Low-Contact Pipe Clamp for Accurate Non-Invasive Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive process fluid temperature estimation techniques face inaccuracies due to clamps acting as heat sinks and inadequate insulation, particularly when measuring high-temperature or corrosive fluids, and are limited by the need for precise thermal impedance calculations.
Innovation Solution
A heat flow measurement system with a pipe clamp that minimizes surface contact and uses standoffs for insulation, incorporating a heat flow sensor capsule with temperature-sensitive elements and a microprocessor for accurate temperature estimation, allowing for reduced thermal interference and extended application in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamp is used to attach the temperature sensor to the conduit, then the sensor can be positioned externally without invasive apertures, but the clamp acts as a heat sink and reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A low thermal conductivity standoff is introduced as an intermediary component between the clamp and the conduit surface. This standoff acts as a thermal barrier that prevents the clamp from acting as a heat sink, while still providing mechanical attachment. The standoff's low thermal conductivity ensures minimal heat transfer from the conduit to the clamp, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling non-invasive installation.
2Strength
If the clamp has large surface contact with the conduit, then secure attachment is achieved, but thermal stray effects increase and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with non-uniform thermal conductivity distribution. The portion of the clamp in contact with the conduit has reduced thermal conductivity compared to the main body, creating a localized thermal barrier at the critical interface. This local quality change prevents heat from traveling along the clamp while maintaining structural integrity and attachment security.
3Device complexity
If traditional clamps are used for temperature sensing, then simple construction is achieved, but inadequate insulation allows thermal stray effects to contaminate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is constructed from composite materials with different thermal conductivities. The main body uses a material with moderate thermal conductivity for structural strength, while the contact portion incorporates low thermal conductivity material to prevent heat transfer. This composite construction provides both mechanical strength and thermal insulation without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 provides improved accuracy and expanded applicability for measuring process fluid temperatures in high-temperature and corrosive environments by reducing thermal stray effects and optimizing insulation, enabling precise temperature calculations without invasive apertures.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp is spaced from the external surface of the process pipe by a standoff (404) to minimize heat sink effects
Implementation Method 2
measuring an external temperature of a process fluid conduit... a first temperature sensor disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A process fluid temperature estimation system (200) includes a sensor capsule (206) having a temperature sensitive element (254) disposed therein configured to sense an external surface (116) of a process pipe (100). The process fluid temperature estimation system (200) includes measurement circuitry (228) coupled to the sensor capsule (206) and configured to detect a characteristic of the at least one temperature sensitive element (254) that varies with temperature and provide sensor capsule temperature information. A controller (222) is coupled to the measurement circuitry (228) and is configured to obtain a reference temperature and employ a heat transfer calculation with the reference temperature and the sensor capsule temperature information to generate an estimated process temperature output. The process fluid temperature estimation system (200) includes a mounting assembly (302) configured to mount the process fluid temperature estimation system (200) to the external surface of the process pipe (100), wherein a portion of the mounting assembly (302) is offset from the external surface (116) of the process pipe (100).