A liquid leakage judgment and leakage position positioning system and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of liquid leakage judgment and leakage location positioning system and method, including the broadband light source, spectrum analysis module and fiber coupler respectively connected on optical fiber circulator, fiber coupler is connected multiple groups of liquid leakage monitoring sensor respectively;Liquid leakage monitoring sensor includes at least two groups of fiber collimator arranged horizontally on the same axis, wherein a group of fiber collimator is connected fiber grating, and float is arranged in the direction perpendicular to the axis of two groups of fiber collimator;Broadband light source generates optical signal, and optical signal is sent to fiber collimator by fiber coupler, and the reflection signal generated by fiber grating is acquired by spectrum analysis module;The bottom of float has opening, and the liquid leakage enters the inside of float by opening and pushes it to rise, and the light path between two fiber collimators is shielded, and reflection signal disappears in spectrum analysis module, and the position of liquid leakage monitoring sensor corresponding to disappeared signal is positioned leakage position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid leak monitoring technology, specifically to a system and method for liquid leak detection and leak location positioning. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] In many fields such as chemical engineering, petroleum, and aerospace, real-time monitoring of liquid leaks is required. For example, aircraft fuel leak detection systems are crucial airborne equipment for ensuring flight safety. Due to the special working environment, fuel leak detection systems have high requirements for reliability and accurate location.

[0004] There are many traditional liquid leak detection techniques, including float measurement, magnetostrictive measurement, differential pressure measurement, ultrasonic measurement, laser measurement, radar measurement, nuclear radiation measurement, lever measurement, capacitance measurement, resistance measurement, and inductive measurement. Most of these methods suffer from low measurement accuracy and cannot accurately locate the leak; they can only indicate whether a leak has occurred but cannot pinpoint the location of the leak. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems mentioned above, this invention provides a liquid leak detection and location system and method. Multiple liquid leak monitoring sensors are installed in different locations. When the float of a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors moves and blocks the optical path between two fiber optic collimators, the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of that group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module. Thus, the location of the leak can be located based on the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to the wavelength.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention provides a liquid leak detection and leak location system, including a broadband light source, a spectral analysis module and an optical fiber coupler respectively connected to an optical fiber circulator, the optical fiber coupler being connected to multiple sets of liquid leak monitoring sensors; the liquid leak monitoring sensors include at least two sets of optical fiber collimators arranged horizontally on the same axis, one set of optical fiber collimators being connected to a fiber optic grating, and a float being provided in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the two sets of optical fiber collimators.

[0008] A broadband light source generates an optical signal, which is sent to an optical fiber collimator via an optical fiber coupler. The reflected signal generated by the fiber optic grating is acquired by the spectral analysis module. The bottom of the float has an opening, through which the leaking liquid enters the float and pushes it upward, blocking the optical path between the two optical fiber collimators. This causes the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of the liquid leak monitoring sensor to disappear in the spectral analysis module. The location of the leak is determined by the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor where the reflected signal disappears.

[0009] Each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors contains fiber optic gratings with different reflection wavelengths, spaced at least 1 nm apart.

[0010] The liquid leak monitoring sensor includes a housing, one end of which is connected to an optical fiber collimator a via a collimator clamp.

[0011] The housing contains a sleeve, with fiber optic collimator a located at one end of the sleeve and fiber optic collimator b connected to the other end of the sleeve. A float is located on the side of the sleeve, and a fiber optic grating is connected to fiber optic collimator b.

[0012] The optical signal generated by the broadband light source passes through the fiber optic circulator and fiber optic coupler, and then enters each set of liquid leakage monitoring sensors. After passing through two sets of fiber optic collimators, the reflected signal generated by the fiber optic grating is acquired by the spectral analysis module.

[0013] Each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors reflects light signals of different wavelengths, which are then acquired through a spectral analysis module.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for locating a leak based on the above-described system, comprising the following steps:

[0015] Multiple sets of liquid leak monitoring sensors are installed in the required locations, and the broadband light source is activated;

[0016] The spectral analysis module acquires the reflected signals generated by each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors;

[0017] When the reflected signal corresponding to a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module, the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to that reflected signal is the location where the leak occurred.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, one or more of the above technical solutions have the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. Multiple liquid leak monitoring sensors are installed in different locations. When the float of a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors moves and blocks the optical path between the two fiber collimators, the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of that group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module. Then, the location of the leak can be located according to the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to the wavelength.

[0020] 2. Each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors has a fiber optic grating with a different reflection wavelength, which can quickly distinguish the signal that is blocked by the float in the acquired reflection signal, and thus locate the leak location based on the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to the disappeared signal. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a liquid leakage detection and leakage location system architecture provided in one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid leak monitoring sensor provided in one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Broadband light source, 2. Fiber optic circulator, 3. Spectral analysis module, 4. Fiber optic coupler, 5.1. Liquid leak monitoring sensor 1, 5.2. Liquid leak monitoring sensor 2, 5.n. Liquid leak monitoring sensor n, 6. Collimator clamp, 7. Fiber optic collimator a, 8. Fiber optic collimator b, 9. Fiber grating, 10. Housing, 11. Float. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] As described in the background section, existing liquid leak monitoring systems suffer from low measurement accuracy and are unable to pinpoint the exact location of a leak; they can only indicate whether a leak has occurred but cannot pinpoint the location of the leak.

[0029] Therefore, the following embodiments provide a liquid leak detection and leak location system and method. Multiple liquid leak monitoring sensors are installed in different positions. When the float of a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors moves and blocks the optical path between two fiber collimators, the reflection signal of the corresponding wavelength of that group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module. Then, the location of the leak can be located according to the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to the wavelength.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] A liquid leak detection and leak location system includes a broadband light source, a spectral analysis module, and an optical fiber coupler, each connected to an optical fiber circulator. The optical fiber coupler is connected to multiple sets of liquid leak monitoring sensors. Each liquid leak monitoring sensor includes at least two sets of optical fiber collimators arranged horizontally on the same axis, one set of which is connected to a fiber optic grating, and a float is provided in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the two sets of optical fiber collimators.

[0032] A broadband light source generates an optical signal, which is sent to an optical fiber collimator via an optical fiber coupler. The reflected signal generated by the fiber optic grating is acquired by the spectral analysis module. The bottom of the float has an opening, through which the leaking liquid enters the float and pushes it upward, blocking the optical path between the two optical fiber collimators. This causes the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of the liquid leak monitoring sensor to disappear in the spectral analysis module. The location of the leak is determined by the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor where the reflected signal disappears.

[0033] Each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors has a different reflected wavelength in its fiber optic grating.

[0034] The liquid leak monitoring sensor includes a housing, one end of which is connected to an optical fiber collimator a via a collimator clamp.

[0035] The outer casing contains a sleeve, one end of which is abutted against a collimator clamp containing an optical fiber collimator a, and the other end is connected to an optical fiber collimator b. A float is provided on the side of the sleeve, and a fiber optic grating is connected to the optical fiber collimator b.

[0036] The optical signal generated by the broadband light source passes through the fiber optic circulator and fiber optic coupler, and then enters each set of liquid leakage monitoring sensors. After passing through two sets of fiber optic collimators, the reflected signal is generated through the fiber optic grating.

[0037] Each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors reflects light signals of different wavelengths, which are then acquired through a spectral analysis module.

[0038] Specifically:

[0039] The system includes a broadband light source 1, an optical fiber circulator 2, a spectral analysis module 3, an optical fiber coupler 4, and liquid leakage monitoring sensors 5.1, 5.2, and 5.n.

[0040] The broadband light source 1 is connected to the input end of the fiber optic circulator 2. The middle end of the fiber optic circulator 2 is connected to the N-to-one fiber optic coupler 4. The output end of the fiber optic circulator 2 is connected to the spectral analysis module 3. The N output ends of the N-to-one fiber optic coupler 4 are respectively connected to N liquid leakage monitoring sensors 5.

[0041] The housing 10 of the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5 is made of aluminum alloy. The fiber optic collimators a7 and b8 are fixed and collimated by the collimator clamp 6. A fiber optic grating 9 is connected to the end of the fiber optic collimator b8. Under normal conditions, the float 11 is located in the middle of the two collimators and does not block the light path. When a liquid leak occurs, the float 11 rises and blocks the light path.

[0042] In this embodiment, the float 11 is a container with an open bottom and a closed top. The outer shell 10 has a hole for leaked liquid to flow into the float 11. When a leak occurs at the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5, the leaked liquid passes through the hole on the outer shell 10 and the opening at the bottom of the float 11 to reach the inside of the float 11. Since the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5 is arranged horizontally, the leaked liquid can push the float 11 to rise, thereby blocking the pipeline between the fiber collimator a7 and the fiber collimator b8, so that the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of the liquid leak monitoring sensor cannot be emitted, and thus can be obtained by the spectral analysis module.

[0043] The above system installs multiple liquid leak monitoring sensors in different locations. When the float of a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors moves and blocks the optical path between the two fiber collimators, the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of that group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module. Then, the location of the leak can be located according to the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to the wavelength.

[0044] Example 2:

[0045] Based on the aforementioned liquid leak detection and leak location system, this application provides a method for liquid leak detection and leak location, comprising the following steps:

[0046] Multiple sets of liquid leak monitoring sensors are installed in the required locations, and the broadband light source is activated;

[0047] The spectral analysis module acquires the reflected signals generated by each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors;

[0048] When the reflected signal corresponding to a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module, the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to that reflected signal is the location where the leak occurred.

[0049] Specifically:

[0050] Step S1: Connect the liquid leak detection and leak location system, and turn on the power to each part of the liquid leak detection and leak location system;

[0051] Step S2: The light emitted by the broadband light source 1 passes through the fiber optic circulator 2 and the one-to-N fiber optic coupler 4 in sequence, and is incident on N liquid leakage monitoring sensors 5 respectively. The N liquid leakage monitoring sensors 5 are installed in different positions. The N liquid leakage monitoring sensors 5 reflect back light of different wavelengths, which are then incident on the spectral analysis module 3 after passing through the one-to-N fiber optic coupler 4 and the fiber optic circulator 2. The spectral analysis module 3 displays N peaks of different wavelengths.

[0052] Step S3: There is a float 11 at the bottom center of the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5. Changing the liquid level will cause the float 11 to rise with the increase of the liquid level, thereby blocking the laser optical path between the fiber collimator a7 and the fiber collimator b8. The reflected wavelength corresponding to the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5 disappears in the spectrum analysis module 3. The leak location can be located according to the position of the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5 corresponding to the wavelength.

[0053] Step S4: Signal processing complete, power off.

[0054] As can be seen from the above embodiments, when in use, the center wavelengths of the fiber optic gratings 9 in different liquid leak detection sensors 5 are different, with an interval of at least 1 nm, in the liquid leak detection and leak location system.

[0055] For example, the broadband light source 1 is a semiconductor laser with an output spectral range of 1525nm-1570nm.

[0056] In this embodiment, the center wavelength of the fiber grating 9 corresponding to the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5.1 is 1550nm, the center wavelength of the fiber grating 9 corresponding to the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5.2 is 1551nm, and the center wavelength of the fiber grating 9 corresponding to the liquid leak monitoring sensor 5.n is 1552nm.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid leak detection and leak location system, characterized in that, It includes a broadband light source, a spectral analysis module, and an optical fiber coupler, which are respectively connected to the optical fiber circulator. The optical fiber coupler is connected to multiple sets of liquid leakage monitoring sensors. The liquid leakage monitoring sensor includes two optical fiber collimators arranged horizontally on the same axis. One of the optical fiber collimators is connected to a fiber optic grating, and a float is provided in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the two optical fiber collimators. The fiber gratings in each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors have different reflection wavelengths; The liquid leakage monitoring sensor includes a housing, one end of which is connected to an optical fiber collimator a via a collimator clamp. A sleeve is provided inside the housing, with the optical fiber collimator a located at one end of the sleeve and the other end of the sleeve connected to the optical fiber collimator b. The sleeve is provided with a float on its side; the fiber optic grating is connected to the fiber collimator b; A broadband light source generates an optical signal, which is sent to an optical fiber collimator via an optical fiber coupler. The reflected signal generated by the fiber optic grating is acquired by the spectral analysis module. The bottom of the float has an opening, through which the leaking liquid enters the float and pushes it upward, blocking the optical path between the two optical fiber collimators. This causes the reflected signal of the corresponding wavelength of the liquid leak monitoring sensor to disappear in the spectral analysis module. The location of the leak is determined by the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor where the reflected signal disappears.

2. The liquid leak detection and leak location system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In multiple sets of liquid leak monitoring sensors, the reflection wavelength spacing of the fiber Bragg grating is at least 1 nm.

3. The liquid leak detection and leak location system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The optical signal generated by the broadband light source passes through an optical fiber circulator and an optical fiber coupler, and then enters each group of liquid leakage monitoring sensors. After passing through two optical fiber collimators, the reflected signal generated by the fiber optic grating is acquired by the spectral analysis module.

4. The liquid leak detection and leak location system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors reflects light signals of different wavelengths, which are then acquired through a spectral analysis module.

5. A method for locating a leak based on the system according to any one of claims 1-4, comprising the following steps: Multiple sets of liquid leak monitoring sensors are installed in the required locations, and the broadband light source is activated; The spectral analysis module acquires the reflected signals generated by each set of liquid leak monitoring sensors; When the reflected signal corresponding to a certain group of liquid leak monitoring sensors disappears in the spectral analysis module, the location of the liquid leak monitoring sensor corresponding to that reflected signal is the location where the leak occurred.

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