Heat supply pipeline leakage monitoring equipment
By introducing temperature and level sensors into heating pipelines and combining them with IoT technology, the problems of high cost of manual inspection and untimely detection of leaks in traditional heating pipeline leak detection methods have been solved. This has enabled rapid and accurate leak detection and remote monitoring, reducing costs and improving system safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520140887.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for detecting leaks in heating pipelines suffer from high costs associated with manual inspections, untimely detection of leaks, and a lack of remote monitoring capabilities, resulting in low leak detection rates and significant losses.
A heating pipeline leakage monitoring device is adopted, which integrates temperature sensors and liquid level sensors. It is connected to the application module through a microcontroller and a wireless transmission module to realize real-time monitoring and data processing, and combines Internet of Things technology for remote data transmission and alarm.
It enables rapid and accurate detection of pipeline inspection chambers, reduces inspection costs, improves the timeliness and accuracy of leak detection, reduces energy loss and safety hazards, and ensures the stable operation of heating systems.
Smart Images
Figure CN223782686U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heating pipe detection technology, and in particular to a heating pipe leakage monitoring device. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, public safety incidents involving ruptured heating pipes, road collapses, injuries, and heating outages have occurred frequently, causing not only economic losses to enterprises but also threatening the safety and stability of the entire heating system and society. The heating inspection room, containing control valve wells and inspection wells of the heating network, is a crucial component of the heating pipe network, responsible for condition monitoring and maintenance. However, this also makes the heating inspection room a vulnerable location for leaks, making real-time monitoring and leak detection essential. Pipeline leak monitoring systems effectively solve this problem, providing heating companies with early warnings, allowing them to proactively address issues and nip potential problems in the bud. Heating pipeline temperature monitoring is used to detect leaks in the heating network during the heating season, enabling real-time monitoring, timely alarms, and early detection of leaks, especially suitable for areas where manual inspection is difficult, such as long-distance pipelines.
[0003] Traditional methods for detecting leaks in heating pipes mainly fall into two categories: passive leak detection and acoustic leak detection. Passive leak detection involves visually observing leaks without the aid of equipment or instruments. This is a common method, often involving spotting leaks by patrolling and detecting signs such as water seepage, steam, subsidence, abnormally damp soil, or timely snowmelt. However, this method has a low detection rate for leaks in hidden locations. Acoustic leak detection utilizes listening devices such as sound-collecting rods and electronic leak detectors. When a leak occurs in the heating pipe, water under pressure sprays from the leak point, rubbing and impacting the pipe wall and surrounding medium, producing continuous but irregular noise that propagates through the pipe and surrounding environment. Acoustic leak detection collects and processes these sounds to detect hidden leaks. However, both methods are only suitable for leaks that have existed for a long time and show obvious symptoms; by the time they are discovered, damage has already occurred. Therefore, with the advancement of science and technology and the development of society, these leak detection methods are clearly outdated and have little effect, and it is necessary to rely on the power of science and technology to improve their effectiveness. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above technical problems, this disclosure provides a heating pipeline leakage monitoring device, which solves the technical problems of high cost of manual inspection, untimely detection of leaks, insufficient accuracy of detection data, and lack of remote monitoring capability in the prior art.
[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a heating pipeline leakage monitoring device is provided, comprising a sensing module including a temperature sensor and a liquid level sensor; the detection signal output terminal of the sensing module is connected to a network module via a signal processing circuit; the network module includes a microcontroller for collecting temperature and liquid level data from the sensing module, the microcontroller being connected to an application module via a wireless transmission module; the application module includes a data processing section and a display and interaction section, the data processing section including a computer equipped with data processing software, and the display and interaction section including a display screen located in an inspection room and a mobile electronic device with a client installed.
[0006] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the microcontroller is also connected to a SIM card interface circuit and a USB interface circuit.
[0007] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the signal processing circuit includes a filtering circuit and a signal amplification circuit.
[0008] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the microcontroller control terminal is connected to the power supply of the sensing module to trigger an interrupt so that the sensing module can work intermittently.
[0009] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the microcontroller is connected to a power detection module and a low-level detection module.
[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the microcontroller is connected to a memory for reading and writing data.
[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the microcontroller is connected to an infrared communication module.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0013] Pipeline inspection chambers offer fast, high-precision leak detection, unaffected by well depth. They can monitor the operation of heating networks in real time, tracking temperature changes and well bottom liquid levels to predict leaks and issue early warnings. When a leak occurs, an alarm is triggered, and the fault location within the inspection chamber is precisely pinpointed, providing data for timely maintenance planning. If a leak occurs within the inspection chamber, the temperature at the leak point and in the inspection area gradually rises. Temperature sensors immediately detect this change and transmit the data in real time to the data transmission unit. This data is then sent via the internet to the heating network monitoring system, which issues a leak warning. Providing early warnings of leaks provides crucial data to heating companies, enabling them to take preventative measures, eliminate potential hazards, and protect public safety and property. This is the mission of the pipeline leak detection system.
[0014] Leak detection terminals can monitor pipelines for leaks, enabling timely detection and repair to reduce energy loss. Timely repair of leaks can prevent unnecessary energy costs. Repairing leaks reduces energy consumption and environmental impact. Real-time monitoring of temperature and liquid levels in the inspection chamber helps to understand the pipeline's operating status and make necessary adjustments and controls. Analysis and modeling can be performed to predict pipeline operation, identify potential problems early, and take preventative measures to avoid sudden failures. Multi-parameter sensing telemetry terminals provide more data and information to help optimize pipeline network operation. Adjustments can be made according to actual conditions to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. The equipment meets the relevant parameters for unified network management and has reserved corresponding interfaces for convenient future unified management.
[0015] Reduce inspection costs by significantly decreasing the number of inspections required by staff, thereby saving costs. Improve production safety: The harsh environment of the heating inspection room can easily harm the health of staff, and leaks during the heating season can endanger the site and surrounding environment, affecting personnel and production safety, and causing accidents. 24-hour real-time monitoring of the inspection room allows for rapid problem detection, providing conditions for early resolution and preventing accidents. Low-power design for IoT data acquisition: Maximizes power savings to adapt to power shortages on-site. Industrial-grade design: Industrial-grade component selection and design standards ensure the system operates without the challenges of high-temperature environments. Enhanced practicality: The combination of automatic and manual monitoring, along with the modular structure design, provides enhanced practicality and expandability. Efficient early warning: In the event of pipe bursts or leaks in the heating network, terminal devices promptly alarm the system platform. The platform displays alarm information in a timely manner, including geographic location monitoring and group monitoring, providing real-time monitoring and alarms of the on-site heating network and notifying maintenance personnel for timely handling, eliminating the hazards and economic losses caused by pipe bursts and leaks. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a heating pipeline leak monitoring device;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a microcontroller circuit.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a power supply detection and low-level detection circuit.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor signal processing circuit.
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an infrared communication and memory circuit.
[0021] Figure 6This is a circuit schematic for the SIM card interface and USB interface. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Example 1
[0023] This example discloses a leak monitoring device for heating pipelines; see [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 6 The system includes a sensing module, which comprises a temperature sensor and a liquid level sensor; the detection signal output terminal of the sensing module is connected to a network module via a signal processing circuit; the network module includes a microcontroller for collecting temperature and liquid level data from the sensing module, and the microcontroller is connected to an application module via a wireless transmission module; the application module includes a data processing section and a display and interaction section, the data processing section includes a computer equipped with data processing software, and the display and interaction section includes a display screen located in the inspection room and a mobile electronic device with a client installed.
[0024] The microcontroller is also connected to the SIM card interface circuit and the USB interface circuit.
[0025] Signal processing circuits include filtering circuits and signal amplification circuits.
[0026] The microcontroller's control terminal is connected to the power supply of the sensing module to trigger an interrupt, enabling the sensing module to work intermittently in coordination.
[0027] The microcontroller is connected to the power detection module and the low-level detection module.
[0028] The microcontroller connects to the memory to read and write data.
[0029] The microcontroller is connected to the infrared communication module.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a microcontroller circuit. In the diagram, E2 is the memory, PWRCHK is the power supply sensor, IR is the infrared sensor, RF is the wireless communication sensor, Temperature is the temperature sensor, and LLS is the low-level detection sensor. The memory E2 is connected to the microcontroller via the data line (EEPDAT) and the clock line (EEPCLK). The microcontroller connects to a magnetic sensor via pin PC13 to trigger an external interrupt, and connects to the low-level detection module via pins PA0, PA1, PC2, and PC3.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a power supply detection and low-level detection circuit.
[0032] In the power conversion circuit, VIN is divided by resistors R1D and R2D and then connected to the base of transistor Q1D. The collector of transistor Q1D is connected to the AD_3.6V output terminal. Capacitor C1D is used to filter the AD_3.6V output voltage. C2D and C13P are used to filter the VIN input voltage.
[0033] U2D is a boost circuit that converts 3.6V to 12V to power the low-level detection chip. AD_3.6V is boosted to +12V through inductor L2P and diode D5P. Feedback resistors R6P, R7P, and R8P are used to regulate the output voltage. Capacitors C14P and C15P are used for filtering and stabilizing the +12V output voltage. The EN2 signal is used to control the switching state of the boost circuit.
[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor signal processing circuit.
[0035] VCC controls the operating state of transistor Q1A via resistors R4A and R5A. Zener diode VT3.3 provides a stable voltage. Filter capacitor C1A smooths the power supply output. The temperature sensor signal M-VT is input to the base of transistor Q1A. Two operational amplifiers, U1AA and U1AB, amplify the temperature sensor signal. Feedback and input resistors are used to adjust the amplifier gain and stability, while filter capacitors C4A and C5A further smooth the signal.
[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an infrared communication and memory circuit.
[0037] VCC controls the operating states of transistors Q4I and Q1E via resistors R10I and R2E, performing power management and signal regulation. Filter capacitors C2I and C1E smooth the power output. Bluetooth communication interfaces BLE_TX, BLE_RX, and BLE_RST are used for Bluetooth communication. The EEPROM chip is used for data storage. Filter capacitors C2I and C1E smooth the power output.
[0038] Figure 6 This is the circuit schematic for the SIM card interface and USB interface; the SIM chip U1RA is connected to the SIM chip driver U2R, the USB chip U1RB is connected to the USB driver U1RC, the U1V voltage converter converts VCC to V1d8 to power the USB chip, the U3R voltage converter converts VIN to VGT to power the SIM chip, the wireless communication module M-RF is connected to the power supply via transistor Q1R, and connected to the RF indicator via transistor Q4R.
[0039] This system realizes a dual three-dimensional monitoring system for temperature (monitoring the wellhead and well bottom separately) and liquid level monitoring in the thermal inspection chamber.
[0040] This system is based on digital sensing devices and integrates mature monitoring and communication technologies. It can obtain information such as temperature and liquid level inside the thermal inspection room without requiring on-site visits. Simultaneously, inspection personnel can use a mobile app to monitor the real-time status of pipelines and upload inspection data. The system also includes data storage and analysis functions, enabling real-time monitoring and uploading of the thermal inspection room's operating status, alarm for abnormal situations, data recording and analysis, and long-term operational status statistics, among other systematic functions.
[0041] System Architecture
[0042] The Internet of Things (IoT) can be divided into three layers in terms of architecture: the sensing layer, the network layer, and the application layer.
[0043] The perception layer is responsible for collecting relevant information within the inspection room and transmitting information between objects. Information collection technologies include multimedia information from sensors, while information transmission includes sensor networks such as long-range and short-range data transmission technologies, self-organizing networking technologies, collaborative information processing technologies, and information collection middleware technologies. The perception layer is the core capability for achieving comprehensive perception in the Internet of Things (IoT). It is a crucial area for breakthroughs in key technologies, standardization, and industrialization within the IoT, with the key being to achieve more accurate and comprehensive perception capabilities and solve the problems of low power consumption, miniaturization, and low cost.
[0044] Network layer: This layer uses wireless and wired networks to encode, authenticate, and transmit the collected data. Widely covered mobile communication networks are the infrastructure for realizing the Internet of Things (IoT). It is the most standardized, industrialized, and mature part of the three layers of IoT. The key is to optimize and improve it for the characteristics of IoT applications to form a collaborative sensing network.
[0045] Application Layer: Providing a rich set of IoT-based applications is the fundamental goal of IoT development. It combines IoT technology with industry informatization needs to achieve a wide range of intelligent application solutions. The key lies in industry integration, development and utilization of information resources, low-cost and high-quality solutions, information security assurance, and the development of effective business models.
[0046] Equipment Composition
[0047] Heating network leak detection terminal: Monitors and inspects the temperature inside the room; alarms when the temperature exceeds the set value.
[0048] Multi-parameter sensing telemetry terminal: Monitors and checks the water level of indoor water accumulation.
[0049] In areas with weak signals, signal gainers can be added as needed.
[0050] RTU: Data Storage and Upload Unit
[0051] Data analysis server: Analyzes and calculates temperature and liquid level data, monitors pipeline leaks and analyzes and judges leak points, and transmits and receives data.
[0052] Based on the general layered structure of the Internet of Things, and considering the functions required for monitoring in the thermal inspection room:
[0053] Sensing layer devices
[0054] The sensing layer consists of various sensors, such as temperature sensors and liquid level sensors. Temperature sensors and liquid level sensors are mandatory and enable the basic functions of monitoring temperature and liquid level in the thermal inspection chamber.
[0055] Network layer devices
[0056] The hardware devices in the network layer consist of data acquisition units. These units primarily control various modules within the perception layer, record monitoring information from the perception layer, and transmit it upwards to the information processing center.
[0057] The data acquisition unit consists of a microcontroller (MCU), storage, transmission, and power modules. The MCU is programmed to control the behavior of other parts, including the acquisition frequency and accuracy, storage and transmission of acquired information, and power management.
[0058] The data acquisition unit controls the sensor module's data acquisition. To optimize data acquisition and extend sensor lifespan, the data acquisition device controls the sensor's power supply during data collection. When acquiring sensor data, the acquisition device turns on the sensor power, initiating sensor operation. After data acquisition, the device turns off the sensor power, enabling intermittent operation, saving power, and extending sensor lifespan.
[0059] The data acquisition unit controls the storage and transmission modules. The storage module is designed for large-capacity storage. Information such as temperature, humidity, and liquid level collected by the acquisition unit is stored in the intelligent control terminal. The transmission module can transmit information in a remote monitoring mode.
[0060] Wireless information transmission utilizes NB-IoT or 4G communication. NB-IoT and 4G are mature communication methods characterized by low cost, low transmission speed, large node capacity, and support from existing operators such as China Mobile and China Telecom. A SIM card module is integrated within the long-distance wireless transmission module, utilizing public communication networks like China Mobile and China Telecom. In remote monitoring mode, information is transmitted to the application layer via NB-IoT or 4G communication to achieve monitoring functionality; it can also send SMS messages to the mobile phones of relevant personnel via public communication networks.
[0061] The data acquisition section controls the battery module. When other components are not operating, the battery enters a sleep mode to conserve power. A power detection circuit is designed so that when the battery power drops to a set value, the thermal monitoring room's data acquisition section will automatically send an alarm to headquarters or relevant personnel.
[0062] Application layer devices
[0063] The application layer consists of a data processing section and a display and interaction section.
[0064] The data processing section, also known as the remote data processing equipment, is a computer equipped with the thermal inspection chamber data processing software. This software can process and analyze the temperature and liquid level information from various thermal inspection chambers, trigger alarms for abnormal data, perform trend analysis and fault diagnosis based on long-term data, and other functions.
[0065] The interactive display section consists of a display screen and an interactive terminal. The display screen shows real-time monitoring data from the thermal monitoring room for relevant personnel to review, and displays alarm information. The interactive terminal is a smartphone with a specially developed client installed. Personnel can use the client to access the data processing center in real time to view all relevant information, receive voice alarms, and also receive SMS messages and alarm messages sent from the data acquisition unit through the backend system.
[0066] Communication mode
[0067] Leaks are prone to occur in heating pipelines during operation, but network communication bottlenecks are a major pain point in the heating industry, hindering real-time monitoring. Since the equipment is installed in a small heating chamber, and the manhole covers in the heating industry are relatively thick, providing strong signal shielding, 4G communication technology is adopted to enhance the equipment's communication capabilities.
[0068] As heating pipelines age and length increase, the risk of leaks rises, making pipeline leak monitoring a critical focus for safe operation. In recent years, the development of IoT technology and the increase in the number of wireless base stations have driven the trend of intelligent transformation of heating pipelines. This project introduces IoT technology into the heating pipeline inspection room, constructing an IoT-based heating pipeline leak monitoring system to achieve real-time monitoring of pipeline operation status. Once a leak occurs in the pipeline network, the system will promptly issue an alarm signal and accurately locate the fault point, providing data for the formulation of maintenance plans. By monitoring parameters such as temperature and liquid level, the system can quickly detect leaks, ensuring the safe operation of heating pipelines and reducing potential hazards and economic losses.
[0069] Monitoring terminal and its functions
[0070] This project covers two types of monitoring terminals: leak detection terminals for heating pipe networks and multi-parameter sensing telemetry terminals. Specific functions include:
[0071] Heating network leak detection terminal: monitors and inspects indoor temperature (inspects room entrance and floor), and issues an alarm signal once the temperature exceeds the set value.
[0072] Multi-parameter sensing telemetry terminal: Monitors and checks the water level of indoor water accumulation, and triggers an alarm when the water level exceeds the set value.
[0073] In areas with weak signals, signal gainers can be added as needed.
[0074] System advantages and achievement goals
[0075] The heating pipeline inspection chamber monitoring system integrates temperature and liquid level sensors, and leverages big data and IoT technologies to achieve real-time monitoring and detection of the heating pipeline inspection chamber. This not only helps ensure the safe operation of heating production but also enhances the network's leak detection capabilities. The system can quickly respond to changes in temperature and liquid level; once a leak occurs, it will rapidly issue an early warning, notifying maintenance personnel to take measures to prevent potential dangers and economic losses. Overall, the implementation of this project will provide strong support for the intelligent management of heating pipeline operation, ensuring the stable and safe operation of the system.
[0076] Although some preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present invention.
[0077] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A leak monitoring device for heating pipelines, characterized in that: The system includes a sensing module, which comprises a temperature sensor and a liquid level sensor; the detection signal output terminal of the sensing module is connected to a network module via a signal processing circuit; the network module includes a microcontroller for collecting temperature and liquid level data from the sensing module, and the microcontroller is connected to an application module via a wireless transmission module; the application module includes a data processing section and a display and interaction section, the data processing section includes a computer equipped with data processing software, and the display and interaction section includes a display screen located in the inspection room and a mobile electronic device with a client installed.
2. The heating pipeline leakage monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microcontroller is also connected to a SIM card interface circuit and a USB interface circuit.
3. The heating pipeline leakage monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The signal processing circuit includes a filtering circuit and a signal amplification circuit.
4. The heating pipeline leakage monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microcontroller's control terminal is connected to the power supply of the sensing module to trigger an interrupt, enabling the sensing module to work intermittently in coordination.
5. The heating pipeline leakage monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microcontroller is connected to the power detection module and the low-level detection module.
6. The heating pipeline leakage monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microcontroller is connected to the memory to read and write data.
7. The heating pipeline leakage monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microcontroller is connected to an infrared communication module.