A flange tube with capacitance detection capability
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522452973.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-19
AI Technical Summary
本实用新型的目的在于提供一种具有电容检测能力的法兰管，用以解决现有ECT无损检测设备由于金属管道的电磁屏蔽效应，无法检测其内部电场分布，无法实现基于ECT技术的无损检测的问题
本实用新型所述法兰管构成封闭式管道，可作为流体通道。其两端均设有法兰盘，使用时安装于两段被测金属管道之间，并通过法兰螺栓固定，维修时拆卸螺栓即可分离法兰管与金属管道；铜电极片经金属铆钉和导线连接至管外的电信号处理单元，构成管壁内外的电信号传输通道，实现电极片与处理单元间的信号输入/输出，金属绝缘层封装金属外管、金属铆钉及导线，形成内部电磁屏蔽，导线经由法兰盘上的导线孔引出后，使用导电密封剂封堵该孔，从而有效屏蔽外部电磁干扰。本实用新型实现了金属管道的ECT检测，并兼具安装维护便捷、抗电磁干扰性能优异的特点，显著提升了实用性。
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Figure CN224886554U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrical non-destructive testing technology, and relates to a flange pipe with capacitance detection capability. Background Technology
[0002] As a highly integrated and complex system, the reliability of an aircraft's fluid pipelines directly impacts flight safety. Air bubbles lurking in fuel lines can cause fluctuations in fuel supply, leading to anything from engine power reduction to surge or even in-flight engine failure. Air bubbles in hydraulic lines can significantly reduce system rigidity, manifesting as sluggish control surface response, actuator vibration, or sudden control failure. These types of malfunctions are particularly dangerous during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff, landing, and maneuvering. Traditional visual inspections and pressure monitoring cannot capture bubble dynamics in real time, necessitating highly reliable real-time bubble detection methods to improve aircraft flight safety.
[0003] Ultrasonic testing and X-ray imaging are common methods for detecting fluid bubbles, but their technical limitations make them unsuitable for real-time airborne inspection. Ultrasonic testing is susceptible to interference from oil contaminants and variations in pipe wall thickness, leading to a high false alarm rate. While X-ray imaging possesses penetrating power, it poses radiation safety risks and is difficult to implement for continuous online monitoring, thus failing to meet the real-time diagnostic needs during flight. Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT), on the other hand, is a multiphase flow detection technology. This technology is characterized by low cost, non-invasiveness, and high safety, offering advantages in speed, accuracy, and real-time detection. It is commonly used to detect fluid bubbles within pipes and has been applied in various industrial sectors. [2-4] And it received high praise.
[0004] Electromagnetic capacitance (ECT) technology acquires capacitance data and inversely calculates the change in dielectric constant of the tested area to detect information such as the position and size of bubbles. However, in the aviation field, many fluid pipelines, such as oil pipes and hydraulic pipelines, are made of metal. The resulting Faraday cage effect completely shields the external electric field, preventing ECT from effectively acquiring capacitance data within the metal pipes. Therefore, it is necessary to design a flanged pipe structure to bypass the electromagnetic shielding of metal pipes and directly extract capacitance changes within the pipes. This invention enables the practical application of ECT nondestructive testing technology in the field of aviation safety inspection, which is beneficial for reducing aviation inspection costs and improving the efficiency of aviation maintenance. Utility Model Content
[0005] Utility Model Purpose The purpose of this invention is to provide a flange pipe with capacitance detection capability, in order to solve the problem that existing ECT non-destructive testing equipment cannot detect the internal electric field distribution of metal pipes due to the electromagnetic shielding effect of the metal pipes, and thus cannot realize non-destructive testing based on ECT technology.
[0006] Technical solution A flange tube with capacitance detection capability includes a non-metallic inner tube, copper electrode plates, an insulating inner liner, a metal outer tube, metal rivets, a flange, and a metal shielding layer. The non-metallic inner tube should be an integral cylindrical pipe. The copper electrode plates are evenly attached to the outer wall of the non-metallic inner tube to form a circular electrode array. The insulating inner liner has evenly spaced holes on its outer wall, with the hole positions corresponding one-to-one with the positions of the copper electrode plates. The metal outer tube is fitted onto the outer wall of the insulating inner liner. The inner wall of the metal outer tube is cylindrical, and the outer wall is a 12-prism. Holes are drilled on the surface, and the positions of the holes correspond one-to-one with those of the holes in the insulating inner liner. Metal rivets are installed on the 12 holes of the metal outer tube. There are two flanges, which are installed at both ends of the metal outer tube. Each flange has 8 bolt holes, and one flange has an additional 4 wire harness holes. The wire harness holes are distributed inside the bolt holes. The metal shielding layer is a cylindrical tubular structure and is installed between the two flanges. The metal shielding layer fits the metal outer tube with insulating liner, metal rivets, and the 4 wire harness holes of the flanges. The bolt holes of the flanges are distributed outside the metal shielding layer pipe.
[0007] Preferably, the number of copper electrode sheets is 12, and the electrode sheets have the same shape, area, and thickness. Preferably, the number of uniformly spaced openings in the insulating inner liner is 12. Preferably, the inner diameter of the non-metallic inner tube should be consistent with the inner diameter of the connected metal pipe, and its material selection should be resistant to the fluid environment (such as corrosion, temperature, etc.) inside the metal pipe. Its thickness design can meet the corresponding mechanical performance requirements according to the actual application environment.
[0008] Preferably, a certain gap is reserved between the copper electrode sheets, the maximum potential difference between a single copper electrode sheet and an adjacent electrode sheet is no more than 1 volt, and the length of the reserved gap is required to be greater than the minimum breakdown distance between the copper electrode sheets.
[0009] Preferably, the insulating inner liner is used to insulate and isolate the copper electrode sheet from the metal outer tube, and the insulating inner liner is preferably made of a stretchable flexible material.
[0010] Preferably, the metal rivet is a double-headed rivet with an insulating sleeve on the rivet shank. When installing the rivet, an insulating gasket is placed between the rivet and the outer metal tube. After the rivet is installed, a layer of sealant is applied to the rivet end and the nearby outer wall of the outer metal tube.
[0011] Preferably, the flange tube with capacitance detection capability is connected to the metal fluid tube being tested via a flange, and the flange on the metal fluid tube being tested must be the same as the flange at the corresponding end of the flange tube in terms of radius, thickness, opening position and size.
[0012] Preferably, a circular groove is provided on each of the two flanges on opposite sides, the radius of which is the same as the mating radius of the metal shielding layer. During installation, one end of the metal shielding layer is first inserted into the groove of one flange, and then the flange at the other end is installed.
[0013] Technical effect The flange pipe described in this invention forms a closed pipeline that can serve as a fluid passage. It has flanges at both ends and is installed between two sections of metal pipe to be tested, secured with flange bolts. For maintenance, the flange pipe can be separated from the metal pipe by removing the bolts. Copper electrode plates are connected to an external electrical signal processing unit via metal rivets and wires, forming an electrical signal transmission channel between the inside and outside of the pipe wall, enabling signal input / output between the electrode plates and the processing unit. A metal insulating layer encapsulates the outer metal pipe, metal rivets, and wires, forming internal electromagnetic shielding. The wires are led out through wire holes on the flange, which are then sealed with conductive sealant to effectively shield against external electromagnetic interference. This invention achieves ECT testing of metal pipes and features convenient installation and maintenance, excellent anti-electromagnetic interference performance, significantly improving its practicality. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the flange tube for capacitance detection capability of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view of the flange tube for capacitance detection capability of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flange and pipeline connection status for the capacitance detection capability of this utility model.
[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Among them: (1) non-metallic inner tube, (2) copper electrode sheet, (3) insulating inner liner tube, (4) metal outer tube, (5) metal rivet, (6) flange, (7) metal shielding layer, A flange wire harness hole, B flange bolt hole, C tested metal fluid pipeline, D bolt. Detailed Implementation
[0016] 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 in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. 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.
[0017] The features and illustrative embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will now be described in detail. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of this utility model. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model can be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this utility model by illustrating examples of it. This utility model is by no means limited to any specific setup and method set forth below, but covers any improvements, substitutions, and modifications to the structure, method, and device without departing from the spirit of this utility model. In the following description, well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this utility model.
[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are based on these directions or positional relationships and are only used for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They should not be construed as limiting this utility model. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., "first and second," etc.) is for distinguishing objects and is not limited to this order, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly, encompassing both direct connection and indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0020] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features therein can be combined with each other, and the various embodiments can be referenced and cited in turn. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to and in conjunction with the embodiments.
[0021] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among them, (1) non-metallic inner tube, (2) copper electrode sheet, (3) insulating inner liner tube, (4) metal outer tube, (5) metal rivet, (6) flange, (7) metal shielding layer, A flange wire harness hole, B flange bolt hole, C tested metal fluid pipeline, D bolt.
[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2The flange tube shown has capacitance detection capability and includes a non-metallic inner tube (1), copper electrode plates (2), an insulating inner liner tube (3), a metal outer tube (4), metal rivets (5), a flange (6), and a metal shielding layer (7). The non-metallic inner tube (1) should be an integral cylindrical pipe, and the inner diameter of the non-metallic inner tube (1) should be the same as the inner diameter of the metal fluid pipe C to be tested. There are 12 copper electrode plates (2), and the copper electrode plates (2) are the same in shape, area, and thickness. The copper electrode plates (2) are evenly attached to the outer wall of the non-metallic inner tube (1) to form a circular electrode array. The insulating inner liner tube (3) has 12 holes evenly opened on the outer wall of the non-metallic inner tube (1) on which the copper electrode plates (2) are attached. The position of the holes corresponds one-to-one with the position of the copper electrode plates (2). The metal outer tube (4) is sleeved on the outer wall of the insulating inner liner tube. The inner tube of the metal outer tube (4) is cylindrical, and the outer tube of the metal outer tube (4) is a 12-prism. Holes are made on the 12 prism faces of the outer wall of the metal outer tube (4). The holes correspond one-to-one with the holes made in the insulating inner liner tube (3). There are 12 metal rivets (5), which are installed on the 12 holes of the metal outer tube (4). There are 2 flanges (6), which are installed at both ends of the metal outer tube (4). Each flange (6) has 8 bolt holes B. One flange (6) has an additional 4 wire harness holes A. The wire harness holes A are distributed inside the bolt holes B. The metal shielding layer (7) is a cylindrical tubular structure and is installed between the flanges (6). The metal shielding layer (7) fits the metal tube with the insulating inner liner, the metal rivets (5) and the wire harness holes A in it. The 8 bolt holes of the flange 7 are distributed outside the metal shielding layer pipe.
[0023] like Figure 3 The diagram shows the connection status of the flange and the pipeline. During assembly, first install 12 metal rivets (5), connect the wire to the outer end of the rivet (5), and pass it out through the wire harness hole A on the flange (6). Then install the metal shielding layer (7) to complete the assembly of the flange with capacitance detection capability. The flange is connected to the metal fluid pipeline C to be tested through the flange (6) and fixed by bolts D. Finally, the wire harness hole on the flange is sealed with conductive sealant. The above detailed embodiments are a description of the present utility model. It should not be considered that the specific embodiments of the present utility model are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions and substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, and all of these should be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A flange pipe with capacitance detection capability, characterized in that, The system includes a non-metallic inner tube, copper electrode plates, an insulating inner liner, a metal outer tube, metal rivets, flanges, and a metal shielding layer. The non-metallic inner tube should be an integral cylindrical pipe. The copper electrode plates are evenly attached to the outer wall of the non-metallic inner tube to form a circular electrode array. The insulating inner liner has evenly spaced holes on its outer wall, with the hole positions corresponding one-to-one with the copper electrode plate positions. The metal outer tube is fitted onto the outer wall of the insulating inner liner. The inner wall of the metal outer tube is cylindrical, and the outer wall is a 12-sided prism with holes on its prism faces. The holes in the insulating inner liner are positioned one-to-one. Metal rivets are installed on the 12 holes in the outer metal tube. There are two flanges, which are installed at both ends of the outer metal tube. Each flange has 8 bolt holes, and one flange has an additional 4 wire harness holes. The wire harness holes are distributed inside the bolt holes. The metal shielding layer is a cylindrical tubular structure installed between the two flanges. The metal shielding layer encloses the outer metal tube with the insulating liner, the metal rivets, and the 4 wire harness holes of the flange. The bolt holes of the flange are distributed outside the metal shielding layer pipe.
2. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of copper electrode sheets is 12, and the electrode sheets have the same shape, area and thickness.
3. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of uniformly opened holes in the insulating inner liner is 12.
4. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the non-metallic inner tube should be consistent with the inner diameter of the connected metal pipe.
5. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A certain gap is reserved between the copper electrode plates. The maximum potential difference between a single copper electrode plate and an adjacent electrode plate shall not exceed 1 volt. The length of the reserved gap shall be greater than the minimum breakdown distance between the copper electrode plates.
6. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating inner liner is made of a stretchable, flexible material.
7. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The metal rivet is a double-headed rivet with an insulating sleeve on the rivet shank. When installing the rivet, an insulating gasket is placed between the rivet and the outer metal tube. After the rivet is installed, a layer of sealant is applied to the rivet end and the nearby outer wall of the outer metal tube.
8. The flange pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A circular groove is formed on each of the two flanges on opposite sides, and the radius of the groove is the same as the mating radius of the metal shielding layer.