Detection system

Abstract

Systems and methods for detecting anomalous properties in fluid channels are provided. A detection system comprises a transmitter configured to transmit an initial electromagnetic wave signal along the fluid channel. The detection system further comprises a receiving system configured to receive a resultant electromagnetic wave signal via the fluid channel. The detection system also comprises an analyser configured to analyse the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and to determine if anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results.

Description

[0001] 177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0002] DETECTION SYSTEM

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to detection systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting anomalous properties in fluid channels.

[0005] Background

[0006] Fluid channels, such as pipes, grooves, hoses and so on, are used in a huge array of different scenarios. Example scenarios include: power generation, mining, materials processing and transportation, and so on. In many such scenarios, it is desirable to have the capacity to detect anomalous properties in fluid channels. The anomalous properties that may be detected may relate to the fluid channel itself and / or the contents of the fluid channel (that is, a fluid, typically liquid and / or gas). Different property variations may be identified as anomalous in different scenarios, for example, fluid leaking from a fluid channel is likely to be identified as an anomalous property in a wide variety of applications, while a small change in fluid temperature, density and / or pressure may be within acceptable operation in many (but not all) scenarios.

[0007] Systems and methods for detecting leaks and other anomalous phenomena in fluid channels vary significantly between scenarios in which fluid channels are applied. In scenarios where the fluid channel is exposed and readily accessible, simple visual inspections by human workers of the fluid channel may suffice. In more complex scenarios, including where a fluid channel is incorporated within machinery or is otherwise difficult to access more complex detection means than visual inspection by human workers may be required. Complex detection means may include one or more sensors, and may additionally or alternatively be required if the fluid channel forms part of a system wherein the tolerance for anomalous properties in fluid channels is low.

[0008] An example scenario wherein detection means utilising sensors may be required is in the cooling system of a superconducting magnet, such as those used in nuclear fusion reactors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and so on. During operation, superconducting magnets must be cooled to below the critical temperature of the material from which the magnets are made; when a superconductor material is cooled to below its critical temperature, normal resistive behaviour in the material is replaced by superconducting behaviour. Superconducting temperatures for magnetic materials (for example, niobium-tin, NbsSn) are typically in the region of 1K to 40K, with potential applications up to 100K; in order to reach these low temperatures nuclear fusion reactors may employ single or multi-stage177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0009] gas / liquid cooling. Where superconducting magnets are gas / liquid cooled, coolants such as gas / liquid nitrogen and gas / liquid helium may be circulated in fluid channels around the superconducting magnets to provide the necessary cooling.

[0010] In the event that, during operation, all or part of a superconducting magnet reaches a temperature above the critical temperature (at which normal resistive behaviour is present), a magnet quench may occur. In a magnet quench, the presence of resistive behaviour in combination with the substantial currents circulating in the magnet causes Joule heating and a rapid temperature rise in the resistive region of the magnet. The heating, in turn, causes surrounding regions to present resistive behaviour, which may result in cascade behaviour and rapid temperature increases spreading across the entire magnet, ultimately causing the entire magnet to stop superconducting. The cessation of superconducting in magnet quench scenarios may be accompanied by one or more of: heating (potentially to the level of boiling off) of cooling fluids, large voltage spikes and potential damage to the magnet. It is therefore desirable to detect anomalous properties such as localised heating or leaks in fluid channels, such that magnet quench events can be controlled.

[0011] A further scenario in which detection means utilising sensors may be employed is in the extraction, transport and storage of petroleum products, such as oil and gas. In petroleum product extraction, transport and storage the fluid channels utilised may be incorporated within machinery; the fluid channels may additionally or alternatively be located in challenging environments (such as underwater or in the ground) where human inspection is impractical or hazardous. Anomalous properties in the fluid channels may be indicative of various issues, including petroleum product leaks, blockages in the fluid channels, and so on. As a consequence of the flammable nature of petroleum products, issues may lead to fires or explosions, so it is desirable to detect anomalous properties reliably and swiftly.

[0012] Existing sensor based techniques for fluid channel monitoring are typically based on flow rate monitoring or pressure monitoring using pressure sensors, acoustic monitoring (to detect audible signals of anomalous behaviour) or, in the case of superconducting magnet applications, voltage monitoring. Existing sensor based techniques may provide delayed responses, resulting in detection of anomalous properties later than is desirable. Several existing techniques rely on expensive equipment, resulting in less complete monitoring than may otherwise be desirable due to cost implications. A discussion of various techniques for monitoring large magnet systems, including integrity monitoring and quench detection, can be found in “The progress in the development of sensors and methods for the superconducting magnets diagnostics” by Zhelamskij, M. and Lancetov, A., Plasma177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0013] Devices and Operations, 6:4, 329-343, DOI: 10.1080 / 10519999808228116, available at https: / / www.semanticscholar.org / paper / The-progress-in-the-development-of-sensors-and-for-Zhelamskij-Lancetov / d96c513a837a5a0327ee8aa5af54e1ec7d2ff352 as of 13 January 2025.

[0014] It is desirable to provide a detection system and method that addresses one or more of the issues discussed above. It is further desirable to provide a detection system and method that is broadly applicable, that is, which can be used in a wide variety of deployment scenarios.

[0015] Summary of the Disclosure

[0016] The scope of disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Further features are set out in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a detection system for detecting anomalous properties in a fluid channel. The detection system comprises a transmitter configured to transmit an initial electromagnetic wave signal along the fluid channel. The detection system further comprises a receiving system configured to receive a resultant electromagnetic wave signal via the fluid channel. The detection system also comprises an analyser configured to analyse the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and to determine if anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results.

[0018] Anomalous properties in a fluid channel may comprise an anomalous temperature of the fluid channel and / or an anomalous structure of the fluid channel. Anomalous properties in a fluid channel may comprise anomalous fluid properties. Anomalous fluid properties may include any one or more of the following properties:

[0019] an anomalous temperature of a fluid in the fluid channel;

[0020] an anomalous density of a fluid in the fluid channel;

[0021] an anomalous pressure of a fluid in the fluid channel; and

[0022] an anomalous composition of a fluid in the fluid channel.

[0023] These anomalies may be indicative of various faults, e.g. fluid leaking from the fluid channel, heating of the fluid channel, or the like.

[0024] The analyser may be configured to analyse an amplitude, a phase and / or a polarisation of the initial electromagnetic wave signal.177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0025] The analyser may be configured to analyse an amplitude, a phase and / or a polarisation of the resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

[0026] Determination of anomalous properties in a fluid channel may determination of a change of one or more properties in a fluid channel, e.g. relative to calibration results.

[0027] The analyser may be further configured to store calibration results obtained when anomalous properties are not present in the fluid in the fluid channel, and to use the calibration results in the detection of the anomalous properties.

[0028] In some embodiments, the pressure of the fluid channel is maintained at a constant pressure. However, in other embodiments, the pressure of the fluid channel may vary, e.g. if anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the detection system is configured to monitor the pressure and / or the flow rate in the fluid channel. Pressure and / or flow rate measurements may provide an indication of anomalous properties present in the fluid channel. Monitoring pressure and / or flow rate changes as well as analysis of the properties of the initial and resultant electromagnetic wave signals may help to provide improved detection of anomalous properties.

[0030] The detection system may further comprise a pressure sensor configured to monitor the pressure in the fluid channel, and / or a flow rate sensor configured to monitor the flow rate in the fluid channel.

[0031] The fluid channel may contain a fluid. The analyser may be configured to identify anomalous properties when the analysis results indicate a refractive index variation in the fluid. By way of example, the analysis results may indicate that the refractive index variation in the fluid results from one or more of: a change in the temperature of the fluid and / or the fluid channel; a change in composition of the fluid; pressure variation, e.g. due to escape of fluid from the fluid channel; and / or a change in structure of the fluid channel.

[0032] The receiving system may comprise a receiver configured to receive a reflected electromagnetic wave that has been reflected from inside the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic wave signal. The receiver may be co-located with the transmitter.177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0033] The receiving system may comprise a (e.g. second) receiver configured to receive a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic wave signal. The (e.g. second) receiver may be located separately from the transmitter.

[0034] The receiving system may comprise a receiver co-located with the transmitter and configured to receive a reflected electromagnetic wave that has been reflected from inside the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and a second receiver located separately from the transmitter and configured to receive a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel as a second resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

[0035] The detection system may comprise a second transmitter configured to transmit a second initial electromagnetic wave signal. The receiver may be configured to receive first and second resultant electromagnetic wave signals. In embodiments which include a second receiver, the second receiver may be configured to receive first and second resultant electromagnetic wave signals. In embodiments which include a second receiver, the second transmitter may be located proximate to the second receiver, e.g. the second transmitter may be co-located with the second receiver.

[0036] The analyser may be further configured when anomalous properties are detected, to estimate at least one of: the location of the anomalous properties; the magnitude of the anomalous properties; and / or the size of the area impacted by the anomalous properties. The analyser may be configured to analyse the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and / or resultant electromagnetic wave signal to estimate at least one of: the location of the anomalous properties; the magnitude of the anomalous properties; and / or the size of the area impacted by the anomalous properties.

[0037] The wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave may be within an order of magnitude of a diameter of the fluid channel.

[0038] The wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave may be less than or equal to 3 m, and / or greater than or equal to 0.0001 m.

[0039] The detection system may be configured to detect anomalous properties in gas / liquid helium and / or gas / liquid nitrogen in the fluid channel (where the term gas / liquid indicates that the substance is entirely gaseous, entirely liquid, or a mixture of gas and liquid).177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cryogenic cooling system comprising such a detection system and a fluid channel.

[0041] The detection system may be configured to detect anomalous properties in petroleum products in the fluid channel. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for petroleum products transport comprising such a detection system and a fluid channel.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a detection method for detecting anomalous properties in a fluid channel. The method comprises transmitting an initial electromagnetic wave signal along the fluid channel, and receiving a resultant electromagnetic wave signal via the fluid channel. The method further comprises analysing the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and determining if anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results.

[0043] The method may comprise using the detection system of the first aspect to detect anomalous properties in the fluid channel. Any of the features of the detection system according to the first aspect may apply equally to this aspect and / or vice-versa.

[0044] The disclosure may be implemented in part in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. The disclosure may be implemented in part as a computer program or a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in a non-transitory information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, one or more hardware modules.

[0045] A computer program may be in the form of a stand-alone program, a computer program portion, or more than one computer program, and may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a data processing environment. A computer program may be deployed to be executed on one module or on multiple modules at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0046] Method steps of the disclosure may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program to perform functions of the disclosure by177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0047] operating on input data and generating output. Apparatus of the disclosure may be implemented as programmed hardware or as special purpose logic circuitry, including e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0048] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions coupled to one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data.

[0049] The disclosure is described in terms of particular embodiments. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the steps of the disclosure may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

[0050] Elements of the disclosure have been described using such terms as “analyser”. The skilled person will appreciate that such functional terms and their equivalents may refer to parts of the system that are spatially separate but combine to serve the function defined. Equally, the same physical parts of the system may provide two or more of the functions defined. For example, separately defined means may be implemented using the same memory and / or processor as appropriate.

[0051] Features of any aspect or embodiment described herein may, wherever appropriate, be applied to any other aspect or embodiment described herein. Where reference is made to different embodiments, it should be understood that these are not necessarily distinct but may overlap.

[0052] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] The disclosure is described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a detection system in accordance with embodiments; Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for detecting anomalous properties in a fluid channel in accordance with embodiments;

[0055] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a detection system implemented in a cryogenic cooling system for superconducting magnets, in accordance with embodiments;

[0056] Figure 3B is a simplified version of the Figure 3A schematic;177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0057] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are plots that show the behaviour of gaseous helium in a pipe when subjected to localised heating; and

[0058] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an analyser suitable for executing methods according to embodiments.

[0059] Detailed Description

[0060] Embodiments disclosed herein provide detection systems and methods for detecting anomalous properties in fluid channels. Embodiments may be implemented in any suitable scenario in which it is desirable to monitor the behaviour of one or more fluid channels and / or the fluid within the same; examples include in superconducting magnet cooling systems (cryogenic systems) and petroleum product extraction, storage and transport systems. Embodiments may provide faster measurement responses than existing techniques, facilitating earlier detection of anomalous properties. Embodiments may be implemented without the requirement for expensive or highly specialised equipment, facilitating more complete monitoring of fluid channels.

[0061] Embodiments of the disclosure apply techniques based on time / frequency domain reflectometry (TFDR) for monitoring and studying the behaviour of fluid channels and fluid contained therein; by way of example, microwave signal reflectometry (MSR) may be used. Reflectometry is used to monitor the behaviour of extended conductors, such as electrical wires or fibreoptic cables, used to transmit signals. In reflectometry testing, a test signal is transmitted along a conductor using a suitable transmitter (by way of example, a pulsed laser for an optical signal or electrical signal generator for an electrical signal). If the test signal encounters a discontinuity in the conductor, a portion of the signal may be reflected back along the conductor towards the transmitter and received by a receiver (such as a photodiode or electrical receiver) located proximate to the transmitter, and a further portion of the signal may be transmitted beyond the discontinuity to the end of the conductor that is distal from the transmitter to be received by a further receiver. Using the time delay between the transmission of the test signal and reception of the reflected signal in conjunction with knowledge of the signal propagation speed along the conductor, the location of the discontinuity along the conductor may be estimated. Further, by monitoring the properties of the signal transmitted beyond the discontinuity, properties of the discontinuity may be estimated, for example, the severity of a crack in an optical fibre. In embodiments of the disclosure, a technique that is analogous in some respects to TDR is applied to fluid channels.177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a detection system 100 in accordance with embodiments. The detection system comprises a transmitter 102, a receiving system 104 and an analyser 106. The detection system 100 may be used to implement a detection method for detecting anomalous properties in a fluid channel; a flowchart of such a method that may be implemented using a detection system as shown in Figure 1 or another detection system is shown in Figure 2.

[0063] As shown in step S202 of Figure 2, the method comprises transmitting an initial electromagnetic wave signal along a fluid channel. The transmission of the initial electromagnetic wave signal may be performed by the transmitter 102 of the Figure 1 system, or any suitable transmitter. The properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal may be determined based on the properties of the fluid channel and of any fluid (liquid, gas, or a mixture of liquids and / or gases) contained therein. In order to allow the initial electromagnetic wave signal to pass along the fluid channel, it is desirable to select the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal such that the fluid within the fluid channel is not opaque (that is, is transparent or at least partially translucent) to the initial electromagnetic wave signal. Further, to reduce the effects of signal attenuation and dispersion in the fluid channel thereby allowing higher quality received signals to be obtained, the wavelength of the signal may be selected so as to be within an order of magnitude of the diameter of the fluid channel. Selecting the wavelength of the initial electromagnetic wave signal based on the diameter of the fluid channel may help reduce the impact of parasitic and undesirable phenomena during the signal propagation through the channel including mode transformation and signal dispersion. Accordingly, for typical applications, microwave or near-microwave electromagnetic wave signals may be suitable; example wavelengths would therefore be less than or equal to 3 m, and greater than or equal to 0.0001 m. The signal may be transmitted using a transmitter that is separate from but connected to a signal generator, or alternatively a combined signal generator and transmitter may be used.

[0064] Following the transmission of the initial electromagnetic wave signal, the method comprises receiving a resultant electromagnetic wave signal via the fluid channel, as shown in step S204 of Figure 2. The receiving of the resultant electromagnetic wave signal may be performed by the receiving system 104 of the Figure 1 system, or any suitable receiving system. In some embodiments, the receiving system comprises a receiver co-located with the transmitter (that is, located proximate to the transmitter where the initial signal is transmitted along the fluid channel) and configured to receive a reflected electromagnetic wave that has been reflected from inside the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0065] wave signal; using common nomenclature this reflected signal may be referred to as the Sn signal as it originates at and is received at port 1. The received signal may be reflected from the fluid in the fluid channel, for example, due to a refractive index change resulting from a change in the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid in the fluid channel. Where a receiver is co-located with the transmitter, a combined transceiver may be used. In other embodiments, the receiving system comprises a receiver located separately from the transmitter (that is, located at a position on or in the fluid channel distal to the transmitter) and configured to receive a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic wave signal; this transmitted signal may be referred to as the S12 signal. In further embodiments, the receiving system comprises a receiver co-located with the transmitter and a second receiver located separately from the transmitter and configured to receive a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel (using common nomenclature as discussed above, this signal which originates at port 1 and is received at port 2 may be referred to as the S12 signal) as a second resultant electromagnetic wave signal. The received signal that has been transmitted along the fluid channel may have altered properties (such as the signal polarisation, amplitude and / or phase) as a consequence of passing through a portion of the fluid in the fluid channel that displays different refractive index behaviour to the remainder of the fluid due to a change in temperature and pressure. The signal polarisation may change if the temperature of the fluid channel is non-uniform. By way of example, non-uniform heating of a pipe having a circular cross-section may shift a circular signal polarisation to an elliptical signal polarisation. Polarisation changes may provide a very early indication of a problem.

[0066] The decision as to which configuration of receiving system to use may be made based on a variety of factors, by way of example: ease of access to suitable mounting points for receivers, the specific anomalous properties of the fluid channel and / or fluid that it is desired to monitor for, the cost implications of using plural receivers rather than a single receiver, and so on. Typically, receiving both the S11 signal and the S12 signal will allow for a greater degree of monitoring options than receiving either signal alone.

[0067] When the one or more receivers have received the resultant electromagnetic wave signal or signals, the method continues with the analysis of the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and determination of whether or not anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results, as shown in steps S206 and S208 of the Figure 2 flowchart. The analysis of the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0068] wave signal, and determination of whether or not anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results may be performed by the analyser 106 of the Figure 1 system, or any suitable analysis system. In some embodiments, a combined signal generator and analysis unit may be used; by way of example, some vector network analysers are able to fulfil this role.

[0069] In addition to obtaining and analysing the resultant electromagnetic wave signal or signals, in some embodiments the analysis may incorporate further information, which may serve to further improve the determination of whether or not anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel.

[0070] In some embodiments, the detection system may comprise (or may have access to readings from) one or more pressure sensors configured to monitor the pressure in the fluid channel and / or one or more flow rate sensors configured to monitor the flow rate in the fluid channel. The step of monitoring the pressure / flow rate is shown as S203 in the Figure 2 flowchart. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a pressure sensor 103 forms part of the detection system. Use of pressure sensors / flow rate sensors may be particularly beneficial where the fluid channels are operated at varying pressures and / or flow rates; where this is the case, calibrating the analysis of the resultant electromagnetic wave signals to take into account the pressure in the fluid channel may enable more accurate results to be obtained than if this step is not performed. By contrast, where the fluid channel monitored by the system is maintained at a constant pressure / flow rate, use of pressure sensors and / or flow rate sensors may not provide a significant or any improvement in the accuracy of the results.

[0071] In some embodiments, the detection method may further comprise obtaining calibration results when anomalous properties are not present in the fluid channel, as shown in step S201 of Figure 2. These calibration results may be obtained using the fluid channel (and optionally fluid) upon which the transmitting, receiving and analysing steps are to be performed, or may be obtained using a different fluid channel (and optionally fluid); the improvement in the detection method performance provided by the calibration results is typically higher where the calibration results are obtained using the same fluid channel and fluid as the transmitting, receiving and analysing steps than where this is not the case. The step of obtaining the calibration results is shown in step S201a of Figure 2. Particularly where the calibration results are obtained using the same fluid channel (and optionally fluid) as the transmitting, receiving and analysing, the detection system may itself comprise a calibrator; this is shown in Figure 1 with calibrator 101.177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0072] Typically, where calibration results are to be used in the analysis, these calibration results may be obtained prior to the use of the detection method to determine whether anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results. In some embodiments, recalibration may be performed (for example, periodically), to ensure that the results provided by the detection method / system remain accurate.

[0073] When the calibration results have been obtained, these results are then stored (for example, by the calibrator 101 or analyser 106 if present). The storage of the calibration results is shown in step S201b of Figure 2. Where recalibration is used, the new calibration results may be stored in addition to existing calibration results, or may be used to replace existing calibration results.

[0074] Where calibration results are available, these results may then be used in the detection of the anomalous properties. By way of example, use of the calibration results may enable more accurate determination of whether a particular measured property of the fluid channel and / or fluid has deviated from an expected value or range of values; such deviation may be indicative of anomalous properties. The use of the calibration results is shown in step S201c of Figure 2.

[0075] The detection of anomalous properties may result from a variety of analysis results. In some embodiments where the fluid channel contains fluid during the detection method, the method may comprise identifying anomalous properties when the analysis results are indicative of a refractive index variation in the fluid. Such a refractive index variation may be indicative of a variety of conditions, including: a change in the temperature of the fluid and / or the fluid channel; a change in composition of the fluid; pressure variation due to escape of fluid from the fluid channel; and / or a change in structure of the fluid channel. Depending on the particular situation in which the detection system is employed, some or all of these conditions may constitute anomalous properties that it is desirable to detect. By way of example, a change in structure of the fluid channel (such as a hole in the fluid channel allowing fluid to escape the channel) is likely to be an anomalous property that it is desirable to detect in most situations, while a rise in temperature of 1 K (that is, 1°C) may be an anomalous property that it is desirable to detect in a cooling system for a superconducting magnet, but may be of little or no concern in a petroleum product transport system. Continuing with the above examples, where the detection system is employed in a cooling system for a superconducting magnet, the system may be used to detect anomalous properties in gas / liquid helium and / or gas / liquid nitrogen (other refrigerants may also be used); such anomalous properties may include temperature variations, pressure177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0076] variations and / or change in the structure of the fluid channel. Alternatively, where the detection system is employed in a transportation system for petroleum products, the system may be used to detect anomalous properties in petrol, gas and so on; such anomalous properties may include pressure variations; changes in the composition of the fluid (due to different mixtures of petroleum products and / or contaminants) and / or change in the structure of the fluid channel.

[0077] When anomalous properties are detected, the system may be further configured to estimate additional information relating to the anomalous properties. The additional information that may be estimated is dependent on the specific situation in which the detection system is employed, and is also dependant on the nature of the receiving system used. As mentioned above, more information and a greater degree of monitoring options are typically available when both reflected and transmitted resultant signals are received than where only one of these resultant signals is received. Continuing with an example implementation in a cooling system for a superconducting magnet, if a reflected signal is received (the Sn signal), properties of this signal including timing and / or the signal phase measurement may enable the location along the fluid channel of the start of an area experiencing anomalous properties (such as localised heating) to be determined. If a transmitted signal is received (the S12 signal), properties of this signal including amplitude, and / or phase variations, and / or timing in this signal may enable the size of an area experiencing anomalous properties such as localised heating to be determined and may also or alternatively enable the magnitude of the heating effect to be determined, but may not enable the specific location along the fluid channel to be determined. Receiving both the Sn signal and the S12 signal may enable the location, size and magnitude of an area of anomalous properties to be determined.

[0078] In some embodiments, if the presence of anomalous properties is determined, the system may trigger a response as indicated in step S209 of Figure 2. The nature of this response may be largely determined by the situation in which the detection system is employed. Example responses include triggering a visible and / or audible alarm, initiating a system shutdown, adjusting system parameters to counteract the anomalous properties detected, and so on. Taking the example of a cryogenic cooling system, the response may include initiating a controlled shutdown of the superconducting magnets and / or triggering an alarm. In the event of the presence of anomalous properties being determined in a petroleum transport system, information on this may be output to a human supervisor for further analysis, and an alarm may additionally or alternatively be triggered.177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0079] By using the fluid channel (and optionally fluid) as a waveguide for the initial and resultant electromagnetic wave signals, embodiments may facilitate the detection of anomalous properties in the fluid channel in a more cost effective and simple way than existing systems.

[0080] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing an example embodiment of the present disclosure in which the detection system is implemented in a cryogenic cooling system for superconducting magnets, in this instance, the magnets are for use in a tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. The example shown in Figure 3 illustrates the detection of localised heating in the cooling system. In the Figure 3A example, the transmitter and first receiver (which receives the Sn signal) form part of a RF signal generator and analyser 301; this is also responsible for analysing the signals and determining if anomalous properties are present. A second receiver is used to receive the transmitted (S12) signal. In some embodiments (not shown in figure 3A) a second transmitter (which may be located proximate to and optionally combined with the second receiver) may be used to transmit a second initial signal (which may be the same as the initial signal) and receive a reflected resultant signal (S22), with a transmitted resultant signal (S21) received at the first receiver (which may be collectively referred to as second resultant electromagnetic wave signals). Where signals are input / detected at both ends of a fluid channel, this may provide improve accuracy of results and support error detection.

[0081] Figure 3A also shows schematically the coil of pipe 302 used to cool the superconducting magnets; this is the fluid channel in this example. The pipe is used to transport gas / liquid helium. Also shown are the cryogenic pumps 303 responsible for propelling the gas / liquid helium through the pipe. An area 304 of the pipe exhibiting anomalous properties, in this case localised heating, is also shown in Figure 3A. A simplified schematic diagram of the system shown in Figure 3A can be found in Figure 3B. In Figure 3B, the area 304 of the pipe exhibiting anomalous properties can be clearly seen; this is indicative of a risk of superconducting magnet quench as discussed above. The input of the initial electromagnetic wave signal (RF in) is shown in Figure 3B. The receipt of the resultant electromagnetic wave signal that has been reflected from inside the fluid channel by the boundary between the area of normal properties and area exhibiting anomalous properties (the S11 signal), and resultant electromagnetic wave signal that has been transmitted along the fluid channel through the area exhibiting anomalous properties (the S12 signal) can also be seen in Figure 3B. The localised heating of the fluid in the area exhibiting anomalous properties results in a variation (specifically, reduction) in the pressure of the gas / liquid helium in this area, resulting in a variation in refractive index that alters the phase and177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0082] amplitude properties of the S12 signal in a way that can be used to calculate the size of the area experiencing heating, and the magnitude of the heat increase above normal operating temperature.

[0083] Using the measurements obtained, the localised heating may be detected and the location and size of the area experiencing heating, and the magnitude of the heat increase above normal operating temperature, determined. In order to determine the location and size of the area experiencing heating, and the magnitude of the heat increase above normal operating temperature, knowledge of the behaviour of gas / liquid helium may be employed (such knowledge may form part of the calibration results for the system). Figure 4A and Figure 4B are plots that graphically display the behaviour of gaseous helium in a pipe when subjected to localised heating (over a duration of 1 second). In Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the x axis indicates position along the pipe in metres; the localised heating was applied at a point 1 metre along the pipe. Figure 4A shows the variation in temperature, and this is plotted on the y axis of Figure 4A in Kelvin. Figure 4B shows the variation in density, and this is plotted on the y axis of Figure 4B in kgm-3. The Figure 4 plots include five sets of measurements labelled A-E. Set A was captured at time t=0, that is, at the moment of localised heating. Set B was captured at time t=0.5, during the localised heating. Set C was captured at time t=1.0, at the moment the localised heating ceased. Set D was captured at time f=4.0 , and set E was captured at time f=5.0 , both as the impacts of the localised heating dissipate.

[0084] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an analyser 500 suitable for executing methods according to embodiments. The analyser 500 comprises processor 510 configured to execute instructions stored within a memory 520, thereby causing the analyser 500 to perform the method (or steps thereof) discussed herein. The analyser 500 shall be taken to include any number or collection of machines, e.g., computing device(s), that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. That is, hardware and / or software may be provided in a single computing device, or distributed across a plurality of computing devices in the computing system. In some implementations, one or more elements of the computing system may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines, for example in a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. One or more elements of the computing system may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. One or more elements of the computing system may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0085] web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0086] The memory 520 may comprise a static memory (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and / or a secondary memory (e.g., a data storage device), which communicate with each other via a bus (not shown). The processor 510 represents one or more general-purpose processors such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, accelerated processing units, or the like. More particularly, the processor 510 may comprise a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Processor 510 may also include one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. The processor 510 is configured to execute the processing logic for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

[0087] The analyser 500 may be communicatively coupled to one or more further devices, such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers and the like, using interfaces 530. The analyser may be further communicatively coupled to a signal generator using interfaces 530, or may comprise a signal generator.

[0088] Embodiments may provide faster measurement responses than existing techniques, facilitating earlier detection of anomalous properties. Embodiments may be implemented without the requirement for expensive or highly specialised equipment, facilitating more complete monitoring of fluid channels. Further advantages may also or alternatively be present in some embodiments, by way of example, when applied to cooling systems for superconducting magnets, the earlier detection of anomalous properties may enable safe operation of the superconducting magnets at higher current densities than may have been practical using prior techniques; any potential issues being rapidly identified.

[0089] In an implementation, the modules, components and other features described herein may be implemented as discrete components or integrated in the functionality of hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices.177515 / 01 - I P0247

[0090] A “hardware component” is a tangible (e.g., non-transitory) physical component (e.g., a set of one or more processors) capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. A hardware component may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. A hardware component may comprise a special-purpose processor, such as an FPGA or an ASIC. A hardware component may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations.

[0091] In addition, the modules and components may be implemented as firmware or functional circuitry within hardware devices. Further, the modules and components may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and software components, or only in software (e.g., code stored or otherwise embodied in a machine-readable medium or in a transmission medium).

[0092] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilising terms such as “receiving”, “determining”, “comparing”, “enabling”, “maintaining”, “identifying”, “obtaining”, “accessing”, or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0093] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. For the avoidance of doubt, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims.

Claims

177515 / 01 - I P0247Claims1. A detection system for detecting anomalous properties of fluid in a fluid channel, the detection system comprising:a transmitter configured to transmit an initial electromagnetic wave signal along the fluid channel;a receiving system configured to receive a resultant electromagnetic wave signal via the fluid channel; andan analyser configured to analyse the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and to determine if anomalous fluid properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results.

2. The detection system of claim 1 , wherein the analyser is further configured to store calibration results obtained when anomalous properties are not present in the fluid in the fluid channel, and to use the calibration results in the detection of the anomalous properties.

3. The detection system of any of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to monitor the fluid pressure in the fluid channel, and / or a flow rate sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of the fluid in the fluid channel.

4. The detection system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid channel contains a fluid, and wherein the analyser is configured to identify anomalous properties when the analysis results indicate a refractive index variation in the fluid.

5. The detection system of claim 4, wherein the analysis results indicate that the refractive index variation in the fluid results from one or more of:a change in the temperature of the fluid and / or the fluid channel;a change in composition of the fluid;pressure variation due to escape of fluid from the fluid channel; and / or a change in structure of the fluid channel.177515 / 01 - I P02476. The detection system of any preceding claim, wherein the receiving system comprises a receiver co-located with the transmitter and configured to receive a reflected electromagnetic wave that has been reflected from inside the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

7. The detection system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receiving system comprises a receiver located separately from the transmitter and configured to receive a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel as the resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

8. The detection system of claim 6, wherein the receiving system comprises a second receiver located separately from the transmitter and configured to receive a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel as a second resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

9. The detection system of claim 8, wherein the detection system comprises a second transmitter located proximate to the second receiver and configured to transmit a second initial electromagnetic wave signal, and wherein the first receiver and second receiver are configured to receive first and second resultant electromagnetic wave signals.

10. The detection system of any preceding claim, wherein the analyser is further configured when anomalous properties are detected, to estimate at least one of:the location of the anomalous properties;the magnitude of the anomalous properties; and / orthe size of the area impacted by the anomalous properties.

11. The detection system of any preceding claim, wherein the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave is within an order of magnitude of a diameter of the fluid channel.

12. The detection system of any preceding claim, wherein the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave is less than or equal to 3 m, and is greater than or equal to 0.0001 m177515 / 01 - I P024713. The detection system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to detect anomalous properties in gas / liquid helium and / or gas / liquid nitrogen in the fluid channel.

14. A cryogenic cooling system comprising the detection system of claim 13 and the fluid channel.

15. The detection system of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system is configured to detect anomalous properties in petroleum products in the fluid channel.

16. A system for petroleum products transport comprising the detection system of claim 15 and the fluid channel.

17. A detection method for detecting anomalous properties in a fluid channel, the method comprising:transmitting an initial electromagnetic wave signal along the fluid channel; receiving a resultant electromagnetic wave signal via the fluid channel; and analysing the properties of the initial electromagnetic wave signal and resultant electromagnetic wave signal, and determining if anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel based on the analysis results.

18. The detection method of claim 17, further comprising:obtaining calibration results when anomalous properties are not present in the fluid in the fluid channel;storing the calibration results; andusing the calibration results in the detection of the anomalous properties.

19. The detection method of any of claims 17 and 18, further comprising monitoring the pressure in the fluid channel; andwherein the determination of whether or not anomalous properties are present in the fluid channel uses the monitored pressure.

20. The detection method of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the fluid channel contains a fluid, and wherein anomalous properties are identified when the analysis results indicate a refractive index variation in the fluid, wherein the177515 / 01 - I P0247analysis results indicate that the refractive index variation in the fluid results from one or more of:a change in the temperature of the fluid and / or the fluid channel;a change in composition of the fluid;pressure variation due to escape of fluid from the fluid channel; and / or a change in structure of the fluid channel.

21. The detection method of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein a receiver and a transmitter are co-located, and a reflected electromagnetic wave that has been reflected from inside the fluid channel is the resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

22. The detection method of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein a receiver is located separately from a transmitter and a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel is the resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

23. The detection method of claim 21, wherein a second receiver is located separately from the transmitter and a transmitted electromagnetic wave that has been transmitted along the fluid channel is received as a second resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

24. The detection method of claim 23, wherein a second transmitter is located proximate to the second receiver and a second initial electromagnetic wave signal is transmitted along the fluid channel and received as the second resultant electromagnetic wave signal.

25. The detection method of any of claims 17 to 24 further comprising, when anomalous properties are detected, estimating at least one of:the location of the anomalous properties;the magnitude of the anomalous properties; and / orthe size of the area impacted by the anomalous properties.

26. The detection method of any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave is within an order of magnitude of a177515 / 01 - I P0247diameter of the fluid channel, and / or wherein the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave is less than or equal to 3 m, and is greater than or equal to 0.0001 m27. The detection method of any of claims 17 to 26, wherein the method is for detecting anomalous properties in gas / liquid helium and / or gas / liquid nitrogen in the fluid channel, or wherein the method for detecting anomalous properties in petroleum products in the fluid channel.

Images