Magnetic Float Air Detector for Nuclear Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and removing air and gases from fluid piping systems in the nuclear industry are inadequate, as they require radiation exposure and cannot maintain continuous connection due to temperature limitations, failing to ensure systems are 'full' and compliant with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes a pipe fitting, standpipe, magnetic float, and vent valve to indicate and remove trapped gases from the fluid flow path, allowing for continuous monitoring and venting without radiation exposure, with customizable structural dimensions and automatic control options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ultrasonic test examinations are performed to detect air accumulation, then detection capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (air detector with float indicator) that mediates between the fluid system and the operator. The float rises or falls in response to air accumulation, providing visual indication without requiring direct radiation exposure or complex ultrasonic equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The air detector performs self-indication through the float mechanism that automatically responds to air presence. The system serves itself by using the physical properties of the fluid and air to generate visible indicators, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic probes are connected to piping system, then detection accuracy is improved, but temperature limitations prevent continuous connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, robust float indicator mechanism that can withstand high temperatures continuously. Unlike expensive ultrasonic probes with temperature limitations, this simple mechanical indicator can remain installed indefinitely in high-temperature environments, providing continuous monitoring capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing vents are used to periodically vent suspect locations, then gas removal is achieved, but compliance certainty decreases and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The air detector provides continuous visual feedback on air accumulation status through the float indicator. Operators can see at a glance whether air is present and needs venting, enabling timely and certain compliance actions rather than periodic guessing or unnecessary venting.
4Reliability
If frequent UT examinations are performed, then air detection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to reconnection time
Solution Approach 1:
The air detector is pre-installed and permanently connected to the piping system, performing preliminary continuous monitoring without interruption. This eliminates the need for repeated connections and disconnections of ultrasonic probes, maintaining both reliability and productivity continuously.
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 device effectively monitors and removes gases from piping systems, reducing radiation exposure, improving compliance, and ensuring systems remain 'full', while allowing for timely and efficient venting and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic float (22) freely movable in vertically-oriented standpipe (18) and a corresponding indicator (30) external to standpipe (18) but which moves vertically with magnetic float (22)
Implementation Method 2
a vent valve (32) carried above standpipe (18) for venting gas that has accumulated in system pipe (12)
Implementation Method 3
Gas accumulation in these fluid systems could result in failure of those systems
Data Source
AI summary
A device for accumulating, isolating, indicating and venting accumulated gas in a fluid system pipe includes a main pipe fitting affixed to a system pipe in which a hole has been drilled. A stand pipe attached to the pipe fitting houses a magnetic float. A magnetic-float level indicator exterior to the pipe and responsive to the magnetic float indicates the magnetic float's level. A valve attached to the stand pipe above the magnetic float allows controlled ventilation of the gas in the standpipe and thus in the piping system. Gas from the system pipe accumulates in the standpipe, removed from the primary fluid flow path of the system pipe. In the standpipe, as the liquid/gas interface drops, the float drops to a pre-determined level, at which point the user vents the gas from the piping system, causing the magnetic float to rise to a level indicating that gas is again at acceptable levels in the piping system.