Seal Leakage Flow Measurement With Absolute Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leakage sensors for seals are not universally applicable and lack reliability in determining the size of leakage flows due to their specific design and calibration requirements, and they fail to account for the absolute temperature, state of aggregation, and composition of the leakage medium, leading to inconsistent measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A method using a leakage sensor with a heating element and at least two temperature sensors to continuously or intermittently detect temperature differences in the leakage flow, accounting for the absolute temperature and composition of the medium, allowing for universal application across different media and seal types by calibrating measurements based on empirical curves or mathematical functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing leakage sensors are used with specific design and calibration requirements, then measurement can be performed for particular applications, but the sensors are not universally applicable and lack reliability across different media and seal types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a leakage sensor system that can measure leakage flows across different media types (liquids and gases) and seal configurations. The system uses a standardized heating element and temperature sensor arrangement that functions universally regardless of the specific medium or seal type, eliminating the need for application-specific sensor designs while maintaining measurement reliability through compensation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing compensation for absolute temperature, state of aggregation, and composition of the leakage medium. Instead of designing different sensors for different conditions, the system measures these parameters and adjusts the leakage flow calculation accordingly, allowing a single sensor design to reliably measure across varying conditions by dynamically adjusting measurement parameters.
2Measurement precision
If existing leakage sensors do not account for absolute temperature, state of aggregation, and composition of the leakage medium, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the leakage sensor system automatically measure and compensate for absolute temperature, state of aggregation, and composition of the leakage medium. The system performs these measurements and adjustments autonomously without requiring external intervention or complex additional equipment, improving measurement accuracy while keeping the system self-contained and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the absolute temperature and other medium properties, then using this information to adjust the leakage flow measurement in real-time. The system measures the temperature difference caused by the heating element and uses feedback from temperature sensors to compensate for variations in medium properties, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy across different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single seal construction is to be used for various applications, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to accurately determine leakage flow size across different media deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring and compensating for differences in absolute temperature, state of aggregation, and composition of different leakage media. This allows a single seal construction to be used universally while maintaining accurate leakage flow determination through dynamic adjustment of measurement parameters based on the specific medium being measured.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of leakage flow measurement by considering the absolute temperature, state of aggregation, and composition of the medium, enabling the use of a single seal construction for various applications and providing a universal solution for determining leakage flow sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element and at least two temperature sensors, which are in heat-transferring connection with the leakage flow
Implementation Method 2
at least two temperature sensors, which are in heat-transferring connection with the leakage flow
Implementation Method 3
continuously or intermittently detect temperature differences in the leakage flow
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring the size of a leak flow of a seal, in which a leak sensor is provided on a leakage side of the seal and comprises at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors that are thermally connected to the leak flow, having the following steps: - continuously or intermittently detecting, using the temperature sensors, a temperature difference in the leak flow across a leak channel section through which said leak flow passes, wherein a predetermined constant reference amount of heat is generated by the heating element and simultaneously transferred to the leak flow in said leak channel section, and determining the size of the leak flow currently, depending on the temperature difference currently detected; or - continuously or intermittently adjusting a constant temperature difference in the leak flow across a leak channel section through which the leak flow passes, by generating a variable amount of heat using the heat element and transferring the amount of heat to the leak flow in said leak channel section, and determining the size of the leak flow currently, depending on the amount of heat currently being generated. The claimed method is characterised in that, when determining the size of the leak flow currently, in addition to the current temperature difference detected when generating a constant reference amount of heat or in addition to the current amount of heat generated when adjusting a constant temperature difference, the current absolute temperature of the leak flow is detected and taken into account in the section through which the flow passes, before the heating element.