Protective Containment Layer for Leak Detection on Pipes and Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary containment systems for structures like pipes or tanks are expensive and inefficient in containing leaks when multiple leaks occur, and existing leak detection sensors are prone to mechanical stress, leading to inaccurate readings and significant operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A protective system with a containment material that collects fluid in cavities, embedding leak detection sensors to protect them from mechanical stress and delay leakage, comprising porous materials like fiber-based textiles or foams, and an outer hull to control pressure and extend detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If leak detection sensors are placed directly on the structure surface, then leak detection speed is improved, but the sensors are subjected to mechanical stress causing inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a containment material as an intermediary layer between the leak detection sensor and the structure surface. This material contains cavities that allow the sensor to detect leaks through fluid presence while protecting the sensor from direct mechanical stress and strain that would occur if placed directly on the structure, thereby maintaining both detection speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The leak detection sensor is embedded within the containment material, creating a nested configuration where the sensor is housed inside the protective containment structure. This nesting arrangement allows the sensor to function within the containment material's cavities while being shielded from external mechanical effects
2Reliability
If secondary containment covers the entire structure, then leak containment is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The containment material is applied selectively to specific high-risk portions of the structure surface rather than covering the entire structure. This localized application focuses containment resources on areas most prone to leakage while reducing overall system complexity and cost, maintaining effective leak containment where it is most needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial containment by applying the containment material to only a fraction of the structure surface, specifically targeting areas with higher leak risk. This partial action provides sufficient containment effectiveness for critical zones without the excessive cost and complexity of complete structure coverage
3Reliability
If secondary containment is constructed coaxially around the entire structure, then external leakage probability is reduced, but the solution becomes expensive and fails when multiple leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The containment material is applied to specific high-risk portions of the structure rather than creating a complete coaxial secondary containment around the entire structure. This localized approach reduces the complexity and cost of construction while maintaining effective leak prevention at critical locations
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system is segmented into discrete portions applied to specific high-risk areas rather than forming a continuous coaxial structure. This segmentation allows the containment to be constructed in manageable sections, reducing overall complexity while effectively addressing multiple potential leak points across the structure
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 system effectively contains leaks, maintains sensor accuracy, reduces operational downtime, and lowers costs by minimizing the need for extensive coverage, allowing timely repairs.
Implementation Method 1
the containment material is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid in at least one cavity formed in the containment material thereby containing leakage of the fluid outside of the structure
Implementation Method 2
the containment material comprises a porous material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a protective system for a structure enclosing a fluid, such as a pipe or tank enclosing a fluid. The system comprises a containment material arranged on a fraction of an external surface of the structure. A leak detection sensor is covered by or encompassed in the containment material and the containment material is configured to collect at least a portion of the fluid in a cavity formed in the containment material thereby containing leakage of the fluid outside of the structure in the event of a leak and wherein leakage of the fluid into the containment material triggers a detection of the leak by the leak detection sensor.