Self-Sensing Composite Vessel for High-Pressure Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure media storage vessels lack effective internal pressure monitoring, particularly during storage and transportation, due to the need for additional external pressure sensors that are costly and inefficient in detecting minute leaks, and existing technologies do not integrate self-sensing capabilities within the vessel's barrier liner.
Innovation Solution
A self-sensing liner with piezoelectric materials, such as PVdF and PZT composites, is integrated into the vessel, providing real-time pressure and temperature monitoring through its piezoelectric properties, combined with additional barrier enhancements like nano-sized clay particles and coatings, and strain sensors like optical fibers for early detection of flaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external pressure sensors are used for monitoring, then pressure monitoring capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional parts and post-production installation
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric material is integrated directly into the barrier liner structure, merging the pressure sensing function with the existing liner component. This eliminates the need for separate external pressure sensors and their associated mounting hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier liner is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary barrier function against media permeation and damage, while also incorporating piezoelectric materials that enable pressure and temperature sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external sensing components
2Measurement precision
If external pressure gauges are fitted during service, then pressure monitoring is enabled, but measurement precision is insufficient for detecting minute leaks from sub-critical flaws
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric sensing capability is built into the barrier liner during manufacturing, enabling pressure monitoring functionality to be prepared in advance. This eliminates the need for post-production installation of external gauges and ensures the system is ready for immediate high-precision monitoring of minute pressure changes from sub-critical flaws
3Reliability
If polymer liners are used for barrier performance, then resistance to permeability and chemical attack is improved, but self-sensing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier liner is constructed as a composite material system that combines polymer materials (for barrier performance against permeation and chemical attack) with piezoelectric materials (for pressure and temperature sensing). This composite structure enables the liner to simultaneously provide excellent barrier properties and self-sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric materials are integrated within the polymer liner structure, merging the barrier function with the sensing function. This allows the single liner component to provide both protection against media permeation and real-time pressure/temperature monitoring
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
Enables continuous, sensitive monitoring of pressure and temperature within the vessel, allowing for early detection of leaks and structural flaws, enhancing safety and reducing the need for external sensors, while maintaining high barrier performance.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric materials have shown suitability as pressure sensors, as they produce a charge when subjected to an external force, allowing changes in pressure to be measured.
Implementation Method 2
Changes in temperature result in a deformation of a piezoelectric material due to thermal expansion effects, which will also induce a charge.
Implementation Method 3
Certain polymer based liners offer good resistance to permeability, heat and chemical attack making them suitable for high pressure media storage.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
High pressure media storage vessel comprising a wall made of at least one layer with barrier and piezoelectric properties.