Non-Invasive Pipe Flow Detection Using Thermal Change Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow detection methods, such as traditional sensors and non-invasive techniques, are costly, require electrical power, or interfere with fluid flow, and lack accuracy in estimating flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A low-power, non-invasive fluid flow detection system using a neural network model that infers flow based on temperature changes and additional environmental parameters, such as ambient temperature, conduit motion, and electromagnetic radiation, without requiring physical contact with the conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional water flow sensors (turbine devices) are inserted in line with the pipe, then flow detection accuracy is improved, but installation cost increases and fluid flow interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical turbine flow sensors with a non-invasive thermal sensing system. Temperature sensors detect temperature changes in the pipe wall caused by flowing water, and a processor calculates flow rate from these thermal measurements. This eliminates mechanical components that interfere with fluid flow while maintaining accurate flow detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pipe wall itself as an intermediary medium. Temperature sensors are attached to the external surface of the pipe, detecting temperature changes that propagate through the pipe wall from the flowing water inside. This intermediary approach allows flow measurement without direct contact with the fluid, avoiding installation complexity and flow interference.
2Device complexity
If non-invasive techniques (ultrasound, magnetic resonance) are used to infer flow rate, then installation complexity is reduced, but energy consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, low-power temperature sensors (such as thermistors or RTDs) attached to the pipe surface, replacing expensive energy-intensive ultrasound or magnetic resonance equipment. These simple thermal sensors consume minimal power while providing sufficient flow detection capability for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the natural thermal properties of the pipe and flowing water itself. The flowing water naturally heats or cools the pipe wall, and the temperature sensors passively detect these temperature changes without requiring active heating elements or high-power signal sources, thus minimizing energy consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If temperature sensors are used to detect flow by monitoring temperature changes, then cost is reduced and energy consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature changes over time and uses a processor to analyze the rate of temperature change. By comparing temperature measurements at different time points and correlating them with flow conditions, the system compensates for environmental temperature variations and isolates the temperature changes caused by flowing water, thereby maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a baseline temperature profile of the pipe before flow occurs or during known flow conditions. This preliminary characterization allows the processor to distinguish between temperature changes caused by environmental factors and those caused by flowing water, improving the accuracy of flow estimation from temperature measurements.
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
Provides accurate, low-cost, and energy-efficient fluid flow estimation by leveraging a neural network model trained on reference data, enhancing detection reliability and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor arranged to contact the conduit when the device is attached to the conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for detecting flow of a fluid (11) in a conduit (12) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means (44) for inferring the flow of fluid based on a change in temperature of the conduit over time. The means for inferring the flow of fluid may comprise a neural network model. One or more other environmental parameters may be used in addition to temperature. The disclosed embodiments can allow an estimate of the flow of fluid in the conduit to be obtained using a low- cost, low-power and/or non-invasive device.