Pipeline Leak Detection Jacket with Coil Expansion Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline leaks pose a significant environmental risk, and existing systems are inadequate in containing leaks and immediately shutting down flow while alerting personnel effectively.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection, containment, and cutoff system featuring a flexible tubular jacket around pipelines, a valve controlled by a coil-based system that automatically closes in response to leaks, and an integrated alarm and communication network for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible tubular jacket is fitted around the conduit to contain leaks, then leak containment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tubular jacket is nested around the conduit, with a coil wrapped around the jacket. This nested structure allows the containment function to be integrated within the existing pipeline structure without requiring separate external containment systems, thereby improving leak containment capability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the leaking fluid itself to expand the flexible tubular jacket and trigger the valve closure. The fluid pressure from the leak automatically inflates the jacket and activates the detection mechanism without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, thus improving reliability while keeping the device relatively simple.
2Extent of automation
If a control system with coil expansion is used to automatically shut off flow, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaking fluid automatically expands the coil and triggers the valve closure through pressure-driven mechanisms. The system uses the leak's own energy to activate the shutdown function, eliminating the need for external sensors, power sources, or complex control electronics, thereby achieving automation while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs fluid pressure (hydraulic principle) to expand the flexible tubular jacket and coil, which mechanically triggers the valve closure. This hydraulic actuation mechanism provides reliable automation using the natural pressure from the leaking fluid, avoiding the need for electrical or electronic control systems.
3Reliability
If emergency alarm systems and image capture devices are added to alert personnel, then safety monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions image capture devices and alarm systems at strategic locations along the conduit. When a leak occurs, these pre-positioned devices immediately capture images and activate alarms without requiring complex real-time decision-making or additional processing, thereby enhancing safety monitoring while keeping the added complexity manageable through pre-planned configurations.
4Reliability
If flashback arrestors are installed on the conduit proximate the valve, then safety against flashback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into multiple independent components: flexible tubular jacket for containment, coil expansion mechanism for detection, valve for flow cutoff, and flashback arrestors for flame prevention. Each component performs a specific safety function independently, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive safety coverage while maintaining modular simplicity rather than requiring a single complex integrated system.
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, shuts off fluid flow, and alerts personnel automatically, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring timely response to pipeline breaches.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tubular jacket fitted circumferentially around a circumferential wall of the conduit so as to be expandable by fluid exiting the conduit in the event of a leak occurring in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a coil wrapped around and along the flexible tubular jacket and having a terminal fitting at an end thereof, the terminal fitting normally residing in a first relationship with a control element in a control circuit of the control system and being movable into to a second relationship with the control element by expansion of a diameter of the coil caused by the expansion of the tubular jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline leak detection, containment and cutoff system features a flexible tubular jacket fitted circumferentially around the pipeline for expansion by leaking fluid. A coil is wrapped on the jacket and has a terminal fitting that normally resides in an engaged position maintain a predetermined state of a control circuit that connected to a valve installed on the pipeline. When the jacket expands under the action of fluid leaking from the pipeline, this increases the coil diameter a the expanding area of the jacket, which pulls the terminal fitting from its engaged position, thereby changing the state of the control circuit and causing the valve to close the pipeline and prevent further leakage from same. Preferably multiple valves installed along the pipeline are wired in series such that control circuit closes all the valves under a change in the control circuit by any one of the coils.