Acoustic Valve State Detection in Tank and Pipe Fluid Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the state of fluid equipment, which includes a tank, pipe, and valve, face challenges such as the need for intrusive sensors, difficulty in accurately detecting valve positions, and inefficiencies in handling various fluid types and volumes.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a controller to process acoustic signatures and tank fill level data using an algorithm, enabling the determination of valve position states without intrusive sensors. This system can handle multiple valves, various fluid types, and different tank volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If motion sensors and liquid detectors are installed to detect valve state and liquid presence, then detection capability is improved, but installation difficulty and system complexity increase due to intrusive intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/intrusive sensors with acoustic field-based detection. Acoustic signatures are captured non-intrusively to determine valve position states and liquid presence, eliminating the need for physical sensor installation inside the fluid system while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect valve states and liquid presence. Instead of direct contact sensors, acoustic signatures serve as a mediator that carries information about the internal state of the fluid equipment without requiring intrusive intervention.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to accurately detect valve positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple physical sensors with acoustic-based detection. By analyzing acoustic signatures, the system achieves precise valve position detection without the complexity of installing and coordinating multiple sensors, simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining or improving precision.
3Measurement precision
If intrusive sensors are installed to monitor fluid equipment state, then state detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation and maintenance difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intrusive mechanical sensors with non-intrusive acoustic detection. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation by eliminating complex installation procedures, reducing maintenance requirements, and enabling simple external monitoring of fluid equipment state while preserving detection accuracy.
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 proposed system enhances the accuracy and consistency of fluid equipment state determination, reduces incorrect state assessments, and allows for remote monitoring, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer to be acoustically coupled to the fluid equipment, wherein the acoustic transducer is configured to transmit an acoustic signal to the fluid equipment and to collect the acoustic signature of the fluid equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
In a first aspect, a system for determining a state of a fluid equipment that comprises a tank, a pipe, and a valve, is disclosed. The system comprises a controller that is configured to receive an acoustic signature of the fluid equipment, receive tank fill level data, and process the acoustic signature and the tank fill level data to determine a valve position state. In a further aspect, a method for determining a state of a fluid equipment, is provided. The method comprises receiving the acoustic signature of the fluid equipment, receiving the tank fill level data, and processing the acoustic signature and the tank fill level data to determine the valve position state.