Device for detecting helium leakage by using magnetic fluid

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of helium leakage detection, and particularly relates to a device for detecting helium leakage by using magnetic fluid, an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall are connected between a first ring structure and a second ring structure, and the outer ring wall is coaxially arranged outside the inner ring wall; the electromagnetic field generator is arranged in a first cavity between the outer ring wall and the inner ring wall; the magnetic induction sensor is arranged in the first cavity, or the electromagnetic field generator is arranged on the inner wall of the inner ring wall; when the device for detecting helium leakage through the magnetic fluid is arranged on a helium conveying pipeline, a second cavity formed by the inner ring wall, the helium conveying pipeline, the first annular structure and the second annular structure communicates with a storage cavity in the first annular structure through a first electromagnetic valve arranged on the first annular structure; the second cavity is communicated with a recovery cavity in the second annular structure through a second electromagnetic valve arranged on the second annular structure; the helium leakage detector can realize helium leakage detection in a non-vacuum environment, and has the advantages of being convenient to carry and reducing the helium detection difficulty and cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of helium leak detection, specifically relating to a device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics. Background Technology

[0002] Helium, as an extremely important strategic resource, plays an irreplaceable role in high-tech fields such as aerospace and medicine. However, global helium reserves are limited, and the cost of mining and extraction is high. As an inert gas, helium has a strong escape capability, which means that helium leaks are inevitable when using helium transport pipelines, cylinders, and other containers for extended periods, leading to the waste of this valuable resource. Because helium is colorless and odorless, leaks are difficult to detect with the naked eye in their early stages, often only being discovered when the leak becomes severe, by which time a large amount of helium has already been lost. Therefore, regular leak detection of helium containers is an essential measure to ensure the safe storage and transportation of helium, avoid resource waste, and ensure the normal operation of related fields. Existing helium leak detection methods usually require complex vacuum equipment, which is cumbersome to operate and inconvenient to carry, limiting their application in various field detection environments. The complexity and inconvenience of traditional methods make early detection of helium leaks difficult, often only being discovered when significant damage has already occurred, making it impossible to take timely measures to reduce the waste of helium resources.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics. The device of the present invention can detect helium leaks in non-vacuum environments and has the advantages of being portable and reducing the difficulty and cost of helium detection.

[0005] This invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present invention provides a device for detecting helium leakage using magnetohydrodynamics, comprising a first annular structure, a second annular structure, an outer annular wall, an inner annular wall, an electromagnetic field generator, and a magnetic induction sensor. The outer annular wall and the inner annular wall are connected between the first annular structure and the second annular structure, and the outer annular wall is coaxially disposed outside the inner annular wall.

[0007] The electromagnetic field generator is disposed in the first cavity between the outer ring wall and the inner ring wall;

[0008] The magnetic induction sensor is disposed in the first cavity, or the magnetic induction sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the inner ring wall;

[0009] When the magnetohydrodynamic helium leak detection device is installed on the helium delivery pipeline: the second cavity formed by the inner ring wall, the helium delivery pipeline, the first annular structure, and the second annular structure is connected to the storage cavity in the first annular structure through the first solenoid valve installed on the first annular structure, and the second cavity is connected to the recovery cavity in the second annular structure through the second solenoid valve installed on the second annular structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the electromagnetic field generator is connected to the outer ring wall.

[0011] Furthermore, when the magnetic induction sensor is located in the first cavity, the magnetic induction sensor is connected to the inner ring wall.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an adjustment structure for expanding or contracting the inner ring wall, thereby increasing or decreasing the accommodating volume of the second cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, the adjustment structure includes an adjustment rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the outer ring wall, and the other end of which is threaded to the inner ring wall.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner ring wall is made of an elastic material, and a nut is provided on the inner ring wall that penetrates the inner ring wall. The nut is connected to the adjusting rod by a thread.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a terminal, which includes a data acquisition module for acquiring the magnetic field signal monitored by the magnetic induction sensor.

[0016] Furthermore, the terminal also includes:

[0017] The analysis module is used to analyze whether the magnetic field signal has changed;

[0018] An alarm module is used to issue an alarm based on the analysis results of the analysis module.

[0019] Furthermore, the terminal also includes:

[0020] The control module is used to control the direction of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator and to control the on / off state of the first and second solenoid valves.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a power supply for powering the electromagnetic field generator and the magnetic induction sensor.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] 1. The device of the present invention can detect helium leaks in non-vacuum environments, and has the advantages of being easy to carry and reducing the difficulty and cost of helium detection.

[0024] 2. The device of the present invention is made of simple materials, is lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to operate, making it suitable for various on-site testing environments.

[0025] 3. The inner ring wall of the present invention is made of an elastic material with high elasticity and high sealing performance. With the use of the adjustment structure, the volume of the second cavity can be adjusted, which can not only control the volume of the magnetic fluid entering the second cavity, but also improve the uniformity of the magnetic fluid adhering to the helium delivery pipeline.

[0026] 4. The device of the present invention can detect the leakage in the early stage of helium leakage and can detect the leakage quickly and accurately; thereby taking timely measures to reduce the waste of helium resources.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the BB direction;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetohydrodynamic device for detecting helium leaks in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] In the diagram, 10-first annular structure, 20-second annular structure, 30-outer annular wall, 40-inner annular wall, 50-electromagnetic field generator, 60-magnetic induction sensor, 70-first cavity, 80-second cavity, 90-first solenoid valve, 100-second solenoid valve, 110-adjusting rod, 120-terminal, 130-helium gas delivery pipeline, 140-magnetic fluid, 150-power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various features of the invention. The elements and arrangements described in the specific examples below are only for concise expression of the invention and are merely examples, not intended to limit the invention.

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] This embodiment provides a magnetohydrodynamic device for detecting helium leaks, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, it includes a first annular structure 10, a second annular structure 20, an outer ring wall 30, an inner ring wall 40, an electromagnetic field generator 50, and a magnetic induction sensor 60, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the outer ring wall 30 and the inner ring wall 40 are connected between the first ring structure 10 and the second ring structure 20, and the outer ring wall 30 is coaxially disposed outside the inner ring wall 40; wherein at least the axial ends of the outer ring wall 30 are fixedly connected to the first ring structure 10 and the second ring structure 20, and the axial ends of the inner ring wall 40 may abut against the first ring structure 10 and the second ring structure 20 or be fixedly connected.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the electromagnetic field generator 50 is disposed in the first cavity 70 between the outer ring wall 30 and the inner ring wall 40. The present invention does not limit the specific location and connection method of the electromagnetic field generator 50, as long as it is located in the first cavity 70, the purpose of the present invention can be achieved.

[0038] When the electromagnetic field generator 50 is powered on, it can generate a magnetic field. The direction of the generated magnetic field can be changed by changing the direction of the current. The electromagnetic field generator 50 is a mature product and will not be described in detail here.

[0039] Although the present invention does not limit the position of the electromagnetic field generator 50 within the first cavity 70, in order to avoid the disturbance generated by the electromagnetic field generator 50 affecting the detection of the magnetic induction sensor 60, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the preferred electromagnetic field generator 50 is connected to the outer ring wall 30.

[0040] Figure 2The image shows three electromagnetic field generators 50 arranged in a row along the axial direction. Figure 3 The diagram shows 16 electromagnetic field generators arranged in a radial circle, with 50 units forming one circle. Figure 2 , Figure 3 This is merely an illustrative example and does not imply any limitation on the invention. Of course, based on the accompanying drawings, it is clear that multiple electromagnetic field generators 50 are arranged in a regular pattern, which has the advantage of improving detection accuracy.

[0041] like Figure 2 The magnetic induction sensor 60 shown is disposed within the first cavity 70; it should be understood that the specific location of the magnetic induction sensor 60 is not limited by the present invention, as long as it is located within the first cavity 70. Figure 4 As shown, the electromagnetic field sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the inner ring wall 40. Disposing the magnetic induction sensor 60 on the inner wall of the inner ring wall 40 shortens the distance between the magnetic induction sensor 60 and the helium delivery pipe 130, thus improving the detection effect; however, the magnetic induction sensor 60 requires a connecting wire, so placing the magnetic induction sensor 60 inside the first cavity 70 simplifies the structure.

[0042] The magnetic induction sensor 60 can detect magnetic field signals, and existing magnetic induction sensors 60 can all be applied to this invention. Preferably, the magnetic induction sensor 60 is a giant magnetoresistive sensor, which can capture changes in magnetic field strength at the nanotesla level, such as helium leakage of 10⁻⁷ Pa·m. 3 The device can capture magnetic field changes as small as / s, indicating that it can detect magnetic field changes even in the early stages of a leak when the leakage is small. Therefore, the device can detect the leak in the early stages of a helium leak and can detect the leak quickly and accurately, thereby taking timely measures to reduce the waste of helium resources.

[0043] To improve detection efficiency and simplify the structure, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, when the preferred magnetic induction sensor 60 is located in the first cavity 70, the magnetic induction sensor 60 is connected to the inner ring wall 40.

[0044] Figure 2 The image shows three magnetic induction sensors 60 arranged in a row along the axial direction. Figure 3 The diagram shows 24 magnetic induction sensors arranged in a radial circle, with 60 sensors forming one circle. Figure 2 , Figure 3 This is merely an illustrative example and does not imply any limitation on the invention. Of course, based on the accompanying drawings, it is clear that multiple magnetic induction sensors 60 are arranged in a regular pattern, which has the advantage of improving detection accuracy.

[0045] When the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) helium leak detection device is installed on the helium delivery pipeline 130: the first annular structure 10 and the second annular structure 20 are connected to the helium delivery pipeline 130, forming a second cavity 80 with the inner annular wall 40, the helium delivery pipeline 130, the first annular structure 10, and the second annular structure 20. The second cavity 80 is connected to the storage chamber within the first annular structure 10 via a first solenoid valve 90 installed on the first annular structure 10, and the second cavity 80 is connected to the recovery chamber within the second annular structure 20 via a second solenoid valve 100 installed on the second annular structure 20. Before detection, the storage chamber contains magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid 140. When detection is required, the MHD fluid 140 is introduced into the second cavity 80. After detection is no longer required, the MHD fluid 140 is recovered in the recovery chamber.

[0046] The connection between the first annular structure 10 and the second annular structure 20 and the helium delivery pipeline 130 includes an interference fit, which serves to fix and seal the gas. In order to further improve its sealing performance, the inner ring of the first annular structure 10 and the inner ring of the second annular structure 20 are provided with sealing rings for tightly fitting the helium delivery pipeline 130.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the first solenoid valve 90 is disposed near the helium delivery pipeline 130, and the second solenoid valve 100 is disposed near the helium delivery pipeline 130. To further improve the uniformity of the magnetofluid 140 attached to the helium delivery pipeline 130, preferably, multiple first solenoid valves 90 are disposed, and the multiple first solenoid valves 90 are evenly arranged around the pipeline; multiple second solenoid valves are disposed, and multiple second solenoid valves 100 are evenly arranged around the pipeline.

[0048] Before testing, the storage cavity of the first annular structure 10 stores magnetic fluid 140. The method of storing magnetic fluid 140 in the first annular structure 10 includes: (1) setting magnetic fluid 140 in the storage cavity of the first annular structure 10 during the production process of the device; (2) before use, by controlling the opening of the first solenoid valve 90 on the first annular structure 10, magnetic fluid 140 is introduced. At this time, the introduction of magnetic fluid 140 does not require the action of a magnetic field, and can be achieved by the gravity of magnetic fluid 140 itself.

[0049] During testing, the device of the present invention is installed on the helium delivery pipeline 130, the first solenoid valve 90 is opened, and the magnetofluid 140 in the storage cavity of the first annular structure 10 is subjected to the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator 50 (e.g., Figure 2As shown, the electromagnetic field generator 50 generates an electromagnetic field that causes the magnetofluid 140 to move from left to right. The magnetofluid 140 enters the second cavity 80 from the storage cavity. When the volume of the magnetofluid 140 entering the second cavity 80 meets the detection requirements, the current direction of the electromagnetic field generator 50 is changed, causing the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator 50 to change (towards the helium gas delivery pipe 130). Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic field directed towards the helium delivery pipe 130 causes the magnetofluid 140 to cover the helium delivery pipe 130. When a helium leak occurs in the helium delivery pipe 130, the magnetofluid 140 flows, causing a disturbance in the magnetic field. This leads to a change in the magnetic field, which is detected by the magnetic induction sensor 60, indicating that a leak has occurred.

[0050] In this process, the present invention does not limit the volume and uniformity of the magnetic fluid 140, but the volume of the magnetic fluid 140 needs to be smaller than the capacity of the second cavity 80 during detection, and space needs to be provided for helium leakage. Therefore, with the capacity of the second cavity 80 remaining constant, the magnetic fluid 140 introduced can only be controlled to prevent it from completely filling the second cavity 80. This results in the defects of non-uniformity of the magnetic fluid 140 and difficulty in controlling its volume.

[0051] Therefore, in some embodiments, an adjustment structure is also included, which is used to expand or contract the inner annular wall 40, thereby increasing or decreasing the accommodating volume of the second cavity 80. This allows for changing the accommodating volume of the second cavity 80; specifically, such as... Figure 2 As shown, firstly, the inner ring wall 40 is adjusted so that the volume of the second cavity 80 is exactly equal to the required volume of the magnetic fluid 140. Under the action of the magnetic field, the magnetic fluid 140 fills the second cavity 80. The direction of the magnetic field is changed so that the magnetic fluid 140 covers the helium delivery pipe 130. Then, the inner ring wall 40 is adjusted (so that the inner ring wall 40 expands in the direction away from the helium delivery pipe 130) to increase the volume of the second cavity 80, so that the second cavity 80 has space for helium to leak.

[0052] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific structure of the adjustment structure, and any existing structure capable of achieving this function should be within the scope of protection of the present invention. Preferably, in some embodiments, the adjustment structure includes an adjustment rod 110, one end of which is rotatably connected to the outer ring wall 30, and the other end of which is threaded to the inner ring wall 40. Driving the adjustment rod 110 to rotate causes the inner ring wall 40 to expand or contract. The rotation of the adjustment rod 110 can be driven by a motor.

[0053] To ensure the inner ring wall 40 has good expansion and contraction capabilities, and to ensure good sealing between the inner ring wall 40 and the first annular structure 10 and the second annular structure 20, in some embodiments, the inner ring wall 40 is made of an elastic material, and a nut is provided on the elastic material inner ring wall 40, penetrating the inner ring wall 40. That is, when the nut is connected to the adjusting rod 110, the nut can connect the first cavity 70 and the second cavity 80, and the nut is threadedly connected to the adjusting rod 110. Preferably, the adjusting rod 110 is a lead screw.

[0054] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 The number of adjusting rods 110 described herein is not consistent; the number shown in the illustrations is merely exemplary and does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Preferably, as... Figure 2 As shown, multiple adjusting rods 110 are provided, and the multiple adjusting rods 110 are arranged in three circles around the inner ring wall 40; as Figure 3 As shown, 12 adjusting rods 110 are set in each circle.

[0055] To achieve automated detection, in some embodiments, a terminal 120 is also included, which includes a data acquisition module for acquiring the magnetic field signal monitored by the magnetic induction sensor 60.

[0056] If multiple giant magnetoresistive sensors are set up, each giant magnetoresistive sensor is assigned a unique number; when the terminal 120 receives the magnetic field signal, it also receives the signal according to the corresponding number; the location of the helium leak in the helium delivery pipeline 130 can be obtained more accurately and quickly based on the number.

[0057] To reduce manual labor intensity, in some embodiments, the terminal 120 further includes:

[0058] The analysis module is used to analyze whether the magnetic field signal has changed;

[0059] An alarm module is used to issue an alarm based on the analysis results of the analysis module. If the analysis result shows a change in the magnetic field signal, the alarm module will sound an alarm; if the analysis result shows no change in the magnetic field signal, the alarm module will not sound an alarm.

[0060] To facilitate control of the electromagnetic field generator 50, the first solenoid valve 90, and the second solenoid valve 100, in some embodiments, the terminal 120 further includes a control module for controlling the direction of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator 50 and for controlling the on / off state of the first solenoid valve 90 and the second solenoid valve 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, a power supply 150 is also included, which supplies power to the electromagnetic field generator 50 and the magnetic induction sensor 60. It should be noted that the device of the present invention may not require a power supply 150; an external power supply 150 can be connected during use.

[0062] This embodiment also provides a method for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics, including the aforementioned apparatus, the method comprising the following steps:

[0063] Step S1: Power supply 150 is turned on to supply power to electromagnetic field generator 50 and magnetic induction sensor 60. Electromagnetic field generator 50 forms a magnetic field in the direction from the first ring structure 10 to the second ring structure 20.

[0064] Step S2: Open the first solenoid valve 90, and the magnetic fluid 140 enters the second cavity 80 under the action of the magnetic field and fills the second cavity 80; control the electromagnetic field generator 50 to form a magnetic field toward the helium gas delivery pipeline 130, so that the magnetic fluid 140 covers the helium gas delivery pipeline.

[0065] Step S3: After the magnetic fluid 140 has been covered, the first solenoid valve 90 is closed, the control rod 110 is rotated, and the inner ring wall 40 is expanded outward. The magnetic induction sensor 60 monitors the magnetic field change in real time and sends the magnetic field information to the terminal 120.

[0066] Step S4: After the detection is completed, the second solenoid valve 100 is opened, and the electromagnetic field generator 50 generates a magnetic field in the direction from the first annular structure 10 to the second annular structure 20, causing the magnetofluid 140 to flow into the recovery chamber. This achieves multiple recovery and efficient utilization of the magnetofluid 140.

[0067] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0068] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of multiple components or the interaction between multiple components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0069] Although the present invention 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 of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics, characterized in that, It includes a first ring structure (10), a second ring structure (20), an outer ring wall (30), an inner ring wall (40), an electromagnetic field generator (50), and a magnetic induction sensor (60). The first ring structure (10) and the second ring structure (20) are connected by the outer ring wall (30) and the inner ring wall (40), and the outer ring wall (30) is coaxially disposed outside the inner ring wall (40). The electromagnetic field generator (50) is disposed in the first cavity (70) between the outer ring wall (30) and the inner ring wall (40); The magnetic induction sensor (60) is disposed in the first cavity (70), or the magnetic induction sensor (60) is disposed on the inner wall of the inner ring wall (40); When the magnetohydrodynamic helium leak detection device is installed on the helium delivery pipeline (130): the second cavity (80) formed by the inner ring wall (40), the helium delivery pipeline (130), the first annular structure (10) and the second annular structure (20) is connected to the storage cavity in the first annular structure (10) through the first solenoid valve (90) installed on the first annular structure (10), and the second cavity (80) is connected to the recovery cavity in the second annular structure (20) through the second solenoid valve (100) installed on the second annular structure (20).

2. The device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic field generator (50) is connected to the outer ring wall (30).

3. The device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the magnetic induction sensor (60) is located in the first cavity (70), the magnetic induction sensor (60) is connected to the inner ring wall (40).

4. A device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes an adjustment structure for expanding or contracting the inner ring wall (40) to increase or decrease the accommodating volume of the second cavity (80).

5. The device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjustment structure includes an adjustment rod (110), one end of which is rotatably connected to the outer ring wall (30), and the other end of which is threaded to the inner ring wall (40).

6. The apparatus for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner ring wall (40) is made of elastic material, and a nut is provided on the inner ring wall (40) through the inner ring wall (40). The nut is connected to the adjusting rod (110) by a thread.

7. The device for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a terminal (120), which includes a data acquisition module for acquiring the magnetic field signal monitored by the magnetic induction sensor (60).

8. The apparatus for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 7, characterized in that, The terminal (120) also includes: The analysis module is used to analyze whether the magnetic field signal has changed; An alarm module is used to issue an alarm based on the analysis results of the analysis module.

9. The apparatus for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 8, characterized in that, The terminal (120) also includes: The control module is used to control the direction of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator (50) and to control the on / off state of the first solenoid valve (90) and the second solenoid valve (100).

10. The apparatus for detecting helium leaks using magnetohydrodynamics according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply (150) for supplying power to the electromagnetic field generator (50) and the magnetic induction sensor (60).

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