Pipe Boundary Thermal Resistance for Accurate Fluid Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement technologies, both invasive and non-invasive, fail to accurately capture spatial inhomogeneities and fluid flow regimes, leading to inefficiencies in process facilities, and existing methods fail to effectively measure fluid temperature data.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a combination of temperature sensors, both invasive and non-invasive, to accurately measure fluid temperature data and flow data by determining boundary thermal resistance data, using spatially offset sensors and ambient temperature considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive temperature sensors are used to measure fluid temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipe wall as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from the fluid to non-invasive sensors. By measuring the outer surface temperature of the pipe wall and using thermal conductivity calculations, the system derives fluid temperature without direct sensor contact, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating installation complexity and safety risks associated with invasive sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive temperature measurement systems with non-invasive thermal field measurement. Instead of physically inserting sensors into the fluid stream, the system uses thermal conduction through the pipe wall combined with computational algorithms to determine fluid temperature, thereby eliminating the need for complex invasive sensor installations
2Device complexity
If single point temperature measurement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spatial inhomogeneities in temperature field are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into multiple spatial segments by placing several non-invasive sensors at different positions around the pipe circumference and at different axial locations. This segmentation allows the system to capture spatial inhomogeneities in the temperature field while maintaining the simplicity of non-invasive measurement technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional temperature field mapping by distributing sensors across different spatial dimensions (circumferential and axial positions). This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive capture of temperature distribution patterns without increasing the complexity of individual sensor installations
3Device complexity
If boundary layer resistance is not considered, then calculation simplicity is maintained, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces boundary layer thermal resistance as a critical parameter in the temperature calculation model. By incorporating this parameter that accounts for thermal resistance at the fluid-pipe wall interface, the system significantly improves temperature measurement accuracy. The boundary layer resistance is determined through empirical correlations based on flow regime parameters, adding computational detail without excessive 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
Accurately measures fluid temperature and flow data, providing precise boundary layer resistance calculations and flow regime detection, reducing measurement errors and enhancing process control.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor (13), which is a non-invasive temperature sensor and which measures the outer surface temperature
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor (13), which is a non-invasive temperature sensor and which measures the outer surface temperature
Implementation Method 3
a second temperature sensor (14), which is an invasive temperature sensor and which determines the fluid temperature
Implementation Method 4
determining boundary thermal resistance data of a boundary layer of the fluid next to an inner surface of the wall of the pipe
Implementation Method 5
determining boundary thermal resistance data of a boundary layer of the fluid next to an inner surface of the wall of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Computer implemented method for determining boundary thermal resistance data (Rbl) of a boundary layer (15), comprising the following steps: obtaining first temperature data (T1) from a first temperature sensor (13), which is arranged at a first pipe section (S1); obtaining second temperature data (T2) from a second temperature sensor (14), which is arranged at a second pipe section (S2), wherein the first temperature sensor (13) is a non-invasive temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor (14) is an invasive temperature sensor; providing process condition data (P); determining boundary thermal resistance data (Rbl) of a boundary layer (15) of the fluid (11) next to an inner wall (16) of the pipe (12) based on the process condition data (P).