Gas Leak Detection Using Flow Meter Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas leak detection technologies are highly localized, expensive, prone to maintenance issues, and ineffective in detecting combustible gas leaks over large areas, particularly due to sensitivity to contamination, oxygen dependency, and limited operational ranges.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection system utilizing a flow meter to determine gas leaks by shutting off the gas line, disconnecting and reconnecting utility and house lines, and using flow meters to indicate leak-free or leaking conditions, allowing for comprehensive and affordable gas leak detection across large areas without frequent maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catalytic detectors are used to detect combustible gas leaks, then detection capability is provided, but the detectors are highly localized and vulnerable to poisoning from contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from localized catalytic sensors and implements it system-wide through the utility meter infrastructure. The flow meter at the utility meter location detects gas flow that indicates leaks throughout the entire service area, eliminating the need for localized catalytic detectors vulnerable to poisoning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the utility meter and flow measurement system as a mediator between the gas distribution network and leak detection. Instead of placing sensors directly in the environment where poisoning occurs, the system uses flow metering at the utility meter to indirectly detect leaks through abnormal flow patterns.
2Reliability
If infrared detectors are used to detect gas leaks, then some poisoning issues are overcome, but the detectors are highly localized and provide only partial solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the utility meter system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original metering function and leak detection function. The flow meter integrated with the utility meter provides universal coverage across the entire gas service area, eliminating the localized coverage limitation of infrared detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the leak detection function with the existing utility meter infrastructure. By combining flow measurement capabilities with leak detection algorithms, the system achieves wide-area coverage without requiring separate localized detection devices throughout the service area.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional leak detection systems are deployed over large structures, then detection coverage is improved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the utility meter system to serve itself by using its existing infrastructure (utility meters, communication systems) to perform leak detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate expensive detection infrastructure, achieving wide-area coverage at minimal additional cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the utility meter system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original metering function and leak detection function. The flow meter integrated with the utility meter provides universal coverage across the entire gas service area, eliminating the localized coverage limitation of infrared detectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus can include: shutting off a gas line at a stop valve; disconnecting a utility meter from a house line; connecting the house line to an output end of a flow meter; connecting the utility meter to an input end of the flow meter; turning the gas line on at the stop valve; and determining: the gas line is leak free based on the flow meter showing no gas flow, and the gas line is leaking based on the flow meter showing a steady gas flow.