Pipeline Section Evacuation Using Positive Pressure Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline maintenance systems rely on negative pressure to evacuate pipeline fluids, which can lead to inefficient pressure drops and longer evacuation times.
Innovation Solution
The system uses positive pressure by injecting an inert fluid into an isolated section of pipeline at a pressure above the non-isolated section, displacing the pipeline fluid towards and out of the section, thereby achieving efficient evacuation without the need for specialized fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If negative pressure is used to evacuate pipeline fluid, then the pipeline product can be drawn out of the isolated section, but the pressure continues to drop from initial pipeline pressure to a lower pressure range (5 to 15 psi), resulting in longer evacuation times
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using negative pressure (vacuum) to pull the pipeline product out of the isolated section, the invention inverts the approach by using positive pressure to push the product out. An inert gas is injected into the isolated section at a pressure higher than the receiving section, creating a pressure differential that forces the pipeline product to flow outward, thereby eliminating prolonged pressure drops and reducing evacuation time
2Productivity
If vacuum systems are used to evacuate the isolated section, then the pipeline product can be removed, but the pressure must be maintained in a specific range (5 to 15 psi), requiring additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the receiving non-isolated section to naturally receive the displaced pipeline product at its existing operating pressure without requiring active vacuum control. The inert gas injection automatically creates the necessary pressure differential, and the system self-regulates as the pressure equalizes between sections, eliminating the need for complex vacuum pressure control mechanisms
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 method reduces evacuation times compared to prior art methods, maintains pipeline pressures within operational ranges, and eliminates the use of vacuum or negative pressure, ensuring safe and efficient pipeline maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an inert fluid is injected into the isolated section at a first (upstream) location at a pressure above that of a non-isolated section located outside of the second end to displace the pipeline product toward, and out of, a second (downstream) location
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of this disclosure make use of positive pressure to evacuate pipeline product contained within an isolated section of pipeline. In embodiments, an inert fluid is injected at a first location along the isolated section at a pressure above that of a non-isolated section of pipeline The displaced pipeline product, which may be filtered, then flows out of the isolated section at second location along the isolated section and into the non-isolated section. In other embodiments, a pressure differential between the isolated and non-isolated sections is created by lowering a pressure of the non-isolated section below that of the isolated section. The pipeline product may be a liquid, a gas, or a mixture of the two. The composition of product may be monitored as it flows through the isolated section or as it exits the section. Evacuation may be slowed or stopped based upon the composition.