Lined Pipeline Sensor Cable Routing Across Electrofusion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively monitor the integrity of polymer-lined pipelines, particularly in subsea applications, as existing technologies cannot detect leaks or corrosion rates in real-time along the entire length of the pipeline, and existing inspection methods are not suitable for polymer liners.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an electrofusion fitting that allows a continuous sensor cable to be routed between sections of lined pipes, enabling communication and monitoring of the integrity of the polymer liner and host pipe, with sensors distributed in a continuous annulus between the pipe lining and the host pipe, and a monitoring apparatus to process signals for early warning of faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pigging arrangements are used to inspect pipelines, then inspection capability is provided, but the pipeline must be shut down and additional infrastructure (launching and receiving stations) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pigging inspection systems with an electrical monitoring system. Sensor cables are embedded within the polymer liner during installation, creating a continuous monitoring network that detects liner integrity issues electrically rather than requiring mechanical inspection devices to be pushed through the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cables are installed within the polymer liner during the initial liner installation process, before the pipeline enters service. This preliminary placement of monitoring equipment eliminates the need for future shutdowns to install inspection devices and enables continuous monitoring from day one.
2Measurement precision
If sensor cables are installed in lined pipes, then monitoring capability is provided, but joining sections of lined pipe breaks the continuous annulus and disrupts sensor communication
Solution Approach 1:
The electrofusion fitting serves as an intermediary component that joins sections of lined pipe while maintaining the continuous annulus. The fitting includes a cavity that receives the sensor cable and allows it to pass through continuously, bridging the gap between pipe sections and preserving the uninterrupted monitoring pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline is divided into manageable sections that can be installed separately, with each section containing sensor cables. The electrofusion fittings connect these segmented sections while maintaining sensor cable continuity, allowing modular installation without compromising the overall monitoring system.
3Strength
If electrofusion fittings are used to join lined pipe sections, then pipe joining is achieved, but the fitting structure may disrupt the sensor cable continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cable is nested within the electrofusion fitting structure. The fitting contains a cable reception cavity that houses the sensor cable, protecting it while allowing continuous passage. This nested arrangement ensures both strong mechanical joining and uninterrupted sensor communication.
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
This solution provides real-time integrity monitoring of lined pipelines, increasing safety, reliability, and extending the service life by detecting leaks and corrosion early, thus preventing operational failures.
Implementation Method 1
joining sections of lined pipe using electrofusion fittings
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrity monitoring system for a lined pipeline is provided for monitoring the integrity of a polymer liner (213) in a host pipe (211). Methods and apparatus are described by which a lined pipeline is provided with such an integrity monitoring system. Sensor cable (253) is able to bridge a joint (241) between sections of lined pipe, for example by routing the sensor cable across the joint via a channel in an electrofusion fitting or by connecting successive lengths of sensor cable via pass-throughs in an electrofusion fitting. Advantageously, the sensor cable is disposed within a continuous annulus between linings and host pipes, and the continuous annulus is maintained across pipe joints using electrofusion fittings.