Microwave Probe for Pipe Deposit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting deposits in pipe systems, such as those in steam crackers, are inadequate as they either require the pipe to have a suitable geometry for microwave resonators or introduce additional resonators, which fail to provide detailed distribution information and are prone to signal damping due to pipe discontinuities.
Innovation Solution
A method using a microwave probe inserted into the pipe system with a fluid flow against its window to prevent deposit accumulation, allowing microwave radiation to propagate and detect constrictions caused by uneven deposits through reflection or transmission measurements, determining cut-off frequencies and signal runtimes to assess pipe cross-sections and deposit locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microwave resonators are used to detect deposits in pipe systems, then measurement capability is provided, but the pipe must have suitable geometry or additional resonators must be introduced, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resonator function from the pipe system itself by introducing a separate microwave probe that can be inserted into the pipe. This probe contains the resonating structure, eliminating the need for the pipe to have resonator-suitable geometry. The probe is removed from the pipe after measurement, causing no permanent modification to the pipe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave probe acts as an intermediary device between the measurement system and the pipe system. It temporarily couples microwave radiation into the pipe to detect deposits, then is removed. This intermediary approach allows measurement without requiring the pipe itself to be part of a resonator structure.
2Measurement precision
If additional microwave resonators are introduced into the apparatus, then deposit measurement is enabled, but signal damping occurs due to pipe discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using fixed resonators integrated into the pipe system with a microwave-based probing approach. The microwave probe can be positioned optimally and removed, avoiding permanent modifications that would cause signal damping. The microwave radiation passes through the fluid and deposits without significant attenuation, providing reliable measurements.
3Device complexity
If the apparatus itself is used as a microwave resonator, then device complexity is reduced, but only averaged figures over the entire volume are obtained, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using a movable microwave probe that can be positioned at different locations along the pipe. This allows localized measurements of deposit distribution rather than only averaged volume-wide figures. The probe measures deposits in specific pipe sections, providing detailed spatial information.
4Reliability
If production is interrupted to remove carbon deposits, then safety and performance are maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of deposit formation using microwave radiation. The system provides feedback on deposit quantity and location, allowing operators to optimize cleaning schedules and remove deposits only when necessary. This prevents excessive production interruptions while maintaining safety and performance by cleaning at optimal intervals rather than on fixed schedules.
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 precise detection and monitoring of deposits within pipe systems, even with complex geometries and varying conditions, minimizing the risk of blockages and thermal insulation issues, and allowing for continuous optimization of operating parameters to prevent deposit buildup.
Implementation Method 1
microwave radiation is coupled into the pipe system
Implementation Method 2
a reflection measurement is carried out, in which reflections of the microwaves radiated by the at least one microwave probe are received again by the respective microwave probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting deposits in a pipe system of an apparatus is proposed, the apparatus being flowed through by a fluid. In the method it is provided that at least one microwave probe is introduced into the pipe system in such a way that the fluid flows against a window (102) of the microwave probe that is transparent to microwave radiation, and that microwaves are coupled into the pipe system by way of at least one microwave probe,wherein a reflection measurement is carried out with one or two microwave probes, and/or at least two microwave probes are introduced into the pipe system at a distance from one another and a transmission measurement is carried out,wherein a comparison of measurement data with a reference or a previous measurement is used to deduce a constriction in the pipe system segment and the free cross-section at the constriction is determined, the detection of a constriction being used to deduce the presence of deposits.Further aspects of the invention relate to a microwave probe for coupling microwave radiation into the pipe system of an apparatus and to a measuring device for carrying out the method that comprises at least one such microwave probe.