Temperature Sensing Pipe Liner for Pump Efficiency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring pump efficiency, particularly the thermodynamic method, face challenges when dealing with fluids that entrain particulates, as probes protruding into the flow can get clogged, leading to calibration issues and probe failure due to increased drag and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing pipe liner with a high thermal conductivity material, such as beryllium copper, integrated into the pipe section to measure fluid temperature non-invasively, eliminating the need for direct probe insertion and capable of withstanding corrosive and abrasive fluids, while providing spatially-averaged temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe is inserted directly into the fluid flow to measure temperature, then temperature measurement can be performed, but the probe gets clogged by particulates and fails due to increased drag and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensing pipe liner is introduced as an intermediary between the fluid and the temperature sensor. The liner is in direct contact with the fluid while the sensor remains protected inside the liner, eliminating direct exposure to particulates and harsh flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical probe insertion method is replaced with a non-invasive temperature sensing pipe liner that measures temperature through thermal conduction from the fluid to the liner and then to the sensor, avoiding mechanical intrusion into the flow.
2Measurement precision
If a probe is inserted directly into the fluid flow, then temperature can be measured, but the probe protrudes into the flow causing increased drag and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe liner acts as an intermediary that enables temperature measurement without requiring probe protrusion into the flow. The sensor remains recessed or protected within the liner structure, eliminating the harmful mechanical intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
Direct mechanical probe insertion is replaced with thermal conduction-based measurement through the pipe liner wall, substituting a mechanical intrusion system with a thermal field-based measurement system.
3Measurement precision
If conventional probe insertion is used for temperature measurement, then point measurement is achieved, but it does not provide spatially-averaged temperature measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement approach transitions from a single point measurement (probe tip) to a distributed measurement along the pipe liner surface. The liner provides temperature data across its entire surface area, adding spatial dimension to the measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing pipe liner serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, protects the sensor, enables spatially-distributed temperature measurement, and prevents probe clogging. A single component replaces multiple separate functions.
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 accurate and reliable pump efficiency measurement without disrupting fluid flow, even in challenging conditions, reducing the risk of probe failure and improving measurement accuracy across a wider range of fluid types, including slurries and corrosive substances.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensing pipe liner with a high thermal conductivity material, such as beryllium copper, integrated into the pipe section to measure fluid temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring pump efficiency includes a pump configured to pump a fluid, a suction pipe disposed upstream of a suction side of the pump, a discharge pipe disposed downstream of a discharge side of the pump, a first pipe section disposed between the suction pipe and the suction side of the pump, and a second pipe section disposed between the discharge pipe and the discharge side of the pump. Each of the first pipe section and the second pipe section includes a temperature sensing pipe liner configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in the first pipe section, and a thermal insulator disposed radially outward of the temperature sensing pipe liner.