Superabsorbent Polymer Inerting for Pipeline Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inerting abandoned pipelines, tanks, and wells are inefficient, costly, and destructive due to the use of sand or lean concrete, which face challenges like incomplete filling, equipment limitations, and safety risks, especially in urban and hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A method using superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) that swell in water, allowing for easy injection and stability over time, combined with sealing techniques to prevent degradation, and utilizing low-speed positive-displacement pumps for efficient filling without damaging infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sand or lean concrete is used to inert pipelines, then the pipelines can be filled, but the filling is incomplete and plugs form preventing propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the inerting material by using a fluidizable composition (slurry or emulsion) that can flow through the pipeline and then transforms into a stable solid form. This allows complete filling without plug formation, as the material can be pumped in fluid state and sets in place afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluidifying agent as an intermediary substance that enables the inerting material to be pumped through the pipeline. The agent allows the composition to flow in a pumpable state during injection and then disappears or transforms, leaving the stable solid inerting material in place.
2Quantity of substance
If high-pressure pumps are used to force propagation of sand, then filling can be achieved, but the pressure required may exceed pipe strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the inerting material by using a fluidizable composition that can be pumped at low pressures in fluid state. The material transforms after injection, eliminating the need for high-pressure pumping that would risk pipe rupture.
3Quantity of substance
If lean concrete is injected using concrete pumps, then pipelines can be filled, but the operation is limited to short distances and requires opening ground or roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluidifying agent as an intermediary that enables the inerting material to be pumped through long distances using simple pumping equipment. The agent allows the composition to flow like a fluid during injection, eliminating the need for complex concrete pumping equipment and ground opening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters of the inerting material by using a pumpable slurry or emulsion that can be injected through long pipeline distances using standard pumping equipment, rather than requiring specialized concrete pumps and access points.
4Quantity of substance
If high-pressure concrete pumps are used, then filling can be achieved, but there is a risk of pipeline explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the inerting material to create a fluidizable composition that can be pumped at low pressures. This eliminates the high-pressure conditions that would create explosion risk, while still achieving complete pipeline filling.
5Quantity of substance
If sand or concrete is used for inerting, then pipelines can be filled, but transport is expensive and requires heavy equipment in difficult access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and density parameters of the inerting material by using a fluidizable composition with water or water-miscible solvent as the continuous phase. This reduces the weight and volume of material to be transported compared to dry sand or concrete, while still providing effective pipeline inerting.
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 provides a cost-effective, non-destructive, and efficient inerting solution that is stable for several years, reducing hazards and operational costs, and can be easily transported and applied in various environments, including urban and remote areas.
Implementation Method 1
using superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with a high degree of swelling in water
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inerting pipelines, or buried tanks or wellbores consisting of preparing a composition including at least one superabsorbent (co)polymer partially or fully swollen in the presence of water, then injecting the composition directly into the pipelines or buried tank or well.