Combustible gas concentration optical fiber monitoring device

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a combustible gas concentration optical fiber monitoring device, and the device comprises an elastic supporting frame which is disposed in a gas pipeline and can elastically expand along the radial direction of the inner wall of the pipeline; the flexible optical fiber fixing piece is connected with the elastic supporting frame and used for fixing an optical fiber sensing element; one end of the elastic guide piece is connected with the elastic supporting frame, and the other end of the elastic guide piece is connected to a flexible optical fiber fixing piece; the gas isolation sleeve is arranged outside the optical fiber sensing element in a sleeving manner and is fixed with the flexible optical fiber fixing piece; the radial adjusting device is connected with the inner wall of the pipeline and the gas isolation sleeve, and the distance between the optical fiber sensing element and the inner wall of the gas pipeline is changed by adjusting the length of the radial adjusting device. Through the scheme of the embodiment of the invention, the problem that the optical fiber is easily damaged by mechanical stress in the installation process of the optical fiber sensing element can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical sensor technology, specifically to a fiber optic monitoring device for combustible gas concentration. Background Technology

[0002] A combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device is a device that uses fiber optic sensing technology to monitor the concentration of combustible gases in pipelines in real time. Its working principle is mainly based on the absorption characteristics of certain gases to specific wavelengths of light signals to detect gas composition and concentration, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of industrial production processes. However, in practical applications, this device has certain limitations, especially during installation, where the optical fiber may be subjected to varying degrees of mechanical stress damage, thus affecting the reliability and accuracy of the entire system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration, which at least partially solves the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] This application discloses a fiber optic monitoring device for combustible gas concentration, comprising:

[0005] An elastic support frame is installed inside the gas pipeline and can expand radially along the inner wall of the pipeline.

[0006] A flexible fiber optic fastener, which is connected to the elastic support frame, is used to fix the fiber optic sensing element.

[0007] An elastic guide, one end of which is connected to the elastic support frame, and the other end of which is connected to the flexible optical fiber fixing component;

[0008] A gas isolation sleeve, which is fitted over the fiber optic sensing element and fixed to the flexible fiber optic fixing member; and

[0009] A radial adjustment device connects the inner wall of the pipe to the gas isolation sleeve, and changes the distance between the fiber optic sensing element and the inner wall of the gas pipe by adjusting its own length.

[0010] The elastic support frame is composed of multiple evenly distributed spring plates, and each spring plate has a rubber pad at its end.

[0011] The flexible optical fiber fixing component has a hollow cavity inside for inserting a fine-tuning steel cable. The position of the sensor is adjusted by controlling the length change of the elastic guide component using the fine-tuning steel cable.

[0012] Preferably, the side of the rubber gasket that contacts the pipe has a textured surface.

[0013] Preferably, the flexible optical fiber fixing member includes a fiber bundle pad made of a soft material.

[0014] Preferably, one end of the fine-tuning steel cable is fixed to a fixing member, and the fixing member is connected to the fiber optic sensing element, while the other end is used to adjust the length.

[0015] Preferably, the gas isolation sleeve is filled with damping rubber material.

[0016] Preferably, the isolation sleeve also integrates a microporous mesh layer, which is disposed on the inner side of the isolation sleeve.

[0017] Preferably, the radial adjustment device is designed as a multi-segment threaded connection mechanism, and the screw part is provided with a friction locking ring.

[0018] Preferably, the fiber optic sensing element of the device is wrapped with a silicone heat insulation layer.

[0019] Preferably, the top two ends of the elastic guide are equipped with buffer bends.

[0020] This disclosure provides a combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device, comprising: an elastic support frame disposed inside a gas pipeline and capable of radially expanding along the inner wall of the pipeline; a flexible fiber optic fixing member connected to the elastic support frame for fixing a fiber optic sensing element; an elastic guide member, one end of which is connected to the elastic support frame and the other end of which is connected to the flexible fiber optic fixing member; a gas isolation sleeve fitted over the fiber optic sensing element and fixed to the flexible fiber optic fixing member; and a radial adjustment device connecting the inner wall of the pipeline and the gas isolation sleeve, which adjusts its own length to change the distance between the fiber optic sensing element and the inner wall of the gas pipeline. The solution provided by this disclosure can solve the problem of fiber optic cables being easily damaged by mechanical stress during the installation of the fiber optic sensing element. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of the structure of the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3This is a right view of the structure of the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Elastic support frame; 2. Flexible optical fiber fastener; 3. Elastic guide; 4. Gas isolation sleeve; 5. Radial adjustment device; 6. Spring plate; 7. Rubber pad; 8. Fiber bundle pad; 9. Fine-tuning steel cable; 10. Friction locking ring; 11. Microporous mesh layer; 12. Buffer bend plate Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrative implementation methods and descriptions of the embodiments of this disclosure are only used to explain the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application includes key components such as an elastic support frame 1, a flexible fiber optic fixing component 2, an elastic guide component 3, a gas isolation sleeve 4, and a radial adjustment device 5.

[0028] The elastic support frame 1 is installed inside the gas pipeline and designed to expand radially along the inner wall of the pipeline. In this way, it can be securely fixed to the inside of the pipeline, ensuring that the monitoring device can be used in pipelines of various diameters. Technically, this can be achieved using a support structure made of elastic materials such as spring steel or specific types of rubber, allowing it to expand radially according to the size of the pipeline during installation to adapt to different pipeline environments.

[0029] The flexible fiber optic fixture 2 is connected to the elastic support frame 1. It is used not only to fix the fiber optic sensing element, but also, because it can be made of a flexible and elastic material, such as soft polyurethane, it provides the necessary mechanical stability while reducing the impact of external physical interference. The fixture needs to have good deformation recovery properties to maintain its fixation under different bending conditions.

[0030] The elastic guide 3 connects the elastic support frame 1 and the flexible optical fiber fixing component 2. Its purpose is to dynamically adjust the distance between the optical fiber sensing element and the inner wall of the pipe by applying different stretching or compression at both ends of the elastic guide 3. This can be achieved by selecting fiber materials with certain extensibility and resilience, such as a mesh structure woven from special polymers or metal wires. This ensures that even if the pipe deforms or external forces exist in the working environment, the optical fiber sensor can still maintain a stable relative distance, reducing the possibility of optical fiber damage caused by mechanical stretching and improving the overall stability of the system.

[0031] The gas isolation sleeve 4 covers the fiber optic sensing element and is fixedly connected to the flexible fiber optic fastener 2. It isolates the sensor from the external environment to prevent interference from other non-target media. Typically, this isolation sleeve is made of transparent, chemically resistant, temperature-resistant, and somewhat elastic plastic or other synthetic materials. Furthermore, to ensure better sealing, waterproofing or other coating treatments can be applied to its inner and outer surfaces.

[0032] Finally, a radial adjustment device 5 is installed between the gas pipeline and the gas isolation sleeve 4 to precisely control the distance between the fiber optic sensing element and the inner wall of the gas pipeline by adjusting its own length. In practice, this device can be manufactured using flexible and variable design methods such as threads or hydraulic devices. When needed, the operator tightens or loosens the adjustment mechanism according to the specific pipeline conditions, so that the monitoring equipment can better match the changes in the internal conditions of the pipeline. This ensures the authenticity and validity of the monitoring data acquisition while minimizing physical damage to the fiber optic cable and the entire device that may be caused by frequent collisions or pressure, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application, to ensure that the fiber optic sensor can be stably installed and operate normally under different working environments, has an elastic support frame 1 composed of multiple elastic components such as spring plates 6. These elastic components are evenly distributed around the entire support frame, which not only provides uniform support force but also allows the device to maintain a stable position in complex internal environments without being affected by external vibrations. More importantly, each spring plate 6 is fitted with a soft and thick rubber gasket 7 at its end. This design significantly reduces the impact force and friction loss during the process of fixing the device to the inner wall of the gas pipeline, avoiding possible pipeline wear and damage to the device itself due to hard contact. In this way, the service life of the system is extended, and the reliability and safety of the entire monitoring device are improved.

[0034] For example, a metal material with good elasticity and corrosion resistance can be selected to make the spring sheet 6, thus meeting the long-term working requirements in flammable gas environments. Simultaneously, a rubber material of appropriate thickness and low hardness is processed into a specific shape and firmly bonded or embedded at the end of each spring sheet 6, making the rubber gasket 7 and the spring sheet 6 form an integrated structure, ensuring its buffering and protective effect inside the gas pipeline. This design effectively prevents damage to the installation surface or other components that may occur due to hard contact. Furthermore, to increase the contact area between the rubber gasket 7 and the pipeline, a textured surface can be provided on the rubber gasket 7.

[0035] refer to Figure 2In one embodiment, to improve the adaptability of the device in pipes of different diameters or complex shapes and to reduce the risk of fiber optic damage during installation, the device employs a flexible fiber optic fastener 2. This fastener is made of a soft material and typically comprises several bundles of soft, fibrous material woven into a pad-like structure. This design allows the fiber optic cable to bend within complex pipes without applying additional external force, thereby ensuring that the fiber optic cable maintains good signal transmission quality under all conditions.

[0036] Flexible fiber optic fasteners can adaptively adjust their shape to adapt to changes in the actual operating environment. Specifically, when the fiber is fixed within such a fastener, the gasket can fit tightly against the tube wall regardless of the specific shape of the conduit, reducing the adverse effects of the fiber's bending radius. By using fiber bundles made of highly elastic and flexible materials such as synthetic fibers or specific silicone materials as the basic components to manufacture this fastener, the reliability and lifespan of the equipment can be greatly improved. For example, after the fiber is embedded in such a fiber bundle, the composite as a whole possesses excellent flexibility and elastic recovery, effectively preventing the risk of fiber breakage or signal strength weakening due to forced bending in confined spaces, significantly enhancing the compatibility and robustness of the entire system in different application scenarios.

[0037] In one embodiment, continue to refer to Figure 2 The flexible fiber optic fixing component 2 of the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application is made of non-metallic high-strength material. This material has good corrosion resistance and mechanical damage resistance, ensuring stable operation of the device in harsh environments. More importantly, this flexible fiber optic fixing component 2 has a built-in hollow cavity structure, which not only facilitates the subsequent assembly process but also provides sufficient space to accommodate various cables and adjustment devices. A fine-tuning steel cable 9 is inserted and led out through the hollow cavity. One end of the fine-tuning steel cable 9 is fixed to one end of the fixing component, and the fixing component is connected to the sensor. The other end can be adjusted in length manually or automatically. This configuration allows the device to adjust the position of the fiber optic fixing component connected to the elastic guide 3 according to specific needs, so that the sensor installed on the flexible fiber optic can be accurately positioned near the detection point and maintain an appropriate distance to obtain accurate measurement results.

[0038] For example, initial installation can be completed by pre-embedding the flexible optical fiber into the internal channel of the fixing device, and then adjusting the tension of the external steel cable can alter the spatial layout of the entire fixing device relative to other structural components. The fine-tuning mechanism used in this process allows for rapid alignment and precise installation, whether in confined spaces or with obstacles. This method avoids the risk of damage to the optical fiber caused by direct action and also improves the accuracy and sensitivity of the sensor during operation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application has the following features: a gas isolation sleeve 4 is provided in the device, and the gas isolation sleeve 4 is filled with damping rubber material. When an external impact occurs, the damping rubber material can absorb a large amount of impact energy, reducing the impact of external vibration on the internal optical fiber, and ensuring the stability and accuracy of the optical fiber detection signal. This design effectively improves the reliability and service life of the optical fiber monitoring device in harsh environments. Specifically, the gas isolation sleeve 4 is usually fixed inside the outer shell, and its position is close to the optical fiber to ensure maximum protection.

[0040] For example, the gas isolation sleeve 4 can be filled with silicone rubber or other similar polymer materials that have good damping properties. These materials not only absorb and disperse impact energy, but their flexibility and resilience further reduce the impact of minute displacements caused by vibration on fiber optic breakage or fatigue, thus ensuring that the fiber optic cable can always effectively monitor gas concentration. This damping material is tightly bonded to the inner wall of the gas isolation sleeve 4 through a simple filling and electrical sealing method, forming an integrated design.

[0041] In one embodiment, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application features an integrated microporous mesh layer 11 within the isolation sleeve 4. This microporous mesh layer 11 is installed inside the isolation sleeve, covering the space between the gas channel inlet and the sensor, forming an effective barrier layer. When gas flows into the monitoring area, any tiny impurity particles carried within are filtered and trapped by this mesh layer. In this way, the layer significantly reduces the probability of impurities entering the inner cavity of the isolation sleeve and prevents the risk of physical damage to the optical fiber due to particle entry, avoiding unnecessary bending of the optical fiber or increased attenuation of the optical signal transmission caused by excessive stress.

[0042] Specifically, in terms of technical implementation, microporous mesh fabric with high-precision filtration performance can be manufactured into suitable shapes and sizes and reliably fixed in appropriate positions inside the isolation sleeve. Typically, a design is chosen that forces all airflow to pass through the mesh fabric to maximize its protective effect. For example, mechanical slots or specialized adhesives are used to ensure the stability and durability of the mesh fabric within the monitoring device, thereby guaranteeing the reliability and monitoring accuracy of the entire system during long-term operation. This not only effectively improves the working efficiency and safety of the monitoring device but also reduces daily maintenance needs and repair costs.

[0043] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application employs a multi-segment threaded connection mechanism in the radial adjustment device 5. This multi-segment threaded connection mechanism not only provides precise manual fine-tuning but also allows for fine adjustments to the position via a knob to accurately meet different detection needs. Specifically, during use, the operator can flexibly adjust the position of the internal sensor or fiber optic probe by rotating the manual knob located on the outside of the device. Furthermore, the radial adjustment device 5 is equipped with a dedicated friction locking ring 10, which the operator can use to secure the adjusted position when needed. The friction locking ring 10 is made of a high-friction coefficient material, significantly enhancing stability in the locked state and effectively preventing adjustment displacement caused by minor external vibrations or other interference forces.

[0044] For example, the friction locking ring 10 in this device can be pre-tightened by a spring or rubber component, ensuring reliability in different operating environments. This design not only improves the ease of operation of the entire monitoring device but also ensures the consistency and accuracy of data acquisition. Structurally, each part is meticulously designed to ensure simple assembly and easy maintenance, while also guaranteeing overall stability.

[0045] In one embodiment, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application incorporates a thermally conductive silicone insulation layer on the exterior of the fiber optic sensing element. This insulation layer not only improves the durability and damage resistance of the fiber optic sensing element in high-temperature environments but also rapidly conducts heat to the surrounding cooling area when hot spots are generated due to localized temperature rises, effectively protecting the internal fiber optic cable from damage and maintaining normal operation. Furthermore, this design helps improve the sensor's response speed and lifespan under harsh conditions. The silicone insulation layer adheres tightly to the fiber optic surface, effectively absorbing and dissipating additional heat when operating near high temperatures or fire sources, reducing the probability of temperature-induced damage to the sensitive fiber optic material.

[0046] Specifically, the silicone insulation layer can be made of high-purity silicone, which has good flexibility and temperature resistance, and can be easily and tightly wrapped around the surface of optical fibers of different diameters. For example, during the manufacturing process, the silicone material of the appropriate specifications is first precisely cut according to the size of the optical fiber sensing element to be protected, and then it is uniformly and firmly fixed to the outside of the optical fiber by heating and shrinking or other methods, ensuring that stable physical contact and excellent thermal conductivity are maintained even in high-temperature working environments. This design ensures that the device can maintain high stability and reliability even in the face of emergencies.

[0047] In one embodiment, the combustible gas concentration fiber optic monitoring device of this application includes an elastic guide 3, which is located on top of the core support structure of the device. The elastic guide 3 is mainly made of elastic material and is designed to withstand external forces in different directions, and has sufficient flexibility to reduce instantaneous loads caused by external vibrations or impacts, ensuring that the risk of fiber breakage is minimized. Specifically, buffer bends 12 are equipped at both ends of the top of the elastic guide 3. These buffer bends 12 have a certain degree of curvature, which allows the elastic guide 3 to better disperse the direction of force when encountering lateral vibrations or other external forces, thereby effectively reducing the stress directly acting on the fiber.

[0048] To further illustrate this feature, consider a specific design approach. For example, in one embodiment, the buffer bend 12 can be made using a thin, elastic sheet material with a certain bending radius. This structure allows the linear impact force to be converted into a rotational effect through the elastic deformation of the material itself when subjected to lateral vibration. The torque generated during rotation is significantly reduced compared to the original impact force and can be evenly transmitted, effectively mitigating the potential impact on fiber breakage. In this way, the buffer bend 12 not only improves the overall stability of the device but also provides a safe and stable working environment for the optical fiber.

[0049] In actual operation, when this device is used, the elastic support frame 1 is first placed inside the gas pipeline, and its elastic properties allow it to expand radially along the inner wall of the pipeline. This design not only allows the support frame to fit tightly against the pipeline wall, but also allows for adaptation to pipelines with different diameters or slight deviations. Next, the flexible fiber optic fastener 2 connected to the elastic support frame 1 serves to fix and support the fiber optic sensing element, ensuring that the sensor remains close to the inner surface of the pipeline even under complex pipeline changes or minor deformations. To better adjust this fit and avoid potential damage to the sensitive component due to external forces, the elastic guide 3 further helps to precisely adjust the position of the sensing component, ensuring that it does not directly bear the mechanical changes transmitted from the pipeline at any time, achieving accurate and reliable measurement. In addition, a gas isolation sleeve 4 is provided around the fiber optic sensing element to prevent other substances in the environment from adversely affecting the optical fiber. At the same time, in cooperation with the radial adjustment device 5, the isolation device can fine-tune the specific distance between the fiber optic element and the pipeline wall when necessary—this function ensures optimal fit during installation and commissioning, and minimizes potential damage to the fragile structure due to accidental scratches during operation.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, which are merely examples of the best mode for implementing the present system and method. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made to the embodiments described herein when implementing the present apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fiber optic monitoring device for combustible gas concentration, characterized in that, include: An elastic support frame (1) is provided inside the gas pipeline and can expand radially along the inner wall of the pipeline; A flexible fiber optic fastener (2) is connected to the elastic support frame (1) and is used to fix the fiber optic sensing element. The elastic guide (3) is connected at one end to the elastic support frame (1) and at the other end to the flexible optical fiber fixing member (2); A gas isolation sleeve (4) is fitted over the fiber optic sensing element and fixed to the flexible fiber optic fastener (2); and A radial adjustment device (5) is connected to the inner wall of the pipe and the gas isolation sleeve (4), and changes the distance between the fiber optic sensing element and the inner wall of the gas pipe by adjusting its own length. The elastic support frame (1) is composed of multiple evenly distributed spring plates (6), and each spring plate has a rubber pad (7) at its end. The flexible optical fiber fixing component (2) has a hollow cavity inside for inserting a fine-tuning steel cable (9). The position of the optical fiber sensing element is adjusted by controlling the length change of the elastic guide component (3) using the fine-tuning steel cable.

2. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rubber gasket (7) has a textured surface on the side that contacts the pipe.

3. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible optical fiber fixing element (2) includes a fiber bundle pad (8) made of soft material.

4. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the fine-tuning steel cable (9) is fixed to the fixing member, and the fixing member is connected to the optical fiber sensing element. The other end is used to adjust the length.

5. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas isolation sleeve (4) is filled with damping rubber material.

6. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation sleeve (4) also integrates a microporous mesh layer (11), which is disposed inside the isolation sleeve (4).

7. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial adjustment device (5) is designed as a multi-segment threaded connection mechanism, and the screw part is provided with a friction locking ring (10).

8. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber optic sensing element of the device is wrapped with a silicone heat insulation layer.

9. The optical fiber monitoring device for combustible gas concentration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic guide (3) is equipped with buffer plates (12) at both ends of its top.

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