Non-Invasive Pipe Pressure Measurement via Strapping Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring internal pipe pressure require invasive procedures, which can interfere with fluid flow, pose risks, and lead to inaccurate measurements due to turbulent flow and potential leaks of hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive strapping device with a band and sensor system that measures changes in the outer diameter and residual stress of the pipe, allowing for accurate pressure measurement without penetrating the pipe, and can be pre-calibrated or dynamically calibrated for precise readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional invasive pressure measurement methods are used, then pressure can be measured directly inside the pipe, but fluid flow is interfered with and risks of leaks and spills increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the sensor inside the pipe to measure pressure directly, the invention inverts the approach by placing the sensor outside the pipe. The sensor measures physical changes (strain, displacement) on the external surface of the pipe that correspond to internal pressure, thereby avoiding fluid flow interference and leak risks while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary measurement approach where physical changes on the pipe's external surface (such as strain or displacement) serve as mediators to indicate internal pressure. Rather than directly measuring pressure within the fluid, the sensor detects these external physical changes that are caused by internal pressure, thus avoiding direct contact with the fluid.
2Measurement precision
If invasive pressure sensors are installed inside the pipe, then direct pressure measurement is achieved, but the pipe requires modification and fluid flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the conventional approach by moving the measurement location from inside the pipe to the external surface. This eliminates the need for pipe modifications such as drilling holes or installing internal sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and installation requirements while maintaining pressure measurement capability through external physical change detection.
3Measurement precision
If the strapping device is tightly clamped to measure small diameter changes, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning assembly is pre-configured with adjustable mechanisms (such as screws or cam levers) that allow the band to be tightened to a predetermined optimal tension level during installation. This preliminary action ensures the band is sufficiently tight to detect small diameter changes without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, thereby balancing measurement precision with device simplicity.
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 safe, accurate, and non-intrusive measurement of internal pipe pressure, reducing the risk of leaks and spills, and minimizing downtime, while allowing for real-time monitoring without modifying the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include one or more strain gauges. The sensor can be adapted to measure the change in pipe diameter or changes in the residual stress periodically or on a continual basis.
Implementation Method 2
a sensor, wherein the sensor is installed on the band. The strapping device is configured for non-invasively sensing and measuring at least one of: (a) a change in an outer diameter of the pipe; and (b) a change in a residual stress exerted on the pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
A strapping device for a pipe and methods of using the strapping device to non-invasively detect pressure inside the pipe and the residual stress exerted on the pipe. The strapping device includes a linked or a solid band adapted to be fitted around an outside diameter of the pipe. The strapping device further includes a sensor for measuring at least one of a change in the outside diameter of the pipe due to a corresponding change in pressure inside the pipe and to detect the stress or strain transferred from the pipe. The measurements can be conveniently processed in a circuit board coupled to the strapping device or in a remote location. The measurements can be transmitted through wires or digitally transmitted to the circuit board.