Pressurized Fluid Conduit Leak Detection Using Sealed Pressure Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized fluid systems, particularly in the aerospace industry, lack effective leak detection mechanisms, especially for hydrogen fuel systems, which are critical for ensuring safety and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection system is implemented around primary fluid conduits, utilizing sealed detection volumes and pressure sensors to monitor pressure changes, with a control system determining leak types and triggering appropriate responses, such as engine shutdown or maintenance alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If leak detection mechanisms are added to pressurized fluid systems, then safety and operational reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection volume is nested within the housing structure, creating a compact integrated system. The pressure sensor is nested within the detection volume, allowing multiple functional elements to occupy the same spatial envelope without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors pressure signals from the sensor, determines whether leaks are present, identifies leak types (primary vs secondary), and triggers appropriate responses. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated control unit
2Measurement precision
If detection volumes encompass connections and fluid lines, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but volume and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a single large detection volume for the entire fuel system, the patent divides the system into multiple localized detection volumes, each surrounding specific critical components or connection points. This allows precise local detection while keeping individual volume sizes manageable
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 system accurately detects primary and secondary leaks, ensuring the safety and continued operation of hydrogen fuel systems by promptly identifying and responding to leaks, thereby reducing the risk of system failure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor disposed in operative communication with the housing to sense a pressure within the detection volume
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a fluid system (200) of an aircraft includes a primary fluid conduit (201) that conveys a primary fluid, and a leak detection system (250) disposed around at least a portion of the primary fluid conduit (201) and forming one or more detection volumes (251a). The leak detection system (250) determines whether there is a primary fluid leak into the one or more detection volumes (251a) by sensing a pressure change in the one or more detection volumes (251a).