Device for testing temperature sensing cable
By designing a device for testing temperature-sensitive cables, using a PTC ceramic heater and a U-shaped corrugated heat sink for precise temperature control, the error problem caused by the heating uncertainty of handheld hot air guns is solved, improving the efficiency and safety of temperature-sensitive cable commissioning in nuclear power plants and other industries.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
When using a handheld hot air gun to debug individual temperature sensing cables, the heating temperature of the hot air gun is uncertain, resulting in large errors in the threshold verification of the temperature sensing cable, as well as problems of wasted manpower and material loss.
A device for testing temperature-sensing cables was designed, comprising a housing assembly, a heating element, a temperature control assembly, and a fixing element. Precise temperature control is achieved using a PTC ceramic heater and a U-shaped corrugated heat sink, and intelligent temperature control is performed through a microprocessor. The fixing element ensures stable cable fixation.
It reduces the manpower required for testing, improves work efficiency, reduces material consumption, and achieves accuracy and safety in the testing of temperature-sensing cables. It is suitable for the commissioning of temperature-sensing cables in nuclear power plants and other industries.
Smart Images

Figure CN224216196U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of cable inspection and maintenance devices, specifically to a device for testing temperature-sensing cables. Background Technology
[0002] The fire alarm system of a nuclear power plant is divided into three main parts according to area: the nuclear island, the conventional island, and the Balance of Plant (BOP) buildings. The heat-sensing cable refers to a cable-type linear constant-temperature fire detector. These detectors are stable and reliable, suitable for fire detection in harsh environments. In related technologies, nuclear power plants use resettable heat-sensing cables. These cables consist of steel wires with heat-sensitive insulation. When the temperature changes at the nuclear power plant site, the resistance between the steel wires changes. When the resistance change reaches a set alarm threshold, the detector sends a fire alarm signal.
[0003] During the commissioning of a fire alarm system, each heat-sensing cable needs to be individually tested. In related technologies, a handheld hot air gun is used for individual testing of the heat-sensing cables. However, the heating temperature of the hot air gun is uncertain, easily exceeding the alarm threshold, leading to significant errors in verifying the threshold of the heat-sensing cable. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a device for testing temperature sensing cables to solve the problem that when using a handheld hot air gun to debug individual temperature sensing cables, the heating temperature of the hot air gun is uncertain, resulting in a large error in verifying the threshold of the temperature sensing cable.
[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a device for testing temperature-sensing cables. The device includes: a housing assembly with a hollow interior, openings on a first and second surface of the housing assembly, the first and second surfaces being two opposite surfaces of the housing assembly, the hollow structure and the two openings forming a cavity for accommodating the temperature-sensing cable; a heating element disposed inside the housing for heating the cavity; and a temperature control assembly disposed inside the housing, electrically connected to the heating element, for acquiring the temperature within the cavity, and also for controlling the heating temperature of the heating element.
[0006] Compared to testing temperature-sensing cables with a handheld hot air gun, this method reduces the manpower required for testing, improves the efficiency of testing personnel, and can be reused in subsequent nuclear power units, reducing material waste. In addition, the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment can be used not only for the individual commissioning of temperature-sensing cables in nuclear power plant fire alarm systems, but also for the individual commissioning of other temperature-sensing cables in nuclear and chemical industries, and can also be used for testing and verification of temperature-sensing cables in other industries, with a wide range of applications.
[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the heating element includes: a positive temperature coefficient ceramic heater, and a U-shaped corrugated heat dissipation pipe connected to the positive temperature coefficient ceramic heater.
[0008] It can effectively avoid overheating and has high safety; in addition, PTC ceramic heaters also have the advantages of long life, good heat preservation performance, strong mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and magnetic field resistance.
[0009] In one optional embodiment, there are two heating elements. One end of the first heating element is disposed on the first surface, and the other end of the first heating element is disposed on the second surface. One end of the second heating element is disposed on the first surface, and the other end of the second heating element is disposed on the second surface. The first heating element and the second heating element are disposed opposite to each other.
[0010] It can raise the temperature inside the cavity more quickly, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature sensing cable testing.
[0011] In one optional embodiment, the temperature control component includes: a temperature sensor disposed in the accommodating cavity, the temperature sensor being used to acquire the temperature within the accommodating cavity; an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the analog-to-digital converter being used to convert the temperature signal into a digital signal; and a microprocessor electrically connected to the analog-to-digital converter, the microprocessor being used to acquire the digital signal, and the microprocessor being further used to control the heating temperature of the heating element.
[0012] Precise control of the temperature of the sensing cable can be achieved by setting up a PTC ceramic heater and a temperature control component.
[0013] In an optional embodiment, the aforementioned device further includes a fixing member disposed at the receiving cavity, the fixing member being used to fix the temperature sensing cable.
[0014] By using fasteners, the temperature sensing cable can be securely fixed in a specific position during testing, reducing the risk of loosening or shaking and ensuring the stability and safety of the test.
[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the fastener includes a clamp.
[0016] It can fix the temperature sensing cable, making it easier to test the temperature sensing cable.
[0017] In one optional embodiment, the number of fasteners is two; the first fastener is located closer to the first surface and farther from the second surface; the second fastener is located closer to the second surface and farther from the first surface.
[0018] The fixed design at both ends prevents the device used for testing the temperature sensing cable from shifting, facilitates the testing of the temperature sensing cable, reduces the risk of damage to the temperature sensing cable, and can effectively reduce bending and twisting of the temperature sensing cable, avoiding damage to the temperature sensing cable or short circuit caused by uneven stress.
[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the housing assembly is made of polyurethane board.
[0020] The box assembly has a relatively low density, making it lighter and easier to carry and transport than other insulation materials. The box assembly also has excellent thermal insulation properties, which can effectively prevent the exchange of hot and cold air and reduce energy consumption.
[0021] In an optional embodiment, the aforementioned device for testing temperature-sensing cables further includes: a display component disposed on the third side of the housing assembly, the display component being electrically connected to the temperature control component, and the display component being used to acquire and display the temperature within the accommodating cavity.
[0022] Different test temperatures for temperature-sensing cables can be set via the display component, enabling the device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment to be compatible with test processes for temperature-sensing cables at temperatures of 70°C, 85°C, 105°C, 138°C, or 180°C.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the aforementioned device for testing temperature-sensing cables further includes a handle disposed on either side of the housing assembly, through which the device is carried or moved.
[0024] The handle facilitates carrying or moving the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment, improving its ease of use. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown.
[0027] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown;
[0028] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown;
[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the usage scenario of the device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown;
[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0032] A cable-type linear temperature sensing cable is a temperature detection element consisting of two steel core conductors twisted together, each made of extruded negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor-sensitive insulation material. It can detect temperature changes at any point along its installation length. As the temperature rises, the resistance between the cable cores decreases. When the temperature reaches the response value, the NTC thermistor-sensitive insulation melts, causing a short circuit between the conductors and generating an alarm signal.
[0033] Cable-type linear constant-temperature fire detectors consist of a microprocessor, a terminal box, and a temperature-sensing cable. Based on different alarm temperatures, the temperature-sensing cables can be categorized as 70℃, 85℃, 105℃, 138℃, or 180℃, etc. However, during the individual debugging of the temperature-sensing cable using a hot air gun, several issues arise: the heating range of the hot air gun is uncertain, easily causing excessive temperature rise in non-sensing cable areas, damaging the protection of other cables; and prolonged operation of the handheld hot air gun results in wasted manpower.
[0034] This embodiment provides a device for testing temperature-sensing cables. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown, as follows: Figure 1As shown, the device for testing temperature-sensing cables includes: a housing assembly 101, the housing assembly 101 having a hollow structure inside, and openings on a first surface 102 and a second surface 103 of the housing assembly 101. The first surface 102 and the second surface 103 are two opposite surfaces of the housing assembly 101, and the hollow structure and the two openings form a receiving cavity for accommodating the temperature-sensing cable; a heating element disposed inside the housing, the heating element being used to heat the receiving cavity; and a temperature control assembly disposed inside the housing, the temperature control assembly being electrically connected to the heating element, the temperature control assembly being used to acquire the temperature inside the receiving cavity, and the temperature control assembly also being used to control the heating temperature of the heating element.
[0035] In this embodiment, only two openings are provided on the side of the box assembly body, which can reduce heat loss during the heating process and also has a certain heat preservation effect.
[0036] The device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment reduces the manpower required for testing and improves the work efficiency of testing personnel compared to testing temperature-sensing cables with a handheld hot air gun. It can also be reused in subsequent nuclear power units, reducing material waste. In addition, the device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment can be used not only for the individual commissioning of temperature-sensing cables in nuclear power plant fire alarm systems, but also for the individual commissioning of temperature-sensing cables in other industries such as nuclear and chemical industries. It can also be used for testing and verifying temperature-sensing cables in other industries, and has a wide range of applications.
[0037] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the heating element includes a positive temperature coefficient ceramic heater (PTC ceramic heater) 201 and a U-shaped corrugated heat sink 202 connected to the PTC ceramic heater 201. The surface of the PTC ceramic heater 201 is coated with an insulating layer 203.
[0038] In this embodiment, the PTC ceramic heater 201 includes a PTC ceramic heating element and an aluminum tube. The resistance of the PTC ceramic heater increases with temperature. When the PTC ceramic heater is energized, current flows through the PTC element, generating heat. As the temperature rises, the resistance of the PTC element increases, leading to a decrease in the current flowing through it, thus reducing the amount of heat generated, achieving a self-regulating effect. The heat generated by the PTC ceramic heater after energization is conducted to the U-shaped corrugated heat sink. Utilizing the low thermal resistance and high heat exchange efficiency of the PTC ceramic heater, along with the high heat dissipation efficiency of the U-shaped corrugated heat sink, the temperature sensing cable can be heated evenly without the heat sink "reddening," resulting in higher safety.
[0039] The self-limiting temperature property of PTC ceramic heaters allows them to automatically adjust heating power based on temperature changes, effectively preventing overheating and ensuring high safety. In addition, PTC ceramic heaters also have advantages such as long lifespan, good heat preservation performance, strong mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and magnetic field resistance.
[0040] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, there are two heating elements. One end of the first heating element is disposed on the first surface 102, and the other end is disposed on the second surface 103. One end of the second heating element is disposed on the first surface 102, and the other end is disposed on the second surface 103. The first heating element and the second heating element are arranged opposite to each other. The first heating element includes a first PTC ceramic heating element disposed on the first surface 102, and a U-shaped corrugated heat dissipation tube connected to the first PTC ceramic heating element through an aluminum tube. The first heating element also includes a second PTC ceramic heating element disposed on the second surface 103, and a U-shaped corrugated heat dissipation tube connected to the second PTC ceramic heating element through an aluminum tube. The second heating element includes a third PTC ceramic heating element disposed on the first surface 102, and a second U-shaped corrugated heat dissipation tube connected to the third PTC ceramic heating element through an aluminum tube. The second heating element also includes a fourth PTC ceramic heating element disposed on the second surface 103, and a second U-shaped corrugated heat dissipation tube connected to the fourth PTC ceramic heating element through an aluminum tube.
[0041] The two heating elements include four PTC ceramic heating elements, which can raise the temperature inside the cavity more quickly, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature sensing cable testing.
[0042] In some alternative embodiments, the temperature control component includes: a temperature sensor disposed in the accommodating cavity for acquiring the temperature within the accommodating cavity; an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the temperature sensor for converting the temperature signal into a digital signal; and a microprocessor electrically connected to the analog-to-digital converter for acquiring the digital signal and controlling the heating temperature of the heating element.
[0043] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor is set as a thermistor, which converts the temperature signal into a resistance signal, converts the resistance signal into a digital signal through an analog-to-digital converter, and transmits the digital signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor adjusts the magnitude of the current of the PTC ceramic heater.
[0044] Precise control of the temperature of the sensing cable can be achieved by setting up a PTC ceramic heater and a temperature control component.
[0045] In some alternative embodiments, the aforementioned apparatus for testing temperature-sensing cables further includes: a fixing member disposed in the receiving cavity, the fixing member being used to fix the temperature-sensing cable.
[0046] In this embodiment, the fixing component can be configured as a cable fixing clamp, which includes an anti-eddy current clamp and a fixing bracket. The position of the temperature sensing cable is determined by the position of the fixing bracket.
[0047] By using fasteners, the temperature sensing cable can be securely fixed in a specific position during testing, reducing the risk of loosening or shaking and ensuring the stability and safety of the test.
[0048] In some alternative implementations, the fastener includes a clamp.
[0049] In this embodiment, the fastener can be a clamp. For example... Figure 1 As shown, clamp 104 is located on the third side of the housing assembly. After opening the clamp counterclockwise, the temperature sensing cable is inserted, and then the clamp is tightened clockwise to fix the temperature sensing cable in place, facilitating testing of the temperature sensing cable.
[0050] In some alternative embodiments, there are two fasteners; the first fastener is positioned closer to the first surface and farther from the second surface; the second fastener is positioned closer to the second surface and farther from the first surface.
[0051] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fasteners are located on the third side of the housing assembly. The first fastener, namely the clamp 104, is located closer to the first side 102 and farther from the second side 103; the second fastener 105 is located closer to the second side 103 and farther from the first side 102. The temperature-sensing cable under test is secured by the first and second fasteners. This design of fixing both ends prevents the device used for testing the temperature-sensing cable from shifting, facilitates testing of the temperature-sensing cable, reduces the risk of damage to the cable, effectively reduces bending and twisting of the cable, and avoids damage or short circuits caused by uneven stress.
[0052] In some alternative implementations, the housing assembly is made of polyurethane board.
[0053] In this embodiment, the box assembly uses polyurethane foam as the internal filling material, and the outer layer of the box assembly is wrapped with aluminum sheets and color-coated steel plates with different properties, and is assembled under high temperature and pressure. Compared with the insulating materials in related technologies, such as rock wool, glass wool, or polystyrene boards, the box assembly in this embodiment uses polyurethane boards. The box assembly has a relatively low density, is lighter than other insulating materials, and is easy to carry and transport. The box assembly has excellent thermal insulation performance, which can effectively prevent the exchange of hot and cold air and reduce energy consumption. The box assembly in this embodiment also has the advantages of being lightweight and having good thermal insulation. Moreover, polyurethane foam has the characteristic of low gas density, which has a significant effect on heat conduction. The thermal conductivity of polyurethane boards is very low, and they have good thermal insulation performance. In addition, when polyurethane boards burn, a carbonized layer or carbon deposit forms on the surface of the foam. This carbonized layer helps to isolate the underlying foam material, thereby effectively preventing the spread of fire. Polyurethane boards also have high temperature resistance, with a softening point of over 250 degrees Celsius, and do not produce harmful gases at high temperatures.
[0054] In some alternative embodiments, the aforementioned device for testing temperature-sensing cables further includes: a display component disposed on the third side of the housing assembly, the display component being electrically connected to the temperature control component, and the display component being used to acquire and display the temperature within the accommodating cavity.
[0055] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the display component 301 can be configured as a touch screen. The test temperature can be set through the display component 301, and the temperature inside the accommodating cavity can also be displayed through the display component 301. A power supply 302 is also provided on the third side of the housing assembly, which can be used to turn the device used for testing the temperature sensing cable on or off.
[0056] Different test temperatures for temperature-sensing cables can be set via the display component, enabling the device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment to be compatible with test processes for temperature-sensing cables at temperatures of 70°C, 85°C, 105°C, 138°C, or 180°C.
[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the aforementioned device for testing temperature-sensing cables further includes a handle 106 disposed on any side of the housing assembly, through which the device can be carried or moved.
[0058] The handle facilitates carrying or moving the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment, improving its ease of use.
[0059] Figure 4This diagram illustrates a usage scenario of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment. (For example...) Figure 4 As shown, the device 1 for testing the temperature sensing cable is set up at the test site. The device 1 for testing the temperature sensing cable transmits data over a long distance with the gateway 2, and the remote control terminal 3 transmits data over a long distance with the gateway 2.
[0060] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the device used for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the microprocessor 505 is electrically connected to the display component 301, the regulated power supply 506 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 505, and the regulated power supply 506 is used to provide power to the circuit where the microprocessor 505 is located. The microprocessor 505 is also electrically connected to the PTC ceramic heater 201 and the communication module 507. The temperature sensor 501 is electrically connected to the filter circuit 502, the filter circuit 502 is electrically connected to the analog-to-digital converter 503, the analog-to-digital converter 503 is electrically connected to the isolation circuit 504, and the isolation circuit 504 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 505.
[0061] In some implementations, the test temperature set at the remote control terminal can be obtained through the communication module, and the test temperature can be transmitted to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then controls the PTC ceramic heater to test the temperature-sensing cable.
[0062] After the regulated power supply 506 is powered on, the test temperature is set via the display component 301. The test temperature can be set to 70℃, 85℃, 105℃, 138℃, or 180℃. The display component 301 transmits the test temperature to the microprocessor 505, which then transmits it to the PTC ceramic heater 201. After the PTC ceramic heater 201 is powered on, it generates heat through current to test the temperature-sensing cable within the accommodating cavity. The temperature sensor 501, located within the accommodating cavity, acquires the temperature within the cavity and displays the acquired temperature... The signal is transmitted to the filter circuit 502, which filters voltage jitter through hardware circuitry to filter the temperature signal. The temperature signal processed by the filter circuit 502 is then transmitted to the analog-to-digital converter 503, which converts the temperature signal into a digital signal. The digital signal is then transmitted to the signal isolation circuit 504. The digital signal processed by the isolation circuit 504 is then transmitted to the microprocessor 505. Based on the acquired temperature data and the test temperature, the microprocessor 505 controls the PTC ceramic heater to achieve precise control of the temperature inside the cavity.
[0063] like Figure 5As shown, the microprocessor 505 is also electrically connected to the communication module 507. The microprocessor 505 transmits the temperature control information to the remote control terminal through the communication module 507, and can remotely display the real-time temperature.
[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, in the process of implementing this embodiment, the clamps at both ends of the device for testing the temperature sensing cable are opened counterclockwise, the temperature sensing cable 107 is placed into the device for testing the temperature sensing cable, the clamps are tightened clockwise, the power switch is turned on, the touch screen is operated, and the test temperature threshold is set. The test temperature threshold can also be set remotely. After the temperature sensing cable 107 is heated to the test temperature threshold, it is kept at a constant temperature. The real-time temperature of the current temperature sensing cable can be displayed on the touch screen.
[0065] The device for testing temperature-sensing cables in this embodiment uses a PTC ceramic heater and a U-shaped corrugated heat sink to form a heating circuit, and a microprocessor to form a temperature control circuit, enabling precise heating, temperature measurement, and data transmission. It allows for real-time and accurate temperature control, shortens testing time, reduces manpower requirements, and improves the efficiency of testing personnel. Furthermore, this device can be reused in subsequent nuclear power units, reducing material waste.
[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A device for testing temperature-sensing cables, characterized in that, The device includes: The housing assembly has a hollow internal structure, and openings on a first and second side. The first and second sides are two opposite sides of the housing assembly. The hollow structure and the two openings form a receiving cavity for accommodating the temperature sensing cable. A heating element is disposed inside the housing, and the heating element is used to heat the accommodating cavity; A temperature control component is disposed inside the housing and is electrically connected to the heating element. The temperature control component is used to acquire the temperature inside the accommodating cavity and to control the heating temperature of the heating element.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element includes: A positive temperature coefficient ceramic heater, and a U-shaped corrugated heat dissipation pipe connected to the positive temperature coefficient ceramic heater.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of heating elements is two, with one end of the first heating element disposed on the first surface and the other end of the first heating element disposed on the second surface; One end of the second heating element is disposed on the first surface, and the other end of the second heating element is disposed on the second surface. The first heating element and the second heating element are disposed opposite to each other.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control component includes: A temperature sensor is disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the temperature sensor is used to acquire the temperature inside the accommodating cavity; An analog-to-digital converter, electrically connected to the temperature sensor, is used to convert the temperature signal into a digital signal; A microprocessor, electrically connected to the analog-to-digital converter, is used to acquire the digital signal and to control the heating temperature of the heating element.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: A fixing member is provided at the receiving cavity, and the fixing member is used to fix the temperature sensing cable.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fasteners include clamps.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The number of fasteners is two; The first fastener is positioned close to the first surface and away from the second surface; The second fastener is positioned closer to the second surface and further away from the first surface.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box assembly is made of polyurethane board.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: A display component is disposed on the third side of the housing component. The display component is electrically connected to the temperature control component and is used to acquire and display the temperature inside the accommodating cavity.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: A handle is provided on any side of the housing assembly, through which the device is carried or moved.