A leak detection assembly, system, and method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of liquid leakage detection in a liquid cooling cabinet, in particular to a liquid leakage detection assembly, system and method. The liquid leakage detection assembly comprises a rubber wire, a strain gauge and a detection unit; the rubber wire is made of a plasticizer; the strain gauge is arranged at a gap of a to-be-detected member and is electrically connected with the detection unit; one end of the rubber wire is fixed to one end of the to-be-detected member close to the strain gauge, and the other end is wound around the gap of the to-be-detected member with a preset pre-tightening force and is terminated at the strain gauge. When the cooling liquid does not leak, the rubber wire with the preset pre-tightening force continuously gives the strain gauge a pulling force due to its elasticity, the strain gauge is deformed by the pulling force and can output a stable preset frequency signal; after the cooling liquid leaks, the tensile strength of the rubber wire is reduced due to the contact with the cooling liquid with dielectric properties, the rubber wire cannot resist the preset pre-tightening force and is naturally broken, the strain gauge loses the pulling force and cannot output the stable preset frequency signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of coolant leakage detection technology, and in particular to a leakage detection component, system and detection method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the coolant used in server immersion cooling systems is a dielectric fluid with good insulation properties; when leakage occurs, leakage detection methods based on the conductivity of non-dielectric fluids (such as water) cannot be used; and there are currently no better detection devices or methods.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a leakage detection component, system, and detection method to address the technical problems existing in the current technology to a certain extent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a leakage detection component, system, and detection method to address, to some extent, the technical problem in the prior art that the coolant cannot be effectively detected for leakage because the coolant is a dielectric liquid.

[0005] This application provides a leak detection assembly for detecting coolant leaks; it includes a rubber wire, a strain gauge, and a detection unit. The rubber line is made of a plasticizer; The strain gauge is disposed in the gap of the test piece and is electrically connected to the detection unit; One end of the rubber wire is fixed to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge, and the other end is wrapped around the gap of the test piece with a preset preload and terminates at the strain gauge.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the detection unit is further defined as a PLC controller; The PLC controller is electrically connected to the strain gauge. When the rubber line is wrapped around the gap of the test piece with the preset preload, the PLC controller can receive a preset frequency signal through the strain gauge.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the leakage detection component further includes an alarm; The alarm is communicatively connected to the PLC controller; When the PLC controller does not detect the preset frequency signal, the alarm can issue an alarm signal.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the leakage detection component further includes a clamping component; The clamping assembly has a connected clamping part and a mounting part; The clamping part can clamp the test piece; The mounting portion has a preset receiving space, and the strain gauge is disposed in the receiving space.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the clamping assembly further includes a base plate that can serve as the mounting portion and a side plate disposed on the base plate; There are at least two side panels, and the preset receiving space is formed between adjacent side panels.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the clamping assembly further includes a limiting plate that can serve as the clamping part; The limiting plate is disposed at the end of one of the multiple side plates via a connector; A limiting space is formed between the opposing limiting plates, and the limiting space is used to clamp the test piece.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the connector is further described as a telescopic structure, which can change the size of the limiting space.

[0012] This application also provides a leakage detection system, including the above-described leakage detection components.

[0013] This application also provides a leakage detection method, based on the above-mentioned leakage detection component, comprising the following steps: Preparation steps: Prepare rubber cable, strain gauge and PLC controller; Winding steps: Place the strain gauge in the gap of the test piece, fix one end of the rubber wire to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge, and wind the other end around the gap of the test piece, terminating at the strain gauge with a preset preload. Testing steps: The signal output by the strain gauge is detected by the PLC controller. If the preset frequency signal can be detected, it indicates that the test piece is normal; if the preset frequency signal is not detected, it indicates that the test piece is leaking.

[0014] In the above technical solution, furthermore, an alarm step is added after the detection step: Connect the PLC controller to the alarm; When the PLC controller fails to detect the preset frequency signal, the alarm will issue an alarm signal.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application provides a leak detection assembly for detecting coolant leaks; it includes a rubber wire, a strain gauge, and a detection unit. The rubber line is made of a plasticizer; The strain gauge is disposed in the gap of the test piece and is electrically connected to the detection unit; One end of the rubber wire is fixed to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge, and the other end is wrapped around the gap of the test piece with a preset preload and terminates at the strain gauge.

[0016] In summary, when there is no coolant leakage, the rubber wire with a preset preload continuously applies tension to the strain gauge due to its elasticity. The strain gauge deforms under this tension, enabling it to output a stable preset frequency signal. When coolant leakage occurs, the rubber wire comes into contact with the dielectric coolant, reducing its tensile strength. Unable to withstand the preset preload, the rubber wire breaks naturally, and the strain gauge loses its tension, failing to output a stable preset frequency signal. In practical use, the preset frequency signal can be used to determine whether coolant is leaking.

[0017] This application also provides a leakage detection system, including the aforementioned leakage detection component. Therefore, all the beneficial technical effects of having the leakage detection component will not be elaborated further here.

[0018] This application also provides a leakage detection method, based on the above-mentioned leakage detection component, comprising the following steps: Preparation steps: Prepare rubber cable, strain gauge and PLC controller; Winding steps: Place the strain gauge in the gap of the test piece, fix one end of the rubber wire to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge, and wind the other end around the gap of the test piece, terminating at the strain gauge with a preset preload. Testing steps: The signal output by the strain gauge is detected by the PLC controller. If the preset frequency signal can be detected, it indicates that the test piece is normal; if the preset frequency signal is not detected, it indicates that the test piece is leaking.

[0019] Specifically, when there is no coolant leakage, the rubber wire with a preset preload continuously applies tension to the strain gauge due to its elasticity. The strain gauge deforms under this tension and outputs a stable preset frequency signal. When coolant leakage occurs, the rubber wire comes into contact with the dielectric coolant, reducing its tensile strength. Unable to withstand the preset preload, the rubber wire breaks naturally, and the strain gauge loses its tension, failing to output a stable preset frequency signal. In actual use, the preset frequency signal can be used to determine whether coolant is leaking. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the leakage detection component provided in Embodiment 1 of this application from a first-view perspective; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the leakage detection component provided in Embodiment 1 of this application from a second perspective. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component in the leakage detection assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0022] Figure label: 1-Pipeline; 2-Rubber line; 3-Strain gauge; 4-Clamping assembly; 5-Flange; 6-Preset receiving space; 7-Base plate; 8-Side plate; 9-Limiting plate; 10-Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather, changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application are possible, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted. The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. Throughout this specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on" another element, "connected to" another element, "bonded to" another element, "on" another element, or "covering" another element, it may be directly "on" another element, "connected to" another element, "bonded to" another element, "on" another element, or "covering" another element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" another element, "directly bonded to" another element, "directly on" another element, or "directly covering" another element, there may be no other elements in between. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the relevant items listed and any combination of any two or more of them. Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe individual components, assemblies, regions, layers, or portions, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or portions are not limited by these terms. More precisely, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part referred to as such in the examples may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part. For ease of description, spatial relational terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Such spatial relational terms are intended to include not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will subsequently be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element.

[0024] Therefore, the term "above" includes both "above" and "below" depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relational terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly. The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" enumerate the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. Variations in the shapes shown in the figures may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures but include changes in shape that occur during manufacturing. The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have a wide variety of constructions, other constructions are possible as will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0025] Example 1 Currently, the coolant used in server immersion cooling devices is a dielectric liquid, which has good insulation properties. When leakage occurs, leakage detection methods based on the conductivity of non-dielectric liquids (such as water) cannot be used. To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this embodiment provides a leakage detection component.

[0026] Combination Figures 1-4 As shown, the leakage detection assembly provided in this embodiment includes a rubber wire 2, a strain gauge 3, and a detection unit; Among them, the rubber line 2 is made of plasticizer. Plasticizer is a polymer material additive and a material with the same properties as coolant (coolant is dielectric liquid and non-polar, and plasticizer is also non-polar). When the rubber line 2 made of plasticizer comes into contact with dielectric coolant, a similar compatibility phenomenon will occur. That is, during the contact process, due to molecular movement, the plasticizer in the rubber line 2 will gradually precipitate into the coolant. The rubber line 2 loses plasticizer and its elasticity decreases, and its tensile strength will decrease.

[0027] In this embodiment, the strain gauge 3 is installed at the gap of the test piece and is electrically connected to the detection unit. Taking the test piece as a flange 5, the two pipes 1 are connected by the flange 5. There will be a gap at the connection of the two pipes 1 and the strain gauge 3 is installed at the gap and is electrically connected to the detection unit.

[0028] One end of the rubber wire 2 is fixed to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge 3, and the other end is wrapped around the flange 5 with a preset preload and terminates at the strain gauge 3.

[0029] In summary, when there is no coolant leakage, the rubber wire 2 with its preset preload continuously applies tension to the strain gauge 3 due to its elasticity. The strain gauge 3 deforms under tension and outputs a stable preset frequency signal, which the detection unit can detect. When coolant leakage occurs, the rubber wire 2 comes into contact with the dielectric coolant, reducing its tensile strength and causing it to break naturally due to the inability to resist the preset preload. The strain gauge 3 loses its tension and can no longer output a stable preset frequency signal, which the detection unit cannot detect. In actual use, the preset frequency signal can be used to determine whether there is a coolant leak.

[0030] In addition, once the coolant leak is repaired, rubber line 2 can be easily replaced at a low cost. It is worth noting that this application is not only applicable to flange 5, but also to pipe joints, pipe welds, valves, liquid pumps, and other locations.

[0031] In this embodiment, the detection unit is a PLC controller; the PLC controller is electrically connected to the strain gauge 3; when the rubber line 2 is wrapped around the flange 5 with a preset preload, the PLC controller can receive a preset frequency signal through the strain gauge 3.

[0032] In this embodiment, the leakage detection component also includes an alarm; the alarm is communicatively connected to the PLC controller.

[0033] In actual use, when the PLC controller fails to detect the preset frequency signal, the alarm can issue an alarm signal, and the operator can take timely action to deal with the leakage based on the alarm signal.

[0034] In this embodiment, the leakage detection assembly further includes a clamping assembly 4; the clamping assembly 4 has a clamping part and a mounting part connected together; the clamping part can clamp onto the flange 5; the mounting part has a preset receiving space 6, and the strain gauge 3 is disposed in the preset receiving space 6.

[0035] Specifically, the clamping assembly 4 includes a base plate 7 that can serve as a mounting part and a side plate 8 disposed on the base plate 7; There are two side plates 8, which are arranged opposite each other on the base plate 7 and form a preset support space 6 between them.

[0036] Specifically, considering that the flange 5 is circular, in order to ensure that the base plate 7 fits the flange 5, the base plate 7 is set to have an arc structure that is compatible with the flange 5.

[0037] In this embodiment, the clamping assembly 4 includes a limiting plate 9 that can serve as a clamping part; the limiting plate 9 is respectively disposed on the opposite side of the two side plates 8 via a connector 10.

[0038] A limiting space is formed between the two limiting plates 9, and the limiting space is used to clamp the part to be tested.

[0039] Specifically, connector 10 is a connecting post.

[0040] More specifically, considering the different thicknesses of flanges 5, in order to ensure that the limiting plate 9 can clamp flanges 5 of different thicknesses and models, the connecting column connector 10 is a telescopic structure so as to change the size of the limiting space and thus be able to clamp flanges 5 of different thicknesses.

[0041] Example 2 This application also provides a leakage detection system, including the aforementioned leakage detection component. Therefore, all the beneficial technical effects of having the leakage detection component will not be elaborated further here.

[0042] Example 3 This embodiment provides a leakage detection method based on a leakage detection component, including the following steps: Preparation steps: Prepare rubber cable 2, strain gauge 3, and PLC controller; Winding steps: Place the strain gauge 3 in the gap of the flange 5, fix one end of the rubber line 2 to the end of the flange 5 near the strain gauge 3, and wind the other end around the gap of the flange 5, and terminate at the strain gauge 3 with a preset pre-tightening force. Testing steps: The signal output by strain gauge 3 is detected by the PLC controller. If the preset frequency signal can be detected, it indicates that the test piece is normal; if the preset frequency signal is not detected, it indicates that the test piece is leaking liquid.

[0043] Furthermore, there is an alarm step following the detection step: Connect the PLC controller to the alarm; When the PLC controller fails to detect the preset frequency signal, the alarm will issue an alarm signal.

[0044] In summary, when there is no coolant leakage, the rubber wire 2 with its preset preload continuously applies tension to the strain gauge 3 due to its elasticity. The strain gauge 3 deforms under tension and outputs a stable preset frequency signal, which the detection unit can detect. When coolant leakage occurs, the rubber wire 2 comes into contact with the dielectric coolant, reducing its tensile strength and causing it to break naturally due to the inability to resist the preset preload. The strain gauge 3 loses its tension and can no longer output a stable preset frequency signal, which the detection unit cannot detect. In actual use, the preset frequency signal can be used to determine whether there is a coolant leak.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A leakage detection assembly for detecting coolant leakage; wherein the coolant is a non-polar liquid; characterized in that, Includes rubber wire, strain gauge, and detection unit; The rubber line is made of a plasticizer; The strain gauge is disposed in the gap of the test piece and is electrically connected to the detection unit; One end of the rubber wire is fixed to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge, and the other end is wrapped around the gap of the test piece with a preset pre-tightening force and terminates at the strain gauge. The detection unit is a PLC controller; The PLC controller is electrically connected to the strain gauge. When the rubber line is wrapped around the gap of the test piece with the preset preload force, the PLC controller can receive a preset frequency signal through the strain gauge; The leakage detection component also includes an alarm; The alarm is communicatively connected to the PLC controller; When the PLC controller does not detect the preset frequency signal, the alarm can issue an alarm signal; The leakage detection component also includes a clamping component; The clamping assembly has a connected clamping part and a mounting part; The clamping part can clamp the test piece; The mounting portion has a preset receiving space, and the strain gauge is disposed in the preset receiving space; The clamping assembly includes a base plate that can serve as the mounting portion and a side plate disposed on the base plate; There are at least two side panels, and the preset support space is formed between adjacent side panels; The clamping assembly includes a limiting plate that can serve as the clamping part; The limiting plate is disposed at the end of one of the multiple side plates via a connector; A limiting space is formed between the opposing limiting plates, and the limiting space is used to clamp the test piece; The connector is a telescopic structure, which can change the size of the limiting space.

2. A leakage detection system, characterized in that, Includes the leakage detection component as described in claim 1.

3. A method for detecting leakage, based on the leakage detection component of claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Preparation steps: Prepare rubber cable, strain gauge and PLC controller; Winding steps: Place the strain gauge in the gap of the test piece, fix one end of the rubber wire to the end of the test piece near the strain gauge, and wind the other end around the gap of the test piece, terminating at the strain gauge with a preset preload. Testing steps: The signal output by the strain gauge is detected by the PLC controller. If the preset frequency signal can be detected, it indicates that the test piece is normal; if the preset frequency signal is not detected, it indicates that the test piece is leaking.

4. The leakage detection method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Following the detection step is an alarm step: Connect the PLC controller to the alarm; When the PLC controller fails to detect the preset frequency signal, the alarm will issue an alarm signal.

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