KR101021882B1 - Gas leak predicting system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A gas leak detecting system and a method thereof are provided to detect gas leakage in use of a gas range regardless of the kind of the gas range, the number of fire holes, and the size of the fire holes. CONSTITUTION: A gas leak detecting system comprises following steps. Present pressure between a middle valve and a gas range is measured in real time during use of the gas range(S401). The present pressure is compared with the predetermined lowest base pressure(S402). If the present pressure is lower than the lowest base pressure, a middle valve is cut off(S404). Error signals are indicated in a display unit(S405). Warning tones are sounded(S406).

Description

Gas leak detection system and method {GAS LEAK PREDICTING SYSTEM AND METHOD}

The present invention relates to a gas leak detection system and method, and more particularly, in a gas supply facility including a gas range, the pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range when the crater of the gas range is opened to the maximum standard. By setting the pressure, the present invention relates to a gas leak detection system and method capable of detecting a gas leak during use of the gas range regardless of the type, the number and size of the fireballs.

In general, an intermediate valve is installed in a gas supply facility for supplying gas to gas equipment such as gas ranges and gas ovens using gas such as LPG and LNG. Open and close by

The gas supply facility is equipped with a double stabilizer by an ignition device installed in a gas machine and an intermediate valve installed in a gas pipe.

If the gas supply pipe, gas equipment or intermediate valve is aged, there is a possibility of gas leakage, resulting in the risk of gas waste and gas explosion accident.

In order to prevent the risk as described above, a technique related to a gas leakage prevention system and method has been known (Korean Patent Registration 10-0551958, 10-0836072, 10-0721932, 20-0205686), and the Republic of Korea Patent Registration Looking at one embodiment described in the number 10-0551958; registration date;

5 is a flow chart of the gas leakage prevention operation according to the prior art, it is determined whether the gas range is ignited (S12) to measure the flow rate of the gas when the gas range is not ignited (S13), when the flow rate is measured of the intermediate valve If it is determined that the opening (S14) is not opened, the intermediate valve is configured to send an alarm signal by determining that the gas leaks.

The prior art can determine the gas leakage from the intermediate valve, but if there is no gas leakage by the intermediate valve, the gas pipe between the intermediate valve and the gas range or the connection between the gas range and the gas pipe or gas cooker There is a problem that can not be determined about the gas leak.

Therefore, the first object of the present invention for solving the above problems is that between the intermediate valve and the gas range when the crater of the gas range is opened to the maximum while the gas range is turned on immediately after the gas supply facility including the gas range is made. By setting and storing the pressure at the lowest reference pressure, it is possible to detect a gas leak during the use of the gas range regardless of the type of the gas range, the number and size of the fireballs. It is to provide a gas leak detection system and method that can detect the gas leak between the intermediate valve and the gas range, the third object of the present invention is the gas by aging pipe connection installed between the intermediate valve and the gas range It is to prevent gas waste or gas explosion accidents caused by leakage.

The present invention has been made in order to achieve the above object, the gas leak sequestration system in the gas leak detection system and method of the present invention is a control unit for controlling and managing the entire gas leak detection system, and the flow rate for detecting the gas flow rate A sensor, a flow rate measuring unit configured to receive a signal sensed by the gas flow rate sensor in real time, calculate and transmit a gas flow rate value to the control unit, a flow rate display unit displaying a gas flow rate value transmitted to the control unit, and detect a gas pressure A pressure sensor configured to receive a signal sensed by the gas pressure sensor in real time, calculate a gas pressure value, and transmit the calculated gas pressure value to the controller; a pressure display unit displaying a gas pressure value transmitted to the controller; While the leak detection system is measuring gas pressure in real time from the start of gas pressure measurement, Select a timer / counter that counts the elapsed time and sends it to the control unit and a lowest reference pressure setting mode that measures the pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range when the gas range is turned on by the user and all craters are fully open; Or a mode selection unit for selecting a gas cooker daily use setting mode, and all the fireballs are opened in sequence from the time when the user starts to open the first crater in the lowest reference pressure setting mode, and the gas pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas cooker Time setting for setting the reference time indicating the interval until the time at which it can be determined whether or not to be maintained within this predetermined range or for setting the time the intermediate valve is open when using the gas range set by the user in the daily use setting mode Section for initializing the gas leakage system. And an external input unit for receiving external data and transmitting the external data to the control unit, and in the lowest reference pressure setting mode, if there is no pressure change during the reference time set to determine whether the lowest reference pressure exists, the controller is configured to measure the currently measured pressure. A storage unit for determining the lowest reference pressure and storing the set time at which the intermediate valve is opened when the gas range is used in the reference time, the lowest reference pressure and the daily use mode, and the pressure currently measured in the daily use mode. It may be configured to include a comparison unit and the determination unit for determining the size by comparing with the minimum reference pressure.

In addition, the gas leakage detection system of the present invention displays a signal indicating that the reference time and the minimum reference pressure is set / stored in the lowest reference pressure setting mode, and in the daily use mode, the intermediate valve is Displays the set time that is open, and displays the error signal when the control unit receives a signal that the current measured pressure is less than the minimum reference pressure, whether or not the power is supplied from the power supply system and whether or not the gas is supplied from the gas supply system. The display unit may further include a display unit which displays an error signal when the test is performed and displays a normal signal when the test is performed.

In addition, the gas leakage detection system of the present invention checks the power supply in the power supply system and the gas supply in the gas supply system in the daily use setting mode, if the power is not supplied or the gas is not supplied, the intermediate valve It may be configured to further include blocking.

In addition, the gas leakage detection system of the present invention, if the control unit receives a signal that determines that the pressure currently measured in the daily use mode is less than the minimum reference pressure, the control unit blocks the intermediate valve to the operating unit 211 The method may further include transmitting a control signal.

In addition, the gas leak detection system of the present invention, if the control unit receives a signal that the current measured pressure in the daily use mode is less than the minimum reference pressure, the control unit transmits a control signal to sound an alarm to the alarm unit It may be configured to further include.

In addition, the gas leak detection system of the present invention may manually operate the intermediate valve opening / closing, or the control unit is opened / closed of the intermediate valve with the pressure and flow rate detected by the pressure sensor and the flow sensor It is possible to automatically operate the opening / closing of the intermediate valve by transmitting a control signal to the operating unit, or one of the intermediate valve opening / closing may be automatically operated and the other may be manually operated. It may be configured to include more.

The minimum reference pressure setting method in the gas leak detection method of the present invention includes selecting a minimum reference pressure setting mode, executing an intermediate valve opening, and whether the crater of the gas range is fully opened while the gas range is turned on. It may include the step of confirming and determining, indicating that the lowest reference pressure is set, and blocking the intermediate valve.

In addition, the method of setting the lowest reference pressure in the gas leak detection method of the present invention, in the step of confirming and determining whether the crater of the gas range is opened to the maximum while the gas range is turned on, If there is a change, the method may further include retrying the determination of the maximum opening of the gas cooker, and if there is no change in the flow rate within the set reference time, setting and storing the lowest reference pressure.

In addition, the lowest reference pressure setting method in the gas leak detection method of the present invention may further comprise the step of setting a reference time before the step of performing the intermediate valve opening.

In addition, the minimum reference pressure setting method in the gas leak detection method of the present invention includes a test mode selection step before the step of executing the intermediate valve opening or the setting of the reference time, whether the power supply is normal, normal operation of the electronic system It may further comprise the step of checking and determining the presence, absence of gas leakage and the presence of gas supply.

 In addition, the lowest reference pressure setting method in the gas leak detection method of the present invention may be performed automatically or manually by selecting the lowest reference pressure setting mode.

Gas leakage detection method of the present invention measuring the current pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range in real time during use of the gas range, comparing and determining the current pressure in real time with a predetermined minimum reference pressure and the current pressure is set in advance If less than the minimum reference pressure, shutting off the intermediate valve; and if the current pressure is greater than or equal to the preset minimum reference pressure, comparing and determining the current pressure with the preset minimum reference pressure in real time. It may comprise the step of executing.

In addition, the gas leak detection method of the present invention in the step of comparing and determining the current pressure with a predetermined minimum reference pressure in real time, if the current pressure is less than the predetermined minimum reference pressure, and displays an error signal on the display unit In addition, the method may further include generating an alarm sound.

According to the gas leak detection system and method of the present invention,

First, by setting and storing the pressure when the stove is open at the maximum when the stove is turned on to the lowest reference pressure, it is possible to prevent the gas leakage during the use of the stove regardless of the type, number and size of the stove. Can be detected.

Second, by detecting the amount of gas leaked when the crater of the gas range is opened to the maximum, it is possible to detect a gas leak in the pipe or connection between the intermediate valve and the gas range.

Third, it is possible to prevent the waste of gas and gas explosion accidents caused by the leakage of water.

1 is an installation configuration installed before and after the intermediate valve according to the gas leakage detection system and method of the present invention
2 is a block diagram 200 of the gas leak detection system of the present invention
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of setting a lowest reference pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a gas leak during use according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of a gas leakage preventing operation according to the related art.

The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as limiting in their usual or dictionary meanings, and the inventors may properly define the concept of terms in order to best explain their invention in the best way possible. It should be interpreted as meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[Example]

In the gas leak detection system and method of the present invention, in the gas leak detection system according to an embodiment, Figure 1 is a block diagram 100 is installed before and after the intermediate valve, Figure 2 is a configuration of the control and measurement device 200.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 with respect to the system according to the invention in detail,

In Figure 1, one side of the lower pipe 102 is connected to the lower portion of the intermediate valve 101, the other side is connected to the gas range 106.

One side of the upper pipe 103 is connected to the upper portion of the intermediate valve 101 and the other side is connected to a gas supply source (not shown).

In the lower pipe 102, a pressure sensor 104 and a flow sensor 105 are attached to the inner wall of the pipe and are exposed to the flow path.

The gas range 106 constitutes a crater having a different size, and in FIG. 1, the gas range 106 constituting four craters is illustrated as an embodiment, but the gas range 104 having four craters is illustrated in the embodiment. It is not limited to this.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the configuration and operation principle of the system in detail,

The gas leak detection system of the present invention includes a control unit 201 for controlling and managing the entire gas leak detection system 200, a flow sensor 105 for detecting a gas flow rate, and a signal detected by the gas flow sensor 105. Flow rate measurement unit 202 for receiving the gas flow rate value in real time and calculating and transmitting the gas flow rate value to the control unit 201, a flow rate display unit 203 for displaying the gas flow rate value transmitted to the control unit 201, and detecting the gas pressure. The pressure sensor 104 and the pressure measuring unit 204 for receiving a signal sensed by the gas pressure sensor 104 in real time, calculating a gas pressure value, and transmitting the calculated gas pressure value to the control unit 201, and the gas transmitted to the control unit 201. The pressure display unit 205 for displaying the pressure value and the gas leakage detection system 200 count the elapsed time while measuring the gas pressure in real time from the start of the gas pressure measurement, and transmit the counted time to the control unit 201. Timer / counter (206), power ball Select the mode to check the presence or absence of normal operation of the measurement system, gas leakage and gas supply, select the lowest reference pressure (P1) setting mode, or select the gas range daily use setting mode. Set a reference time (t1) for determining whether or not the lowest reference pressure (P1) in the lowest reference pressure (P1) setting mode, and the time that the intermediate valve is open when using the gas range in the daily use setting mode. a time setting unit 215 for setting t2, a reset 216 for initializing the gas leakage system 20, an external input unit 217 for receiving external data and transmitting it to the control unit 201, and a reference time (t1), the lowest reference pressure (P1) and the storage unit 208 for storing the time t2 the intermediate valve 101 is open when using the gas range in the daily use mode, and in the daily use mode, the current measured pressure ( Preset / Save P3) The comparison unit 209 and the determination unit 210 for determining the magnitude of the case compared to the lowest reference pressure P1, and the presence or absence of the power supply in the power supply system and the gas supply in the gas supply system in the daily use setting mode If no power is supplied or no gas is supplied, the intermediate valve 101 is shut off, and the control signal 201 determines that the pressure P3 currently measured in the daily use mode is smaller than the lowest reference pressure P1. When received, the control unit 201 receives a control signal for blocking the intermediate valve 101, the operating unit 211 for blocking the intermediate valve 101, and the pressure (P3) currently measured in the daily use mode is the lowest When the control unit 201 receives a determination signal smaller than the reference pressure P1), the control unit 201 receives a control signal and causes the alarm device to sound an alarm, and displays various data and signals. The display unit 207 and It is configured to hereinafter.

The display unit 207 displays a signal indicating that the set reference time t1 and the lowest reference pressure P1 are set / stored in the lowest reference pressure P1 setting mode.

In addition, the display unit 207 displays a set time t2 which is a time that the intermediate valve 101 is opened when the gas range is used in the daily use mode.

In addition, the display unit 207 displays an error signal when the control unit 201 receives a determination signal that the currently measured pressure P3 is smaller than the minimum reference pressure P1.

In addition, the display unit 207 checks the presence or absence of power supply in the power supply system and the presence / absence of gas supply in the gas supply system, and displays an error signal if it is none, and displays a normal signal if it is.

The gas leakage system of the present invention may operate both the opening and closing of the intermediate valve 101 manually, or may operate all of them automatically, or the operating of any of the opening and closing of the intermediate valve 101 may be performed manually. The other can be activated automatically.

In the case of automatically operating the opening / closing of the intermediate valve 101 in the gas leakage system of the present invention, the control unit 201 controls the intermediate valve 101 at the pressure and flow rate sensed by the pressure sensor 104 and the flow sensor 105. Judging the opening / closing of the control unit 211 transmits a control signal to execute the opening / closing of the intermediate valve 101.

In the gas leak detection system and method of the present invention, in the gas leak detection method according to an embodiment, FIGS. 3 and 4 are a flow chart 300 for the lowest reference pressure setting method and a gas leak detection method during daily use. Flowchart 400.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the method of setting the minimum reference pressure in the gas leak detection method and the gas leak detection method while using the gas range in detail,

In FIG. 3, the method of setting the lowest reference pressure in the gas leak detection method includes selecting a test mode (S301) to inspect whether power supply is normal, whether the electronic system is normally operating, whether gas is leaked, and whether gas is supplied. In operation S302, it is determined whether the device is normal (S303). If any one of the inspection targets is not normal, the display unit 207 indicates that the device is normal (S304).
The presence or absence of the gas leak is determined by opening the intermediate valve 101 in a state in which all the craters are closed and leaking the gas when the flow of the gas is detected through the pressure sensor 104 and the flow rate sensor 105.
When the power supply is not normal, the operation unit 211 is operated by using the reserve power to lock the intermediate valve 101. Although not shown, a gas leak detection and warning device, such as the present invention, is equipped with a reserve power supply to satisfy the type approval and certification of gas leakage alarm standards (KOFEIS 0309), Fire Protection Agency Notification No. 2005-95 (December 30, 2005) . Since it is provided with a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

If all of the inspection targets are normal, the step of selecting the lowest reference pressure setting mode (S305) is performed.

The minimum reference pressure setting mode selection method (S305) can be performed automatically or manually.

That is, when the lowest reference pressure setting mode selection (S305) method is automatic, it is determined whether the normal state is normal (S303), and if it is normal, the lowest reference pressure setting mode selection (S305) is automatically executed. If the selection S305 method is manual, the mode selection unit 214 selects the lowest reference pressure setting mode.

After selecting the lowest reference pressure (P1) setting mode (S305), setting the reference time (t1) for judging whether the lowest reference pressure (P1) is set (S306), the intermediate valve is opened (S307), and the gas range is changed. Turn on step (S308).
Here, the lowest reference pressure (P1) setting mode is a mode for measuring the pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range when the gas range is turned on by the user and all the craters are opened to the maximum,
The reference time t1 is from the time when the user starts to open the first crater to the time when all the craters are opened in maximum and the gas pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range is maintained within a certain range. Indicates the interval of.

When the reference time t1 is stored in advance in the storage unit 208, the intermediate valve immediately after executing the minimum reference pressure setting mode selection S305 without executing the reference time t1 setting step S306. Opening is performed (S307).

When the change in the flow rate is maintained within a predetermined range during the reference time t1, it is determined that there is no change in the flow rate, and the current pressure P3 is set and stored as the lowest reference pressure P1.

The change in the flow rate maintained within a certain range means a change in the flow rate within a certain value, and the change range of the flow rate is predetermined to any one specific value and is applied to the lowest reference pressure setting method of the present invention. It is not limited to a specific value. For example, the range of the flow rate change has a lower limit and an upper limit, the lower limit may be determined in consideration of the measurement error of the flow rate detector 208, and the upper limit is set to an appropriate value by a predetermined reference value for determining the stable state of the gas. It should be noted that such reference values are well recognized by those skilled in the art as empirical observations.

The opening of the intermediate valve can be done automatically or manually and the gas range on can be done manually.

Next, all the craters of the gas range are opened to the maximum, and steps (S309 and S310) of checking and determining whether the crater is opened to the maximum are performed.
When the lowest reference pressure setting mode is performed, the gas leak detection system of the present invention opens the intermediate valve and informs the user of the progress of the reference pressure setting mode. For example, the display unit 215 blinks to inform the progress of the lowest reference pressure setting mode. When the display flashes, the user opens and fires all the stoves one by one.
The flow rate changes every time the user opens the craters of the gas range 106 one by one, and the flow rate becomes constant only after the user opens all the craters. The change in the flow rate between the intermediate valve and the gas range is maintained within a predetermined error range while the gas discharge from the crater of the gas range is made stable.
In practice, the time until the flow rate becomes constant may vary depending on the manufacturer of the gas range, the capacity of the gas range, the number of fireballs, and the like. However, it is virtually impossible to design in consideration of all these variables, so it is set statistically and empirically by referring to the general conditions, that is, the capacity and the number of craters according to the usage. In other words, the gas cooker with four craters is the most used for general household use. Based on this, the time required for the user to open all craters and the time required to open the next crater is statistically and empirically determined. Set the time t1.

If there is a change in the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit 205 within the reference time (t1), it is determined that the opening of the crater is in progress and the maximum opening of the crater is confirmed and retryed (S309, S310) (S311). ), If there is no change in the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit 205 during the reference time t1, it is determined that the crater is opened to the maximum, and sets and stores the lowest reference pressure P1 (S312), and the display unit ( In step 207, a signal indicating that the lowest reference pressure has been set is displayed (S313), and the intermediate valve shutoff (S314) is executed and then terminated.

The setting and storage of the lowest reference pressure P1 is performed immediately after the gas supply facility 100 including the gas range 106 is made, and the crater of the gas range is opened to the maximum while the gas range 106 is turned on. By setting and storing the pressure when there is a minimum reference pressure P1, it is possible to detect a gas leak during use of the gas range 106 regardless of the type of gas range, the number and size of the fireballs. There are features of the system and method.

In FIG. 4, the gas leak detection method during the use of the gas range measures the current pressure P3 in real time between the intermediate valve 101 and the gas range 106 while using the gas range (S401), and calculates the current pressure P3. A step S402 of comparing the preset lowest reference pressure P1 in real time is performed, and a step S403 of determining the magnitude of the current pressure P3 and the lowest reference pressure P1 according to the comparison result is performed.

If the current pressure P3 is smaller than the minimum reference pressure P1, it is determined that there is a gas leak between the intermediate valve 101 and the gas range 106, and the intermediate valve 101 is shut off (S404), and the display unit 207 In step S405, an error signal is displayed, and the alarm signal sounds (S406).

If the current pressure P3 is equal to or greater than the minimum reference pressure P1, it is determined that there is no gas leak between the intermediate valve 101 and the gas range 106, and the current pressure P3 is determined in real time with the lowest reference pressure P1. The comparison and determination steps (S402 and S403) are repeatedly executed (S407).

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit of the invention, and such modifications and variations belong to the appended claims.

101: intermediate valve 102: lower pipe
103: upper pipe 104: pressure sensor
105: flow sensor 106: gas range
201: control unit 202: flow measurement unit
203: flow rate display section 204: pressure measurement section
205: pressure display unit 206: timer / counter
207: display unit 208: storage unit
209: comparison unit 210: judgment unit
211: operation unit 212: alarm unit
213: main switch 214: mode selector
215: time setting unit 216: reset
217: external input unit

Claims (3)

A control unit for controlling and managing the entire gas leak detection system;
A flow sensor for detecting a gas flow rate;
A flow rate measuring unit configured to receive a signal sensed by the gas flow rate sensor in real time, calculate a gas flow rate value, and transmit the calculated gas flow rate value to the controller;
A flow rate display unit displaying a gas flow rate value sent to the control unit;
A pressure sensor for sensing gas pressure;
A pressure measuring unit configured to receive a signal sensed by the gas pressure sensor in real time, calculate a gas pressure value, and transmit the calculated gas pressure value to the controller;
A pressure display unit displaying a gas pressure value transmitted to the control unit;
A timer / counter for counting and transmitting the elapsed time while the gas leakage detection system is measuring the gas pressure in real time from the start of the gas pressure measurement to the controller;
A mode selection unit for selecting a minimum reference pressure setting mode for measuring pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range while the gas range is turned on by the user and all the craters are opened to the maximum;
In the lowest reference pressure setting mode, from the time when the user starts to open the first crater, all the craters are opened in sequence and the gas pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range is maintained within a predetermined range. A time setting unit for setting a reference time indicating an interval up to a point in time, or for setting an opening time of the intermediate valve when using the gas range set by the user in the daily use setting mode;
A reset to initialize the gas leak detection system;
An external input unit for receiving external data and transmitting the external data to the controller;
In the lowest reference pressure setting mode, if there is no change in pressure during the reference time set to determine whether the lowest reference pressure exists, the controller determines the currently measured pressure as the lowest reference pressure, and the reference time, the lowest reference pressure and In the daily use mode, the storage unit for storing the set time that the intermediate valve is open when using the gas range;
A comparison unit and a determination unit in the daily use mode, which determines a magnitude by comparing the currently measured pressure with the lowest reference pressure;
In the lowest reference pressure setting mode, it displays a signal indicating that the reference time and the lowest reference pressure has been set / stored, and also in the daily use mode, the set time indication that the intermediate valve is open when using the gas range, the current measurement If the control unit receives a signal that the determined pressure is less than the minimum reference pressure, the controller displays an error signal, and checks whether there is power supply from the power supply system and whether or not gas is supplied from the gas supply system. A display unit for displaying a normal signal if it is present; Gas leak detection system comprising a. delete Measuring in real time the current pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range during use of the gas range;
Comparing and determining the current pressure with a preset lowest reference pressure in real time;
Shutting off the intermediate valve if the current pressure is less than the preset minimum reference pressure;
If the current pressure is equal to or greater than the preset minimum reference pressure, repeatedly comparing and determining the current pressure with the preset minimum reference pressure in real time; And
Displaying an error signal on a display unit and generating an alarm sound when the current pressure is less than the preset minimum reference pressure; Including;
Here, the lowest reference pressure is set in the lowest reference pressure setting mode for measuring the pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range when the gas range is turned on by the user and all the craters are opened to the maximum,
Indicating an interval from the time when the user starts opening the first crater to the time when all the craters are opened in maximum and the gas pressure between the intermediate valve and the gas range is maintained within a certain range. Setting a reference time;
Executing the opening of the intermediate valve;
Checking and determining whether the crater of the gas range is opened at the maximum while the gas range is turned on, that is, whether there is a change in flow rate during the reference time; And
And if there is no change in the flow rate within the set reference time, setting and storing the measured pressure as the lowest reference pressure.

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