Chugoku Electric Power has filed a patent for a strain detector that accurately detects strain in the weld of a boiler tube. The detector includes a metal plate fixed to the ends of two tubes, straddling the weld, and an optical fiber fixed to the top of the metal plate. This invention aims to improve strain detection in boiler tubes. GlobalData’s report on Chugoku Electric Power gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Chugoku Electric Power, AI for workflow management was a key innovation area identified from patents. Chugoku Electric Power's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Strain detector for accurately detecting strain in a boiler tube
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A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230175901A1) describes a strain detector that can be used in boiler tubes. The strain detector consists of a metal plate fixed to the ends of two tubes, with the metal plate straddling the weld between them. An optical fiber is fixed to the top of the metal plate and extends in the axial direction of the tubes.
The patent claims that the material of the tubes is identical to the material of the metal plate, ensuring compatibility and durability. The optical fiber is soldered to the metal plate using solder that may include materials such as Ni, Au, or Fe-Cr alloy. This soldering process ensures a secure connection between the optical fiber and the metal plate.
In terms of design, the metal plate is rectangular in shape when viewed from above and is longer in one direction along the axial direction than in the orthogonal direction. This design allows for better strain detection and measurement.
The optical fiber used in the strain detector has a clad portion that is accommodated in a metal tube extending in the axial direction. The exposed portion of the optical fiber is fixed to the metal plate. The metal tube that contains the clad portion of the optical fiber is made of stainless steel, providing strength and protection to the fiber.
To secure the metal plate to the ends of the tubes, spot welding is used. This ensures a strong and reliable connection between the metal plate and the tubes.
Overall, this patent describes a strain detector specifically designed for use in boiler tubes. The combination of the metal plate, optical fiber, and spot welding technique allows for accurate and reliable strain detection in these tubes. The use of compatible materials and the specific design of the metal plate and optical fiber contribute to the effectiveness of this strain detector.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
