A fluid detection device and method of detecting the presence of a fluid

Abstract

A fluid detection device for detecting the presence of a fluid, comprising: a sensor arranged to resonate at a resonant frequency; a detector module arranged to detect the resonant frequency of the sensor; wherein the resonant frequency of the sensor varies in response to an amount of fluid proximate to the sensor. Also disclosed is a method of detecting the presence of a fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid detection device and a method for detecting the presence of fluid, specifically, but not limited to, a fluid detection device and a method for detecting fluid leakage in a fluid channel. Background Technology

[0002] Leaks can have a significant impact on daily life, such as the frequent landslides in Hong Kong. Flooded drainage pipes can cause water to seep into the soil, leading to soil erosion and triggering landslides.

[0003] On September 8, 2023, a landslide caused boulders to roll down a section of Yaoxing Road, completely covering about 50 meters of the road. The falling rocks were up to three meters high, with the largest boulder being the size of a small truck.

[0004] Leak detection and identification are crucial for crisis management, preventative maintenance, and safety considerations. These leaks can be understood as both a root cause and a triggering event for soil erosion. However, detecting leaks in drainage pipes is not an easy task. Key challenges include long-distance detection, non-linear geometries, difficulties in installing sensors, the need for low-power battery-powered systems, and the requirements for operation in extreme weather or environments.

[0005] To detect leaks, one approach is to send inspectors to the drain pipes and conduct on-site leak tests. This involves periodic monitoring, not continuous monitoring. This method is not ideal because it is time-consuming and resource-intensive. Frequent leak checks are not practical.

[0006] The present invention aims to eliminate or at least mitigate such drawbacks by providing a new or improved fluid detection system and a related method for detecting the presence of leakage in a fluid channel. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid detection device for detecting the presence of fluid, comprising:

[0008] Sensors, the sensors being arranged to resonate at a resonant frequency;

[0009] A detector module, the detector module being arranged to detect the resonant frequency of the sensor;

[0010] The resonant frequency of the sensor changes in response to the amount of fluid near the sensor.

[0011] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the change in the resonant frequency is proportional to the surface area of ​​the sensor in contact with the fluid.

[0012] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sensor includes a predetermined length, and the change in the resonant frequency is proportional to the length of the contact between the sensor and the fluid.

[0013] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sensor extends from the detector module.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detector module is fluidly isolated from the fluid channel.

[0015] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the resonant frequency detected by the detector module indicates fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detector module is arranged to generate one or more information outputs related to fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, a receiving module is further included, which communicates with the detector module to receive information output related to fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the receiving module communicates wirelessly with the detector module.

[0019] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the receiving module further includes a database storing multiple reference datasets that correlate fluid leakage levels with various resonant frequencies.

[0020] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the receiving module further includes a solar panel arranged to collect solar energy to power the fluid detection device.

[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, an analysis module is further included, which communicates with the receiving module to interpret information output related to fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

[0022] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the analysis module communicates with the receiving module via LTE.

[0023] In an embodiment of the first aspect, a housing is further included for housing at least one of the sensor and the detector module.

[0024] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sensor includes an antenna sensor.

[0025] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the antenna sensor includes an RF antenna.

[0026] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detector module is located near the sensor to measure the reflected power of the antenna sensor.

[0027] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detector module includes an antenna circuit arranged to detect the resonant frequency of the antenna sensor.

[0028] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the fluid passage is a discharge pipe.

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a fluid, comprising the following steps:

[0030] Position the sensor near the fluid channel;

[0031] The resonant frequency generated by the sensor is detected, and the resonant frequency varies in response to the amount of fluid near the sensor; and

[0032] Fluid leakage in the fluid channel is determined based on the detected resonant frequency of the sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Although any other form may fall within the scope of the invention, exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fluid detection device according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 It shows more details. Figure 1 An enlarged view of the isolated fluid detection device;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working process of a fluid detection device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a fluid detection system according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Unbound by theory, the inventors discovered that while sensors could be installed to detect leaks, the geometry of drain pipes is not straight, making sensor installation difficult. Existing water sensors also require high-powered battery-powered systems. Furthermore, these water sensors are exposed to the outdoors and may not be durable in extreme weather or environments.

[0039] This invention relates to a method for detecting leaks in drainage pipes. By placing an antenna in a drain, the filling with water alters the medium surrounding the antenna. This changes the frequency of the signal emitted by the antenna, thus altering the antenna's resonance. This can be detected by antenna circuitry to measure how much water has submerged the antenna.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid detection system can achieve several objectives to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. These objectives include enabling remote detection, ensuring low power consumption, using low-cost sensors, and maintaining operational functionality in extreme weather or environments.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 and 2 An embodiment of a fluid detection device 100 for detecting the presence of fluid 50 is shown, comprising: a sensor 110 arranged to resonate at a resonant frequency; and a detector module 120 arranged to detect the resonant frequency of the sensor 110; wherein the resonant frequency of the sensor 110 varies in response to the amount of fluid 50 near the sensor 110.

[0042] The fluid detection device 100 is configured to detect the presence of fluid 50 in the fluid channel 10. The fluid channel 10 may be a drainage pipe extending along a mountain, used to discharge rainwater from upstream to one or more underground storage tanks in the middle reaches. The water can be filtered and then supplied to households. The fluid channel 10 includes, but is not limited to, drainage pipes, and may also include pipes, pump systems, etc. The fluid 50 includes, but is not limited to, water, such as flushing water, seawater, wastewater, and may also include other forms of liquid that may interfere with antenna frequencies.

[0043] In such Figure 1 In one example drainage system 10 shown, one or more smaller drainage pipes 20, 30 can collect rainwater from the uphill slope and converge to form a main drainage pipe 40. These drainage pipes 20, 30 and 40 are slightly inclined to provide sufficient slope to discharge water to a lower water level.

[0044] In the fluid detection device 100 shown in this example embodiment, a sensor 110 is provided that is capable of resonating at different frequencies. The resonant frequency of the sensor 110 varies with the fluid 50 filling the area around the sensor 110 (i.e., water leakage in the drain pipe 40 to be detected). In other words, the sensor 110 resonates at a frequency that reflects or depends on the water content around the sensor 110. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 110 is an antenna sensor, such as a radio frequency (RF) antenna, which is an electronic device with both communication and sensing functions. The advantage of using an antenna sensor 110 is that it has a minimal number of components. It saves space and consumes little power. The change in the resonant frequency of the sensor 110 reflects the presence of water leakage in the drain pipe 40 or at least the overflow of water within the drain pipe 40.

[0045] The resonant frequency of sensor 110 is detected by detector module 120, which is an antenna circuit located near sensor 110. In a preferred embodiment, detector module 120 is placed at one end of sensor 110 to form an integrated module. Detector module 120 is a frequency detector used to detect and capture the resonant frequency of sensor 110. The detected and captured frequency is then transmitted to receiving module 130. Any changes in the resonant frequency will also be detected, captured, and transmitted to receiving module 130.

[0046] The receiving module 130 communicates with the detector module 120 via a wireless communication technology such as LoRa, which offers low power consumption and can act as a terminal. The detector module 120 transmits all detected resonant frequencies to the receiving module 130. An analysis device (preferably in the form of an analysis module 140) communicates with the receiving module 130 via a wireless communication technology 132 such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). The analysis module 140 is pre-equipped with reference information for interpreting the output of the receiving module 130. The detected frequencies are compared with the pre-equipped reference information to determine whether there is a leak in the drain pipe 40 and the extent of the leak.

[0047] In this example embodiment, the receiving module 130 may be powered by an energy storage device. Alternatively, the receiving module 130 may include a solar panel 134 configured to collect solar energy and convert the collected solar energy into electrical energy for storage in the energy storage device. The energy storage device may be used to power the receiving module 130 or other components of the fluid detection device 100, such as sensor 110. Sensor 110 may also include a solar panel (not shown) on its exposed surface to collect solar energy to power sensor 110.

[0048] Preferably, sensor 110 extends a predetermined length from base 112 and forms a tip 114 at its distal end. Sensor 110 is located on the upper inner surface 42 of drain pipe 40. Sensor 110 has a lower engagement surface 116 arranged to face the lower inner surface 44 of drain pipe 40. Sensor 110 also has an upper engagement surface 118 arranged to face away from the lower inner surface 44 of drain pipe 40. In some cases where the fluid passage is closed, upper engagement surface 118 will face the upper inner surface 42 of the closed fluid passage. Detector module 120 is fixed to another surface of sensor 110, located on the other side of tip 114.

[0049] The aforementioned components of the fluid detection device 100 may be contained within a housing (not shown). The housing may include an open support that serves as a bracket for supporting and securing the sensor 110 to the detector module 120. The housing may hermetically enclose the sensor 110, and the detector module 120 may be isolated from the sensor 110 and the fluid surrounding the sensor 110, enabling detection to continue even under extreme weather or adverse environmental conditions.

[0050] Alternatively, a separate housing (not shown) may be provided to seal the detector module 120 separately to prevent water ingress. The housing may include one or more pins to allow the fluid detection device 100 to be secured in the soil. Alternatively, the detector module 120 may be enclosed in a housing made of a rigid material, allowing the housing to be directly inserted into the soil.

[0051] Optionally, an insulator (not shown) may be provided on the mating surfaces 116, 118, such that the sensor 110 is mated or connected to the fluid at least through the insulating layer. The insulator may be made of a material with good water absorption capacity, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the sensor 110.

[0052] As a specific example where sensor 110 does not come into contact with any water leaking from drain pipe 40, under normal conditions, sensor 110 resonates at a first frequency. When water overflows from drain pipe 40 and leakage begins from drain pipe 40, sensor 110 will resonate at a different second frequency. The difference in resonant frequency indicates that water is escaping from drain pipe 40, for example, water may come into contact with soil and thus cause soil erosion. The magnitude of the frequency variation can be used to indicate the extent of leakage in drain pipe 40 and the degree of leakage. Typically, the resonant frequency of sensor 110 increases with the amount of water near sensor 110.

[0053] Preferably, the fluid detection device 100 can be positioned slightly at an angle on the upper inner surface 42 of the drain pipe 40, such that the tip 114 faces the lower inner surface 44 of the drain pipe 40. As the amount of water leaking from the drain pipe 40 increases, the length of the sensor 110 immersed in the water also increases. Therefore, the change in resonant frequency is proportional to the length of the sensor 110 in contact with the fluid 50.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method 300 for detecting the presence of fluid 50, which will now be referred to. Figure 3 The method 300 includes the following steps: positioning a sensor 110 near a fluid channel 10; detecting a resonant frequency generated by the sensor 110, the resonant frequency varying in response to the amount of fluid 50 near the sensor 110; and determining a fluid leak in the fluid channel 10 based on the detected resonant frequency of the sensor 110.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it begins at step 310, where water begins to flow or accumulate in the drain pipe 40 until it completely fills a certain length of the water 50. Then, method 300 proceeds to step 320, where the antenna sensor 110 is placed on the upper inner surface 42 of the drain pipe 40. When the antenna sensor 110 is immersed in the water 50, its resonant frequency changes. This change is proportional to the length of the antenna 110 immersed in the water 50.

[0056] In step 330, the frequency detection module 120 detects the frequency by measuring the reflected power of the antenna sensor 110. This frequency is the resonant frequency of the antenna sensor 110. The frequency detection module 120 sends the resonant frequency information to the terminal 130 via the wireless network 132. Finally, in step 340, the terminal 130 receives information from the frequency detection module 120. The terminal 130 matches this information with the length of the antenna sensor 110 immersed in water 50 in the database. Finally, the terminal 130 sends the length of the leaking drainage pipe 40 to the server 140 for visualization.

[0057] The preparation step of analysis module 140 can be performed at any time before the step of identifying changes in resonant frequency. To identify changes in resonant frequency, analysis module 140 interprets the changes by comparing them to reference data, thereby obtaining information about changes in the water level of drain pipe 40. Changes in the water level of drain pipe 40 include the detection of leaks or water levels exceeding a safe threshold.

[0058] Because the sensor 110 has a relatively small and thin shape, the fluid detection device 100 is particularly suitable for use in locations where the adjacent boundaries of the drain pipe 40 are thin.

[0059] Advantageously, two or more identical fluid detection devices 100, along with their respective sensors 110 and detector modules 120, can be arranged spaced apart on both sides of the drain pipe 40. All fluid detection devices 100 are connected to the same long-range (LoRa) wireless network via a receiving module 130, which in turn communicates wirelessly 132 with an analysis module 140 via LTE for continuous and automatic detection. This allows for the detection of leaks in the drain pipe 40 at multiple locations over a wider area of ​​the hill. The receiving module 130 is equipped with an LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module for mobile communication with the analysis server 140. Mobile phones running appropriate applications can communicate with the analysis server 140 to at least monitor the leakage status of the drain pipe 40.

[0060] Final Reference Figure 4 This illustrates another embodiment of a fluid detection system 400 for detecting leaks in a long fluid channel 410. The fluid detection system 400 may include multiple fluid detection devices for detecting leaks along multiple portions of the fluid channel 410. Each fluid detection device may be coupled with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrangement is the same as that of the fluid detection device 100 illustrated in the example.

[0061] In the fluid channel 410, smaller drain pipes 420 and 430 collect rainwater from the uphill direction and converge it upstream of the main drain pipe 440. From there, the water flows downstream of the main drain pipe 450 and through an inclined channel to a water storage tank (not shown in the figure). In some cases, a portion of the fluid channel 410 may be blocked by obstructions (such as waste), hindering water flow in that specific section. However, even a small blockage in the fluid channel 410 is sufficient to cause water to overflow, inevitably leading to water leakage.

[0062] The fluid detection system 400 may include multiple pairs of fluid detection devices along a fluid channel 410, each pair of fluid detection devices located on two opposite sides adjacent to drain pipes 420 to 450. A sensor in each fluid detection device can generate a resonant frequency, and a detector module in each fluid detection device can detect the generated resonant frequency, thereby detecting water leakage occurring in a corresponding portion of the fluid channel 410.

[0063] For example, a first pair of fluid detection devices 520a and 520b are located on two opposite sides adjacent to the first drain pipe 420 to detect leaks from the first drain pipe 420. A second pair of fluid detection devices 530a and 530b are located on opposite sides adjacent to the second drain pipe 430 to detect leaks from the second drain pipe 430. Since the first and second small drain pipes 420 and 430 converge at the upstream of the main drain pipe 440, a third pair of fluid detection devices 540a and 540b are also provided on opposite sides adjacent to the upstream of the main drain pipe 440 to detect leaks at the confluence point. Finally, a fourth pair of fluid detection devices 550a and 550b are also provided on two opposite sides near the downstream of the main drain pipe 450 to detect leaks downstream of the main drain pipe 450.

[0064] Each pair of detection modules communicates with the same receiving module to receive signal data representing leakage in the corresponding portion of fluid channel 410. The receiving module can combine all detected resonant frequencies and transmit the combined information as data packets to the same analysis module. The analysis module can parse the data packets and analyze the corresponding leakage in fluid channel 410. Advantageously, the analysis module can graphically represent the leakage amount at each reference point along fluid channel 410 as well as the overall leakage amount of fluid channel 410.

[0065] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe the application of a fluid detection device in the field of leak detection, it can also be applied to various other technical fields. For example, the fluid detection device can be applied to leak detection of pipes, particularly for sensing leaks in pipes on building exterior walls or between concrete walls inaccessible to inspectors.

[0066] On the other hand, fluid detection devices can also be applied to other applications that require water. For example, fluid detection devices can be used in wastewater treatment plants or chemical plants such as bleach plants, especially for sensing the presence of chemical fluids in connected pipelines.

[0067] This invention is given by way of example only, and those skilled in the art can make various other modifications and / or changes to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0068] Unless otherwise stated, any references to prior art included herein should not be construed as an admission that the information is common knowledge.

Claims

1. A fluid detection device for detecting the presence of fluid, characterized in that, include: Sensors, the sensors being arranged to resonate at a resonant frequency; A detector module, the detector module being arranged to detect the resonant frequency of the sensor; The resonant frequency of the sensor changes in response to the amount of fluid near the sensor.

2. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The change in the resonant frequency is proportional to the surface area of ​​the sensor in contact with the fluid.

3. The fluid detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The sensor has a predetermined length, and the change in the resonant frequency is proportional to the length of the contact between the sensor and the fluid.

4. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The sensor extends from the detector module.

5. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The detector module is fluidly isolated from the fluid channel.

6. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The resonant frequency detected by the detector module indicates fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

7. The fluid detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The detector module is configured to generate one or more information outputs related to fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

8. The fluid detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a receiving module that communicates with the detector module to receive information related to fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

9. The fluid detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The receiving module communicates wirelessly with the detector module.

10. The fluid detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The receiving module also includes a database that stores multiple reference datasets that correlate fluid leakage levels with various resonant frequencies.

11. The fluid detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The receiving module also includes a solar panel arranged to collect solar energy to power the fluid detection device.

12. The fluid detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes an analysis module that communicates with the receiving module to interpret and output information related to fluid leakage in the fluid channel.

13. The fluid detection device according to claim 12, characterized in that, in, The analysis module communicates with the receiving module via LTE.

14. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing for housing at least one of the sensor and the detector module.

15. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The sensor includes an antenna sensor.

16. The fluid detection device according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The antenna sensor includes an RF antenna.

17. The fluid detection device according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The detector module is located near the sensor to measure the reflected power of the antenna sensor.

18. The fluid detection device according to claim 17, characterized in that, in, The detector module includes an antenna circuit arranged to detect the resonant frequency of the antenna sensor.

19. The fluid detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The fluid channel is a discharge pipe.

20. A method for detecting the presence of a fluid, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Position the sensor near the fluid channel; The resonant frequency generated by the sensor is detected, and the resonant frequency varies in response to the amount of fluid near the sensor; as well as Fluid leakage in the fluid channel is determined based on the detected resonant frequency of the sensor.

Images