Modular Leak Detection Encapsulation for Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection systems are inadequate in detecting slow leaks in piping systems, particularly at junctions, valves, and fittings, leading to significant property damage and increased insurance costs, as they often require costly and labor-intensive installations and are not designed for retrofitting or to detect leaks at irregularly shaped components.
Innovation Solution
A modular, retrofit-friendly leak detection system that encapsulates or partially encapsulates piping components, using a container with a sensor unit to detect leaks at specific points like valves and connections, and includes a sloped aspect to direct leaking fluid into a collection area for early detection and notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leak detection systems are installed, then leak detection capability is provided, but installation cost and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The leak detection system is divided into modular components: containment devices that wrap around individual pipes or fittings, and separate detection devices that can be attached to the containment device. This segmentation allows for selective installation at specific leak-prone locations rather than requiring comprehensive system installation, reducing both cost and labor while maintaining effective leak detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The containment device acts as an intermediary between the pipe and the detection device. It provides a interface that captures leaking fluid and directs it to the detection device, enabling the detection device to sense leaks without requiring direct contact with the pipe or complex integration with the existing piping system
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive leak detection coverage is achieved, then detection precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different functional qualities to different components: the containment device provides mechanical capture and direction of leaking fluid, while the detection device provides sensory detection. This local specialization allows each component to be simple in its own right while achieving comprehensive detection precision when combined, avoiding the need for a single complex device
3Reliability
If detection devices are installed on irregularly shaped components like valves and fittings, then leak detection coverage improves, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is made from flexible material that can conform to irregular shapes of valves, fittings, and other piping components. This flexibility allows the containment device to be easily wrapped around and secured to various geometries without requiring custom-shaped components, maintaining both detection coverage and installation ease
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 effectively detects leaks before they cause substantial damage, reducing property loss and insurance costs by enabling early alert and containment of leaks at common failure points, and can be easily installed on existing piping systems, improving detection efficiency and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a container with a sensor unit to detect leaks at specific points like valves and connections, and includes a sloped aspect to direct leaking fluid into a collection area for early detection and notification
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to leak detection and notification from fluid conduit systems, apparatus and methods. In one aspect, embodiments relate to leak detection of water supply, sewage system, and plumbing. In another aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus related to piping and plumbing encapsulation for detecting leaks. In another aspect, certain embodiments further comprise an apparatus that conform to piping and plumbing features, for example, valves and connectors, for detecting leaks that may be included as part of original installations or added in retrofit applications. In other embodiments, leak detection and notification systems may be included as part of the manufacture of fixtures by a manufacturer.