DRA Leak Detection Catch Basin Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drag reducing agents (DRA) leaking from storage or injection equipment pose environmental risks and economic losses due to contamination and disposal costs, necessitating a system for detection and recovery to prevent environmental damage and allow reuse.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection and recovery system comprising an upper section with injection equipment and a lower section with a catch basin, where leaks are collected and detected by a level detection instrument, triggering shutdown of the equipment and enabling clean collection and reuse of DRA through a drain valve, preventing contamination and environmental harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DRA is injected into pipelines to reduce drag, then pipeline efficiency is improved, but risk of environmental contamination and economic loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the injection equipment into an upper section and a lower section, with the lower section containing a catch basin to collect leaks. This segmentation allows the injection function to continue while leak containment is provided separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A catch basin is introduced as an intermediary component between the injection equipment and the environment. The catch basin captures leaked DRA before it can contaminate the environment, acting as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interaction.
2Loss of substance
If DRA leaks are allowed to be collected and reused, then economic loss is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch basin is integrated with the injection equipment by positioning it directly beneath the upper section. The drain valve and level detection instrument are combined into a unified leak detection and recovery system, simplifying the overall structure while enabling DRA recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects leaks through the level detection instrument and enables recovery through the drain valve without requiring external intervention. The caught DRA can be reused, making the system self-sufficient in preventing economic loss.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a catch basin is positioned to collect leaks from injection equipment, then leak detection capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lower section containing the catch basin is positioned directly beneath the upper section containing the injection equipment. This nested arrangement allows the catch basin to be contained within the vertical space already occupied by the injection equipment, minimizing additional space requirements.
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 leaks, shuts down equipment, and recovers DRA for reuse, reducing environmental damage and disposal costs while preventing hazardous waste, thus minimizing losses and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The catch basin may have a floor that slopes to a single low point... all leaked DRA from the injection equipment travels to the low point
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detection and recovery system for use with DRA equipment. The system is intended to reduce the risk of a chemical release into the environment, namely the soil, ground water, and waterways. The system may provide clean collection of leaked DRA, early detection of DRA leaks, immediate notification of DRA leaks, and re-use of leaked DRA through clean recovery with no hazardous waste disposal.