Flammable Fluid Meter Temperature Anomaly Shutoff Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas distribution networks face significant safety risks due to the potential for fires, explosions, and poisoning from flammable fluids like natural gas, particularly in scenarios where temperature anomalies may indicate unsafe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flammable fluid meter equipped with a temperature sensor, a processor module, and a communication interface that can transmit commands to an electromechanical valve in a cut-off unit, allowing for independent detection of temperature anomalies and immediate closure of the valve to prevent distribution of flammable fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor and processor module are added to detect temperature anomalies, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature monitoring function, communication interface, and valve control capability into the flammable fluid meter itself. The processor module integrates temperature anomaly detection with the existing metering functions, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The flammable fluid meter is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to measure fluid flow while simultaneously monitoring temperature, communicating with the cut-off unit, and autonomously controlling valve operation. This multi-functionality approach consolidates safety features within the existing meter structure rather than adding separate dedicated safety devices.
2Speed
If autonomous temperature monitoring and valve control are implemented in the meter, then response speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The meter is pre-equipped with a communication interface capable of transmitting closing commands to the cut-off unit's electromechanical valve. When a temperature anomaly is detected, the pre-configured system can immediately execute the shutdown sequence without requiring external intervention or complex decision-making algorithms, achieving rapid response through preparedness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flammable fluid meter autonomously monitors its own operating conditions via the temperature sensor and independently decides when to trigger valve closure based on temperature thresholds. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external monitoring systems or manual intervention, enabling instant autonomous response to hazardous conditions.
3Device complexity
If the communication interface transmits both data and electrical energy via radio link, then device simplicity is improved, but energy transmission reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is designed to perform dual functions: transmitting control data and wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to power the cut-off unit. This multi-functional radio link eliminates the need for separate power and data transmission systems, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable operation through integrated protocol design.
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
This solution significantly reduces the risk of fires and explosions by enabling quick and autonomous shutdown of gas supply in response to temperature anomalies, thereby enhancing the safety of gas distribution networks.
Implementation Method 1
a first communication interface arranged both to communicate via a radio link with a second communication interface of a cut-off unit including an electromechanical valve, and also to transmit electrical energy via the radio link
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the flammable fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A flammable fluid meter includes a first communication interface arranged to communicate with a second communication interface of a cut-off unit including an electromechanical valve; a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the flammable fluid; a processor module arranged to acquire temperature measurements produced by the temperature sensor, to attempt to detect the occurrence of an anomaly, and if an anomaly is detected, to produce an internal control frame incorporating a closing command for closing the electromechanical valve and to transmit said internal control frame to the second communication interface of the cut-off unit via the first communication interface in order to close the electromechanical valve.