Fluid leak detection tape

Abstract

This invention provides a fluid leak detection tape that can detect fluid leaks stably and with high accuracy using a simple configuration. [Solution] The fluid leak detection tape is formed as a tape-like body having an adhesive portion, and is a fluid leak detection tape that detects when a conveyed object consisting of a fluid or a fluid-carrying object flowing through a conveyed path leaks from said conveyed path, and comprises a fluid-reactive material mixed into the adhesive portion that changes color upon contact with the fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape-shaped fluid leakage detection tape for detecting fluid leakage, and particularly to a fluid leakage detection tape for stably and highly accurately detecting fluid leakage.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of maintenance of equipment and products that use oils such as machine oil, lubricating oil, or insulating oil, it is important to quickly and accurately detect fluid leakage of oil (oil leakage detection) from the viewpoint of ensuring safety. The target fields cover a wide range, such as processing machines, ships, vehicles, industrial machines, and electrical equipment.

[0003] Generally, for fluid leakage detection methods, after implementing sealing measures, there are various methods according to the equipment shape and usage environment. For example, there is a method of installing a sensor at a location where oil leakage may occur and measuring changes in capacitance or impedance before and after oil leakage (Non-Patent Document 1). However, when using a sensor that requires a startup power supply, generally, it cannot detect a small amount of oil leakage, and it cannot be detected unless a certain amount or more of oil leaks, so the detection accuracy is unstable.

[0004] Also, for example, there is a method of applying a grease or spray-type oil reactant to a location where oil leakage may occur and observing a color change (Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3). However, usually, the grease or spray flows down due to the passage of time and the influence of the surrounding environment, and it is not suitable for long-term use.

[0005] For this reason, a fluid leakage detection tape has been developed that can detect the occurrence of fluid leakage with a simple configuration of winding the tape around the periphery of a location where oil leakage may occur.

[0006] As such a conventional fluid leakage detection tape, for example, there is a method of attaching a seal-type oil reaction material using an adhesive to a location where oil leakage may occur and observing a color reaction caused by oil leakage (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0007] Furthermore, as a technology related to conventional fluid leak detection tapes, there is a known technology concerning grease-type oil reagents, in which an oil-soluble dye and a white pigment such as titanium dioxide are added to a solution of a single or mixture of lipophilic surfactants such as sorbitan monooleate and a single or mixture of organic amines such as diethanolamine dissolved in water, and pigments having a different color from the oil-soluble dye, such as chromium oxide and iron oxide, and these are homogenized and kneaded (Patent Document 1).

[0008] Furthermore, as a conventional fluid leak detection tape, there is also a known oil leak detection material characterized by being made of a synthetic resin having water permeability and oil-retaining properties to absorb and retain oil, and being formed of a nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 200 μm or more, having a colored layer in which the nonwoven fabric is colored, and a white layer with a thickness of at least 150 μm laminated on one side of the colored layer, in which a white powder with a refractive index of at least 1.5 is dispersed in a transparent resin so that the color of the colored layer can be seen through, as the white layer is opaque when the colored layer is wet with water and becomes transparent when the colored layer is wet with oil. (Patent Document 2)

[0009] Furthermore, as an example of a conventional fluid leak detection tape, there is also an oil leak detection material that consists of a breathable film, a darkly colored layer provided on the breathable film, and a white layer provided on the colored layer that becomes transparent when wet and opaque when dry, wherein an adhesive such as cellulose resin is used in the colored layer (Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 35-000014 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-012085 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-185742 [Non-patent literature]

[0011] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / www.asahi-kasei.co.jp / ats / jp / oildetectors / csh-3005.html [Non-Patent Document 2] http: / / www.takamori-sisetu.com / chuko / ss_hanbai / gs_item.html [Non-Patent Document 3] https: / / taseto.com / chemical / chemical01_03.php [Non-Patent Document 4] https: / / www.nichigi.co.jp / products / oil-detection-strip.html [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] However, conventional fluid leak detection tapes use adhesives or glues to attach the tape to the area where oil leaks may occur. This presents a problem in that if the area where oil leaks may occur has a stepped surface, or if it is necessary to overlap the tape over the area where oil leaks may occur, the gap fixed with adhesive widens over time, and the fixing strength gradually weakens, resulting in a weak sealing effect. On the other hand, even if the adhesive strength of the adhesive or glue is increased, adhesive residue remains when the tape is removed, resulting in poor repair efficiency and low maintainability.

[0013] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems and provides a fluid leak detection tape that can detect fluid leaks stably and with high accuracy with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The inventors of this invention conducted extensive research on fluid leak detection tapes and discovered a fluid leak detection tape with a simple structure that does not require adhesive and can detect fluid leaks such as oil with high accuracy, thus leading to the present invention.

[0015] Thus, the fluid leak detection tape according to the present invention is a fluid leak detection tape formed of a tape-like body having an adhesive portion, which detects when a conveyed object consisting of a fluid or a fluid-carrying object flowing through a conveyed path leaks from said conveyed path, and comprises a fluid-reactive material mixed into the adhesive portion that changes color upon contact with the fluid.

[0016] Thus, the fluid leak detection tape according to the present invention is formed as a tape-like body having an adhesive portion, and is a fluid leak detection tape that detects when a conveyed object consisting of a fluid or a fluid-carrying object flowing through a conveyed path leaks from said conveyed path. Since the adhesive portion is mixed with a fluid-reactive material that changes color upon contact with the fluid, an adhesive is not required, and the fluid-reactive material changes color upon contact with the conveyed object. This allows for high-precision detection of fluid leaks with a simple structure, and also facilitates maintenance such as cleaning during repairs.

[0017] Furthermore, the fluid leak detection tape according to this application has a self-fusing adhesive portion as needed. Because the adhesive portion is self-fusing, the occurrence of gaps is suppressed by winding and fixing with the adhesive portion, thereby suppressing fluid leakage (e.g., oil leakage). Additionally, overlapping winding is possible with the adhesive portion, allowing use even on conveyor paths with steps, and expanding the range of application to conveyor paths with more complex shapes.

[0018] Furthermore, the fluid leak detection tape according to the present invention is configured such that the fluid-reactive material is disposed on the back surface of the tape-like body as needed. Since the fluid-reactive material is disposed on the back surface of the tape-like body in this way, the back surface is on the side closest to the fluid, allowing for highly reactive detection of contact with the fluid, and enabling more accurate detection of fluid leaks.

[0019] In addition, the fluid leakage detection tape according to the present application may, if necessary, be provided with a transparent layer made of a transparent body on the surface of the tape-like body. Thus, since the transparent layer made of a transparent body is provided on the surface of the tape-like body, during normal use, the tape blends into the surrounding color, and when fluid leakage is detected, the degree of color development by the fluid reaction material becomes clearer, enabling more accurate detection of fluid leakage.

[0020] In addition, the fluid leakage detection tape according to the present application may, if necessary, include a reflectance-varying material in which the fluid reaction material is disposed on the back side of the tape-like body and the reflectance varies due to reaction with the fluid, and a discoloration layer disposed on the transparent layer side and discoloring according to the reflectance of the reflectance-varying material. Thus, since the fluid reaction material includes the reflectance-varying material disposed on the back side of the tape-like body and the reflectance varies due to reaction with the fluid, and the discoloration layer disposed on the transparent layer side and discoloring according to the reflectance of the reflectance-varying material, the discoloration layer will discolor based on the reflectance that varies as the reflectance-varying material reacts with the fluid, and the leakage of the fluid is indicated by the reflection by the reflectance-varying material, enabling easy detection of fluid leakage.

[0021] In addition, the fluid leakage detection tape according to the present application may, if necessary, be such that the degree of discoloration by the fluid reaction material varies according to the degree of reaction. Thus, since the degree of discoloration by the fluid reaction material varies according to the degree of reaction, the degree of fluid leakage is indicated by the degree of discoloration shown by the fluid reaction material, enabling more accurate detection of fluid leakage, including the amount of fluid leakage.

[0022] In addition, the fluid leakage detection tape according to the present application contains or applies a fluorescent material to the surface side of the tape-like body as necessary. Thus, since the fluorescent material is contained or applied to the surface side of the tape-like body, when receiving light from the fluid reaction material that has changed color upon contact reaction with the fluid, the fluorescent material strongly emits color, enabling clear and easy detection of fluid leakage.

[0023] In addition, the fluid leakage detection tape according to the present application is such that, as necessary, the fluid constituting the object to be conveyed is a liquid selected from the group consisting of oil and water, or a gas. Thus, since the fluid constituting the object to be conveyed is a liquid selected from the group consisting of oil and water, or a gas, fluid leakage can be detected for a wide range of fluids, enabling more versatile fluid leakage detection.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Shows a configuration diagram of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Shows a configuration diagram of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Shows an explanatory diagram for explaining the fluid leakage detection of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Shows an explanatory diagram for explaining the fluid leakage detection of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] [[ID=2,4]]Shows a configuration diagram of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Shows an explanatory diagram for explaining the fluid leakage detection of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Shows an explanatory diagram for explaining the fluid leakage detection of the fluid leakage detection tape according to the third embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the fluid leak detection tape according to the first embodiment is formed of a tape-like body 10 having an adhesive portion 1, and is a fluid leak detection tape that detects when a transported object A, which consists of a fluid or a fluid transported object, leaks from the transported path 100, and is configured to include a fluid-reactive material 2 that is mixed into the adhesive portion 1 and changes color upon contact with the fluid.

[0026] The object to be conveyed A is not particularly limited as long as it consists of a fluid or a fluid being conveyed that flows through the conveying path 100. For example, the fluid constituting the object to be conveyed A can be a liquid or gas selected from the group consisting of oil and water.

[0027] For example, if the fluid constituting the object A being transported is oil, this fluid leak detection tape can be used to detect oil leaks from the transport path 100. Similarly, if the fluid constituting the object A being transported is water, this fluid leak detection tape can be used to detect water leaks from the transport path 100. Furthermore, if the fluid constituting the object A being transported is gas, this fluid leak detection tape can be used to detect gas leaks from the transport path 100. In this way, this fluid leak detection tape can detect fluid leaks across a wide range of fluids, enabling more versatile fluid leak detection.

[0028] The tape-like body 10 has an adhesive portion 1, but it is sufficient for this adhesive portion 1 to have adhesive properties to the transport path 100 on its own, and there is no need to use a separate adhesive or glue that exhibits chemical adhesive strength. For this reason, it is more preferable that this adhesive portion 1 has self-fusing properties.

[0029] This self-fusing property means that by wrapping the tape-like body 10 multiple times around the transport path 100, the adhesive force generated from the tightening strength at the overlapping portions of the tape-like body 10 functions as an adhesive portion 1. While butyl rubber or silicone rubber can be used as the raw material for such a tape-like body 10, it is not limited to these; other materials such as polyurethane or polyester can also be used.

[0030] Thus, because this adhesive portion 1 has self-fusing properties, the occurrence of gaps can be suppressed by winding and fixing, thereby suppressing fluid leakage (e.g., oil leakage) itself. Furthermore, overlapping winding is possible with this adhesive portion 1, so it can be applied to conveying paths 100 with stepped structures. In other words, unlike conventional methods, it can be applied to conveying paths 100 with complex shapes.

[0031] This fluid-reactive material 2 is mixed into the adhesive portion 1 and changes color upon contact with the fluid of the object A being transported. For example, an oil-soluble dye can be used. For instance, the fluid-reactive material 2 can be constructed by kneading an oil-soluble dye into a self-fusing tape.

[0032] Examples of oil-soluble dyes that can be used include CI Solvent Black 7, CI Solvent Blue 72, CI Solvent Blue 25, CI Solvent Blue 70, CI Solvent Red 8, and CI Solvent Red 100.

[0033] More preferably, the degree of discoloration caused by the fluid reaction material 2 varies according to the degree of reaction. This allows the degree of fluid leakage to be indicated by the degree of discoloration shown by the fluid reaction material 2, and enables more accurate detection of fluid leakage, including the amount of leakage.

[0034] Preferably, the fluid-reactive material 2 is arranged on the back surface 10a of the tape-like body 10, as shown in Figure 1(c). As shown in Figure 1(d), since the back surface 10a of the tape-like body 10 is on the side closest to the fluid of the object A being transported, contact with the fluid can be recognized more sensitively, and fluid leakage can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0035] The surface 10b of the tape-like body 10 is not particularly limited, but preferably, as shown in Figure 2(a), it is provided with a transparent layer 3 made of a transparent material. The transparent material is not particularly limited, but for example, one made from butyl rubber or silicone rubber can be used, but it is not limited to these, and other transparent synthetic resins such as polyurethane or polyester can also be used.

[0036] Thus, since the surface 10b of this tape-like body 10 is equipped with a transparent layer 3 made of a transparent material, as shown in Figure 2(b), during normal use the fluid leak detection tape blends in with the surrounding color, but when a fluid leak is detected, the degree of coloration by the fluid-reactive material 2 becomes even clearer, allowing for more accurate detection of fluid leaks.

[0037] The fluid leak detection tape according to this embodiment can be applied to various applications for detecting when a transported object A (e.g., oil) leaks from the transport path 100. For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), the fluid leak detection tape can be used by wrapping it around a joint 101 of a pipe-shaped piping after applying, for example, a commonly used sealing tape. When the transported object A (e.g., oil) penetrates the sealing tape and leaks from the transport path 100 via the joint 101, the fluid-reactive material 2 changes color (shown as a transition from white to black in the figure), as shown in Figure 3(b), allowing for immediate detection of fluid leakage such as oil.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), for example, the fluid leak detection tape can be used by wrapping it around the joint 101 of the flange component after sealing the gap with a commonly used packing or the like. When the material to be transported A (for example, oil) leaks from the transport path 100 through the joint 101 sealed with the packing or the like, the fluid reaction material 2 changes color, as shown in Figure 4(b), making it easy to detect fluid leaks such as oil leaks.

[0039] Thus, the fluid leak detection tape according to this embodiment does not require an adhesive, and the fluid-reactive material 2 reacts with the transported object A (e.g., oil) to change color. This allows for high-precision detection of fluid leaks with a simple structure, and also facilitates maintenance such as cleaning during repairs.

[0040] (Second embodiment) The fluid leak detection tape according to the second embodiment comprises the adhesive portion 1, the fluid reaction material 2, and the transparent layer 3, similar to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the fluid reaction material 2 comprises a reflectance-changing material 21 disposed on the back surface 10a side of the tape-like body 10, whose reflectance changes upon reaction with the fluid, and a discoloration layer 22 disposed on the transparent layer 3 side, which changes color according to the reflectance of the reflectance-changing material 21, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b).

[0041] As shown in Figure 5(a), the position of the discoloration layer 22 is not particularly limited as long as it is on the side of the transparent layer 3, and it may be in contact with the reflectivity-changing material 21, or, as shown in Figure 5(b), it may be in contact with the transparent layer 3 without being in contact with the reflectivity-changing material 21.

[0042] The discoloration layer 22 can be made of various dyes without particular limitation. For example, various known inks can be used, and these inks may contain various pigments, synthetic resins, etc. In addition, dyes such as diphenylmethane dye, fluorane dye, spiropyran dye, xanthene dye, triphenylmethane dye, and triarylmethane dye can also be used.

[0043] The reflectivity-changing material 21 is not particularly limited, but a swellable member can be used. For example, a swellable bentonite member or a gelling agent can be used. The reflectivity-changing material 21 is disposed on the back surface 10a side of the tape-like body 10, so that it is positioned in contact with the transport path 100, that is, close to the object to be transported A (e.g., oil). As shown in Figure 6(a), under normal conditions when the object to be transported A is not leaking from the transport path 100, a certain color is shown through the discoloration layer 22 as light is reflected from the incident light at a reflection angle θ.

[0044] On the other hand, if the transported material A (for example, oil) leaks from the transport path 100, as shown in Figure 6(b), the bentonite member or gelling agent immediately reacts with the transported material A, increasing its swelling and causing the reflectivity-varying material 21 to swell. This swelling causes the reflectivity to vary at different points on the reflectivity-varying material 21. As a result, light that satisfies total internal reflection conditions such as reflection angle θ1 and reflection angle θ1 is emitted through the discolored layer 22 with respect to the incident light, and the discolored layer 22 exhibits a color significantly different from that of the normal state.

[0045] In this way, the reflectivity of the reflective material 21 changes color based on the reflectivity that changes as it reacts with the conveyed object A (e.g., oil), and leakage of the conveyed object A (e.g., oil) is indicated by the reflection from the reflective material 21, making it easy to detect fluid leakage.

[0046] (Third embodiment) Furthermore, the fluid leak detection tape according to the present invention comprises the adhesive portion 1 and the fluid reaction material 2, similar to the first embodiment described above, and further, as shown in Figure 7(a), the surface 10b of the tape-like body 10 contains or is coated with a fluorescent material 4.

[0047] The type of fluorescent material 4 is not particularly limited, and various red phosphors, green phosphors, and blue phosphors can be used. For example, europium-coated activated alkaline earth aluminate phosphors, europium-coated activated alkaline earth halophosphate phosphors, europium-coated activated barium magnesium aluminate phosphors, europium-coated activated alkaline earth halophosphate phosphors, europium-coated activated yttrium oxide phosphors, and manganese-coated activated alkaline earth aluminate phosphors can be used.

[0048] This fluorescent material 4 may be impregnated into the surface 10b of the tape-like body 10, or it may be applied by spraying or the like.

[0049] As described above, since the fluorescent material 4 is contained in or coated on the surface 10b side of the tape-like body 10, as shown in Figure 7(b), when fluid leakage occurs from the transport path 100, the fluid-reactive material 2 changes color when it comes into contact with the fluid of the transported object A. The fluorescent material 4 receives the light emitted as a result of the discoloration of the fluid-reactive material 2 as incident light and emits a strong color, allowing for clear and easy detection of fluid leakage.

[0050] Furthermore, this fluorescent material 4 can use a phosphor of a single emission color, in which case it will change to a predetermined color when a fluid leak occurs. In this respect, it is easier to judge the presence of a fluid leak based on its color. In addition, phosphors of different emission colors can be mixed. For example, by using red phosphors, green phosphors, and blue phosphors in equal proportions, it is possible to emit a variety of light, including white light. In other words, when a fluid leak occurs from the transport path 100, the fluorescent material 4 that receives light from the fluid reaction material 2 can emit multiple colors, allowing the fluid leak situation to be recognized with high visibility and detected clearly and easily. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Adhesive part 2. Fluid Reacting Materials 21. Reflectance-Variable Materials 22 Discolored layer 3 transparent layer 4. Fluorescent materials 10 Tape-like body 10a Reverse side 10b surface 100 transport paths 101 Joints A. Object to be transported

Claims

1. A fluid leak detection tape formed of a tape-like body having an adhesive portion, which detects when a conveyed object consisting of a fluid or a fluid-carrying object flowing through a conveyed path leaks from said conveyed path, The adhesive portion is characterized by comprising a fluid-reactive material that is mixed in and changes color upon contact with the fluid. Fluid leak detection tape.

2. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 1, The adhesive portion is characterized by having self-fusing properties. Fluid leak detection tape.

3. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 1, The fluid reaction material is characterized in that it is disposed on the back surface of the tape-like body. Fluid leak detection tape.

4. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 3, The tape-like body is characterized by having a transparent layer made of a transparent material on its surface. Fluid leak detection tape.

5. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 4, The fluid-reactive material is characterized by comprising a reflectance-changing material disposed on the back side of the tape-like body, the reflectance of which changes upon reaction with the fluid, and a color-changing layer disposed on the transparent layer side, the color changes according to the reflectance of the reflectance-changing material. Fluid leak detection tape.

6. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 1, The degree of discoloration caused by the fluid reaction material is characterized by varying according to the degree of reaction. Fluid leak detection tape.

7. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 1, The tape-like body is characterized by containing or having a fluorescent material applied to its surface. Fluid leak detection tape.

8. In the fluid leak detection tape according to claim 1, The fluid constituting the object to be conveyed is a liquid or gas selected from the group consisting of oil and water. Fluid leak detection tape.

Images