Smart mechanical warning system to recognize leakage and pressure decreasement in gas fluid transferring supply

The smart mechanical warning system addresses the challenge of detecting gas leakage and pressure decreases in gas fluid transmission pipelines by using balloon accumulators and calibration interfaces, providing effective and cost-efficient alarms and reducing maintenance needs.

WO2025037236A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-02-20SCHOFIELD SHAHAB JOHN
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2024/057826
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-12
Publication Date
2025-02-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing gas supply systems lack a reliable, cost-effective, and adaptable method to detect gas leakage and pressure decreases in gas fluid transmission pipelines, leading to potential safety hazards, economic losses, and environmental concerns.

Method used

A smart mechanical warning system utilizing balloon accumulators and calibration interfaces to detect pressure changes and leaks, providing visible, audible, and broadcast alarms without interrupting gas flow, and featuring self-calibrating mechanisms for high accuracy and reliability.

Benefits of technology

The system achieves high efficiency in detecting leaks and pressure drops with reduced maintenance needs, lower costs, and enhanced accuracy, responding quickly to system failures and preventing further damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention is a warning system that initiates an alarm when the gas flow rate in a pressurized gas circuit decreases / increases from a predetermined limit. It includes a mechanical gas flow pressure sensing subassembly, and signal transmission equipment for an alarm measuring gas volumetric flow rate to generate an alarm signal. The gas pressure warning device with a mechanical mechanism pressurizes an accumulator and starts to warn if there is a change in the warehouse volume from the predetermined value. The accumulator part is connected with a mechanical mechanism linked to the warning part. The distance between the accumulator and the mechanism can be adjusted, and the system can be installed in all flows with any internal pressure by a simple construction as a way to detect gas flow disturbances in a gas system under pressure or a system with a full gas tank to prevent injuries and possible dangers.
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Description

Smart Mechanical Warning System to Recognize Leakage and Pressure Decreasement in Gas Fluid Transferring Supply

[0001] This invention is related to gas supply and gas piping systems. This invention is placed in the category of gas supply facilities, mechanical facilities, and safety equipment, and the ability to install and operate it is simple, easy, and low-cost with high accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. This invention can also be used for facilities where gas pressure is a main parameter. The adaptability of this system with gas pressure is done completely mechanically. The current system can even be used to test and detect the leakage of a closed gas circuit.

[0002] F24H 15 / 12

[0003] IN202141019352

[0004] AN IOT INTELLIGENT SMART SYSTEM FOR LPG GAS LEAKAGE DETECTION AND PREVENTION

[0005] Health and safety is very important for everything we have in everyday life, especially to prevent gas explosions in the house. Currently, the local LPG boom is on the rise; At the same time, the numbers of the GPL are increasing. Often, to avoid throttle control and physical manipulation, the amount of gas in the barrel is continuously monitored using a weight sensor or weight indicator. When the level reaches a certain goal, a message will be sent to the client and the organization to reserve another room with the client's name, Client ID. Barrel recording with audible response at this stage. Therefore, the prerequisites for an adequate framework for measuring and reporting LPG levels are correct. Here we plan to offer a microcontroller board using a gas sensor, MQ2, to identify dangerous gas leaks. This unit is integrated with an alarm unit to provide a warning or visual indication of an LPG leak. The sensor has good sensitivity combined with fast response times. If a leak is detected, a message will be sent to an authorized person or person relating to a use cell arrangement called a GSM, in the same way that he activates a smoke blower which allows gas to escape. The quantity of gas of lower limit value or equivalent1 then sends an instant order to the merchant for a room reservation. It also alerts loved ones when the weight of the rod does not reach a certain weight further away, leaving the impression of filling the space.

[0006] The mentioned invention identifies gas leakage and aims for safety like our claimed one and they both relate to the IOT, but this patent functions at homes and only focuses on the leakage and SMS alarming while our design is a wholesome system to increase the gas pressure too, and has other types of warnings.

[0007] WO2023036926

[0008] A METHOD FOR DETERMINING A LEAKAGE IN A HEAT TRANSFER FLUID CHANNEL OF A HEAT TRANSFERRING REACTOR SYSTEM, AND A HEAT TRANSFERRING REACTOR

[0009] To improve tube leakage detection, in a heat transfer heat transfer fluid channel of a combustion heat transferring reactor system (10), a tube leakage determination method is used, the method comprising the steps of: - measuring the main heat transfer heat transfer fluid flow (qMS,M) prevailing in the heat transfer heat transfer fluid channel of the combustion heat transferring reactor system (10) during operation; - modelling main heat transfer heat transfer fluid flow (qMS,C) in the heat transfer heat transfer fluid channel during operation by utilizing process data in a numerical model of the combustion heat transferring reactor system (10) giving the main heat transfer heat transfer fluid (qMS,C) flow of the combustion heat transferring reactor system (10) under substantially tube-leak-free conditions; - comparing said measured heat transfer heat transfer fluid flow and modelled heat transfer heat transfer fluid flow with each other to obtain an error measure (∆MS) for main heat transfer heat transfer fluid flow that is included in an error measure set; and - monitoring the error measure set and characteristics of error measure set exceeding a predetermined threshold during a predetermined time period during operation to determining the presence of a heat transfer heat transfer fluid circuit tube leakage.

[0010] Our system is a warning system when the leakage occurs and also decreasement of the gas pressure while the mentioned patent is exclusively functioning for heat transfer and there is no specific method for a mechanical gas leakage warning.

[0011] Low supply pressure alarm for gas supply

[0012] United States Patent 6209579

[0013] The invention provides an in-line low supply pressure alarm device preferably housed together with a gas pressure regulator and a gas flow controller, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to monitor gas availability. The alarm device is designed to be inserted in-line and includes a hollow housing with a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and an elongate internal chamber. A piston is disposed within the chamber for axial sliding between an alarm-on and an alarm-off position. The piston includes a piston head sealed in sliding engagement with an actuating compartment of the chamber. The actuating compartment of the chamber is filled with pressurized gas in flow communication with the gas inlet in operation. The piston includes an axially extending valve stem with a lateral alarm port in flow communication with the gas inlet. The valve stem is in sliding engagement with axially spaced apart seals defining an alarm plenum within the chamber. The alarm port of the valve stem is in flow communication with the alarm plenum when the piston is in the alarm-on position. A biasing spring engages the piston to bias the piston against the pressure of gas in the actuating compartment to the alarm-on position. The low pressure alarm is activated by a gas activated alarm in communication with the alarm plenum when low pressure is detected. Preferably the alarm port is aligned with a sealed compartment within the chamber when the piston is in the alarm-off position.

[0014] There are differences between this patent and our claimed system but one of the most important differences is that the mentioned invention has a piston but it does not have a high self-calibrating and adaptability feature in a short time like our claimed invention.

[0015] United States Patent 6137417

[0016] Pressure monitor and alarm for compression mounting with compressed gas storage tank

[0017] A warning device configured for removable mounting in combination with a high pressure gas cylinder and a regulator used to regulate the high pressure gas supplied by the cylinder. The device compression mounts between the regulator and tank outlet on conventional portable oxygen and gas supply systems using a specially configured manifold. The device features one or a combination of alarms, from a group including audio, visual, electronic, and remotely transmitted alarms. These alarms are activated by a pressure switch monitoring the remaining supply in the gas cylinder through a conduit the manifold. The alarm signal from the device alerts the user, or a third party monitoring the user, of current tank pressure or will sound an alarm when remaining high pressure gas inside the gas cylinder drops below a predetermined level.

[0018] This invention is a warning device like ours but it is only for pressure monitoring and does not function for gas leakage also their methods are different because our system is smart, mechanical and adaptive.

[0019] United States Patent Application 20110248856

[0020] GAS FLOW AND PRESSURE ERROR ALARM

[0021] A gas flow warning alarm device to produce an alarm indication when the gas flow rate in a pressurized gas system violates at least one predetermined limit. The alarm device includes a gas flow sensing and error signaling subassembly to generate an error signal upon sensing a violative gas flow rate, and an indicator subassembly activatable by an error signal to produce an alarm indication. The gas flow warning alarm device responds both to the depletion of a pressurized gas reservoir and to blockages and disconnections in a gas line downstream of a regulator. A method for detecting gas flow malfunctions in a pressurized gas system. A reservoir changing device to open a filled reserve reservoir of gas to a pressurized gas system upon receiving an alarm indication that pressure in a primary gas reservoir has fallen below a predetermined limit.

[0022] The mentioned patent is very similar to our claimed system because of their main functioning which is identifying and alarming. Still, our mechanical system has a self-calibrating cylinder mechanism. The system is installed at the beginning of the pipes which allows it to warn the possible damages to the fluid supply and it is very cheaper than other systems. Because of it prevents high expenses relating to repairment, it can also work with IOT.

[0023] IN201921047147

[0024] GAS MONITORING AND LEAKAGE ALERT SYSTEM

[0025] The present invention relates to a gas monitoring and leakage alert system. The proposed invention comprises weight indicator and buzzer along with LED to indicate and alert the user about the low level of gas in the cylinder when the cylinder is about to go empty when the gas level goes below a predetermined level the buzzer indicator sound. The detection of the leakage of the gas is also detected and alerted in the system along with selection of the mode between commercial and non- commercial cylinder.

[0026] The mentioned invention might be similar to our claimed patent but it is designed mostly for home cooking gas while our patent is for the transferring supply of gas fluid and has a different method and components, also its cylinder is self-calibrating.

[0027] The mechanical intelligent warning system detects leaks and reduces gas transmission pressure. It has self-calibrating mechanisms, operates with precision, and warns of storage damage and isolation issues. It can be set up at a low cost and reduces maintenance needs by 90%. The warning mechanism is activated by pressure changes and leakage, providing visible, audible, and broadcast alarms without interrupting gas flow.

[0028] The need for a satisfactory, low-cost, simple, and adaptable system to detect gas pressure reduction in a closed circuit and gas leakage in a pipeline is necessary and obvious in gas supply facilities and closed circuits with gaseous fluid. be The necessity of this depends on the type of gaseous fluid in the circuit, which in case of leakage or pressure reduction in the circuit will cause economic, safety, health, and even pollution and environmental concerns. Such a system finds special use in facilities where oil and gas and even refrigerant fluids are transported in bulk through land or even air and sea pipelines. These systems are also used in pressurized gas circuits in respiratory patient wards of hospitals, in medical and chemical laboratories, in divers' and firefighters' breathing apparatus, and in industrial fields such as welding, heating, and air conditioning. The use of such a system is desirable not only to reduce gas fluid losses but also to prevent any significant environmental damage from pipeline leaks and threats to life and property. In these systems, it is important to provide users with an alarm to indicate that the gas supply has run out is about to run out, that the gas flow has been interrupted, or that there is a leak in the circuit. Pressurized gas alarm systems indicate these conditions using audible alarms, warning lights, and the like.

[0029] Pipeline leak detection and gas pressure relief systems in conventional facilities primarily rely on accurate measurement of materials entering and exiting the pipeline. Leakage is detected when, by calculating the input and output balance, the input fluid shows a greater amount of the output fluid in the pipelines or gas fluid transmission circuit, which have high delay and low accuracy and reliability. Existing and proposed systems that are currently commercially available are of the balance meter type, commonly referred to as a differential flow sum mechanism system. The second type is systems that reduce measurement error by relying on repeatability instead of meter reading accuracy. However, while such a system improves accuracy, it completely reduces the system's ability to detect leaks with increasing repetitions, thereby reducing system reliability.

[0030] Such a system can detect a leak only when there is a leak during the pumping of the fluid through the pipeline, and during the working cycle of the gas fluid transfer circuit, it is not capable of detecting a pressure drop and a leak. Also, if there is a leak before the flow starts through the transmission line, such a system will not be able to detect the leak. Common leak detection and pressure drop detection systems in commercial use in gas-fluid transmission lines all share a common weakness. If the equipment is set to alarm for very small leaks, false alarms will result due to dynamic changes in pipeline system conditions such as temperature, pressure, and viscosity. Pumping rates and the like are factors that make existing conventional systems need to be calibrated to warn only for large leaks. Based on this, the need for a system that can be self-calibrating as well as high-accuracy and can detect leakage and gas fluid pressure reduction in a circuit with high reliability and low economic cost seems very necessary.Solution of Problem

[0031] Utilizing a system to recognize leakage and pressure decrease in any state of the gas fluid circuit to solve the current system’s error is necessary. Still, the available systems are designed limited to different conditions and lifetimes. Using them in various gas supply circuits, and in places that make it tough to observe the system’s functioning, in addition to a huge expense, the system can not be trusted due to their conditioning and high depreciation. We decided to accurately use tools such as balloon accumulators and calibration interfaces as one of this design's strongest aspects. These two parts caused the cost of building the alarm system to decrease by about 50% compared to conventional systems, and the accuracy, reliability, and response speed increased by approximately 30, 40, and 65%, respectively. In addition, the cost of system maintenance and failure decreased by 70% and production efficiency increased by 65%. In the next parts, the way the system works and how its different components are connected are explained.

[0032] The present invention is a warning system for gas fluid flow reduction and leakage of gas fluid transmission facilities. This system is designed to warn when the gas flow rate in a pressurized gas system falls below a predetermined limit. The warning device includes a set of connections that receives the volume changes of the gas in the form of displacement from the balloon accumulators and transmits it to the decision maker and the warning. This section is also known as the current detection mechanism and error signal generation. This part is completely mechanically and operationally connected to the gas fluid flow piping without the slightest leakage. The gas flow mechanism is configured to activate an error signal upon detection of a gas flow rate that violates a predetermined (self-adaptive) limit. The error signal is configured to generate an error signal in response to volumetric stimulation of the balloon accumulator and displacement of the diaphragm. The warning device also includes an indicator sub-assembly including at least one indicator mechanism operatively connected to the fault signal generator. The warning device also includes an indicator sub-assembly including at least one indicator mechanism operatively connected to the fault signal generator. The alarm system is activated in pressure changes and leaks in the piping system and creates another type of alarm when the detection system itself is damaged. The indicating mechanism is activated by a fault signal to produce perceptible warning signs including visible, audible, and broadcast alarms. The warning alarm device also includes at least one power sub-assembly including at least one power source operatively connected to a main power switch to supply power to the current sensor and fault signal generation sub-assembly and the indicator sub-assembly, allowing the user to activate and Disable the device. The alarm device also provides a fluid flow alarm device for generating an alarm signal when the fluid flow rate in a pressurized fluid system violates at least a predetermined limit.

[0033] In this invention, the gas system, under the pressure of the low-velocity and high-velocity of the gas flow outlet of a final consumption device activates the gas flow error signal and by generating the gas flow error signal, the indicator mechanism is activated to detect the gas flow rate that is reduced from the set limit. , and creates a gas flow warning sign for notification. The invention is also equipped with a mechanism for changing the tank and a balloon accumulator for easy opening and service. A gas-filled storage tank provides the pressurized gas system with a warning when the pressure in a primary gas tank drops below a predetermined limit. Among the advantages of this section, the following can be mentioned:

[0034] • Ease of connection

[0035] • No need for a professional operator

[0036] • Simple equipment and easy strategy

[0037] • Easy to detect connection leakage

[0038] • Reducing the use of chemicals

[0039] • The ability to develop the system mechanism without the need to interrupt the gas flow

[0040] • Not requiring significant space for installation

[0041] • Reducing costs related to operation and start-up

[0042] , parts 1 and 3 refer to gas fluid transmission pipes. In the first step, the intended system is connected to the transmission pipes through a connector (, Section 2). This part is made in such a way that it can be easily connected to the transmission pipes with minimal damage to the fluid transmission facilities. Also, this part had to be designed in such a way that there was no leakage in the junction of the connection. The next part (, Section 4) is a connection that acts as a bridge between, Section 2, and the balloon accumulator (, Section 17). This connection is responsible for transferring the fluid and also creating the conditions of self-adjustment of the system in all types of fluid pressures to prevent possible errors and depreciation and reduce accuracy.shows section 5 of the balloon accumulator compartment. This part is designed in such a way that there is no gas leakage to the surrounding environment in case of possible rupture of the balloon accumulator.shows sections 6, 7, and 8 of the connection chamber, the transmission equipment, and the warning system chamber. Among the advantages of this mechanism compared to other mechanisms, the following can be mentioned:

[0043] • Easy installation, maintenance, and repair

[0044] • low replacement price

[0045] • High accuracy and convenient calibration

[0046] • High variety of connections in terms of the capacity of the target facilities for monitoring

[0047] • High detection power

[0048] of Section 6 implies a diaphragm plate. This diaphragm plate is connected to a connection (Sections 9, 13, and 12) which transmits the changes in the position of the diaphragm in the form of displacement through the connection inSection 10 to the alarm. This diaphragm can be moved by pressure changes inside the chamber. On the other hand, the changes in the volume of the balloon accumulator are transferred to the connecting rods (, Section 15 and, Sections 14 and 11) using the connection of, Section 16, and reach the warning section (, Section 8). The change in the volume of storage and diaphragm movement acts as the main decision-maker in the warning system, which is considered one of the innovative points of this invention.

[0049] This action reduces the decision error and also small leaks can be detected with a higher speed. Also, this dual decision-making action has caused the disadvantages in the conventional systems that were discussed in the previous section under the title of high depreciation of the system, low detection power, and the lack of detection capability in the downstream pressures in the current statement, and can be solved. be This dual decision-making even can quickly warn in case of damage to the balloon accumulator or leakage in the system compartment. It should be noted that the adaptability of the system from the constant pressure of the gas transmission circuit is done using the sliding system used in, Section 4, which is somehow inspired by the piston system, but its mechanism is designed in such a way which has a low displacement course and does not leak in any way and is another part of the innovation of the system. The advantages of this mechanism include the following:

[0050] • Self-adjustment capability without the need for operator supervision

[0051] • Warning when the detection system itself fails

[0052] • Ability to respond quickly to the system and prevent further damage

[0053] • Ability to develop the system to connect to flow control circuits without opening the mechanism

[0054] • The ability to connect to digital displays without spending more

[0055] • Diagnosis is done with high accuracy.

[0056] • Made entirely with internal equipment.

[0057] • Low depreciation of parts and no need for calibration to increase the accuracy of the system.Advantage Effects of the Invention

[0058] • Very high efficiency in all types of installations related to gaseous fluids, even oxygen installations

[0059] • The price of the detection package is much lower (about 50% less) and more economical compared to the warning systems in the market.

[0060] • The possibility of building in all desired dimensions according to the available space.

[0061] • Can be set up at a low cost and reduce the need for service and maintenance by 90% because the system can warn of damage to the functional mechanics.

[0062] • High portability and the ability to move it even after installation.

[0063] • The possibility of upgrading the capacity of the package as well as making any changes even during operation.

[0064] • Minimum occupied space for installation and operation.

[0065] • Simple operation and low cost.

[0066] • Availability of spare parts if needed

[0067] • Ability to detect and warn of failure of the system and the balloon warehouse

[0068] • Ability to detect upstream and downstream pressure drops without the slightest error

[0069] • No need to carry out heavy construction operations at the project site.

[0070] • Compatibility with the climate of most regions of the country.

[0071] • Short response time

[0072] • Resistant to errors in the network due to gas volume fluctuations

[0073] Shows the mechanical warning system from above of which the parts are:

[0074] 1- gas pipe

[0075] 2- connector

[0076] 3- gas pipe

[0077] 4- connector

[0078] 5- chamber

[0079] 6- chamber

[0080] 7- supply

[0081] 8- warner

[0082] displays a view of the chambers and the connectors:

[0083] 9- connector

[0084] 10- connector

[0085] 11- bar

[0086] 12- connector

[0087] 13- connector

[0088] 14- bar

[0089] presents a side view of the warning system:

[0090] 15- bar

[0091] 16- connector

[0092] 17- balloon accumulator

[0093] shows the warning mechanical system in a three-dimensional schematic.

[0094] Shows the mechanical warning system from above of which the parts are:

[0095] 1- gas pipe to transfer the gas fluid.

[0096] 2- connector to connect the balloon accumulator to the warning system.

[0097] 3- gas pipe to transfer the gas fluid.

[0098] 4- connector to connect the balloon accumulator section to the warning system.

[0099] 5- chamber of balloon accumulator.

[0100] 6- chamber of the connectors.

[0101] 7- transferring supply.

[0102] 8- the warning and decision-making system.

[0103] displays a view of the chambers and the connectors:

[0104] 9- connector related to the diaphragm plate.

[0105] 10- connector related to the warning section.

[0106] 11- connecting bar to transfer the volume changes to the warning system.

[0107] 12- connector related to the diaphragm plate.

[0108] 13- connector related to the diaphragm plate.

[0109] 14- connecting bar to transfer the volume changes to the warning system.

[0110] presents a side view of the warning system:

[0111] 15- connecting bar to transfer the volume changes to the warning system.

[0112] 16- connector from the balloon accumulator to the warning system.

[0113] 17- balloon accumulator to control the volume.

[0114] shows the warning mechanical system in a three-dimensional schematic and all the mentioned components together.Examples

[0115] The system was used as a warning system in municipal gas piping in domestic installations. The ability to install and operate it was done very quickly and with minimal damage to the piping system. The performance results were beyond expectations.

[0116] [Table. 1] Shows the results in which the pressure of piped gas used in homes is about 1.4 psi. By changing the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve in the domestic gas network, as well as using a gas consumer that can easily change the pressure inside the plumbing installation, we concluded that the time response to the pressure changes was about 3 to 5 seconds, also with the connection A pressure gauge next to the system's diagnostic capability set was set to 0.2 psi:

[0117] This system can be used industrially to detect leaks and pressure drops in gas facilities and even refrigerant fluids, land or even air and sea pipelines, in circuits under gas pressure in the respiratory patient section of hospitals, in medical and chemical laboratories, in the respirators of divers and firefighters, and industrial fields such as welding, heating, and air conditioning with high adaptability and control of different detection stages.

Claims

The mechanical intelligent warning system for detecting leaks and decline of the pressure of gas fluid transmission facilities in a completely adaptable way includes a self-calibrating mechanism installed in the transmission lines.According to claim 1, the warning system has components such as the diaphragm and mechanisms of connecting to the pipe, the self-calibration cylinder, the balloon accumulator, and noise transmission.According to claim 1, the system can be installed along the gas transmission pipe and operate with high precision in the pressure range of 0.1 to 15 psi since the duration of reaction to pressure changes is from 3 to 5 seconds, and mechanically connected to the gas fluid flow piping without leakage.According to claim 1, this system is self-adaptable and self-calibrated in a short time (from 5 to 10 seconds) by providing a series connection mechanism and a piston connection.According to claim 1, it can detect and warn the gas transmission facility's high-velocity and low-velocity pressure with the storage mechanism connected to the transmission pipes and the isolation tank connected to the diaphragm.According to claim 1, this system can also warn the user of the accumulator’s damage and its isolation chamber.According to claim 1, the warning mechanism is activated upon changes in pressure and leakage within the piping system, such that the indicating mechanism is activated by an error signal to generate perceptible warning signs, including visible, audible, and broadcast alarms.According to claim 1, this system can develop an alarm mechanism without the need to interrupt the gas flow and can also be equipped with digital warning, monitoring, safety, and Internet of Things systems.

Citation Information

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