Leak Containment Material With Embedded Sensors for Fluid Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary containment systems for structures like pipes or tanks are expensive and inefficient in containing leaks when multiple leaks occur, and existing leak detection sensors are prone to mechanical stress, leading to inaccurate readings and significant operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A protective system comprising a containment material with cavities that collects fluid leaks and strategically placed leak detection sensors, which delays the leak outside the structure, allowing for timely maintenance without covering the entire structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary containment wall is constructed around the entire structure, then the probability of external leakage is reduced, but the cost increases significantly and it fails to efficiently contain leaks when multiple leaks are present
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into discrete modular units that can be applied to specific high-risk portions of the structure rather than covering the entire structure. Each module contains its own leak detection sensor and containment material, allowing independent operation and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system applies different levels of protection to different portions of the structure based on risk assessment. High-risk areas receive full containment modules with sensors and absorbent material, while lower-risk areas receive reduced protection or monitoring only, optimizing resource allocation.
2Measurement precision
If leak detection sensors are placed directly on the structure surface, then leak detection speed increases, but the sensors are subjected to mechanical stress causing inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
A containment module serving as an intermediary layer is positioned between the structure and the leak detection sensor. This module protects the sensor from mechanical stress while maintaining sensor functionality through fluid transmission properties, allowing accurate leak detection without direct sensor contact with the structure surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment module incorporates porous absorbent material that allows fluid transmission to the sensor while providing mechanical protection. The porous structure enables leak detection functionality while the material cushioning reduces mechanical stress on the sensor elements.
3Reliability
If the containment material covers the entire structure, then complete leak containment is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into discrete modular units that can be selectively applied to specific portions of the structure. Each module is self-contained with its own sensor and absorbent material, enabling partial coverage strategies that reduce overall system complexity and cost while maintaining effective leak containment where applied.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than implementing complete full-structure coverage, the system applies containment modules to critical or high-risk portions only. This partial action approach achieves sufficient leak containment for the most vulnerable areas while significantly reducing material costs and installation complexity.
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 contains leaks, protects sensors from mechanical stress, reduces operational disruptions, and lowers maintenance costs by delaying fluid leakage, enabling precise leak detection and timely repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a containment material arranged on at least one portion of an external surface of the structure... the containment material is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid in at least one cavity formed in the containment material
Implementation Method 2
a porous material comprising closed non connected cavities, a porous material comprising open connected cavities
Data Source
AI summary
A protective system for a structure enclosing a fluid is described. The protective system includes a containment material arranged on a portion of an external surface of the structure. A leak detection sensor is covered by or encompassed in the containment material and the containment material is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid thereby containing leakage of the fluid outside of the structure in the event of a leak. The leakage of the fluid into the containment material triggers a detection of the leak by the leak detection sensor.