JPH07229778A - Water gauge for liquid including harmful chemical component - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a water gauge which can measure the water level stably while maintaining high measuring accuracy for a long period, even though the measuring object liquid includes a harmful chemical component. CONSTITUTION:A water gauge case 2 has a diaphragm 3 at the middle part, and has the upper hollow part 5 and the lower hollow part 7 by placing the diaphragm 3 at the center. At the lower end 6 of the water gauge case 2, an intermediate cap member 8, a circumferential wall 13a, and a cap 13 for shock absorption are connected. On the outer periphery of the intermediate cap member 8, a filter member 11 is provided. In the lower hollow part 7 and a cylindrical member 12 connected to the hollow part 7, a silicone oil 14 is filled. Even though the object liquid to measure is a hot spring water, for example, the diaphragm 3 is prevented from a corrosion because the silicone oil 14 is provided between the object liquid and the diaphragm 14.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is suitable for measuring the water level when the liquid to be measured is a liquid containing harmful chemical components that adversely affect the metal material, such as hot spring water. It is about water level gauges.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electrical signal corresponding to a target water level or water pressure is detected by detecting strain generated in a diaphragm (disc-shaped thin strain element) by the water pressure of a liquid to be measured by a strain gauge attached to the diaphragm. The water level gauge to obtain is already known. In this case, of course,
The liquid to be measured comes into contact with the surface of the diaphragm on the side where the strain gauge is not attached, and the pressure corresponding to the water level at that time is transmitted to the diaphragm surface to act to bend the diaphragm.

[0003]

However, when the hot spring water to be measured contains components such as sulfur, chlorine, and calcium, as in the case of measuring the water level of a hot spring well, these Since the components have the effect of corroding and degrading the diaphragm, during the long-term use, the corrosive or degrading action of these harmful chemical components causes the diaphragm to corrode, and the thickness of the diaphragm is designed. If the thickness is smaller than the value of, the original sensitivity of the diaphragm changes, or in the worst case, there is a problem that the diaphragm has a hole.

Further, in order to prevent such a problem,
If a corrosion-resistant protective film is formed on the surface of the diaphragm in contact with the hot spring water, the mechanical strength of this protective film will cause another problem that the original pressure of the hot spring water will not be transmitted to the diaphragm. Also, the problem of corrosion of the protective film remains. These various problems are not unique to hot spring water, but are common to water level measurement of liquids containing harmful chemical components, and moreover, they lead to a decrease in measurement accuracy of water level meters. The emergence of improvement measures was desired.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to maintain a high measurement accuracy for a long period of time and stably even if a liquid containing a harmful chemical component is a measurement target. An object of the present invention is to provide a water level meter for liquids containing harmful chemical components capable of detecting the water level.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention uses a liquid containing a component such as sulfur, chlorine and calcium, which adversely affects metals, as a measuring liquid, and a strain gauge. In a water level meter for liquid containing hazardous chemical components, which obtains an electric signal corresponding to the water level using
It is provided with a diaphragm-shaped thin-walled strain-causing part for affixing the strain gauge inside the intermediate region in the up-down direction, and is formed as one opening hollow part from the strain-gauge affixing surface of this thin-wall strain-causing part to the end of the upper region. A water level gauge case having an upper hollow portion and a lower hollow portion formed as a one-sided hollow portion extending from the surface opposite to the strain gauge attachment surface of the thin-walled strain generating portion to the end of the lower region, and the thin-walled rising portion. A filling liquid having a chemical property that does not have a chemical adverse effect on the strained portion and a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid to be measured, and filled in the lower hollow portion of the water level measuring case, and the water level measuring case. Of a hollow filter member provided so as to surround the lower hollow portion at the end of the lower region of the, and a lower portion of the filter member, and the periphery and the lower portion of the inner tubular member. A buffer cap member that surrounds the periphery and the lower portion of the inner cylinder member so that a predetermined gap exists, and a signal output from the strain gauge is led out of the strain gauge to the outside of the water gauge case. A signal lead-out cable provided so as to be taken out of the water level gauge case through a hollow portion, and when the water level gauge is immersed in the harmful chemical component-containing liquid, the thin-walled cable is raised from the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable. At least one liquid-tight structure portion provided in an upper region of the water level gauge case so as to prevent the harmful chemical component-containing liquid from penetrating into the upper hollow portion of the strained portion. It is a thing.

[0007]

The water level meter for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component having the above-described structure provides a thin-walled strain-causing part between the liquid to be measured containing a harmful chemical component and the thin-walled strained part to which the strain gauge is attached. It has a chemical property that does not have a chemical adverse effect, has a lighter specific gravity than the liquid to be measured, and further has a filling liquid that can accurately transmit the pressure of the liquid to be measured to the thin-walled strain portion. The pressure of the liquid to be measured is detected without directly contacting the liquid to be measured with the thin-walled strain generating portion.

As a result, it becomes possible to realize a water level meter for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component, which can maintain high accuracy for a long period of time even if the liquid contains the harmful chemical component.

[0009]

EXAMPLES The construction and operation of the water level meter for liquids containing harmful chemical components according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated examples for measuring the water level of hot spring water. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of a water level gauge for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component, which is an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line A-A.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 2 is a case of a water gauge, for example, a cylindrical water gauge that constitutes the main body of the water gauge 1, and is constructed as a case having the following structure. That is,
In this water level gauge case 2, a diaphragm (thin wall straining portion) 3 for detecting the water pressure of hot spring water is formed inside an intermediate region in the vertical direction in FIG. 1, and the upper surface (on the drawing) of this diaphragm 3 will be described later. The strain gauge 15 is attached to the surface.

The inside of the case extending from the upper surface of the diaphragm 3 to the case upper end portion 4 of the water level gauge case 2 is formed as an upper hollow portion 5, and the inner peripheral portion of the case upper end portion 4 has a ring shape to be described later. A recessed seat 4a into which the packing member 20 is fitted, and a tightening fitting 2 to be described later at the upper position thereof.
It has a female screw portion 4b for screwing 2.

Further, the inside of the case extending from the lower surface of the diaphragm 3 to the case lower end portion 6 of the water level gauge case 2 is formed as a lower hollow portion 7, and the outer peripheral portion of the case lower end portion 6 has an intermediate cap member described later. 8 is configured to have a male screw portion 6a for screwing. A cable fitting space 5b into which a signal lead-out cable 16 described later is fitted is formed at the bottom of the recessed seat 4a of the case upper end portion 4.

On the other hand, in the lower hollow portion 7, the diaphragm 3
So that the partial space in contact with the lower surface of the diaphragm 3 becomes a large-diameter space 7a having a flat area equal to the flat area of the lower surface of the diaphragm 3, and the partial space continuing from this large-diameter space to the case lower end 6 has a small diameter. It is configured to be the space 7b. That is, the lower hollow portion 7 is configured as a hollow portion having a "T-shaped" cross-sectional shape.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an intermediate cap member 8 formed to have a predetermined length (height). Most of the intermediate cap member 8 is so arranged that the hot spring water W can freely enter the outer space region 9 thereof through a filter member 11 described later. The outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the case lower end portion 6,
It is configured to be gradually smaller.

A connecting hollow portion 8a having the same diameter as the small diameter space 7b of the lower hollow portion 7 is formed in the central portion of the intermediate cap member 8, and the lower end portion thereof has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the case lower end portion 6. A collar 8b having a slightly smaller diameter is formed. Also,
The flange 8b is formed with a plurality of communication holes 8c through which the hot spring water W can freely flow in and out.

The intermediate cap member 8 has a male screw portion 6a.
It is fixedly screwed to the lower end 6 of the case by utilizing the above, but at this time, an appropriate "O" ring 10 is interposed on the contact surface with the lower end 6 of the case, and It is configured to be liquid-tight with respect to the hollow portion 7. 11
Is, for example, a cylindrical filter member provided so as to surround the intermediate cap member 8 so that the outer space region 9 is formed, and at least the side wall thereof is made of a material and structure that exerts a predetermined filter effect. Is configured as one.

The outer diameter of the filter member 11 between the outer peripheral end surface of the case lower end portion 6 to which the intermediate cap member 8 is attached and the collar portion 8b of the intermediate cap member 8 is
For example, the case lower end portion 6 is configured to have the same diameter,
For example, it is configured to be attached to the case lower end portion 6 and the collar portion 8b by welding, but if circumstances allow, the filter member 11 and the intermediate cap member 8 are configured to be integrated. It is also possible to do so.

Reference numeral 12 denotes an inner cylinder member having a plane area equivalent to that of the large-diameter space 7a and having a predetermined length (height), for example, an intermediate cap member so as to communicate with the connection hollow portion 8a. It is fixedly provided on the lower end surface of 8. Reference numeral 13 denotes a cushioning cap member, which is preferably detachably provided below the intermediate cap member 8 and has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and includes a circumferential wall portion 13a and an end surface wall portion 13b which are coupled to the flange portion 8b of the intermediate cap member 8. It is configured.

The buffer cap member 13 enters the outer space region 9 through the side peripheral wall of the filter member 11, and further enters the buffer cap member 13 through the communication hole 8c of the intermediate cap member 8. It functions to hold W as a buffer.

A filling liquid 14 is filled in the lower hollow portion 7 of the lower end portion 6 of the case and in the connecting hollow portion 8a of the intermediate cap member 8, which has no chemical adverse effect on the diaphragm 3 and is hot spring water. It has chemical properties that are resistant to the harmful chemical components contained in W
A liquid having a lower specific gravity than that of silicone oil is used.

Since the filling liquid 14 is also required to have a property that the pressure of hot spring water must be accurately transmitted to the diaphragm 3, the above-mentioned chemical properties and It is necessary to select a liquid that can satisfy this condition as well as the specific gravity condition.

Numeral 15 is a strain gauge attached to each of the central region and the peripheral region of the upper surface of the diaphragm 3 in pairs, and a gauge lead (not shown) is electrically connected to each of the pair of strain gauges 15 and thereafter, the strain gauge 15 is moved upward. Hollow part 5
Inside, it is electrically and mechanically connected to an appropriate relay board (not shown), and is further electrically and mechanically connected from this relay board to a signal lead-out cable 16 described later.

Each of the strain gauges 15 has a pair of strain gauges attached to the central region thereof (Wheatstone bridge circuit (not shown)) so that the strain (deflection) generated in the diaphragm 3 can be accurately detected.
A pair of strain gauges attached to one of the opposite sides of the Wheatstone bridge circuit are arranged on the other side (adjacent) of the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

The Wheatstone bridge circuit is constructed, for example, so as to be provided in an appropriate pressure measuring device (strain measuring device) (not shown) installed outside.
The connection between the strain gauge 15 and the lead wire, the installation of the relay board, the connection between the lead wire and the relay board, the connection between the relay board and the signal derivation cable 16, the configuration of the Wheatstone bridge circuit, etc. are known per se. Therefore, detailed description will be omitted.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a signal lead-out cable which is covered with a waterproof coating material such as Teflon so as to have a circular cross section. One end of the signal lead-out cable is electrically and mechanically connected to the relay board and has an upper hollow portion. 5 cable entry space 5b
It is configured such that it penetrates through the inside and is led out from the case upper end portion 4 to the outside of the water level gauge case 2, and is electrically connected to the pressure measuring instrument.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a case upper end portion 4 of the water level gauge case 2.
With the first auxiliary liquid-tight structural fitting connected to the same, as in the case of the inner peripheral portion of the case upper end portion 4, the recessed seat 17a for fitting the packing member 20 into the upper inner peripheral portion thereof and the upper side thereof. Female thread portion 17b for screwing the tightening metal fitting 22 into position
Is configured to have. This first auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 17 is, for example, the case upper end portion 4 of the water level gauge case 2.
The outer diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the case, and is further configured to be coupled to the case upper end portion 4 via the “O” ring 18 by an appropriate coupling means such as welding.

Reference numeral 19 is a second auxiliary liquid-tight structural fitting connected to the upper side of the first auxiliary liquid-tight structural fitting 17, and like the first auxiliary liquid-tight structural fitting 17, the packing member 2 is provided on the upper inner peripheral portion thereof.
It is configured to have a recessed seat 19a into which 0 is fitted, and an internal thread portion 19b into which a fastening metal fitting 22 is screwed at an upper position thereof. This second auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 19
Is configured to be coupled to the case upper end portion 4 via the "O" ring 18 by an appropriate coupling means such as screw coupling.

Reference numeral 20 designates three packing members made of an elastic packing material such as synthetic rubber, which is a packing member having an appropriate thickness with a hollow portion for allowing the signal lead-out cable 16 to penetrate therethrough. Has been formed. These packing members 20 are provided in the recessed seat 4 at the upper end 4 of the case.
a, the recessed seat 17a of the first auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 17, and the recessed seat 19a of the second auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 19 respectively.

Numeral 21 is a washer member made of a ring-shaped metal and joined to both end surfaces of these packing members 20, each of which has the same outer diameter as the packing member 20. The washer member 21 may be attached to both end surfaces of the packing member 20 in advance.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a plurality of hollow fastening members (three in this embodiment) each having a collar portion and a male screw portion of appropriate shapes, and each male screw portion is attached to the upper end portion 4 of the case. Female screw part 4b, female screw part 17 of the first auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 17
b, by screwing the female screw portion 19b of the second auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 19 in a tightly screwed manner, the target packing member 20 is deformed via each of the two washer members 21 while the upper end of the case is being deformed. The recessed seat 4a of the portion 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable 16, the recessed seat 17a of the first auxiliary liquid-tight structure fitting 17 and the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable 16, and the second auxiliary liquid-tight structure. It is configured to press the recessed seat 19a of the metal fitting 19 and the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable 16 respectively.

That is, these three recessed seats 4a, 1
7a, 19a and the packing member 20, the washer member 21, and the tightening fitting 22, which are respectively fitted and screwed into these, constitute three sets of liquid-tight structure parts,
As a result, when the water level gauge 1 is immersed in the hot spring water W, the three sets of liquid-tight structure parts and the three "O" rings 18 cause the hollow of the water level gauge case 2 from the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable 16. It is possible to prevent the hot spring water W from entering the part 5.

Reference numeral 23 is a stainless wire for suspending the water level gauge 1 in the hot spring well, one end of which is fixed by an appropriate fixing means 24 such as a machine screw, for example, the outer peripheral portion of the second auxiliary liquid-tight structural fitting 19. Is attached to. As the metal material used for the water level gauge 1, a material that is not corroded or deteriorated by harmful chemical components contained in the hot spring water W is selected.

The operation of the water level gauge for the liquid containing a harmful chemical component of the illustrated example constructed in this way will be described below.
First, the water level gauge 1 is set in an inverted posture in advance, and the inside of the lower hollow portion 7 of the water level gauge case 2, the connection hollow portion 8a of the intermediate cap member 8 and the inner cylinder member 12 (hereinafter, the lower hollow portion 7 to An appropriate amount of the filling liquid 14 is filled in the inside of the tubular member 12), and the lower opening of the inner tubular member 12 is closed by, for example, an appropriate removable sealing material (not shown).

Then, with the water level gauge 1 returned to the normal posture, the hot spring water W, which has been pumped in a small amount from the target hot spring well, is poured into the buffer cap member 13,
After that, the sealing material is peeled off and the filling liquid 14 is brought into contact with the small amount of hot spring water W in the buffer cap member 13.

In this state, the filling liquid 14 is retained in the lower hollow portion 7 to the inner tubular member 12 due to the difference in specific gravity from the hot spring water W, and thus the stainless steel wire 23 is used to maintain the water level gauge 1 in this state. Drop into a hot spring well (not shown),
As shown in FIG. 3, the hot spring W is submerged in a predetermined submerged position below the surface of the water.

At this time, the hot spring water W in the hot spring well enters the outer space region 9 through the side peripheral wall of the filter member 11, and further passes through the communication hole 8c of the intermediate cap member 8 and the inside of the buffer cap member 13. It enters and integrates with a small amount of hot spring water W in the buffer cap member 13.

Therefore, a small amount of the hot spring hot water W in the buffer cap member 13 is pushed up into the inner cylinder member 12 by the water pressure of the hot spring hot water W entering, and the water pressure of the hot spring hot water W at this time is passed through the filling liquid 14. Is transmitted to the lower surface of the diaphragm 3.
Therefore, the diaphragm 3 is distorted (flexed) by an amount corresponding to the water pressure at the predetermined subsidence position.

At this time, the strain gauges 15 attached to the upper surface of the diaphragm 3 are attached to the diaphragm 3 at this time.
Is detected as a tension strain and a compression strain, and the detection signal is output to an external pressure measuring instrument via a gauge lead, a relay board, and a signal derivation cable 16. As a result, the output detection signal is measured as the amount of distortion in the Wheatstone bridge circuit,
Further, it is calculated as a water pressure value at a predetermined subsidence position based on this strain amount.

Even if the hot spring water W in the well shakes violently, the circumferential wall portion 13a and the end surface wall portion 13b of the buffer cap member 13 and the inner cylindrical member 12
However, since the swaying hot spring hot water W is blocked, the water pressure of the hot spring hot water W transmitted to the filling liquid 14 in the inner cylindrical member 12 and the lower hollow portion 7 is kept constant.

Although the illustrated embodiment has been described above,
The present invention is not limited to this, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the case of measuring the water level of a hot spring well is described as an example, but the present invention can be widely applied to liquids containing harmful chemical components.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, three sets of liquid-tight structure parts are used for the liquid-tightness of the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable 16, but the number of the liquid-tight structure parts is appropriately set at the design stage. And it shall be decided arbitrarily. Further, the material and structure of the packing member 20 and the "O" ring 18 used for the liquid-tight structure portion are appropriately and arbitrarily determined at the design stage in consideration of the characteristics of the liquid to be measured. And

In the illustrated embodiment, each pair of strain gauges is attached to the diaphragm 3, but the number of attachments can be appropriately and arbitrarily determined at the design stage. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the case lower end portion 6 of the water level gauge case 2 and the intermediate cap member 8 are configured as separate members, but they may be configured integrally. Regarding the material, shape, and structure of the filter member 11, it is possible to select an appropriate material, shape, and structure according to the characteristics of the liquid to be measured.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid to be measured can be accurately transmitted to the diaphragm surface without directly contacting the liquid to be measured with the diaphragm surface. Since it is configured as described above, even if a liquid containing a harmful chemical component is targeted, a water level meter for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component capable of highly accurately and stably detecting the water level for a long period of time. Can be provided.

In the present invention, when a liquid such as silicone oil is used as the filling liquid,
It does not deteriorate even when the environmental temperature is high, and does not easily freeze even at low temperatures. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantage that a stable water level can be detected for a long period of time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of a water level gauge for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG.

[Fig. 3] The water level gauge of Fig. 1 hangs inside the hot spring well
It is a schematic state diagram which shows the state submerged in the predetermined position under the water surface of.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Water Level Meter 2 Water Level Meter Case 3 Diaphragm (Thin Wall Strain Section) 4 Case Upper End 4a Recessed Seat 5 Upper Hollow 5b Cable Fitting Space 6 Case Lower End 7 Lower Hollow 7a Large Diameter Space 7b Small Diameter Space 8 Intermediate Cap Member 8a Connection hollow part 8b Collar part 8c Communication hole 9 Outer space area 10 "O" ring 11 Filter member 12 Inner cylinder member 13 Buffer cap member 13a Circular wall part 13b End face wall part 14 Filling liquid 15 Strain gauge 16 Signal derivation cable 17 First Auxiliary Liquid-tight Structural Metal Fitting 17a Recessed Seat 18 "O" Ring 19 Second Auxiliary Liquid-tight Structural Metal Fitting 19a Recessed Seat 20 Packing Member 21 Washer Member 22 Tightening Hardware 23 Stainless Steel Wire 24 Fixing Means W Hot Spring

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A liquid containing a harmful chemical component for obtaining an electric signal corresponding to the water level using a strain gauge as a liquid to be measured, the liquid containing a component having a bad influence on metals such as sulfur, chlorine and calcium. In the water level gauge for use in the vertical direction, a diaphragm-shaped thin strain element that attaches the strain gauge is provided inside the intermediate region in the vertical direction, and one opening from the strain gauge attachment surface of this thin strain element to the end of the upper region. A water level gauge having an upper hollow portion formed as a hollow portion and a lower hollow portion formed as one open hollow portion from the surface opposite to the strain gauge attachment surface of the thin-walled strain generating portion to the end portion of the lower region. A case, having a chemical property that does not have a chemical adverse effect on the thin-walled strain portion and a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid to be measured,
And a filling liquid filled in the lower hollow portion of the water level measuring case, and a hollow filter member provided so as to surround the lower hollow portion at the end of the lower region of the water level measuring case, the filter A buffer cap member that is arranged at a lower position of the member and that surrounds the inner cylinder member around and below it so that a predetermined gap exists between the inner cylinder member and around the inner cylinder member; In order to lead out the signal output of the water gauge to the outside of the water gauge case, a signal lead-out cable provided so as to be taken out of the water gauge from the strain gauge through the upper hollow portion, and the water gauge When immersed in a chemical component-containing liquid, it blocks the harmful chemical component-containing liquid that enters the upper hollow portion of the thin-walled strain generating portion from the outer peripheral surface of the signal lead-out cable. And at least one liquid-tight structure provided in the upper region of the water level gauge case. 2. The water level indicator for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component according to claim 1, wherein the liquid-tight structure portion is formed in the upper hollow portion and has a through hole for the signal lead-out cable in a central portion. With a depressed recess,
A ring-shaped elastic member fitted into the recessed seat and formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the signal lead-out cable, ring-shaped washer members disposed on both end surfaces of the ring-shaped elastic member, and the ring. A level gauge for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component, comprising a tightening member for pressing and deforming the elastic member into the outer peripheral surface of the signal guiding cable and the recessed seat. 3. The water level meter for a liquid containing a harmful chemical component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower hollow portion communicates with the lower hollow portion at an end portion of a lower region of the water level gauge case. Containing harmful chemical components, characterized in that an inner cylinder member having a surrounding structure is provided in a protruding manner, and the inner cylinder member and the lower hollow portion are filled with the filling liquid made of silicone oil. Water level gauge for liquids.