Underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor
By employing a double-semi-annular waterproof shell structure and a multi-layered sealing design, the sealing and durability issues of underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring devices have been resolved, achieving highly reliable leakage monitoring.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CUBE CLOUD (SHANDONG) INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring devices lack active sealing structures and have insufficient durability, resulting in inaccurate monitoring results and susceptibility to soil corrosion and mechanical damage.
It adopts a double semi-ring waterproof shell structure, combined with stepped connecting parts, sealing strips and sealing rings, to form a labyrinthine sealing path. With the help of support ribs and one-way valves, it can achieve multi-level sealing and stable monitoring, reducing soil seepage and mechanical damage.
It improves the accuracy and stability of monitoring results, reduces mechanical damage, adapts to pipeline deformation, reduces the impact of soil seepage on monitoring, and ensures real-time leak detection.
Smart Images
Figure CN224245964U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of leak detection, and in particular to a leak detection sensor for underground energy pipelines. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, underground energy pipelines (such as oil and natural gas pipelines) are buried in complex geological environments for extended periods, undertaking the critical task of energy transmission. Once a pipeline leaks, it not only causes energy waste and economic losses but can also lead to soil pollution, groundwater poisoning, and even explosions. Because leak points are deeply buried underground, traditional manual inspections are insufficient to detect potential hazards in real time, necessitating continuous monitoring using highly reliable sensors.
[0003] In existing technologies, underground pipeline leak monitoring often employs directly buried sensor devices, such as the solution described in patent CN205504487U. This method uses a pressure sensor to detect changes in gas pressure at the pipeline connection and triggers an audible and visual alarm. Such devices typically consist of a protective housing composed of an upper cover and a lower cover. The housing surface is coated with anti-rust paint and has drainage holes to discharge accumulated liquid. Some devices use bolts to connect the housing to the pipeline, relying on physical seals to prevent the intrusion of external media.
[0004] However, the shell is only bolted together and has no active sealing structure, so groundwater can easily seep into the joints and corrode the sensor; the surface coating cannot resist long-term soil chemical corrosion and mechanical pressure, which causes the shell to deform and crack, resulting in inaccurate monitoring results. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To ensure the accuracy of monitoring results, this application provides a leak monitoring sensor for underground energy pipelines.
[0006] This application provides a leakage monitoring sensor for underground energy pipelines, which adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A leak detection sensor for underground energy pipelines, comprising:
[0008] The waterproof shell has two parts, each in a semi-circular shape, with a collection chamber, and the two together form a protective structure surrounding the pipe interface.
[0009] A sealing mechanism includes a connecting part and a sealing strip. The connecting part is provided on each of the waterproof shells. The sealing strip is provided on the connecting part on one side and abuts against the connecting part on the other side.
[0010] A monitoring module, located inside the waterproof housing, is used to monitor the leakage status.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, two semi-annular waterproof shells are used to cover the pipe interface (such as the flange connection). The shells are closed through the connection part, and the sealing strip presses the joint tightly. Leaked gas / liquid enters the collection chamber, and the monitoring module triggers an alarm. The double-shell encircling structure fits the curvature of the pipe better, eliminating the four corner leakage points. The collection chamber centrally contains the initial leakage, reducing the monitoring delay caused by the exposed design of the detection tube. Moreover, the annular structure has better stress distribution and can distribute the stress, which can reduce mechanical damage. The sealing mechanism can reduce soil water seepage and maintain monitoring accuracy.
[0012] Optionally, the connecting portion is stepped, and two connecting portions are arranged in a cooperative manner.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the two shells are closed, the stepped connecting parts fit together (such as mortise and tenon structure), and the sealing strip is squeezed and deformed by the stepped surface to fill the gap; the labyrinth seal extends the leakage path; the stepped structure resists pipeline vibration and displacement.
[0014] Optionally, a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the waterproof shell, and a one-way check valve is provided on the drain pipe.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid in the collection chamber is discharged through the bottom drain pipe. When the groundwater level rises, the check valve automatically closes to prevent backflow; the one-way valve reduces the liquid accumulation rate in the waterproof shell.
[0016] Optionally, the inner wall of the waterproof shell is provided with support ribs, which extend to abut against the pipe.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the end of the support rib is elastically pressed against the outer wall of the pipe to form an annular flow channel to guide the leaked material to the bottom of the collection chamber; the ribs attenuate the vibration acceleration of the pipe and can reduce the pressure of external pressure on the waterproof shell, reduce the damage to the waterproof shell, and keep the internal monitoring results accurate.
[0018] Optionally, the sealing mechanism further includes a sealing ring, which is disposed around the pipe and on the waterproof shell, with the ends of the sealing rings on the two waterproof shells abutting each other.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the two halves of the sealing ring close together with the shell on the pipe surface, and the ends abut to form a second annular seal; the shell joint seal, bolt pressing, step, and sealing strip composite seal enable multi-directional waterproofing, reduce damage to the monitoring module, and can be used to monitor for liquid leakage, reducing the influence of the external environment and maintaining the accuracy of the monitoring results; moreover, the sealing design adapts to pipe deformation, and the sealing ring compensates for the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe, thus maintaining the sealing effect.
[0020] Optionally, the sealing ring end abutment is formed with a wavy mating part, and the mating parts of the two sealing ring abutments are adapted to each other.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the wave structures at the end of the sealing ring mesh with each other, and the crest-trough combination forms a tortuous sealing interface; after the crest wears out, the trough still maintains contact, resisting high pressure impact: under sudden pressure, the leakage rate is reduced compared to a flat seal.
[0022] Optionally, one of the waterproof shells is provided with a positioning plate, and the other waterproof shell is provided with a positioning groove, wherein the positioning plate corresponds to the positioning groove.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the positioning plate is inserted into the positioning groove during installation to achieve radial pre-positioning of the two shells before tightening the bolts; this facilitates installation and positioning, improves stability in the soil, and reduces the possibility of relative sliding between the two waterproof shells.
[0024] Optionally, an annular water collection groove is formed on the inner wall of the sealing ring, and the water collection groove is connected to a drain pipe.
[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, water seepage inside the sealing ring is intercepted by the water collection tank and guided to the main collection chamber through the drain pipe; hidden leakage is eliminated, and timely drainage can reduce damage to the monitoring module in the event of leakage.
[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0027] 1. The housing is closed via the connecting part, and the sealing strip presses the seam tightly. Leaked gas / liquid enters the collection chamber, and the monitoring module triggers an alarm. The double-shell encircling structure fits the curvature of the pipeline better, eliminating leakage points at the four corners. The collection chamber centrally contains the initial leakage, reducing monitoring delays caused by the exposed design of the detection tube. Furthermore, the annular structure has better stress distribution and can distribute the stress, reducing mechanical damage. The sealing mechanism can also reduce soil seepage and maintain monitoring accuracy.
[0028] 2. The shell joint sealing, bolt crimping, stepped design, and sealing strip composite sealing provide multi-directional waterproofing, reducing damage to the monitoring module and enabling it to monitor for liquid leaks. This also reduces the impact of the external environment, ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring results. Furthermore, the sealing design adapts to pipeline deformation, and the sealing ring compensates for the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline, maintaining the sealing effect.
[0029] 3. During installation, insert the positioning plate into the positioning groove to achieve radial pre-positioning of the two shells before tightening the bolts; this facilitates installation and positioning, improves stability in the soil, and reduces the possibility of relative sliding between the two waterproof shells. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1This is an overall structural diagram of the monitoring sensor in the embodiments of this application;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof shell in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the installation location of the monitoring module in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of region A in the middle;
[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region B in the middle;
[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the sealing ring in an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of region C in the middle.
[0037] Reference numerals: 100, waterproof shell; 110, collection chamber; 200, sealing mechanism; 210, connecting part; 220, sealing strip; 230, sealing ring; 231, annular water collection trough; 232, guide hole; 240, mating part; 300, monitoring module; 400, drain pipe; 500, support rib; 600, positioning plate. Detailed Implementation
[0038] The following combination Figures 1 to 7 This application will be described in further detail.
[0039] Reference Figure 1-7 This embodiment provides a leak monitoring sensor for underground energy pipelines. The core of the sensor consists of two semi-annular waterproof shells 100, a sealing mechanism 200, and a monitoring module 300. The two waterproof shells 100, when joined together, form an annular protective structure that covers the pipeline interface (such as a flange connection), with a through-type collection chamber 110 inside. The sealing mechanism 200 is positioned between the two waterproof shells 100 to reduce the entry of external moisture into the waterproof shells 100. The monitoring module 300 is used to monitor leaks at the pipeline interface.
[0040] The mating edges of the two waterproof shells 100 are provided with stepped connecting parts 210 that fit together, forming a tenon-and-mortise fit when closed. The sealing mechanism 200 includes stepped connecting parts 210 symmetrically arranged on the mating sides of the two waterproof shells 100 and an elastic sealing strip 220 embedded on one side. When closed, the sealing strip 220 is compressed and deformed to fill the stepped gap.
[0041] Specifically, a strip-shaped silicone sealing strip 220 is pre-embedded on the stepped surface of the connection portion 210 of one waterproof shell 100, and the stepped surface of the connection portion 210 of the other waterproof shell 100 presses the sealing strip 220 to cause it to expand radially, forming a labyrinthine sealing path. This structure extends the leakage and seepage path while resisting axial vibration of the pipeline.
[0042] In other embodiments, two sealing strips 220 can be provided on the stepped surface formed by the connection portion 210 of the waterproof shell 100 to achieve multi-level sealing.
[0043] Multiple monitoring modules 300 are configured, one of which is built into the top of the collection chamber 110 of the waterproof housing 100, and another is located at the bottom of the waterproof housing 100. Leakage is detected by an electrochemical sensor or a pressure sensor. The entire assembly is secured with bolts through the connecting part 210. Leakage entering the collection chamber 110 triggers an alarm in the monitoring module 300, enabling real-time sealing monitoring of the pipeline interface.
[0044] Specifically, the monitoring module 300 includes: a sensing unit: an electrochemical gas sensor (for detecting methane, etc.) and a piezoelectric liquid level sensor are embedded in the top of the collection chamber 110; a power supply unit: a lithium battery pack inside the housing works in conjunction with an external solar panel to provide power; and a transmission unit: a built-in LoRaWAN wireless module that uploads alarm signals to the monitoring center. When leaked material enters the collection chamber 110, the sensor triggers a threshold alarm, and the data is transmitted in real time via the wireless module.
[0045] Furthermore, to facilitate the monitoring of gas leaks, the monitoring module 300 also includes a pressure sensor, which is used to monitor instantaneous pressure and works in conjunction with a chemical gas sensor to monitor gas leaks.
[0046] A drain pipe 400 is vertically connected to the lowest point of the waterproof housing 100. The drain pipe 400 is located on one side of one of the monitoring modules 300, and its outlet end integrates a one-way check valve. A mesh is installed on the outlet side of the one-way check valve to reduce the amount of sediment approaching the one-way check valve. The liquid accumulated in the collection chamber 110 can be discharged autonomously through the drain pipe 400. When the groundwater level rises, the check valve automatically closes to prevent backflow and maintain a dry environment inside the chamber.
[0047] Furthermore, the inner wall of the waterproof shell 100 is evenly distributed with multiple arc-shaped support ribs 500, the ends of which extend to 1-2 mm from the pipe surface and are covered with an elastic rubber layer. The support ribs 500 are provided with guide channels. When liquid impacts the support ribs 500, it can be guided to flow downwards along the guide channels, and leaked material flows along the interrib channels into the bottom of the collection chamber 110. Simultaneously, the elastic rubber layer absorbs the vibration energy of the pipe, reducing the direct effect of external earth pressure on the shell.
[0048] A C-shaped sealing ring 230 is added to the inner edge of the waterproof shell 100, which is fixed to the side of the shell near the pipe by a groove. When the two halves of the sealing ring 230 are closed, their ends abut against each other to form a second annular sealing surface. In particular, the abutting end of the sealing ring 230 is machined into a continuous corrugated mating part 240, with the crests and troughs of the left and right rings interlocking. This structure maintains contact pressure when the pipe expands and contracts thermally, and the trough area provides wear-compensating sealing.
[0049] Furthermore, a wedge-shaped positioning plate 600 is welded to the outer side of the stepped connecting part 210 of one of the waterproof shells 100, and a positioning groove is opened at the corresponding position on the right side. During installation, the positioning plate 600 is first inserted into the positioning groove to achieve radial pre-alignment, and then the bolts are tightened to prevent soil disturbance from causing the shell to misalign.
[0050] An annular water collection groove 231 is machined into the inner wall of the sealing ring 230, and the bottom of the groove is connected to the drain pipe 400 through the guide hole 232. Liquid that seeps into the pipe surface is intercepted by the water collection groove and introduced into the main drainage system, eliminating monitoring blind spots.
[0051] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: During installation, the two waterproof shells 100 are wrapped around the pipe interface, and the bolts are tightened after the positioning plate 600 is pre-positioned with the positioning groove. The sealing strip 220 is deformed by the stepped connecting part 210 to achieve a primary seal, and the corrugated mating part 240 of the sealing ring 230 engages to form a secondary dynamic seal. Leaked substances flow into the collection chamber 110 along the guide channel formed by the support rib 500, triggering an alarm in the monitoring module 300; the accumulated liquid is discharged unidirectionally through the drain pipe 400.
[0052] This embodiment uses a two-stage dynamic seal: a combination of stepped fitting and a wave sealing ring 230 to adapt to pipeline deformation; the support rib 500 reduces mechanical vibration, and the one-way valve prevents backflow.
[0053] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A leak detection sensor for underground energy pipelines, characterized in that: include: Two waterproof shells (100) are provided, each in a semi-annular shape, with a collection chamber (110) provided, and the two together form a protective structure surrounding the pipe interface; The sealing mechanism (200) includes a connecting part (210) and a sealing strip (220). The connecting part (210) is provided on each of the waterproof shells (100). The sealing strip (220) is provided on one side of the connecting part (210) and abuts against the other side of the connecting part (210). A monitoring module (300) is installed inside the waterproof housing (100) and is used to monitor the leakage status.
2. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting part (210) is stepped, and two connecting parts (210) are arranged together.
3. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the waterproof shell (100) is provided with a drain pipe (400), and a one-way check valve is provided on the drain pipe (400).
4. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the waterproof shell (100) is provided with a support rib (500), which extends to abut against the pipe.
5. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism (200) further includes a sealing ring (230) which is arranged around the pipe and on the waterproof shell (100), with the ends of the sealing rings (230) on the two waterproof shells (100) abutting each other.
6. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing ring (230) forms a wave-shaped mating part (240) at the end of the abutment, and the mating parts (240) at the abutment of the two sealing rings (230) are compatible.
7. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: One of the waterproof shells (100) is provided with a positioning plate (600), and the other waterproof shell (100) is provided with a positioning groove, the positioning plate (600) corresponding to the positioning groove.
8. The underground energy pipeline leakage monitoring sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sealing ring (230) is provided with an annular water collection groove (231), and the annular water collection groove (231) is connected to the drain pipe (400).