Non-Invasive Pipe Flow Detection Using Thermal Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid flow in pipes are often invasive, inflexible, and do not provide real-time measurements of flow levels, particularly in plumbing networks where leaks need to be quickly identified and mitigated.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive apparatus using temperature sensors on the outer and ambient surfaces of pipes to predict and compare temperature changes over time, allowing for quicker and more reliable flow determination, including the use of expected convergence curves to model no-flow states and calculate flow levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature difference threshold method is used, then flow detection is simple, but detection speed is slow and requires predetermined time period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring temperature and pre-calculating expected temperature evolution curves before flow occurs. When flow is detected, the system has already prepared reference data and algorithms to immediately compare against actual temperature changes, eliminating the need to wait for a predetermined time period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing actual temperature measurements against predicted temperature evolution curves. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to detect flow conditions immediately when deviations occur, rather than waiting for a fixed time period to elapse.
2Device complexity
If temperature difference threshold method is used, then implementation is simple, but measurement precision of flow level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by transitioning from a simple binary threshold comparison to a multi-parameter analysis that includes temperature evolution rate, predicted vs. actual temperature deviation, and temporal patterns. This allows precise flow level measurement while maintaining implementation simplicity through software-based analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds another dimension to the analysis by incorporating the time dimension and temperature evolution trajectory. Instead of merely comparing temperature differences at a single point in time, the system analyzes how temperature changes over time, providing precise flow level measurement while keeping the device structure simple.
3Measurement precision
If invasive flow sensors are installed, then flow measurement is accurate, but installation complexity increases and plumbing networks are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by measuring temperature of the pipe exterior as an indirect indicator of internal fluid flow. This intermediary measurement method provides accurate flow detection without requiring physical intrusion into the plumbing network, thereby avoiding installation complexity and disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical flow sensors that would physically intrude into the pipe with a thermal field-based measurement system. By substituting mechanical intrusion with thermal sensing of the pipe exterior, the system achieves accurate flow measurement while minimizing installation complexity and disruption to existing plumbing.
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 rapid and accurate detection of fluid flow and flow levels in pipes, reducing the risk of leaks by providing a more reliable and efficient method compared to traditional temperature difference threshold-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor arranged to be mounted on the outer surface of the fluid conduit and arranged to generate a first temperature signal indicative of a first temperature being the temperature of the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature sensor arranged to be positioned spaced apart from the first temperature sensor and to generate a second temperature signal indicative of a second temperature being the ambient temperature outside of the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 3
using the first and second temperatures at the first time, predicting a predicted first temperature representative of the first temperature at a second time later than the first time
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for making a flow determination with respect to a flow through a fluid conduit is described. The apparatus comprises a first temperature sensor arranged to generate a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the outer surface of the fluid conduit, a second temperature sensor arranged to generate a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature outside of the fluid conduit; and a processor arranged to make the flow determination. The flow determination is made by determining the first and second temperatures at a first time; predicting a predicted first temperature at a second time; determining the first temperature at the second time; and comparing the predicted first temperature with the determined first temperature at the second time.