Non-invasive Vibration Sensor for Fluid Line Pressure Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting pressure anomalies in fluid pipes, such as 'water hammer,' are invasive and consume excessive electrical energy, leading to high maintenance costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive pressure anomaly detection device that uses a vibration detection module and a processing unit with low power consumption, switching to a higher energy mode only when anomalies are detected, and employs a neural network to differentiate between parasitic and anomalous vibrations, reducing energy usage and facilitating maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intrusive pressure sensors are used to constantly measure pressure in water pipes, then pressure anomaly detection capability is improved, but the invasiveness of the system increases and electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit alternates between a first active operating mode with higher electrical energy consumption for comprehensive pressure anomaly detection and a second standby operating mode with lower electrical energy consumption. The system periodically wakes from standby mode to perform detection activities and then returns to standby mode, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces intrusive pressure sensors that require piercing water pipes with non-intrusive vibration sensors that detect pressure anomalies through vibrations transmitted through the pipe wall. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive installation while maintaining anomaly detection capability.
2Reliability
If intrusive pressure sensors are installed in water pipes, then pressure anomaly detection capability is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates due to invasive installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces intrusive pressure sensors requiring pipe piercing with non-intrusive vibration sensors that attach to the external surface of pipes. This substitution maintains pressure anomaly detection capability while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility, as sensors can be installed and serviced without cutting or damaging the pipe infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If constant pressure measurements are performed, then pressure anomaly detection accuracy is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit performs constant pressure measurements only during brief active operating modes when wake-up events occur, rather than maintaining constant measurement operations. The system balances measurement precision needs with energy conservation by concentrating high-precision measurements into periodic intervals separated by low-power standby periods.
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 allows for efficient, low-energy detection of pressure anomalies in fluid pipes, reducing maintenance costs and improving operational safety by minimizing power consumption and invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration detection module (10), configured to detect the presence of at least one vibration characteristic of a pressure anomaly in the pipe, as a function of a pressure anomaly detection criterion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (6) for detecting pressure anomalies in a fluid line. This device (6) comprises a vibration detection module (10) adapted to be fixed to said fluid line (2), configured to detect the presence of at least one vibration characteristic of a pressure anomaly in said line (2) according to a pressure anomaly detection criterion, and, in the event of verification of said pressure anomaly detection criterion, sends a wake-up signal enabling the units of the detection device (6) to switch from a first standby operating mode, with limited electrical power consumption, to a second active operating mode.