Weight-Based Liquid Nitrogen Tank Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid nitrogen tank monitoring systems rely on temperature-based methods, which fail to detect rapid leaks promptly, leading to potential catastrophic losses of cryopreserved specimens due to delayed alarm triggers, as liquid nitrogen vapor maintains acceptable temperatures even after the liquid has leaked out.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a weight-based monitoring system using a sensitive load cell or scale to detect changes in container weight, combined with optional temperature and ultrasonic level sensors, to provide real-time data analysis and alert systems for leak detection and prediction, ensuring timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature-based monitoring is used, then the system can detect temperature changes, but it fails to detect rapid leaks promptly because liquid nitrogen vapor maintains acceptable temperatures even after liquid has leaked out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from temperature to weight. By using a load cell to measure weight changes, the system can directly detect liquid nitrogen loss regardless of temperature conditions. This parameter change resolves the contradiction because weight measurement is not affected by the presence of cold vapor that masks temperature-based detection during rapid leaks.
2Productivity
If thermocouple probes are placed in direct contact with liquid nitrogen, then temperature monitoring is continuous, but the system still cannot detect leaks promptly due to vapor phase temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-based mechanical measurement system (thermocouple probes) with a mechanical weight measurement system (load cell). This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitation of temperature-based detection while maintaining continuous monitoring capability, as the load cell continuously measures weight without being affected by phase or temperature.
3Ease of operation
If daily visual inspection and dipstick measurement are used, then slow leaks can be discovered, but rapid catastrophic loss cannot be detected in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated electronic monitoring system using a load cell that continuously self-monitors weight without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects and alerts to both slow and rapid leaks, eliminating the need for manual dipstick measurements while providing immediate detection of catastrophic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an electronic feedback system where the load cell continuously measures weight and triggers immediate alerts when weight loss exceeds thresholds. This feedback mechanism provides real-time notification of leaks, enabling rapid response to catastrophic events while maintaining the simplicity of automated operation.
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 weight-based monitoring system effectively detects leaks earlier and more reliably than temperature-based systems, preventing specimen loss by triggering alarms before the tank temperature rises, thus ensuring the integrity of stored gametes.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to receive weight data from the load cell and to identify trends in the weight data
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic sensor, and in which the controller is configured to receive level data from the ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor, and in which the controller is configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods by which the level of liquid nitrogen in one or more liquid nitrogen storage containers can be monitored and leaks may be detected and reported.