Inline Pipeline Leak Pig With Flow-Based Leak Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection tools in pipelines struggle to accurately detect and quantify small leaks, often requiring indirect measurements and lacking precision in locating leaks within long, complex pipeline systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a leak detection pig apparatus that utilizes a combination of absolute pressure measurements and flow rate analysis to detect leaks, quantify the flow rate of leaked fluid down to very low volumes, and accurately identify the leak location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect pressure measurements are used to detect leaks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical pressure measurement systems with direct flow measurement using a flow meter. Instead of inferring leaks from pressure differential changes, the system directly measures fluid flow through the pipeline, substituting a more precise measurement mechanism that provides explicit leak detection data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow meter as an intermediary measurement device that directly quantifies fluid flow. This intermediary tool provides explicit measurement of leak rates, serving as a mediator between the pipeline and the detection system, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex indirect calculation methods.
2Measurement precision
If direct flow rate measurement is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow measurement function from the overall leak detection system, using a dedicated flow meter component. By separating the measurement function into a specific extracted element, the system achieves high measurement precision while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from indirect pressure differential to direct flow rate. By measuring flow rate directly rather than calculating leak size from pressure changes, the system achieves superior measurement precision with a relatively simple flow meter device, effectively changing the measurement approach to resolve the contradiction.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used to locate leaks accurately, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple pressure sensors and differential pressure calculations with a single flow meter that directly measures leak flow rate. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple sensors and complex calculation algorithms, achieving accurate leak detection with reduced device complexity.
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
This solution enables the detection of very small leaks, down to 0.5 gallons per minute, with an improvement of approximately 880 times over previous technologies, and provides a high degree of certainty in locating leaks within the pipeline.
Implementation Method 1
a flow meter, configured to measure a flow rate through the fluid path
Implementation Method 2
a rear pressure sensor positioned to measure a first absolute pressure P1 in the pipeline behind the rear seal stack; a control volume pressure sensor positioned to measure a second absolute pressure P2 in the control volume; and a front pressure sensor positioned to measure a third absolute pressure P3 in the pipeline ahead of the front seal stack
Data Source
AI summary
An improved pipeline leak detecting pig apparatus configured to locate leaks in the wall of a pipeline as the apparatus is pushed by pressurized fluid through the pipeline. The apparatus is configured with or without absolute pressure sensors and a flow meter configured to detect fluid flow through a controlled volume on the pig passing a leak in the pipeline and pressurized fluid in the controlled volume escapes through the leak. Pressure sensors, when provided, provide a secondary confirmation of the presence of a leak and the degree of severity when an absolute pressure drop in the controlled volume occurs. Onboard microcontrollers record continuous odometer pulses, apparatus diagnostic information and pressure and flow measurements for later analysis, quantification and determination of leak location.