A natural gas long-distance pipeline odorizing device and a leak point detection method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of natural gas long-distance pipeline inspection, and particularly to an odorizing device and a leak detection method for natural gas long-distance pipelines. The odorizing device includes a storage container for storing odorant, the storage container being connected to a pressure-conducting pipe and a delivery pipe. Connecting components are respectively provided at the ends of the pressure-conducting pipe and the delivery pipe away from the storage container, and the connecting components can be detachably connected to the natural gas pressure tap of the long-distance pipeline. This invention enables the injection of odorant into the long-distance pipeline, achieving precise location of leak points and significantly reducing the excavation area of ​​the long-distance pipeline. The odorizing device has a simple structure and is easy to carry, providing a portable and economical auxiliary device for the accurate location of leak points in long-distance pipelines. The detection method enables portable addition of odorant, rapid location of leak areas in long-distance pipelines, reduces the excavation area of ​​buried pipelines, and lowers the cost of determining leak points in long-distance pipelines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural gas long-distance pipeline inspection, and particularly to an odorization device for natural gas long-distance pipelines and a method for detecting leaks. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas long-distance pipelines are generally laid underground through trenches, about 0.6-1m below the ground. The trenches are backfilled with fine soil, and anti-corrosion measures are taken on the pipeline surface to isolate the pipeline from the surrounding medium, so as to avoid large-scale corrosion of the long-distance pipeline due to the influence of surrounding soil, moisture and other media, which would affect the normal use of the long-distance pipeline.

[0003] However, long-distance pipelines are laid over long distances underground, and the laying process is complex. It is very likely that the anti-corrosion layer will be damaged during the laying process. At the same time, as the pipeline is used for a long time, the anti-corrosion layer on the pipeline surface may also suffer unpredictable damage, leading to perforation of the pipeline due to erosion by water, microorganisms, acidic substances in the soil, etc., which in turn leads to pipeline leakage, causing great safety risks and environmental pollution.

[0004] Currently, when a perforation occurs in a long-distance pipeline, the natural gas initially diffuses underground until the leak accumulates and spreads into the air. Accurately locating the leak point requires extensive excavation, resulting in significant losses of manpower and resources. While odorants, such as the organic solvent tetrahydrothiophene, are added to the natural gas at natural gas gate stations to detect leaks due to their pungent odor, the injection of these odorants requires specialized, fixed odorization devices, which are expensive. Long-distance pipelines, typically connecting natural gas extraction stations and gate stations, are widely distributed. Using conventional fixed odorization devices to detect leaks would greatly increase transportation costs and the amount of odorant used. Therefore, the natural gas in long-distance pipelines is often not actually odorized, leading to delayed leak detection and significant difficulties in locating leaks.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution to address the problem that leaks in existing long-distance pipelines cannot be detected in a timely manner and that locating leaks is very difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical problem that existing long-distance pipeline leaks cannot be detected in a timely manner and that finding leaks is difficult, by providing a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device and a leak detection method.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] An odorization device for a long-distance natural gas pipeline includes a storage container for storing odorant, the storage container being connected to a pressure guiding pipe and a delivery pipe, and connector components being provided at the ends of the pressure guiding pipe and the delivery pipe away from the storage container, the connector components being detachably connected to the natural gas pressure tap of the long-distance pipeline.

[0009] This invention discloses a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device. It connects to the natural gas pressure tap via a pressure-conducting pipe, a storage container, and a delivery pipe. In use, natural gas enters the storage container through the pressure-conducting pipe, pushing the odorant within the storage container through the delivery pipe into the long-distance pipeline, thus injecting odorant into the pipeline. By detecting the odorant in the injected pipeline area, leak points can be accurately located, significantly reducing the excavation area of ​​the pipeline. The odorization device has a simple structure and is easy to carry. The natural gas pressure tap of the pipeline is an existing structure; the device allows for quick connection to the existing structure, enabling convenient odorant injection and providing a portable and economical auxiliary device for accurately locating leak points in long-distance pipelines.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure-conducting pipe is positioned at least above the liquid surface when it connects to the liquid storage container, and the infusion pipe is positioned at the bottom of the liquid storage container. The odorant is injected by introducing natural gas into the liquid storage container.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure-conducting tube is equipped with a first control valve, and the infusion tube is equipped with a second control valve, so as to realize the start, stop, and flow control of the infusion process.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the infusion tube is equipped with a metering and observation mechanism, which includes a transparent structural component or a transparent observation window. This allows for visualization of the infusion process, enabling monitoring of the injected volume through the visualization of droplets or liquid flow.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metering and observation mechanism includes an enlarged diameter section disposed on the infusion tube, the infusion tube extending into the liquid inlet side of the enlarged diameter section, and a tapered liquid guiding section disposed on the liquid outlet side of the enlarged diameter section. Droplets are formed by the infusion tube extending into the enlarged diameter section, facilitating the acquisition and control of the injection volume through droplet count monitoring. The tapered liquid guiding section guides the liquid flow or droplets.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the pressure guiding pipe and the infusion pipe are configured as high-pressure hoses. This allows the odorizing device to be adapted and connected to natural gas pressure taps at different locations on long-distance pipelines, and to withstand the input pressure of natural gas within the pipelines, thereby improving the overall portability of the odorizing device and facilitating its carrying and safe use.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage container is detachably connected to a support frame, which can be clamped and connected to a long-distance pipeline to ensure the position of the liquid storage container is fixed during the filling process.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage container is provided with a filling port, and the filling port is equipped with a third control valve to enable the addition of odorant into the liquid storage container.

[0017] A method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline involves using an odorizing device for a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described above, injecting an odorant into the pipeline from the natural gas pressure tap, and then detecting the odor along the pipeline.

[0018] The present invention provides a method for detecting leaks in long-distance natural gas pipelines. By using the aforementioned odorization device in conjunction with a natural gas pressure tap, the method is easy to operate and enables the portable addition of odorant to the pipeline. It can quickly locate the leak point area of ​​the pipeline through odor detection, thereby reducing the excavation range of buried pipelines and lowering the cost of determining the leak point.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the odor detection includes moving an odor concentration detector along the long-distance pipeline for detection, or monitoring the odor concentration at the inlet of the gas delivery pipe by arranging gas delivery pipes inserted below ground along the extension direction of the long-distance pipeline.

[0020] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device of the present invention are:

[0021] 1. By connecting the pressure guide pipe, liquid storage container and liquid delivery pipe to the natural gas pressure tap, the odorant can be injected into the long-distance pipeline. By detecting the odorant in the area of ​​the long-distance pipeline that has been injected with odorant, the leak point of the long-distance pipeline can be accurately obtained, which greatly reduces the excavation range of the long-distance pipeline.

[0022] 2. The odorization device has a simple structure and is easy to carry. The natural gas pressure tap of the long-distance pipeline is an existing structure. By quickly connecting the odorization device to the existing structure of the long-distance pipeline, the odorization agent of the long-distance pipeline can be conveniently added. It provides a portable and economical auxiliary device for the accurate location of the leak point of the long-distance pipeline.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the natural gas long-distance pipeline leak detection method of the present invention are:

[0024] By combining the aforementioned odorization device with the natural gas pressure tap, the odorant can be conveniently added to the long-distance pipeline. Odor detection can be used to quickly locate the leak point area of ​​the long-distance pipeline, reduce the excavation range of buried pipelines, and lower the cost of determining the leak point of the long-distance pipeline. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is the usage state of a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device according to the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 2 This is the usage state of a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device according to the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame described in Embodiment 3;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a side view of the support frame described in Embodiment 3;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the usage state of a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the gas guide pipe in Example 5.

[0031] icon:

[0032] 1-Liquid storage container, 2-Pressure guiding pipe, 3-Liquid delivery pipe, 4-Connector component, 5-First control valve, 6-Second control valve, 7-Metering and observation mechanism, 71-Expanded diameter section, 72-Conical liquid guiding section, 8-Support frame, 9-Long-distance pipeline, 91-Natural gas pressure tap, 10-Gas delivery pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figures 1-2 As shown, a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device includes a storage container 1 for storing odorant. The top end of the storage container 1 is connected to a pressure guiding pipe 2, and the bottom end is connected to a delivery pipe 3. The pressure guiding pipe 2 is equipped with a first control valve 5, and the delivery pipe 3 is equipped with a second control valve 6. The ends of the pressure guiding pipe 2 and the delivery pipe 3 away from the storage container 1 are respectively equipped with connector components 4. The connector components 4 can be detachably connected to the natural gas pressure tap 91 of the long-distance pipeline 9.

[0037] Specifically, pressure-conducting pipe 2 is used to connect the liquid storage container 1 and the long-distance pipeline 9, and liquid delivery pipe 3 is used to connect the liquid storage container 1 and the long-distance pipeline 9. The connection position of pressure-conducting pipe 2 and long-distance pipeline 9 is upstream of the connection position of liquid delivery pipe 3 and long-distance pipeline 9 in the natural gas transportation direction. The connection position of pressure-conducting pipe 2 and liquid storage container 1 is above the liquid surface, so that pressure-conducting pipe 2, liquid storage container 1 and liquid delivery pipe 3 can be connected sequentially along the natural gas transportation direction. The natural gas flow in long-distance pipeline 9 can enter the space above the liquid surface in liquid storage container 1 through pressure-conducting pipe 2, apply pressure to the odorant in liquid storage container 1, and push the odorant in liquid storage container 1 through liquid delivery pipe 3 into long-distance pipeline 9, forming an odorant injection pipeline with its own injection pressure.

[0038] Preferably, the odorant is tetrahydrothiophene, and the storage container 1 is a solvent bottle adapted to its properties and capable of withstanding the natural gas pressure inside the long-distance pipeline 9. The storage container 1 can be set to a smaller size, such as 1-5L, depending on the actual situation, to improve the portability of the odorant device and realize the regional injection of odorant into the long-distance pipeline 9, rather than the injection into the entire pipeline.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, the liquid storage container 1 includes a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. The top section, middle section, and bottom section are sequentially connected to form the entire container. The pressure guiding pipe 2 is connected to the side wall of the top section, and the liquid delivery pipe 3 is connected to the side wall of the bottom section. The bottom surface of the bottom section is flat to facilitate the vertical and stable placement of the liquid storage container 1. Depending on the actual situation, a table, work platform, or other flat surface can be set up near the natural gas pressure tap 91 of the long-distance pipeline 9 to place the liquid storage container 1, realizing the temporary installation of the odorization device at the use site. The structure is simple, portable, and easy to operate.

[0040] Preferably, the connector component 4 is configured with the same threaded connection structure as the pressure tapping interface of the pressure gauge at the natural gas pressure tapping port 91 of the long-distance pipeline 9. The connector component 4 has a threaded section adapted to the natural gas pressure tapping port 91 of the long-distance pipeline 9, and a connecting section adapted to the pressure guiding pipe 2 and the liquid delivery pipe 3. In use, the odorant injection pipeline can be established by removing the pressure gauge and connecting the connector component 4.

[0041] Preferably, after the first control valve 5 is opened, the natural gas in the long-distance pipeline 9 enters the pressure guide pipe 2 through the natural gas pressure tap 91. The pressure guide pipe 2 is filled with natural gas and has a certain pressure. At this time, the second control valve 6 is opened, so that the liquid storage container 1 has a pressure difference in the output direction of the odorant injection pipeline, so that the odorant is transported into the long-distance pipeline 9 under its own gravity and the thrust of natural gas, realizing the gravity injection of the odorant.

[0042] Specifically, the opening degree of the second control valve 6 can be adjusted according to the actual situation. When the second control valve 6 is closed, the odorant injection pipeline is cut off. Adjusting the opening degree of the second control valve 6 can control the injection amount.

[0043] This embodiment of a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device connects to a natural gas pressure tap 91 via a pressure guide pipe 2, a liquid storage container 1, and a liquid delivery pipe 3. This allows for the injection of odorant into a portion of the long-distance pipeline 9, enabling precise location of leaks in the injected area. This significantly reduces the excavation area of ​​the pipeline 9 and provides structural support for area-specific inspections. The odorization device is simple in structure, portable, and low in cost. Since the natural gas pressure tap 91 of the pipeline 9 is an existing structure, the odorization device allows for quick connection to this existing structure, facilitating convenient injection of odorant and providing a portable and economical auxiliary device for precise leak location.

[0044] Preferably, the top of the liquid storage container 1 is provided with a filling port for adding odorant to the liquid storage container 1. The filling port is provided with a third control valve to realize the opening and closing control of the filling port.

[0045] Specifically, the third control valve is located on the top surface of the liquid storage container 1 and has a self-resetting and closing function. It is open when connected to the conventional odorant storage tank and automatically closes when disconnected, so as to realize the addition of odorant to the liquid storage container through the conventional odorant storage tank.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] like Figures 1-2 As shown in this embodiment, a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device is provided. The liquid delivery pipe 3 is equipped with a metering and observation mechanism 7. The metering and observation mechanism 7 includes a transparent structural component. Both the pressure guiding pipe 2 and the liquid delivery pipe 3 are high-pressure hoses. The metering and observation mechanism 7 includes an enlarged diameter section 71 provided on the liquid delivery pipe 3. The liquid delivery pipe 3 extends into the liquid flow input side of the enlarged diameter section 71. A conical liquid guiding section 72 is provided on the liquid flow output side of the enlarged diameter section 71.

[0048] This embodiment of a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device allows for the visualization of the injection process through the transparent nature of the metering and observation mechanism 7. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet sides of the metering and observation mechanism 7 are arranged in the same vertical direction. The liquid inlet pipe 3 extends into the metering and observation mechanism 7 from the liquid inlet side, allowing the odorant to be injected directly into the metering and observation mechanism 7 in the form of droplets from the liquid inlet pipe 3. By timing and counting the droplets, the amount of odorant injected into the long-distance pipeline 9 and the injection speed can be preliminarily estimated, thus achieving controllability of the injection process.

[0049] It should be noted that, since the liquid storage container 1 in this embodiment is relatively small compared to the liquid storage structure of a conventional fixed odorizing device, the use of the metering and observation mechanism 7 in this embodiment to visualize the injection volume and speed of the odorant can reduce the requirement to set up a metering mechanism on the liquid storage container 1, thereby further reducing the overall volume and manufacturing cost of the odorizing device in this embodiment. In addition, the liquid storage container 1 can be a conventional high-pressure non-transparent container, rather than a specific transparent container, which can reduce the cost of the liquid storage container 1 while ensuring its pressure-bearing capacity, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the odorizing device and achieving an economical and portable effect for the odorizing device.

[0050] Preferably, the metering and observation mechanism 7 can be connected to the infusion tube 3 by means of a threaded connection to form a detachable structure and improve the flexibility of the odorization device.

[0051] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the metering and observation mechanism 7 can also be configured with a transparent observation window to visualize the flow of the odorant liquid, depending on the actual situation.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] like Figures 3-5 As shown in this embodiment, a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device is provided, wherein the liquid storage container 1 is detachably connected to the support frame 8, and the support frame 8 can be clamped and connected to the long-distance pipeline 9.

[0054] This embodiment of a natural gas long-distance pipeline odorization device, in conjunction with the shape of the liquid storage container 1, is equipped with a support frame 8. The bottom of the support frame 8 is configured with a clamp structure, which can be clamped and connected to the long-distance pipeline 9 to fix the position of the liquid storage container 1 during the filling process.

[0055] Example 4

[0056] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline employs an odorizing device for a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described above. An odorizing agent is injected into the long-distance pipeline 9 from the natural gas pressure tap 91, and odor detection is performed along the long-distance pipeline 9. The odor detection includes moving an odor concentration detector along the long-distance pipeline 9 for detection.

[0057] This embodiment of a method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline uses an odorizing device in conjunction with a natural gas pressure tap 91 to enable the portable addition of odorant to the pipeline 9. After adding a certain amount of odorant, the leak area of ​​the pipeline 9 can be quickly located using an odor concentration detector, thereby reducing the excavation range of buried pipelines and lowering the cost of determining the leak point of the pipeline 9.

[0058] Specifically, in this embodiment, depending on the actual situation, a detection device with the same structure as the odorizing device can be established at the natural gas pressure tap 91 downstream of the odorizing device. The odor concentration detector is connected to the detection device to monitor whether the odorant has arrived. The odor concentration is used to determine whether the odorization detection requirements have been met. The odorizing device and the detection device serve as the starting and ending points of the pipeline to be tested. The odor concentration detector is moved along the long-distance pipeline 9 between the starting and ending points to detect leaks in the designated area of ​​the long-distance pipeline.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] like Figures 1-6 As shown in the figure, a method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline in this embodiment involves arranging gas delivery pipes 10 inserted below ground along the extension direction of the long-distance pipeline 9, and monitoring the odor concentration at the inlet of the gas delivery pipes 10.

[0061] This embodiment of a method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline involves setting up a gas-conducting pipe 10 along the pipeline 9 before adding odorant. The gas-conducting pipe 10 can be made of conventional steel pipe, rigid plastic pipe, etc. By inserting the gas-conducting pipe 10 below ground level, the connection distance between the pipeline 9 and the ground is shortened, allowing odor to accumulate at the leak point of the pipeline 10. By installing a detection sensor inside the gas-conducting pipe 10 or detecting the leak at the pipe opening of the gas-conducting pipe 10 using an odor concentration detector, the detection of leaks can be accelerated, the amount of odorant injected can be reduced, and the cost of detecting leaks in the long-distance pipeline 9 can be lowered.

[0062] Specifically, when setting up the gas delivery pipe 10, the soil inside the gas delivery pipe 10 can be cleaned up according to the actual situation to improve the collection effect of the odorant.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting leaks in long-distance natural gas pipelines, characterized in that, An odorization device for a long-distance natural gas pipeline is used to inject odorant into the area of ​​the long-distance pipeline (9) from the natural gas pressure tap (91). A detection device with the same structure as the odorization device is set up at the natural gas pressure tap (91) downstream of the odorization device. The odor concentration detector is connected to the detection device to monitor whether the odorant has arrived. The odor concentration is used to determine whether the odorization detection requirements have been met. The odorization device and the detection device are used as the starting point and the ending point of the pipeline to be tested. Odor detection is carried out along the long-distance pipeline. The odor concentration detector is moved along the long-distance pipeline (9) between the starting point and the ending point to detect the leak point of the long-distance pipeline in the designated area. An odorization device for a long-distance natural gas pipeline includes a storage container (1) for storing odorant. The storage container (1) is connected to a pressure guide pipe (2) and a delivery pipe (3). A connector component (4) is provided at the ends of the pressure guide pipe (2) and the delivery pipe (3) away from the storage container (1). The connector component (4) is detachably connected to a natural gas pressure tap (91) of the long-distance pipeline (9). The connector component (4) is configured with a threaded connection structure identical to the pressure tapping interface of the pressure gauge at the natural gas pressure tap (91) of the long-distance pipeline (9). The connector component (4) has a threaded section adapted to the natural gas pressure tap (91) of the long-distance pipeline (9), and a connecting section adapted to the pressure guide pipe (2) and the delivery pipe (3). The connection position between the pipeline (9) and the long-distance pipeline (9) is upstream of the connection position between the liquid delivery pipe (3) and the long-distance pipeline (9) in the natural gas transportation direction. The connection position between the pressure guide pipe (2) and the liquid storage container (1) is at least above the liquid surface. The connection position between the liquid delivery pipe (3) and the liquid storage container (1) is located at the bottom of the liquid storage container (1). The liquid delivery pipe (3) is equipped with a metering and observation mechanism (7). The metering and observation mechanism (7) includes transparent material structural components. The liquid flow input side and the liquid flow output side of the metering and observation mechanism (7) are set in the same vertical direction. The liquid delivery pipe (3) extends into the metering and observation mechanism (7) from the liquid flow input side. The odorant can be injected into the metering and observation mechanism (7) from the liquid delivery pipe (3) in the form of droplets.

2. The method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure guide tube (2) is equipped with a first control valve (5), and the infusion tube (3) is equipped with a second control valve (6).

3. A method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The metering and observation mechanism (7) includes an enlarged section (71) provided on the infusion tube (3), the infusion tube (3) extending from the liquid inlet side of the enlarged section (71), and a conical liquid guide section (72) provided on the liquid outlet side of the enlarged section (71).

4. The method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both the pressure guiding tube (2) and the infusion tube (3) are configured as high-pressure hoses.

5. The method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage container (1) is detachably connected to a support frame (8), which can be clamped and connected to a long-distance pipeline (9).

6. The method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage container (1) is provided with a filling port, and the filling port is provided with a third control valve.

7. The method for detecting leaks in a long-distance natural gas pipeline as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The odor detection includes moving an odor concentration detector along the long-distance pipeline (9) for detection, or monitoring the odor concentration at the opening of the gas pipeline (10) by arranging and installing gas pipelines (10) inserted below ground along the extension direction of the long-distance pipeline (9).

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