Gas detection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of municipal administration, in particular to a gas detection device which comprises a well lid, an upper box body, a lower box body, three gas detection units, a signal processing unit, a communication unit and a power module, a photovoltaic panel used for generating electricity is installed on the top face of the well lid, the upper box body is fixedly connected to the bottom of the well lid, and the lower box body is fixedly connected to the bottom of the well lid. The lower box body is detachably connected with the upper box body, a containing cavity is defined by the lower box body and the upper box body, the three gas detection units, the signal processing unit, the communication unit and the power module are installed in the containing cavity, three gas inlets are formed in the lower box body, and the three gas detection units correspond to the three gas inlets in a one-to-one mode. The problems of energy pipeline leakage in urban underground infrastructure and harmful gas volume in a closed space are solved. And the problems of timely discovery and early warning are gathered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of municipal technology, and in particular to a gas detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Cities and their suburbs are riddled with underground municipal pipelines, including energy pipelines transporting natural gas, crude oil, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which are crucial components of urban operations and residents' lives. In addition, there are numerous stormwater and sewage pipelines and various pipe trenches, many of which contain relatively enclosed spaces. The technical challenges mainly lie in the following aspects:

[0003] When energy pipelines leak due to inherent defects or external damage, flammable gases or liquids can seep randomly into nearby rainwater pipes, sewage pipes, or other enclosed environments such as trenches. Sewage and septic tanks can also produce biogas, hydrogen sulfide, and other flammable, explosive, and toxic gases due to the anaerobic decomposition of waste. These factors can pose risks of explosion and poisoning to these facilities.

[0004] The design of manhole covers lacks intelligence: most existing manhole covers are made of ordinary ductile iron, with a single function, only providing basic sealing, and lacking the ability to monitor changes in the internal environment, such as real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature, humidity and gas concentration, and thus unable to warn of potential dangers.

[0005] Manual inspections are inefficient: The traditional method of relying on regular manual inspections is not only costly, but also has too low an inspection frequency, making it difficult to cover all potential risk points, resulting in some safety hazards not being dealt with in a timely manner.

[0006] Existing similar detection devices suffer from poor self-sufficiency and reliability, and their functions are relatively limited. Due to the extreme high and low temperatures, high humidity, vibration, and water flooding in the underground environment, existing similar detection devices are prone to false alarms and failures to report. Furthermore, they lack timely and effective feedback on the overall operating status of the device, resulting in poor reliability of the detection data. Existing similar detection devices also lack preliminary intelligent analysis of the data, failing to provide decision-makers with better and more effective decision-making information and suggestions.

[0007] These issues indicate that there is an urgent need to introduce more advanced leak detection and gas monitoring technologies, and to develop intelligent manhole cover solutions to improve safety and prevent accidents, thereby protecting the lives and property of the public. Utility Model Content

[0008] This utility model provides a gas detection device, aiming to solve the problems of timely detection and early warning of energy pipeline leaks and the accumulation of harmful gases in confined spaces in urban underground infrastructure. The technical solution is as follows:

[0009] A gas detection device includes a manhole cover, an upper housing, a lower housing, three gas detection units, a signal processing unit, a communication unit, and a power module. A photovoltaic panel for power generation is installed on the top surface of the manhole cover. The upper housing is fixedly connected to the bottom of the manhole cover. The lower housing is detachably connected to the upper housing, and the lower housing and upper housing form a cavity. The three gas detection units, signal processing unit, communication unit, and power module are installed in the cavity. The lower housing has three air inlets, with each gas detection unit corresponding to one of the three air inlets. The photovoltaic panel is electrically connected to the power module via cables passing through the manhole cover and the upper housing. The power module is electrically connected to the three gas detection units, the signal processing unit, and the communication unit.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, a sealing gasket is provided between the lower box and the upper box.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the manhole cover includes a cover body and a bottom ring, and the cover body and the bottom ring are detachably connected.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a solenoid valve for connecting or disconnecting the passage between the air inlet and the gas detection unit. The lower housing is equipped with a sensor for detecting whether the water level in the pipeline is about to reach the air inlet. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve is controlled by the sensor, and the solenoid valve is electrically connected to the power module.

[0013] Beneficial effects

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Firstly, it has a self-diagnostic function, measuring separately through three independent gas detection units and then comparing the data consistency, which effectively reduces the errors or false alarms that may occur with a single sensor, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of the detection results. Secondly, through a triple moisture-proof measure of sealed design, solenoid valve control, and moisture absorption module, it effectively prevents moisture from entering the equipment, ensuring that the gas detection units operate in a dry environment, thus guaranteeing the reliability and measurement accuracy of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only one embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be derived from the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the gas detection device described in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram showing the positions of the manhole cover and photovoltaic panel described in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 : A simplified circuit diagram of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the manhole cover described in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 : A bottom view of the manhole cover described in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible sleeve and screw described in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 7 : A schematic diagram of the composition of the gas detection unit described in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples:

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a gas detection device includes a manhole cover 1, an upper box 2, a lower box 3, three gas detection units 4, a signal processing unit 5, a communication unit 6, and a power module 7.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, a photovoltaic panel 8 for power generation is installed on the top surface of the manhole cover 1. The top surface of the manhole cover 1 may have a recessed receiving groove to accommodate the photovoltaic panel 8, with the upper surface of the photovoltaic panel 8 flush with the upper surface of the manhole cover. By placing the photovoltaic panel 8 in the recessed receiving groove and ensuring its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the manhole cover, physical damage to the photovoltaic panel caused by external factors such as pedestrians stepping on it or vehicles running over it can be effectively reduced. This helps extend the service life of the photovoltaic panel.

[0029] To further improve the wear resistance and scratch resistance of the manhole cover 1, preferably, a transparent protective layer can be coated on the surface after the photovoltaic panel 8 is installed.

[0030] Specifically, the photovoltaic panel 8 is attached to the back of a relatively thick double-layered tempered glass, giving the whole structure a certain ability to resist pressure and external damage; the ductile iron manhole cover is appropriately thickened to reduce deformation; the photovoltaic tempered glass module can be made as a whole or divided into small pieces and laid in predetermined positions on the manhole cover, with polyurethane material as a base and for sealing the gaps, and the overall plane is lower than the upper surface of the manhole cover's protrusion to further enhance the overall ability to resist external loads; the double-layered tempered glass has high reliability, and even if the whole structure breaks, it will break into rounded fragments, and the overall strength of the cast iron manhole cover will not be affected, posing no safety hazard to the environment. In summary, this manhole cover system has waterproof and explosion-proof performance and can meet all the capabilities required of a simple manhole cover.

[0031] The upper housing 2 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the manhole cover 1, and the lower housing 3 is detachably connected to the upper housing 2. The lower housing 3 and the upper housing 2 form a receiving cavity. Three gas detection units 4, signal processing units 5, communication units 6, and power modules 7 are installed in the receiving cavity 20. The detachable connection between the lower housing 3 and the upper housing 2 facilitates the inspection, maintenance, or replacement of various components installed in the receiving cavity, such as the gas detection units 4, signal processing units 5, and communication units 6. If a component malfunctions, the lower housing can be quickly disassembled for repair without moving the entire device or damaging the manhole cover installation.

[0032] A sealing gasket is provided between the lower housing 3 and the upper housing 2. This gasket effectively prevents external moisture and humidity from entering the cavity, which is crucial for protecting internal electronic components such as gas detection units, signal processing units, and communication units from the effects of a humid environment. Maintaining internal dryness prevents short circuits and other moisture-induced malfunctions, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan. The sealing gasket is made of rubber, such as silicone rubber or nitrile rubber. These materials have good elasticity and sealing properties, effectively adapting to minor unevenness between different materials and providing reliable waterproof and dustproof performance.

[0033] The lower housing 3 has three air inlets 30, and three gas detection units 4 correspond one-to-one with the three air inlets 30. The photovoltaic panel 8 is electrically connected to the power module 7 through a cable passing through the manhole cover 1 and the upper housing 2. The power module 7 is electrically connected to the three gas detection units 4, the signal processing unit 5, and the communication unit 6.

[0034] Gas detection unit 4 is directly responsible for analyzing gas samples entering from the outside through air inlet 30, monitoring specific gas components and their concentrations. Each gas detection unit corresponds one-to-one with an independent air inlet.

[0035] The signal processing unit 5 receives data from the gas detection unit 4 and performs necessary processing, such as data format conversion and error correction, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the output information.

[0036] Communication unit 6 is responsible for sending the processed information to the remote receiving end. This may involve wireless transmission technologies such as Wi-Fi, GPRS, or other communication protocols suitable for underground environments. The communication unit ensures that gas detection data can be transmitted to the monitoring center or relevant management personnel in a timely and accurate manner, enabling them to respond quickly.

[0037] The power module 7 serves as the power source for the entire system. It not only provides a stable operating voltage for the gas detection unit, signal processing unit, and communication unit, but also achieves self-sufficient energy supply through the photovoltaic panel 8. The photovoltaic panel is installed on top of the manhole cover 1, and is connected to the power module via cables that pass through the manhole cover and the upper housing, forming a complete power supply link.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the manhole cover 1 includes a cover body 11 and a bottom ring 12, which are detachably connected. The bottom ring 12 is used to connect with the ground, and the bottom of the bottom ring 12 is connected to the upper housing 2, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the entire device.

[0039] The cover 11 and the bottom ring 12 are detachably connected, making the installation, commissioning, or maintenance of the equipment more convenient. When it is necessary to inspect, repair, or even replace the internal components of the lower box 3, the upper box 2, or the manhole cover itself, only the cover needs to be removed, without moving the entire device, which greatly simplifies the operation process.

[0040] By designing the cover and base ring separately, appropriate materials and structures can be selected according to different application scenarios. For example, weight can be reduced while ensuring strength, or the design of the base ring can be adjusted according to the specific ground conditions to adapt to different installation requirements.

[0041] It also includes a solenoid valve 50 for connecting or disconnecting the passage between the air inlet 30 and the gas detection unit 4. The solenoid valve 50 is designed to be normally closed, meaning that the passage between the air inlet 30 and the gas detection unit 4 is disconnected by default, and it is only opened when gas detection is required.

[0042] Keeping the solenoid valve 50 closed when not in operation effectively prevents moisture, dust, and other potential contaminants from the external environment from entering the gas detection unit through the air inlet. This is crucial for maintaining a dry and clean working environment inside the equipment, helping to extend its lifespan and ensure measurement accuracy.

[0043] The lower housing 3 is equipped with a sensor 31 for detecting whether the water level in the pipe is about to reach the air inlet 30. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve 50 is controlled by the sensor 31. The solenoid valve 50 is electrically connected to the power module 7.

[0044] The sensor 31 is configured as a non-contact or contact sensor to monitor the liquid distance or directly sense the presence of the liquid, and thereby control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 50.

[0045] When configured as a non-contact sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, it can operate without direct contact with the liquid, thus avoiding the influence of the liquid's chemical properties and reducing the risk of corrosion and contamination. When configured as a touch-type sensor, the solenoid valve 50 is immediately triggered to close upon contact with the liquid, providing intuitive operation and rapid response, making it particularly suitable for situations requiring quick reactions.

[0046] Sensor 31 is used to monitor whether the water level in the pipeline is approaching the air inlet 30. Once the sensor detects that the water level is about to reach the air inlet, it immediately sends a signal to the solenoid valve 50 to close it. This effectively prevents water from entering the equipment through the air inlet, protecting the gas detection unit 4 and other electronic components from water damage.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper box 2 and the manhole cover 1 are detachably connected by a screw 61 with a flexible sleeve 60. The bottom of the manhole cover 1 extends downward to form a square connecting part 10. The top of the upper box 2 is installed in the space enclosed by the connecting part 10. The connecting part 10 has a through hole 10a. The upper box 2 has a threaded hole corresponding to the through hole 10a. The screw 61 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and the flexible sleeve 60 fitted on the screw 61 is interference-fitted in the through hole 10a.

[0048] The flexible sleeve 60 can absorb vibration and impact to a certain extent, reducing the impact of external vibration on internal instruments. This is especially important for equipment installed in busy traffic areas or underground pipelines, as it can improve the stability and reliability of the system.

[0049] The use of the flexible sleeve 60 can fill the tiny gap between the screw 61 and the through hole 10a, providing an additional sealing layer. This helps prevent external contaminants such as moisture and dust from entering the device through the connection point, thereby protecting the internal electronic components from damage.

[0050] The flexible sleeve 60 can be made of rubber or polyurethane. Polyurethane is known for its excellent abrasion resistance, tear strength, and good elastic recovery, making it suitable for applications requiring long-term sealing. Its hardness can also be adjusted to meet different usage requirements.

[0051] A moisture-absorbing module and a heating module for heating the moisture-absorbing module are provided in the passage between the solenoid valve 50 and the gas detection unit 4. The heating module is electrically connected to the power supply module 7.

[0052] A moisture-absorbing module can be installed on the heating module, with the heating module wrapped in a moisture-absorbing material, thus drying the material. Furthermore, the temperature rise in the confined space reduces the humidity of the air. When the solenoid valve 50 closes, the temperature drops, and the moisture-absorbing material absorbs moisture from the confined space, effectively reducing the humidity. This effectively improves the working environment of the gas detection unit probe, enhancing its effectiveness and reliability.

[0053] The high humidity in underground pipeline environments can affect the performance of gas detection units or lead to inaccurate measurement results. A moisture-absorbing module absorbs moisture from the incoming gas flow, ensuring that only dry gas samples reach the gas detection unit, thus protecting it from moisture and maintaining high-precision detection capabilities.

[0054] The moisture absorption module automatically absorbs moisture from the incoming gas flow during gas detection unit operation, ensuring that only dry gas samples reach the gas detection unit. This method eliminates the need for an additional triggering mechanism, simplifying system design while guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of gas detection.

[0055] The heating and dehumidification modules operate without human intervention, achieving automated maintenance. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also improves system availability and stability.

[0056] During operation, the aforementioned gas detection device is used for monitoring:

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the three gas detection units 4 are divided into gas detection unit 1 (4-1), gas detection unit 2 (4-2), and gas detection unit 3 (4-3).

[0058] During operation: Gas detection unit 4-1 first performs gas detection. After detecting the gas data in the pipeline, it obtains the first data such as the composition and concentration of the gas, and then gas detection unit 4-1 shuts down.

[0059] After a preset time, the second gas detection unit 4-2 performs gas detection. After detecting the gas data in the pipeline, it obtains the second data. The second gas detection unit 4-2 is turned off and the first data and the second data are automatically compared. If they are basically the same, the third gas detection unit 4-3 will not be turned on again.

[0060] If there is a significant difference between the two, it indicates that at least one set of data from gas detection units 1 and 2 is incorrect. In this case, gas detection unit 3 (4-3) is activated. After detecting the gas data in the pipeline, the data obtained from gas detection unit 3 (4-3) is compared with the first two sets of data. The two sets of data that are basically the same are used as the standard and sent to the remote receiving end. The information indicating which gas detection unit is faulty is also sent along with the incorrect data set.

[0061] Preferably, the system also includes an alarm unit. When there is a significant difference between the data from gas detection units one and two, and gas detection unit three determines that a certain set of data is incorrect, signal processing unit 5, in addition to sending the correct data and fault information to the remote receiver, will also send an alarm command to the alarm unit. Upon receiving the command, the alarm unit activates the alarm device and emits an audible and visual alarm signal. The alarm unit can be set with different alarm threshold levels.

[0062] By collecting data from multiple gas detection units and cross-validating them, inaccurate data caused by errors or malfunctions of a single sensor can be effectively reduced. This method significantly improves the reliability and accuracy of the final data.

[0063] Even if one or two gas detection units malfunction or give incorrect readings, the third gas detection unit can still provide accurate measurements as a reference. This increases the system's fault tolerance, ensuring that effective monitoring information is still available even if some components fail.

[0064] When a significant discrepancy is detected between two sets of data, the system automatically activates a third gas detection unit for verification. Based on the consistency of the three sets of data, it determines which set may be problematic. Simultaneously, this method can automatically identify which gas detection unit might be malfunctioning and send relevant information to a remote receiver for timely maintenance and repair.

[0065] By default, only two gas detection units are needed to complete routine monitoring tasks. A third gas detection unit is activated only when a potential anomaly is detected and the two data points are inconsistent and significantly different. This approach not only saves energy consumption but also reduces unnecessary equipment wear and tear, extending the overall system lifespan.

[0066] When sensor 31 detects that the water level in the pipe is about to reach the air inlet 30, it controls all solenoid valves 50 to close to prevent water from entering the accommodating cavity 20.

[0067] When the gas detection unit 4 starts gas detection, its corresponding moisture absorption module works; when the gas detection unit 4 stops working, the heating module starts working to heat and dehumidify the moisture absorption module.

[0068] Measurements are taken separately by three independent gas detection units (4-1, 4-2, and 4-3), and the consistency of the data is compared. This effectively reduces the errors or false alarms that may occur with a single sensor, thus significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of the detection results. If one or two gas detection units malfunction or give an incorrect reading, the third gas detection unit can still provide a correct measurement as a reference. This design ensures that the system can still provide effective monitoring information even if some components fail. When the data from gas detection units 1 and 2 are consistent, there is no need to activate gas detection unit 3, saving resources; however, when there are significant differences in the data, gas detection unit 3 is automatically activated for verification, and the final correct data is determined by the majority consensus principle, enhancing the system's self-verification capability.

[0069] The robust protection design employs a triple moisture-proof system—sealing, solenoid valves, and a moisture-absorbing module—to provide comprehensive protection for the gas detection device. Sealing design: A sealing gasket between the lower housing 3 and the upper housing 2 effectively prevents moisture and other impurities from entering the device, ensuring the internal electronic components operate in a dry environment. Solenoid valve control: When sensor 31 detects that the water level in the pipeline is about to reach the air inlet 30, it immediately closes the solenoid valve 50, cutting off the air intake path and preventing moisture from entering the gas detection unit 4 through the air inlet. This provides an additional layer of protection against any possible moisture ingress.

[0070] The moisture absorption module absorbs residual moisture: Even if a small amount of moisture enters the system through other means, the moisture absorption module can further absorb this moisture to ensure that the gas sample is as dry as possible, thus not affecting the performance of the gas detection unit.

[0071] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the gas detection unit, signal processing unit 5, communication unit 6, power module 7, solenoid valve 50, and sensor 31 are all general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0072] The present invention has been described above by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications or variations made based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas detection device, characterized by: The utility model provides a kind of gas detection device for sewer, including well lid (1), upper box body (2), lower box body (3), three gas detection units (4), signal processing unit (5), communication unit (6) and power module (7), the top surface of the well lid (1) is equipped with photovoltaic board (8) for generating electricity, the upper box body (2) is fixedly connected on the bottom of well lid (1), the lower box body (3) is detachably connected with the upper box body (2), the lower box body (3) and the upper box body (2) form a containing cavity, three gas detection units (4), signal processing unit (5), communication unit (6) and power module (7) are installed in containing cavity (20), three air inlets (30) are formed in the lower box body (3), three gas detection units (4) correspond to three air inlets one by one, the photovoltaic board (8) is electrically connected with power module (7) by cable passing through well lid (1) and upper box body (2), and the power module (7) is electrically connected with three gas detection units (4), signal processing unit (5), communication unit (6).

2. The gas detection device of claim 1, wherein :Sealing gasket is arranged between the lower box body (3) and the upper box body (2).

3. A gas detection device according to claim 2, wherein :Material of the sealing gasket is rubber.

4. The gas detection device of claim 1, wherein :Well lid (1) includes cover body (11) and bottom ring (12), and the cover body (11) is detachably connected with the bottom ring (12).

5. The gas detection device of claim 1, wherein :Further comprising solenoid valve (50) for connecting or cutting off the passage between air inlet (30) and gas detection unit (4), sensor (31) for detecting whether water level in pipeline reaches air inlet (30) is arranged on the lower box body (3), and opening and closing of the solenoid valve (50) is controlled by the sensor (31), and the solenoid valve (50) is electrically connected with the power module (7).

6. A gas detection device according to claim 5, wherein :Sensor (31) is non-contact sensor or contact sensor.

7. The gas detection device of claim 1, wherein: The upper box body (2) and the well lid (1) are detachably connected by screw (61) with flexible sleeve (60), the bottom of the well lid (1) extends downward to form square connecting part (10), the top of the upper box body (2) is installed in the space surrounded by the connecting part (10), the connecting part (10) has through hole (10a), the upper box body (2) has threaded hole corresponding to the through hole (10a), the screw (61) is threadedly connected with the threaded hole, and the flexible sleeve (60) sleeved on the screw (61) is interference-fitted in the through hole (10a).

8. The gas detection device of claim 5, wherein :Humidity absorbing module and heating module for heating humidity absorbing module are arranged on the passage between the solenoid valve (50) and the gas detection unit (4), and the heating module is electrically connected with the power module (7).

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