Fluid Conduit Leak Detection via Pressure Deviation Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the integrity of fluid transport conduits, such as pipework for natural gas and hydrogen, are inadequate as they may fail to detect certain faults and are costly when repurposing existing installations for hydrogen use.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pump, pressure sensor, and processor is used to test fluid transport conduits by pumping a test fluid at increasing pressure, sensing the pressure, and determining fault conditions based on the pressure and pumping rate, allowing for precise detection of leaks and identification of conduit elements and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current pressure test method is used, then the test procedure is simple, but faults in pipework may pass without indication
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure during the test and compares it against expected pressure values calculated from the pumping rate. When a deviation exceeds a threshold, the system automatically identifies and reports the fault, providing real-time feedback that significantly improves fault detection accuracy compared to simple end-point pressure checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical visual inspection method with an electronic sensing and processing system. The processor analyzes pressure data and automatically determines fault conditions, substituting human visual assessment with automated electronic detection that is more reliable and consistent.
2Loss of information
If visual inspection of pipework is performed, then fault location can be identified, but much pipework is not visible as it is installed out-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect faults in inaccessible pipework. Instead of directly observing the pipework, the system monitors pressure changes caused by leaks, allowing fault detection and location identification without physical access to the pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual visual inspection with automated electronic pressure sensing and data processing. The processor analyzes pressure readings to determine both the presence and location of faults, eliminating the need for physical access to visually inspect inaccessible pipework sections.
3Reliability
If completely new pipework is installed to ensure integrity, then leak risk is reduced, but cost and disruption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a comprehensive pressure-based integrity test before repurposing existing pipework for hydrogen service. By thoroughly testing and validating the existing installation's integrity, the system provides confidence that allows reuse of existing pipes, avoiding the need for costly new installations while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system enables the existing pipework to prove its own suitability for hydrogen service through automated pressure testing. The system self-validates the integrity of the installation, providing the necessary assurance for repurposing without requiring replacement, thereby reducing costs while maintaining reliability.
4Measurement precision
If pressure is increased to 20 mBar for testing, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but the test duration and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure during the test and provides real-time feedback. When a leak is detected through pressure deviation analysis, the system immediately identifies and reports the fault, allowing the test to be concluded promptly. This eliminates the need for extended waiting periods while maintaining high detection sensitivity through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional time-based pressure hold tests with automated pressure analysis during the pumping phase. The processor continuously analyzes pressure readings against expected values, enabling rapid fault detection without requiring extended test durations, thus reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively detects leaks in fluid transport conduits, identifies the type and location of faults, and ensures the integrity of the pipework, reducing the need for costly new installations and enhancing safety when transitioning to hydrogen fuel.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to pump a test fluid into the fluid transport conduit at a fluid pumping rate for increasing a fluid pressure therein
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to sense fluid pressure in the fluid transport conduit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining a fault condition of at least part of a fluid transport conduit comprising fuel gas pipework of a fuel gas system for a building, the fluid transport conduit for transporting fuel fluid from a mains supply to one or more appliances, the apparatus comprising: a pump configured to pump a test fluid into the fluid transport conduit at a fluid pumping rate for increasing a fluid pressure therein; a connecter for connecting the pump to the fluid transport conduit; a pressure sensor configured to sense fluid pressure in the fluid transport conduit; and a processor configured to determine a fault condition of the fluid transport conduit based on the fluid pumping rate and the sensed fluid pressure, wherein, if the fault condition indicates a fault in the fluid transport conduit, the processor is further configured to determine a type of conduit element in which the fault has occurred based on the sensed fluid pressure at the time the fault is indicated.