TWI491865B - A device for detecting fluid leakage - Google Patents

Description

Device for detecting fluid leakage

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to fluid leak detection. More specifically, the subject matter relates to a device for detecting fluid leakage in a fluid discharge tube attached to a power transformer device.

In the process control industry, automated control valves are widely used to control process fluid mass flow and/or speed in industrial processes. In some cases, particularly in batch processes, it is necessary for the valve to achieve tight shut-off conditions when it is closed. The phrase "tight shut-off" refers to a valve position in which zero or near zero fluid flows through the valve. In particular, there is a tight shut-off condition in the absence of fluid flow through the valve or in the event that the fluid flow is reduced to such a level that the flow fluid has a negligible effect.

In industrial processes where tight valve shut-off conditions are required, if the valve is not tightly closed, leakage of the resulting material into the batch formulation can destroy the batch. Leakage can present a hazard to plant personnel if the tight shut-off valve is leaking harmful or toxic chemicals. Also, in industrial processes, in the case of leak-proof conditions required under normal operating conditions using a rupture disk, and due to oil/fluid leakage due to partial rupture.

In addition, leaks threaten the environment, humans, equipment and commerce. It is inevitable in today's technologically complex environments. Everyone must fight against the leak and plan for it. It can be catastrophic without being quickly discovered. It can cause a lot of damage and is difficult to remove, even dangerous. However, if it is rapid If a leak is detected, a timely warning can be used to indicate that the critical equipment is starting to fail. Early fast actions prevent damage and disruption of services.

In the prior methods, a temperature level sensor and a pressure level sensor are used for fluid leakage detection. These sensors are included in the chamber/slot in which the fluid is collected. These types of methods help detect leakage of fluid through the trough. However, this type of method cannot be used to detect fluid leakage through a closed valve disposed between an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe of an industrial process.

Components that are detected when a tight shut-off valve leaks are being needed in the process control industry. Specific embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to these and other problems and provide advantages over the prior art.

The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by providing methods and systems as described in the description.

The subject matter disclosed herein addresses the limitations of the prior art by mounting a device having a fluid level switch under a fluid discharge tube for detecting fluid leakage through a closed valve.

The subject matter disclosed herein provides an anti-operational error device for detecting fluid leakage.

The system disclosed in this subject lacks a pressure sensor, temperature sensor or steam sensor component and is economical. Additionally, the systems disclosed herein include the smallest intricacies involved in operation.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the various techniques provided in the present invention. Other specific examples and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and It is considered part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary aspect, a device for detecting fluid leakage via a closed valve disposed in one of a fluid discharge tube is disclosed. The device includes a fluid collection compartment attached to the bottom of the fluid discharge tube for collecting fluid leaking through a closed fluid discharge valve or rupture disk. The fluid collection compartment includes at least one through hole at each of the top and bottom portions, the cross-sectional area of the through hole being the same as the cross-sectional area of the fluid discharge tube, wherein the area surrounding the through hole of the bottom portion of the fluid collection compartment The fluid is configured to collect the leaked fluid; and the bottom portion of the fluid collection chamber is coupled to a fluid discharge conduit. The fluid discharge tube extends through the through hole to a predetermined height into the fluid collection chamber. The apparatus also includes at least one fluid level switch positioned at a predetermined location of the fluid collection compartment, the fluid level switch triggering an alarm to indicate fluid leakage after a predetermined amount of fluid is collected in the fluid collection compartment .

The foregoing summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, additional aspects and features will become apparent from the Detailed Description.

The novel features and characteristics of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The specific embodiments of the present invention, as well as the preferred modes of use, and further objects and advantages thereof, are best understood by the following detailed description of the invention. By example only In the following, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements.

The above features and technical advantages of the present invention have been broadly described in order to provide a better understanding of the following detailed description of the invention. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the concept and specific aspects disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for the same purpose. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention (as both in terms of its organization and method of operation), as well as additional objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the claims

1 is an exemplary configuration showing the integration of a fluid leak detecting device and a fluid discharge pipe (1). At least one fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2) is disposed within the fluid discharge pipe (1). As is apparent from the figure, the fluid leakage detecting device is integrated at the bottom of the fluid discharge pipe (1). The fluid discharge pipe (1) is divided into two different portions of the upper fluid discharge pipe (1a) and the lower fluid discharge pipe (1b). The upper fluid discharge pipe (1a) has one end connected to the fluid storage tank. The other end of the upper fluid discharge pipe (1a) is connected to the receiving end/inlet port of the fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). The lower fluid discharge pipe (1b) has one end connected to the outlet port of the fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). The other end of the lower fluid discharge pipe (1b) is connected to the fluid receiving The top portion of the compartment (3). A fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2) is disposed between the upper fluid discharge pipe (1a) and the lower fluid discharge pipe (1b). The upper fluid discharge pipe (1a) and the lower fluid discharge pipe (1b) are connected to the discharge valve or the rupture disk (2) by using a fastener. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, nuts and screws, rivets. During normal industrial processes, the fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2) is opened to drain the fluid collected in the tank via the fluid discharge pipe (1). However, there are situations where fluid tends to leak through a closed fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). This fluid leakage is not an ideal action when the discharge valve or rupture disk (2) is closed. Leakage can cause loss of industrial resources and damage to industrial equipment.

Figures 2a and 2b show detailed views of the fluid collection compartment (3). A fluid collection compartment (3) is attached to the bottom of the drain tube to collect the leaked fluid when the discharge valve or rupture disc (2) is closed. The shape of the fluid collection compartment (3) includes, but is not limited to, squares, rectangles, circles, and any other shape that serves the purpose. Fluids collected in the fluid collection compartment (3) include, but are not limited to, combustion cooling oil, insulating oil, diesel, petroleum, and water. The fluid discharge pipe (1) connecting the fluid collection compartment (3) has an extended bifurcated portion (7). The extended bifurcated portion (7) of the fluid discharge tube (1) is connected to the fluid collection compartment (3) using at least one of welding, brazing, and cold forging. However, the fluid discharge tube (1) can be connected to the fluid collection compartment (3) using any other technique. The fluid collection compartment (3) has at least one through hole (4) or aisle at each of the bottom and top surfaces of the fluid collection compartment (3). A through hole (4) on the top surface of the fluid collection compartment (3) is connected to the extended bifurcation portion (7) and a through hole (4) at the bottom surface of the fluid collection compartment (3) Connect to the fluid discharge tube (5). The fluid discharge tube (1) is identical to the central axis of the through hole (4) at the bottom and top surfaces of the fluid collection compartment (3). This is because the pressurized fluid should flow directly through the through holes (4) to the oil collection pit without overflowing in the fluid collection compartment (3), regardless of when the fluid discharge occurs. However, there may be a possibility that fluid may enter the fluid collection compartment (3) due to the extended bifurcation portion (7) provided at the bottom of the fluid discharge tube (1). In this case, the necessary mechanism must be included to drain the fluid collected in the fluid collection compartment (3).

In addition, the fluid collection compartment (3) is provided with a fluid collection area (8). This area is provided at the bottom of the fluid collection compartment (3). The fluid collection zone (8) is an area surrounding the through hole (4) at the bottom surface of the fluid collection compartment (3). This area is used to collect leaking fluid from the fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). It has been observed that there is a possibility of fluid leakage through the closed fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). Since the leaked fluid has a relatively inadvertent pressure, it flows on the side wall of the fluid discharge pipe (1). When the leaked fluid reaches the bottom surface of the fluid discharge pipe (1), the leaked fluid continues to flow on the side wall of the extended branching portion (7) of the fluid discharge pipe (1) instead of the fluid through the through hole (4) The collection compartment (3) is directly dripped. This will cause the leaked oil to be collected at the fluid collection area (8) of the fluid collection compartment (3). A fluid discharge tube (5) is connected to the bottom portion of the fluid collection compartment (3). In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid discharge tube (5) extends through the through hole (4) up to a predetermined height into the fluid collection compartment (3). This keeps the collected leaked fluid in the fluid collection area (8) because the extension of the oil discharge tube acts as a means of protecting the collected The exposed fluid is free of sidewalls that escape through the through holes (4) on the bottom surface of the fluid collection compartment (3). However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various ways of retaining the leaked fluid in the collection area can be envisioned.

The fluid collection compartment (3) is further provided with at least one fluid level switch (6). The fluid level switch (6) is positioned at a predetermined location of the fluid collection compartment (3). In the present invention, the fluid level switch (6) is positioned at the corner of the bottom portion of the fluid collection compartment (3). The desired configuration is made at the fluid collection compartment (3) to secure the fluid level switch (6) in the fluid collection compartment (3). Additionally, a cut of a predetermined size and shape is made at one of the sides of the fluid collection compartment (3). The shape of the slit can vary, including but not limited to square, rectangular, circular, oval, and any other shape that serves the purpose. The slit is sized such that it allows the operator or maintenance personnel to reach out to the fluid level switch (6) with ease and without any difficulty. Also, it provides a supply to peep into the fluid collection compartment (3). In addition, a predetermined number of locking holes surrounding the portion of the slit (8) are made. A locking plate (9) having the same number of locking holes is attached to the fluid collection compartment (3) to conceal the slit (8). This is because the fluid should not overflow through the slit (8) when discharging the fluid via the fluid discharge pipe (1). Therefore, in order to avoid fluid overflow and loss of fluid, a locking plate (9) is provided. The number of locking holes varies from 2 to 10.

As explained in the prior art, there is a possibility that fluid may leak through a closed fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). The leaked fluid is collected in the fluid collection compartment (3). The fluid level switch (6) senses the presence of fluid in the fluid collection compartment (3). Fluid based on the amount of fluid leaked The level switch (6) causes the float of the fluid level switch (6) to rise or fall with the liquid level. The magnetic force of the magnet inside the float will cause a reed switch to operate. The reed switch will open when the float moves away from the reed switch, and the reed switch is turned "on" if the float moves closer to the reed switch. The fluid level switch (6) will turn on the reed switch after a predetermined amount of leaking fluid has been collected in the fluid collection region (8). Once the reed switch is turned on, it triggers an alarm to indicate a possible leak through the closed fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2). The types of alerts include, but are not limited to, vision, audio, and combinations thereof. Any type of alert for the operator's alert or signaled purpose can be configured in the system.

In addition to the above, a fluid discharge plug (10) is also provided in the fluid collection compartment (3) to discharge fluid collected in the fluid collection area (8). The collection of fluid in the fluid collection region (8) may be during operation of the fluid draining or leaking fluid. A mechanism may be provided to cut off an alarm to indicate fluid leakage when the fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2) is opened for discharge of fluid.

The written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and is intended to enable any one skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the claims, and may include other examples that are apparent to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that do not differ from the language of the patent application, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that have non-substantial differences in the language of the application In the scope of patent application Inside.

With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art can convert the plural to the singular and/or the singular to the plural to apply to the context and/or application. For the sake of clarity, various singular/plural permutations are explicitly set forth herein.

Although various aspects and specific examples have been disclosed herein, other aspects and specific examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and specific examples disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

1‧‧‧Fluid discharge pipe

1a‧‧‧Upper fluid discharge pipe

1b‧‧‧ Lower fluid discharge pipe

2‧‧‧Fluid Discharge Valve/Fracture Disk

3‧‧‧Fluid collection compartment

4‧‧‧through hole

5‧‧‧ Fluid discharge pipe

6‧‧‧Fluid level switch

7‧‧‧Extended bifurcation

8‧‧‧Fluid collection area/incision

9‧‧‧Locking plate

10‧‧‧Fluid discharge plug

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a device for detecting fluid leakage in a fluid discharge tube of an industrial process.

2a and 2b show an illustrative diagram of a device for detecting fluid leakage through a closed valve.

The drawings depict specific examples of the invention for purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments of the structures and methods described herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

1b‧‧‧ Lower fluid discharge pipe

4‧‧‧through hole

5‧‧‧ Fluid discharge pipe

6‧‧‧Fluid level switch

7‧‧‧Extended bifurcation

8‧‧‧Fluid collection area/incision

10‧‧‧Fluid discharge plug

Claims (9)

A device for detecting fluid leakage via a closing valve or rupture disk disposed in a fluid discharge pipe (1), the device comprising: a fluid collection compartment (3) attached to the fluid discharge pipe (1) a bottom for collecting fluid leaking through a closed fluid discharge valve or rupture disk (2), the fluid collection compartment (3) including at least one through hole (4) at each of the top and bottom surfaces, wherein An area of the through hole (4) of the bottom surface of the fluid collection compartment (3) is configured as a fluid collection area (8) to collect the leaked fluid; and a bottom surface of the fluid collection compartment (3) Extending through the through hole (4) until a predetermined height is connected to one of the fluid discharge pipes (3); at least one fluid level switch (6) positioned in the fluid collection compartment (3) One of the internal predetermined positions to trigger an alarm to indicate fluid leakage after a predetermined amount of fluid is collected in the fluid collection area (8). The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the fluid discharge pipe (1) has an extended bifurcation portion connected to a through hole (4) at a top surface of the fluid collection compartment (3) ( 7) to direct the leaked fluid into the fluid collection region (8) of the fluid collection compartment (3). The device of claim 1, wherein all of the openings are formed on at least one side of the fluid collection compartment (3). A device according to claim 3, wherein a predetermined number of locking holes having a predetermined shape and size are provided on a peripheral portion of the slit. The device of claim 1 or 4, further comprising at least one locking plate (9) having a predetermined number of locking holes, by means of the locking plate (9) and the A locking hole on both of the peripheral portions of the slit, the fastener is attached to the slit side of the fluid collection compartment (3) using a fastener. A device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid collection compartment (3) is provided with at least one discharge plug (10) for discharging fluid collected in the bottom portion of the fluid collection compartment (3). The device of claim 1, wherein the type of the alert is selected from at least one of audio and visual. A transformer explosion control system comprising the apparatus of claim 1 of the patent application. A transformer comprising a transformer explosion control system for detecting oil leakage via the closed valve disposed in a drain pipe as in claim 8 of the patent application.