Pipe Internal Temperature Probe With Pressurized Contact Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring internal surface temperatures of pipes face challenges in controlling contact pressure, leading to uncertainty and wear, which limits the accuracy and longevity of temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that control the contact force between temperature-sensitive elements and the pipe surface using a pressurization system, ensuring a constant and reproducible contact force, reducing thermal contact resistance and wear by using materials with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, such as diamond, aluminum nitride, or boron nitride.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If moving probes with thermocouples pinned against the internal pipe wall by a spring are used, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the contact force varies with measurement position leading to measurement uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressurization system that introduces fluid pressure into a chamber to actuate a piston, which in turn applies a controlled contact force to the temperature-sensitive element. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism replaces the unreliable spring-based force application, ensuring consistent and reproducible contact force between the sensitive element and the pipe surface regardless of measurement position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls and standardizes the contact force parameter through pressurization, transforming the variable contact force (which varied with position in spring-based systems) into a constant, reproducible parameter. By adjusting and maintaining a defined pressure level, the system ensures that the contact force between the temperature-sensitive element and the pipe surface remains consistent across all measurement positions.
2Measurement precision
If temperature-sensitive elements are brought into contact with the internal pipe surface, then temperature measurement is achieved, but wear of the contact area limits probe lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization system enables controlled, reproducible contact between the temperature-sensitive element and the pipe surface only when measurement is required. The ability to apply and release pressure on demand reduces unnecessary wear during probe movement and positioning, thereby extending probe lifetime while maintaining measurement capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies contact force periodically or on-demand during measurement phases rather than maintaining continuous contact. The pressurization is activated only when temperature measurement is required, and released during probe movement or repositioning, thereby minimizing cumulative wear on both the contact area of the sensitive element and the pipe surface.
3Reliability
If contact force is increased to improve measurement stability, then measurement reliability improves, but wear and thermal contact resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the contact force parameter to a defined, reproducible value that balances measurement stability with wear reduction. Through controlled pressurization, the system applies exactly the amount of force needed for stable measurements without excessive force that would accelerate wear. This precise parameter control allows achieving reliable measurements while minimizing material loss and contact area degradation.
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
This approach enhances the reproducibility and accuracy of temperature measurements by standardizing contact resistance and minimizing wear, allowing for more complete and localized data collection while extending the probe's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the contact force applied between the sensitive element(s) of the probe and the internal surface is increased until it reaches a defined value at any point on said surface, the contact force being constant and reproducible
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature-sensitive element is moved away from a probe, radially with respect to the axis (XX'), so as to bring the temperature-sensitive element(s) into contact against the internal surface of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and associated device for measuring temperature of an internal surface of a pipe, including: a) at least one temperature-sensitive element that is moved away from a probe, radially with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the pipe, so as to bring the temperature-sensitive element(s) into contact against the internal surface of the pipe, b) wherein the contact force applied between the sensitive element(s) of the probe and the internal surface is increased until the contact force reaches a defined value at any point on the surface.