Underground Membrane Air Release for High-Pressure Pipelines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing air from underground water and wastewater pipelines require numerous aboveground air release valves, which are costly, space-consuming, and aesthetically undesirable in urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a selectively permeable, non-porous membrane located underground, which allows the passage of air and gases while preventing the exit of aqueous fluids, thereby eliminating the need for aboveground air release valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If aboveground air release valves are installed at set distances along the pipeline, then air can be effectively released from the pipeline, but the system occupies significant aboveground space and requires maintenance protection in urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the air release function from the aboveground environment and relocates it underground by using a selectively permeable membrane that allows air to pass through while preventing water loss. The membrane is positioned below ground level, eliminating the need for aboveground valve structures and their associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The selectively permeable membrane acts as an intermediary element between the pipeline and the surrounding environment. It mediates the release of air while preventing water escape, allowing the system to function without traditional aboveground valves. The membrane material itself serves as the active component that enables selective gas transmission.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional aboveground air release valves are used, then air removal function is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase due to exposure to vandalism and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vulnerable aboveground components (valves, fittings, and protective structures) from the system and replaces them with an underground membrane-based solution. This extraction of the air release function to an underground location eliminates exposure to vandalism and theft, reducing maintenance costs and improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The selectively permeable membrane provides automatic, passive air release without requiring mechanical operation, control systems, or regular maintenance. The membrane self-regulates based on pressure differential, allowing air to pass when pressure builds up while automatically preventing water loss, thereby eliminating the need for costly maintenance and protection infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If porous hydrophobic membranes are used for air removal, then selective permeability is achieved, but the membranes cannot withstand high liquid entry pressure in high pressure water mains
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs composite membrane structures that combine hydrophobic porous layers with reinforcing support layers. The composite construction allows the membrane to maintain its selective permeability properties while gaining the mechanical strength needed to withstand high water main pressures. The support layer provides structural integrity without compromising the air-selective permeability of the hydrophobic layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed as a flexible thin film structure that can deform elastically under pressure while maintaining its selective permeability function. The flexibility allows the membrane to accommodate pressure variations without structural failure, and the thin film design minimizes pressure drop across the membrane while maintaining effectiveness at high pressures.
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 system effectively releases trapped air from high-pressure pipelines without the need for aboveground infrastructure, saving space, materials, and energy while maintaining pipeline efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the selectively permeable membrane allows passage of air and gas therethrough, while substantially prevents passage of aqueous fluids therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides an improved system for underground release of air or gas from underground pipelines. The system is able to withstand pressures higher than 12Atm, and in some instances up to 30 Atm, without structural failure. The system comprises a selectively permeable membrane, located underground and secured in fluid and vapor communication with an underground pipeline. The selectively permeable membrane allows passage of air and gas therethrough, while substantially prevents passage of aqueous fluids therethrough. The system includes an impermeable mechanical support, located in the vicinity above the selectively permeable membrane.