Umbilical Hose Leak Detection via Internal PIG and External Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting leaks in umbilical hoses are either harmful to human health due to the use of radioactive materials, require complex logistics, or are limited to specific types of pipes and applications, and do not allow for quick and continuous inspection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an internal device (PIG) inserted into the hose and external detecting equipment that surrounds the hose, using fluid pressure to propel the PIG to the leak and sensors to detect its position, allowing for non-destructive and efficient leak detection without radioactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radioactive materials are used for leak detection in pipes, then leak detection capability is improved, but harm to human health and operational restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful radioactive materials from the detection system, replacing them with a non-radioactive internal device (PIG) that can be safely inserted into the umbilical hose. The PIG contains detection equipment that identifies leaks without using harmful substances, thus maintaining leak detection capability while eliminating health hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary internal device (PIG) that travels through the umbilical hose to detect leaks. This PIG acts as a mediator between the detection system and the hose, carrying sensors and detection equipment internally rather than requiring external radioactive sources, thereby enabling safe and effective leak detection.
2Reliability
If radioactive detection systems are used, then leak detection is possible, but inspection time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by inserting the internal device (PIG) into the umbilical hose before the actual inspection process begins. The PIG is prepared with all necessary detection equipment and is ready to travel through the hose, allowing for quick and continuous inspection without requiring complex setup procedures or area isolation that would extend inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by enabling the PIG to travel continuously through the umbilical hose, performing leak detection along its entire length in one continuous operation. This eliminates the need for stopping, resetting, or repositioning detection equipment, thereby significantly reducing total inspection time while maintaining comprehensive leak detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If external detecting equipment surrounds the hose, then non-destructive detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the detection equipment inside the internal device (PIG), which is then inserted inside the umbilical hose. This nested arrangement integrates sensors, power sources, and control systems within the compact PIG structure, eliminating the need for complex external detection equipment surrounding the hose while maintaining non-destructive detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (detection, navigation, power supply, and data processing) into a single integrated internal device (PIG). By combining these elements within one unit that travels through the hose, the system achieves non-destructive leak detection without requiring separate external equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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 quick, continuous, and safe detection of leaks in umbilical hoses, reducing inspection time and enabling the reuse of hose sections, resulting in significant cost and resource savings by allowing precise localization and repair of leaks.
Implementation Method 1
using fluid pressure to propel the PIG to the leak
Implementation Method 2
external detecting equipment that surrounds the hose, using fluid pressure to propel the PIG to the leak and sensors to detect its position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This invention relates to a system and process for detecting the place of leakage from umbilical hoses. This system comprises an internal device (PIG) which is inserted in the hose of the umbilical cable which is leaking and external detecting equipment which is intended to identify the position of the PIG device which is already inside the umbilical. The device which is inserted in the umbilical and which is known as a PIG, is made of metal and the external detecting equipment comprises two parts: one formed by a ring which surrounds the umbilical, having a sensor system and another part which has the electronics, capable of identifying the presence of the PIG and, with this, modifying the signal, so that it can be identified. The system is presented as a process for detecting the exact place of leakage from umbilical hoses and the technology tested is easy to operate and the inspection is carried out at a good speed and continuously, without creating waste.