Buoyant Leak Detector Retrieval via Air Bubble Curtain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing leak detection spheres in large diameter pipelines are impractical due to the size of nets required and significant drag forces within the pipes, making it difficult to launch and trap these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a catchment device positioned above the pipeline interior, a flexible manifold structure with fluid outlet openings, and a deployment system that uses pressurized air or water to create a curtain of air bubbles or water stream, deflecting the leak detector toward the catchment device, facilitating its retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a net or cage is used to capture leak detection spheres in large diameter pipelines, then the capture function is provided, but the drag forces become too large and the device becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the net/cage structure from the pipeline interior and replaces it with an external retrieval system. The sphere is allowed to travel freely through the pipeline without physical containment, eliminating the drag forces that would be generated by a large net in a 120-inch diameter pipeline. The retrieval is achieved through external mechanisms rather than internal trapping structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retrieval system that acts as an intermediary between the moving leak detection sphere and the final capture point. This system uses a guide structure and retrieval mechanism to redirect and capture the sphere without requiring direct physical contact between a large net and the sphere throughout its travel, thereby reducing drag forces.
2Area of moving object
If a large net is introduced through a small CARV, then the net size requirement is met, but the deployment complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of introducing a large net through a small combination air release valve (CARV), the patent inverts the approach by using a small external retrieval mechanism that captures the sphere after it has traveled through the pipeline. The retrieval system is deployed from outside the pipeline through the small CARV, eliminating the need to force a large net through a small opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of deploying a large net through a small valve with an external retrieval mechanism that uses guidance structures and retrieval components deployed from outside the pipeline. This substitution eliminates the deployment complexity associated with forcing large structures through small openings.
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 the efficient retrieval of buoyant leak detectors in large diameter pipelines by overcoming the challenges of net size and drag forces, allowing for effective capture and removal of detection spheres.
Implementation Method 1
a curtain of air bubbles or water stream is emitted from the nozzles of the manifold structure in the direction downstream of the fluid flow in the pipeline and at angle upwardly from the location of the manifold structure to cause the leak detector to be deflected
Data Source
AI summary
A system to retrieve a buoyant leak detector (76) traveling with the fluid flowing in a pipeline (24), includes a catchment device (38) located above the bottom interior of the pipeline. Flexible, elongate manifold structures (30) are constructed with fluid outlet openings (54) extending along the manifold structures. The manifold structures are deployable to lie across the lower inside perimeter of the pipeline, upstream from the catchment device. A source of pressurized air is routed to the manifold structure, whereby air bubbles are emitted from the nozzles of the manifold structure to form a sheet or curtain of air bubbles that flow in the direction downstream of the fluid flow in the pipeline and at an angle upwardly from the location of the manifold structures to cause the leak detector to be deflected by the bubble curtain toward the catchment device.