Non-Invasive Pipe Fluid Temperature Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive temperature sensing in pipes is hindered by inaccuracies due to pressure and flow variations, especially in gas applications, as traditional surface sensors lack compensation for ambient temperature and fluid properties, leading to significant deviations in measured temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a surface temperature sensor, a reference temperature sensor, a data interface for nominal process parameters, and a process parameter sensor, which uses a model-based correction to calculate the fluid temperature in pipes, incorporating parameters like pressure and flow to enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surface sensors are used for non-invasive temperature measurement, then the measurement is simpler and safer without penetrating piping, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to compensate for ambient temperature and pressure/flow variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that processes surface temperature measurements along with ambient temperature, pressure, and flow data to calculate the true process temperature. This model acts as a mediator between the simple surface measurement and the accurate process temperature determination, resolving the contradiction by adding computational processing without requiring invasive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from directly measuring process temperature to measuring surface temperature and then using parameter changes (ambient temperature, pressure, flow rate) in a computational model to derive the process temperature. This transforms a single measurement problem into a multi-parameter calculation problem, improving accuracy while maintaining non-invasive operation.
2Measurement precision
If model-based correction is applied to improve temperature measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system universal by using a computational model that can process multiple types of input data (surface temperature, ambient temperature, pressure, flow rate) to achieve temperature measurement. This multi-functional approach allows the same system architecture to handle various measurement conditions and parameters, improving accuracy while managing complexity through a unified processing framework.
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 improves the accuracy of non-invasive temperature measurements by using model-based corrections, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional methods and providing a more precise estimation of fluid temperature in pipes.
Implementation Method 1
A surface temperature sensor disposed at a pipe surface of the pipe, configured for determining a surface temperature of the pipe surface
Implementation Method 2
A reference temperature sensor disposed outside of the pipe, configured for determining a reference temperature of the pipe
Implementation Method 3
A process model, configured for determining a calculated fluid temperature of the fluid in the pipe by using the determined surface temperature, the determined reference temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system for non-invasive determining of a fluid temperature of a fluid in a pipe, comprising a surface temperature sensor disposed at a pipe surface of the pipe; a reference temperature sensor disposed outside of the pipe; a data interface, configured for receiving nominal process parameters; a process parameter sensor, configured for determining at least one measured process parameter, wherein the at least one measured process parameter relates to measured parameters of a process that relates to the fluid in the pipe; and a process model, configured for determining a calculated fluid temperature of the fluid in the pipe by using the determined surface temperature, the determined reference temperature, the received nominal process parameters and the at least one measured process parameter.