Ultrasonic Thickness Monitoring via Multiplexer Switch Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic measurement systems for monitoring wall thinning in heavy industry plants require extensive cabling and significant time to reposition transducers for multiple measurements, leading to high installation costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a multiplexer switch module with a primary two-conductor connection to connect a base apparatus to ultrasonic sensing elements, allowing for multiple measurements without additional wiring, by using individual switches to selectively connect each sensing element and transmit high-voltage pulses for ultrasonic wave generation and signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ultrasonic transducers are used for multi-spot measurements, then measurement coverage is improved, but cabling complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer connections into a single two-conductor cable by implementing a daisy-chain topology where each transducer is connected in series. The output of one transducer connects to the input of the next, allowing multiple measurement points to be accessed through a single cable run, thereby reducing cabling complexity while maintaining multi-spot measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The two-conductor cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to all transducers, carries excitation signals, and returns echo signals from all measurement points. This multi-functional cable design eliminates the need for separate cables for each transducer, reducing installation complexity while enabling comprehensive measurement coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If transducers are repositioned for multiple measurements, then comprehensive inspection is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with multiple transducers permanently mounted at various measurement spots along the pipeline. Each transducer is pre-positioned to cover specific inspection zones, eliminating the need for repeated repositioning during actual measurements. The daisy-chain connection allows the system to quickly switch between pre-positioned transducers, enabling comprehensive inspection without time-consuming manual repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sequential measurements at multiple pre-positioned transducer locations in a periodic manner. The multiplexer switches between connected transducers in sequence, allowing comprehensive inspection of different pipeline sections through systematic cycling through the array of permanently mounted transducers, thereby achieving thorough coverage without repeated physical repositioning
3Reliability
If dedicated cabling is used for each transducer, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated cable connections into a single two-conductor cable by using a daisy-chain topology. Each transducer is connected in series to the same two conductors, reducing material costs and installation complexity while maintaining signal integrity through proper impedance matching and shielding of the shared cable
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 configuration reduces cabling costs and enables efficient, multi-spot wall thickness measurements, allowing for the same two-conductor connection to transmit pulses, power, and control signals, thereby streamlining the measurement process and reducing installation expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultrasonic oscillator units each comprising a ultrasonic wave retarding material and an ultrasonic oscillator that are arranged one- or two-dimensionally to obtain arrays of ultrasonic probes
Implementation Method 2
a receiving element for receiving a reflection wave of the guided wave from an inspection region of the object under inspection
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for monitoring a thickness of an asset includes an ultrasonic measurement system and a multiplexer switch module connected by a primary two-conductor connection. The multiplexer switch module includes one or more individual switches that are connected to one or more secondary connections that each terminate in an ultrasonic sensing element. The ultrasonic measurement system includes a controller configured to send a switching command signal to the multiplexer switch module to selectively close an individual switch of the individual switches to connect the primary two-conductor connection with a respective one of the secondary connections. The ultrasonic measurement system is configured to send an electrical pulse through the primary two-conductor connection across the closed individual switch and through the respective secondary connection to cause the associated ultrasonic transducer to generate an ultrasonic wave.