# US 11,441,932 B2 · Method for monitoring the operation of a fluid meter and fluid meter > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,441,932 B2 - Document ID: US11441932B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/893,668 - Filed: 2020-06-05 - Published: 2020-09-24 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2017-12-05 - Assignees: Diehl Metering GmbH - Applicants: Diehl Metering GmbH - Inventors: Harald Kroemer - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11441932B2 ## CPC - G01F 1/667: Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters - G01F 25/10: of flowmeters - G01F 1/662: {Constructional details} - G01F 1/666: {by detecting noise and sounds generated by the flowing fluid} - G01F 15/18: Supports or connecting means for meters - G01F: MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME ## Abstract A method monitors an operation of a fluid meter mounted in a fluid-supplying fluid distribution system. Wherein, by use of an ultrasonic transducer, an event, in the form of a noise generated during the operation of the fluid meter or a pressure surge generated in the distribution system, which is not attributable to the flow measurement and which mechanically excites the ultrasonic transducer, is selectively detected and evaluated and, by reference to a result of the evaluation, at least one fluid meter-specific operating property is generated. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for monitoring an operation of a fluid meter mounted in a fluid-supplying fluid distribution system, the fluid meter having at least one ultrasonic transducer, which comprises the steps of: selectively detecting and evaluating, by means of the at least one ultrasonic transducer, an event which mechanically excites the at least one ultrasonic transducer and is not attributable to a flow measurement, in a form of a noise generated and associated with the operation of the fluid meter and/or a pressure surge originating from the fluid distribution system; generating at least one fluid meter-specific operating property by reference to a result of an evaluation; recording the event which mechanically excites the at least one ultrasonic transducer over a time t; identifying the event with a time stamp; recording a total event duration and/or a total event intensity of the selectively detected events over the time t; and generating a device-specific event history by reference to detected events which mechanically excite the at least one ultrasonic transducer over time. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the device-specific event history or event information is compared with an empirically determined event characteristic curve and/or event characteristic variables, and an event/damage type classification and/or a control variable and/or regulating variable is deduced from a comparison. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein in an event of an overshoot of the event duration D and/or of an event intensity I, a warning signal and/or a warning message is generated. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein a maximum intensity of the pressure surge generated in the pipe system is detected and evaluated. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, which further comprises: operating a control and evaluation device of the fluid meter alternately in an active mode and a sleep mode; and configuring the control and evaluation device such that a switchover thereof from the sleep mode to the active mode is only executed in response to an electrical signal generated by the at least one ultrasonic transducer as a result of the event. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein an electrical signal generated by the at least one ultrasonic transducer in response to the event is generated solely by mechanical energy of the event, with no additional energy. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method according to claim 6, which further comprises selecting the electrical signal from the group consisting of a signal pattern, a frequency spectrum and a maximum level. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one ultrasonic transducer for a selective detection and evaluation of the event is a constituent of an ultrasonic transducer assembly for a determination of transit time. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the event respectively involves: a fluid meter-related cavitation noise; and/or a fluid-meter related vibration noise; and/or a mechanical stress applied to the at least one ultrasonic transducer by particles which are present in the fluid meter or are flushed through the fluid meter. ### Claim 10 A fluid meter for a flow measurement in a fluid-supplying fluid distribution system, the fluid meter comprising: an ultrasonic transducer assembly for transit time measurement and containing ultrasonic transducers for a transmission and/or reception of ultrasonic waves to a fluid or from the fluid; an electronic module having a controller and an operating system for actuation, signal detection and signal evaluation of said ultrasonic transducers; an electrical energy source; the operating system, in addition to flow measurement, incorporates an additional functional mode; and the flow meter, via said ultrasonic transducers, selectively detects and evaluates an event which mechanically excites said ultrasonic transducers and is not attributable to a flow measurement, in a form of a noise generated and associated with the fluid meter and/or a pressure surge originating from the fluid distribution system; said controller configured for: generating at least one fluid meter-specific operating property with reference to a result of an evaluation; recording the event which mechanically excites the at least one ultrasonic transducer over a time t; identifying the event with a time stamp; recording a total event duration and/or a total event intensity of the selectively detected events over the time t; and generating a device-specific event history by reference to detected events which mechanically excite the at least one ultrasonic transducer over time. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The fluid meter according to claim 10, wherein an event and/or an occurrence of the event is saved and/or delivered as an output. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The fluid meter according to claim 10, further comprising a connection housing, by means of which the flow meter can be installed in a fluid distribution system. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The fluid meter according to claim 12, further comprising a measuring insert disposed within said connection housing, and containing a measuring tube, deflection mirrors for an ultrasonic signal and flow guiding devices. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The fluid meter according to claim 10, wherein the fluid-supplying fluid distribution system is a water distribution system for a supply of water.