Permeable Coupler Gas Sensor Node for Pipeline Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas leak detection systems in subterranean fluid transport are limited to pipelines of up to 10 kilometers due to the time required for the purge flow to clear the sensing line and the spreading of leaking gas, making it difficult to determine leak locations accurately and are also time-consuming and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A gas detector sensor node system with permeable couplers connecting sensor conductors, allowing for efficient gas detection over longer distances by using a network of sensor nodes and a sensing cable with optic fibers, where the sensing line soaks and purges gas, and spectroscopy is used to analyze light changes for gas presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a sensing line is used for gas leak detection, then gas leaks can be detected, but the detection distance is limited to 10 kilometers due to the time required for purge flow to clear the sensing line and gas spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing line is divided into multiple segments separated by permeable couplers. Each segment can be independently purged and sensed, allowing the system to detect leaks at multiple locations along the pipeline simultaneously, effectively extending the detection distance beyond the 10 km limitation of a single continuous sensing line.
Solution Approach 2:
Permeable couplers are introduced as intermediary components between sensing line segments. These couplers allow gas to pass through while maintaining the segmentation of the sensing line, enabling independent operation of each segment and reducing the purge time required for each individual segment.
2Measurement precision
If a sensing line is used for gas leak detection, then gas leaks can be detected, but the leak location determination becomes difficult due to gas spreading during the purge
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensing line into discrete sections with permeable couplers, the system can isolate and identify specific segments where gas accumulation occurs. This segmentation allows precise determination of leak location by identifying which segment shows gas presence, rather than relying on the entire sensing line which would suffer from gas spreading.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensing line segment between permeable couplers has distinct local characteristics that allow independent detection. The permeable couplers create localized zones where gas can be detected, enabling the system to attribute gas presence to specific locations along the pipeline with greater accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensing technology is used, then gas leak detection is possible, but the manufacturing process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing line is manufactured as modular segments that can be independently produced and then connected using permeable couplers. This segmentation allows for more efficient manufacturing processes where each segment can be produced using standardized procedures, reducing overall production time and cost compared to manufacturing a single long sensing line.
Solution Approach 2:
Permeable couplers made from porous or permeable materials are used to connect sensing line segments. These couplers allow gas to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity and segmentation of the system, enabling simpler and faster manufacturing compared to traditional sealed connections.
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 faster and more accurate detection of gas leaks over longer distances, reducing the time required for detection cycles and simplifying the manufacturing process, thus improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of gas leak detection.
Implementation Method 1
The coupler being permeable to gas
Implementation Method 2
The sensing line is perforated, covered with a hydrophobic membrane and encased in a protective layer. The sensing line is given time to soak and absorb any gases that may be leaking from the pipeline.
Implementation Method 3
spectroscopy is used to analyze light changes for gas presence
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detector sensor node includes a first sensor conductor having a terminal end, a second sensor conductor including an end section, and a coupler joining the terminal end of the first sensor conductor with the end section of the second sensor conductor. The coupler is permeable to gas.