Wireless Liquid Detection in Pneumatic Supply Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial plants, detecting liquid contamination in pneumatic supplies is challenging due to the closed nature of the systems, making it difficult for operators to identify and address water or liquid presence, which can damage equipment and affect performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid detection device with an electronic sensor and wireless communicator is integrated into the pneumatic supply system, allowing for real-time detection and transmission of liquid presence data to a plant computer network, enabling operators to receive alerts and schedule maintenance accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If liquid traps and drains are installed in pneumatic lines, then liquid removal is improved, but operator awareness of liquid contamination remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by installing sensors that continuously monitor liquid levels in pneumatic lines and automatically notify operators when liquid contamination is detected. This closes the information loop, allowing operators to respond to actual contamination levels rather than relying on periodic manual inspection or assumption that drains are functioning properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing system between the liquid contamination and the operator. Rather than operators directly observing or manually checking for liquid, automated sensors act as intermediaries that detect liquid presence and transmit this information to operators through notifications, bridging the information gap.
2Productivity
If pneumatic supply systems are made closed for efficiency, then operational efficiency is improved, but detection of liquid contamination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection methods with automated electronic sensing systems. Instead of operators physically opening and inspecting pneumatic lines, electronic sensors continuously monitor for liquid contamination, maintaining the closed system's efficiency while enabling automatic detection without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensing technology as an intermediary that can detect liquid contamination through the closed pneumatic system walls or via sample ports without requiring system opening. This intermediary detection capability allows the closed system to maintain both its operational efficiency and its detectability of contamination.
3Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used for liquid detection, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the pneumatic system to automatically monitor and report its own contamination status through integrated sensors and notification systems. The system serves itself by detecting liquid contamination and alerting operators without requiring external manual inspection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining acceptable complexity levels.
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 timely alerts and maintenance notifications, reducing equipment damage and performance issues by facilitating the detection and management of liquid contamination in pneumatic supplies, enhancing operational efficiency and equipment longevity.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic liquid sensor configured to be coupled to a pneumatic supply and to detect the presence of liquid in the pneumatic supply
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods of detecting and providing an alert regarding the presence of liquid contamination in a pneumatic supply line and/or in a pneumatic instrument are described. A liquid detection device configured to be coupled to the pneumatic supply includes an electronic liquid sensor configured to detect the presence of liquid in the pneumatic supply and a wireless communicator configured to transmit data from the electronic liquid sensor to a wireless communication node. The liquid detection device may be installed at different locations along a pneumatic supply in a plant. The plant network can forward the transmitted message from the communication node onto a plant computer, where and alert or other message may be provided to an operator or other computer system when water or other liquid is detected.