Gas Pipeline Odorant Estimation Under Wall Absorption Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adherence of odorants like tetrahydrothiophene (THT) to pipe walls in gas distribution networks leads to significant losses, reducing the effective concentration of odorants in supplied gas, which can compromise user safety and incur waste due to excessive dosing or insufficient detection of potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method using virtual pipe portions and mathematical functions to simulate and estimate odorant concentration, accounting for absorption and desorption dynamics, ensuring sufficient odorant levels for safety and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If odorant is introduced into the gas distribution system to ensure user safety, then user safety is improved, but odorant is lost through adherence to pipe walls
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of odorant concentration using mathematical models (advection-diffusion equations with adsorption-desorption terms) before actual gas distribution, predicting where and how much odorant will be lost to pipe walls, and adjusts dosing accordingly to maintain safety while minimizing waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from measured odorant concentrations at various points in the distribution network to continuously refine and update the mathematical models, improving prediction accuracy over time and optimizing odorant dosing to balance safety requirements with loss minimization
2Reliability
If excessive quantity of odorant is dissolved in the gas, then user safety is ensured, but odorant is wasted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts odorant concentration parameters based on location, flow rate, and predicted adsorption characteristics, using mathematical models to calculate optimal dosing levels that provide sufficient safety margin without excessive waste, rather than using uniform overdosing throughout the network
3Loss of substance
If odorant concentration is reduced to minimize waste, then odorant loss is decreased, but user safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary risk assessment calculations using mathematical models to determine the minimum odorant concentration required for safety at each location, considering factors like detection thresholds and potential hazard scenarios, then doses accordingly to avoid both waste and safety compromises
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 method accurately predicts odorant concentration in gas output, guaranteeing user safety and optimizing odorant usage by preventing both insufficient detection and excessive dosing.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surfaces of the pipes, through which the gas is distributed, are covered by iron oxides that cause odorant reversible absorption
Implementation Method 2
accounting for absorption and desorption dynamics
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method implemented by means of a processor (5) is disclosed for estimating the concentration of an odorant in a gas pipeline (2) using a mathematical function that takes into account the concentration of the odorant flowing in the gas pipeline and the fact that a part of the odorant is absorbed on the walls of the gas pipeline. The method comprises subdividing the pipe (2) in a plurality of virtual portions (2A, 2B) of the pipe (2); making calculations relating to the virtual pipe portions by means of a mathematical function to calculate the concentration of the odorant in the two different pipe portions at a first time instant; and using the same mathematical function to calculate the concentration of the odorant in the second pipe portion (2B) at a second time instant.