Turbomachine Leak Detection via Temperature Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting high temperature gas fluid leaks in turbomachines are inadequate, particularly in sensitive compartments with composite materials, as they fail to quickly identify leaks due to the inertia of temperature sensors, leading to potential damage from prolonged exposure to critical temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures temperature variations within a turbomachine compartment to detect leaks by calculating a temperature gradient, allowing for faster detection of high temperature gas fluid leaks, with sensors positioned at a distance from the pipes to minimize thermal disturbance and reduce detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensors are used to detect high temperature gas fluid leaks, then the detection method can identify leaks regardless of their origin, but the detection time is excessively long due to sensor inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions temperature sensors at predetermined locations within the fan compartment where high temperature gas is most likely to leak (such as near pipe penetrations and duct connections). This preliminary positioning ensures that when a leak occurs, the sensor is already in the optimal position to detect the temperature rise immediately, eliminating the need for sensors to traverse or scan multiple locations and reducing detection time while maintaining comprehensive leak detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional approach of using a single temperature sensor that reacts to ambient temperature changes with a distributed sensor network that directly measures gas temperature at critical locations. This substitution transforms the detection mechanism from indirect ambient temperature monitoring to direct gas temperature measurement, significantly reducing the thermal inertia and detection time while maintaining reliable leak detection
2Loss of time
If temperature sensors are positioned close to pipes for immediate detection, then detection speed improves, but the sensors suffer from thermal disturbance during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by positioning sensors at specific locations that balance proximity to potential leak sources with distance from normal high-temperature zones. Sensors are placed in areas where temperature gradients are steepest during leaks but where ambient temperatures remain lower during normal operation, such as near pipe penetration points and duct connections rather than along the entire pipe length. This selective positioning optimizes detection sensitivity while minimizing thermal disturbance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal insulation as an intermediary between the temperature sensors and the high-temperature gas pipes. This insulation layer allows the sensors to be positioned close to pipes for rapid leak detection while protecting the sensors from excessive thermal disturbance during normal operation. The insulation acts as a thermal buffer that blocks normal heat transfer but allows rapid temperature rise detection when leaks occur
3Reliability
If multiple pipes are monitored individually using prior art methods, then each pipe can be monitored, but the complexity increases and detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring of multiple pipes into a single integrated fan compartment monitoring system. Instead of implementing separate monitoring systems for each pipe, the invention uses a network of temperature sensors distributed throughout the fan compartment that collectively monitor all pipes passing through the compartment. This unified approach reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant monitoring infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive coverage of all potential leak sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system where temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor multiple different pipes, detect leaks from various sources (pipes, ducts, connections), and provide comprehensive coverage of the entire fan compartment. This multi-functional sensor network eliminates the need for pipe-specific monitoring equipment and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the ability to detect leaks from any source within the compartment
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 enables the detection of high temperature gas fluid leaks in turbomachines with a significantly reduced detection time, potentially lowering the exposure of composite materials to critical temperatures, thereby maintaining their integrity.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature variation of the air in at least one location in the compartment between two instants to obtain a temperature gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting a fluid leak in a turbomachine. The turbomachine includes a high temperature fluid source, at least one fluid distribution pipe adapted to distribute the fluid to different parts of the turbomachine and/or an aircraft which is to be equipped with the turbomachine, a turbomachine compartment in which the distribution pipe is at least partly accommodated, the compartment having in operation a low temperature relative to the high temperature of the fluid supplied by the fluid source. The method includes measuring a temperature variation in the compartment between two instants to obtain a temperature gradient, and detecting a fluid leak when the temperature gradient is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature gradient.