Corrosion Indicator for Lined Piping Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In piping systems with non-metallic liners, existing methods are unreliable for detecting corrosion due to the permeation of corrosive fluids, which can lead to chemical damage and compromise the mechanical integrity of the pipe, especially since traditional detection techniques like ultrasound testing are unavailable or unreliable in lined pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe corrosion indicating system featuring a metal pipe with a non-metallic liner and a corrosion indicator comprising a cavity with a sensor and electrical conductors, where the sensor detects water, acid, or halogens, and an insulative material that becomes conductive upon fluid absorption, triggering an alert when corrosion reaches a predetermined thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional detection techniques like ultrasound testing are used, then corrosion detection is possible in metal pipes, but the presence of non-metallic liners renders these techniques unavailable or unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a corrosion indicator as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the corrosive environment inside the lined pipe and the external monitoring system. The indicator comprises a sensor positioned in a cavity that detects corrosive substances (water, acids, halogens) through the liner, translating internal corrosion conditions into detectable external signals without requiring direct contact with the pipe wall
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical detection methods (ultrasound testing) with chemical sensing. Instead of using mechanical waves to detect wall thinning, the system uses chemical sensors to detect the presence and concentration of corrosive substances that permeate through the liner, providing a different physical basis for corrosion detection
2Stress or pressure
If vents are provided in the pipe to permit fluid escape and reduce corrosive exposure, then pressure build-up is prevented, but the vents may become clogged by the material they are supposed to vent or by corrosive by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The corrosion indicator acts as an intermediary monitoring system that detects corrosion products and corrosive substances before they can clog the vents. By providing early warning of corrosion conditions, the system allows for preventive maintenance before vent blockage occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the corrosion indicator continuously monitors the internal environment and provides real-time information about corrosion conditions. This feedback loop enables timely intervention to prevent vent clogging by alerting operators to deteriorating conditions before they reach critical levels
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipe is lined with non-metallic material to protect against corrosive media, then resistance to chemical damage is improved, but the liner allows permeation of fluid that accumulates between liner and pipe causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The corrosion indicator is installed during pipe fabrication or lining installation, performing preliminary monitoring before corrosion can cause damage. The sensor is positioned to detect corrosive substances as soon as they permeate the liner, providing early warning before significant corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system serves as an intermediary between the liner and the external environment, detecting the presence of corrosive substances that have permeated the liner but have not yet caused significant damage to the pipe wall. This allows for early detection and intervention
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
The system effectively detects corrosion by completing an electrical circuit when the insulative material absorbs fluid, providing timely alerts to prevent mechanical integrity compromise and allowing for early intervention in corrosive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a porous member comprising an electrically insulative material disposed in the cavity, the first ends of the electrical conductors extending into the porous member and being spaced from each other in the porous member
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is capable of detecting water, an acid, a base and/or a halogen
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for detecting and indicating corrosion and rate of progression of corrosion in piping such as piping having non-metallic liners.