Coiled Cable Antenna for Electrostatic Discharge Detection in Small Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting electrostatic discharges in chemical reactors, particularly in small vessels, are either ineffective or impractical due to interference, sensitivity issues, or the need for large and cumbersome antennas, posing risks in explosive atmospheres.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a coil-like cable antenna having multiple windings, each with a diameter less than 30 cm, allows for sensitive detection of electrostatic discharges by compensating diameter with increased windings, ensuring compact size and improved transportability, and includes a coaxial cable structure for reduced measurement loss and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a loop antenna with diameter of at least 700 mm is used to detect electrostatic discharge, then the detection capability is improved, but the device becomes too large for small vessels and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a coil-like cable antenna where multiple windings are nested around a common winding axis. Each winding is spaced apart from adjacent windings, creating a compact nested structure that achieves effective detection area through multiple turns rather than a single large loop, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar loop antenna structure to a three-dimensional coil structure with multiple windings along a winding axis. This dimensional transformation allows the antenna to achieve the required effective area through multiple turns in space rather than requiring a large single-plane loop, enabling compact handheld device design
2Measurement precision
If direct measurement methods with electrodes are used to measure electric charge, then the measurement sensitivity is improved, but the measurement results are easily affected by interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a coil-like cable antenna as an intermediary element to detect electrostatic discharge. Instead of direct electrode contact that is susceptible to interference, the antenna captures electromagnetic signals from ESD events through its coil structure, providing indirect but more reliable measurement that is less affected by environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical electrode contact measurement with an electromagnetic field-based coil antenna detection system. This substitution eliminates the interference issues associated with direct electrode contact while maintaining measurement sensitivity through the coil's electromagnetic coupling with ESD events
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 electrostatic discharges in small reactors and explosive environments, providing reliable measurements with high sensitivity and durability, suitable for various reactor sizes and processes, including chemical production and conveyor belt operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cable antenna, which can also be provided in the form of a probe, is formed in a coil-like manner with a number n of windings... The cable antenna is made of a coaxial cable... for reduced measurement loss and mechanical strength
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a handheld device for the detection of electrostatic discharge, comprising an evaluation unit, and a cable antenna, wherein the cable antenna is formed in a coil-like manner with a number n of windings, with n≥2, each winding being wound around a winding axis, a diameter of each winding is less than 30 cm, and the windings of the cable antenna are spaced apart from each other, preferably by means of at least one spacer.