Sensor-Integrated Flame Trap for Flashback Failure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame traps for preventing flashback in gas lines fail to effectively alert users to faults, making it difficult to perform timely failure analysis.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a sensor device with temperature, pulse, sound, and pressure sensors, along with a piezoelectric element, to capture and store flashback data, coupled with a light-emitting diode and interface for easy data transmission and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flame trap device is used to prevent flashback, then flashback prevention is achieved, but the ability to detect and analyze flashbacks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by equipping the flame trap with sensors (acoustic, pressure, temperature) that detect flashback events and transmit this information to external devices. This allows users to receive real-time or recorded feedback about flashback occurrences, their frequency, and intensity, transforming the previously passive safety device into an active monitoring system that provides actionable information for failure analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including sensor devices that detect flashback parameters, memory units that store flashback data, and transmission interfaces (such as light-emitting diodes and photoelements) that communicate with external devices. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the flashback event and the user, enabling indirect observation and analysis of flashback characteristics without compromising the primary flashback prevention function.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple sensors are added to detect flashback parameters, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a sensor device that integrates multiple detection capabilities (acoustic, pressure, temperature sensing) into a single unified module. This multi-functional sensor device can detect various flashback parameters simultaneously, reducing the need for separate independent components and minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated sensor device that combines acoustic sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors. By combining these components into one unified unit with shared processing and memory resources, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components, simplifies installation, and lowers overall system complexity while preserving the ability to detect multiple flashback characteristics.
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
Facilitates easy detection and logging of flashback frequency and intensity, enabling improved failure analysis and fault identification.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric element is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it responds very well to sudden pressure changes at the output of the device. This makes it easy to detect a pressure surge, pressure fluctuation, or pressure wave during a flashback via the piezoelectric element.
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor can also be used to detect a slowly continuing gas backfire on the basis of a temperature rise.
Implementation Method 3
The interface has a light-emitting diode. With this light-emitting diode, which can also serve as an indicator for occurred flashbacks, it is possible to read out information such as occurred flashbacks and their frequency by means of a modeled data stream.
Implementation Method 4
The interface has a photoelement. This photoelement can be used to transfer data from an external device to the device.
Data Source
AI summary
Device (1) for preventing flashback in a pipe carrying a flammable gas, more particularly a flame trap, wherein the device (1) has a housing (8), with at least one onward flow barrier (9) disposed therein, at least one gas non-return valve (10) disposed therein and at least one sintered body (11) disposed therein, wherein the device (1) comprises a sensor device (2), wherein the sensor device (2) captures and stores data such as the frequency and intensity of flashbacks.