Pneumatic Branch Diagnostics for Leak Detection and Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic system leaks or leakage faults are historically difficult to diagnose and fix in the field, requiring extensive skill and time, and often go undetected, causing secondary issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting components of a pneumatic system to different configurations, measuring leakage in each configuration, and comparing the measurements to threshold values to determine if a leak exists and its location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual diagnosis methods are used by field service engineers, then diagnostic capability can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive skill and knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring pressure decay in different channels and comparing results to thresholds, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error methods by field service engineers while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical diagnosis procedures are replaced with an automated electronic system that uses pressure sensors, microprocessors, and algorithmic analysis to detect and locate leaks, reducing both time and skill requirements
2Measurement precision
If traditional manual diagnosis methods are used, then leak detection can be performed, but extensive skill and detailed system knowledge are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs leak detection and location without requiring field service engineers to have extensive pneumatic system knowledge, as the microprocessor-based system guides the process and interprets results
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control system acts as an intermediary between the pneumatic components and the operator, translating complex pressure measurements into simple pass/fail results and leak location information
3Measurement precision
If trial and error sub-branch isolation methods are used, then leak location can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and does not always yield proper results
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system is divided into multiple channels that can be independently tested for pressure decay, allowing systematic identification of leak locations without relying on trial-and-error isolation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback by comparing measured pressure decay values against predetermined thresholds, enabling reliable and consistent leak detection without the uncertainty of manual trial-and-error methods
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 approach enables the pneumatic system to self-diagnose leaks, reducing the time and skill required for diagnosis and improving the accuracy of leak detection and location.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure decay within the first channel is measured, wherein the first pressure decay is based at least in part on a change in pressure within the first channel over a first period of time
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to diagnosing and locating fluid leakage within a pneumatic system (5) using a minimal amount of pressure sensors (55, 75, 89). In general, each branch (51, 71, 85) of a pneumatic system (5) includes an associated pressure sensor (55, 75, 89) and in accordance with how the pneumatic components (57, 59, 61, 77, 91, 93, 95) associated with the pneumatic branch (51, 71, 85) are toggled and monitored, leaks can be detected and located within the branch (51, 71, 85) using a minimal amount of pressure sensors (55, 75, 89). More specifically, pressure and pressure decay may be measured by the sensors (55, 75, 89) within a branch (51, 71, 85) while the pneumatic components (57, 59, 61, 77, 91, 93, 95) are in a particular configuration. The configuration is thereafter changed, and pressure and pressure decay are again measured by the sensors (55, 75, 89). The results of these two measurements may enable the pneumatic system (5) to derive the presence and location of a leak.