Fire Suppression Valve UV Leak Detection in Blind Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression cylinder leak detection methods, such as refrigerant sniffers, are ineffective in detecting small leaks due to the presence of anti-recoil plugs and confined spaces, leading to measurement errors and potential undetected leaks.
Innovation Solution
An ultraviolet (UV) light-based absorption spectrometer system is integrated into the valve assembly of fire suppression cylinders to detect and quantify internal leaks by measuring the concentration of extinguishing agents like FK-5-1-12 over time, distinguishing between contamination and true leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a refrigerant sniffer is used to detect leaks in fire suppression cylinders, then leak detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the presence of anti-recoil plugs and confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UV light source and photodetector as intermediary components that directly detect FK-5-1-12 gas molecules through UV absorption spectroscopy. This intermediary detection method bypasses the limitations of refrigerant sniffers, allowing precise measurement of leak rates even in the presence of anti-recoil plugs and confined valve assembly spaces where traditional sniffing methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/refrigerant-based sniffer detection system with an optical detection system using UV light absorption. This substitution eliminates the dependence on physical access and airflow conditions required by traditional sniffers, enabling accurate leak detection through the anti-recoil plug structure and within confined valve assembly volumes.
2Reliability
If the anti-recoil plug is installed to ensure safety during handling, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases and leak detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source and photodetector system acts as an intermediary that can detect leaks through the anti-recoil plug structure without requiring its removal or modification. The optical detection method penetrates the physical barriers created by the plug, maintaining safety while enabling leak detection that would otherwise be impossible with traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from measuring refrigerant concentration via physical sampling (which is blocked by the anti-recoil plug) to measuring UV light absorption by FK-5-1-12 molecules. This parameter change allows detection through the plug structure, resolving the conflict between safety requirements and detectability.
3Measurement precision
If the refrigerant sniffer sensitivity is increased to detect small leaks, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but false positives increase due to contamination detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from general refrigerant concentration measurement to specific UV absorption spectroscopy at wavelengths characteristic of FK-5-1-12 molecules. This spectral fingerprinting approach maintains high sensitivity for detecting small leaks while eliminating false positives from contamination, as the UV absorption spectrum uniquely identifies the target substance regardless of its source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the contamination-prone physical sampling method with optical UV absorption detection. This substitution eliminates the need to physically access and sample air streams that may contain contaminated residues, providing clean, reliable measurements that accurately distinguish between true leaks and contamination without requiring high sensitivity settings that amplify false positives.
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 UV light system accurately monitors small leaks by differentiating between steady concentration increases indicative of true leaks and transient contamination, reducing false positives and enabling proactive maintenance scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light approach for detecting blind leaks in fire suppression cylinders. Detection and quantification of internal leaks in pressurized fire suppression systems
Implementation Method 2
the light sensor detects a first measured light corresponding to the first generated light at a first receiving time and detects a second measured light corresponding to the second generated light at a second receiving time different from the first receiving time. The controller determines a concentration of an extinguishing agent between the light source and the light sensor based on a difference between a first measurement of the first measured light and a second measurement of the second measured light
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods detect blind leaks in a fire suppression system. A valve assembly comprises an absorption spectrometer and a controller, in which the absorption spectrometer include a light source and a light sensor. A first generated light is emitted from the light source. A first measured light corresponding to the first generated light is detected at the light sensor at a first receiving time. A second generated light is emitted from the light source. A second measured light corresponding to the second generated light is detected at the light sensor at a second receiving time different from the first receiving time. A concentration of an extinguishing agent between the light source and the light sensor is determined based on a difference between a first measurement of the first measured light and a second measurement of the second measured light.