Leak Detection System Using Pressure Variance Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting leaks in pressure systems, particularly those involving fluids that exhibit pressure changes with temperature, are inefficient and require significant time and resources, as they struggle to distinguish between pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations and actual leaks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a pressure sensor and computing device to perform benchmark leak detection tests, allowing for subsequent tests to be compared quickly, reducing the time to determine if a leak is present by using a leak detection value calculated based on pressure variance over time, eliminating the need for complex models and extensive data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional leak detection methods are used for fluids with temperature-pressure changes, then measurement precision is maintained, but testing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature stabilization of the fluid before conducting leak detection tests. This preliminary action ensures that temperature-induced pressure changes are minimized or stabilized, allowing accurate leak detection without requiring extended testing periods to distinguish between temperature effects and actual leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the testing parameters by conducting leak detection at multiple different temperatures rather than attempting to distinguish temperature effects from leaks at a single temperature. This approach transforms the problem from separating two effects to measuring pressure changes across temperature variations, significantly reducing test duration while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If complex models and extensive data entry are used to distinguish temperature effects from leaks, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates the need for complex mathematical models and extensive data entry by using a simplified direct comparison method. Instead of requiring complex algorithms to distinguish temperature effects from leaks, the system uses a straightforward protocol that compares pressure changes against predetermined thresholds, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining whether a leak is present through direct comparison of pressure changes against stored reference data, eliminating the need for complex external analysis tools or extensive manual data processing. The system independently completes the leak detection function using simplified built-in comparison logic.
3Reliability
If extended testing periods are used to reach steady-state pressure, then reliability of leak detection improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature stabilization and pressure equalization before initiating leak detection. This preliminary action ensures the system is in a known stable state, allowing reliable leak detection to begin immediately without requiring extended testing periods to reach steady-state conditions, thus improving both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of pressure and temperature throughout the testing process, allowing the useful action of leak detection to proceed continuously without interruption for extended stabilization periods. This continuous approach enables reliable detection while maintaining high testing efficiency through uninterrupted data collection and analysis.
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 significantly reduces the time and cost associated with leak detection tests, enabling quicker evaluation of pressure systems and accounting for temperature and compressibility effects without elaborate models or strict test protocols, thus saving time and resources.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor coupled to a pressure system is provided. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure of the pressure system at a first time and at a second time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a result of a benchmark leak detection test for a pressure system and determining whether the result indicates that a leak is present in the pressure system. In response to the result of the benchmark leak detection test indicating that a leak is not present in the pressure system, the method includes performing a subsequent leak detection test for the pressure system, comparing a result of the subsequent leak detection test to the result of the benchmark leak detection test, and determining, based on the comparison, whether the subsequent leak detection test indicates that a leak is not present in the pressure system. A time to determine whether a leak is not present based on the comparison is less than a time to determine whether a leak is not present based on the benchmark leak detection test.