Thermoelectric Process Seal Layout for Accurate Pipe Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric temperature measurement systems in pipelines face issues such as complex and expensive installation, sensitivity to breakage and abrasion, inadequate insulation, imprecise temperature measurement, and insufficient consideration of flow or filling level ratios, especially in narrow pipelines and under asymmetrical flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A process seal with integrated thermoelectric measuring points, featuring a sealing ring with electrically conductive structures forming thermocouples from two thermal materials, arranged in a way that allows for precise temperature monitoring and self-diagnosis, minimizing errors from pressure and fastening status, and enabling cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive temperature sensors are used to achieve precise temperature measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and temperature measurement function into a single integrated seal unit. The seal contains thermoelectric measuring points (thermocouples) embedded within its structure, eliminating the need for separate invasive temperature sensors. This integration maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to prevent leakage and contains integrated temperature measurement capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated temperature sensing devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise temperature monitoring.
2Ease of manufacture
If surface-mounted temperature sensors are used to simplify installation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to higher temperature measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement function is merged into the seal structure itself rather than being mounted separately on the surface. The thermoelectric measuring points are embedded within the seal material, combining the simplicity of surface mounting with the accuracy of integrated sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal material acts as an intermediary that conducts heat from the pipe to the embedded thermoelectric measuring points. This thermal conduction pathway ensures accurate temperature measurement while maintaining the simplicity of surface-mounted installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperature sensors are installed in narrow pipelines, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient insulation protection
Solution Approach 1:
The seal provides both sealing function and thermal insulation while containing the temperature measuring points. This integration ensures that even in narrow pipelines where separate insulation might be insufficient, the seal itself provides the necessary thermal protection for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as a flexible sealing element that can be adapted to narrow pipelines while providing thermal insulation. Its material properties and structure enable it to function effectively in confined spaces where rigid insulation systems would be impractical.
4Device complexity
If thermoelectric measuring points are integrated into the seal, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability worsens due to susceptibility to breakage and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric measuring points are embedded within the seal structure, protecting them from external mechanical damage. The seal material itself serves as a protective housing, reducing susceptibility to breakage and abrasion while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure provides pre-established protection for the embedded measuring points against mechanical stresses. This protective housing is built into the seal design from the beginning, cushioning the sensitive thermoelectric elements against breakage and abrasion before they can be damaged by external forces.
5Measurement precision
If multiple thermocouples are used to improve measurement accuracy under asymmetrical flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thermocouples are integrated into the seal structure in a systematic arrangement that captures temperature variations under asymmetrical flow conditions. This integration achieves improved measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of separate sensor mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates thermoelectric measuring points at specific locations optimized for detecting temperature variations under asymmetrical flow. This localized placement strategy improves measurement accuracy without requiring complex sensor arrangements throughout the entire system.
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 solution provides accurate temperature measurement and self-diagnosis with reduced error influence from medium pressure and fastening status, while maintaining sealing integrity and allowing for cost-effective installation, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric temperature measuring points... a thermoelectric temperature measuring point consisting of two metallic half-rings of different material, which are connected at diametrically opposite points
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a process seal for connections of pipe elements with integrated thermoelectric measuring points and a method for temperature measurement and self-diagnosis. The invention is based on the objective of improving a process seal and a method for temperature measurement and self-diagnosis. With regard to the process seal, this objective is achieved according to the invention by a process seal comprising a sealing ring (1) which has thermoelectric structures in one plane, which are formed in multiple asymmetrical circular or semicircular configurations and consist of a first thermomaterial (a) and a second thermomaterial (b), which together comprise at least three thermocouples (T1...T5, Ti, Tu) with known temperature-voltage dependence, wherein the first thermomaterial (a) and the second thermomaterial (b) form several thermonodes (4) arranged circumferentially around the sealing ring (1), and wherein electrical connecting leads (6) are routed from the thermonodes (4) parallel to the sealing ring (1) to a connection component (S) on the outer edge of the sealing ring (1) and from there to the outside, and are electrically connected in parallel, series and/or differential circuits, generating combined thermoelectric voltage signals which are used for temperature measurement and/or fault correction and/or self-diagnosis. With regard to the method, the problem is solved by the sealing ring (1) being connected via several thermonodes (4.1 to 4.2).5) has devices with which a temperature mean value on the inner pipe wall and/or a temperature difference between the top of the inner pipe and the bottom of the inner pipe as well as to the outer wall is determined.