Fluid Conduit Plugging Using Flow-Driven Fibrous Leak Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mitigating leakage in fluid conduits is challenging as existing methods often require terminating processes, repairing, and restarting, which is costly and time-consuming, and there is a need for effective solutions to block undesired openings in fluid conduits.
Innovation Solution
The use of fibrous plugging devices made from degradable or non-degradable materials, which can be conveyed through conduits using fluid flow to engage and seal leakages, with features such as varying buoyancies and sizes to ensure effective plugging, and optionally embedded with detection technology for precise deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leakage mitigation methods are used, then the leakage can be fixed, but the process must be terminated and restarted which causes time loss and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device autonomously navigates to and seals the leakage point without requiring external intervention or process shutdown. The device uses the existing fluid flow to propel itself to the leak location, where it automatically engages and plugs the opening, eliminating the need for manual intervention and process termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging device is deployed in advance to seal leakages before they can cause significant damage or require costly repairs. By having the device ready for deployment and able to quickly seal openings, the system prevents escalation of leakage issues that would otherwise require process shutdown for extensive repairs.
2Reliability
If the plugging device is deployed to seal openings, then leakage is prevented, but the device must be retrieved and reused which adds operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging device is designed to be retrieved after use and reused for subsequent leakage events. The device incorporates features that allow it to be easily removed from the sealed opening and redeployed elsewhere, reducing the need for multiple single-use devices and lowering overall operational costs despite the added retrieval step.
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 plugging devices efficiently block fluid flow through leakages, allowing for continuous operation of processes, with the ability to be retrieved and reused, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
conveyed by fluid flow through the conduit to an opening through which the fluid leaks
Implementation Method 2
engages and blocks the leakage opening, thereby preventing fluid flow through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A method of plugging at least one undesired opening in a fluid conduit can include introducing one or more plugging devices into the conduit, conveying the plugging devices by flow to the opening, and blocking the flow through the opening with the plugging devices. A system for plugging at least one undesired opening in a fluid conduit can include a deployment apparatus configured to introduce one or more plugging devices into the conduit, a sensor that measures a physical parameter indicative of leakage from the conduit, and a controller that activates an actuator of the deployment apparatus in response to receipt from the sensor of an indication of leakage from the conduit.