Liquid leakage detection device for liquid cooling pipe of server

Abstract

The invention discloses a server liquid cooling pipe liquid leakage detection device, and relates to the technical field of liquid cooling pipe liquid leakage detection, the server liquid cooling pipe liquid leakage detection device comprises a plurality of server liquid cooling pipelines, adjacent server liquid cooling pipelines are connected through joints, and the outer wall of each server liquid cooling pipeline is provided with a plurality of capillary guide grooves; the flow guide sheathing canal is sleeved on the server liquid cooling pipeline and is connected with the joint; a plurality of wave-shaped supporting strips along the axis direction are arranged in an annular channel formed between the flow guide sheathing canal and the liquid cooling pipeline; the capillary guide groove is used for capturing and guiding leaked liquid and is matched with the micro groove and the hydrophilic layer for guiding, capillary driving force pointing to the direction of the gentle slope can be generated, the liquid is actively driven to flow towards the direction of the detection cavity, and the liquid actively flows to a detected position to be detected. The detection cavity is used for monitoring whether the media collected from the annular channels are gas or liquid in real time, and the problem that the cost is increased due to multi-point detection is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid cooling pipe leakage detection technology, and in particular to a server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device. Background Technology

[0002] The increasing demand for high-performance computing places ever-higher demands on server cooling. Efficient heat dissipation is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of servers and the entire data center. Liquid cooling is widely used. Due to the increasing data demands and the continuous expansion of server clusters, more liquid cooling pipes are needed in server clusters to achieve rapid cooling. However, the increased number of liquid cooling pipes also increases the possibility of cracking or leakage.

[0003] Currently, leak detection solutions for pipelines with small outer diameters, complex structures, and used in complex working conditions are still in an immature state. This is not only because the materials and structures of the pipelines are complex and diverse, but also because the types of liquids flowing in the pipelines are also diverse, which brings great difficulty and challenges to the development of detection performance and reliability.

[0004] The mainstream method for detecting leaks is to collect the leaked liquid using a collection tray or drip tray, and then determine whether there is a leak by detecting whether there is liquid in the collection tray or drip tray. For example, the following patent documents are all used for detecting leaks. Chinese patent publications, namely "CN105988138A" entitled "Weak Acid Solution Leakage Sensing Device" and "CN202613059U" entitled "A Leakage Detection Line with Sheath," disclose that leakage detection ropes or belts are mainly used for detection in large planar spaces, such as the ground, the bottom of equipment, and along underground pipelines. The principle is that when liquid leaks and comes into contact with the water-soaked rope, the impedance or capacitance of the sensing cable changes.

[0005] The response lag and risk of missed detection stem from passive, waiting-based detection. An alarm is only triggered when leaking droplets spread, drip, and accumulate enough to contact the sensor. For initial micro-seepage, leaks with off-direction spray, or leaks affected by airflow, the response time can be several minutes or even longer, posing a serious risk of missed detection or delay. Sensors are typically deployed in areas, and the alarm only indicates a general area. Maintenance personnel must perform tedious manual troubleshooting. Circuit signals are susceptible to changes in environmental humidity, electromagnetic interference, dust contamination, and other factors, potentially leading to false alarms and reducing system reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device, which features capillary guide channels for capturing and guiding leaking liquid. Combined with microgrooves and a hydrophilic layer for guidance, this generates a capillary driving force pointing towards a gentle slope, actively driving the liquid to flow towards the detection chamber. The liquid actively flows to the detection location for detection. The detection chamber is used to monitor in real time whether the medium collected from each annular channel is gas or liquid, avoiding the cost increase caused by multi-point detection.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device, comprising: The server liquid cooling pipes are multiple in number and are connected to each other via joints. Several capillary grooves are formed on the outer wall of the server liquid cooling pipes. Several of the aforementioned server liquid cooling pipes are assembled to form a single liquid cooling pipe, with both ends of the liquid cooling pipe connected to the server. Solenoid valves are installed at both ends of the liquid cooling pipe. A flow guide sheath is fitted onto the server liquid cooling pipe and connected to a connector. Several corrugated support bars along the axial direction are provided in the annular channel formed between the flow guide sheath and the liquid cooling pipe. The crests of the corrugated support bars are fixed to the flow guide sheath and the liquid cooling pipe respectively. A capillary tube is connected to the outside of the flow guide sheath. Several capillary tubes are connected to the detection chamber. The detection chamber is connected to the annular channel through the capillary tube. The detection chamber contains built-in sensors to collect pressure and liquid data within the annular channel and capillary tube, which are then uploaded to the processor. The processor controls the solenoid valve to open or close.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the capillary guide groove is an axial groove formed on the outer surface of the server liquid cooling pipe, and the width of the capillary guide groove is 0.5mm-2.0mm and the depth is 0.3mm-1.0mm.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the inner wall of the capillary guide groove 11 is provided with a plurality of axially extending microgrooves, the width of which is 10μm to 50μm and the depth of which is 10μm to 100μm.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the inner wall of the capillary guide groove 11, including the microgrooves, is provided with a hydrophilic treatment layer, and the contact angle between the hydrophilic treatment layer and the coolant is less than 10°.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the microgrooves are periodically arranged wedge-shaped or sawtooth-shaped grooves, wherein the asymmetrical geometry of the wedge-shaped or sawtooth-shaped grooves is oriented, with the steep slope of the microgrooves facing away from the liquid collection cavity and the gentle slope facing towards the detection cavity.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the width of the waveform support strip is greater than the width of the capillary guide groove, the width of the waveform support strip is 2.0mm-3mm, and the diameter of the capillary is 2mm-10mm.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the connector includes a body, a quick-release base, and a positioning base. The two ports of the body are inserted into the server liquid cooling pipes. The quick-release base and the positioning base are fixed on the body, and a pressure sensor is installed on the positioning base.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the two ends of the flow guide sheath are fixed with an assembly positioning component. The assembly positioning component includes a quick-release head and a positioning ring seat. The flow guide sheath and the positioning ring seat are connected. The quick-release head is disposed on the inner wall of the positioning ring seat. The quick-release head and the quick-release seat are threadedly connected. The positioning ring seat is located outside the pressure sensor of the positioning seat.

[0015] As an optional implementation, the positioning ring seat is hollow inside, and a guide tube facing the pressure sensor is fixed on the inner wall of the positioning ring seat. The guide tube communicates with the interior of the positioning ring seat, and a push rod is provided inside the guide tube.

[0016] As an optional implementation, the detection chamber is provided with a balancing device, which includes a pressure relief pipe, a storage box, and absorbent cotton. The two ends of the pressure relief pipe are connected to the detection chamber and the storage box, respectively, and the storage box is filled with absorbent cotton.

[0017] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. The capillary guide groove is designed to capture and guide the leaking liquid. Together with the microgroove and hydrophilic layer for guidance, it generates a capillary driving force pointing in the direction of the gentle slope, thereby acting as a micro pump to actively drive the liquid to flow towards the detection chamber, allowing the liquid to actively flow to the detection location for detection.

[0018] 2. The corrugated support bar has a continuous wave shape and elastic expansion and contraction in the axial direction, providing more uniform radial support and avoiding local stress on the liquid cooling pipe. When the server liquid cooling pipe is bent, the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel of the corrugated support bar remains unobstructed, effectively avoiding the problem of flow channel blockage caused by bending.

[0019] 3. The detection chamber serves as a centralized node for collecting and sensing leak signals. It is equipped with pressure sensors and / or liquid sensors to monitor in real time whether the medium flowing from each annular channel is gas or liquid. Through a flow guiding structure pre-installed around potential leak points, the leaked coolant is guided to a unified detection chamber, avoiding the cost increase caused by multi-point detection. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a diagram of the server liquid cooling pipeline of the present invention within the server structure. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the connection of multiple server liquid cooling pipes according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the server liquid cooling pipe and flow guide sheath of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the server liquid cooling pipe and flow guide sheath of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector, server liquid cooling pipe, and flow guide sheath of the present invention; Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged view of B; Figure 8 This is a connection diagram of the balancing device and the detection chamber of the present invention.

[0021] In the picture: 1. Server liquid cooling pipes; 11. Capillary guide grooves; 2. Connectors; 21. Body; 22. Quick-release base; 23. Positioning base; 3. Assembly positioning components; 31. Quick-release head; 32. Positioning ring base; 4. Flow guide sheath; 41. Waveform support bar; 5. Capillary tube; 6. Detection chamber; 7. Balancing device; 71. Pressure relief pipe; 72. Storage box. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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, and 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.

[0023] See Figures 1-8 A server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device, comprising: The server liquid cooling pipe 1 has multiple pipes, and adjacent server liquid cooling pipes 1 are connected by connectors 2. At least one capillary guide groove 11 is machined on the outer wall of the server liquid cooling pipe 1. When a leak occurs in the server liquid cooling pipe 1, the leak point is always on the server liquid cooling pipe 1, and the capillary guide 11 is installed on the server liquid cooling pipe 1. Once the leaking liquid seeps out, it will first come into contact with and seep into the nearest capillary guide 11, where it will be captured and guided.

[0024] Preferably, the capillary guide groove 11 is an axial groove formed on the outer surface of the server liquid cooling pipe 1. Its cross-section is preferably an arc-shaped or trapezoidal groove. The groove itself is a natural liquid collection and guiding channel, which can better protect the capillary path from mechanical wear and has a more mature manufacturing process. The width of the capillary guide groove 11 is 0.5mm-2.0mm and the depth is 0.3mm-1.0mm. When the width of the capillary guide groove 11 is less than 0.5mm, it is easily blocked by processing impurities and has poor initial droplet capture ability. If the width of the capillary guide groove 11 is greater than 2.0mm, the capillary driving force is significantly weakened. The depth and width are kept in a 1:1 ratio. Therefore, the size of the capillary guide groove 11 ensures that the maximum effective flow guiding cross-sectional area and stable capillary curved liquid surface are obtained in a limited space.

[0025] The inner wall of the capillary guide groove 11 is provided with a number of microgrooves extending along the axial direction. The width of the microgrooves is 10μm to 50μm and the depth is 10μm to 100μm.

[0026] The inner wall of the capillary guide groove 11, including the microgrooves, is provided with a hydrophilic treatment layer. The contact angle between the hydrophilic treatment layer and the coolant is less than 10°. The hydrophilic treatment layer is formed by chemical vapor deposition or coating with a superhydrophilic coating. The contact angle of the coolant used in the hydrophilic treatment layer is less than 10°, or even reaches a superhydrophilic state. This superhydrophilic property, combined with the microgroove structure, can generate extremely strong capillary force, ensuring that even microliter-level leaking droplets can be instantly captured and driven.

[0027] The microgrooves are periodically arranged wedge-shaped or serrated grooves, in which the asymmetrical geometry of the wedge-shaped or serrated grooves is oriented. The steep slopes of the microgrooves face away from the liquid collection cavity, and these wedge-shaped or serrated grooves are directional. The gentle slope of each wedge unit faces the preset detection cavity 6, while the steep slope faces away from the detection cavity 6. This asymmetrical structure breaks the flow equilibrium of the liquid at the microscale. According to the Laplace pressure gradient and the contact line pinning effect, a capillary driving force pointing towards the gentle slope is generated, thus acting as a micro-pump, actively driving the liquid to flow towards the detection cavity 6.

[0028] The flow guide sheath 4 is fitted onto the server liquid cooling pipe 1 and connected to the connector 2. Several corrugated support bars 41 are provided in the annular channel formed between the flow guide sheath 4 and the liquid cooling pipe 1 along the axial direction. The crests of the corrugated support bars 41 are fixed to the flow guide sheath 4 and the liquid cooling pipe 1 respectively. The corrugated support bars 41 are in a continuous wave shape. The crests of the corrugated support bars 41 are fixed to the inner wall of the flow guide sheath 4 and the outer wall of the server liquid cooling pipe 1 respectively by hot melting, gluing or integral injection molding. The corrugated design of the corrugated support bars 41 gives it elastic expansion and contraction in the axial direction, and the crests and troughs of adjacent corrugated support bars 41 can be staggered in the axial direction.

[0029] The corrugated support bar 41 is also used to support and maintain the annular space between the flow guide sheath 4 and the inner tube, providing more uniform radial support, avoiding local stress on the liquid cooling pipe, and forming a stable annular channel. Secondly, the corrugated structure can adapt to the inevitable bending during the installation of the server liquid cooling pipe 1. When the server liquid cooling pipe 1 bends, the inner corrugated support bar 41 is compressed and the outer corrugated support bar 41 is stretched. However, relying on its elastic deformation, the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel always remains unobstructed, effectively avoiding the problem of flow channel blockage caused by bending.

[0030] The width of the corrugated support bar 41 is greater than the width of the capillary guide groove 11. The width of the corrugated support bar 41 is 2.0mm-3mm, and the diameter of the capillary tube 5 is 2mm-10mm. This ensures that after assembly, the corrugated support bar 41 cannot be embedded in the capillary guide groove 11, thereby preventing the capillary guide groove 11 from becoming blocked and making the capillary guide groove 11 an independent channel.

[0031] The external of the flow sheath 4 is connected to a capillary tube 5. Several capillary tubes 5 are connected to the detection chamber 6. The detection chamber 6 is connected to the annular channel through the capillary tubes 5. Several server liquid cooling pipes 1 are assembled to form a liquid cooling pipe. The two ends of the liquid cooling pipe are connected to the server. Solenoid valves are installed on both ends of the liquid cooling pipe. The detection chamber 6 has built-in sensors to collect pressure and liquid data in the annular channel and capillary tube 5, and upload the data to the processor. The processor controls the solenoid valve to open or close. The detection chamber 6 serves as a centralized leakage signal collection and sensing node. It is equipped with pressure sensors and / or liquid sensors to monitor in real time whether the medium coming from each annular channel is gas or liquid, and to monitor pressure changes. The signal lines from these sensors are collected and connected to the system processor.

[0032] In cases of significant leakage, sufficient liquid flows into detection chamber 6. The sensor in chamber 6 detects the liquid and activates the solenoid valves at both ends of the liquid-cooling pipe, thus sealing the leak and providing an alert. In cases of minor leakage, the amount of liquid is too small to flow into detection chamber 6 quickly enough for the sensor to detect it and issue an immediate alert. In such cases, a pressure sensor is used. As the leaking liquid flows into the annular channel, it causes a change in pressure within the chamber where the pressure sensor is located. This pressure change triggers detection. Multiple detection methods are used simultaneously to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the data.

[0033] The connector 2 includes a body 21, a quick-release base 22, and a positioning base 23. The two ports of the body 21 are inserted into the server liquid cooling pipe 1. The quick-release base 22 and the positioning base 23 are fixed on the body 21. A pressure sensor is installed on the positioning base 23.

[0034] The two ends of the flow guide sheath 4 are fixed with the assembly positioning component 3. The assembly positioning component 3 includes a quick release head 31 and a positioning ring seat 32. The flow guide sheath 4 and the positioning ring seat 32 are connected. The quick release head 31 is set on the inner wall of the positioning ring seat 32. The quick release head 31 and the quick release seat 22 are threadedly connected. By connecting the quick release head 31 and the quick release seat 22, the installation and disassembly of the flow guide sheath 4 and the two end connectors 2 can be quick while ensuring the sealing of the annular channel. The detection chamber 6 is equipped with a balancing device 7, which includes a pressure relief pipe 71, a storage box 72, and absorbent cotton. The two ends of the pressure relief pipe 71 are connected to the detection chamber 6 and the storage box 72, respectively. The storage box 72 is filled with absorbent cotton, which absorbs trace amounts of vapor that may permeate the membrane or a very small amount of liquid that may accidentally enter, as a final safety guarantee.

[0035] The positioning ring seat 32 is located outside the pressure sensor of the positioning seat 23. The interior of the positioning ring seat 32 is hollow, and a guide tube facing the pressure sensor is fixed on the inner wall of the positioning ring seat 32. The guide tube communicates with the interior of the positioning ring seat 32, and a push rod is installed inside the guide tube. The positioning ring seat 32 is filled with two different chemical materials, A and B, separated by a soluble film. The soluble film is connected to the annular channel between the guide sheath 4 and the server liquid cooling pipe 1 via a capillary tube. Group A is isocyanate, and group B consists of polyol, water, catalyst, surfactant, and other additives. After the leaking coolant dissolves the isolation film, components A and B begin to mix within the cavity via a static mixer or simple convection. The isocyanate and polyol undergo a gel reaction, increasing the material viscosity. Simultaneously, the isocyanate reacts violently with water, producing a large amount of CO2 gas, causing a rapid increase in internal pressure. This pushes the push rod outward along the guide tube, bringing it into contact with the pressure sensor. This allows for identification of which server's liquid cooling pipe 1 is leaking, facilitating subsequent maintenance and replacement by repair personnel.

[0036] Specific working principle: When there is no leakage, the server liquid cooling pipe 1 is filled with circulating coolant, and the annular channel, capillary tube 5 and detection chamber 6 are filled with dry air, with pressure balanced with the environment.

[0037] Upon detection of a leak, the leaking coolant droplets are immediately captured by the nearest capillary channel 11. Due to the strong capillary force of the superhydrophilic treatment layer and microgrooves, the liquid is rapidly drawn into the capillary channel 11 and automatically flows along the axial direction of the capillary channel 11 under the directional pumping action generated by the asymmetric microgrooves. It then flows to the detection chamber 6 through the connected capillary tube 5. Simultaneously, the leaking liquid comes into contact with the soluble film, dissolving it and allowing the two solvents to mix. This causes a change in the level of the pressure sensor in the server liquid cooling pipe 1 where the leak is located, thus pinpointing the leak location. At the same time, the leaking liquid reaches the detection chamber 6, where the liquid sensor first detects its presence. The processor receives the sensor signal, triggering an audible and visual alarm. By controlling the solenoid valve to close, the liquid supply system of the server liquid cooling pipe 1 is cut off, preventing the leak from expanding.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device, characterized in that, include: The server liquid cooling pipe (1) has multiple pipes, and adjacent server liquid cooling pipes (1) are connected by a connector (2). Several capillary guide grooves (11) are opened on the outer wall of the server liquid cooling pipe (1). Several of the server liquid cooling pipes (1) are assembled to form a liquid cooling pipe. Both ends of the liquid cooling pipe are connected to the server, and solenoid valves are installed on both ends of the liquid cooling pipe. A flow guide sheath (4) is fitted onto the server liquid cooling pipe (1) and connected to the connector (2). A number of wave-shaped support bars (41) along the axial direction are provided in the annular channel formed between the flow guide sheath (4) and the liquid cooling pipe (1). The peaks of the wave-shaped support bars (41) are fixed on the flow guide sheath (4) and the liquid cooling pipe (1) respectively. A capillary tube (5) is connected to the outside of the flow guide sheath (4). A number of the capillary tubes (5) are connected to the detection chamber (6). The detection chamber (6) is connected to the annular channel through the capillary tubes (5). The detection chamber (6) has a built-in sensor for collecting pressure and liquid data in the annular channel and capillary (5) and uploading it to the processor, which controls the solenoid valve to open or close.

2. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capillary guide groove (11) is an axial groove formed on the outer surface of the server liquid cooling pipe (1). The width of the capillary guide groove (11) is 0.5mm-2.0mm and the depth is 0.3mm-1.0mm.

3. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the capillary guide groove (11) is provided with a number of axially extending microgrooves, the width of which is 10μm to 50μm and the depth of which is 10μm to 100μm.

4. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the capillary guide groove (11) is provided with a hydrophilic treatment layer, including the micro-grooves, and the hydrophilic treatment layer has a contact angle with the coolant of less than 10°.

5. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microgrooves are periodically arranged wedge-shaped or sawtooth-shaped grooves, wherein the asymmetrical geometry of the wedge-shaped or sawtooth-shaped grooves is oriented, with the steep slope of the microgroove facing away from the liquid collection cavity and the gentle slope facing towards the detection cavity (6).

6. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the wave-shaped support bar (41) is greater than the width of the capillary guide groove (11), the width of the wave-shaped support bar (41) is 2.0mm-3mm, and the diameter of the capillary tube (5) is 2mm-10mm.

7. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector (2) includes a body (21), a quick-release seat (22) and a positioning seat (23). The two ports of the body (21) are inserted by the server liquid cooling pipe (1). The quick-release seat (22) and the positioning seat (23) are fixed on the body (21). A pressure sensor is installed on the positioning seat (23).

8. The server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the flow guide sheath (4) are fixed with an assembly positioning component (3). The assembly positioning component (3) includes a quick-release head (31) and a positioning ring seat (32). The flow guide sheath (4) and the positioning ring seat (32) are connected. The quick-release head (31) is set on the inner wall of the positioning ring seat (32). The quick-release head (31) and the quick-release seat (22) are threaded together. The positioning ring seat (32) is located outside the pressure sensor of the positioning seat (23).

9. A server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning ring seat (32) is hollow inside, and a guide tube facing the pressure sensor is fixed on the inner wall of the positioning ring seat (32). The guide tube is connected to the inside of the positioning ring seat (32), and a push rod is provided inside the guide tube.

10. A server liquid cooling pipe leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection chamber (6) is provided with a balancing device (7), which includes a pressure relief pipe (71), a storage box (72) and absorbent cotton. The two ends of the pressure relief pipe (71) are connected to the detection chamber (6) and the storage box (72) respectively, and the storage box (72) is filled with absorbent cotton.

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