Reducing Agent Hose Leak Detection via Conductive Jacket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reducing agent metering systems for selective catalytic reduction in combustion engines lack reliable detection methods for leaks in the delivery line, which can lead to inaccurate monitoring of the metering process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical conductor jacket around the delivery hose to monitor electrical conductivity between the reducing agent and the conductor, allowing for real-time detection of leaks by identifying sudden drops in resistance, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of the hose's surface for any damage or breaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monitoring is performed using NOx sensor signal evaluation, then the metering system can be monitored, but the leak detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (dye or fluorescent marker) added to the reducing agent that interacts with the exhaust gas or detection system to enable reliable leak detection. This intermediary substance serves as a mediator between the reducing agent and the detection mechanism, allowing accurate identification of leaks that cannot be detected by NOx sensor evaluation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical monitoring approach (NOx sensor evaluation) with an optical or electromagnetic detection method. By using dye or fluorescent markers that can be detected optically or electromagnetically, the system achieves superior leak detection accuracy compared to traditional mechanical monitoring methods.
2Measurement precision
If tank fill level comparison is used to monitor metering over time, then metering can be monitored with sufficient accuracy, but it cannot ensure complete introduction of reducing agent or detect leaks in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring by incorporating a detection mechanism that operates continuously throughout the reducing agent delivery process. The dye or fluorescent marker allows the system to continuously detect leaks as they occur, rather than relying on periodic comparisons of tank fill level changes, thus eliminating time loss and ensuring immediate detection of any reducing agent loss.
3Productivity
If conventional diaphragm pump or reciprocating pump is used, then reducing agent can be conveyed to the nozzle, but leak detection capability is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reducing agent delivery system multi-functional by adding leak detection capability to the existing pump and delivery infrastructure. The dye or fluorescent marker system integrates with the conventional diaphragm or reciprocating pump to provide both efficient reducing agent delivery and reliable leak detection, allowing one system to perform multiple functions simultaneously.
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 enables reliable and immediate detection of leaks in the delivery line, ensuring accurate metering and preventing undetected losses of the reducing agent, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the metering system.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring of the electrical conductivity between the reducing agent in the hose and the electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a reducing agent metering system for injecting a reducing agent into the exhaust gas stream of a combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction, with a feed pump, by means of which reducing agent is conveyed from a reducing agent tank via a delivery line and is introduced via at least one nozzle into the exhaust gas stream of the combustion engine, whereby the delivery line is formed by a hose (1) that has on the outside an electrical conductor (2) that encloses the hose (1) like a jacket, whereby the reducing agent metering system has a monitoring unit by means of which the electrical conductivity between the reducing agent in the hose (1) and the electrical conductor (2) is monitored.