Pipe Temperature Sensing for Sub-Resolution Micro-Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting micro-leakages in fluid systems, such as dripping taps, are inadequate as they rely on flow meter measurements that cannot detect leaks below their resolution, and ambient temperature sensors are not always necessary or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using pipe temperature sensors to detect micro-leakages by analyzing temporal gradients or temperature differences between multiple sensors, independent of ambient temperature, allowing detection of leaks below flow meter resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meter measurements are used to detect micro-leakages, then the detection method is simple, but leaks below flow meter resolution cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pipe temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect micro-leakages. Instead of directly measuring the leak flow with a flow meter, the system measures the temperature of the pipe wall, which changes in response to even minimal fluid leakage. This intermediary measurement enables detection of leaks below flow meter resolution while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow measurement approach with a thermal measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical flow meters to detect leaks, the system uses temperature sensors to measure pipe wall temperature, which changes due to thermal effects caused by fluid leakage. This substitution enables detection of micro-leakages that would be undetectable with conventional flow meters.
2Reliability
If ambient temperature sensors are used for micro-leakage detection, then detection capability is provided, but reliability is reduced due to environmental variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature measurement from the ambient environment and places it directly on the pipe wall. By measuring the pipe wall temperature instead of the ambient air temperature, the system eliminates the harmful influence of environmental temperature variations. This extraction of the measurement location from the ambient environment to the pipe surface itself significantly improves detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by measuring temperature at the specific location of the pipe wall where leakage occurs, rather than measuring ambient temperature at a remote location. The pipe wall temperature locally reflects the thermal state caused by fluid leakage, providing reliable detection that is independent of overall ambient temperature conditions.
3Reliability
If pipe temperature sensors are activated continuously, then micro-leakage detection is always available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the pipe temperature sensors only during specific time intervals when leakage detection is most critical, such as when the fluid system is in idle state or when flow patterns suggest potential leakage. This periodic activation maintains detection availability for critical periods while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by activating temperature sensors before conditions that might indicate leakage actually occur, or during predetermined time windows when leakage is most likely to be detected. This allows the system to be prepared for detection without requiring continuous sensor operation, optimizing the balance between availability and energy use.
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 reliable detection of micro-leakages with a simple and effective approach, capable of identifying leaks as small as 1 liter per hour, without requiring ambient temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Measure the pipe temperature of the fluid pipe by at least one pipe temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Method for micro-leakage detection in a fluid system (10), preferably in a potable water system installed in a building (11), wherein the fluid system (10) has a fluid pipe (12) with a fluid valve (14), wherein a fluid flow through the fluid pipe (12) is stopped when the fluid valve (14) is closed, and wherein a fluid flow through the fluid pipe (12) is allowed when the fluid valve (14) is opened. The method comprises the following steps: Measuring the fluid flow through the fluid pipe (12) by a flow meter (16). Measuring the pipe temperature of the fluid pipe (12) by at least one pipe temperature sensor (17a, 17b). When there is no fluid flow measured by the flow meter (16), particularly because or when the fluid flow through the fluid pipe (12) is stopped by the fluid valve (14) being closed, analyzing the pipe temperature for the micro-leakage detection.