gas supply facility abnormality monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a conventional gas supply equipment abnormality monitoring device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 pressure regulator 5 gas pipe 6 pressure sensor 7 gas flow rate detecting means 14 clocking means 15 gas closing pressure storage means 16 gas pressure monitoring means 18 comparison means 19 gas pressure monitoring means

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Makoto Tsuboi 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-2-201509 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01F 1/00 G01F 3/22 G01L 19/12 G08B 21/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the gas fluid;
A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas fluid, a gas flow rate detecting means for measuring the gas flow rate, a gas pipe for supplying the gas fluid, and a gas closing pressure storing means for storing a gas closing pressure after gas use is stopped. A time measuring means for measuring time, a measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor, a gas flow rate signal from the gas flow rate detecting means, and a time counting signal from the time measuring means, and a gas closing pressure after stopping the gas use. When the timing signal is input for each predetermined time from the timing unit, the gas blocking pressure storage unit is updated as the gas blocking pressure reference value, and during the gas use suspension time, the updated gas blocking pressure reference value and The subsequent measurement pressure signal from the pressure sensor and
By constantly monitoring whether the deviation exceeds the specified value.
And a gas pressure monitoring means for determining an abnormality of the gas supply equipment. 2. A pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a gas fluid,
A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas fluid, a gas flow detecting means for measuring the gas flow, a gas pipe for supplying the gas fluid, and a gas pressure after stopping the use of the gas is stored as a gas closing pressure reference value. Gas blocking pressure storage means, comparison means for inputting a measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor after the gas use is stopped and the gas blocking pressure reference value and outputting a comparison result signal determined by comparison, and measurement from the pressure sensor A pressure signal, a gas flow rate signal from the gas flow rate detection means and a comparison result signal from the comparison means are input, and a measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor after the gas use is stopped is based on a gas closing pressure reference immediately after the gas use is stopped. When the gas occlusion pressure is lower than the reference value, the gas occlusion pressure storage means is updated as the gas occlusion pressure reference value, and during the gas use suspension period , the updated gas occlusion pressure base value is used.
Reference value and measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor after update
To constantly monitor whether the deviation from the specified value exceeds a predetermined value.
Therefore, a gas supply facility abnormality monitoring device configured with gas pressure monitoring means for performing abnormality determination of the gas supply facility.