Dual-tank pressure pulse generator for pipe integrity monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote monitoring techniques for pressurized pipes lack the ability to generate customizable acoustic signals without fluid leakage and struggle to maintain sensitivity and accuracy in detecting anomalies, especially in pressurized systems transporting liquids, gases, or mixtures like CO2 or H2S.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing controllable pressure transients generated by dual-tank devices that produce user-selectable waveforms, ensuring no fluid leakage and maintaining hydraulic balance, combined with vibroacoustic sensors to detect anomalies by analyzing pressure pulses and acoustic signals along the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active acoustic sources are used to maximize sensitivity and detectability of anomalies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for customizable signal generation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the frequency, amplitude, and waveform characteristics of acoustic signals to optimize anomaly detection sensitivity for different pipe conditions and anomaly types, allowing a single device to perform multiple detection functions through parameter adjustment rather than requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality to detect various types of anomalies (leaks, obstructions, deformations, joints) using a single integrated device that can generate multiple types of acoustic signals and process different signal responses, eliminating the need for separate specialized detection devices for each anomaly type
2Measurement precision
If pressure transients are generated to enhance signal detectability, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential fluid leakage and disruption of hydraulic balance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic acoustic signaling instead of continuous pressure transients, sending short-duration acoustic pulses at controlled intervals that generate minimal pressure variations in the fluid, thereby maintaining hydraulic balance while still enabling effective anomaly detection through repeated measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure transient generation with acoustic signal generation that propagates through the fluid without causing significant pressure disruptions, using vibroacoustic sources that create detectable signals while maintaining the hydraulic stability of the pipe system
3Device complexity
If acoustic noise from pumping systems is used as analysis signal, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of signal calibration and controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, uncontrolled acoustic noise to dynamically controllable acoustic signals that can be adjusted in real-time regarding frequency, amplitude, and waveform characteristics, allowing optimization of signal parameters based on specific detection requirements and pipe conditions
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
Enables precise remote monitoring of pressurized pipe integrity by enhancing signal/noise ratio and detectability of anomalies, preventing fluid leakage and maintaining static conditions within the pipe, thus improving the sensitivity and reliability of anomaly detection.
Implementation Method 1
generation of one or more acoustic signals by one or more respective pressure pulses generator devices
Implementation Method 2
acoustic signals scattered by anomalies present in the pipe
Implementation Method 3
reception, by two adjacent measurement stations positioned respectively in points A and B of the pipe, of the acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system of the integrity of a pressurised pipe by at least one pressure pulses generator that is hydraulically connected to the fluid in the pipe. Each generator comprises: one first tank and a second tank that maintain the fluid respectively at a first and a second pressure values. The first value is smaller, and the second value is greater than the predefined pressure value of the fluid in the pipe. The first and second tanks generate respectively a negative pressure pulse, caused by the passage of the fluid from the pipe to the first tank, and a positive pressure pulse, caused by the passage of the fluid from the second tank to the pipe. A pressure transducer is designed to measure the pressure values of the fluid in the pipe and to convert the negative or positive pressure pulses generate by the generator into respective recorded acoustic signals. A measurement station is placed along the pipe to detect the acoustic signals.