Accelerometer Seismic Event Evaluation for Gas Flow Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for detecting seismic events in gas lines lack the ability to precisely and repeatedly identify seismic events and control gas flow, while also failing to measure event characteristics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented using a processor/controller that employs an accelerometer to detect seismic events, processes acceleration data to identify event characteristics, and controls gas flow by integrating with a gas meter to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic systems are used to detect seismic events, then detection precision and repeatability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection systems with electromagnetic systems (accelerometers and electronic processors) to detect seismic events. This substitution enables precise measurement of acceleration data and provides repeatable detection results, while the electronic system can be integrated into existing gas meter infrastructure, managing complexity through modular design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If simple on/off signals are used from roll-ball sensors, then energy consumption is reduced, but information quality about event characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer system processes and analyzes acceleration data locally using an integrated processor, enabling the device to self-determine event characteristics such as intensity, frequency, and duration. This self-service capability extracts meaningful information from raw sensor data without requiring additional external analysis equipment, maintaining energy efficiency while improving information quality.
3Speed
If traditional mechanical systems are used to control gas flow, then response time to seismic events is delayed, but system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow control systems with electronically controlled valves actuated by the processor. When seismic events exceeding threshold values are detected, the processor immediately sends control signals to close the valve, providing rapid response time. The electronic control system integrates with the detection system, managing overall complexity through unified architecture.
4Loss of information
If comprehensive acceleration data processing is implemented, then event characterization capability is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor implements selective processing of acceleration data by focusing on key parameters such as peak acceleration values, frequency content, and duration. The system applies threshold-based filtering and targeted analysis rather than processing all possible data aspects, thereby retaining essential event characterization information while minimizing unnecessary computational overhead and processing time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables precise and repeatable identification of seismic events, allows for timely control of gas flow, and provides additional information on event characteristics, enhancing safety and compliance with sector regulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one accelerometer (102) for detecting vibrational events, in particular seismic events, of the apparatus itself along three mutually orthogonal axes
Data Source
AI summary
A method to verify if a vibrational event has a higher intensity than a predefined intensity threshold, which is linked to a predefined frequency, includes:acquiring data detected by at least one accelerometer along respective X and Y axes, which are perpendicular to each other,determining values of frequency and intensity of at least one portion of the signals, derived from the acceleration data thus acquired along the two axes, when they exceed a threshold of predefined intensity,identifying, on the basis of the frequency determined, a predefined intensity threshold, andchecking whether the intensity determined is higher or lower than the predefined intensity threshold identified, to establish whether or not the vibrational event from which the signals were derived has an intensity greater than the threshold of predefined intensity thus identified.