UV Lamp Sleeve Break Detection Using Remote Pressure Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection systems face challenges in reliably detecting quartz sleeve breaks in UV lamps due to issues like airlocks preventing water from reaching detectors, leading to delayed or false alarms, especially in installations not horizontal, and complex electronic pressure sensor setups that are costly to scale up.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple glass sleeves connected via tubing with non-return valves to a remote pressure sensing means, including a pressure switch and manifold, allowing for quick and reliable detection of sleeve breaks without direct power supply, and utilizing pneumatic connections to monitor pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-based detection systems are used to detect sleeve breaks, then detection capability is provided, but airlocks may prevent water from reaching the detector causing delayed or failed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure sensing instead of water-based detection. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure differential across the quartz sleeve, detecting breaks when pressure equalizes between the internal and external environments. This pneumatic approach eliminates airlock issues that plague water-based systems.
2Measurement precision
If electronic pressure sensors are used in each lamp assembly, then accurate pressure detection is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates pressure sensing functionality into a single centralized sensor that monitors the entire UV chamber rather than requiring individual sensors for each lamp assembly. This merging approach maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor serves multiple functions: detecting sleeve breaks, monitoring chamber pressure conditions, and providing system-wide safety monitoring. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors.
3Speed
If pressure sensing means are placed near lamp assemblies, then rapid detection is achieved, but the sensing means are subjected to harsh conditions reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic coupling system that transmits pressure information from the harsh UV chamber environment to a remote, protected pressure sensor. This intermediary pneumatic linkage allows rapid detection while shielding the sensor from damaging conditions.
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 rapid and accurate detection of sleeve breaks, reducing false alarms and system downtime by using pressure changes to trigger alarms, even in non-horizontal installations and without active lamp operation, ensuring seamless operation of UV disinfection plants.
Implementation Method 1
glass sleeve breaks are detected by the resulting change in pressure within the glass sleeve
Implementation Method 2
connecting multiple glass sleeves in a single system by tubing via non return valves to a pressure sensing means
Data Source
AI summary
A UV disinfection system including at least one UV lamp assembly with a sleeve surrounding a UV lamp and defining an inner volume. The UV disinfection system further includes at least one pressure sensor. At least one non-return valve connects the inner volume of the at least one sleeve to the pressure sensor. The UV disinfection system is configured to detect a sleeve breakage by the resulting change in pressure at the at least one pressure sensor. A break detection device for a UV disinfection system with a pressure detector includes at least one tubing which communicates directly or indirectly with an inner volume of a sleeve surrounding at least one of a UV lamp unit.