Pipeline Clamp Structure for Resonance-Free Vibration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing vibration sensors directly on pipelines, especially those carrying hot and/or radioactive materials, can damage the sensors, and previous placements on pipe supports or attachments result in inaccurate vibration data due to resonance, potentially leading to incorrect shutdowns or reduced power operations in power plants.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline clamp with a natural frequency equal to or greater than the maximum expected pipeline vibration frequency, featuring a protruding member with a decreasing cross-sectional area and hollow portions to securely attach sensors without resonance, ensuring accurate vibration data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are installed directly on the pipeline, then vibration measurement accuracy is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to damage from hot and/or radioactive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamp assembly as an intermediary structure between the pipeline and the vibration sensor. The clamp is attached to the pipeline outer surface, and the sensor is mounted on the clamp rather than directly on the pipeline. This intermediary structure protects the sensor from direct exposure to hot and/or radioactive materials while still enabling accurate vibration measurement through the clamp.
2Reliability
If vibration sensors are installed on pipe supports or pipe attachments, then sensor protection is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to resonance causing inaccurate vibration data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully designing the clamp assembly's natural frequency to be significantly higher than the maximum expected vibration frequency of the pipeline (at least 1.5 times higher). This parameter optimization ensures the clamp does not resonate with pipeline vibrations, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while still providing sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses resonance issues by designing the clamp assembly with specific dimensional parameters (protruding member length, cross-sectional area, wall thickness) that determine its natural frequency. By ensuring the natural frequency is sufficiently high, the clamp avoids mechanical resonance with the pipeline's vibration frequencies, preventing inaccurate measurements.
3Measurement precision
If the clamp natural frequency is increased to avoid resonance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality by varying the cross-sectional area of the protruding member along its length. The cross-sectional area decreases from the first end portion (attached to the clamp assembly) toward the second end portion (where the sensor is mounted). This localized variation in geometry allows optimization of the natural frequency without requiring complex overall structure.
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
The pipeline clamp provides accurate vibration data by preventing resonance and protecting sensors from damage, ensuring reliable operation and preventing unnecessary shutdowns or power reductions in power plants.
Implementation Method 1
the pipeline clamp has a natural frequency equal to or greater than a maximum expected vibration frequency of the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline clamp including a clamp assembly adapted to attach to an outer surface of a pipeline and a protruding member having a first end portion attached to a surface of the clamp assembly and a second end portion extended away from the clamp assembly. The second end portion is configured to accommodate a sensor and the pipeline clamp has a natural frequency equal to or greater than a maximum expected vibration frequency of the pipeline.