Sniffer Leak Detection Gas Flow Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During sniffing leak detection, it is challenging to differentiate between test gas escaping from a leak in a test object and interfering gas in the environment due to cross-sensitivities and similar gas components, which distort measurements and interfere with the detection process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves varying the flow intensity of the gas flow suctioned through the sniffer periodically while maintaining constant total pressure, allowing for the differentiation between test gas partial pressure components from leaks and interfering gases by analyzing the varying components of the test gas partial pressure that correspond to the frequency of the flow modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sniffer with two separate suction openings is used for test gas detection and reference measurement, then differentiation between test gas from leak and interfering gas is improved, but the distance between suction openings causes the reference gas not to be taken up at the test gas suctioning site, negatively affecting measurement result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test gas suction opening and reference measurement opening into a single integrated suction opening. The reference measurement is achieved by creating a reference condition within the same suction path, eliminating the distance separation problem while maintaining the ability to differentiate between test gas and interfering gas through comparative measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference gas flow path that merges with the test gas flow path at the suction opening. This intermediary reference mechanism allows simultaneous measurement of test gas and reference conditions at the same location, resolving the contradiction between differentiation capability and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the flow intensity of gas flow is varied periodically to distinguish test gas from interfering gas, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic variation of gas flow intensity through the suction opening to create distinguishable signal patterns. By modulating the flow intensity periodically, the system can differentiate between test gas from leaks and interfering gas based on their respective response characteristics to the periodic perturbation, improving leak detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the gas flow intensity through the suction opening, transitioning from static to dynamic operation. The flow intensity is varied periodically under control of a control device, enabling the system to extract information about leak presence and characteristics from the dynamic response of the gas flow and sensor signal.
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 effectively distinguishes between test gas from leaks and interfering gases, providing accurate leak detection by ensuring negligible pressure fluctuations and using a linear relationship between gas flow and pressure to determine the presence of leaks based on varying test gas partial pressure components.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is designed for detecting the test gas partial pressure of the test gas in the suctioned gas flow
Implementation Method 2
a gas pump generating the gas flow
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the varying components of the test gas partial pressure that correspond to the frequency of the flow modulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distinguishing a test gas escaping from a leak in a test object (21) from an interfering gas in the environment of the test object (21) during sniffing leak detection, having the steps: suctioning gas from the environment of the test object (21) in the region of the outer surface of the test object by means of a sniffing tip, which has a suction opening (14), which is connected, for gas conduction, to a sensor (18), which is designed to determine the test gas partial pressure of the test gas in the suctioned gas flow; varying, with periodic repetition, the flow intensity of the suctioned gas flow; setting a total pressure of the suctioned gas at the sensor (18) of at least 80 percent of the total pressure of the gas in the atmosphere (23) surrounding the test object (21); avoiding fluctuations of the total pressure of the suctioned gas at the sensor (18) of more than 10 percent; measuring the test gas partial pressure of test gas contained in the suctioned gas flow by means of the sensor (18); indicating that the test object (21) has a leak if the measured test gas partial pressure has a varying component, the average amplitude of which lies above a threshold value and which follows the variation of the suctioned gas flow.