Flame-proof Radiation Detector Wireless Enclosure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation detectors used in hazardous environments with potentially explosive gases face challenges due to the risk of electrical shorting and explosions from wireless communication components, which do not meet safety standards for operation in such areas.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector module housed within a flame-proof enclosure made of metal with a non-metallic end cap that is more transmissive to wireless signals, preventing sparks or explosions from contacting the atmosphere and allowing safe wireless communication, compliant with BS EN 60079-1:2007 standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless communication means are installed in a radiation detector for remote data transmission, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but the risk of explosion increases due to electrical shorting in hazardous atmospheres

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidexplosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional sections: a flame-proof enclosure containing the radiation detector and wireless communication means, and an external receiver. The flame-proof enclosure isolates the hazardous electronic components from the explosive atmosphere while allowing wireless signal transmission through its walls, thus segmenting the system to simultaneously achieve ease of operation and explosion safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional metal housing is used for flame-proof enclosure, then safety and strength are improved, but wireless signal transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidwireless signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The flame-proof enclosure is constructed from composite materials that combine the explosion-containing properties of metal with the wireless signal transmission properties of non-metallic materials. This composite structure allows the enclosure to maintain flame-proof safety while simultaneously permitting wireless communication signals to pass through, resolving the contradiction between safety and signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 safe wireless communication of radiation data in hazardous environments by preventing explosions from occurring outside the enclosure, meeting safety standards for use in zones with explosive gas atmospheres, thus allowing reliable monitoring and measurement of gamma radiation in chemical manufacturing and other hazardous locations.

Implementation Method 1

the end cap comprises a non-metallic material which is relatively more transmissive to the wireless transmission than is steel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

any spark or explosion within the enclosure is prevented from contacting the surrounding atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2761283B1Flame-proof radiation detector with wireless communication means
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
  • EP2761283B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention concerns a radiation detector module (10) comprising a radiation detector (20,22), power source (24) and wireless communication means (28,30) all housed within a flame-proof enclosure (12,14). The enclosure has a portion through which wireless transmissions can pass. The radiation detector module may be suitable for use in a hazardous area containing a potentially explosive gas mixture.