Multilayer Composite Spool Pipe for Pipeline Surge Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline systems, particularly those made of steel, are unable to effectively mitigate transient pressure surges and over-pressure events caused by valve closures and pipeline obstructions, leading to potential structural damage due to their lack of elasticity and inability to absorb hydraulic forces.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Transient Mitigation Device (TMD) using a composite pipe system with polymeric materials and structural reinforcement fibers, which can absorb and attenuate surge pressures through hoop expansion, allowing for the mitigation of transient pressure events within pipelines, either as an in-line device or a standalone system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel pipe systems are used for pipeline construction, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but the ability to mitigate transient pressure surges and absorb hydraulic forces deteriorates due to lack of elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible composite pipe sections with polymeric materials that can expand and contract elastically to absorb transient pressure surges. The flexible shell structure allows hoop expansion during surge events, converting kinetic energy into manageable elastic deformation, thereby mitigating pressure impacts while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials combining polymeric matrices with structural reinforcement fibers. This composite structure provides both the elasticity needed for surge absorption and the structural strength required for pressure containment, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility in pipeline systems.
2Reliability
If composite pipe systems with polymeric materials are used to mitigate surge pressures, then the ability to absorb and attenuate transient pressure events is improved, but the maximum operating pressure capacity may be reduced compared to steel systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies material parameters by selecting polymeric composites with specific elastic moduli and strength-to-density ratios that optimize the balance between surge absorption and pressure capacity. The composite structure allows controlled elastic deformation under surge conditions while maintaining adequate operating pressure capacity through material selection and structural design.
3Ease of operation
If traditional rigid pipeline systems are used, then installation and maintenance are simplified, but the system becomes vulnerable to structural damage from pressure surges and over-pressure events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible composite pipe sections as pre-installed cushioning elements within the pipeline system. These sections are positioned at locations prone to surge impacts and are designed to absorb transient pressure events before they can cause damage to rigid pipeline components, providing beforehand protection against pressure surges.
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 TMD system effectively reduces the magnitude of surge pressures by converting kinetic energy into manageable forces, preventing pipeline damage and maintaining steady flow, while being designed for easy installation and monitoring, with the ability to withstand pressures several times the maximum operating pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The TMD system is a composite pipe made from polymeric materials. The structural reinforcement fibres, in multiple layers, bear the pressure load, and have an elastic modulus, and flexibility that provides for maximum deflection, while still functioning within the operating parameters during destructive surges and over-pressure events
Implementation Method 2
The TMD system effectively reduces the magnitude of surge pressures by converting kinetic energy into manageable forces
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method to mitigate transient events in a transported medium of fluids and gases subjected to surges, and over pressure events caused by the transient state of a transported medium in a continuous pipeline, where the device has one or more concentrically positioned multilayered composite pipes encased in an outer spool pipe with an annulus space between the spool pipe and the multilayered composite pipes, with flanged adaptors at each end of the device for inline installation in a pipeline, with a management system for receiving, processing and transmitting information gathered in combination with existing pipeline monitoring, and acoustical detection system for receiving and processing of acoustic transmission due to an acoustical wave. Mitigation of pressure events is achieved by energy dissipation and expansion of the multilayered composite pipes and reduction of amplification of pressure waves is achieved by initiation of active counter waves by expansion of the multilayered composite pipes to sinusoidal shape.