Non-Invasive Pipe Temperature Measurement via Thermal Resistance Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining temperature and boundary thermal resistance of fluids in pipes are inadequate as they fail to accurately capture spatial inhomogeneities and do not provide reliable data for process control, especially in situations with condensation, solidification, or other thermal boundary layer changes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using non-invasive temperature sensors arranged spatially offset along a pipe to obtain temperature data, which calculates boundary thermal resistance based on process condition data and temperature data, allowing for accurate determination of fluid temperature and flow data through a thermal resistance network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive temperature sensors are used to measure pipe wall temperature, then the measurement does not interfere with fluid flow, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to boundary layer thermal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that uses measured wall temperature, fluid flow data, and thermal resistance calculations to indirectly determine fluid temperature. This mediator approach allows non-invasive measurement while compensating for the thermal resistance barrier through mathematical relationships rather than direct contact measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive temperature measurement system with a computational thermal model. Instead of physically contacting the fluid with a sensor, the system uses heat transfer equations, boundary layer theory, and process data to calculate fluid temperature from non-invasive wall temperature measurements, substituting physical intrusion with computational analysis.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-point temperature measurement is used, then the measurement system is simple, but spatial inhomogeneities in temperature field are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement approach by using multiple non-invasive sensors positioned at different locations on the pipe surface (different axial and circumferential positions). This segmentation allows capture of spatial temperature variations across the pipe while maintaining the simplicity of non-invasive measurement at each point, revealing thermal inhomogeneities that a single sensor would miss.
3Measurement precision
If invasive sensors like thermowells are introduced into the pipe, then direct fluid temperature measurement is achieved, but fluid flow is disturbed and measurement reliability deteriorates in certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipe wall as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from the fluid to external sensors without requiring direct sensor-fluid contact. This intermediary approach maintains measurement reliability during condensation or solidification events, as the wall temperature continues to reflect fluid thermal state even when invasive sensors might be obscured or blocked by phase change materials.
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 method provides more accurate boundary layer resistance calculations and temperature data, enabling better process control and detection of stratification and flow regimes, even in the presence of condensation or other thermal changes, without requiring invasive sensors.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining first temperature data from a first temperature sensor, which is arranged at a first pipe section; obtaining second temperature data from a second temperature sensor, which is arranged at a second pipe section
Implementation Method 2
determining boundary thermal resistance data of a boundary layer of the fluid next to an inner surface of the pipe wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Computer implemented method for determining boundary thermal resistance data (Rbl) of a boundary layer (15), comprising the following steps: obtaining first temperature data (T1) from a first temperature sensor (13), which is arranged at a first pipe section (S1); obtaining second temperature data (T2) from a second temperature sensor (14), which is arranged at a second pipe section (S2); wherein the first temperature sensor (13) and the second temperature sensor (14) are non-invasive temperature sensors; providing process condition data (P); determining boundary thermal resistance data (Rbl) of a boundary layer (15) of the fluid (11) next to an inner surface (16) of the wall of the pipe (12) based on the process condition data (P) and/or based on the first temperature data (T1) and/or the second temperature data (T2).