DOUBLE MEMBRANE PUMP FOR USE IN A HOMOGENISING APPARATUS OF A FLUID PRODUCT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING LEAKAGES IN SAID PUMP

Abstract

Method for detecting leakages of a service fluid (P3) housed within two membranes (6, 16) that separate a hydraulic section containing a hydraulic fluid (P2) from a working section containing a fluid product (P1) to homogenise in a double membrane pump (1), the method comprising the steps of: detecting a physical magnitude (S) representing a property of the fluid contained within the membranes (6, 16); and establishing if the physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a first condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with said fluid product (P1), or if it is associated with a second condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with the hydraulic fluid (P2), or if it is associated with a third condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) both with the fluid product (P1) and the hydraulic fluid (P2).

Claims

1. Double membrane pump (1) for use in a homogenising apparatus of a fluid product (P1), comprising: a pump body (2); a first chamber (3) housing the fluid product (P1) to homogenise, said first chamber (3) being obtained in the pump body (2); a second chamber (4) housing a hydraulic fluid (P2), said second chamber (4) being obtained in the pump body (2); a first membrane (6) and a second membrane (16) mutually spaced in such a way as to define an intermediate chamber (5) containing a service fluid (P3), said intermediate chamber (5) being obtained in the pump body (2), said first membrane (6) being interposed between the first chamber (3) and the intermediate chamber (5) so as to separate them, said second membrane (16) being interposed between the intermediate chamber (5) and the second chamber (4) so as to separate them; a piston (7) partially housed in the second chamber (4) and slidably mounted therein; a device for detecting leakages (10) through at least one of said membranes (6, 16), characterised in that said device for detecting leakages (10) comprises: at least one first sensor (11) configured to detect a physical magnitude (S) representing a property of the fluid present in said intermediate chamber (5); a control module (12) configured to establish if the physical magnitude (S) detected by the first sensor (11) is associated with a first condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with the fluid product (P1), or if said physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a second condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with the hydraulic fluid (P2), or if said physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a third condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) both with the fluid product (P1) and the hydraulic fluid (P2).

2. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) further comprises a memory (13) configured to store a first interval of values (I1) of said physical magnitude (S) associated with said first condition, a second interval of values (I2) of said physical magnitude (S) associated with said second condition and a third interval values (I3) of said physical magnitude (S) associated with said third condition, said first interval of values (I1), said second interval of values (I2) and said third interval of values (I3) being distinct and not overlapped, said control module (12) being configured to establish if the physical magnitude (S) detected by the first sensor (11) falls within said first interval of values (I1) or within said second interval of values (I2) or within said third interval of values (I3).

3. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) further comprises a memory (13) configured to store a first threshold (Th1) of said physical magnitude (S) associated with said first condition, a second threshold (Th2) of said physical magnitude (S) associated with said second condition and a third threshold (Th3) of said physical magnitude (S) associated with said third condition, said first threshold (Th1), said second threshold (Th2) and said third threshold (Th3) being distinct, said control module (12) being configured to establish if the physical magnitude (S) detected by the first sensor (11) is below only one, two or all of said threshold (Th1, Th2, Th3).

4. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein said control module (12) is also configured to compare the physical magnitude (S) detected by the first sensor (11) with a reference value (Srif) indicative of the service fluid (P3) at the pure state and, in response to a variance from said reference value (Srif) that is higher than a pre-established tolerance (Δ), is configured to generate a warning signal and/or current signal.

5. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 4, wherein said warning signal is of the acoustic or luminous type.

6. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a measurement chamber (14) located externally said pump body (2), said measurement chamber (14) being in fluid communication with said intermediate chamber (5).

7. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 6, wherein said first sensor (11) is arranged on a first wall (14a) delimiting said measurement chamber (14).

8. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 7, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) further comprises a reflector (17) arranged on a second wall (14b) delimiting said measurement chamber (14) and opposed said first wall (14a), said at least one sensor (11) being an ultrasound sensor configured to generate sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz and to receive the sound waves reflected back by said reflector (17), said physical magnitude (S) being a characteristic physical magnitude of sound waves.

9. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 6, wherein said first sensor (11) is at least partially immersed in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14).

10. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 9, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) further comprises a reflector (17) arranged on a wall (14b) delimiting said measurement chamber (14), said at least one sensor (11) being an ultrasound sensor configured to generate sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz and to receive the sound waves reflected back by said reflector (17), said physical magnitude (S) being a characteristic physical magnitude of sound waves.

11. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 8, wherein said physical magnitude (S) is chosen among: speed of the sound wave in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14), acoustic impedance of the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14), travel time of the sound wave, attenuation of the sound wave in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14), spectrum of the reflected sound wave, amplitude of the reflected wave.

12. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 7, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) further comprises a second sensor (21) arranged on a second wall (14b) delimiting said measurement chamber (14) and opposed said first wall (14a), said second sensor (21) being an ultrasound sensor configured to generate sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz and said at least one first sensor (11) being an ultrasound sensor configured to receive sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz, said physical magnitude (S) being a characteristic physical magnitude of sound waves.

13. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 9, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) further comprises a second sensor (21) at least partially immersed in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14), said second sensor (21) being an ultrasound sensor configured to generate sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz and said at least one first sensor (11) being an ultrasound sensor configured to receive sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz, said physical magnitude (S) being a characteristic physical magnitude of sound waves.

14. Double membrane pump (1) according to claim 12, wherein said physical magnitude (S) is chosen among: speed of the sound wave in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14), acoustic impedance of the fluid contained in the measurement chamber (14), travel time of the sound wave, attenuation of the sound wave in the fluid contained in said measurement chamber (14), resonance frequency.

15. Double membrane pump (1) according to any of the preceding claims claim 1, wherein said device for detecting leakages (10) comprises a temperature sensor.

16. Method for detecting leakages of a service fluid (P3) contained within two membranes (6, 16) that separate a hydraulic section containing a hydraulic fluid (P2) from a working section containing a fluid product (P1) to be homogenised in a double membrane pump (1), said method comprising the steps of: detecting a physical magnitude (S) representing a property of the fluid contained within said membranes (6, 16); establishing if the physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a first condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with the fluid product (P1), or if said physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a second condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with the hydraulic fluid (P2), or if said physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a third condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) both with the fluid product (P1) and the hydraulic fluid (P2).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein said step of establishing if the physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with the first or the second or the third condition consists in verifying if said physical magnitude (S) falls within a first interval of values (I1) associated with the first condition or within a second interval of values (I2) associated with the second condition or within a third interval of values (I3) associated with the third condition, said first interval of values (I1), said second interval of values (I2) and said third interval of values (I3) being distinct and not overlapped.

18. Method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of comparing the physical magnitude (S) detected with a reference value (Srif) indicative of the service fluid (P3) at the pure state and, in response to a variance from said reference value (Srif) that is higher than a pre-established tolerance (Δ), comprising a step of generating a warning signal and/or current signal.

19. Method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: generating a first sound wave having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz and sending it to the service fluid (P3); receiving the first sound wave after it has passed through the service fluid (P3), said physical magnitude (S) being a characteristic physical magnitude of the first sound wave so that the step of detecting the physical magnitude (S) is carried out by measuring said physical magnitude (S) in the first sound wave received after it has passed through the service fluid (P3).

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the generation of the first sound wave and the receipt of the first sound wave after it has passed through the service fluid (P3) are carried out by two different ultrasound sensors (11, 21).

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said physical magnitude (S) is chosen among: speed of the sound wave in the service fluid (P3), acoustic impedance of the service fluid (P3), travel time of the sound wave, attenuation of the sound wave in the service fluid (P3), resonance frequency.

22. Method according to claim 19, wherein said first sound wave is generated by a first ultrasound sensor (11), is reflected back by a reflector (17) and is received by said first ultrasound sensor (11).

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein said physical magnitude (S) is chosen among: speed of the sound wave in the service fluid (P3), acoustic impedance of the service fluid (P3), travel time of the sound wave, attenuation of the sound wave in the service fluid (P3), spectrum of the reflected sound wave, amplitude of the reflected signal.

24. Method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: generating a first light radiation in the infrared or near infrared spectrum and sending it to the service fluid (P3); receiving said first light radiation after it has passed through the service fluid (P3), said physical magnitude (S) being a characteristic physical magnitude of the first light radiation for which the step of detecting the physical magnitude (S) is carried out by measuring said physical magnitude (S) in the first light radiation received after passing through the service fluid (P3).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a homogenising apparatus of a fluid product and a method for detecting leakages in the pump, as shown in the drawings in which FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a double membrane pump for use in a homogenising apparatus of a fluid product, in accordance with the present invention, respectively in a first and a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0064] With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a double membrane pump, in particular for use in a homogenising apparatus of a fluid product P1.

[0065] The double membrane pump comprises a pump body 2 inside which three distinct chambers are obtained: [0066] a first chamber 3 housing the fluid product P1 to homogenise; [0067] a second chamber 4 housing a hydraulic fluid P2; [0068] an intermediate chamber 5 housing a service fluid P3.

[0069] The intermediate chamber 5 is interposed between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 and is separated therefrom thanks to two membranes 6, 16. The two membranes 6, 16 are mutually spaced in such a way as to define the intermediate chamber 5.

[0070] In particular, a first membrane 6 separates the intermediate chamber 5 from the first chamber 3 and a second membrane 16 separates the intermediate chamber 5 from the second chamber 4.

[0071] A piston 7 is partially housed in the second chamber 4. The double membrane pump 1 comprises movement means (not shown) operatively active on the piston 7 to make it slide linearly inside the second chamber 4. In particular, the piston 7 is slidably mounted with respect to the inner walls delimiting the second chamber 4.

[0072] The double membrane pump 1 further comprises a device for detecting leakages 10 through at least one of the two membranes 6, 16. In particular, if one of the two membranes 6, 16 is damaged, the service fluid P3 is contaminated by one or both of the fluids present in the adjacent chambers (first chamber 3 and/or second chamber 4).

[0073] Advantageously, the device for detecting leakages 10 comprises: [0074] at least one first sensor 11 configured to detect a physical magnitude S representing a property of the fluid present in the intermediate chamber 5; [0075] a control module 12 configured to establish if the physical magnitude S detected by the first sensor 11 is associated with a first condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid P3 with the fluid product P1, or with a second condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid P3 with the hydraulic fluid P2, or with a third condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid P3 both with the fluid product P1 and the hydraulic fluid P2.

[0076] The device for detecting leakages 10 also comprises a memory 13 configured to store: [0077] a first interval of values I1 of the physical magnitude S, which is associated with the first condition; [0078] a second interval of values I2 of the physical magnitude S, which is associated with the second condition; [0079] a third interval of values I3 of the physical magnitude S, which is associated with the third condition.

[0080] The first interval of values I1, the second interval of values I2 and the third interval of values I3 are distinct and not overlapped.

[0081] The control module 12 is configured to establish if the physical magnitude S detected by the first sensor 11 falls within the first interval of values I1 or within the second interval of values I2 or within the third interval of values I3.

[0082] Alternatively, the memory 13 is configured to store: [0083] a first threshold Th1 of the physical magnitude S, which is associated with the first condition; [0084] a second threshold Th2 of the physical magnitude S, which is associated with the second condition; [0085] a third threshold Th3 of the physical magnitude S, which is associated with the third condition.

[0086] The first threshold Th1, the second threshold Th2 and the third threshold Th3 are distinct.

[0087] In this case, the control module 12 is configured to establish if the physical magnitude S detected by the first sensor 11 is lower than only a single threshold, two thresholds or three.

[0088] Preferably, the device for detecting leakages 10 also comprises a temperature sensor (not shown). For example, the temperature sensor is arranged in such a way as to detect the temperature of the fluid present in the measurement chamber 14.

[0089] Advantageously, the double membrane pump 1 also comprises a measurement chamber 14 outside the pump body 2.

[0090] The measurement chamber 14 is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber 5 so as to receive the service fluid P3. For example, the measurement chamber 14 is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber 5 through a conduit 15 obtained in the pump body 2.

[0091] In optimal conditions (intact membranes 6, 16, i.e. not damaged), the measurement chamber 14 is filled with service fluid P3.

[0092] Preferably, the first sensor 11 is arranged on a first wall 14a delimiting the measurement chamber 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0093] The position and inclination of the first sensor 11 on the first wall 14a are chosen as a function of the type of service fluid P3 and the physical magnitude S that is to be detected.

[0094] In accordance with a first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the device for detecting leakages 10 further comprises a reflector 17 arranged on a second wall 14b delimiting the measurement chamber 14 and opposite the first wall 14a.

[0095] In this case, the first sensor 11 is an ultrasound sensor configured to generate sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz and to receive the sound waves reflected back by the reflector 17.

[0096] In other words, the reflector 17 is located on the opposite side from the first sensor 11 with respect to the fluid filling the measurement chamber 14.

[0097] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the first sensor 11 is at least partially immersed in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber 14. In this case, the first sensor 11 is introduced into the measurement chamber 14 through slits or openings obtained in a wall delimiting the measurement chamber 14.

[0098] In this context, the term “reflector” is meant as any object having reflective properties. By way of example, a steel plate is to be understood as a reflector.

[0099] For example, the second wall 14b can be made of steel, thereby constituting in itself the reflector 17.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the first sensor 11 thus performs the function of emitter and receiver of the signal (here: sound wave), with the aid of a simple reflector 17. This configuration is known in the field as “Pulse Echo”.

[0101] The physical magnitude S detected by the first sensor 11 is therefore a characteristic physical magnitude of the sound waves.

[0102] For example, in the first embodiment the physical magnitude S is chosen among: speed of the sound wave in the fluid, acoustic impedance of the fluid, travel time of the sound wave, attenuation of the sound wave in the fluid, spectrum of the reflected sound wave, amplitude of the reflected signal.

[0103] The choice of the physical magnitude S is connected to the fluids concerned, i.e. the fluid product P1 to homogenise, the service fluid P3 and the hydraulic fluid P2.

[0104] In a variation of the “Pulse Echo” configuration not shown, the use of a plurality of first sensors 11 is provided, installed on the first wall 14a or partially immersed in the fluid housed in the measurement chamber 14, each of which is configured to detect a different characteristic physical magnitude S of the sound waves.

[0105] Each of the first sensors 11 can be coupled with a corresponding reflector 17. Alternatively, by making the second wall 14b in steel, it acts as a single reflector 17 for all the first sensors 11.

[0106] In accordance with a second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, two sensors are provided: one for emitting and the other for receiving the sound waves.

[0107] This configuration, known in the field as “Through Transmission”, therefore provides at least one pair of sensors (emitter-receiver) between which the service fluid P3 is interposed.

[0108] The first sensor 11 is an ultrasound sensor configured to receive sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz. In the following, the first sensor 11 is indicated as “receiver”.

[0109] A second ultrasound sensor 21, indicated in the following as “emitter”, is instead configured to generate sound waves having a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 100 MHz.

[0110] In FIG. 2, the first sensor 11 is arranged on the first wall 14a of the measurement chamber 14, while the second sensor 21 is arranged on the second wall 14b, opposite the first wall 14a.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment not shown, both the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 21 are at least partially immersed in the fluid contained in the measurement chamber 14. In this case, the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 21 are introduced into the measurement chamber 14 through slits or openings obtained in a wall delimiting the measurement chamber 14.

[0112] For example, in the second embodiment, the physical magnitude S is chosen among: speed of the sound wave in the fluid, acoustic impedance of the fluid, travel time of the sound wave, attenuation of the sound wave in the fluid, resonance frequency.

[0113] The distance between the emitter and receiver, their position and their mutual inclination are chosen as a function of the characteristics of the service fluid P3 and of the physical magnitude S to be detected.

[0114] The choice of the physical magnitude S is connected to the fluids concerned, i.e. the fluid product P1 to homogenise, the service fluid P3 and the hydraulic fluid P2.

[0115] In one variation of the “Through Transmission” configuration not shown, the use of a plurality of first sensors 11 and second sensors 21 is provided, respectively installed on the first wall 14a and on the second wall 14b (or partially immersed in the fluid present in the measurement chamber 14), each of which is configured to detect/emit a different characteristic physical magnitude S of the sound waves.

[0116] In all the embodiments described, the control module 12 is configured to set various parameters of the sound wave, such as for example: the emission window, the amplification or attenuation of the sound wave, the time window within which to detect the characteristic physical magnitude of the sound wave.

[0117] Preferably, in both the first and in the second embodiment, the control module 12 is also configured to compare the physical magnitude S detected by the first sensor 11 with a reference value Srif indicative of the service fluid P3 in the pure state, i.e. not mixed with the fluid product P1 to homogenise and/or with the hydraulic fluid P2. In response to a variance from the reference value S.sub.rif that is higher than a pre-established tolerance Δ, the control module 12 generates a warning signal of the acoustic and/or luminous type.

[0118] Alternatively or in addition, the control module 12 generates a current signal 4-20 mA that can be viewed on a screen (e.g. on a PLC).

[0119] The control module 12 preferably consists of an electronic module, suitably programmed to perform the functions described above, which can correspond to different hardware and/or routine software entities belonging to the programmed module.

[0120] As an alternative to the ultrasound technique described above with reference to variant embodiments, it is also possible to use optical technologies, e.g. optical microscope or NIR technology (acronym for “Near Infra Red”).

[0121] In the case of optical microscope technology, the first sensor 11 is an optical sensor and the physical magnitude detected is a light signal emitted by a source. Images are acquired of the fluid present in the intermediate chamber 5, whose analysis provides information on the contamination of the service fluid P3 by the fluid product P1 (thus the “first condition” applies) or by the hydraulic fluid P2 (thus the “second condition” applies) or by both part of the fluid product P1 and part of the hydraulic fluid P2 (thus the “third condition” applies).

[0122] In the case of NIR technology, a spectrophotometric analysis of the service fluid P3 is instead performed.

[0123] An NIR spectrophotometer is composed of a light source (e.g. a tungsten-halogen lamp), a monochromator, a sampler or an interface for the presentation of the sample and a detector for measuring the reflectance and transmittance (for example silicon, lead sulphate and indium and gallium arsenide).

[0124] From the above description, the characteristics of the double membrane pump for use in a homogenising apparatus of a fluid product and the method for detecting leakages in said pump, according to the present invention, are clear, as are the advantages.

[0125] In particular, the device for detecting leakages in the intermediate chamber allows distinguishing whether such leakages are associated with a damage/breakage of the “product-side” membrane or “piston-side” membrane or both.

[0126] In fact, the control module is able to establish if such damage/breakage concerns the first membrane (product side) or the second membrane (piston side) or both thanks to the detection of a characteristic property of the service fluid contained between the membranes, which is respectively contaminated by the fluid product to homogenise or by the hydraulic fluid in which the piston is immersed or by both these fluids.

[0127] In the first case, in fact, the fluid product to homogenise mixes with the service fluid, contaminating it and causing a “first condition” detectable by means of the measurement of the physical magnitude chosen.

[0128] Since the damage implies a “product-side” contamination, the stop of the homogenising apparatus can follow.

[0129] In the second case, instead, the service fluid is contaminated by the hydraulic fluid (“second condition”) for which it may not be necessary to stop the homogenising apparatus, as long as the “product side” is preserved from the contamination.

[0130] In the third case, the contamination of the service fluid occurs both “product side” and “piston side”, thus the stop of the homogenising apparatus follows.

[0131] Choosing intervals of values (or thresholds) which are distinct and not overlapped in physical magnitude, it is possible to discriminate which membrane is damaged/broken and certain (various) actions can be carried out on the homogenising apparatus employing the double membrane pump.

[0132] The proposed solution allows identifying in advance which membrane is damaged/broken, avoiding stopping the system and removing parts when it is not necessary.

[0133] In addition, the ability to detect different physical magnitudes allows using the proposed method with the various treated fluid products.