A heat pipe leak detection apparatus
The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection equipment, which uses a double-layer sealing structure and pressure monitoring, solves the problems of low detection accuracy and high cost in existing technologies, and achieves efficient and accurate heat dissipation pipe leakage detection, which is suitable for a variety of industrial environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNION ALUMINUM NANJING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for detecting leaks in heat pipes suffer from low accuracy, high cost, complex operation, and difficulty in meeting the needs of large-scale rapid testing. In particular, they are easily affected by noise and temperature in industrial environments, making it difficult to identify minute leaks.
The plugging device adopts a double-layer sealing structure, combined with a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure changes inside the pipe in real time. Air is injected into the heat dissipation pipe through an air pump and the pressure changes are detected. An expansion mechanism is used to adapt to different heat dissipation pipe specifications, and a pressure sensor is used to improve the detection accuracy and reliability.
It achieves high-precision, low-cost heat pipe leakage detection, can quickly identify leakage points, avoid misjudgment, adapt to various industrial environments, and reduce enterprises' testing costs and time consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN224303231U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air leakage detection technology, and more specifically, it relates to an air leakage detection device for heat dissipation pipes. Background Technology
[0002] In industrial production, heat dissipation pipes are key components for ensuring efficient heat dissipation of equipment, and their operational stability directly affects equipment safety and production continuity. Taking gas-cooled heat dissipation pipes as an example, during long-term use, factors such as corrosive media in the industrial environment, equipment vibration, and drastic temperature changes can lead to pipe wall damage, loosening of joints, or cracking of weld points, which in turn can cause gas leakage inside the pipe.
[0003] Leaking gases can cause safety accidents such as burns and fires due to high temperatures, and the harmful substances they contain, such as sulfides and nitrogen oxides, can also cause environmental pollution and endanger human health. At the same time, gas leaks significantly reduce heat dissipation efficiency, leading to equipment downtime and causing significant economic losses to businesses.
[0004] Currently, commonly used methods for detecting leaks in heat pipes, such as ultrasonic testing and thermal imaging, have significant limitations: ultrasonic testing is easily affected by background noise in industrial environments, has low accuracy, and requires highly skilled operators; thermal imaging is greatly affected by ambient temperature and testing distance, making it difficult to identify minute leaks. Furthermore, existing testing equipment is expensive and complex to operate, failing to meet the needs of large-scale, rapid testing. Therefore, developing an efficient, accurate, low-cost, and widely applicable technology for detecting leaks in heat pipes is of significant practical importance.
[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device. Utility Model Content
[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a heat sink leak detection device, comprising at least two blocking devices and an air pump; the blocking device includes a support base, a first sealing plug, a connecting block, a second sealing plug, a limiting block, and an air guide pipe, wherein the support base, the first sealing plug, the connecting block, the second sealing plug, and the limiting block are arranged sequentially along the axial direction, the first sealing plug and the second sealing plug are made of elastic material, and their diameters are larger than the diameters of the connecting block and the limiting block; the air guide pipe passes through the support base, the first sealing plug, the connecting block, the second sealing plug, and the limiting block and extends out of the support base, the air guide pipe is provided with a valve and a pressure gauge, and one end extending out of the support base is provided with a connector; the air pump has a connector that matches the connector, for injecting air into the heat sink to be tested through the air guide pipe.
[0008] Furthermore, both the first and second sealing plugs have a structure that gradually thickens from the end near the connecting block to the end away from the connecting block, and the size of the second sealing plug is larger than the size of the first sealing plug.
[0009] Furthermore, the support base, the first sealing block, the connecting block, the second sealing block, and the limiting block are tightly fixed together by adhesive or snap-fit connection.
[0010] Furthermore, the blocking device also includes an expansion mechanism, which includes a lead screw, a first expansion block, a second expansion block, and a guide shaft; the lead screw passes through the support base, the first sealing block, the connecting block, and the second sealing block and is rotatably mounted on the limiting block; the lead screw is threadedly connected to the first expansion block and the second expansion block at positions corresponding to the first and second sealing blocks, respectively; the first sealing block has a first cavity for the first expansion block to move, and the second sealing block has a second cavity for the second expansion block to move;
[0011] One end of the guide shaft is fixed to the limiting block, and the other end passes through the second expansion block, the second support block inside the connecting block, and the first expansion block, and is fixed to the first support block inside the support base.
[0012] Furthermore, both the first cavity and the second cavity have a structure with one port diameter smaller than the other port diameter larger and an arc-shaped transition in the middle. The size of the first expansion block is larger than the smaller port diameter of the first cavity and smaller than the larger port diameter of the first cavity. The size of the second expansion block is larger than the smaller port diameter of the second cavity and smaller than the larger port diameter of the second cavity.
[0013] Furthermore, the connecting block has a groove, and a pressure sensor is installed in the groove. The pressure sensor integrates a power supply and a communication module to monitor the spatial pressure between the first and second sealing blocks and send data outward.
[0014] Furthermore, the lead screw is rotatably connected to the support base, the first sealing plug, the connecting block, the second sealing plug, the first support block, and the second support block via bearings.
[0015] Furthermore, the air pump includes an air tank, a pressure gauge, and an air delivery pump, wherein the air delivery pump is used to deliver the gas in the air tank to the heat dissipation pipe to be tested through an air delivery pipe.
[0016] Furthermore, the number of guide shafts is at least one, and they are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lead screw.
[0017] Furthermore, both the first and second sealing plugs are made of rubber material.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0019] 1. High detection accuracy: The double-layer sealing structure (first sealing plug and second sealing plug) achieves a tight seal on the heat dissipation pipe opening. Combined with the pressure gauge to monitor the pressure change inside the pipe in real time, it can accurately determine whether there is a leak, effectively avoiding misjudgment caused by poor sealing or external interference. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the blocking device structure in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure sensor in this utility model;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the blocking device in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion mechanism in this utility model.
[0026] 1000, Blocking device; 100, Support base; 200, First sealing block; 201, First cavity; 300, Connecting block; 301, Groove; 400, Second sealing block; 401, Second cavity; 500, Limiting block; 601, Air guide tube; 602, Connector; 603, Valve; 700, Expansion mechanism; 701, Lead screw; 702, First support block; 703, First expansion block; 704, Second support block; 705, Second expansion block; 706, Guide shaft; 800, Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0028] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0029] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0031] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0032] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device. In many fields of industrial production, heat dissipation pipes are key devices for efficient heat dissipation, and their stable operation is directly related to the normal operation of equipment and the safety of production. Taking gas-cooled heat dissipation pipes as an example, they face many risks of damage during long-term use. For example, corrosive gases and liquids commonly present in industrial environments will continuously erode the pipe walls. Over time, the pipe walls gradually thin, and eventually holes or cracks may appear. In addition, vibrations and drastic temperature changes during equipment operation may also cause the pipe joints to loosen or the welds to crack, thus leading to gas leakage inside the pipe.
[0033] These leaked gases pose a significant hazard. Firstly, they are often very hot, and once released into the surrounding environment, they can burn operators or even cause fires and other safety accidents. Secondly, many industrial heat dissipation pipes contain hazardous substances such as sulfides, nitrogen oxides, and halogen compounds. Leaks of these substances can severely pollute the air, soil, and water. Inhalation can damage the respiratory and nervous systems, threatening human health. Furthermore, gas leaks can drastically reduce the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation pipes, affecting the normal operation of equipment, potentially causing production interruptions, and resulting in substantial economic losses for the company.
[0034] Therefore, regular leak detection of heat dissipation pipes is crucial. Currently, common detection methods include ultrasonic testing and thermal imaging, but these methods have significant limitations. Ultrasonic testing determines leakage by detecting the ultrasonic waves generated when a gas leaks; however, in the complex environment of industrial sites, there is often significant background noise that interferes with the ultrasonic signal detection, leading to reduced accuracy and a high risk of false positives or false negatives. Furthermore, this method requires highly skilled operators who need specialized training to accurately identify the signals, which limits its widespread application.
[0035] Thermal imaging detection utilizes differences in infrared radiation from objects to create images, identifying leaks by observing abnormalities in the temperature distribution on the surface of heat sinks. However, this method is significantly affected by factors such as ambient temperature and detection distance. When the ambient temperature is high or the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the gas inside the heat sink is small, the contrast of the thermal imaging image decreases, making it difficult to clearly identify leak points. Moreover, for some minor leaks, the resulting temperature changes are not obvious, often making thermal imaging detection difficult to detect. Furthermore, both ultrasonic and thermal imaging detection methods require expensive equipment, increasing the company's testing costs. Additionally, the operational procedures of these methods are relatively complex, requiring significant time and manpower, resulting in low detection efficiency and making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale, rapid testing.
[0036] In summary, existing methods for detecting leaks in heat pipes have limitations in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost, and cannot adequately meet the requirements for ensuring the safe operation of heat pipes in industrial production. Therefore, developing a more efficient, accurate, low-cost, and widely applicable heat pipe leak detection technology is of significant practical importance.
[0037] This application proposes a device for detecting air leakage in heat dissipation pipes, such as... Figure 1As shown, it includes a blocking device 1000, and the number of blocking devices 1000 is two or more, selected according to the pipe opening to be tested. For example, a heat dissipation pipe with two openings uses two blocking devices 1000, a heat dissipation pipe with three openings uses two blocking devices 1000, or three blocking devices 1000.
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the blocking device 1000 includes a support base 100, a first sealing plug 200 at one end of the support base 100, a connecting block 300 at one end of the first sealing plug 200, and a second sealing plug 400 at one end of the connecting block 300. The support base 100, the first sealing plug 200, the connecting block 300, the second sealing plug 400, and the limiting block 500 are arranged axially. The first sealing plug 200 and the second sealing plug 400 are made of an elastic material, such as rubber, and their diameters are larger than the diameters of the connecting block 300 and the limiting block 500.
[0039] The blocking device 1000 also includes an air guide pipe 601, which passes through the support base 100, the first sealing plug 200, the connecting block 300, the second sealing plug 400, and the limiting block 500, and extends out of the support base 100. A valve 603 is provided on the air guide pipe 601, and a connector 602 is fixed to one end of the air guide pipe 601 that extends out of the support base 100. A pressure gauge (not shown in the figure) is also provided on the air guide pipe 601.
[0040] The air leak detection device also includes an air pump (not shown in the figure). The air pump has an air tank, a pressure gauge, an air delivery pump, and a connector that matches the connector 602. By connecting the connector to the connector 602 and starting the air delivery pump, air can be injected into the air delivery pipe 601. The air pump is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.
[0041] When testing for leaks in heat pipes, multiple plugging devices 1000 are first inserted into the opening of the heat pipe to be tested. Since both the second plug 400 and the first plug 200 are designed to taper from thin to thick, and both the second plug 400 and the first plug 200 have circular cross-sections, and the size of the second plug 400 is larger than that of the first plug 200, after the second plug 400 is inserted into the pipe opening, the first plug 200 can still seal at the pipe opening, forming a double-layer seal and increasing the sealing effect.
[0042] After the blocking device 1000 is installed, the gas is pumped into the heat sink tube to be tested through the air inlet pipe 601 by the air pump. After a period of time, the gas injection is stopped and the valve 603 is closed. The pressure displayed on the pressure gauge is observed to see if there is any obvious change, thereby determining whether the heat sink tube being tested is leaking.
[0043] The support base 100, the first sealing plug 200, the connecting block 300, the second sealing plug 400, and the limiting block 500 can be connected by adhesive or snap-fit to ensure a tight connection between them. This will not be elaborated further here.
[0044] In actual testing, due to the differences in heat pipe specifications, if only the elastic deformation of the first sealing plug 200 and the second sealing plug 400 is used for adaptation, it will not be compatible with most heat pipes.
[0045] Furthermore, based on the above embodiments, this application adds an expansion mechanism to the blocking device 1000. The expansion mechanism 700 can flexibly support the first blockage 200 and the second blockage 400 according to actual needs.
[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the expansion mechanism 700 includes a lead screw 701, which passes through the support base 100, the first sealing plug 200, the connecting block 300, and the second sealing plug 400, and is rotatably mounted on the limiting block 500. This rotatable connection can be achieved via bearings or a shaft seat. Furthermore, the lead screw 701 is rotatably connected to the support base 100, the first sealing plug 200, the connecting block 300, and the second sealing plug 400. To support and limit the lead screw 701, a first support block 702 is provided within the support base 100, and a second support block 704 is provided within the connecting block 300. The lead screw 701 passes through the first support block 702 and the second support block 704, and is rotatably connected to them via bearings.
[0047] A first expansion block 703 and a second expansion block 705 are respectively provided on the lead screw 701 at positions corresponding to the first sealing plug 200 and the second sealing plug 400. Both the first expansion block 703 and the second expansion block 705 are threadedly connected to the lead screw 701. A first cavity 201 for the first expansion block 703 to move is formed in the first sealing plug 200, and a second cavity 401 for the second expansion block 705 to move is formed in the second sealing plug 400. One or more guide shafts 706 are provided on the first support block 702. The guide shafts 706 pass through the first expansion block 703, the second support block 704, and the second expansion block 705, and are fixed on the limiting block 500. The guide shafts 706 can limit the movement of the first expansion block 703 and the second expansion block 705, allowing them to move axially along the direction of the guide shafts 706.
[0048] By rotating the lead screw 701, the first expansion block 703, which is threadedly connected to the lead screw 701, moves within the first cavity 201. Since the first cavity 201 has a small diameter at one end and a large diameter at the other end, with an arc-shaped transition in the middle, and the size of the first expansion block 703 is larger than the smaller diameter end of the first cavity 201 and smaller than the larger diameter end of the first cavity 201, as the first expansion block 703 moves, it can abut against the inside of the first sealing plug 200, thereby expanding the first sealing plug 200.
[0049] The principles of the second expansion block 705, the second cavity 401, and the second sealing plug 400 are the same as those described above, and will not be repeated here.
[0050] Therefore, by rotating the lead screw 701, the positions of the first sealing plug 200 and the second sealing plug 400 can be adjusted according to actual needs, so that the blocking device 1000 can adapt to most heat dissipation pipes and improve its adaptability.
[0051] Furthermore, to prevent air leakage from the blocking device 1000 from causing erroneous test results, based on the above two embodiments, a groove 301 can be provided on the connecting block 300. A pressure sensor 800 is installed in the groove 301, and the pressure sensor 800 integrates a power supply and a communication module, enabling it to transmit data to the outside. If the second sealing plug 400 is not completely sealed, causing air leakage, since the space between the second sealing plug 400 and the first sealing plug 200 is sealed, if the pressure sensor 800 detects an increase in pressure, it indicates a leak at the second sealing plug 400, prompting personnel to inspect it, thereby improving the accuracy of the test results.
[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model in any way. Those skilled in the art can readily implement this utility model based on the accompanying drawings and the above description. However, any modifications, alterations, or equivalent variations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the utility model's technical solution, utilizing the disclosed technical content, are considered equivalent embodiments of this utility model. Furthermore, any equivalent changes, alterations, or variations made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of this utility model are still within the protection scope of this utility model's technical solution.
Claims
1. A device for detecting air leakage in heat dissipation pipes, characterized in that, Includes at least two blocking devices (1000) and an air pump; The blocking device (1000) includes a support base (100), a first sealing plug (200), a connecting block (300), a second sealing plug (400), a limiting block (500), and a venting tube (601). The support base (100), the first sealing plug (200), the connecting block (300), the second sealing plug (400), and the limiting block (500) are arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The first sealing plug (200) and the second sealing plug (400) are made of elastic material, and their diameters are larger than the diameters of the connecting block (300) and the limiting block (500). The air guide tube (601) passes through the support base (100), the first sealing plug (200), the connecting block (300), the second sealing plug (400) and the limiting block (500) and extends out of the support base (100). The air guide tube (601) is equipped with a valve (603) and a pressure gauge, and a connector (602) is provided at one end extending out of the support base (100). The air pump has a connector that matches the connector (602) for injecting air into the heat sink tube to be tested through the air duct (601).
2. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first sealing plug (200) and the second sealing plug (400) have a structure that gradually thickens from the end near the connecting block (300) to the end away from the connecting block (300), and the size of the second sealing plug (400) is larger than the size of the first sealing plug (200).
3. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support base (100), the first sealing plug (200), the connecting block (300), the second sealing plug (400), and the limiting block (500) are tightly fixed together by adhesive or snap-fit connection.
4. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The blocking device (1000) further includes an expansion mechanism (700), which includes a lead screw (701), a first expansion block (703), a second expansion block (705), and a guide shaft (706). The lead screw (701) passes through the support base (100), the first sealing block (200), the connecting block (300), and the second sealing block (400) and is rotatably mounted on the limiting block (500). The lead screw (701) is threadedly connected to the first expansion block (703) and the second expansion block (705) at positions corresponding to the first sealing block (200) and the second sealing block (400), respectively. The first sealing block (200) has a first cavity (201) for the first expansion block (703) to move, and the second sealing block (400) has a second cavity (401) for the second expansion block (705) to move. One end of the guide shaft (706) is fixed on the limiting block (500), and the other end passes through the second expansion block (705), the second support block (704) and the first expansion block (703) in the connecting block (300), and is fixed on the first support block (702) in the support base (100).
5. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first cavity (201) and the second cavity (401) are both structures with a small diameter at one end and a large diameter at the other end, with an arc-shaped transition in the middle. The size of the first expansion block (703) is larger than the smaller diameter end of the first cavity (201) and smaller than the larger diameter end of the first cavity (201). The size of the second expansion block (705) is larger than the smaller diameter end of the second cavity (401) and smaller than the larger diameter end of the second cavity (401).
6. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting block (300) has a groove (301) and a pressure sensor (800) is provided in the groove (301). The pressure sensor (800) integrates a power supply and a communication module to monitor the spatial pressure between the first sealing block (200) and the second sealing block (400) and send data outward.
7. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lead screw (701) is rotatably connected to the support base (100), the first sealing plug (200), the connecting block (300), the second sealing plug (400), the first support block (702), and the second support block (704) via bearings.
8. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air pump includes an air tank, a pressure gauge, and an air delivery pump. The air delivery pump is used to deliver the gas in the air tank to the heat dissipation pipe to be tested through the air delivery pipe (601).
9. The heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The number of guide shafts (706) is at least one, and they are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lead screw (701).
10. A heat dissipation pipe leakage detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first seal (200) and the second seal (400) are made of rubber material.