Liquid Leakage Detector with Capacitive Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting liquid leakage in process systems are inadequate as they often fail to detect small leaks, can be influenced by other factors, and require expensive preventive maintenance, lacking real-time monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A liquid leakage detector (LLD) system that includes a pipe member and a sensor configured to detect liquid leaks without disrupting the flow, using capacitive sensors isolated by an insulator to detect minimal leakage flows from shut-off mechanisms, allowing for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure loss detection is used to detect leakage, then leakage can be detected, but other factors may cause false pressure drops and the system may be too large to detect critical leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the leakage detection function from the main process system by introducing a separate detection loop with a T-piece connection. The detection loop branches off from the main liquid transport structure, allowing independent measurement of leakage flow without being influenced by pressure changes in the main system. This separation enables precise detection of small leakage flows that would otherwise be undetectable against the background of system pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary detection loop that acts as a mediator between the main process system and the detection system. The T-piece serves as the intermediary connection point, and the detection loop with its own flow meter provides an intermediate measurement path. This intermediary structure isolates the leakage measurement from the main system's pressure fluctuations, enabling reliable detection independent of other factors affecting main system pressure.
2Reliability
If preventive maintenance is introduced to secure systems against leakage, then system safety is improved, but it is expensive and time-consuming and does not enable real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous real-time monitoring of leakage flow through the detection loop. The flow meter continuously measures liquid flow in the detection loop, providing ongoing surveillance of leakage conditions. This continuous action replaces periodic preventive maintenance, enabling immediate detection and response to leakage events while maintaining system safety and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is self-monitoring and automatically detects leakage conditions without requiring external intervention or scheduled maintenance. The flow meter continuously monitors the detection loop and can trigger alarms or shutdowns based on detected leakage flows, enabling the system to service itself and respond to leakage events in real-time, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming preventive maintenance schedules.
3Measurement precision
If prior art flow meters are used, then flow measurement is possible, but they have a detection limit and cannot detect leakage flow smaller than the designed flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a dedicated detection loop with specialized measurement capabilities at the leakage point. The T-piece connection creates a local branch specifically for leakage detection, and the flow meter in this local loop is optimized for measuring small leakage flows rather than the full designed flow. This localized approach enables precise measurement of minimal leakage flows that would be undetectable in the main system flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from measuring flow in the main system dimension to measuring flow in a separate detection loop dimension. By branching off to create a parallel detection path, the system can measure leakage flow independently of the main process flow. This dimensional separation allows the use of flow meters with appropriate detection limits for small leakage flows, rather than being constrained by the flow range requirements of the main system.
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
Enables reliable and fast detection of small leaks, reducing product loss and contamination risks by providing immediate hazardous emission control, and integrating seamlessly with existing systems without interfering with normal flow.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect liquid entering the pipe member
Implementation Method 2
the LLD comprises an insulator arranged and configured to electrically separate the sensor from the liquid transport structures
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid leakage detector, LLD, configured to detect liquid leaking from a liquid containing/guiding element. The LLD comprises a pipe configured to receive liquid leaking from a predefined area of the liquid containing/guiding element and a sensor that detects liquid entering the pipe. The LLD comprises a first connection structure configured to be connected to and hereby bring the LLD into fluid communication with a first liquid transport structure of the liquid containing/guiding element, such that the first connection structure extends from and protrudes from the first liquid transport structure and a second connection structure configured to be connected to and hereby bring the LLD into fluid communication with a second liquid transport structure, such that the second connection structure extends from and protrudes from the second liquid transport structure. The LLD comprises an insulator arranged and configured to electrically separate the sensor from the liquid transport structures.