Pipe-in-Pipe End Sealing With Water Intrusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe-in-pipe pipeline systems face challenges in protecting the ends of prefabricated segments from water intrusion during transport and assembly, which degrades thermal insulation, and lack effective monitoring solutions for detecting water presence before the pipeline is assembled.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first plug for closing the inner pipe, a tubular extension with a second plug, a flexible ring for fixing and detecting water presence using twisted conductor wires, and a recording unit for temperature and humidity data, integrated with a storage memory and remote query capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If caulked ends are used on prefabricated segments, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but water intrusion protection is insufficient during transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a sealing device with plugs and detection means on the pipeline segments before they are transported and assembled. This advance preparation ensures that the ends are properly sealed and monitored for water intrusion during the transport and storage phases, rather than relying solely on simple caulking that provides insufficient protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a detection means (such as conductive wires or sensors) as a mediator between the sealing structure and the water intrusion threat. This intermediary element enables monitoring of the sealing effectiveness and provides early warning of water penetration, enhancing the reliability of the simple plug-based sealing system.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conductive wires are inserted into insulating material for water detection, then water presence can be detected, but the detection system becomes complex and may compromise insulation integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the detection function from the insulating material itself. Instead of embedding conductive wires within the insulation (which would compromise its integrity and add complexity), the detection means are positioned in the annular space between the inner and outer pipes, separate from the insulation layer. This maintains insulation integrity while still enabling water detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the detection means to serve multiple functions: detecting water presence, monitoring the sealing effectiveness, and potentially detecting other anomalies in the annular space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors and simplifies the overall detection system.
3Device complexity
If simple plugs are used to close pipe ends, then device complexity is reduced, but water intrusion detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the sealing function (plugs) and the detection function (sensors or conductive wires) into a single integrated sealing device assembly. The plugs and detection means are installed together as one unit, simplifying the installation process while providing both protection and monitoring capabilities simultaneously, rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the detection means to automatically monitor for water intrusion without requiring external active sensing systems. The conductive wires or sensors passively detect water presence through electrical conductivity changes or other passive measurement mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex powered detection systems while maintaining monitoring capability.
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 device ensures effective sealing and real-time monitoring of water presence, differentiating between condensation and actual water intrusion, reducing false positives and maintaining thermal insulation integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the detector consists of two twisted conductor wires electrically insulated from one another by a porous material
Implementation Method 2
the oil industry has been using thermally-insulated pipe-in-pipe pipelines formed by successively assembling, by welding, sections of pipe-in-pipes
Implementation Method 3
the capillary forces of the water will locally compact the insulation and cause it to lose its microporous nature
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sealing off a segment of pipe-in-pipe pipeline including an inner pipe and an outer pipe between which an insulating material is interposed, and including a water detector. The device includes: a first plug for closing off the inner pipe, a tubular extension welded to the end of the outer pipe, the free end of the extension extending beyond the first plug and being closed off by a second plug, and a means for fixing the position of the inner pipe and outer pipe, integral with the extension.