Device for detecting the possibility of a pipe rupture.

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices for detecting the possibility of rupture in a fluid pipe 1. The device according to the invention comprises means for detecting, on at least a portion 2 of the pipe 1, a deformation of the wall of that portion of the pipe, these means essentially consisting of means for detecting variations in the length of the outer perimeter of a cross-section of the portion of the pipe 2. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for detecting the possibility of a pipe rupture.

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for detecting the possibility of rupture of a pipe, more particularly a pipe located in a hostile or very difficult-to-access environment, for example a sewer or the like.

[0002] There are indeed many pipes which carry fluids of all kinds and the condition of some of them is very difficult to control visually, both at the level of their external surface and at the level of their internal surface, because on the one hand they are located in environments which are not easily accessible, such as in tunnels or galleries.

[0003] However, the inability to detect in a timely manner before their rupture the possibility of rupture of these pipes can lead to adverse consequences for the users of the fluids they transport, for example the suppression of the supply of drinking water, of the supply of cooling fluid to the production unit, etc.

[0004] Also, the present invention aims to provide a device to help detect the possibility of rupture of a fluid pipe or the like, which is simple and inexpensive to make.

[0005] More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for detecting the possibilities of rupture of a fluid pipe, characterized in that it includes means for detecting, on at least a portion of said pipe, a deformation of the wall of said portion of pipe.

[0006] According to another feature of the invention, the means for detecting a deformation of the wall of said portion of pipe are constituted by means for detecting variations in the value of the length of the outer perimeter of a cross-section of said portion of pipe.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are by way of illustration but in no way limiting, in which:

[0008] The single [Fig.1] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention for detecting the possibilities of rupture of a fluid conduit.

[0009] It is specified that, when, according to the definition of the invention, the object of the invention comprises “at least one” element having a given function, the described embodiment may comprise several of these elements. Conversely, if the embodiment of realization of the object according to the invention as illustrated comprises several elements of identical function and if, in the description, it is not specified that the object according to this invention must necessarily comprise a particular number of these elements, the object of the invention may be defined as comprising “at least one” of these elements.

[0010] It is specified that when, in the present description, an expression defines by itself, without any particular specific mention concerning it, a set of structural characteristics, these characteristics may be taken, for the definition of the object of the protection sought, when this is technically possible, either separately, or in total and / or partial combination.

[0011] It is further specified that, in the present description, if the adverb "sensiblement" is associated with a qualifier of a given means, this qualifier must be understood in the strict or approximate sense.

[0012] The present invention relates to a device for detecting the possibilities, or risks, of rupture of a fluid pipe 1.

[0013] According to an essential feature of the invention, the device includes means for detecting, on at least a portion 2 of the pipe 1, a deformation of the wall of the portion of the pipe, whether elastic or plastic.

[0014] Such a deformation can indeed be easily interpreted as the prelude to a failure, in the short or medium term, of the wall of this section of pipe. It can be the consequence of a weakening of the pipe wall due to a reduction in its thickness caused by deterioration of the material constituting this wall by any means whatsoever: aging of the material, decomposition, abrasion, etc.

[0015] According to an essential feature of the invention, the means for detecting a deformation of the wall of the portion of pipe 2 are constituted by means for detecting variations in the value of the length of the outer perimeter of a cross section of this portion of pipe.

[0016] Preferably, these means for detecting variations in the length of the outer perimeter of the cross-section of the portion of the pipe comprise: a band 10 open at two ends 11, 12 spaced apart, this band being arranged to be able to be in contact with the outer surface of the wall of the portion of the pipe 2, means 13 for determining the value of the distance between these two ends 11, 12, these means 13 consisting of a sensor 13 being further able to deliver at output a signal corresponding to the value of this distance, and means for creating, at 14, an alarm signal when the signal delivered undergoes a variation.

[0017] The means 13 for determining the value of the distance between the two ends 11, 12, consisting of a sensor, are within the domain of a person skilled in the art, for example such as those of the type mechanical or electronic "caliper", or of the type with laser light beam or similar.

[0018] Preferably, the device further comprises means 15 for applying a support force of a determined value substantially constant between the two ends 11, 12. Such means comprise, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or similar, known per se, mounted in cooperation with these two ends advantageously via stirrup means, and capable of exerting, via its output rod, a constant and possibly adjustable pressure force on the two ends.

[0019] The device according to [Fig.1] operates as follows:

[0020] A decrease in the distance between the two ends 11,12 is interpreted by the fact that the perimeter of pipe section 2 decreases, and therefore by the fact that a certain amount of material constituting the wall of this pipe section has been destroyed.

[0021] It is therefore time to decide on a maintenance intervention to restore pipe 1 to good condition, before it deteriorates further.

[0022] Of course, devices according to the invention can be used on different sections of pipe for monitoring the pipe over its entire length.

[0023] It is also well understood by those skilled in the art that, for the implementation of the devices according to the invention, they will advantageously be calibrated on a new pipe, in particular to determine the value of the pressure which will be exerted by the cylinder.

Claims

Demands

1. Device for detecting the possibilities of rupture of a fluid conduit (1), characterized in that it comprises means for detecting, on at least a portion (2) of said conduit (1), a deformation of the wall of said portion of conduit (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting a deformation of the wall of said portion of pipe (2) are constituted by means for detecting variations in the value of the length of the outer perimeter of a cross section of said portion of pipe.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for detecting variations in the length of the outer perimeter of said cross-section comprise: • a band (10) open at two ends (11, 12) spaced apart, this band being arranged to be able to be in contact with the outer surface of the wall of said portion of pipe (2), • means (13) for determining the value of the distance between the two said ends (11, 12) and delivering a signal corresponding to the value of this distance, and • means for creating an alarm signal when said delivered signal undergoes a variation.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises means (15) for applying a substantially constant support force between the two said ends (11, 12).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the means (15) for applying a substantially constant support force between the two ends (11, 12) comprise a cylinder mounted in cooperation with said ends via stirrup means for applying a force of determined value.

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