Pressurized Pipe Leak Repair Using Mobile Sensing and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piping systems often develop leaks that require shutting down the system for repair, which is inconvenient for customers and costly for providers, and can lead to contamination and extensive construction, including digging up streets and sidewalks.
Innovation Solution
A pipe repair device equipped with a locomotion subsystem, leak detection subsystem, and pipe repair subsystem that can navigate through pressurized pipelines to locate and repair leaks without shutting down the system, using mechanisms like radially repositionable tracks, image sensors, acoustic microphones, and repair materials such as epoxy reagents or stents to seal leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the piping system is shut off for leak repair, then the leak can be repaired, but service is disrupted and customers are inconvenienced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the pipeline to repair itself by injecting sealant through the existing leak path without external intervention or system shutdown. The automated detection and repair process allows the system to service itself while maintaining normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable repair device is introduced as an intermediary element that travels through the pipeline to the leak location and applies sealant. This intermediary carries the repair function into the operating system without requiring system shutdown or external access.
2Reliability
If the piping system is depressurized for leak repair, then the leak can be repaired, but foreign objects can enter and contaminate the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline remains pressurized throughout the repair process, maintaining continuous protective action that prevents foreign object entry. The sealant injection and curing process occurs under pressure, ensuring the pipeline environment remains protected from contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system repairs the leak in situ under its own operating pressure, using the existing pressure to drive sealant through the leak path and prevent contamination without requiring depressurization or external intervention.
3Reliability
If traditional leak repair methods are used, then the leak can be repaired, but extensive construction including digging up streets is required
Solution Approach 1:
The repair function is extracted from the traditional external construction process and moved inside the pipeline. The detection and repair operations are performed internally by a movable device that travels through the pipeline, eliminating the need for external excavation and construction.
Solution Approach 2:
A self-contained movable repair device serves as an intermediary that carries all necessary repair functions (detection, sealant injection, curing) into the pipeline interior, replacing the need for external construction equipment and procedures.
4Reliability
If the pipeline is shut off and depressurized for repair, then the leak can be repaired, but repair time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline maintains continuous operation throughout the repair process. Detection, travel to leak location, sealant injection, and curing all occur while the pipeline remains pressurized and flowing, eliminating downtime and reducing repair time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair device is prepared and launched into the pipeline before any shutdown occurs. The device autonomously navigates to the leak location and performs repair actions in sequence, completing the entire repair process during normal operation without requiring preliminary system shutdown or preparation time.
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 in situ leak repair without disrupting service, reducing costs and contamination risks, and allowing for rapid, precise identification and evaluation of leaks, thus minimizing downtime and construction.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic microphones to listen for leaks
Implementation Method 2
image sensors to capture images of the pipe interior
Implementation Method 3
introducing a radially compressible hollow elastic tube, held under axial tension or radial compression into the vessel, the tube being radially compressed from an at rest condition to a contracted condition, the method further including the step of releasing the tension or compressive force on the tube such that the tube expands radially from the contracted towards the at rest condition against the wall of the vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
Example aspects of a pipe repair device and a method for repairing a pipeline are disclosed. The pipe repair device can comprise a body; a sensor attached to the body for detecting the leak in the pipe; a transport mechanism attached to the body for transporting the pipe repair device along the pipe; and a repair mechanism comprising a repair material for repairing the leak.