Flexible Sensor Tape for Pipeline Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting leaks in gas well pipelines are inefficient, requiring multiple attempts to locate and repair leaks, resulting in lost operating time and increased repair costs due to the difficulty in quickly identifying the location of gas escapes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sensor security detector tape with signal paths, either electrical wires or optical fibers, is applied in a spaced or sinuous pattern across a material strip, which can be easily wrapped around pipelines, providing a continuous signal path and enhanced detection resolution through interconnected connectors and protective layers for robust installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic instruments are run down the well to detect leak locations, then leak detection capability is provided, but the process requires multiple attempts and causes significant delays in identifying and repairing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is divided into multiple segments with individual sensor sheets applied to each section. Each sensor sheet independently monitors its segment, allowing the system to quickly identify which specific segment contains a leak rather than scanning the entire pipeline with acoustic instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor sheets are pre-installed on pipeline sections during construction or maintenance activities. This preliminary placement ensures detection coverage is already in place before leaks occur, eliminating the need for repeated acoustic instrument deployments to locate future leaks.
2Reliability
If resin layers are applied and allowed to dry before installing sensor sheets, then proper adhesion is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor sheet is integrated with adhesive layers to form a single combined assembly. This merging of the sensor functionality with the adhesion mechanism eliminates the need for separate resin application and drying steps, simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor sheet construction incorporates multiple material layers including adhesive substrates, sensor elements, and protective coverings into a single composite structure. This composite design provides both adhesion capability and sensor functionality in one integrated component that can be applied directly to the pipeline surface.
3Reliability
If sensor sheets are applied to enclose volumetric space, then intrusion detection is provided, but the method does not effectively locate the specific position of intrusions or leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor sheet incorporates multiple independently monitored signal paths distributed across different locations. When a leak occurs, the system identifies which specific local signal path is affected, providing precise location information about the defect rather than merely detecting its presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple presence/absence detection to spatially-resolved detection by arranging signal paths in dimensional patterns across the sensor sheet. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to pinpoint the location of intrusions or leaks along the pipeline surface.
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 sensor tape enables quick and economical detection of intrusions or extrusions in irregularly shaped structures, allowing for precise location of defects and efficient repair, reducing downtime and costs by providing real-time monitoring and continuous signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber can be sensitive to incident nuclear radiation that causes a reduction in the amplitude and/or characteristics of the optical signal and which can be detected as an indication of an alarm condition
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a signal path made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extends between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner. One or more layers of flexible material can be laminated on respective sides of the sensor tape to provide a robust laminated or bonded structure that can be rolled and unrolled from a reel. An adhesive layer and a removable layer can be provided to protect the adhesive layer prior to use. An overcoat of outer layer resin may be applied.