A water infiltration monitoring device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a seepage monitoring device, belonging to the field of underground engineering safety monitoring technology. The seepage monitoring device includes a shell made of corrosion-resistant material, with a top plate of a thermally conductive metal plate and multiple first water inlets on the bottom plate, and a sealed side structure; a reaction triggering component including a reaction chamber and a chemical reagent, the reaction chamber being slidably inserted into the side wall of the shell, with several second water inlets at the bottom of the reaction chamber, the chemical reagent generating heat upon contact with water; and a monitoring component including a fiber optic temperature sensor, a controller, and an alarm device. The fiber optic temperature sensor probe is attached to the surface of the top plate of the shell using thermally conductive adhesive. Both the fiber optic temperature sensor and the alarm device are electrically connected to the controller. When the fiber optic temperature sensor detects a temperature exceeding a threshold, the alarm device is triggered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underground engineering safety monitoring technology, specifically to a seepage monitoring device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Underground engineering projects such as tunnels, utility tunnels, underground parking garages, and mines are located in complex geological and hydrological environments, and water leakage is one of the most significant safety threats during their operation. Even minor leaks, if not detected and addressed in time, can gradually erode concrete structures, corrode internal steel reinforcement, damage electrical equipment, and even lead to catastrophic accidents such as collapses.

[0003] Traditional leakage monitoring includes manual periodic inspections and automated monitoring. Manual periodic inspections are inefficient, subjective, and unable to provide real-time early warnings. Automated monitoring mainly includes two types: one is based on humidity sensors, which detects the increase in ambient air humidity to determine leakage. However, humidity sensors have a very high false alarm rate in the perpetually humid underground environment and cannot distinguish between diffuse water vapor and localized liquid water intrusion. The other is based on water level sensors, which detect the height of the water level in the sump to trigger an alarm. However, due to the complex underground environment, if the probe is too close to the ground, it is prone to false alarms or damage due to the accumulation of mud, debris, or mechanical vibration. Therefore, the probe of the water level sensor is at a certain height from the ground, resulting in a serious response lag. The alarm can only be triggered after the water reaches a certain depth, which defeats the purpose of early warning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide a seepage monitoring device and method based on fiber optic temperature measurement and chemical reaction.

[0005] This invention provides a water seepage monitoring device, comprising: a housing made of corrosion-resistant material, with a top plate of a thermally conductive metal plate and a bottom plate having multiple first water inlets; a sealed side structure; a reaction triggering component including a reaction chamber and a chemical reagent, the reaction chamber being slidably inserted into the side wall of the housing, the bottom of the reaction chamber having multiple second water inlets; and a monitoring component including a fiber optic temperature sensor, a controller, and an alarm device. The temperature probe of the fiber optic temperature sensor is attached to the surface of the top plate of the housing with thermally conductive adhesive. Both the fiber optic temperature sensor and the alarm device are electrically connected to the controller. When the fiber optic temperature sensor detects a temperature exceeding a threshold, the alarm device is triggered to sound an alarm.

[0006] Preferably, a gauze filter layer is laid inside the reaction chamber, and the gauze filter layer is evenly laid on the surface of the second water inlet hole.

[0007] Preferably, the reaction chamber is detachably and slidably inserted into the outer shell.

[0008] Preferably, the chemical reagent is granular quicklime.

[0009] Preferably, the gauze filter layer is made of cotton or synthetic fiber material and has a thickness of 2.85 mm to 3.15 mm.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the outer shell is provided with a height-adjustable, top-level support, and the support is fixed to the bottom of the tunnel by embedding expansion bolts after drilling holes at the bottom.

[0011] Preferably, the inner wall of the outer shell is provided with a slide rail, a plurality of rollers are fixedly connected to the side of the reaction chamber, and the plurality of rollers are placed in the slide rail, and a handle is provided on the outer side of the reaction chamber.

[0012] Preferably, a monitoring method for a seepage monitoring device includes the following steps: The outer casing is fixed at the lowest point of the monitoring point, and the fiber optic temperature sensor continuously collects the temperature of the top plate of the outer casing. When the water level rises and enters the reaction chamber through the first and second water inlets, the liquid water reacts with the chemical reagents to generate heat, which in turn causes the temperature of the metal plate on the top of the outer shell to rise. When the fiber optic temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the metal plate exceeds a set threshold, it transmits a signal to the controller, which then triggers the alarm component to sound an alarm.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The device's outer casing is made of corrosion-resistant material, with a top plate of thermally conductive metal. A water inlet is located at the bottom, and the sides are sealed to ensure that liquid water enters only from the bottom, preventing environmental interference. The reaction triggering component includes a slidingly inserted reaction chamber and chemical reagents. When liquid water enters, it undergoes a violent exothermic reaction with the reagents, generating a significant temperature rise. The monitoring component uses a fiber optic temperature sensor to monitor the top plate temperature in real time. Combined with a controller and alarm device, an alarm is triggered when the temperature exceeds a threshold.

[0014] It achieves a specific response to liquid water, triggering the reaction only when actual leakage occurs, thus avoiding the false alarm problem caused by environmental moisture in traditional humidity sensors; secondly, the response time is extremely short, much faster than that of water level sensors, enabling early warning and effectively preventing structural erosion and equipment damage. Finally, the modular structure simplifies the maintenance process, allowing ordinary workers to quickly replace reagents. In addition, the non-contact temperature measurement method of the fiber optic sensor ensures long-term stability, and the overall structure of the device is robust, suitable for harsh environments, and extends its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the reaction chamber of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Outer shell; 2. First water inlet; 3. Reaction chamber; 4. Second water inlet; 5. Fiber optic temperature sensor; 6. Support; 7. Chemical reagent. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the described 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. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art.

[0020] The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention and its claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the term encompasses the elements or objects listed after the term and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "far," "near," "front," and "rear" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. The drawings in this invention are not strictly drawn to scale; the specific dimensions and quantity of each structure can be determined according to actual needs. The drawings described in this invention are merely structural schematic diagrams.

[0021] This invention provides a seepage monitoring device based on fiber optic temperature measurement and chemical reaction, such as... Figures 1-3As shown, the device includes an outer shell 1 made of corrosion-resistant material, with a top plate of a thermally conductive metal plate and multiple first water inlets 2 on the bottom plate, and a sealed side structure; a reaction triggering component including a reaction chamber 3 and a chemical reagent 7, the reaction chamber 3 being slidably inserted into the side wall of the outer shell 1, with several second water inlets 4 at the bottom of the reaction chamber 3, the chemical reagent generating heat upon contact with water; and a monitoring component including a fiber optic temperature sensor 5, a controller, and an alarm device. The temperature probe of the fiber optic temperature sensor 5 is attached to the surface of the top plate of the outer shell 1 with thermally conductive adhesive. Both the fiber optic temperature sensor 5 and the alarm device are electrically connected to the controller. When the fiber optic temperature sensor 5 detects that the temperature exceeds a threshold, the alarm device is triggered.

[0022] In this embodiment, the outer shell 1 of the device is made of corrosion-resistant material, the top plate is a metal plate with good thermal conductivity, a water inlet hole is opened at the bottom, and the sides are sealed to ensure that liquid water only enters from the bottom, avoiding environmental interference. The reaction triggering component includes a slidingly inserted reaction chamber 3 and chemical reagents. When liquid water enters, it undergoes a violent exothermic reaction with the reagents, resulting in a significant temperature rise. The monitoring component detects the temperature of the top plate in real time through a fiber optic temperature sensor 5, and, in conjunction with the controller and alarm device, triggers an alarm when the temperature exceeds a threshold.

[0023] It achieves a specific response to liquid water, triggering the reaction only when actual leakage occurs, thus avoiding the false alarm problem caused by environmental moisture in traditional humidity sensors; secondly, the response time is extremely short, much faster than that of water level sensors, enabling early warning and effectively preventing structural erosion and equipment damage. Finally, the modular structure simplifies the maintenance process, allowing ordinary workers to quickly replace reagents. In addition, the non-contact temperature measurement method of the fiber optic sensor ensures long-term stability, and the overall structure of the device is robust, suitable for harsh environments, and extends its service life.

[0024] In this invention, the pits at the monitoring points are not naturally occurring, but rather pre-planned and designed based on the overall tunnel construction structure. During the tunnel installation and construction process, some areas may naturally subside due to factors such as structural erection and load changes. We will create additional transverse tunnels as monitoring points at these critical locations prone to subsidence. These pits are artificially planned monitoring devices, designed to accurately detect leakage in that area.

[0025] Preferred, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, a gauze filter layer is laid inside the reaction chamber 3. The gauze filter layer is evenly laid on the surface of the second water inlet 4. The gauze filter layer is made of cotton or synthetic fiber material and has a thickness of 2.85mm to 3.15mm.

[0026] In this embodiment, the gauze filter layer is made of cotton or synthetic fibers, which effectively prevents the leakage of chemical reagent powder and avoids environmental pollution or device blockage. At the same time, thanks to capillary action, the filter layer can quickly and uniformly adsorb liquid water at the bottom, ensuring that water molecules quickly come into contact with the reagent above, triggering an exothermic reaction and improving monitoring sensitivity. More importantly, the gauze filter layer physically blocks water vapor in the air, slowing down its reaction with the reagent, thereby distinguishing between liquid water and diffuse water vapor and reducing the false alarm rate.

[0027] If the gauze filter layer thickness is less than 2.85mm, the fiber pore structure is too sparse, making it unable to effectively intercept impurities such as mud, sand, and gravel particles in the seepage water. These impurities will enter the device with the seepage water and come into contact with the quicklime. On the one hand, they will cover the surface of the quicklime, hindering the full reaction between the quicklime and water, resulting in insufficient heat generation from the chemical reaction. Consequently, the fiber optic temperature measurement module cannot accurately capture temperature changes, leading to missed monitoring. On the other hand, the accumulation of impurities will block the subsequent water flow channel, affecting the continuous monitoring performance of the device.

[0028] If the gauze filter layer is thicker than 3.15mm, the excessively thick fiber layer will increase the seepage resistance and prolong the time it takes for the seepage water to contact the quicklime. In scenarios of rapid leakage caused by damage to the tunnel waterproofing strip, an excessively thick gauze filter layer will delay the reaction triggering time of the quicklime, reducing the timeliness of monitoring. At the same time, an excessively thick gauze filter layer is prone to mold growth or fiber caking in a long-term humid environment, further affecting the water filtration performance and the service life of the device.

[0029] Preferred, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the reaction chamber 3 is detachably and slidably inserted into the outer shell 1. The inner side wall of the outer shell 1 is provided with a slide rail. Several rollers are fixedly connected to the side of the reaction chamber 3, and the rollers are all placed in the slide rail. A handle is provided on the outer side of the reaction chamber 3.

[0030] In this embodiment, the reaction chamber 3 can be easily pulled out like a drawer using a sliding rail or roller design. No tools or professional personnel are required; ordinary workers can complete reagent replacement within minutes, significantly reducing maintenance time and costs. This allows for rapid checks of the reaction chamber 3's status, preventing missed detections due to reagent depletion or failure, thus improving device availability. Simultaneously, the modular structure facilitates mass production and field adaptation, meeting diverse engineering needs and enhancing the device's versatility.

[0031] Preferred, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the chemical reagent used is granular quicklime.

[0032] In this embodiment, the reaction of quicklime with water exhibits a strong exothermic reaction. The reaction of quicklime with liquid water releases a large amount of heat, which is easily detected by fiber optic sensors, ensuring timely alarm. Furthermore, quicklime is non-toxic and low in cost, and the reaction product is calcium hydroxide, which causes no secondary pollution and meets environmental protection requirements.

[0033] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the outer shell 1 is provided with a height-adjustable, top-level support 6. The support 6 is fixed to the bottom of the tunnel by embedding expansion bolts after drilling holes at the bottom.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bracket 6 is fixed to the bottom of the tunnel with expansion bolts, and the top remains horizontal. The height is adjustable to adapt to sump pits of different depths, ensuring that the device is always at the lowest point to capture seepage water in a timely manner. At the same time, the lifting design prevents silt from clogging the water inlet hole, extending the device's lifespan. This alternative solution allows the device to be flexibly applied to various scenarios such as tunnels and mines.

[0035] The method of using the seepage monitoring device based on fiber optic temperature measurement and chemical reaction of the present invention is as follows: First, select the lowest point of the easily seeping sump in the underground project as the monitoring location, and clean the bottom surface to ensure it is flat. Then, fix the outer shell 1 with the bracket 6, drill holes and install it using expansion bolts, adjust the height of the bracket 6 to keep the top plate of the outer shell 1 level, and check that the water inlet is not blocked. Next, insert the reaction chamber 3 along the slide rail on the side wall of the outer shell 1, ensuring that the rollers slide smoothly. Prefill the reaction chamber 3 with granular quicklime reagent, and lay a gauze filter layer to cover the bottom water inlet. Finally, connect the fiber optic temperature sensor 5 to the controller and alarm device, power on and initialize the system, set the temperature threshold to complete the deployment.

[0036] After the device is in operation, the fiber optic temperature sensor 5 continuously collects the temperature data of the top plate of the outer casing 1 and analyzes it in real time through the controller. When water seepage occurs, the liquid water gathers and the water level rises, passing through the first water inlet 2 at the bottom of the outer casing 1 and the second water inlet 4 of the reaction chamber 3 in sequence, wetting the gauze filter layer. The gauze filter layer quickly absorbs water by capillary action, causing the liquid water to come into contact with quicklime, triggering a violent exothermic reaction, and the temperature of the top plate rises rapidly. The controller continuously compares the temperature signal with the preset threshold. Once the temperature change rate is detected to exceed the critical value, it is determined to be a leakage event.

[0037] When the controller detects a leakage signal, it immediately triggers the alarm device to remind maintenance personnel to handle the situation. After the alarm is triggered, the leakage point needs to be checked on-site, and the device needs to be maintained regularly: first, turn off the power, hold the handle on the outside of reaction chamber 3, and easily pull out the chamber along the slide rail to replace the expired quicklime reagent and gauze filter layer; after maintenance, push the reaction chamber 3 back in, reset the system, and ensure that the device continues to operate.

[0038] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, and substitutions can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A seepage monitoring device, characterized in that, include: The outer shell is made of corrosion-resistant material, its top plate is a metal plate with good thermal conductivity, the bottom plate has multiple first water inlet holes, and the sides are sealed. The reaction triggering component includes a reaction chamber and a chemical reagent. The reaction chamber is slidably inserted into the side wall of the outer shell. Several second water inlets are opened at the bottom of the reaction chamber. The chemical reagent generates heat when in contact with water. The monitoring components include a fiber optic temperature sensor, a controller, and an alarm device. The temperature probe of the fiber optic temperature sensor is attached to the surface of the top plate of the housing with thermally conductive adhesive. Both the fiber optic temperature sensor and the alarm device are electrically connected to the controller. When the fiber optic temperature sensor detects that the temperature exceeds a threshold, the alarm device is triggered to sound an alarm.

2. The seepage monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction chamber is lined with a gauze filter layer, which is evenly laid on the surface of the second water inlet.

3. The seepage monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction chamber is detachably and slidably inserted into the outer shell.

4. The seepage monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The chemical reagent used is granular quicklime.

5. A seepage monitoring device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The gauze filter layer is made of cotton or synthetic fiber material and has a thickness of 2.85 mm to 3.15 mm.

6. The seepage monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer shell is equipped with a height-adjustable, top-level support, which is fixed to the bottom of the tunnel by embedding expansion bolts after drilling holes at the bottom.

7. A seepage monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the outer shell is provided with a slide rail, and a number of rollers are fixedly connected to the side of the reaction chamber. All of the rollers are placed in the slide rail, and a handle is provided on the outer side of the reaction chamber.

8. A monitoring method based on a seepage monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The outer casing is fixed at the lowest point of the monitoring point, and the fiber optic temperature sensor continuously collects the temperature of the top plate of the outer casing. When the water level rises and enters the reaction chamber through the first and second water inlets, the liquid water reacts with the chemical reagents to generate heat, which in turn causes the temperature of the metal plate on the top of the outer shell to rise. When the fiber optic temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the metal plate exceeds a set threshold, it transmits a signal to the controller, which then triggers the alarm component to sound an alarm.

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