WO2023282430A1

WO2023282430A1 - Leak detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2023282430A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/003463
Authority: WO
Inventors: 안재진; 김서영
Original assignee: 하이리움산업(주)
Priority date: 2021-07-05
Filing date: 2022-03-11
Publication date: 2023-01-12
Also published as: KR20230006958A

Abstract

Disclosed is a leak detection device. The leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a coupling surface coupled to a fitting that connects pipes for transporting a fluid and has at least one leakage hole which is formed on one side surface of the fitting and can discharge leaking fluid when the fluid leaks out from one or more of the pipes; one or more sensing grooves which are formed on the coupling surface and can accommodate the at least one leakage hole; and a collection space which is formed to a certain depth from each of the one or more sensing grooves and collects the leaking fluid. The collection space includes therein a detection material that can detect the fluid. The remainder of the coupling surface other than the one or more sensing grooves is in close contact with the fitting, and thus the fluid collected in the collection space does not flow out of the collection space.

Description

leak detector

The present invention relates to a leak detection device, and more particularly, in a fitting connecting a pipe through which a predetermined fluid (eg, hydrogen, etc.) flows, without the influence of the external environment, it is possible to easily check only whether or not the fluid leaks with the naked eye, , It relates to a leak detection device that is easy to replace and manage.

Pipes through which a predetermined fluid is transported are used in various fields, and in particular, fittings used as connecting members are widely known when a pipe needs to be connected for extension of the pipe.

A risk of leakage of fluid may be relatively high at a connection portion of the pipe, that is, a coupling portion of the fitting. In particular, when the fluid is a highly flammable gas such as hydrogen, there is a risk of an accident such as an explosion due to leakage of the fluid, so it may be very important to detect whether the fluid leaks in time.

Various types of fittings are being used on the market. Among them, a fitting product is known in which a hole communicating with the connection part is formed on one surface of the fitting in order to more conveniently detect whether or not fluid leaks in the connection part of the fitting. An example of this is shown in FIG. 1 .

1 shows an example of a fitting in which a hole for checking fluid leakage is formed.

Referring to FIG. 1, corresponding to the connection parts (eg, 11a, 11b, 11c) and the connection parts (eg, 11a, 11b, 11c) of the fitting 10 body and the pipe formed on the side surface of the fitting 10 body Holes (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c) formed at locations are shown.

In the case of the fitting shown in FIG. 1 , fluid may be discharged through formed holes (eg, 12a, 12b, and 12c) when leakage occurs in the connection portion. When the fluid is a gas such as hydrogen, the user is allowed to check whether or not there is leakage while bringing a predetermined electronic detection device to the holes (eg, 12a, 12b, and 12c).

However, when such a separate detection device is not provided, there is a problem in that it is virtually impossible to check whether fluid is detected with the naked eye.

In addition, in the case of an electronic detection device for detecting gas, it is possible to check whether fluid is leaking, but there is a problem in that management efficiency may be lowered because it is not possible to check where the leakage location is.

In addition, conventionally, a method of preventing leakage by applying silicone to the connection portion of the fitting is also used. In this case, when a problem such as leakage occurs, the removal and reinstallation of the applied silicone is very cumbersome and difficult.

Therefore, there is a need for a technical concept that makes it easy to attach and detach, to make installation and management convenient, and to easily check whether or not fluid leaks with the naked eye.

In addition, a technical concept capable of fundamentally preventing confusion caused by an external environment or external factors (eg, ultraviolet rays, external gas (hydrogen, etc.)) in addition to fluid leakage is required.

* Prior art literature

- Patent literature

Patent Document 1. Korean Registered Patent (Registration No. 10-1848020, "Protection cover for pipe fittings capable of detecting leakage")

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technical idea that can easily and conveniently check whether or not fluid leaks from a fitting to which a pipe is connected, even with the user's naked eye, through whether or not the detection material is discolored.

In addition, it is possible to secure a collection space where leaked fluid can be collected and detected, so that the detection material does not directly touch fittings or other elements, thereby preventing discoloration due to the external environment or external factors, as well as being sufficiently utilized even at high temperatures. It is to provide a possible technical idea.

The leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem connects pipes through which fluid is transported and can discharge the leaked fluid when the fluid leaks from at least one of the pipes on one side. A coupling surface coupled to a fitting having at least one leak hole formed thereon, at least one sensing groove formed on the coupling surface to accommodate the at least one leak hole, and a predetermined distance from each of the at least one detection groove. It includes a collection space formed to a depth to collect the leaked fluid, wherein the collection space is provided with a detection material capable of detecting the fluid therein, and the remaining area of the coupling surface excluding the at least one detection groove. may be characterized in that the fluid collected in the collection space is not leaked out of the collection space in close contact with the fitting.

In addition, the at least one sensing groove may be formed to individually correspond to each of the at least one leak hole.

In addition, the detection material may include a material that changes color upon contact with the fluid.

In addition, the leak detection device may include at least one fixing part extending toward the coupling surface to have a predetermined width and a predetermined length to support fixation to the fitting.

In addition, the second surface may be characterized in that at least a part is formed transparently.

In addition, the second surface may be characterized in that it is formed as transparent only as much as a predetermined range around a position corresponding to the detection material on the second surface.

In addition, the second surface may be characterized in that a transparent portion is formed by including a blocking layer or a predetermined blocking material capable of blocking light of a specific wavelength.

In addition, the second surface may include at least one detection groove formed to have a smaller area than the detection material at a position corresponding to the detection groove.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily and conveniently check with the user's naked eye whether or not fluid leaks from a fitting to which a pipe is connected through discoloration of the detection substance, and detachment of the detection substance as well as the attachment and detachment of the housing is also possible. It is easy to install, manage, and remove.

In addition, the present invention can secure the collection space formed by the detection grooves, so that the detection material may not directly contact fittings or other elements, so that discoloration due to external environments or external factors is prevented, as well as sufficient even at high temperatures. There are beneficial effects that can be used.

In order to more fully understand the drawings cited in the detailed description of the present invention, a brief description of each drawing is provided.

2 shows an example of coupling a leak detection device and a fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 shows an implementation example of a leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5 show an example of installing a detection material in a leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 7 are views for explaining a detection method of a leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and includes all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this specification, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other It should be understood that the presence or addition of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, focusing on embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals in each figure indicate like members.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , in the leak detection device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the leak detection device 100 may be coupled to one side of the fitting 10 .

As described above, the fitting 10 may have at least one leakage hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c) formed on one surface through which leaked fluid can be discharged, and the leak detection device 100 One side of the fitting 10 to be coupled may mean a side on which the at least one leak hole (eg, 12a, 12b, and 12c) is formed.

A predetermined fluid may be transferred to a pipe connected through the fitting 10 . The fluid may be in various forms such as gas and/or liquid. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the case where the fluid is a gas and especially hydrogen is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

In addition, in the present specification, a case in which the fitting 10 is formed with three connection parts (eg, 11a, 11b, and 11c) so that pipes can be connected in three directions is described as an example, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. don't The fitting 10 may be in the form of connecting pipes in two directions or in the form of connecting pipes in four or more directions.

In any case, the fitting 10 may have holes corresponding to each connection part according to the number of connection parts. Holes corresponding to each connection portion may be formed such that fluid leaking from each connection portion may be discharged.

Referring to FIG. 3, the leak detection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention connects pipes through which fluid is transported and discharges the leaked fluid when the fluid leaks from at least one of the pipes on one side. A coupling surface 110 coupled to the fitting 10 having at least one leak hole formed therein, and formed on the coupling surface 110 to accommodate the at least one leak hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c) At least one detection groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c) formed to be formed at a predetermined depth from each of the at least one detection groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c) and a collection space in which leaked fluid is collected. can include

In addition, the collection space may be provided with a predetermined detection material capable of detecting the fluid therein.

In addition, in the leak detection device 100, the remaining area of the coupling surface 110, except for the at least one detection groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c), is in close contact with the fitting 10 and collected in the collection space. It may be implemented so that the fluid does not flow out of the collection space.

Depending on the embodiment, the leak detection device 100 may include a fixing part 130 for fixing the coupling with the fitting 10 . The fixing part 130 has a predetermined width and a predetermined length from the side surface of the leak detection device 100 toward the coupling surface, as shown in FIGS. It may be formed to extend to have and support fixation to the fitting 10.

According to the technical concept of the present invention, the leak detection device 100 may be detachably coupled to the fitting 10 . For example, the leak detection device 100 may be fitted to the fitting 10 through the fixing part 130 and may be easily detachable as needed.

Meanwhile, the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) may be formed to correspond to the at least one leakage hole (eg, 12a, 12b, and 12c), respectively, as shown in the drawing. Depending on implementation, one sensing groove (eg, 120a) may be formed to accommodate a plurality of holes. However, in the latter case, since it may be difficult to specify the exact leak location when fluid leakage occurs, preferably, the at least one leak hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c) has a sensing groove (eg, 120a, 120b) , 120c) may be formed to correspond individually to each other.

That the at least one leakage hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c) is accommodated in the sensing groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c) means that the coupling surface 110 and one surface of the fitting 10 When in close contact, the at least one leak hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c) is not blocked by the coupling surface 110 and can be located within the inlet range of the corresponding sensing groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c) can mean implemented.

According to an embodiment, when the leak detection device 100 is coupled to the fitting 10, as described above, the remaining regions of the coupling surface 110 except for the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) It may be preferable that the fitting 10 is in close contact with one side of the fitting 10 as much as possible. This means that when fluid leaks from any one connection part (eg, 110a, 110b, or 110c) of the fitting 10, the fluid leaked into the corresponding collection space among the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, or 120c) It is to be collected, but it may be to prevent leakage or movement of fluid leaked to other sensing grooves or other collection spaces where leakage has not occurred, and/or to the outside.

Meanwhile, the shape of the sensing grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) is not limited to the shape shown in the drawing, and may be formed in various shapes as needed. However, in any case, the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) form the at least one leakage hole (eg, 12a, 12b, and 12c) when the leak detection device 100 and the fitting 10 are coupled. While being accommodated, it may be formed to have a predetermined depth in the leak detection device 100 so as to have a collection space within a predetermined range inside the leak detection device 100. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the sensing grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) may have various shapes such as various polygons, circles, and ellipses in addition to the shapes shown in the drawings, but as the grooves are formed, the inside of the leak detection device 100 Each collection space should be formed to collect the fluid leaked from the at least one leak hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c).

A detection material may be provided in the collection space formed by the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c). The detection material may be provided in the collection space formed by the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c), and may include a material that may change color relatively quickly upon contact with the fluid.

In addition, the user may be implemented to check whether or not the color of the detection material is discolored through the second surface instead of the coupling surface 110 of the leak detection device 100, and the leakage of the fluid through whether or not the color of the detection material is discolored. can check whether

For example, when the fluid leaks through the at least one leakage hole (eg, 12a, 12b, 12c), the leaked fluid contacts the detection substance in the collection space, and the detection substance is discolored, and the user It can be known that the fluid is leaking by confirming that the detection material is discolored.

In addition, the second surface may be a surface opposite to the coupling surface 110, and may mean other side surfaces adjacent to the coupling surface 110 according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, a case in which the second surface is opposite to the coupling surface 110 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the detection material will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

First, referring to FIG. 4 , the detection material 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention is discolored in a relatively short time when in contact with the fluid transported through the pipe, and includes a substance that can visually check whether or not the fluid leaks. can be configured.

For example, when the fluid is hydrogen, the detection material 140 may be implemented in various forms, such as discoloration paper or paint that discolors upon contact with hydrogen, or silicon or other materials containing such a material.

The drawing shows the detection material 140 in the case of having a token shape and implemented with silicon including a material that can be quickly discolored upon contact with a fluid (eg, hydrogen). Of course, the detection material 140 is not limited to the token form shown in the drawing, and any form can be easily attached or detached in the detection groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c) and the user can easily check whether the color is discolored. It can be implemented in any form. For example, the detecting material 140 may be implemented in the form of a token-shaped discoloration paper, or may be implemented in a form in which paint that changes color upon contact with a fluid is applied to a predetermined material in the form of a token. In any case, when the detection material 140 comes into contact with the fluid, at least the entire surface of the detection material 140 may be discolored.

The detection material 140 may be installed in the collection space in the detection groove (eg, 120a, 120b, 120c). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection material 140 is as shown in FIG. It may be installed in a form attached to the ends of the sensing grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c).

When the detection material 140 is discolored due to fluid leakage after being attached, it needs to be easily replaceable when inspection and repair of the leakage site are completed. Accordingly, it may be preferable that the detection material 140 is easily detachable in the leak detection device 100, that is, in the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c). For example, when the detecting material 140 is implemented in the form of a token as shown in FIG. 4, an adhesive material for attachment is applied to one side so that it can be attached and detached where needed like a general sticker. .

As described above, the user can check whether the detection material 140 is discolored through the surface opposite to the coupling surface of the leak detection device 100 and detect whether or not fluid leaks. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7 .

First, FIG. 6 is a view looking down at the coupling surface 110 of the leak detection device 100, and as described above, each of the sensing grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) formed on the coupling surface 110 A detection material 140 may be provided.

Since the coupling surface 110 is a surface that is in close contact with the fitting 10 when the fitting 10 and the leak detection device 100 are coupled, the user is not the coupling surface 110 but the leak detection device ( It is possible to check whether the detection material 140 is discolored through the second side, which is the other side of 100).

According to one embodiment, the user can check whether the detection material 140 is discolored through the opposite side surface 111 of the coupling surface 110 of the leak detection device 100. That is, the second surface may be the surface 111 opposite to the coupling surface 110 in the leak detection device 100 .

To this end, as shown in FIG. 7 , at least a portion of the second surface 111 may be formed transparently. For example, positions corresponding to ends of the sensing grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) on the second surface 111 may be transparently formed. Depending on the embodiment, the entire second surface 111 may be formed transparently.

Meanwhile, the detection material 140 may be discolored due to external factors other than the fluid. For example, the detection material 140 may be discolored by light (eg, ultraviolet rays) of a specific wavelength. In order to prevent discoloration of the detection material 140 due to external factors, the leakage detection device 100 may be implemented to block light (eg, ultraviolet rays) of a specific wavelength. In this case, the entire leak detection device 100 may be implemented to block light of a specific wavelength, but as described above, only the transparent part of the second surface 111 selectively selects light of a specific wavelength (eg, , ultraviolet rays) may be implemented to be blocked. In order to block light (eg, ultraviolet rays) of a specific wavelength, a predetermined film that blocks light (eg, ultraviolet rays) of a specific wavelength may be added or a predetermined blocking layer may be formed at the corresponding location. The material itself of the leak detection device 100 may be formed of a material capable of blocking light (eg, ultraviolet rays) of a specific wavelength.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in order to check whether the detection material 140 is discolored, at least a part of the leak detection device 100 is not formed of a transparent material, and the detection is performed on the second surface 111. Detection grooves (eg, 150a, 150b, and 150c) may be formed at positions corresponding to the material 140 .

In the case of the detection grooves (eg, 150a, 150b, and 150c), ends of the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) may be formed to communicate with the outside, and accordingly, the detection grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, The detection material 140 provided at the end of 120c) can be checked through the second surface 111.

In this way, when the detection grooves (eg, 150a, 150b, and 150c) are formed, as described above, to prevent discoloration of the detection material 140 by external factors (eg, ultraviolet rays, outside air (hydrogen, etc.), etc.) For this purpose, the detection grooves (eg, 150a, 150b, and 150c) may be sealed with a transparent material.

According to the technical idea of the present invention, it is possible to easily and conveniently check whether or not fluid is leaking from the fitting 10 to which the pipe is connected with the naked eye of the user, as well as attaching and detaching the fitting 10 and the leak detection device 100. Detachment of the detection material 140 is also easy, so installation, management, and removal can have an effect of being convenient.

In particular, in the present invention, the collection space formed by the sensing grooves (eg, 120a, 120b, and 120c) can be secured, and the sensing material 140 may not directly contact the fitting 10 or other elements, so that the outside In addition to preventing discoloration due to environmental or external factors, it may have an advantageous effect of being fully utilized even at high temperatures.

The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art can understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. .

The present invention can be used in a leak detection device.

Claims

A coupling surface coupled to a fitting connecting pipes through which fluid is transported and having at least one leakage hole capable of discharging the leaked fluid when the fluid leaks from at least one of the pipes on one side thereof;

a plurality of sensing grooves formed on the coupling surface to accommodate the at least one leak hole; and

A collection space formed at a predetermined depth from each of the plurality of sensing grooves to collect the leaked fluid;

The collection space,

A detecting material capable of detecting the fluid is provided therein,

Leakage detection device, characterized in that the remaining area of the coupling surface other than the at least one detection groove is in close contact with the fitting so that the fluid collected in the collection space does not leak out of the collection space.
The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing groove,

Leak detection device characterized in that formed to correspond to each of the at least one leak hole individually.
The method of claim 1, wherein the detection material,

A leak detection device comprising a material that is discolored upon contact with the fluid.
The method of claim 1, wherein the leak detection device,

and at least one fixing part extending toward the coupling surface to have a predetermined width and a predetermined length to support fixation to the fitting.
The method of claim 1, wherein the second surface,

A leak detection device characterized in that at least a part is formed transparent.
The method of claim 5, wherein the second surface,

Leakage detection device, characterized in that formed on the second surface as transparent only as much as a predetermined range around the position corresponding to the detection material.
The method of claim 5, wherein the second surface,

A leak detection device characterized in that the transparently formed portion is formed to include a blocking layer capable of blocking light of a specific wavelength or a predetermined blocking material.
The method of claim 1, wherein the second surface,

Leak detection device comprising at least one detection groove formed to have a smaller area than the detection material at a position corresponding to the detection groove.