A device for monitoring the fluid flow direction in a diesel generator set pipeline and a diesel generator set pipeline system.
By combining the flange body and the rotating index axis, the problem of difficult fluid flow direction observation caused by the opaque pipeline of the diesel unit is solved, realizing real-time flow direction monitoring without external energy, and improving the safety and response speed of the diesel unit.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUDONG HEAVY MACHINERY
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
The lack of transparency in diesel generator set pipelines makes it difficult to observe fluid flow direction. Existing monitoring technologies are highly dependent, have high maintenance costs and response delays, and lack simple mechanical monitoring solutions.
It adopts a combined structure of flange body, rotating pointer shaft, fluid detection sail and pointer, and directly indicates the flow direction by the pointer deflection caused by fluid impact, so as to realize real-time monitoring without external power.
It enables real-time and intuitive monitoring of the fluid flow direction in opaque pipelines, improving the safety and response speed of diesel generator sets, and reducing maintenance complexity and cost.
Smart Images

Figure CN224456782U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of diesel engine unit pipeline monitoring technology, specifically a diesel engine unit pipeline fluid flow direction status observation device and a diesel engine unit pipeline system. This device provides operators with intuitive fluid flow direction feedback by real-time detection of the flow direction and status of fluid in opaque pipelines. It is suitable for complex diesel engine unit pipeline systems, especially for operating conditions requiring dynamic monitoring of fluid flow direction, thereby improving the safety of equipment operation and the transparency of status monitoring. Background Technology
[0002] Diesel engine sets, as important power equipment, are widely used in ships, power plants, construction machinery, and other fields. The stable operation of their pipeline systems directly affects the performance and safety of the entire unit. The flow state (such as flow direction and velocity) of fluids such as fuel, lubricating oil, and coolant transported in the pipelines is a key parameter for judging whether the system is working properly. However, most diesel engine set pipeline systems currently suffer from the following technical problems:
[0003] 1. Opaque piping makes observation difficult: Diesel engine piping is mostly made of metal or high-strength composite materials, which are opaque, making it impossible for operators to directly observe the flow direction of the internal fluid with the naked eye. Traditional methods rely on terminal monitoring equipment such as pressure gauges and flow meters, but these devices can only provide flow or pressure data and cannot intuitively reflect the real-time flow direction of the fluid, especially in piping with bidirectional or intermittent flow, where the monitoring effect is limited.
[0004] 2. Existing monitoring technologies have limitations.
[0005] High dependence on electronic sensors: Some high-end units use electromagnetic flow meters or ultrasonic sensors to monitor flow direction, but these devices require external power supply and are susceptible to the high temperature, vibration and electromagnetic interference of diesel units, which reduces their reliability over long-term use.
[0006] High maintenance costs: Electronic sensors have complex structures, and installation and maintenance require professional technicians, which increases operating costs.
[0007] Response delay: Terminal monitoring equipment is usually located at the end of the pipeline, and fluid abnormalities (such as backflow or local blockage) can only be detected after a certain period of time, making it difficult to provide timely warnings.
[0008] 3. Lack of simple and reliable mechanical monitoring solutions: Currently, there is a lack of simple mechanical devices on the market that require no external power and can directly indicate the direction of fluid flow. Although some industrial sectors use float-type or vane-type flow indicators, these devices are usually bulky and difficult to integrate into the compact piping of diesel generator sets. They are also sensitive to changes in fluid viscosity and pressure, resulting in poor adaptability.
[0009] Therefore, in order to address the above problems, there is an urgent need to develop a fluid flow direction observation device suitable for diesel generator set pipelines, which can reflect the fluid flow status in real time and intuitively without relying on an external power source. At the same time, it should have the characteristics of compact structure, convenient installation, and strong anti-interference, so as to improve the safety and maintainability of diesel generator set operation. Utility Model Content
[0010] To address the issue that the flow direction of fluid in opaque pipelines cannot be directly observed through the pipeline to determine the current fluid flow status, this invention proposes an observation device and a diesel engine pipeline system for monitoring the fluid flow direction in diesel engine units, enabling real-time and intuitive monitoring of the fluid flow direction within opaque pipelines.
[0011] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:
[0012] A device for monitoring the fluid flow direction in a diesel generator set pipeline, characterized in that it includes:
[0013] The flange body is a standard flange structure with mounting holes on the side.
[0014] Rotate the pointer axis through the mounting hole of the flange body, with both ends extending to the inside and outside of the pipeline respectively;
[0015] A fluid detection sail is fixed to the inner end of the pipe of the rotating pointer axis and is used to deflect when impacted by fluid.
[0016] A pointer, located at the outer end of the pipe on the rotating pointer axis, is used to indicate the direction of fluid flow;
[0017] A limiting retaining ring is sleeved on the rotating pointer shaft to limit axial displacement;
[0018] A return spring is provided between the flange body and the limiting retaining ring to provide elastic force for the pointer to reset;
[0019] A leak-proof spring is provided in the mounting hole of the flange body to seal the gap between the rotating pointer shaft and the flange body.
[0020] Preferably, the rotating pointer axis and the limiting stop ring are fixedly connected by an interference fit.
[0021] Preferably, the fluid detection sail and the rotating pointer axis are fixedly connected by welding or interference fit.
[0022] Preferably, the return spring is a helical spring with adjustable stiffness to adapt to fluids with different flow rates.
[0023] Preferably, a wear-resistant bushing is provided in the mounting hole of the flange body to reduce frictional wear of the rotating pointer shaft.
[0024] Preferably, the surface of the fluid detection sail is provided with guide grooves or a corrugated structure to enhance the sensitivity to fluid flow.
[0025] This utility model also provides a diesel engine unit pipeline system, characterized in that it includes at least one fluid flow direction monitoring device as described above, which is installed on the pipeline section where the flow direction needs to be monitored.
[0026] Preferably, the flange body of the observation device is connected to the pipeline flange by bolts, and the material of the flange body is compatible with the pipeline.
[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0028] By observing the direction of the indicator, the flow direction and status feedback of the liquid in the pipeline at each instant can be obtained. This provides important reference for staff to judge whether the working status of the pipeline and the entire diesel unit is normal and consistent with the design status, thus improving the safety and timely response of the entire diesel unit operation process. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the diesel engine unit pipeline fluid flow direction observation device of this utility model, wherein (a) is a side view of the flange structure and (b) is a front view of the flange structure.
[0030] In the diagram: 1. Flange body; 2. Rotary pointer axis; 3. Limiting ring; 4. Return spring; 5. Leak-proof spring; 6. Fluid detection sail. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates the specific embodiments of the diesel generator set pipeline fluid flow direction monitoring device of this invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the described embodiments are merely illustrative of this invention and not intended to limit its scope of protection.
[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, this observation device mainly includes the following components:
[0033] Flange body 1: adopts a standard flange structure (such as DN50 PN16), and its side wall is machined with a through mounting hole of φ12mm. An oil-impregnated bearing (inner diameter 12mm, outer diameter 16mm) is installed in the hole.
[0034] Rotary pointer shaft 2: made of 304 stainless steel, with a diameter of φ12mm and a clearance of 0.08mm with the bearing.
[0035] Fluid detection sail 6: Made of 316L stainless steel, with dimensions of 40mm×25mm×2mm, welded to the inner end of the pipe of the rotating pointer axis.
[0036] Indicator: Made of aluminum alloy with a fluorescent yellow coating, 50mm in length.
[0037] Limiting ring 3: It is fixed to the rotating pointer axis with an interference fit (H7 / p6).
[0038] Return spring 4: Stainless steel helical spring, elastic coefficient 10N / mm, pre-compression 5mm.
[0039] Leak-proof spring 5: Wave spring, preload 15N.
[0040] Insert the rotating indicator shaft into the side opening of a standard flange, and then assemble the limit ring, return spring, leak-proof spring, and fluid detection flap with the rotating indicator shaft. As the fluid flows through the pipeline, it will inevitably impact the fluid detection flap, causing the indicator at the other end of the same shaft to deflect momentarily, thus determining the current liquid flow direction.
[0041] Installation steps: First, assemble the return spring in the flange body into the groove, then place the limit ring, align it axially, insert the rotary pointer shaft into the flange body, and make an interference fit between the limit ring and the shaft. Finally, assemble the fluid detection sail by welding or the same interference fit.
[0042] Working principle: As the fluid flows through the pipeline, it inevitably impacts the fluid detection flap, causing the indicator on the other end of the same shaft to deflect momentarily, thus determining the current fluid flow direction. As shown in the diagram on the left above, if the fluid flows from left to right, the indicator points to the right; if the fluid flows from right to left, the indicator points to the left. If there is no fluid flow or no fluid passing through, the return spring 4 returns the rotating indicator shaft to its neutral position (indicator pointing vertically upwards).
[0043] This embodiment uses a linkage structure between the fluid detection sail and the rotating pointer to directly convert the fluid flow direction into the pointer deflection direction. Operators can quickly determine the instantaneous flow direction (left, right or stationary) of the fluid in the pipeline without relying on electronic instruments or complex data analysis.
[0044] Compared to the indirect inference of traditional terminal sensors (such as pressure gauges), this device achieves millisecond-level response, making it particularly suitable for bidirectional or intermittent flow conditions, and significantly shortening the detection time of abnormal states.
Claims
1. A device for observing the fluid flow direction in a diesel generator set pipeline, characterized in that, include: The flange body adopts a standard flange structure, and its side is provided with mounting holes; Rotate the pointer axis through the mounting hole of the flange body, with both ends extending to the inside and outside of the pipeline respectively; A fluid detection sail is fixed to the inner end of the pipe of the rotating pointer axis and is used to deflect when impacted by fluid. A pointer, located at the outer end of the pipe on the rotating pointer axis, is used to indicate the direction of fluid flow; A limiting retaining ring is sleeved on the rotating pointer shaft to limit axial displacement; A return spring is provided between the flange body (1) and the limiting retaining ring (3) to provide elastic force for the pointer to reset; A leak-proof spring is provided in the mounting hole of the flange body (1) to seal the gap between the rotating pointer shaft (2) and the flange body (1).
2. The diesel engine unit line fluid flow direction state observation device according to claim 1, characterized by, The rotating pointer axis (2) and the limiting retaining ring (3) are fixedly connected by an interference fit.
3. The diesel engine unit line fluid flow direction state observation device according to claim 1, characterized by, The fluid detection sail (6) and the rotating pointer axis (2) are fixedly connected by welding or interference fit.
4. The diesel engine unit line fluid flow direction state observation device according to claim 1, characterized by, The return spring (4) is a helical spring with adjustable stiffness to adapt to fluids with different flow rates.
5. The diesel engine unit line fluid flow direction state observation device according to claim 1, characterized by, The flange body (1) is provided with a wear-resistant bushing in the mounting hole to reduce the frictional loss of the rotating pointer shaft (2).
6. The diesel engine unit line fluid flow direction state observation device according to claim 1, characterized by The surface of the fluid detection sail (6) is provided with guide grooves or corrugated structures to enhance the sensitivity to fluid flow.
7. A diesel engine plumbing system characterized by, It includes at least one fluid flow direction monitoring device as described in any one of claims 1-6, installed on the pipeline section where the flow direction needs to be monitored.
8. The plumbing system of claim 7, wherein, The flange body (1) of the observation device is connected to the pipeline flange by bolts, and the material of the flange body (1) is compatible with the pipeline.