Leak Detection System Using Thermal Field Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection systems for water installations are unable to reliably detect small leaks at the micro-leak level (below 18 TDPM) without requiring professional installation and maintenance, and they fail to meet user requirements for ease of use, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection system comprising a leak detection device with a first and second temperature sensor, a heating element, and a control unit, mounted on a pipe segment. The system measures temperatures upstream and downstream of the heating element to calculate a leak value, determining the presence and magnitude of leaks based on predetermined threshold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal flowmeters are used to detect leaks, then leak detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pipe into segments by placing multiple temperature sensors at different locations. Each sensor monitors a specific segment, allowing localized leak detection without requiring complex flow measurement equipment. The temperature difference between upstream and downstream sensors indicates leak presence in that segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical flowmeters with a thermal field-based detection system. Instead of measuring mechanical flow parameters that require direct contact with water and complex internal structures, the system uses temperature field measurements that can be taken externally through the pipe wall, simplifying the device structure and installation.
2Measurement precision
If professional installation and maintenance is required for leak detection systems, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-calibrating and automatically adapts to different pipe materials and environmental conditions. The microprocessor automatically processes temperature data and determines leak presence without requiring professional calibration or interpretation, enabling end-users to install and operate the system themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor assembly is designed to be universally applicable to different pipe types and installations. The same basic device can be used on various pipe materials and configurations, eliminating the need for specialized installation procedures for different scenarios and making it accessible to non-professionals.
3Reliability
If existing leak detection systems are used, then some leak levels can be detected, but detection precision at micro-leak level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses excessive temperature measurement points (multiple sensors) to detect partial temperature changes that indicate micro-leaks. By measuring temperature at multiple locations and comparing differences, the system can detect very small leaks that would be imperceptible with single-point measurements, achieving detection at below 18 TDPM levels.
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 system allows for the simple and reliable detection of leaks at the micro-leak level, enabling early detection of potential issues before they escalate, and can be installed and operated by non-professional users, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element HE; wherein said first temperature sensor TS1, said second temperature sensor TS2 and said heating element HE are being mounted onto an surface of said pipe segment
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor TS1 configured to provide a first signal representative of a first temperature T1 measured by said first temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor TS2 configured to provide a second signal representative of a second temperature T2 measured by said second temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detection system for a water installation is disclosed. The leak detection system comprises a first temperature sensor (TS1) configured to provide a first signal representative of a first temperature T1 measured by said first temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor (TS2) configured to provide a second signal representative of a second temperature T2 measured by said second temperature sensor; a heating element (HE) and a control unit (CU). The first temperature sensor (TS1), said second temperature sensor (TS2) and said heating element (HE) are mounted onto a surface of a water pipe (P) in said water installation. The first temperature sensor (TS1) is configured to communicate a first temperature T1 to the control unit and the second temperature sensor (TS2) is configured to communicate a second temperature T2 to the control unit. The control unit (CU) is configured to apply the first temperature T1 and said second temperature T2 as input in a calculation of a leak value LV, according to a predetermined calculation method. Depending on the magnitude of the calculated leak value LV the control unit (CU) is able to distinguish between situations of water consumption, situations of no water consumption but leak, and situations of no water consumption and no leak in the water installation.