Automated Leak Detection in Type III Hydrant Fuel Piping Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing type III hydrant fuel piping systems require manual leak detection methods, which are costly and inefficient, posing challenges for environmental compliance and pipeline integrity in pressurized fuel distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated leak detection system that actuates valves to isolate a hydrant loop, varies pressure, and measures pressure changes over time to determine the tightness of the pipeline, using a computer program product with programmable logic devices and pressure transmitters to calculate a tightness factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual leak detection methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational costs and manpower requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing by automatically actuating valves to isolate hydrant loops, varying pressure, and measuring pressure changes without requiring manual intervention. The computer program product orchestrates the entire leak detection process autonomously, eliminating the need for manual operational procedures while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated computer-controlled system. Valves are actuated electronically, pressure variations are controlled through computer指令, and measurements are captured and analyzed automatically by the system, substituting human operators with an automated detection system.
2Productivity
If automated leak detection is implemented, then operational costs are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer program product serves multiple functions: it controls valve actuation, manages pressure variation, monitors pressure measurements, calculates tightness factors, and determines leak conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated platform, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects leaks by systematically changing pressure parameters in isolated hydrant loops. By varying pressure levels and measuring the resulting pressure changes over time, the system can identify leaks through calculated tightness factors. This parameter-based approach provides efficient automated detection while keeping the system architecture relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If pressure measurement monitoring is performed, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but the time required for measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fuel piping system into separate hydrant loops that can be isolated and tested independently. By segmenting the system this way, the computer program product can perform pressure measurements on smaller, manageable sections rather than the entire system, improving measurement precision while reducing the total time required compared to monitoring the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs pressure measurements at specific periodic intervals during pressure variation cycles. The computer program product controls the timing of pressure changes and measurements systematically, taking readings at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, which maintains measurement precision while reducing overall measurement time through strategic sampling.
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 enables real-time, automated leak detection, reducing manpower and operational costs while ensuring environmental compliance and maintaining pipeline integrity by accurately determining leaks and recording results for future reference.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure in the hydrant loop is measured over time in response to the varying of the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically detecting leaks in a type III hydrant fuel piping system is described. In one embodiment, the method includes automatically actuating one or more valves to isolate a hydrant loop of a type III hydrant fuel piping system from the remainder of the system. The pressure in the hydrant loop is varied. The pressure in the hydrant loop is measured over time in response to the varying of the pressure.