Shared Surge-Relief Piping for Pipeline Overpressure Venting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline surge-relief systems are inefficient due to excessive redundancy and high costs, as they require multiple spare subsystems running parallel to each piping run, which increases complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize dual-pilot operated surge-relief valves in parallel pipe runs with a common header, allowing one subsystem to act as a spare, reducing the number of spare runs and minimizing redundancy, while still providing effective surge relief by detecting and venting excessive pressure and pressure rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple spare subsystems run parallel to each piping run, then pipeline protection against surge pressure is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spare subsystems into a single shared spare subsystem that can substitute for any active run. The common header and substitution mechanism allow one spare to serve multiple piping runs, reducing the total number of spare subsystems needed while maintaining protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spare subsystem is designed with universal functionality to substitute for any active piping run when needed. The common header configuration enables the single spare to perform the surge relief function for multiple different runs, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated spares.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple spare subsystems run parallel to each piping run, then pipeline protection against surge pressure is improved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing and installation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spare subsystems into a single shared spare subsystem that can substitute for any active run. The common header and substitution mechanism allow one spare to serve multiple piping runs, reducing the total number of spare subsystems needed while maintaining protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple spare subsystems run parallel to each piping run, then pipeline protection against surge pressure is improved, but maintenance costs and operational efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline protectionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spare subsystems into a single shared spare subsystem that can substitute for any active run. The common header and substitution mechanism allow one spare to serve multiple piping runs, reducing the total number of spare subsystems needed while maintaining protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs by minimizing spare equipment, while effectively preventing pipeline ruptures due to over-pressurization by using a single spare run that can substitute for multiple active runs, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second pilots may be configured to detect a maximum pressure and a maximum pressure rate, respectively, of the respective portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Known surge-relief systems implement valves to relieve, dissipate, or otherwise attenuate excessive pressure transients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure relief: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11143322B2Systems and methods for providing surge relief

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 CELEROS FLOW TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to protect flows in piping systems using minimal spare components. Some embodiments may provide: a first piping subsystem configured to receive a portion of the input flow; a second piping subsystem configured to receive the portion of the input flow by substituting for the first subsystem; a test subsystem configured to detect whether each of the first and second subsystems is able to vent when at least one, in the each subsystem, of a respective pressure and a respective pressure rate satisfies first and second criteria, respectively; and first and second pilots configured to detect a maximum pressure and a maximum pressure rate, respectively, of the portion of the first and second subsystems.