Twin Smart Balls for Pipeline Leak Detection and Instant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline leak detection and repair methods are inefficient, costly, and unable to reliably detect small leaks or operate continuously due to battery limitations, requiring frequent maintenance and being sensitive to environmental conditions, with existing tools lacking universal acceptance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of twin smart balls, one equipped with acoustic sensors for leak detection and the other with a healing fluid to seal leaks, which are self-recharging and autonomously propelled, using internal blades to generate power and communicate via Wi-Fi for real-time monitoring and immediate action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional leak detection methods are used, then leak detection capability is provided, but continuous operation is limited due to battery constraints requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ball incorporates self-charging capability through kinetic energy conversion during movement, allowing it to recharge its battery autonomously while traveling through the pipeline. This eliminates the need for external charging or frequent maintenance, enabling continuous long-term operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static battery-powered operation to dynamic self-charging operation during movement. The ball converts its kinetic energy from flowing through the pipeline into electrical energy to recharge its battery, making the system adaptable and self-sustaining.
2Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used, then leak detection is performed, but response time is delayed and environmental risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ball continuously monitors acoustic signals from the pipeline and provides real-time feedback about leak conditions. When a leak is detected, the system immediately responds by injecting healing fluid and notifying operators, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates delayed response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and immediate repair actions automatically upon detecting a leak, before environmental damage can occur. The healing fluid is injected right at the leak site, and operators are notified in advance to prevent catastrophic failures.
3Measurement precision
If existing leak detection tools are used, then detection capability is provided, but accuracy for small leaks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical inspection tools with acoustic sensing technology that detects leaks by listening to characteristic sounds and pressure changes. This acoustic-based detection method is highly sensitive and can detect even small leaks that mechanical tools miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart ball is designed to work universally in pipelines of various sizes and configurations. It combines multiple functions including leak detection, healing fluid injection, and wireless communication into a single versatile device that can adapt to different pipeline scenarios.
4Productivity
If frequent maintenance is performed, then battery limitations are addressed, but operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ball charges its own battery through kinetic energy conversion during movement through the pipeline. This self-service charging capability eliminates the need for frequent maintenance and battery replacements, maximizing operational efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operational capability by converting the ball's movement through the pipeline into electrical energy for battery recharging. This ensures the ball can operate continuously without interruption for maintenance, maintaining high productivity.
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
Enables continuous, real-time detection and instantaneous repair of leaks in pipelines of varying sizes and flow rates, reducing environmental risks and financial losses by providing accurate and autonomous leak detection and healing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor ball receives acoustical data through internal sensors
Implementation Method 2
self-recharging and autonomously propelled, using internal blades to generate power
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention provides a device and method to detect leaks in pipelines and heal them instantly using twin ball technology. The device comprises two twin balls of novel construction inserted into the pipeline. The sensor ball receives acoustical data through internal sensors. Once the threshold of the sound level is surpassed, the smart ball will send a signal to the second flowing ball. The second ball will flow towards the leaking outlet and eject a healing fluid to close the leak and prevent further damage. The sensor ball will also alert the user to the size and location of the leak via Wi-Fi monitoring and text messaging. This twin balls technology could be used in pipelines of varying sizes and flow rates.