Thermally Insulated Leak Detection Device for Large Volume Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection devices face challenges in accurately detecting small leaks in large volume objects due to environmental and intrinsic factors, such as temperature variations, which can mask the pressure variations indicative of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated leak detection device with a measuring module and enclosure, utilizing materials with low thermal conductivity to minimize the impact of temperature variations, and an intercalated volume filled with inert gas or air to enhance sensitivity and repeatability of leak detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure variation method is used for leak detection, then detection speed and economy are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature variations masking leak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal insulation layer as an intermediary between the test volume and the external environment. This insulation layer acts as a mediator that blocks thermal noise from reaching the pressure sensor, allowing the pressure variation method to maintain both speed and accuracy by isolating the measurement from temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermally isolated environment (an inert thermal field) around the pressure sensor and test volume. By enclosing these components in a thermally insulated chamber, the system establishes a stable thermal zone that prevents external temperature variations from interfering with the pressure measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between rapid detection and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If thermal insulation is added to the enclosure and measuring module, then measurement precision is improved by reducing thermal noise, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal insulation function with the existing enclosure structure. Instead of adding separate insulation components, the insulation layer is integrated into the enclosure walls, and the same enclosure also houses the pressure sensor and defines the test volume. This consolidation achieves thermal isolation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If thermal insulation material with low thermal conductivity is used, then thermal noise is reduced and leak detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a thermal conductivity parameter range (0.01-0.05 W/m·K) for the insulation material, allowing selection based on performance requirements and cost constraints. By defining this parameter range, the system optimizes the balance between thermal isolation effectiveness and manufacturing cost, avoiding the need for expensive ultra-high performance materials while still achieving sufficient thermal noise reduction for accurate leak detection.
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 device achieves enhanced sensitivity and repeatability in leak detection by isolating the measurement from environmental temperature fluctuations, allowing for the accurate detection of small leaks in large volume objects.
Implementation Method 1
at least one enclosure and/or said module are thermally insulated
Implementation Method 2
a module for measuring at least one physical quantity relative to a leak level
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detection device operable to measure fluid leaks in an element to be tested that is positioned in a first enclosure. In one example, a measuring module is positioned in a second enclosure and connected to the first enclosure and the element to be tested by an aeraulic connection. At least one of the first enclosure and the measuring module are thermally insulated using an insulating material.