A pipeline leakage monitoring device based on piezoelectric effect
By using a pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect, the mechanical vibration caused by leakage is converted into an electrical signal, achieving high sensitivity and real-time monitoring of hydropower station pipelines. This solves the problem of lag in traditional monitoring methods, reduces operation and maintenance costs, and improves safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA YANGTZE POWER
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Traditional hydropower station pipeline leakage monitoring relies on regular manual inspections, which is difficult to cover all nodes of complex pipeline systems and has a lag in detecting minor leaks, potentially leading to water waste, equipment corrosion, and downtime risks.
A pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect is adopted. It uses piezoelectric materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to convert the mechanical vibration caused by leakage into an electrical signal. Real-time monitoring is achieved through signal amplifiers and control circuits. The device is fixed to the bottom of the pipeline by a support structure to meet the monitoring needs of different leakage levels.
It achieves highly sensitive and accurate leakage monitoring, reduces operation and maintenance costs, has real-time early warning capabilities, prevents minor leaks from developing into serious leaks, and reduces resource waste and equipment damage risks.
Smart Images
Figure CN224382737U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of leakage monitoring devices, and in particular to a pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect. Background Technology
[0002] As a crucial energy infrastructure, the safe operation of fluid transport pipelines (such as oil pipelines and cooling water pipes) in hydropower stations directly impacts power generation efficiency and production safety. However, current monitoring of pipeline leaks in hydropower stations still faces challenges: traditional monitoring methods rely on regular manual inspections, which are insufficient to cover all nodes of complex pipeline systems, and there is a lag in detecting minor leaks—if minute leaks are not detected in time, they may gradually develop into serious leaks, leading to water waste, equipment corrosion, and even the risk of shutdown. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect, which can realize real-time monitoring and high-sensitivity monitoring of minute leaks.
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0005] A pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect includes a signal amplifier, one end of which is connected to a control circuit, and the other end of which is electrically connected to a piezoelectric thin film sensor. The lower end of the piezoelectric thin film sensor is mounted on a support structure, and the upper part of the piezoelectric thin film sensor is directly opposite the pipeline leak point to be monitored.
[0006] The support structure includes a support base, which is matched in size to the piezoelectric thin film sensor and supports the piezoelectric thin film sensor. The lower end of the support base is connected to a magnetic base via a support rod, and the magnetic base is magnetically attached to the pipeline or pipeline support.
[0007] The support rod includes an upper support rod and a lower support rod, which are connected by bolts.
[0008] The support rod includes an upper support rod, a middle support rod, and a lower support rod. The upper support rod is connected to the middle support rod through a first rotary locking mechanism and is adjusted by swinging back and forth through the first rotary locking mechanism. The middle support rod is connected to the lower support rod through a second rotary locking mechanism and is adjusted by swinging left and right through the second rotary locking mechanism.
[0009] The first rotary locking mechanism includes a first toothed disc fixed on the upper support rod and a second toothed disc fixed on the upper end of the middle support rod, with the end faces of the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc meshing and magnetically adsorbed for fixation; the second rotary locking mechanism includes a second toothed disc fixed on the lower end of the middle support rod and a first toothed disc fixed on the lower support rod, with the end faces of the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc meshing and magnetically adsorbed for fixation.
[0010] The axes of the two second toothed discs on the upper and lower parts of the central support rod are perpendicular.
[0011] The support base includes a base plate, and supports are provided around the upper part of the base plate.
[0012] The support base and the piezoelectric thin film sensor are bonded together with adhesive.
[0013] The pipeline leakage monitoring device is arranged in multiple groups.
[0014] This utility model provides a pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect, which has the following technical advantages:
[0015] 1) High sensitivity and accurate monitoring: The core of the device uses strong piezoelectric materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which uses the positive piezoelectric effect to convert the mechanical vibration caused by leakage into an electrical signal. It can capture minute leaks that are difficult to detect by traditional equipment (such as slight leaks in plastic water pipes), and can adapt to the monitoring needs of different leakage levels, significantly improving the accuracy of leakage detection.
[0016] 2) Easy and low-cost installation: Installation is completed simply by placing the device under the pipeline, without the need for complex disassembly or additional modifications to the pipeline structure, significantly reducing initial deployment and subsequent modification costs. At the same time, the use of this device reduces the manpower and resources consumed in pipeline inspection, resulting in high long-term economic efficiency.
[0017] 3) Outstanding real-time early warning capability: Combining the vibration and electrical signal conversion characteristics caused by leakage, the device can monitor pipeline leakage in real time. When an abnormal signal is detected, it can quickly trigger an alarm, preventing minor leaks from developing into serious leaks due to delayed detection, and reducing resource waste and equipment damage risks. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is the front view of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the principle of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support rod in this utility model.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a partial connection diagram of the upper and lower support rods in this utility model.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the upper support rod in this utility model.
[0026] Figure 8 This is a partial schematic diagram of the lower support rod in this utility model.
[0027] In the diagram: signal amplifier 1, piezoelectric thin film sensor 2, support structure 3, support base 3.1, support rod 3.2, magnetic base 3.3. Detailed Implementation
[0028] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect includes a signal amplifier 1, a piezoelectric thin-film sensor 2, and a support structure 3. The support structure 3 consists of a support base 3.1, a support rod 3.2, and a magnetic base 3.3. The upper part of the support base 3.1 is used to fix the piezoelectric thin-film sensor 2 (model LDTM-028K), and the lower part of the support base 3.1 is connected to the support rod 3.2. The lower part of the support rod 3.2 is connected to the magnetic base 3.3, which can be adsorbed onto a magnetic metal surface.
[0029] Preferably, the support rod 3.2 is composed of multiple support rods, and adjacent support rods can rotate flexibly and lock together, so that the support rod 3.2 can be adjusted in multiple directions.
[0030] Preferably, the support base 3.1 and the piezoelectric film sensor 2 are bonded together with adhesive, and the piezoelectric film is glued to the support base at all four positions to fix the piezoelectric film.
[0031] Preferably, the pipeline leakage monitoring devices are arranged in multiple groups. The number of monitoring devices can be adjusted according to the number of locations to be monitored; one device is acceptable, or any number of devices are also acceptable. For example, if important locations need monitoring, or if a leak is suspected in a certain part of the pipeline, the device can be installed below for monitoring. If cost is not a concern, the devices can be installed below joints and flanges that are prone to leakage.
[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, specifically, support rod 3.2 includes an upper support rod and a lower support rod. The connection between the upper support rod and the lower support rod is provided with mounting holes. After the bolt passes through the mounting holes of the upper support rod and the lower support rod, it is locked. When the position needs to be adjusted, the nut on the bolt can be loosened.
[0033] like Figure 5As shown, specifically, the support rod 3.2 includes an upper support rod 3.2.4, a middle support rod 3.2.5, and a lower support rod 3.2.6. The upper support rod 3.2.4 and the middle support rod 3.2.5 are connected by a first rotary locking mechanism, which allows the upper support rod 3.2.4 to be locked after being adjusted by swinging back and forth relative to the middle support rod 3.2.5. The middle support rod 3.2.5 and the lower support rod 3.2.6 are connected by a second rotary locking mechanism, which allows the middle support rod 3.2.5 to be locked after being adjusted by swinging left and right relative to the lower support rod 3.2.6. This allows for more flexible adjustment of the position and orientation of the upper support seat 3.1 of the support rod 3.2.
[0034] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the first rotary locking mechanism and the second rotary locking mechanism have the same structure. The first rotary locking mechanism is used as an example for explanation.
[0035] A first toothed disc 3.2.1 is fixed to the upper support rod 3.2.4, and a second toothed disc 3.2.2 is fixed to the upper end of the middle support rod 3.2.5. The end faces of the first toothed disc 3.2.1 and the second toothed disc 3.2.2 are provided with meshing teeth 3.2.3, which engage with each other. The teeth on the first toothed disc 3.2.1 and the second toothed disc 3.2.2 are magnets, attracting each other and ensuring relative fixation after attraction, thus achieving a reliable connection and locking. When adjustment of orientation is required, the first toothed disc 3.2.1 and the second toothed disc 3.2.2 can be manually pulled apart. After the first toothed disc 3.2.1 and the second toothed disc 3.2.2 are completely separated, the upper support rod 3.2.4 can be adjusted to a suitable angle, and then the first toothed disc 3.2.1 and the second toothed disc 3.2.2 can be re-engaged to achieve angle adjustment.
[0036] The basic principle of the piezoelectric effect: The piezoelectric effect refers to the polarization phenomenon that occurs inside certain dielectric materials (such as polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, lead zirconate titanate PZT, etc.) when subjected to external forces (such as mechanical vibration, pressure changes), resulting in positive and negative charges appearing on the material surface (positive piezoelectric effect); conversely, when an electric field is applied, the material will undergo mechanical deformation (inverse piezoelectric effect). In leakage monitoring, the positive piezoelectric effect is mainly utilized to convert the mechanical vibration caused by leakage into an electrical signal.
[0037] Mechanical vibration triggering mechanism for pipeline leakage: When a pipeline leaks, the liquid at the leak point flows onto a piezoelectric diaphragm device positioned below, causing the diaphragm to vibrate. Due to the positive piezoelectric effect of the diaphragm, the vibration signal is converted into an electrical signal and output to a signal amplifier. After amplification, the signal is output to a signal acquisition device and further transmitted to a host computer. The host computer analyzes and processes the signal, allowing for monitoring of pipeline leakage based on waveform characteristics.
[0038] Working principle and process:
[0039] 1) Based on the actual environment around the pipeline where the leak needs to be monitored, attach the magnetic base 3.3 to the pipeline or the surrounding metal structure.
[0040] 2) Adjust the direction of the support rod 3.2 and the support base 3.1 so that the piezoelectric diaphragm 3.3 is located directly below the leak point of the pipeline to be monitored, and the end face of the piezoelectric diaphragm 3.3 is facing the leak point of the pipeline to be monitored.
[0041] 3) Connect the signal line from the piezoelectric diaphragm 3 to the signal amplifier 1. The amplifier 1 amplifies the received signal and outputs it to the signal acquisition unit, host computer and other equipment. After analysis and processing, the leakage of the pipeline can be detected based on the waveform characteristics.
[0042] The device described in this application can achieve the following:
[0043] 1) Real-time and highly sensitive monitoring of minute leaks: Currently, pipeline leak detection mainly relies on regular manual inspections, which is difficult to cover all nodes of complex pipeline systems and has a lag in detecting minor leaks. If minute leaks are not detected in time, they may gradually develop into serious leaks, leading to water waste, equipment corrosion, and even the risk of downtime. By utilizing the piezoelectric properties of piezoelectric materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), the mechanical vibrations caused by leaks can be converted into electrical signals, enabling real-time detection of minute leaks that are difficult to detect with traditional equipment.
[0044] 2) Reduced Operation and Maintenance Costs: Its ease of installation, low cost, and adjustable sensitivity reduce the initial deployment and long-term maintenance costs of hydropower plant pipeline monitoring, effectively addressing the adaptability issues of traditional methods in complex environments. Therefore, this type of device provides crucial technical support for accurate monitoring and rapid early warning of pipeline leaks in hydropower plants, and is of great significance for ensuring the safe operation of hydropower plants and the efficient utilization of resources.
Claims
1. A piezoelectric effect based pipe leakage monitoring device, characterized by: Includes a signal amplifier (1), one end of which is connected to the control circuit, and the other end of which is electrically connected to a piezoelectric thin film sensor (2). The lower end of the piezoelectric thin film sensor (2) is mounted on the support structure (3), and the upper part of the piezoelectric thin film sensor (2) is directly opposite the pipeline leak point to be monitored.
2. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leakage monitoring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The support structure (3) includes a support base (3.1), the upper end of which supports the piezoelectric thin film sensor (2), and the lower end of which is connected to a magnetic base (3.3) via a support rod (3.2). The magnetic base (3.3) is magnetically attached to the pipeline or pipeline support.
3. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leak monitoring device as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The support rod (3.2) includes an upper support rod and a lower support rod, which are connected by bolts.
4. The piezoelectric effect based pipeline leakage monitoring device as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The support rod (3.2) includes an upper support rod (3.2.4), a middle support rod (3.2.5), and a lower support rod (3.2.6). The upper support rod (3.2.4) is connected to the middle support rod (3.2.5) through a first rotary locking mechanism and is adjusted by swinging back and forth through the first rotary locking mechanism. The middle support rod (3.2.5) is connected to the lower support rod (3.2.6) through a second rotary locking mechanism and is adjusted by swinging left and right through the second rotary locking mechanism.
5. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leak monitoring device as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The first rotary locking mechanism includes a first toothed disc (3.2.1) fixed on the upper support rod (3.2.4) and a second toothed disc (3.2.2) fixed on the upper end of the middle support rod (3.2.5). The end faces of the first toothed disc (3.2.1) and the second toothed disc (3.2.2) are engaged and magnetically attracted to each other. The second rotary locking mechanism includes a second toothed disc (3.2.2) fixed on the lower end of the middle support rod (3.2.5) and a first toothed disc (3.2.1) fixed on the lower support rod (3.2.6). The end faces of the first toothed disc (3.2.1) and the second toothed disc (3.2.2) are engaged and magnetically attracted to each other.
6. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leak monitoring device as claimed in claim 5, wherein: The axes of the two second gear discs (3.2.2) above and below the central support rod (3.2.5) are perpendicular.
7. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leak monitoring device as claimed in claim 6, wherein: The support base (3.1) is size-matched to the piezoelectric thin film sensor (2).
8. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leak monitoring device as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The support base (3.1) includes a base plate, and supports are provided around the upper part of the base plate.
9. A pipeline leakage monitoring device based on the piezoelectric effect according to claim 8, characterized in that: The support base (3.1) and the piezoelectric thin film sensor (2) are bonded together with adhesive.
10. A piezoelectric effect based pipeline leak monitoring device as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The pipeline leakage monitoring device is arranged in multiple groups.