Gas Network Fault Detection Using Valve-Driven Sensor Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for detecting and quantifying leaks and obstructions in complex gas networks under pressure or vacuum, as they are designed for long, straight pipelines and do not account for the complexities of compressor plants and consumer areas.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a mathematical model trained with sensor data to detect and quantify leaks and obstructions by controlling relief and throttle valves, allowing for the simulation of different scenarios and the creation of a functional relationship between sensors, enabling real-time detection and location of irregularities without requiring the exact topology of the gas network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional leak detection methods are used in complex gas networks, then the detection process becomes overly complicated and requires precise knowledge of network topology, but these methods fail to accurately detect and quantify leaks and obstructions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex gas network into functional zones (supply zones, consumer zones, intermediate zones) and applies simplified detection logic to each zone independently. This allows accurate leak and obstruction detection without requiring complete knowledge of the entire network topology, reducing method complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate calculation variables (flow differences, pressure gradients, zone balance equations) that mediate between raw sensor data and final leak/obstruction detection. These intermediaries simplify the detection process by breaking down the complex analysis into manageable computational steps that don't require full network topology knowledge.
2Ease of operation
If the gas network is divided into sub-networks for detection, then the detection method becomes easier to implement, but leaks and obstructions in the overall network cannot be comprehensively detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection framework that works across all zones of the gas network regardless of their specific configuration. The same detection principles and calculation methods apply to supply zones, consumer zones, and intermediate zones, providing comprehensive network coverage while maintaining ease of implementation through consistent methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection results from individual zones into a comprehensive network assessment. By combining zone-level flow balances, pressure gradients, and leak indicators, the system achieves complete network coverage detection while retaining the simplicity of zone-by-zone analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compressor plants and consumer areas are included in the detection scope, then the detection becomes applicable to real-world complex networks, but the detection accuracy decreases due to network complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality adjustments by treating different network zones with appropriately tailored detection parameters. Supply zones near compressor plants use flow-based detection, consumer zones use pressure-based detection, and intermediate zones use combined methods. This local adaptation maintains high detection accuracy across diverse network configurations while preserving overall system versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the simultaneous detection, localization and quantification of leaks (13a) and obstructions (13b) in a gas network (1) under pressure or vacuum; the gas network (1) comprising: - one or more sources (6) of compressed gas or vacuum; - one or more consumers (7) or consumer areas of compressed gas or vacuum applications; - pipelines (5) or a network (4) of pipelines (5) to transport the compressed gas or vacuum from the sources (6) to the consumers (7), consumer areas or applications; - a plurality of sensors (9a, 9b, 9d) providing one or more physical parameters of the gas at different times and locations within the gas network (1); character!zed in that the gas network (1) is further provided with a number of controllable or adjustable relief valves (10a}, a number of controllable or adjustable throttle valves (10b) and possibly one or a plurality of sensors (9c) capable of monitoring the status or state of the relief valves (10a) and/or throttle valves (10b) and that the method comprises the following steps: - a training phase (16), in which a mathematical model is established between the measurements of a first group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) and a second group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d'>t based on different measurements of these sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), wherein the controllable or adjustable relief valves (10a) and throttle valves (10b) are controlled in a predetermined sequence and according to well- designed scenarios to generate leaks (13a) and obstructions (13b) respectively; - an operational phase (17), in which the mathematical model established between the measurements of the first,group of sensors (9af 9b, 9c, 9d) and the second, group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) is used,to detect, locate and quantify leaks (13a) and obstructions (13b) in the gas network; wherein the operational phase (17) comprises the following steps: ~ controlling, if necessary, the relief valves and the throttle valves In a predetermined order and according to well-designed scenarios; reading out the first group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 3d); - based on these readout measurements, calculating or determining the value of the second group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) with the help of the mathematical model; ~ comparing the calculated or determined values of the second group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 3d) with the read values of the second group of sensors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) and determining the difference between them; determining whether there is a. leak (13a) and/or- an. obstruction (13b) in.the gas network on the basis of the aforementioned difference and any of its derivatives; - generating an alarm, if a leak (13a) or obstruction (13b) is detected and/or determining the location of the leak (13a) and/or obstruction (13b) and/or determining the flow rate of the leak (13a) and/or the degree of obstruction of the obstruction (13b) and/or generating the leakage and/or obstruction cost.