Non-invasive Thermal Dispersion Flow Meter for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water meter systems are ineffective in detecting small fluid leaks and do not monitor water temperature, leading to delayed detection of leaks that can cause significant property damage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive thermal dispersion row meter with chronometric monitoring that uses sensor probes with no moving parts to detect water flow as low as a few ounces per hour, incorporating temperature sensors and a heating element to measure flow rates and trigger alarms or valve controls, and includes features for detecting slab leaks and preventing freeze bursts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical water meters are used to detect fluid flow, then basic flow measurement is achieved, but small fluid leaks cannot be detected and mechanical parts wear out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical meter components with a thermal dispersion sensing system that uses heated sensors to detect fluid flow. The system measures heat transfer from heated elements to the flowing fluid, eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving superior leak detection sensitivity down to 0.1 gallons per hour.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical displacement to thermal conductivity. By monitoring temperature changes and heat transfer rates in the fluid, the system can detect extremely small flows that mechanical meters would miss, while the solid-state thermal sensors have no parts to wear out.
2Temperature
If traditional water meters are installed, then flow measurement is provided, but water temperature monitoring is not available leading to undetected freeze damage
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal dispersion flow meter performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures flow rate through heat transfer detection and monitors water temperature through the same thermal sensing elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature monitoring devices and enables early freeze detection to prevent pipe damage.
3Measurement precision
If non-invasive thermal sensing is used to detect leaks, then small leaks are detected early, but the system complexity increases with multiple sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flow measurement and temperature monitoring functions into a single thermal dispersion sensor assembly. By measuring both heat transfer rate and temperature differential across the same sensor elements, the system achieves precise leak detection while minimizing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The system effectively detects leaks in residential and commercial structures, preventing structural damage and water loss by triggering alarms and shutting off water supply, while also conserving water and reducing insurance claims.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor probe having no moving parts and including a temperature sensor and a heating element is clamped onto a pipe or onto a thermally conductive heat transfer medium between the fluid and the system
Implementation Method 2
The sensor probe having no moving parts and including a temperature sensor and a heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure.