Pipe Temperature Sensing for Heat Exchanger Flow Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a technology to verify the state of a liquid flow in a pipe within a heat exchanger system using temperature changes, as existing methods lack efficiency and safety in monitoring the operational state.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing temperature sensors attached to the pipe to measure temperature changes, with a controller determining the presence of liquid based on these changes, and providing indicators to confirm the liquid's presence at specific points along the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are attached to the pipe to measure temperature changes, then the ability to determine liquid presence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect liquid presence in the pipe. Instead of directly detecting liquid, the system measures temperature changes of the pipe wall, which serve as a mediator indicating the presence or absence of liquid flow. This resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate liquid presence detection through a simpler thermal measurement approach rather than complex direct liquid sensing.
2Loss of information
If indicators are provided to show liquid presence at multiple points, then the information about flow state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipe into multiple monitoring sections, each with its own temperature sensor and indicator. This segmentation allows the system to track liquid presence at different locations along the pipe independently. By segmenting the monitoring function, the system provides comprehensive flow state information without requiring a single complex centralized detection system, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and device complexity.
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 solution increases operating efficiency and safety by accurately determining liquid presence and flow state, enhancing the monitoring of liquid flow from one point to another within the heat exchanger system.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor attached to a pipe of a heat exchanger system to measure a temperature of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for monitoring a flow of liquid in a pipe are provided. The apparatus may include a temperature sensor attached to a pipe of a heat exchanger system to measure a temperature of the pipe, and a controller to determine whether a liquid is present in the pipe, based on a change in the measured temperature.