Pressure Sensor Barrier Isolation for Pipeline Over-Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure sensors in pipeline systems, such as fire hydrant systems, are prone to damage from pressure spikes exceeding their maximum operating pressure, leading to repair or replacement needs.
Innovation Solution
An over-pressure protection system that includes a main body housing with an incompressible fluid and a pressure sensor configurable in activated and deactivated modes, featuring a barrier system that moves between positions to seal and unseal fluid pathways, deactivating the pressure sensor when pressure exceeds a threshold to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to monitor pipeline pressure, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but the sensors are vulnerable to damage from pressure spikes exceeding maximum operating pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier chamber filled with incompressible fluid acts as an intermediary between the pipeline pressure and the pressure sensor. The barrier chamber seal moves in response to pressure changes, transmitting pressure information to the sensor while isolating it from direct exposure to harmful pressure spikes. This mediator protects the sensor by decoupling the measurement function from the harmful environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier chamber with incompressible fluid provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and isolating pressure spikes before they reach the sensor. The incompressible nature of the fluid allows it to transmit pressure changes smoothly while preventing sudden shock loads from damaging the sensor, effectively cushioning the sensor against future pressure extremes.
2Reliability
If barriers are added to protect the pressure sensor, then sensor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the sensor from pressure spikes, transmits pressure information to the sensor for measurement, and provides a controlled environment for the seal mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable sensor protection.
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
Effectively protects pressure sensors from damage by deactivating them when pressure exceeds the threshold, preventing sensor failure and reducing maintenance costs through controlled pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
an incompressible fluid received in the main body chamber, the fluid defining a fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of an over-pressure protection system and a method for operating an over-pressure protection system are disclosed. The over-pressure protection system can comprise a main body housing defining a main body chamber; a fluid received in the main body chamber, the fluid defining a fluid pressure; a pressure sensor configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid, the pressure sensor configurable in an activated mode and a deactivated mode; and a control system configured to place the pressure sensor in the deactivated mode when the fluid pressure is equal to or above a pre-determined threshold pressure.