Modular Pipe Repair Enclosure for In-Service Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leaks in pipelines under pressure often require shutdown for repair, leading to delayed delivery and lost revenue, as existing methods are inefficient in sealing leaks without halting pipeline operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular pipe repair system using enclosure halves with angled grooves and clamping devices, allowing for the assembly of repair enclosures around leaks without shutting down the pipeline, and injecting Teflon fiber sealant into grooves to create a continuous seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then leaks can be sealed, but pipeline operations must be shut down resulting in lost revenue and delayed delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is divided into modular components including enclosure halves, attachment devices, and sealant injection systems that can be independently assembled and installed on the pipeline without shutting it down, allowing repair operations to proceed while maintaining product flow
Solution Approach 2:
A modular enclosure system acts as an intermediary device that interfaces with the running pipeline, creating a sealed chamber around the leak site while allowing the pipeline to continue operating, thus mediating between the need for repair and the need for continuous operation
2Ease of repair
If pipeline shutdown is performed for repair, then leak sealing can be completed, but delivery is delayed and revenue is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The modular enclosure components are pre-assembled and prepared before being installed on the pipeline, allowing for rapid deployment and repair completion without extended downtime, as the components are ready for immediate installation
Solution Approach 2:
The repair system is designed to be dynamically installed and removed from the pipeline without requiring shutdown, with movable enclosure halves and attachment devices that can be quickly positioned and secured around the leak site
3Productivity
If modular repair enclosures are assembled around leaks, then in-service repair is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular enclosure components are designed with universal attachment devices and standardized interfaces that can be used across different pipeline configurations and locations, reducing the variety of unique parts needed and simplifying the overall system despite its modular nature
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 sealing of leaks in pipelines under pressure without interrupting operations, reducing downtime and revenue loss by allowing for in-service repairs and enhancing structural integrity with strongback rods if needed.
Implementation Method 1
injecting sealant into a plurality of injection points to fill the selected angled grooves and the primary grooves in the repair enclosure(s), wherein the sealant is a Teflon fiber sealant
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pipe repair enclosure system includes first and second enclosure portions, and an enclosure attachment device. The first and second enclosure portions create an enclosure around the pipe for covering leaks. The enclosure has three openings for accommodating the pipe. The first and second openings are arranged at an angle of 180 degrees with respect to each other, and at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the third opening, such that a straight line section of pipe may be accommodated by the first and second openings, an elbow section of pipe by the first and third openings, and a T-section of pipe by the first, second, and third openings. The system may further include a blank, for closing one of the openings, for use with a straight or elbow section, and a sleeve, for reducing the inner diameter of an opening, for accommodating pipes of different diameters.