Acoustic Leak Detection Device for Double-Walled Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection systems in double-walled pipe systems of heat exchangers, particularly in the sanitary sector, fail to promptly and reliably signal leaks without causing significant water damage, are not easily perceivable by users, and are often costly, difficult to maintain, and not designed for small leakage flows.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elastic element and a signaling unit that generates an acoustic signal through mechanical deformation caused by leakage liquid entering a cavity, which can be connected to the double-walled pipe system, featuring an electrical circuit that activates upon pressure increase, allowing for early leak detection and signaling with minimal water damage, and includes a magnetic field-sensitive element for enhanced activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is channeled into the ground in the event of a leak to provide visual signal, then leak detection is achieved, but substantial water damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate chamber between the leak source and the environment. Leakage fluid is directed into this sealed chamber where it accumulates and increases pressure, mechanically deforming an elastic element to trigger the acoustic signal. This intermediary chamber prevents direct water discharge into the environment, eliminating water damage while maintaining reliable leak detection.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic signal is generated to alert users, then leak signaling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic signal generation is achieved through the self-service mechanism of leakage fluid directly driving the acoustic element. The fluid pressure from the leak automatically activates the signal without requiring external power sources, control circuits, or complex electronic components. This keeps the device simple while providing effective leak alerting.
3Measurement precision
If device is designed to detect small leakage flows, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic/hydraulic principles where leakage fluid accumulates in a sealed chamber, naturally increasing pressure until it mechanically deforms the elastic element. This passive pressure-based detection mechanism can detect even small leakage flows without requiring complex sensors, electronics, or power sources, maintaining simplicity while achieving high detection precision.
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 device effectively detects and signals leaks in double-walled pipe systems, providing an audible alert that is easily perceivable, even for inattentive users, while being cost-effective, maintenance-friendly, and capable of detecting small leakage flows, thus reducing water damage and ensuring timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The device is designed to increase the pressure in the cavity by leakage fluid flowing into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the elastic element is pressed against a connecting piece in a substantially liquid-tight and/or gas-tight manner
Implementation Method 3
The device comprises a magnetic field-sensitive element and a magnetic element. The device is configured such that the mechanical deformation changes the spatial relative position between the magnetic field-sensitive element and the magnetic element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting and signaling a leak in a double-walled conduit system (40) of a heat exchanger (2) for heating fresh water by means of heat of waste water in the sanitary sector and to a heat exchanger (2) comprising such a device (1). The device (1) comprises an elastic element (10) and a signaling unit (20). The invention is characterized in that the elastic element (10) is substantially liquid-tight, that the signaling unit (20) is designed to generate an acoustic signal (29), and that the signaling unit (20) can be activated by mechanical deformation of the elastic element (10).