Double-Layer Pipe Leak Detection Using Segmented Wireless Airgaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe systems lack effective prevention and real-time monitoring of leaks, often detecting leaks only after they occur, which can lead to environmental contamination and significant economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A double-layer pipe system with an annular airgap and segmentation rings that host wireless information and communication stations, allowing for real-time leak detection and prevention by maintaining radio frequency conductivity and pressure relief mechanisms to contain leaks within the airgap until they can be addressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe systems are used without monitoring devices, then the device complexity is low, but leaks cannot be detected in real-time and environmental contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds monitoring devices, segmentation rings, and communication stations within the annular airgap between inner and outer pipe layers. The segmentation rings are positioned inside the airgap, and wireless communication stations are integrated into the pipe structure at regular intervals, creating a nested configuration where monitoring components are housed within the existing pipe architecture rather than adding external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-layer pipes to a double-layer pipe structure with an annular airgap, adding a dimensional aspect to the pipe system. This third dimension (the airgap space) is utilized to house monitoring devices and segmentation rings, enabling real-time leak detection without significantly increasing the external footprint of the pipe system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If segmentation rings with pressure relief mechanisms are added to contain leaks, then the harmful factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipe system into multiple segments using segmentation rings positioned at regular intervals along the pipe length. These rings create discrete sections within the annular airgap, allowing leaks to be contained within individual segments rather than propagating along the entire pipe length. Each segment is equipped with pressure relief mechanisms that activate independently when leak pressure thresholds are reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation rings are pre-installed with pressure relief mechanisms and sealing components before the pipe system becomes operational. The wireless communication stations are also pre-positioned to monitor the airgap conditions. This preliminary configuration enables immediate leak containment and detection upon activation, preventing environmental contamination before it can occur.
3Loss of information
If wireless communication stations are embedded in the airgap, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation rings serve multiple functions: they structurally divide the pipe into segments, provide mounting support for wireless communication stations, contain pressure relief mechanisms, and maintain the integrity of the annular airgap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling comprehensive real-time monitoring capabilities.
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 provides real-time monitoring and prevention of leaks, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and economic losses by detecting leaks before they spread, ensuring the integrity of the pipe system and surrounding environment.
Implementation Method 1
the annular airgap is conductive of radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a pipe apparatus having two circular coaxial layers, inner and outer, defining an annular gap therebetween. At least one segmentation ring with a predesigned opening is placed within the annular gap. The pipe system is composed of interconnected pipe apparatuses of the same type. Compact wireless stations are embedded in the segmentation rings within sealed predesigned openings forming a wireless information and communication network (WICN). Each segmentation ring incorporates a pressure relief mechanism. When a layer of a given pipe apparatus breaks and fluid leaks into the annular gap in a given segment, the segmentation rings surrounding that segment temporarily retain the fluid and the WICN is disturbed in the affected area. At least one external central unit monitors WICN activity and integrity inside the pipe system and detects such leakage, before the leak spreads to another segment of the pipe system, without reaching the outside environment.