Segmented Gas Sensor Nodes for Long-Distance Pipeline Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas leak detection systems in subterranean pipelines are limited to distances of about 10 kilometers due to the time required for the purge flow to clear the sensing tube and the spreading of leaking gas, making it difficult to determine the leak location and are time-consuming and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A gas sensing tube system with multiple sensor nodes and a sensing cable that allows for gas detection over longer distances by using a hydrophobic sealant layer and a protective layer, with openings no greater than 0.5 millimeters in diameter, and a sensor cable with conductors to detect gas leaks up to 100 kilometers, enabling faster and more efficient leak detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single long sensing tube is used to detect leaks over long distances, then the detection distance is extended, but the detection time increases significantly and gas spreading makes location determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing tube is divided into multiple discrete sensor nodes distributed along the pipeline. Each sensor node independently detects gas leaks in its local section, eliminating the need for a single long sensing tube. This segmentation reduces detection time while maintaining long-distance coverage, as each node operates independently and simultaneously rather than requiring sequential purging of a continuous long tube.
2Length of stationary object
If a single long sensing tube is used, then coverage distance increases, but gas spreading within the tube makes leak location determination more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensing tube into discrete sensor nodes at specific locations, each node provides localized gas detection. This eliminates gas spreading issues within a continuous long tube, as each sensor node independently detects gas at its specific position. The leak location can be precisely determined by identifying which specific sensor node detects the gas, rather than attempting to locate the leak within a long continuous tube where gas has diffused.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensing tube formation processes are used, then production is simpler, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into modular sensor nodes that can be manufactured independently and then distributed along the pipeline. This modular approach allows parallel production of multiple sensor nodes, significantly increasing production efficiency compared to forming a single long sensing tube. Each sensor node can be manufactured using standard processes, and the modular design simplifies assembly and deployment.
4Reliability
If the sensing tube is made hydrophobic to prevent water ingress, then reliability improves, but gas diffusion may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing tube employs local quality by applying hydrophobic coating selectively to specific regions or sections rather than uniformly throughout. This allows water-resistant properties where needed while maintaining gas permeability in the sensing regions. The hydrophobic treatment is applied in a controlled manner to prevent water ingress while preserving the ability of gas to diffuse through the tube wall to the sensor.
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 gas leak detection over longer distances, reducing detection time and production costs, and improving the accuracy of leak location identification by using multiple sensor nodes and a hydrophobic sealant layer to facilitate gas diffusion and detection.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrophobic sealant layer covers the gas sensing tube
Data Source
AI summary
A gas sensing tube includes an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a passage. A sensor node is arranged along the sensing tube. The sensor node includes an inlet fluidically connected to the passage, an outlet fluidically connected to the passage, and an interior chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor cable extends along the sensing tube. The sensor cable includes a first conduit having a first connector coupled to the sensor node at the inlet and a second conduit having a second connector connected to the sensor node at the outlet. The sensor cable has a first conductor extending through the first conduit and being coupled to the first connector and a second conductor extending through the second conduit and being coupled to the second connector.