Pipe Pressure Monitoring via External Strain Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring internal pressure in pipes and tubes are invasive or rely on unreliable operator-provided data, particularly in less compliant jurisdictions, leading to inaccuracies in uranium enrichment monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using hoop and axial strain sensors on the outer surface of the pipe, combined with temperature compensation, to determine internal pressure through equations involving strain measurements and material properties, eliminating the need for direct access to the fluid and reducing reliance on operator-provided data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct pressure measurement instrumentation is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase due to requiring direct access to the pipe interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses strain sensors as intermediaries mounted on the pipe exterior to indirectly measure internal pressure. The strain sensors detect mechanical deformation of the pipe wall caused by internal pressure, and this deformation data is processed to calculate pressure without requiring direct access to the pipe interior. This resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate pressure measurement through an intermediary measurement approach rather than direct measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure transducers that require direct fluid contact with an optical/electrical sensing system. Strain sensors mounted on the pipe surface use electrical resistance changes due to mechanical deformation to infer pressure, substituting the need for invasive mechanical pressure measurement with a non-invasive electrical sensing approach.
2Ease of operation
If operator-provided pressure data is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential inaccuracies in less compliant jurisdictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the pressure measurement system to self-service by automatically measuring pressure through strain sensors on the pipe exterior. The system performs the measurement independently without requiring operator intervention or provision of data, thereby maintaining ease of operation while simultaneously ensuring reliability through direct, objective measurement rather than reliance on operator-provided information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback measurement where strain sensors continuously monitor pipe deformation and provide real-time pressure data. This feedback mechanism allows the system to independently verify pressure conditions without relying on operator statements, ensuring both operational simplicity and measurement reliability through continuous automated monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If invasive pressure measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential pipe damage or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses strain sensors as non-invasive intermediaries that measure pressure through external pipe surface deformation. This approach eliminates the need for invasive probes, taps, or direct fluid contact that could cause pipe damage or contamination, while still achieving accurate pressure measurement through the intermediary strain measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical pressure measurement systems with a non-invasive electrical sensing system. Instead of physically inserting sensors into the pipe or using mechanical taps that could damage the pipe, the system uses strain sensors mounted on the external surface that detect pressure effects through subtle wall deformation, thereby eliminating harmful mechanical interference with the pipe structure.
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 internal pressure with high precision, enhancing the reliability of uranium enrichment monitoring by providing independent and reliable pressure data, especially in less compliant environments.
Implementation Method 1
determining, with a hoop strain sensor on an outer surface of the pipe or tube, hoop strain of the outer surface of the pipe or tube
Implementation Method 2
determining, with an axial strain sensor on the outer surface of the pipe or tube, axial strain of the outer surface of the pipe or tube
Implementation Method 3
determining the temperature utilizing a resistance temperature detector (RTD) device
Implementation Method 4
The reference strain sensor may be a reference Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of non-invasively determining an internal pressure inside an object, such as a pipe or a tube, includes determining, with a hoop strain sensor on an outer surface of the object, hoop strain of the outer surface of the object; determining, with an axial strain sensor on the outer surface of the object, axial strain of the outer surface of the object; determining, with a manometer, an external pressure external to the object; and determining the internal pressure inside the object based on the hoop strain, the axial strain, the external pressure, an outer dimension of the object, a wall thickness of the object, a modulus of elasticity of the object, and a Poisson ratio of the object.