Closed-Chamber Gas Leakage Detection With Differential Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas leakage detection systems in closed chambers with multiple potential leakage points are inefficient in promptly identifying the specific location of gas leaks due to overlapping detection sensitivity of detectors.

Innovation Solution

A gas leakage detection system with a high-sensitivity first detector at the exhaust port and lower-sensitivity second detectors near specific leakage points, allowing precise identification of the leak source by differential detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple gas detectors with high sensitivity are installed near each leakage-expected portion, then the detection capability is improved, but it becomes difficult to specify which detector detected the leak, delaying identification of the leakage portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas leakage detection capabilityVSAvoidtime to specify leakage portion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different detection sensitivities to different detectors based on their installation locations. The first detector at the exhaust port has high sensitivity to detect all leaks, while second detectors near specific leakage-expected portions have lower sensitivities calibrated to their local conditions. This allows each detector to have optimized performance for its specific location, enabling both reliable detection and precise localization of leaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a single high-sensitivity detector is installed at the exhaust port, then gas leakage can be detected, but the specific leakage portion cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas leakage detectionVSAvoidleakage location information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function by dividing the monitoring area into multiple zones, each with its own detector. The first detector at the exhaust port provides overall leak detection, while second detectors are strategically placed near specific leakage-expected portions (valves, couplings, sealing components). This segmentation allows the system to both detect leaks reliably and identify which specific portion leaked by determining which second detector triggered the alarm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If second detectors with the same high sensitivity as the first detector are installed near leakage-expected portions, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false positives occur when multiple detectors detect the same leak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas detection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse positive detections
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the detection sensitivity parameter of second detectors to be lower than that of the first detector. This differentiation in sensitivity parameters ensures that when a leak occurs, only the second detector nearest to the leakage-expected portion detects it, while other second detectors remain unaffected. This eliminates false positives and enables precise localization of the leakage portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables rapid and accurate determination of the leakage point by ensuring only the nearest second detector detects the leak, minimizing false positives and enhancing prompt response.

Implementation Method 1

a first gas detector 41 having a high gas detection sensitivity is installed at the exhaust port 22

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of second gas detectors 42a to 42c, each having a lower gas detection sensitivity than the first gas detector 41, are installed near a plurality of leakage-expected portions 30

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 3

gas generated as a result of evaporation of the leaked liquefied gas, or the leaked boil-off gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3637079B1Gas leakage detection system and gas leakage detection
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3637079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3637079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3637079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A gas leakage detection system includes: a closed chamber including an inlet port and an exhaust port and configured such that the closed chamber is ventilatable; piping through which liquefied gas or boil-off gas generated as a result of evaporation of the liquefied gas flows, the piping including a plurality of leakage-expected portions that are present in the closed chamber in a scattered manner; a first gas detector installed at the exhaust port; and at least two second gas detectors, each of which has a gas detection sensitivity lower than that of the first gas detector and is installed near at least two of the plurality of leakage-expected portions.