Non-invasive Thermal Dispersion Flow Meter with Fluid Leak Detection And Alert
First Claim
1. A fluid leak detector for detecting and alerting of leakage in a pressurized fluid system having a closed conduit with a fluid within, the fluid leak detector comprising:
- a first sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and capable of sensing the ambient temperature of said fluid;
a second sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and responsive to a drive signal to elevate the temperature of said second sensor to an elevated temperature;
a controller in communication with said first sensor and said second sensor configured to sense said ambient temperature from said first sensor and generating said drive signal to drive said second sensor to said elevated temperature greater than said ambient temperature and to generate a trip signal when said drive signal of said second sensor exceeds a trip point value; and
an audible alarm in electrical communication with said controller configured to receive said trip signal from said controller and to activate an audible alert in response thereto.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure.
29 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A fluid leak detector for detecting and alerting of leakage in a pressurized fluid system having a closed conduit with a fluid within, the fluid leak detector comprising:
-
a first sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and capable of sensing the ambient temperature of said fluid; a second sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and responsive to a drive signal to elevate the temperature of said second sensor to an elevated temperature; a controller in communication with said first sensor and said second sensor configured to sense said ambient temperature from said first sensor and generating said drive signal to drive said second sensor to said elevated temperature greater than said ambient temperature and to generate a trip signal when said drive signal of said second sensor exceeds a trip point value; and an audible alarm in electrical communication with said controller configured to receive said trip signal from said controller and to activate an audible alert in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A fluid leak detector for detecting and alerting of leakage in a pressurized fluid system having a closed fluid conduit with a fluid within, the fluid leak detector comprising:
-
a first sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and capable of sensing an ambient temperature of said fluid within said conduit; a second sensor in thermal communication with the outside of said conduit and responsive to a drive signal to elevate the temperature of said second sensor to an elevated temperature; a means for generating said drive signal in communication with said second sensor to drive said second sensor to said elevated temperature above said ambient temperature; a means for detecting a flow of said fluid through said conduit comprising an adjustable Wheatstone bridge circuit wherein said second sensor represents an element in the bridge circuit responsive to said flow of said fluid through said conduit; and an audible alarm in communication with said means for detecting said flow of said fluid through said conduit, and responsive to a leak signal from said means for detecting fluid flow through said conduit to alert of said fluid flow through said conduit.
-
Specification