Fouling Detection Device Using Multi-Spacing Thermal Pairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and characterizing fouling on heat exchange walls are inadequate, particularly in thermally insulating environments or under vacuum conditions, as they rely on indirect measurements of thermal conductivity and thickness, and are not effective in all scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple energy deposition and temperature measurement pairs, where each pair consists of a first body in direct contact with the wall and a second body separated by varying distances, allows for precise detection and characterization of fouling by measuring temperature variations and determining fouling thickness and thermal conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If indirect measurement methods using thermal conductivity and thickness are used, then fouling detection is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates in thermally insulating environments or vacuum conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling detection capabilityVSAvoidfouling thickness and thermal conductivity measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermal paste as an intermediary substance between the heat exchanger wall and the measurement device. This thermal paste ensures efficient thermal contact and allows accurate measurement of thermal parameters even in thermally insulating environments or vacuum conditions where direct contact measurement would be ineffective. The thermal paste acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the wall surface and the measurement sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces indirect thermal conductivity-based measurement methods with direct temperature measurement using thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTD). By directly measuring temperature at multiple points and calculating thermal parameters from temperature gradients, the system achieves higher precision without relying on indirect thermal conductivity measurements that fail in vacuum or insulating environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement pairs with varying distances are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal heat transfer coefficient and fouling characterization accuracyVSAvoidnumber of measurement pairs and spacing configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is segmented into multiple independent measurement pairs, each consisting of a heat source and temperature sensor at a specific distance from the wall. This segmentation allows each pair to independently measure local thermal parameters at different distances, providing comprehensive data for calculating the local heat transfer coefficient and characterizing fouling without requiring a single complex integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the measurement from a single-point measurement to a multi-dimensional approach by using multiple measurement pairs at varying distances from the wall. This creates a spatial distribution of measurement points that enables calculation of temperature gradients and thermal resistance, transforming a simple temperature measurement into a comprehensive thermal characterization system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach enables accurate detection and characterization of fouling, even in challenging environments, by comparing data with healthy thermal conditions, providing direct measurements of fouling parameters and improving the assessment of heat exchange quality.

Implementation Method 1

a single first means or a number N of first means for energy deposition and temperature measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

allowing the local heat transfer coefficient to be obtained, and thus providing information on the operation of the devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3771879B1Device for detecting and characterising clogging likely to form in a wall subjected to heat exchange

Publication Date: 2023.04.19 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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AI summary

The main object of the invention is a device (1) for detecting and characterizing fouling on a wall (P1, P2) of a component (10), subjected to heat exchange, characterized in that it comprises: one or N first means (M1) for energy deposition and temperature measurement; N second means (M2) for temperature measurement.Each first means (M1) is associated with a second means (M2) to form a spacing pair, the device (1) comprising N spacing pairs, the first means (M1) being associated with first bodies (O1), and the second means (M2) being associated with one or more second bodies (O2), separated by a predefined distance, the N predefined distances being increasing or decreasing, the first means (M1) and the second means (M2) being connected to an electrical supply device (20), a data acquisition device (21) and a global supervision device (23) for the detection and characterization of the fouling formed.