Pipe Rupture Protection Device In Situ Testing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for protecting pipes against rupture in hydraulic systems, particularly in aircraft, cannot be inspected in situ without exceeding the permissible volume flow, making it difficult to ensure their functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable closing element and flow channels that includes a test closure to increase flow rate and pressure drop, allowing for in situ testing without dismantling the system, using a housing with inflow and outflow, and a retaining element to ensure the closing element moves into a closed position at a predetermined volume flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is tested in situ by generating sufficient volume flow to close the closing element, then the functionality of the protection device can be verified, but the permissible maximum volume flow of the hydraulic system is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple flow channels (first flow channel and second flow channel) with different flow resistances. The test closure selectively closes one flow channel to redirect flow through another channel with higher resistance, creating sufficient pressure differential for testing without requiring excessive total volume flow from the hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow channels are designed with different local flow resistances. The first flow channel has lower flow resistance for normal operation, while the second flow channel has higher flow resistance that becomes active during testing. This local differentiation allows the same device to operate safely under normal conditions while enabling effective testing when needed.
2Reliability
If the closing element is designed to close automatically at high volume flow, then pipe rupture protection is achieved, but the device cannot be inspected without exceeding system limits
Solution Approach 1:
The test closure allows preliminary testing of the closing element's functionality by creating test conditions that simulate high flow scenarios. This preliminary action enables inspection and verification of the protection mechanism without requiring the device to be removed from the system or subjected to actual rupture conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The test closure acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the need to test the closing element and the constraint of not exceeding permissible volume flow. By selectively closing flow channels, it creates the necessary pressure differential to actuate the closing element while keeping the total volume flow within safe limits.
3Productivity
If multiple flow channels are provided for fluid flow, then normal operation is maintained, but the device requires additional components for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple flow channels serve dual functions: they provide adequate fluid flow capacity for normal system operation and enable testing functionality when combined with the test closure. The same structural elements (flow channels, closing element, orifices) are used for both normal operation and testing, eliminating the need for separate test-specific components.
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 effective in situ testing of pipe rupture protection devices without increasing system complexity or maintenance costs, ensuring safety and reliability by allowing the device to be tested without fluid flow exceeding maximum permissible limits.
Implementation Method 1
at least one orifice arranged in the flow channels for producing a pressure drop in a fluid flowing from the inflow to the outflow
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the protection against the rupture of pipes carrying a fluid includes two or more flow channels and a closing element which interrupts the flow of fluid if a predetermined permissible volume flow is exceeded. At least one of the flow channels can be closed by a test closure in order to increase the flow speed in the remaining flow channels and for test purposes to bring about a movement of the closing element into the closing position. In this way, devices for the protection against the rupture of pipes integrated into complex systems carrying a fluid can be tested in situ to verify their proper functioning.