Patent Application
20240386789
The invention relates to a method for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system, in particular an intake fire detection system for detecting and/or localizing a fire and/or the source of a fire, which intake particle detection system has a fluid conduction system with at least one pipe and/or hose line which opens out via one or more intake openings for removing a fluid sample into one or more monitoring regions, wherein, in a first method step, a test fluid is provided, in particular generated, by means of a test fluid generator, which is fluidly connected or can be connected to the fluid conduction system is provided, in particular, generated by means of a test fluid generator which is fluidically conductively connected or connectable via a test fluid line and/or a test fluid connection of the fluid conduction system and, in a second method step, the test fluid is introduced via the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection into the fluid conduction system, wherein a test fluid flow is generated within the at least one pipe and/or hose line.
The invention also relates to a test device for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system and to an intake particle detection system, in particular an intake fire detection system for detecting and/or localizing a fire and/or the source of a fire, having an integrated test device and a fluid conduction system with at least one pipe and/or hose line, which opens out via one or more intake openings for removing a fluid sample into one or more monitoring regions, a detection unit for detecting test particles contained in the fluid samples taken, in particular smoke particles, a flow means for generating a fluid sample flow within the at least one pipe and/or hose line, wherein the fluid sample flow is directed from the one or more intake openings in the direction of the detection unit, a programmable computing unit for evaluating signals transmitted by the detection unit, and a test fluid generator for providing a test fluid which test fluid generator is fluidically conductively connected or connectable to the fluid conduction system via a test fluid line and/or a test fluid connection.
Intake particle detection systems are often used to detect fires or to monitor potential sources of fire. For this purpose, an intake particle detection system comprises a fluid conduction system with at least one pipe and/or hose line, also referred to as “branch” or “pipe branch” in technical jargon, along which a plurality of intake openings are arranged or “connected” in series. In addition to intake particle detection systems with only one pipe branch, embodiments with branching pipe and/or hose lines are used, i.e. with two or more “branches” or “pipe branches” whose respective intake openings are then “connected” in parallel to the intake openings of another branch or pipe branch. The intake openings are each assigned to one or more monitoring regions, designated as such, and connect the fluid conduction system to the corresponding monitoring region via the respective pipe and/or hose line in a fluid-conducting manner. A fluid sample flow is generated within the one or more pipes and/or hose lines via a flow means, an intake device, which flow transports the respective fluid samples (air samples) taken or sucked in from the monitoring regions in the direction of a mostly centrally located detection unit. The detection unit detects test particles contained in the respective fluid samples, for example, smoke particles or smoke aerosols that can arise in the event of a fire or a fire hazard in the respective monitoring region. The detection unit is connected in a signal-conducting manner to a programmable computing unit which evaluates the signals transmitted by the detection unit, for example to detect a fire or a fire hazard.
Basically, a monitoring region is understood to be a region to which the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system is fluidically connected via at least one intake opening and which is monitored by continuously taking fluid samples, in particular air samples. The monitoring of buildings and building complexes by means of intake particle detection systems is known from the prior art, but also the monitoring of devices and/or apparatuses. For example, DE 102005 052 777 A1 discloses a device for fire detection in control cabinets. The device has an intake pipe system with a single pipe or pipe branch, which connects a plurality of adjacent control cabinets. The intake pipe system communicates with the individual control cabinets to be monitored via a respective one intake opening. In this context, a monitoring region corresponds to a control cabinet.
A similar fire detection device for detecting and locating a fire is known from DE 103 48 565 A1 in connection with monitoring buildings. In the case of building monitoring, a monitoring region is generally understood to mean a single room in the building to be monitored or, in the monitoring of larger halls and building complexes, also corresponding sub-areas of rooms. The fire detection device described in DE 103 48 565 A1, also referred to as an aspirative fire detection device, has an intake pipe system with a single pipe or pipe branch that communicates with each individual monitoring region or monitored room via at least one intake opening. A fluid sample flow is generated within the pipe in the direction of a central detector via a blower designed as an intake device, which transports the air samples sucked in from the individual monitoring rooms to the detector. After at least one fire parameter has been detected with the detector, the air samples in the intake pipe system are blown out to localize the location of the fire. For this purpose, the blower has a direction of rotation reversal and thus functions as a blow-out device at the same time. After blowing out, air samples are again taken from the individual monitoring rooms, wherein the transit time, also known as the transport time, is measured from the time the air sample is sucked in via the respective intake opening until it reaches the detector or until the detector detects a fire parameter again. Based on the transport time, the intake opening to be assigned to the fire parameter and thus the location of the fire can be localized.
In order to adjust and check the intake particle detection system prior to commissioning, DE 103 48 565 A1 also proposes positioning a smoke generator, which can artificially generate a fire parameter, in the vicinity of an intake opening. In general, it is also customary to check the functionality of the intake particle detection system prior to commissioning or maintenance. This depends to a large extent on whether the fluid conduction system has been correctly assembled or installed in accordance with the specifications for pipe cross-section, roughness and diameter of the intake openings, and the associated pipe accessories, such as fittings and filters, but also the distances between the respective components. During operation of the intake particle detection system, there may be restrictions on the functionality or changes in the target state of the fluid conduction system. These can be attributed to blockages, narrowing of the flow cross section, in particular pinching and/or leaks. To check, artificially generated smoke or a smoke aerosol is introduced as a test fluid via the intake openings using the smoke generator, and the transit time required for the transport of the smoke or the smoke aerosol from the respective intake opening to the detector or its sensor unit is determined for each individual intake opening. The transit times determined must be within a previously defined tolerance range. Carrying out such transit time measurements is very time-consuming, in particular in the case of high ceiling heights, and is often not possible without appropriate aids such as a telescopic work platform.
In practice, only the measurement of the transit time of the “last” intake opening of each pipe branch, i.e., the intake opening with the longest pipe length up to the detector, is often used to check the pipe system for reasons of economy. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,434,343 B2 discloses a solution in which a particle generator is positioned at the end of each pipe branch of a pipe system. In each case, the particle generator is arranged adjacent to or in the vicinity of the last intake opening of the corresponding pipe branch and is installed there. The functionality of the pipe system can be verified, as described above, based on the respective transit times, by sucking in the particles generated by the particle generator via the respective last intake openings of the individual pipe branches. Due to the limitation of the transit time measurement to the last intake openings of the pipe branches, however, the significance of the test is considerably limited.
Particle or smoke generators suitable for testing intake particle detection systems are known from the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 740,650 A discloses a smoke machine that generates smoke and collects it within a smoke chamber. A continuous flow of smoke can be provided via an outlet and introduced into a pipe system connected to the outlet.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,302,522 B2 discloses a method for checking a particle detection system, in which a smoke generator is connected to the pipe system of the particle detection system. With respect to the sample fluid flow, the smoke generator is located downstream of the piping containing the intake openings and upstream of the intake device. To check the functionality of the particle detector, the smoke generator generates a test fluid, in particular smoke. A flow is generated by means of the intake device, starting from the smoke generator in the direction of the particle detector to feed the smoke to its detection chamber. A failure of the particle detector is found if the smoke is not detected. U.S. Pat. No. 10,302,522 B2 proposes a different procedure for checking the pipe system, in which the smoke generator is not used, but instead air is blown into the pipe system. A reversal of the flow direction within the intake pipe system can be initiated by means of the intake device, such that an air flow is directed starting from the intake device in the direction of the intake openings. To check each individual intake opening, these are each equipped with a valve which switches from an open position to a closed position by reversing the air flow. Blockages and/or leaks can be detected by measuring the volume flow or the pressure within the pipe system. The proposed method is intended to avoid a time-consuming manual check of each individual intake opening. A disadvantage, however, is the need to equip the intake openings with valves, which not only increases the costs of the entire system, but also its susceptibility to malfunctions, for example due to valve jamming.
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method that is improved compared to the prior art and an improved test device for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system. In particular, the time and economic effort should be reduced while at the same time allowing an exact check with unrestricted significance of individual intake openings.
This object is achieved by a method for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system according to claim 1, a test device according to claim 6, and an intake particle detection system according to claim 13.
A method for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system of the type described in detail at the outset is characterized in that the test fluid flow within the at least one pipe and/or hose line is directed from the test fluid generator in the direction of the one or more intake openings, wherein, in a third method step, respective actual exit times from the introduction and/or entry of the test fluid into the fluid conduction system until the test fluid exits from a respective intake opening are recorded by means of a timer, and in a fourth method step, the recorded actual exit times are compared with a data set, in particular stored on a data carrier, which data set includes the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the respective intake openings.
According to the invention, a test fluid is therefore introduced into the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system by means of a test fluid generator. For this purpose, a test fluid flow through a suitable flow means, such as a fan or a blower, is generated starting from the test fluid generator in the direction of the intake openings, such that the test fluid exits from each of the intake openings after a respective transit time. The transit time specific for a respective intake opening, which the test fluid requires from being introduced and/or entering the fluid conduction system to exiting from the corresponding intake opening, is measured using a timer and recorded as the respective actual exit time. The timer, in particular a timer or a stopwatch, can be stored as software or a program application on a programmable computing unit, e.g. of the intake particle detection system, and is preferably started globally for all intake openings when the test fluid is introduced and/or is stopped locally when the test fluid exits the respective intake opening. In the simplest embodiment, the timer can also be started and/or stopped manually by a user.
The actual exit times of the respective intake openings recorded in this way are then compared with the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the corresponding intake openings. These are stored as a data set on a data carrier. The data carrier is, for example, a storage medium of the programmable computing unit, in which case the comparison of the actual exit times with the target exit times and/or ranges can then be carried out automatically by the programmable computing unit. However, printed products such as a user manual or handwritten tables are also suitable as data carriers, wherein the data set containing the target exit times and/or ranges are then stored in tabular form, for example, and are manually compared with the recorded actual exit times by the user.
The method according to the invention makes it possible to completely verify the functionality of different components of an intake particle detection system, in particular its fluid conduction system, including filters, fittings, pipe connections, and similar components as well as individual, multiple, or all intake openings and the (intermediate) pipe sections of the at least one pipe and/or hose line. For example, time required for verification can be significantly reduced by detecting the actual exit times at multiple or all intake openings in just a single process run, i.e. with a single introduction of test fluid into the fluid conduction system. At the same time, the informative value of the method is increased by checking different components of the intake particle detection system, in particular several intake openings and the corresponding pipe sections, compared to methods known from the prior art, resulting in a particularly economical method overall.
The implementation of the method according to the invention can be based on different test scenarios. A distinction is preferably made between three basic test scenarios: a check during (initial) commissioning of the intake particle detection system, a regular or routine check during operation of the intake particle detection system, and an (unscheduled) check when a fault is detected, e.g. if a deviation of the total fluid sample flow to be expected in the detection unit is determined. In turn, respective data sets with corresponding target exit times can be assigned to the individual test scenarios. Preferably, associated target exit times and/or ranges are calculated using project planning software for checking during commissioning, whereas the target exit times and/or ranges for routine or unscheduled testing during commissioning can be measured. A target exit time range, within which the recorded actual exit times should be, can be defined on the basis of the target exit times calculated and/or measured in one or more process runs.
In an advantageous continuation of the method, in a fifth method step, impairments in the functionality of the intake particle detection system, in particular deviations from planning to installation, leaks, pinching and/or blockages in the fluid conduction system, are detected if at least one of the recorded actual exit times differs from the respective associated target exit time and/or target exit time range.
For this purpose, a negative deviation, that is, when the recorded actual exit time is less than the associated target exit time or is below the predetermined target exit time range, is differentiated from a positive deviation, that is, when the recorded actual exit time is greater than the associated target exit time or is above the predetermined target exit time range. Depending on the test scenario, but also dependent on the individual structure of the fluid conduction system, e.g. on the pipe length and the resulting pressure differences, on the positioning of the intake openings along a pipe and/or hose line and/or on the pipe length between a respective intake opening and the test fluid generator, a positive or negative deviation of the actual exit times from the target exit times and/or ranges can indicate different causes or functional impairments. During commissioning, installation errors or deviations from the planning phase, e.g. due to deviations in the number of fittings used, different pipe lengths, etc., can be expected, which are due to the respective local installation conditions. In checks during operation, leaks, breaks, crushing (reduction of the flow cross section) and/or blockages (complete closure of the flow cross section) can then occur in the fluid conduction system and in particular at the intake openings. In addition, malfunctions of the fluid medium, such as fans or blowers, can be detected.
Advantageously, an assignment of deviations between target exit times and/or ranges and actual exit times to possible impairments of functionality can be determined using the flow properties of the intake particle detection system and can be determined in particular using project planning software and/or experimentally. An exemplary assignment for the test scenarios described above is shown below. Such an assignment can preferably be stored as part of the data set, digitally, or as a printed product on the data carrier:
According to an advantageous variant of the method, the exit of the test fluid from the one or more intake openings is detected optically, manually by a user and/or by means of optical sensors in order to detect the respective actual exit times.
For example, one or more users can manually monitor the intake openings of one or more pipes and/or hose lines to detect escaping test fluid, e.g. measured with a stopwatch and noted manually. The noted actual exit times can then, also manually, be compared with the respective associated target exit times and/or ranges. Manual monitoring of the intake openings also enables localization of breaks or leaks if test fluid is observed exiting at a point in a pipe and/or hose line where no intake opening is provided. Alternatively or additionally, exiting of test fluid at one or more intake openings can also be detected by means of optical sensors, e.g. laser scanners or camera-based detection. In both cases, both in the case of manual and sensory, optical detection, one or more light sources can be aimed at the fluid conduction system, in particular at the intake openings, to improve the detectability of exiting test fluid. Detection by means of optical sensors is particularly suitable for carrying out the method in an automated manner.
According to an advantageous variant of the method, the detected actual exit times of the test fluid at one or more of the intake openings are compared with the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the respective intake openings by means of software and/or programming, wherein the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges are stored digitally on a storage medium of a programmable computing unit.
In particular before the test fluid is introduced into the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system via the test fluid pipe and/or the test fluid connection, the system can be cleaned in a cleaning step by blow-out and/or by means of compressed air, according to an optional process configuration.
Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning step can also be carried out after an impairment of the functionality of the intake particle detection system has been detected, e.g. for eliminating blockages in the fluid conduction system, in particular in the area of the at least one pipe and/or hose line and/or the intake openings.
According to an advantageous variant of the method, especially in the case of intake particle detection systems that have already been installed and put into operation, the data set, which includes the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the respective intake openings, can be determined using one or more exit time measurements and/or transit time measurements and stored on the data carrier.
To determine the desired exit times and/or ranges required for the method according to the invention, the actual exit times required by the test fluid from being introduced into the fluid conduction system to exiting at the respective intake openings can be measured once or multiple times. The measured exit times can then also be used to check the transport times or transit times that are usually stored for intake particle detection systems and that a suctioned fluid sample requires from entering the respective intake opening to reaching the detection unit and which are used in fire detection to localize the fire location. Conversely, however, it is also conceivable to base the determination of the target exit times and/or ranges on already existing transport times.
To ensure comparability of the respective transit times of the test fluid flow, starting from the test fluid generator to exiting the intake opening or of the fluid sample flow, starting from entering the intake opening to reaching the detection unit, it is advantageous to create similar or identical framework conditions. In a further development of this variant of the method, it is therefore provided that the flow properties of the test fluid flow, in particular its volume flow and/or flow velocity and/or mass flow, are adjusted via the fluid as required, with one or more of the set flow properties of the test fluid flow corresponding to the respective flow properties that correspond to the exit time measurements and/or are based on the transport time measurements. The fan or blower already installed in the intake particle detection system can preferably be used to set the flow properties and to generate the test fluid flow itself, thereby reducing the number of components additionally required for carrying out the method.
The object of the invention set at the outset is also achieved by a test device for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system, in particular according to a method according to one of the variants described above. According to the invention, the test device comprises a test fluid generator for generating and/or providing a test fluid, which generator is connected or connectable to the intake particle detection system in a fluid-conducting manner via a test fluid line and/or a test fluid connection of the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system, as well as a data set, in particular stored on a data carrier, which data set comprises target exit times and/or target exit time ranges, each associated with intake openings.
In the simplest configuration, the test device according to the invention thus comprises only the test fluid generator and a data set with target exit times and/or ranges. The test fluid generator can be designed, for example, as a smoke or aerosol generator or cartridge and can generate or provide a test fluid quantity that is preferably constant over time. The test fluid is introduced into the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system via a test fluid line or connection. Preferably, the test fluid can be introduced directly into the fluid conduction system, without test fluid escaping into the environment or monitoring rooms. For this purpose, for example, both the test fluid line or the test fluid connection and the test fluid generator have mutually complementary coupling means, such as threads or quick connectors, which enable a (gas-tight) fluid-conducting connection between the test fluid generator and the fluid conduction system.
The target exit times and/or ranges required for testing are contained in a data set and associated to the respective intake openings of the intake particle detection system to be tested. The data set, in turn, can be stored on a data carrier, which in the simplest version can be a user manual or written tables, but can also be a digital storage medium.
In principle, it is conceivable to record the actual exit times with a timer that is already provided as part of the intake particle detection system. In an advantageous embodiment, however, the test device has its own timer for determining the respective actual exit times from the introduction and/or entry of the test fluid into the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system until the test fluid exits from a respective intake opening.
Likewise, the required test fluid flow, which enables the transport of the test fluid from the test fluid generator to the respective intake openings, can be generated by a flow means of the intake particle detection system itself. In particular, the test fluid generated or provided by the test fluid generator could be sucked into the fluid conduction system by reversing the direction of rotation of the fan or blower. Preferably, however, according to an alternative embodiment, the test device itself (also) has one or more flow means for generating a test fluid flow within the at least one pipe and/or hose line and/or for adjusting flow properties of the test fluid flow, in particular the volume flow and/or the flow velocity and/or the mass flow.
The one or more flow means of the test device, for example a fan, a blower or a pump, facilitate the setting of a test fluid volume flow which is constant over time in order to improve the reproducibility of the test method. Aerosols such as smoke are used as the test fluid, which are transported by air or a gas mixture as a carrier flow to the respective intake openings. Adjusting the flow properties by means of the flow means makes it possible to adapt to different fluid conduction systems of different intake particle detection systems. In addition, the detectability of the test fluid escaping in particular at the intake openings can be improved by adjusting the carrier flow quantity and the liquid or solid particle proportion, in particular smoke proportion, by regulating the volume flow, the flow speed and/or the mass flow.
To further improve detectability, according to another, optional embodiment, the test device can have one or more light sources and/or one or more optical sensors, each for detecting the exiting of test fluid at one or more of the intake openings.
The light sources are preferably directed at the respective intake openings and facilitate both manual detection of exiting test fluid by an observer and automated detection using optical sensors.
For a manual or at least partially manual implementation of the method, the test device according to an advantageous variant has an input and/or output device for inputting the detected actual exit times of the test fluid and/or for outputting the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the respective intake openings.
Thus, both the time of introduction and/or entry of the test fluid into the fluid conduction system and the actual exit times at the respective intake openings can be recorded manually by a user, for example, and transmitted to the input and/or output device. Actual exit times recorded in advance, in particular manually, can also be stored on the input and/or output device by means of the control element or the touch screen. Conversely, the input and/or output device can be designed to output optical and/or acoustic signals, e.g. by means of a touchscreen, loudspeakers or lamps, which indicate the respective target exit times and/or target exit time ranges for the associated intake openings.
For a partially or also completely automated verification of the intake particle detection system, the test device in the embodiment of the invention comprises a programmable computing unit with a data carrier, in particular a storage medium on which the data set is stored digitally, as well as software and/or programming for comparing recorded actual exit times with the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the respective intake openings.
Both the data set containing the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges and the software and/or programming for comparison with the actual exit times can be stored on the data carrier. The latter are either recorded manually by a user, as described above, and in particular transmitted to the programmable computing unit by means of an operating element of the input and/or output device, or recorded and forwarded automatically by means of optical sensors.
Alternatively, a programmable computing unit of the intake particle detection system could also be used to compare the stored target exit times and/or target exit time ranges with the recorded actual exit times. According to an optional embodiment, the test device therefore has a digital interface for the data and signal-transmitting connection to the intake particle detection system, in particular to a programmable computing unit of the intake particle detection system. Via the digital interface, the data set contained in particular on the data carrier of the test device can also be transferred directly to a storage medium of the intake particle detection system, which makes retrofitting of intake particle detection systems that have already been installed and put into operation considerably easier.
Finally, therefore, an intake particle detection system is also the subject matter of the invention. This system has a test fluid generator for providing a test fluid, which generator is connected or connectable to the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system in a fluid-conducting manner by means of a test fluid line and/or a test fluid connection.
According to the invention, a flow means for generating a test fluid flow is connected or connectable to the at least one pipe and/or hose line in a fluid-conducting manner in such a way that the test fluid can be introduced into the pipe and/or hose system and transported within the at least one pipe and/or hose line by means of the test fluid flow in the direction of the one or more intake openings. A data set which is preferably stored on a data carrier, a storage medium of the programmable computing unit, includes the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges associated with the intake openings, which are required for the transport of the test fluid from the introduction and/or entry into the fluid conduction system to its exit from a respective intake opening.
Either the fluid of the intake particle detection system itself can be used as the fluid for generating the test fluid flow by reversing the direction of rotation, or one or more additional fluids are provided, in particular as part of the test fluid generator.
The test fluid generator can optionally only be connected to the fluid conduction system of the intake particle detection system for carrying out the method, or it can be permanently or fixedly integrated or permanently connected to it. In the latter case in particular, it can be advantageous to connect a ball cock and/or a valve between the test fluid generator and the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection to be able to disconnect the fluid-conducting connection of the test fluid generator with the fluid conduction system as required.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the intake particle detection system, the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection opens into a central pipe section of the fluid conduction system, which connects the one or more pipes and/or hose lines and the detection unit to one another in a fluid-conducting manner.
This embodiment variant is particularly suitable for verifying an intake particle detection system with multiple branches. By feeding the test fluid into a central pipe section via the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection, the pipe and/or hose lines adjoining the central pipe section downstream with respect to the test fluid flow direction, as well as the respective intake openings, can be tested simultaneously using the same test fluid generator.
In another, alternative embodiment variant, the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection opens into a local pipe section of the fluid conduction system, in particular into the at least one pipe and/or hose line, wherein the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection is continuous with a rear pipe end of the at least one pipe and/or hose line facing away from the detection unit.
The test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection preferably opens into the respective pipe and/or hose line upstream of the “rearmost” intake opening, i.e. has the greatest pipe length up to the detection unit in relation to the fluid sample flow. In this case, the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection is an extension of the respective pipe and/or hose line. Alternatively, the test fluid line and/or the test fluid connection can also be provided between two adjacent intake openings.
To check multiple branches of an intake particle detection system, it is also conceivable to locally connect a test fluid generator (simultaneously) to a pipe and/or hose line, or to connect the same test fluid generator to the individual pipe and/or hose lines one after the other.
Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment and from the drawings. Wherein
The figures are merely of an exemplary nature and only contribute to better understanding the invention. Like elements are provided with like reference numerals and are usually only explained once.
The schematic representation of
A test fluid line 130 to which a test fluid generator 230 of a test device 200 is connected opens into the central pipe section 131 via a ball valve. Depending on the position of the ball valve, a test fluid 210 produced or provided by the test fluid generator 230 can be introduced into the fluid conduction system 110, 120, 130 via the test fluid line 130. In the normal operation of the intake particle detection system 100 shown here, the fluid-conducting connection between the test fluid line 130 and the central pipe section 131 is preferably closed by the ball valve. The test device 200 also includes a data set 261 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, is stored on a data carrier 160 of the intake particle detection system 100, in particular a digital storage medium of the programmable computing unit 170.
The data set 261 contains the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,X, which are required for the transport of the test fluid 210 from the introduction and/or entry into the fluid line system 110, 120, 130, here specifically into the central pipe section 131, to the exit from the corresponding intake opening A, B, C, . . . X. The intake openings A, B, C, . . . X are arranged in succession along the respective pipe and/or hose line 110, 120, or “connected in series” with respect to the test fluid flow 220, such that in principle each intake opening A, B, C, . . . X has a specific exit time. In the case of the branched fluid conduction system 110, 120, 130 with two branches shown here, however, intake openings A and C of the first pipe and/or hose line 110, for example, can also have a similar or identical exit time or be in the same exit time range as the test fluid flow 220 “connected in parallel” intake openings A and C of the second pipe and/or hose line 120. The target exit times and/or target exit time ranges contained in the data set 261 are compared with the actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,Xassociated with the respective intake openings A, B, C, . . . X, which are optionally manually or automatically recorded, to verify the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100. A timer 150 of the intake particle detection system, for example, can be used to record the actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,X. In the case of an automated evaluation, a corresponding message can be output acoustically or optically via a screen, in particular a touchscreen.
A schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of an intake particle detection system 100 according to the invention can be seen in
A schematic perspective representation of a test device 200 according to the invention is shown in
The respective recorded actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,Xare compared with associated target exit times and/or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xto verify the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100. The target exit times and/or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xare specified in advance, e.g. by means of a configuration software or by practical measurements, and then combined into a data set 261. The data set 261 assigns a respective specific target exit time and/or target exit time range ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xto the intake openings A, B, C, . . . X. The data set 261 can be stored on a data medium 260 of the test device 200. The data carrier 260, for example a storage medium, can in turn be part of a programmable computing unit 270 of the test device 200. By means of software and/or programming stored on the programmable computing unit 270, the comparison of the stored target exit times and/or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xto verify the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100 can be carried out with the established actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,X, . . . tactual,X. The timer 250, the data carrier 260 and the programmable computing unit 270 are preferably accommodated in a common housing of an input and/or output device 290, a so-called service tool or service device.
The input and/or output device 290 is used on the one hand to enter the recorded actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,X. e.g. manually via an operating element such as a touchscreen or by signal-conducting connection with the optical sensors 280. On the other hand, messages, e.g. the detection of a malfunction of the intake particle detection system 100 or information such as the stored target exit times and/or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xcan be output acoustically and/or optically, in particular also via the touch screen. Using a digital interface 291, in particular a cable connection or a wireless (radio) connection, such as a network, the test device 200 can be connected to the intake particle detection system 100, preferably to its programmable computing unit 170, in a data and/or signal-transmitting manner. In this way, components of the intake particle detection system 100, such as its flow means 140 or timer 150, can be used to carry out the method for verifying the functionality of the intake particle detection system 100.
Finally, an exemplary sequence or run through of a method according to the invention for verifying the functionality of an intake particle detection system 100 can be seen in a flowchart shown in
In a fourth method step V4, the detected actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,Xare compared with the target exit times and/or target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xassociated with the respective intake openings A, B, C, . . . X. If the exit times compared are identical or the recorded actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,Xare within the stored target exit time ranges ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,X(=Yes), the method can end or a process run can be completed, depending on the underlying test scenario. For the next verification, the method is started again at the first method step V1.
If a deviation of the detected actual exit times tactual,A, tactual,B, tactual,C, . . . tactual,Xfrom the respectively associated target exit time and/or the target exit time range ttarget,A, ttarget,B, ttarget,C, . . . ttarget,Xis determined (=No) in the fourth method step V4, an impairment of the functionality of intake particle detection system 100 is detected in a fifth method step V5. This is again dependent on the underlying test scenario, e.g. deviations from planning for installation, leaks, crushing, and/or blockages in the fluid conduction system 110, 120, 130.
Between the individual process runs, either before the first method step V1, i.e. before the test fluid 210 is introduced, or after the fifth method step V5, i.e. if an impairment has been determined, a respective cleaning step can be carried out in which the fluid conduction system 110, 120, 130 is cleaned by blowing out and/or by means of compressed air. On the one hand, this can improve the reproducibility of the method, and on the other hand, any impairments to the functionality that have been detected, such as blockages, can be eliminated.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20215275.7 | Dec 2020 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/085446 | 12/13/2021 | WO |
