External leakage monitoring and sensing device and installation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of pipeline leakage monitoring, in particular to an external leakage monitoring and sensing device and an installation method thereof, and the external leakage monitoring and sensing device comprises an annular sleeve assembly and a detection assembly. Specifically, the annular sleeve assembly is used for forming a closed space between the annular sleeve assembly and the outer wall of a to-be-detected pipeline, and comprises a first semi-ring shell and a second semi-ring shell which are spliced with each other, and a plurality of connecting pieces used for detachably connecting the first semi-ring shell and the second semi-ring shell; the detection assembly comprises a sensor, a communication module and a control host; the sensor is arranged in the closed space, is attached to the outer wall of the to-be-detected pipeline and is used for sensing vibration of the to-be-detected pipeline and generating a monitoring signal; the communication module is electrically connected with the sensor and the control host and is used for transmitting the monitoring signal to the control host; the control host is used for judging whether the pipeline leaks or not according to the monitoring signals. The device has the effects of improving the installation convenience and stability of the device and improving the accuracy of a monitoring result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pipeline leakage monitoring technology, and in particular to an external leakage monitoring sensor and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] Pipeline transportation systems are widely used in municipal water supply, fire protection, industrial production, and gas transmission, and their safe operation is of paramount importance. Leaks in pipelines due to aging, corrosion, or construction defects not only result in media waste and economic losses but may also trigger secondary disasters such as gas explosions, fire suppression failures, and environmental pollution. Therefore, achieving efficient and accurate pipeline leakage monitoring is a core element in ensuring the safe and stable operation of pipeline networks.

[0003] Currently, the commonly used sensing elements and technical solutions for pipeline leakage monitoring can be mainly divided into the following three categories: The first type is embedded pressure sensing monitoring elements. This technology requires drilling holes, welding, or adding flanges to the pipeline to insert the probe into the medium and detect leaks by monitoring sudden pressure changes. Its advantage lies in directly sensing changes in the pressure field and providing high accuracy in static monitoring. However, it has significant disadvantages: installation requires damaging the pipeline structure, making construction complex and prone to introducing new leak points; the probe is in constant contact with the medium, making it susceptible to corrosion and blockage, resulting in high maintenance costs and a short lifespan.

[0004] The second type is ultrasonic / sound wave monitoring elements. The sensor is attached to the pipe surface and identifies leaks by capturing high-frequency sound waves generated by the leak. This solution achieves non-invasive installation without requiring pipe modifications. However, its monitoring effectiveness is limited by the sound wave propagation characteristics, is easily interfered with by environmental noise and fluid turbulence, and different pipe materials have significant differences in sound wave attenuation. It also has low sensitivity for large-diameter or buried pipes, resulting in a higher risk of false alarms and missed alarms.

[0005] The third category is fiber optic sensing monitoring elements. Fiber optic cables are wound or adhered to the outer wall of the pipe, using fiber Bragg gratings to sense changes in pressure, temperature, or vibration to indirectly determine leakage. Fiber optic sensing has advantages such as resistance to electromagnetic interference and the ability to monitor over long distances. However, fiber optics are brittle, difficult to install, and prone to breakage; for complex pipe networks with varying diameters and bends, the laying flexibility is poor, complete fitting is difficult, and subsequent maintenance is extremely inconvenient.

[0006] In summary, existing technologies either require damaging pipelines and are complex to install, are susceptible to environmental interference and lack reliability, or are difficult to install and have poor adaptability. Therefore, developing a pipeline leakage monitoring device that is both easy to install non-invasively, adaptable to complex pipeline network environments, and combines accuracy with long-term stability has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome the above shortcomings, this application provides an external leakage monitoring sensor and its installation method.

[0008] The external leakage monitoring sensor provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An external leakage monitoring sensor includes: An annular sleeve assembly is fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe to be tested to form a sealed space between itself and the outer wall of the pipe; the annular sleeve assembly includes a first semi-annular shell and a second semi-annular shell that are spliced ​​together, and a plurality of connectors for detachably connecting the first semi-annular shell and the second semi-annular shell. The detection component includes a sensor, a communication module, and a control host. The sensor is located within the sealed space and is attached to the outer wall of the pipe under test to sense the vibration of the pipe and generate a monitoring signal. The communication module is connected to the first or second semi-ring housing and electrically connected to the sensor and the control host to transmit the monitoring signal to the control host. The control host is used to determine whether the pipe under test has leaked based on the monitoring signal.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, during installation, the outer wall of the pipe to be tested at the installation location is first cleaned. Then, the sensor is attached to the cleaned outer wall of the pipe. The first and second semi-ring housings are placed on opposite sides of the outer wall of the pipe and then joined together. Finally, the first and second semi-ring housings are connected using connectors. The control host can determine whether leakage has occurred in the pipe in real time based on the monitoring signal. First, non-invasive installation is achieved, avoiding the destructive operations such as drilling and welding on the pipe required by traditional embedded monitoring elements. This eliminates the risk of introducing new leakage points due to installation, reducing construction complexity and subsequent maintenance costs. At the same time, the annular sleeve assembly is fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe to be tested and forms a sealed space, providing a stable acoustic and vibration monitoring environment for the sensor. This effectively isolates external environmental noise and fluid turbulence interference, overcomes the shortcomings of acoustic monitoring technology that are susceptible to environmental influences, and improves the purity and reliability of the monitoring signal. Furthermore, this device, through its split-type splicing structure of the ring-shaped assembly, can be flexibly installed on pipelines with numerous turning joints, solving the problems of difficult installation and poor adaptability of fiber optic sensing technology. It ensures a tight fit between the sensor and the pipe wall while also enabling convenient disassembly, assembly, and reuse. In summary, this application achieves non-invasive and convenient installation while also considering monitoring accuracy, environmental adaptability, and long-term stability, comprehensively solving the technical problems of complex installation, susceptibility to interference, and poor adaptability in existing technologies.

[0010] Optionally, the first semi-ring housing has a first through hole extending along the axial direction of the pipe to be tested, which is inclined or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe to be tested; the second semi-ring housing has a second through hole extending along the axial direction of the pipe to be tested, which is inclined or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe to be tested; the connecting member includes a bolt and a nut, the bolt passing through the first through hole and the second through hole and being threadedly engaged with the nut.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the first and second through holes are set to extend at an angle or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe under test, and a bolt and nut are used to make the locking force direction of the connector form an angle with the axial direction of the pipe under test. In this way, not only radial clamping force can be provided during the tightening process, but also axial positioning effect can be generated. This effectively reduces the possibility of axial movement or rotational displacement of the annular sleeve assembly on the pipe under test, enhances the structural stability and position holding capability of the device during long-term monitoring, and ensures that the sensor is always accurately aligned with the preset monitoring point.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes a connection reinforcement component, which includes a pin, a slot structure, and a screw; the pin is fixedly connected to the second semi-ring housing, the slot structure is disposed on the first semi-ring housing and is used to cooperate with the pin; the screw is threadedly connected to the pin and passes through the slot structure to be threadedly connected to the first semi-ring housing; the screw extends along an axial direction parallel to the pipe to be tested.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the pin and the slot structure can provide pre-positioning during the splicing stage of the first and second semi-ring shells, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment and improving installation convenience. When the pipe under test expands or contracts radially due to temperature changes, the first and second semi-ring shells are subjected to radial forces that move away from or towards each other. At this time, the screw can withstand the resulting shear stress, thereby enhancing the connection rigidity and deformation resistance of the first and second semi-ring shells in the radial direction. This further reduces the possibility of loosening of the connection or displacement of the device due to thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe under test, allowing the annular sleeve assembly to remain tightly fitted to the outer wall of the pipe under test even under complex temperature conditions, maintaining the stability and sealing of the enclosed space. This ensures that the sensor always maintains a reliable fit with the pipe under test, improving the environmental adaptability and long-term monitoring stability of the device.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a piston ring formed by splicing at least two arc-shaped strips; the piston ring is slidably disposed in the sealed space and sealably slides against the outer wall of the first semi-ring housing, the second semi-ring housing and the pipe to be tested, for dividing the sealed space into a first chamber and a second chamber; the sensor is disposed in the second chamber; the screw is also used to drive the piston ring to compress the second chamber during the process of screwing into the second semi-ring housing.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, as the screw is screwed into the second half-ring housing, it can drive the piston ring to slide along the axial direction of the pipe under test. The axial sliding of the piston ring compresses the gas volume in the second chamber, creating a stable positive pressure environment; simultaneously, it expands the volume of the first chamber, creating a relatively negative pressure environment. The positive pressure environment in the second chamber generates a continuous and uniform clamping force pointing towards the outer wall of the pipe under test, further pressing the sensor tightly against the outer surface of the pipe, enhancing the vibration coupling efficiency between the sensor and the pipe wall, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring signal acquisition. At the same time, this positive pressure environment reduces the penetration of impurities such as rainwater, dust, and corrosive gases from the external environment into the second chamber along the housing seams, reducing the risk of sensor contamination or corrosion and extending its service life. The negative pressure environment created within the first chamber generates an adsorption effect, allowing the first and second semi-ring shells to acquire additional axial adsorption force beyond the radial clamping force. This results in a tighter and more stable fit against the outer wall of the pipe under test, enhancing the overall fit and structural stability between the annular sleeve assembly and the pipe, and preventing loosening or displacement of the shell due to vibration or external disturbances. In summary, this structure achieves multiple technical effects simultaneously—enhanced sensor clamping, improved sealing protection, and shell adsorption fixation—through the screwing in of a single screw. It is compact, easy to operate, and highly integrated in function.

[0016] Optionally, the screw is threadedly connected to the pin and the first semi-ring housing.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, an effective sealing interface can be formed at the threaded joint between the screw and the pin and the first semi-ring housing, reducing the possibility of external moisture, dust or corrosive gas entering the sealed space along the screw path, thereby protecting the sensor from environmental corrosion, extending its service life, maintaining the air pressure stability in the second chamber, and ensuring the long-term accuracy of monitoring data and the environmental adaptability of the device.

[0018] Optionally, sealing strips are provided between the first semi-ring shell and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested, and between the second semi-ring shell and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing strip can form a multi-elastic sealing interface between the annular sleeve assembly and the outer wall of the pipe under test, effectively compensating for possible micro-unevenness or ellipticity deviation on the surface of the pipe under test, ensuring the high airtightness of the sealed space, preventing external moisture and impurities from entering, and further isolating external acoustic noise, creating a highly pure monitoring environment for the sensor, and improving the identification accuracy of leakage signals.

[0020] Optionally, the communication module is wirelessly connected to the control host.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the wireless communication connection between the communication module and the control host eliminates the wiring complexity and the risk of signal line aging and breakage caused by wired connection. This allows the device to be flexibly deployed in complex industrial sites or buried pipeline environments, and facilitates subsequent maintenance and data acquisition. At the same time, it avoids the problem of electromagnetic interference attenuation during signal transmission, and improves the integration of the monitoring system and the reliability of data transmission.

[0022] Optionally, reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer wall of both the first semi-annular shell and the outer wall of the second semi-annular shell.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the reinforcing ribs improve the structural strength and deformation resistance of the first and second semi-ring shells. In particular, when the connecting parts are tightened, the reinforcing ribs can evenly distribute the stress, preventing local deformation of the shell from causing failure of the sealed space or poor sensor fit. This ensures that the device can maintain a stable geometric shape and sealing performance under harsh conditions such as high pressure, vibration or temperature changes, and extends the service life of the device.

[0024] This application also provides an installation method for the above-mentioned external leakage monitoring sensor, comprising the following steps: S1. Determine the installation position of the external leakage monitoring sensor on the pipeline to be tested, and clean the outer wall of the pipeline to be tested at the installation position; S2. Attach the sensor to the cleaned outer wall of the pipe to be tested; S3. After placing the first semi-ring shell and the second semi-ring shell on both sides of the outer wall of the pipe to be tested, splice the first semi-ring shell and the second semi-ring shell, and connect the first semi-ring shell and the second semi-ring shell using a connector.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the installation process follows the steps of first cleaning the outer wall of the pipe to be tested, then attaching the sensor, and finally splicing and locking the annular sleeve assembly. This ensures that there are no impurities blocking the sensor and the pipe wall, achieving high-precision vibration coupling. At the same time, the split-type splicing installation method does not require special tools or complicated operations, allowing construction personnel to quickly complete on-site deployment, improving installation efficiency and operability. Moreover, the entire process does not cause any damage to the pipe to be tested, achieving non-destructive installation and convenient maintenance.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By using a ring-shaped sleeve assembly to form a sealed space on the outer wall of the pipe under test, non-invasive installation is achieved, avoiding the problem of traditional embedded monitoring elements that require damage to the pipe structure, eliminating the generation of new leak points, and reducing construction complexity and subsequent maintenance costs. The sealed space effectively isolates external environmental noise and fluid turbulence interference, improving the purity and reliability of the monitoring signal. The split splicing structure of the ring-shaped sleeve assembly can flexibly adapt to different pipe diameters and complex pipe network environments, ensuring a tight fit between the sensor and the pipe wall, and enabling convenient disassembly, assembly, and reuse of the device. The communication module wirelessly communicates with the control host, eliminating the wiring complexity of wired connections and the risk of signal line aging and breakage, facilitating flexible deployment and subsequent maintenance of the device in complex environments, while avoiding electromagnetic interference attenuation problems, improving the integration of the monitoring system and the reliability of data transmission. 2. The connectors use bolts and nuts, and the first and second through holes extend along the axial direction of the pipe under test, either inclined or perpendicular to it. This creates an angle between the locking force direction and the pipe's axial direction, providing not only radial clamping force but also axial positioning. This reduces the possibility of axial movement or rotational displacement of the annular sleeve assembly on the pipe, enhancing the structural stability and position retention capability of the device during long-term monitoring. The outer walls of both the first and second semi-annular shells are reinforced with ribs, improving structural strength and deformation resistance, uniformly distributing stress, preventing localized deformation of the shells, and ensuring the device maintains stable geometry and sealing performance under harsh conditions, thus extending its service life. 3. The pin and slot structure of the connecting reinforcement component provides pre-positioning for the splicing of the first and second semi-ring housings, reducing the possibility of misalignment and improving installation convenience; the screw can withstand the shear stress generated by the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline, enhancing the radial connection rigidity and deformation resistance, reducing the possibility of loose connection or device displacement; the screw screw drives the piston ring to compress the second chamber, creating a positive pressure environment in the second chamber, enhancing the vibration coupling efficiency between the sensor and the pipe wall, improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring signal acquisition, reducing the intrusion of external impurities, and extending the sensor's service life. At the same time, the negative pressure environment formed in the first chamber gives the annular sleeve assembly additional axial adsorption force, enhancing the overall fit and structural stability; the screw, pin, and first semi-ring housing are sealed by threaded connections, reducing the possibility of external impurities intruding into the sealed space, protecting the sensor, and maintaining the air pressure stability in the second chamber; sealing strips are provided between the first and second semi-ring housings and the outer wall of the pipeline under test, forming a multi-elastic sealing interface, compensating for pipeline surface deviations, ensuring the airtightness of the sealed space, preventing the intrusion of external moisture and impurities, isolating external acoustic noise, and improving the accuracy of leakage signal identification. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0032] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, pipe to be tested; 1, annular sleeve assembly; 11, first semi-annular shell; 111, first through hole; 12, second semi-annular shell; 121, second through hole; 13, connector; 131, bolt; 132, nut; 14, sealed space; 141, first chamber; 142, second chamber; 2, detection assembly; 21, sensor; 22, communication module; 3, connection reinforcement assembly; 31, pin; 32, slot structure; 33, screw; 4, piston ring; 41, arc-shaped strip; 5, sealing strip; 6, reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following combination Figures 1-6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0035] This application discloses an external leakage monitoring sensor and its installation method.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the external leakage monitoring and sensing device includes an annular sleeve assembly 1 and a detection assembly 2.

[0038] The annular sleeve assembly 1 is fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe 100 to be tested, forming a sealed space 14 between itself and the outer wall of the pipe 100. The annular sleeve assembly 1 includes a first semi-annular shell 11 and a second semi-annular shell 12 that are spliced ​​together, and a plurality of connectors 13 for detachably connecting the first semi-annular shell 11 and the second semi-annular shell 12.

[0039] The detection component 2 includes a sensor 21, a communication module 22, and a control host (not shown in the accompanying drawings). The sensor 21 is located within the enclosed space 14 and is attached to the outer wall of the pipe 100 under test, used to sense vibrations in the pipe 100 and generate monitoring signals. The communication module 22 is connected to the first semi-annular housing 11 and electrically connected to the sensor 21 and the control host, used to transmit the monitoring signals to the control host. The control host is used to determine whether leakage has occurred in the pipe 100 under test based on the monitoring signals. In other embodiments, the communication module 22 may also be connected to the second semi-annular housing 12.

[0040] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first semi-annular shell 11 and the second semi-annular shell 12 have similar structures and can both be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic to ensure service life. The first semi-annular shell 11 and the second semi-annular shell 12 have similar structures, each including a semi-annular portion and two straight portions. The semi-annular portion is semi-annular in shape; the inner diameter at the edge of the semi-annular portion matches the outer diameter of the pipe 100 to be tested, and the inner diameter of the middle portion of the semi-annular portion is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 100 to be tested, thus forming an annular sealed space 14 after being spliced ​​with the other semi-annular portion and fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe 100 to be tested.

[0041] The straight sections are elongated and plate-shaped, and the two straight sections are integral with the semi-ring section. The first straight section is fixedly connected to the first side of the semi-ring section in the radial direction, and the second straight section is fixedly connected to the second side of the semi-ring section in the radial direction; the two straight sections are located in the same plane.

[0042] The sensor 21 can be a piezoelectric sensor, a strain gauge sensor, etc., which can convert the minute vibrations of the pipe 100 under test into electrical signals. The sensor 21 is usually fixed to the outer wall of the pipe 100 under test by means of glue or magnetic attraction to ensure a tight fit with the pipe 100 under test and improve the sensitivity of vibration sensing.

[0043] The communication module 22 is wirelessly connected to the control host. The communication module 22 may use Bluetooth, ZigBee, or similar modules. Wireless communication eliminates the complexity of wiring and the risks of signal line aging and breakage associated with wired connections. This allows for flexible deployment of the device in complex industrial environments or in buried pipelines under test 100, facilitating subsequent maintenance and data acquisition. It also avoids electromagnetic interference attenuation during signal transmission, improving the integration of the monitoring system and the reliability of data transmission.

[0044] The control host can be a computer, industrial control computer, etc.; the control host is usually equipped with special data analysis software, which can process and analyze the signals transmitted by the sensor 21, and determine whether there is leakage in the pipeline 100 under test by comparing the characteristics of normal signals and abnormal signals.

[0045] When installing this external leakage monitoring sensor, first clean the outer wall of the pipe 100 to be tested at the installation location. Then, attach the sensor 21 to the cleaned outer wall of the pipe 100. Place the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12 on both sides of the outer wall of the pipe 100 and then assemble the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12. Finally, connect the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12 using the connector 13. The host computer can monitor the signal in real time to determine whether the pipe 100 has leaked.

[0046] This achieves non-invasive installation, avoiding destructive operations such as drilling or welding on the pipe 100 under test, thus eliminating the risk of introducing new leak points due to installation, and reducing construction complexity and subsequent maintenance costs. Simultaneously, the annular sleeve assembly 1 is fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe 100 under test, forming a sealed space 14, providing a stable acoustic and vibration monitoring environment for the sensor 21. This effectively isolates external environmental noise and fluid turbulence interference, overcoming the susceptibility of acoustic monitoring technology to environmental influences, and improving the purity and reliability of the monitoring signal.

[0047] In addition, the split splicing structure of the ring sleeve assembly 1 allows for flexible installation on the test pipe 100 with many turning joints, solving the problems of difficult laying and poor adaptability of fiber optic sensing technology. This ensures both the tight fit between the sensor 21 and the pipe wall and facilitates convenient disassembly and reuse.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first semi-annular housing 11 has multiple first through holes 111 extending axially perpendicular to the pipe 100 under test on its two straight portions, and the second semi-annular housing 12 has multiple second through holes 121 extending axially perpendicular to the pipe 100 under test on its two straight portions. A connector 13 corresponds to one first through hole 111 and one second through hole 121; the connector 13 includes a bolt 131 and a nut 132, with the bolt 131 threaded through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 121 and threadedly engaged with the nut 132. In other embodiments, the extending direction of the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 121 may also be along an axial direction inclined to the pipe 100 under test.

[0049] In this way, by setting the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 121 and using the engagement of bolt 131 and nut 132, the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12 can be detachably connected. This makes the direction of the locking force generated by the bolt 131 and nut 132 form an angle with the axis of the pipe 100 to be tested. Thus, during the tightening process, not only can a radial clamping force be provided, but also an axial positioning effect can be generated. This effectively reduces the possibility of axial movement or rotational displacement of the annular sleeve assembly 1 on the pipe 100 to be tested, enhances the structural stability and position holding capability of the device during long-term monitoring, and ensures that the sensor 21 is always accurately aligned with the preset monitoring point.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, rubber sealing strips 5 are provided between the first semi-annular housing 11 and the outer wall of the pipe under test 100, and between the second semi-annular housing 12 and the outer wall of the pipe under test 100. The sealing strips 5 can form multiple elastic sealing interfaces between the annular sleeve assembly 1 and the outer wall of the pipe under test 100, compensating for possible microscopic unevenness or ellipticity deviation on the surface of the pipe under test 100, improving the airtightness of the sealed space 14, reducing the intrusion of external moisture and impurities, and further isolating external acoustic noise, creating a highly pure monitoring environment for the sensor 21, and improving the identification accuracy of leakage signals.

[0051] Reinforcing ribs 6 are provided on the outer walls of both the first semi-annular housing 11 and the second semi-annular housing 12. The reinforcing ribs 6 improve the structural strength and deformation resistance of the first semi-annular housing 11 and the second semi-annular housing 12. In particular, when the connecting piece 13 applies a locking force, the reinforcing ribs 6 can evenly distribute the stress, reducing the risk of local deformation of the housing leading to failure of the sealed space 14 or poor contact of the sensor 21. This ensures that the device can maintain a stable geometric shape and sealing performance under harsh conditions such as high pressure, vibration or temperature changes, and extends the service life of the device.

[0052] The implementation principle of Example 1 is as follows: Through the cooperation of the annular sleeve assembly 1 and the detection assembly 2, non-invasive installation is achieved, avoiding damage to the pipeline 100 under test and reducing construction and maintenance costs. The sealed space 14 formed by the annular sleeve assembly 1 provides a stable monitoring environment for the sensor 21, isolating it from external interference and improving the reliability of the monitoring signal. The connector 13 enhances the structural stability of the device, ensuring precise alignment of the sensor 21 with the preset monitoring point. Simultaneously, the use of the sealing strip 5 and reinforcing rib 6 further improves the sealing performance and structural strength of the device, ensuring stable operation under harsh conditions and effectively solving problems such as complex installation and susceptibility to interference in existing technologies.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] Reference Figure 4and Figure 5 The difference between this embodiment 2 and embodiment 1 is that the external leakage monitoring sensor also includes a connection enhancement component 3 and a piston ring 4.

[0055] Specifically, the connection reinforcement component 3 includes a pin 31, a slot structure 32, and a screw 33. The pin 31 is fixedly connected to the end of the straight portion of the second semi-annular housing 12, and a first screw hole extending axially parallel to the pipe 100 to be tested is provided on the pin 31. The slot structure 32 is provided at the end of the straight portion of the first semi-annular housing 11 and is used to cooperate with the pin 31; a second screw hole extending axially parallel to the pipe 100 to be tested is provided on the first semi-annular housing 11, and the second screw hole penetrates the slot structure 32. After the first semi-annular housing 11 and the second semi-annular housing 12 are spliced, the first screw hole and the second screw hole are coaxial.

[0056] The screw 33 can be either an internal hexagon screw 33 or an external hexagon screw 33. The screw 33 extends along the axial direction parallel to the pipe 100 to be tested. The screw 33 connects to the pin 31 by threading with the first screw hole and the second screw hole, and passes through the slot structure 32 to connect with the first semi-annular housing 11.

[0057] In this way, the engagement between the pin 31 and the slot structure 32 can provide pre-positioning during the splicing stage of the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12, thereby reducing the possibility of splicing misalignment and improving installation convenience.

[0058] When the tested pipe 100 expands or contracts radially due to temperature changes, the first semi-annular shell 11 and the second semi-annular shell 12 are subjected to radially moving forces that push them away from or bring them closer together. The screw 33 can withstand the resulting shear stress, thereby enhancing the radial connection rigidity and deformation resistance of the first semi-annular shell 11 and the second semi-annular shell 12, further reducing the possibility of loosening of the connection or displacement of the device due to thermal expansion and contraction of the tested pipe 100. This ensures that the annular sleeve assembly 1 can still tightly fit against the outer wall of the tested pipe 100 under complex temperature conditions, maintaining the stability and sealing of the sealed space 14. This ensures that the sensor 21 always maintains a reliable fit with the tested pipe 100, improving the device's environmental adaptability and long-term monitoring stability.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the piston ring 4 is formed by splicing together at least two arc-shaped strips 41. The piston ring 4 is in the shape of a ring. Each of the two arc-shaped strips 41 constitutes half of the structure of the piston ring 4. The two arc-shaped strips 41 can be connected by screws 33 or by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0060] The shape and size of the piston ring 4 match the cross-sectional shape and size of the sealed space 14; the piston ring 4 is slidably disposed in the sealed space 14 and is in sealed sliding contact with the inner wall of the annular portion of the first semi-annular housing 11, the inner wall of the annular portion of the second semi-annular housing 12 and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested 100, so as to divide the sealed space 14 into the first chamber 141 and the second chamber 142.

[0061] Sensor 21 is located in the second chamber 142; screw 33 extends into the first chamber 141, and the screw-in end of screw 33 slides against the end face of piston ring 4. As screw 33 is screwed into the first screw hole on pin 31 and the second screw hole on the first semi-ring housing 11, it can drive piston ring 4 to compress the second chamber 142.

[0062] In other embodiments, the piston ring 4 may also be formed by splicing together three, four or more arcuate strips 41.

[0063] In this way, as the screw 33 is screwed into the first and second screw holes, it can drive the piston ring 4 to slide along the axial direction of the pipe 100 to be tested. The axial sliding of the piston ring 4 compresses the gas volume in the second chamber 142, creating a stable positive pressure environment in the second chamber 142; on the other hand, it simultaneously expands the volume of the first chamber 141, creating a relatively negative pressure environment in the first chamber 141.

[0064] The positive pressure environment within the second chamber 142 generates a continuous and uniform clamping force directed towards the outer wall of the pipe 100 under test, further pressing the sensor 21 tightly against the outer surface of the pipe 100 under test, enhancing the vibration coupling efficiency between the sensor 21 and the pipe wall, thereby improving the acquisition accuracy and reliability of the monitoring signal; at the same time, this positive pressure environment can reduce the penetration of impurities such as rainwater, dust, and corrosive gases from the external environment into the second chamber 142 along the splicing gaps of the shell, reducing the risk of the sensor 21 being contaminated or corroded, and extending its service life.

[0065] The negative pressure environment formed in the first chamber 141 can generate an adsorption effect, so that the first semi-ring shell 11 and the second semi-ring shell 12 can obtain additional axial adsorption force in addition to the radial clamping force, thereby more tightly and stably adhering to the outer wall of the pipe under test 100, enhancing the overall fit and structural stability between the annular sleeve assembly 1 and the pipe under test 100, and preventing the shell from loosening or displacing due to vibration or external force disturbance.

[0066] Preferably, the screw 33 is connected to the pin 31 and the first semi-annular housing 11 via a sealed thread. This allows the screw 33 to be screwed into the threaded engagement between the pin 31 and the first semi-annular housing 11, forming an effective sealing interface. This reduces the possibility of external moisture, dust, or corrosive gases entering the sealed space 14 along the thread path of the screw 33, thereby protecting the sensor 21 from environmental corrosion, extending its service life, and maintaining the air pressure stability within the second chamber 142, ensuring the long-term accuracy of monitoring data and the environmental adaptability of the device.

[0067] The implementation principle of Example 2 is as follows: The connection reinforcement component 3, through the cooperation of the pin 31, the slot structure 32, and the screw 33, provides pre-positioning and enhances the connection rigidity and deformation resistance of the annular sleeve component 1, adapting to the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe 100 under test and ensuring the stability of the device. Driven by the screw 33, the piston ring 4 creates positive pressure in the second chamber 142 and negative pressure in the first chamber 141. The positive pressure environment enhances the fit between the sensor 21 and the pipe 100 under test and improves monitoring accuracy, reducing the risk of contamination of the sensor 21; the negative pressure environment increases the fit and stability between the annular sleeve component 1 and the pipe 100 under test. Simultaneously, the sealing threaded connection of the screw 33 further protects the sensor 21 and the chamber environment, improving the environmental adaptability and long-term monitoring stability of the device, further solving the problem of poor adaptability in the prior art.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] An installation method for the external leakage monitoring sensor device described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above includes the following steps: S1. Determine the installation location of the external leakage monitoring sensor on the pipe to be tested 100, and clean the outer wall of the pipe to be tested 100 at the installation location. When determining the installation location, the layout of the pipe to be tested 100 and the surrounding environment should be considered. Choose a location with a lower possibility of interference from external factors to ensure the monitoring effect. The outer wall of the pipe to be tested 100 can be cleaned with cleaning agents and rags to remove oil, dust and other impurities from the surface of the pipe to be tested 100.

[0070] S2. Attach the sensor 21 to the cleaned outer wall of the pipe 100 to be tested; glue or magnetic attraction can be used to ensure good contact between the sensor 21 and the pipe 100 to be tested, so as to accurately sense the vibration of the pipe 100 to be tested.

[0071] S3. After placing the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12 on both sides of the outer wall of the pipe to be tested 100, the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12 are spliced ​​together, and the first semi-ring housing 11 and the second semi-ring housing 12 are connected using the connector 13. During the splicing process, the pin 31 and the slot structure 32 of the connecting reinforcement component 3 can be used for pre-positioning to reduce the possibility of splicing misalignment.

[0072] The implementation principle of Example 3 is as follows: during installation, the outer wall of the pipe to be tested 100 is cleaned first, then the sensor 21 is attached, and finally the annular sleeve assembly 1 is spliced ​​and locked. This ensures that there are no impurities blocking the sensor 21 and the pipe wall, achieving high-precision vibration coupling. At the same time, the split splicing installation method does not require special tools or complicated operations, and construction personnel can quickly complete the on-site deployment, improving installation efficiency and operability. Moreover, the whole process does not cause any damage to the pipe to be tested 100, achieving non-destructive installation and convenient maintenance.

[0073] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An external leakage monitoring sensor, characterized in that, include: An annular sleeve assembly (1) is fitted onto the outer wall of the pipe to be tested (100) to form a sealed space (14) between itself and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested (100); the annular sleeve assembly (1) includes a first semi-annular shell (11) and a second semi-annular shell (12) that are spliced ​​together, and a plurality of connectors (13) for detachably connecting the first semi-annular shell (11) and the second semi-annular shell (12). The detection component (2) includes a sensor (21), a communication module (22), and a control host. The sensor (21) is located in the sealed space (14) and attached to the outer wall of the pipe (100) to be tested, and is used to sense the vibration of the pipe (100) to be tested and generate a monitoring signal. The communication module (22) is connected to the first semi-ring shell (11) or the second semi-ring shell (12) and is electrically connected to the sensor (21) and the control host, and is used to transmit the monitoring signal to the control host. The control host is used to determine whether the pipe (100) to be tested has leaked based on the monitoring signal.

2. The external leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first semi-ring housing (11) has a first through hole (111) extending along the axial direction of the pipe (100) to be tested (inclined or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe (100) to be tested (inclined or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe (100) to be tested (inclined or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe (100) to be tested (inclined or perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe (100) to be tested (inclined) ...

3. The external leakage monitoring and sensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a connection enhancement component (3), which includes a pin (31), a slot structure (32), and a screw (33); the pin (31) is fixedly connected to the second semi-ring housing (12), and the slot structure (32) is disposed on the first semi-ring housing (11) for engaging with the pin (31); the screw (33) is threadedly connected to the pin (31) and passes through the slot structure (32) to be threadedly connected to the first semi-ring housing (11); the screw (33) extends along an axial direction parallel to the pipe (100) to be tested.

4. An external leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a piston ring (4) formed by splicing at least two arc-shaped strips (41); the piston ring (4) is slidably disposed in the sealed space (14) and is in sealed sliding contact with the outer wall of the first semi-ring housing (11), the second semi-ring housing (12) and the test pipe (100) to divide the sealed space (14) into a first chamber (141) and a second chamber (142); the sensor (21) is disposed in the second chamber (142); the screw (33) is also used to drive the piston ring (4) to compress the second chamber (142) during the process of screwing into the second semi-ring housing (12).

5. An external leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The screw (33) is sealed threadedly connected to the pin (31) and the first semi-ring housing (11).

6. The external leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing strip (5) is provided between the first semi-ring shell (11) and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested (100), and between the second semi-ring shell (12) and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested (100).

7. An external leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication module (22) is wirelessly connected to the control host.

8. An external leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: Reinforcing ribs (6) are provided on the outer wall of the first semi-annular shell (11) and the outer wall of the second semi-annular shell (12).

9. An installation method for an external leakage monitoring sensor device applicable to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Determine the installation position of the external leakage monitoring sensor on the pipe to be tested (100), and clean the outer wall of the pipe to be tested (100) at the installation position; S2. Attach the sensor (21) to the outer wall of the cleaned test pipe (100); S3. Place the first semi-ring shell (11) and the second semi-ring shell (12) on both sides of the outer wall of the pipe to be tested (100), then splice the first semi-ring shell (11) and the second semi-ring shell (12), and use the connector (13) to connect the first semi-ring shell (11) and the second semi-ring shell (12).

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