Cryogenic Liquid Detector With In-Situ Test Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid detection systems in cryogenic tanks cannot be tested under real operating conditions without simulating the high liquid level, which poses a risk of serious accidents if the detection fails, as they rely on individual detector reliability and cannot be verified without causing the potential overflow event.
Innovation Solution
A detector with an envelope that allows for in-situ testing using a test liquid, which simulates the presence of the cryogenic liquid, including an inlet for admission and an outlet for evacuation, and a temperature maintenance system to prevent false triggers, enabling realistic detection without causing the hazardous event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid level is raised to test the detector, then the detector can be tested under real operating conditions, but the tank safety is compromised due to the risk of overflow and vaporization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test liquid inlet and test liquid outlet as intermediary components that allow test liquid to be introduced into the tank without raising the actual liquid level to dangerous levels. The test liquid flows through dedicated pathways, enabling detector testing while maintaining tank safety through physical separation of the testing function from the stored liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the liquid handling functions into separate systems: the stored cryogenic liquid remains in the tank, while test liquid is introduced through dedicated inlets and outlets. This segmentation allows the detector to be tested with test liquid without compromising the safety of the stored liquid or the tank structure.
2Reliability
If multiple detectors are installed independently, then the detection reliability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detector universal by providing it with both normal operation functionality and testing functionality through the same device. The test liquid inlet, envelope, and outlet allow the same detector to be tested in-situ without requiring separate testing equipment or multiple detectors, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
3Strength
If the envelope is sealed to protect the probe, then the probe is protected from liquid contact, but the liquid detection capability is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope is designed with different properties in different locations: it is sealed to protect the probe from liquid contact during normal operation, but includes specific openings that allow liquid to reach the probe when needed for detection. This local differentiation of the envelope structure enables both protection and detection functionality to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope transitions from a sealed protective structure during normal operation to an open structure during testing. The test liquid inlet and outlet create dynamic flow paths that allow the envelope to serve both protective and permissive functions depending on the operational mode.
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 reliable and frequent testing of the detector under realistic conditions without risking the tank's safety, ensuring accurate detection of liquid levels and preventing potential accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a change in temperature due to the presence of at least one of said test liquid and of said liquid in the casing in contact with the probe
Implementation Method 2
the temperature maintenance system is configured to circulate a gas around the probe so as to maintain the given temperature
Implementation Method 3
the outlet for the evacuation of the test liquid comprising one or more orifices collectively allowing a flow of liquid to escape, by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid presence detector (1) (2) comprising a probe (3) sensitive to the presence of the liquid in contact with it, and an enclosure (4) surrounding the probe comprising: a) an opening (4a) for receiving liquid into the enclosure; b) an inlet (5a) separate from the opening (4a) for admitting a test liquid into the enclosure in contact with the probe, the contact of the test liquid with the probe in the enclosure causing the detection of the presence of the test liquid if the probe is functioning correctly and no detection otherwise; and c) an outlet (5b) for evacuating at least a portion of the test liquid from the enclosure after the test liquid has been brought into contact with the probe, the evacuation being sufficient so that the probe can no longer detect the test liquid remaining in the enclosure.