Leak Indicator with Hydrophilic Elastomer for Hazardous Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection systems in insulated structures, such as pipelines and vessels, face challenges in identifying corrosive liquids and sampling them for further analysis, especially in environments with explosion hazards where electric systems are unreliable and may not provide a liquid sample.
Innovation Solution
A liquid leakage detection apparatus with a hydrophilic elastomer ball that expands upon contact with liquid, housed in a sleeve-shaped structure with a water protection hood and a sample cavity for collecting and draining the liquid, allowing for visual indication of leaks and sampling for corrosion analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric systems are used for leak detection, then liquid presence can be detected, but reliability deteriorates in explosion hazardous environments and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric detection systems with a mechanical detection system. A liquid-sensitive expanding element (hydrophilic elastomer) mechanically expands upon contact with liquid, directly moving an indicator body to provide visual indication. This mechanical substitution eliminates electrical components in hazardous environments, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and safety/reliability.
2Loss of information
If conventional leak detection systems are used, then liquid presence is indicated, but liquid sampling capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: the housing simultaneously serves as both an indicator mechanism housing and a liquid sample collection chamber. The indicator body moves within the housing to provide visual indication, while the same housing collects and stores liquid samples for later analysis. This multi-functionality provides sampling capability without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Temperature
If insulation is applied to reduce heat loss and improve fire resistance, then thermal performance improves, but inspection capability and moisture management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation system by introducing a separate, dedicated leak detection apparatus that can be attached to or integrated with the insulated structure. The detection device with its liquid-sensitive element and visual indicator provides a localized inspection point that penetrates or interfaces with the insulation, allowing detection of moisture accumulation without compromising the overall insulation integrity or thermal performance.
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
Effectively identifies the presence of corrosive liquids and allows for sampling, providing a reliable and maintenance-friendly solution that prevents false readings and contamination, suitable for use in hazardous environments without relying on electricity.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid leakage detection apparatus with a hydrophilic elastomer ball that expands upon contact with liquid
Implementation Method 2
A liquid path is formed between the liquid collecting portion and the expansion element cavity
Data Source
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Figure 9~11
AI summary
The present invention concerns a liquid leakage detection apparatus. The apparatus includes a liquid collecting portion, a housing (7) with an opening and a housing contact face, an indicator body (6, 10, 11) with an indicator body contact face, and a expansion element cavity (26) between said housing contact face and said indicator body contact face. A liquid sensitive, expanding element is located in the expansion element cavity and a liquid path (27) extends between the liquid collecting portion and the expansion element cavity.