Passive Pressure Element for Pipeline Rupture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline networks face frequent pipe ruptures due to pressure surges, and existing solutions like mechanical water hammer dampers cannot detect these events, while continuous pressure monitoring with sensors is energy-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pressure surge switch that reacts to pressure changes in pipelines by closing an electrical circuit independently of absolute pressure, functioning mechanically without external energy sources, using a flexible membrane and switching element to detect both positive and negative pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous pressure sensors are distributed in the pipe network to monitor pressure conditions, then pressure surge detection capability is improved, but energy consumption and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from continuous pressure monitoring systems. Instead of using continuous powered sensors throughout the network, it deploys passive pressure-sensitive elements that only activate during pressure surge events, eliminating the need for continuous energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive elements are designed to be self-activating during pressure surges without requiring external power sources. The mechanical energy from the pressure surge itself triggers the switching element, making the system self-service and eliminating battery requirements for distributed monitoring points.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical water hammer dampers are installed to absorb water hammer, then pressure surge mitigation is improved, but detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the pressure surge mitigation function with the detection function into a single integrated device. The pressure-sensitive element that detects surges is combined with the dampening mechanism, allowing the system to both absorb water hammer and provide detection capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a water hammer damper to mitigate pressure surges and as a detection device that triggers alerts or shutdowns. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mitigation and detection systems.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are distributed throughout the pipeline network to locate pipe ruptures, then localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline network is divided into segments, each equipped with a passive pressure-sensitive element. When a rupture occurs, the segmentation allows identification of the affected segment by which elements are triggered, providing localization capability without requiring continuous monitoring of the entire network.
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 efficient detection of pressure surges without energy consumption, allowing for early localization of pipe ruptures and reducing the risk of damage, with minimal energy requirements and wide applicability.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber (4), a second chamber (5) and a third chamber (6)... The first chamber (4) and the third chamber (6) are connected to one another via a first opening (13). The second chamber (5) and the third chamber (6) are connected to one another via a second opening (14)... due to a change in pressure of a fluid acting on the pressure element (1), pressure equalization flows occur through these openings (13, 14)
Implementation Method 2
The membranes (7, 8) are arranged between the first chamber (4) and the second chamber (5)... In the event of a change in pressure of a fluid acting on the pressure element (1), pressure equalization flows occur through these openings (13, 14), so that the membranes (7, 8) are deflected
Implementation Method 3
The membranes (7, 8) are mechanically connected to a switching element (9)... the membranes (7, 8) are deflected in the direction of the first chamber (4), thereby closing an electrical circuit (19)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A pressure element (1) is proposed for monitoring a fluid acting upon the pressure element (1), which pressure element (1) is designed to close an electrical circuit (19) due to a change in pressure exerted by the fluid on the pressure element (1), independent of an absolute value of the pressure, wherein the fluid preferably flows through a pipe (12).