DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FLUID IN A CONDUIT

Abstract: Device for identification of a fluid in a conduit comprising detection means adapted to be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid in the conduit, and identification means adapted to be situated outside the conduit, in operative communication with the detection means: method for identification of a fluid in a conduit comprising detecting a fluid using detection means adapted to be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid and identifying a fluid by means for identification adapted to be situated outside the conduit, in operative communication with the detection means as defined; use of the device and/or the method for identification of any fluid or fluid mixture; and kit or parts comprising the device.

Description: DEVICE & METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FLUID IN A CONDUIT The present invention relates to a device and a method for identification of a fluid in a conduit, the use of the device and/or the method in a system for monitoring flow of a fluid in at least one conduit and a kit of parts comprising the device, means for measuring the total volume flow in the conduit at any given time and monitoring means. The device and method have applications in many industrial sectors where different fluids may be carried by the same conduits at different times. For example, in many applications, cleaning fluid of some type is periodically passed through conduits which normally carry desired fluids such as food or drink products, oil, gas, petroleum or any other fluids to effect periodic cleaning and prevent contamination or other effect on the conduit. Applications may also be envisaged where a single conduit may be used for several fluids consecutively, whether or not a cleaning step is provided between these fluids. In particular the present invention has applications in breweries and in flow systems between the cellars and public areas of public houses, cafes, restaurants, bars and the like serving beer, soft drinks, wine and the like on draught. In systems where one or more liquids are passed through the conduit, it is desirable to determine the brand, dilution, quality and the like of a given type of liquid, without having to refer to the source. In systems where several liquids are consecutively passed through the same conduit, it is usually essential to determine at which stage the fluid in the conduit is a pure fluid and at which stages it comprises a mix of the previous and the present fluid in the conduit. It is also usually essential to check whether a conduit has indeed been cleaned on a regular basis. For example, in the management of pubs and bars, regular line cleaning is necessary to ensure no build up of yeast or bacteria occurs, which may damage the quality and taste of the beer or other drink to be dispensed. In the past, it has been difficult to check how often lines are cleaned and infrequent line cleaning has only been detected by the consequent decline in quality of fluids in the line. An attempt may be made to address those issues by analysing fluid which has left the conduit at any given time or by taking samples from the conduit. However these are time consuming practices. Thus there exists the need for a device and method which allow quick, accurate and cost efficient identification of a fluid in a conduit, thereby overcoming the above described problems. The above problem is resolved by the present invention. In its broadest aspect there is provided according to the present invention a device for identification of a fluid in a conduit comprising detection means adapted to be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid in the conduit, and identification means adapted to be situated outside the conduit, in operative communication with the detection means. The detection means may be in direct contact with the fluid whereby it is at least partially located within the conduit wall or in direct contact whereby it is located outside the conduit wall but in electromagnetic radiation contact. The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that a fluid may be simply identified without necessitating complicated sampling procedures by using detection means which are in direct or indirect contact with fluid in the conduit, for example at least partially located within the conduit wall, with identification means situated outside the conduit in operative communication with the detection means, or in electromagnetic radiation contact. By use of the present invention the need to take samples from the conduit or analyse material exiting the conduit is obviated. The device and method of the present invention are simple, cost effective and accurate and can be used in conjunction with other means to monitor volume flow of fluids in conduits. Reference herein to a conduit is to any pipe, channel, hose or any other pathway through which a fluid may flow. Reference herein to a fluid is to any flowable material including water, detergent, food and drink products, oil, gas, air, and also including fluids with dissolved or mixed solids or gases or mixtures thereof. Any location of the detection means may be envisaged. If the detection means is at least partially within the conduit wall, preferably the detection means are adapted to pass through the conduit wall. If the detection means are outside the conduit wall, preferably they are adjacent to an electromagnetic transparent section thereof. The detection means of the present invention may be any means adapted to detect a variety of fluids within the conduit. For example detection means may comprise emitters and receivers of electromagnetic radiation such as light or sound whose characteristics are influenced by fluid properties, or electrical or mechanical probes or sampler. A preferred detection means comprises a laser emitter or diode or similar light emitting device adapted to be aligned on one side of the conduit in use and opposite thereto a receptor plate for the emitted light. The conduit is translucent and allows emission and reception therethrough associated with fraction, diffusion and frequency change indicating density, presence of dissolved solids and colour of fluid in the conduit, by means of analysing the received light and converting the soft commercially available colour identification chips into information regarding the fluid. Alternatively or additionally a preferred detection means comprises a plurality of probes adapted to be spaced apart in the conduit in use. This simple arrangement allows measurement of the fluid properties between the probes. Any plural number of probes, for example, two, three, four, five, six or more probes may be provided. Preferably pairs of probes, more preferably a single pair of probes is provided for simplicity of manufacture and use. The identification means are any adapted to process the data from the detection means and thus identify the fluid. Particularly where the probes are made of electrically conductive material and not in electrical contact with each other or any conductive part of the conduit, identification means may comprise means for creating an electrical potential across the probes and means for measuring an electrical property of the fluid between the probes, for example, impedance. Different fluids have different impedances and this property is therefore suitable for identifying fluids. Thus the impedance of, for example, air is substantially different from that of beer and that of water and the impedances of different beers, water and soft drinks also differ. As described above, different fluids have different light manipulation characteristics and these properties are suitable for differentiating between different fluids of single types, e.g. different brands, different dilutions of the single brand and the like. This is due to the excellent sensitivity of the process. Preferably the identification means comprises a combination of light and electrical property detecting means, whereby information detected by one property can be used together with different information which is better detected by the other. For example very small traces of line cleaning solution are more easily detected by impedance determination than by light transmission. Any known means to measure an electrical property of fluid may be employed in the present invention. For example, means may be provided to measure impedance, inductance, resistance, reactance, capacitance and other similar properties. Preferably, the means for measuring the electrical property measures the capacitance of the fluid between the probes. In this embodiment the means for creating an electrical potential is preferably an oscillator and the means to measure the capacitance is preferably a frequency shift detector. In a preferred embodiment the means for measuring an electrical property measures impedance. The means may measure the discharge time of a capacitor through the fluid between the probes. In this embodiment the discharge time of the capacitor is determined by the impedance of the fluid across the probes. Any known means for creating an electrical potential between the probes may be used, of which preferred means sends a voltage pulse between the probes. In this way, the capacitor of the preferred embodiment builds up a charge intermittently which is then discharged between the probes. With a pair of probes functioning according to the preferred embodiment one of the probes may be set at a reference potential and one of the probes may receive pulses from a pulse generator. In this construction, the means for measuring the impedance may measure a period of time corresponding to the capacitance of the fluid between the probes. Thus the identification means measures the difference in the response time between the pulses supplied to and returned from a plurality of probes, preferably a pair of probes. It is well known that electrical properties of any material vary with temperature. Thus in the present invention identification means preferably comprises a temperature sensor for temperature correction of the impedance detected. The temperature sensor may be of any conventional type and is situated in a position to be able to accurately determine temperature of the fluids. The temperature sensor may advantageously be provided in contact with the conduit outer wall and may be a semi conductor component such as a precision integrated circuit adapted to be situated in contact with the conduit outer wall or, more preferably associated with identification means adjacent the conduit wall. The probes as hereinbefore defined may be spaced apart along any line or lines. The probes may be parallel or at an angle to each other, they may have the same axis and be provided in diametrically opposed relationship in the conduit wall or be axially separated. Thus the probes may be spaced across the diameter of the tube, along the axis of the tube or in any random pattern. Preferably the probes are spaced across the diameter of the conduit and preferably axially separated for ease of assembly. The probes may be partially or fully contained within the conduit and be in direct or indirect operative communication with the detection means. A device as hereinbefore described may be provided as part of a conduit, as a full length or a portion of a conduit path. The device may also be fitted or retrofitted to a conduit. Thus the device may comprise a portion of conduit or be fitted to a conduit. Preferably, a conduit portion is an integral part of the device and comprises connection means at each end for insertion between two sections of a conduit. This construction provides a durable construction and ease of retro fit to existing systems of conduits. The device may be incorporated into other systems or provided with a dedicated housing. Preferably a device as hereinbefore defined is provided with a housing which is attached to or associated with the conduit. The temperature sensor may be provided within the same housing as the rest of the device or separately. The device as hereinbefore described may be combined with any other normally used equipment for conduit monitoring. Preferably the device is used in combination with a flow meter to identify volume flow of any fluid passing through the conduit. Any commonly used flow meter can be used such as turbine meters including infra red or hall effect sensors or sensors using any other working principle. Such flow meters usually include a section of conduit with push-fit connectors at either end for association with other conduit sections. The device may be mounted to, associated with or incorporated into the flow meter with probes passing through the conduit wall portion of the flow meter. The probes may be situated to either side or within the flowmeter housing. Alternatively, the flow meter and device may be supplied together as an integral unit, preferably including a section of the conduit. Suitably, means are provided to activate and de-activate the device. Preferably means are provided to automatically activate and deactivate the device. These may, comprise means whereby movement of fluid in the conduit activates the device and/or whereby lack of movement of fluid in the conduit de-activates the device. In this way the device is only in operation when the conduit is in use, without the need for human intervention whenever identification is required. The activation means may advantageously be adapted to monitor signals from a flow meter as hereinbefore described to fulfil the above described function. In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for identification of a fluid in a conduit comprising detecting a fluid using detection means adapted to be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid and identifying a fluid by means for identification adapted to be situated outside the conduit, in operative communication with the detection means, as hereinbefore described. The method corresponds to the device as hereinbefore defined and corresponding method steps have the same advantages as those described for the corresponding device features. Detection and identification provide information enabling manual or automatic determination of the need to remove cleaning fluid and the like, which is effected manually or automatically by initiating rinsing or cleaning by other known methods, also manual or automatic differentiation of brand type and quality. In the method as hereinbefore defined the activation and/or deactivation of the device may be effected by monitoring signals from a flow meter as hereinbefore described. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of the device and/or the method as hereinbefore defined for identification of any fluid or fluid mixture as hereinbefore defined. In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising the device as hereinbefore defined. The device and method of the present invention have many varied applications in monitoring of fluid in conduits. They provide a simple, cost efficient and accurate data source for the user. The invention is now illustrated in non-limiting manner with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram corresponding to the device and method. Figure 2 shows a flow meter used in conjunction with the present invention. Figure 3 shows a flow meter with the device of the present invention mounted to it. Figures 4 and 5 show alternative embodiments of the device of the present invention. In Figure 1 is shown a circuit corresponding to a preferred embodiment of the device and its working components according to the present invention. Thus the identification means (1, 4) comprise a detection and identification circuit (1) controlled by central processing unit (4) which may be a micro controller, micro processor or other suitable controller. The device is associated with a conduit (6 not shown) and identifies fluid flowing in that conduit. The signal identifying the fluid is processed in combination with the signals from flow meter (2) and temperature sensor (6) and stored in databank (5) in a location corresponding to the fluid identified. The signal identifying the fluid is adjusted for temperature correction by means of input from the temperature sensor (3) which is situated near the conduit section (13) of the flow meter and combined with flow data from flow meter (2). In the detection and identification circuit (1) a low voltage pulse is set by central processing unit (4), which is shown as A in Figure 1. This low pulse is passed through Schmitt trigger (7) which acts as a buffer and also inverts the low pulse to a high pulse (B). This high pulse positively charges a capacitor (18) of any normal design. This capacitor is now charged and quickly discharges through the resistance of a liquid (L) across the probes. Discharge is shown at C. The time taken for the capacitor to discharge depends on the fluid type. A further Schmitt trigger (7) inverts and squares the discharging signal to produce a timing signal D, the length of which is dependent on the fluid type. The micro controller can then time the low period very accurately to distinguish between different fluids flowing between the probes. Figure 1 shows the device used in conjunction with or comprising flow meter (2) and temperature sensor (3) as well as central processing unit (4). Each device may comprise all of these components plus a databank (5) for storage of fluid flow data for each identified fluid. In the embodiment shown, the device is attached by a datalink to further devices and/or other components. In Figure 2 is shown a diagrammatic representation of a standard flow meter (2). The flow meter comprises a conduit section (13) which is attached between the sections of standard conduit using a standard connector (10) such as a push-fit connector at each end of the flow meter. The flow meter housing (11) houses flow measurement circuitry and the flow meter is provided with a turbine (12) whose rotation is sensed by sensors to determine the fluid flow within the conduit. The readings from the sensors are processed and fed along flow meter cable (14) for further processing and display. In Figure 3 is shown a diagrammatic representation of flow meter (2) of Figure 2 adapted to include the device according to the present invention. A pair of probes (15) are provided passing through the wall of conduit sections (13) of flow meter (2) to either side of turbine (12). Temperature sensor (3) is provided in association with conduit section (13). Probes (15) and temperature sensor (3) are operatively connected to detection and identification circuit (1), central processing unit (4) and data bank (5) by electrical connections (not shown). The device is shown enclosed in flow meter housing (11) and may also be enclosed in a device housing (16) which is supplemental to the flow meter housing (not shown). In this embodiment the device cable with connections to the data bank (5) is incorporated in flowmeter cable (14). In Figure 4 is shown an alternative construction of the device of the present invention. In this construction the device comprises a portion of conduit (6) with standard fittings for attachment to other sections of conduit (6). These are screw or bayonet connectors or, more usually push-fit connectors (10). The device housing (16) holds detection and identification circuit (1), temperature sensor (3) and a pair of probes (15) which pass through the wall of the conduit (6) to connect to detection and identification circuits (1) which also comprises central processing unit (4). Processed signals from central processing unit (4) travel along device cable (17) to databank (5 not shown). Further advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing. REFERENCE NUMERALS 1. Detection and Identification Circuit. 2. Flow Meter. 3. Temperature Sensor. 4. Central Processing Unit (CPU). 5. Databank. 6. Conduit. 7. Schmitt Trigger. 8. Capacitor. 9. Data Link. 10. Standard Connector. 11. Flow Meter Housing. 12. Turbine. 13. Conduct Section of Flow Meter. 14. Flow Meter Cable. 15. Probes. 16. Device Housing. 17. Device Cable. 18. Translucent wall section of conduit or windows. 19. LED 20. Receptor plate including chip id.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Device for identification of a fluid in a conduit comprising detection means adapted to be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid in the conduit, and identification means adapted to be situated outside the conduit, in operative communication with the detection means. 2. Device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the detection means is in direct contact with the fluid whereby it is at least partially located within the conduit wall or indirect contact whereby it is located outside the conduit wall but in electromagnetic radiation contact. 3. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 or 2 wherein fluid is any flowable material including water, detergent, food and drink products, oil, gas, air, and also including fluids with dissolved or mixed solids or gases or mixtures thereof. 4. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the detection means are adapted to pass through the conduit wall or are adjacent to an electromagnetic transparent section thereof. 5. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein detection means comprise emitters and receivers of electromagnetic radiation such as light or sound whose characteristics are influenced by fluid properties, or electrical or mechanical probes or sampler. 6. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 wherein detection means comprises a laser emitter or diode or similar Light emitting device adapted to be aligned on one side of the conduit in use and opposite thereto a receptor plate for the emitted light. 7. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 wherein detection means comprises a plurality of probes adapted to be spaced apart in the conduit in use. 8. Device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the probes are made of electrically conductive material and not in electrical contact with each other or any conductive part of the conduit, identification means may comprise means for creating an electrical potential across the probes and means for measuring an electrical property of the fluid between the probes. 9. Device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein means to measure an electrical property of fluid comprise means to measure impedance, inductance, resistance, reactance, capacitance and other similar properties. 10. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 wherein identification means additionally comprises a temperature sensor for temperature correction of the impedance detected. 11. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 which is adapted to be fitted or retrofitted to a conduit. 12. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11 which is used in combination with a flow meter to identify volume flow of any fluid passing through the conduit. 13. Device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12 wherein means are provided to activate and de-activate the device. 14. Method for identification of a fluid in a conduit comprising detecting a fluid using detection means adapted to be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid and identifying a fluid by means for identification adapted to be situated outside the conduit, in operative communication with the detection means as defined in any of Claims 1 to 13. 15. Method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein activation and/or deactivation of the device may be effected by monitoring signals from a flow meter. 16. Use of the device and/or the method of any of Claims 1 to 15 for identification of any fluid or fluid mixture. 17. Kit of parts comprising the device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 13. 18. Device and/or method substantially as hereinbefore described in the description and/or illustrated in the Figures.

Inventors: WILSON BRIAN, WILSON, BRIAN
Applicants: BRULINES LIMITED, WILSON BRIAN, WILSON, BRIAN
Application year: 1999
Main classification: G01N33
IPC codes: G01N27, G01N33