Online Pipe Integrity Testing via Annulus Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline systems face operational inefficiencies and reliability issues due to faults such as breaches, kinks, or obstructions in pipe segments, which compromise fluid isolation and lead to fluid loss or contamination, necessitating an effective integrity testing method.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus is integrated into the pipeline system, featuring fluid valves and sensors to determine the integrity state of pipe segments by measuring fluid parameters within the tubing annulus, including pressure, temperature, and composition, allowing for online detection of faults during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipeline integrity testing is performed, then faults can be detected, but the pipeline system must be shut down causing loss of productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs integrity testing by analyzing fluid parameters that have already permeated through the tubing wall into the annulus during normal operation. This preliminary detection approach allows fault identification without requiring pipeline shutdown, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary substance (fluid that permeates through the tubing wall) to carry information about the tubing's integrity state. By monitoring the composition and properties of this intermediary fluid in the annulus, the system can detect faults without direct contact with the primary fluid stream, enabling online testing.
2Reliability
If online integrity testing is implemented, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and fluid handling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid in the annulus serves multiple functions: it acts as a lubricant for pipe movement, a heat transfer medium, and now also as a carrier of integrity information. By utilizing the existing multi-functional fluid, the system avoids adding separate dedicated testing systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural permeation of fluid through the tubing wall as the testing mechanism. The tubing itself provides the test path by allowing fluid to pass through its wall, and the existing annulus space serves as the collection chamber, eliminating the need for complex external testing infrastructure.
3Productivity
If fluid permeation analysis is used for integrity testing, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but measurement precision may be affected by fluid composition variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors fluid parameters in the annulus and compares them against baseline values and threshold criteria. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to normal variations in fluid composition while identifying deviations that indicate actual faults, thereby maintaining measurement precision during continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple fluid parameters (composition, temperature, pressure, flow rate) simultaneously rather than relying on a single parameter. By analyzing changes in multiple parameters together, the system can distinguish between normal operational variations and actual integrity issues, improving measurement precision.
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 solution enables real-time assessment of pipe segment integrity, improving operational efficiency and reliability by detecting faults promptly and reducing fluid loss and contamination, thus enhancing the overall performance of the pipeline system.
Implementation Method 1
an upstream sensor fluidly connected between the vent port on the pipe fitting and the fluid valve, in which the upstream sensor determines a fluid parameter associated with fluid within the one or more fluid conduits in the tubing annulus
Implementation Method 2
measuring fluid parameters within the tubing annulus, including pressure, temperature, and composition
Implementation Method 3
measuring fluid parameters within the tubing annulus, including pressure, temperature, and composition
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipeline system including a pipe segment, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and fluid conduits in a tubing annulus, a pipe fitting secured to the pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a vent port connected to the fluid conduits in the tubing annulus, and a testing apparatus. The testing apparatus includes a fluid valve connected to the vent port, an upstream sensor fluidly connected between the vent port and the fluid valve, in which the upstream sensor determines a fluid parameter associated with fluid within the fluid conduits in the tubing annulus, and a downstream sensor connected between the fluid valve and external environmental conditions, in which the downstream sensor determines another fluid parameter associated with fluid released from the fluid conduits in the tubing annulus while the fluid valve is in an opened state.