Cryogen Supply Pipe Temperature Sensing Without Insulation Breach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct temperature measurement of cryogens in pressurized containers or pipes is challenging due to the need to penetrate thermal insulation, which can lead to vacuum loss and insulation failure, making leak detection and repair labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A cryogen supply system with a temperature sensor outside the protective barrier, using a heat conducting device to transfer heat from the process pipe to the protective barrier, allowing indirect temperature measurement without breaching the insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is directly connected to the process pipe, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the protective barrier must be penetrated which leads to vacuum loss and insulation failure
Solution Approach 1:
A heat conducting device serves as an intermediary element between the process pipe and the temperature sensor. This device transfers thermal energy from the process pipe through the protective barrier to the temperature sensor, enabling temperature measurement without penetrating the insulation layer, thus maintaining vacuum integrity and insulation reliability
2Loss of energy
If the process pipe is encased in pressure-tight insulating tubes, then thermal insulation is improved, but penetration for wiring or temperature sensor leads to vacuum loss and insulation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conducting device acts as a mediator that enables temperature monitoring operations without requiring penetration of the insulating tubes. It conducts heat from the process pipe through the intact protective barrier to the temperature sensor, maintaining both insulation performance and operational accessibility
3Reliability
If the temperature sensor is placed outside the protective barrier, then insulation integrity is maintained, but heat transfer from the process pipe becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conducting device is positioned in the gap between the process pipe and the protective barrier, serving as a thermal bridge. It efficiently transfers heat from the process pipe to the protective barrier and subsequently to the temperature sensor, maintaining both insulation integrity and adequate heat transfer efficiency
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 efficient and safe temperature monitoring of cryogens without compromising insulation integrity, reducing labor and time required for leak detection and repair.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conducting device arranged in the gap which is configured to transfer heat from the process pipe to the protective barrier or vice versa
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cryogen supply system (1) for supplying a consumer (2) with a cryogen (H2), comprising a process pipe (4) through which the cryogen (H2) can be conducted, a protective barrier (5), in which the process pipe (4) is received, a gap (6), which is provided between the process pipe (4) and the protective barrier (5), a heat conduction device (13), which is arranged in the gap (6) and which is designed to transfer heat (Q) from the process pipe (4) to the protective barrier (5) or vice versa, and a temperature sensor (11) arranged outside the protective barrier (5) for detecting a temperature of the cryogen (H2), the temperature sensor (11) being thermally coupled to the heat conduction device (13).