GB2483218A

GB2483218A - A pipeline system

Info

Publication number: GB2483218A
Application number: GB201009491A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Richard Lloyd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-07
Filing date: 2010-06-07
Publication date: 2012-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-07
Also published as: GB201009491D0; GB2483218B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pipeline system suitable for conveying a fluid from an inlet to an outlet which employs multiple routes between the inlet and outlet and which is operable to automatically isolate one or more of said routes should they develop a leak. A pipeline system according to the present invention is suitable for conveying a fluid from an inlet to an outlet and comprises: an inlet junction; an outlet junction; and two or more pipeline branches connected between said inlet and outlet junctions. The inlet junction comprises: a single inlet point which corresponds to the inlet of the system; at least two outlet points; and a first sealing means operable to seal at least one of said outlet points. The outlet junction comprises: at least two inlet points; a single outlet point which corresponds to the outlet of the system; and a second sealing means which is operable to seal at least one of said inlet points. Each of the two or more pipeline branches is connected at one end to one of the outlet points of the inlet junction and at the other end to one of the inlet points of the outlet junction and the first and second sealing means are operable to automatically isolate any one of the pipeline branches in response to a substantial drop in fluid pressure in that branch relative to the rest of the system.

Description

A pipelinçy5 tern The present invention relates to a pipeline system suitable for conveying a fluid from an inlet into the system to an outlet from the system. Particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a system which employs multiple parallel routes between the inlet and outlet and which is operable to automatically isolate one or more of said routes should they develop a leak.

It is often desirable to convey fluids from one source point to one or more supply points, wherein such fluids may include liquids, gasses or mixtures thereof. As tO such, a dedicated infrastructure of pipelines is typically employed. For example, water, oil and gas are often conveyed via dedicated pipeline systems which are laid underground.

It can be a major problem when such pipeline systems develop leaks since such leaks may prove costly to the supplier of the fluid and since some fluids such as oil and gas may have a substantial negative impact on the surrounding environment, Furthermore, if the integrity of the pipeline is compromised contaminates from the surrounding environment may be allowed to enter the system. Therefore, when a leak develops it is necessary to isolate the local region of the pipeline system quickly and keep it isolated until the leak can be repaired.

In conventional pipeline systems, isolating the area proximate to a leak may result in the link between the source and one or more or the supply points being broken. Therefore, the supply of fluid to these supply points will be disrupted at least until the leak can be fixed, which is undesirable. Furthermore, since such systems of pipelines are often difficult to access, for example they may be located underground, this disruption may last for a significant amount of time.

It is therefore an object of embodiments of the present invention to at least partially address these problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a pipeline system suitable for conveying a fluid from an inlet to an outlet comprising: an inlet junction; an outlet junction; and two or more pipeline branches connected between said inlet and outlet junctions, wherein the inlet junction comprises: a single inlet point which corresponds to the inlet of the system; at least two outlet points and a first sealing means operable to seal at least one of said outlet points; the outlet junction comprises: at least two inlet points; a single outlet point which corresponds to the outlet of the system and a second sealing means which is operable to seal at least one of said inlet points; and wherein each of the two or more pipeline branches is connected at one end to one of the outlet points of the inlet junction and at the other end to one of the inlet points of the outlet junction; and wherein the first and second sealing means are operable to automatically isolate any one of the pipeline branches in response to a substantial drop in fluid pressure in that branch relative to the rest of the system.

Such a pipeline system allows the supply of fluid to the outlet to remain intact in the event that a leak develops in one of the pipeline branches whilst ensuring that the leak is isolated from the rest of the pipeline system.

The two or more pipeline branches may follow substantially the same route between the inlet junction and outlet junction. This may increase the ease of installation since the two or more pipeline branches can be installed at the same time.

Alternatively the two or more pipeline branches may follow different routes. This may be advantageous since events which lead to a break in one pipeline branch may cause a break in the other pipelines if they are nearby. Therefore, choosing different routes for each pipeline branch may result in a more robust pipeline system. -.3-

The first and second sealing means may comprise a plurality of valves. In particular, the first sealing means may comprise a valve at each outlet point thereof and the second sealing means may comprise a valve at each inlet point thereof Each such valve may be provided with an 0' ring to ensure a tight seal.

The pipeline system may comprise pressure monitoring means. The pressure monitoring means may comprise a plurality of pressure sensors located at different positions within the pipeline system and a processing means. The processing means may be operable to determine whether there is a substantial drop in fluid pressure in any of the pipeline branches relative to the rest of the system. The processing means may be connected to the first and second sealing means and may be further operable to control said first and second sealing means in order to isolate one or more of the pipeline branches from the rest of the system.

Alternatively, the first and second sealing means may be automatically actuated by a relative drop in fluid pressure in any one of the pipeline branches.

For embodiments comprising two pipeline branches, the first and/or second sealing means may comprise a balancing device. The balancing device may comprise two substantially spherical members joined by a bar which is operable to pivot about a pivot point therebetween, The balancing device may be movable between at least: a first position wherein one spherical member cooperates with a substantially circular hole at one of the outlet or inlet points, thereby sealing that outlet or inlet point; a second position wherein the other spherical member cooperates with a substantially circular hole the other outlet or inlet point, thereby sealing that outlet or inlet point; and a third position wherein neither of the two outlet or inlet points is sealed. This movement may be achieved by rotation of the bar about the pivot point. Such an arrangement is advantageous since in the event that a leak occurs in one of the pipeline branches the drop in fluid pressure in that branch will cause the bar to rotate so that one of the spherical member cooperates with the hole at the outlet point to which this channel branch is attached.

In cases where it is desirable to convey a fluid at a high pressure and/or high flow rate the balancing device(s) may require substantial strengthening.

The second sealing means may comprise a spring loaded valve for each inlet point to the outlet junction whereby each such valve is biased towards a closed position by a biasing spring. These valves may be operable to open in response to a threshold fluid pressure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipeline system comprises two pipeline branches, the first sealing means comprises a balance device substantially as described above and the second sealing means comprises a spring loaded valve for each inlet point to the outlet junction. In the event that a leak occurs in one of the pipeline branches the drop in fluid pressure in that branch will cause the bar to rotate so that one of the spherical members cooperates with the hole at the outlet point to which this pipeline branch is attached. Furthermore, since the flow through the breached pipeline branch is interrupted the spring loaded valve at the other end of the pipeline branch will close under the influence of the biasing spring and this channel branch will therefore be isolated from the rest of the pipeline system.

The pipeline system may further comprise an indication means operable to produce a signal in the event of a leak. Therefore, although the pipeline branch which has developed a leak will be automatically isolated, the indication means may serve to inform those responsible for the maintenance of the pipeline system that a leak has occurred. The signal may comprise any visual and/or audio signal as is required andlor desired. For example, the signal may be achieved by actuating a light, either in a continuous or broken fashion, and/or a siren. Preferably, the indication means is operable to indicate the approximate location of the leak, For example, the indication means may produce a signal which indicates which one of the pipeline branches has developed a leak. Furthermore, the signal may indicate the approximate area of the leak within that pipeline branch.

The indication means may be operable to produce a signal indicative of a leak in response to a change in pressure as measured by a pressure sensor. Alternatively, the indication means may be operable to produce a signal indicative of a leak in response to a change in the state of the first and/or second sealing means. In particular, for embodiments wherein the first and/or second sealing means comprises one or more valves the indication means may be operable to produce a signal in response to the opening or closing of one or more of the valves.

The fluid may comprise a liquid, a gas or a mixture thereof The pipeline system may be formed from any suitable materials having regard 15. to the fluid which is to be conveyed and the temperature and pressure of the fluid.

In order that the invention can be more clearly understood embodiments thereof are now described further below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a pipeline system according to the present invention with two pipeline branches, both of which are intact; and Figure 2 is a schematic view of a pipeline system according to the present invention with two pipeline branches, one of which has developed a leak.

Referring now to figures 1 and 2, a pipeline system 100 according to the present invention comprises an inlet junction 10, an outlet junction 30 and two pipeline branches 20. The inlet junction 10 comprises a single inlet point 11, corresponding to the inlet into the pipeline system 100, two outlet points 12 and a first sealing means 13. The outlet junction 30 comprises two inlet points 31, a single outlet point 32, corresponding to the outlet into the pipeline system 100, and a second sealing means 33. Each of the two pipeline branches 20 is connected at one end to one of the outlet points 12 of the inlet junction 10 and at the other end to one of the inlet points 31 of the outlet junction 30.

The connections between the pipeline branches 20 and the inlet and outlet junction 10, 30 may be by way of cooperating threaded members, compression joints or any other type of connection as is desired and/or appropriate.

The first sealing means 13 comprises two substantially cylindrical members 14 each of which is operable to cooperate with one of two 0' rings 15 which are set in substantially circular openings proximate to the two outlet points 12. Each of the substantially cylindrical members 14 is attached to one of two short bars 16 via a hinge so that each short bar 16 can rotate relative to the cylindrical member 14 to which it is attached. Each of the two short bars 16 is attached to one end of a longer bar 17, with the short bars 16 at opposite ends of the longer bar 17, via a hinge so that each bar 16 can rotate relative to the longer bar 17. The longer bar 17 is attached to the inlet junction 10 at pivot point iS and it is free to rotate relative thereto. The substantially spherical members 14 are partially constrained by the walls of the inlet junction 10 so that their movement is limited.

The second sealing means 33 comprises two spring loaded valves 34, one at each of the two inlets 31 into the outlet junction 30. Each valve 34 comprises a mushroom shaped stopping member 35 an 0' ring 36 surrounding one of the inlets 31 and a biasing spring 37. The stopping member 35 is moveable in one dimension and is forced towards the 0' ring 36 by the biasing spring 37. Therefore in the absence of a force acting to separate the stopping member 35 and the 0' ring 36, the valve will be closed.

Figure 1 shows the pipeline system 100 during normal use which no leaks.

When fluid is passed into the system under pressure by, for example, a pumping means (not shown) the fluid will flow into the input junction and through the two pipeline branches 20. Since there is a natural disposition towards a substantially even pressure throughout the system 100, the first sealing means 13 will tend to allow the fluid to flow through both pipeline branches 20. In the event that flow along one pipeline branch 20 becomes restricted by the first sealing means 13, the other pipeline branch 20 will ensure the supply of fluid continues at steady rate. The fluid pressure will cause the two valves 34 of the second sealing means 30 to open and, as such, fluid will flow from the pipeline branches 20 into the output junction 20 and out of the system 100.

Figure 2 shows the same pipeline system 100 which has developed a leak 21 in one of the pipeline branches 22. When such a leak 21 occurs, the fluid pressure in the broken pipeline branch 22 will drop relative to that in the intact pipeline branch 23. As such, the longer bar will rotate until one of the substantially cylindrical members 14 cooperates with the 0' ring 15 surrounding the output point 13 to which the broken pipeline branch 22 is connected, If there is a sufficient pressure drop in the broken pipeline branch 22, the substantially cylindrical member 14 and the 0' ring will form a seal.

As the fluid pressure in the broken pipeline branch 22 drops, the biasing spring 37 of the valve at the other end thereof will push the stopping member 35 towards the 0' ring 36 sealing off that end of the broken pipeline branch 22.

Therefore the broken pipeline branch 22 is isolated from the rest of the pipeline system 100 and fluid flow continues through the unbroken pipeline branch 23.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments which have been described by way of example only.

In particular, whist in the embodiment disclosed above the second sealing means comprises two spring loaded valves it may alternatively comprise a balancing device similar to that as described above in respect of the first sealing means. In order for such a balancing device to be utilised for the second sealing means rather than the first sealing means it may need to be modified, as would be obvious to one skilled in theart,.

Furthermore, whilst a simple embodiment of the invention has been described, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art, the advantage of the invention may be achieved with a more complicated system which may, for example, involve a plurality of pressure sensors and a processing means.

Claims

Claims I. A pipeline system suitable for conveying a fluid from an inlet to an outlet comprising: an inlet junction; an outlet junction; and two or more pipeline branches connected between said inlet and outlet junctions, wherein the inlet junction comprises: a single inlet point which corresponds to the inlet of the system; at least two outlet points and a first sealing means operable to seal at least one of said outlet points; the outlet junction comprises: at least two inlet points; a single outlet point which corresponds to the outlet of the system and a second sealing means which is operable to seal at least one of said inlet points; and wherein each of the two or more pipeline branches is connected at one end to one of the outlet points of the inlet junction and at the other end to one of the inlet points of the outlet junction; and wherein the first and second sealing means are operable to automatically isolate any one of the pipeline branches in response to a substantial drop in fluid pressure in that branch relative to the rest of the system.
2. A pipeline system as claimed in claim I wherein the two or more pipeline branches follow substantially the same route between the inlet junction and outlet junction.
3. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two or more pipeline branches follow different routes between the inlet junction and outlet junction.
4. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first andlor second sealing means comprises a plurality of valves. -10-
5. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first sealing means comprises a valve at each outlet point thereof and the second sealing means comprises a valve at each inlet point thereof
6. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein each valve is provided with an 0' ring to ensure a tight seal.
7. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pipeline system comprises a pressure monitoring means.
8. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pressure monitoring means comprises: a plurality of pressure sensors located at different positions within the pipeline system; and a processing means.
9. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the processing means is operable to determine whether there is a substantial drop in fluid pressure in any of the pipeline branches relative to the rest of the system.
10. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the processing means is connected to the first and second sealing means.
11. A pipeline system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the processing means is operable to control said first and second sealing means in order to isolate one or more of the pipeline branches from the rest of the system.
12. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second sealing means are automatically actuated by a relative drop in fluid pressure in any one of the pipeline branches. -1113. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are two pipeline branches, 14. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first and/or second sealing means comprises a balancing device.15. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the balancing device comprises two substantially spherical members joined by a bar which is operable to pivot about a pivot point therebetween.16. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the balancing device is movable between at least: a first position wherein one spherical member cooperates with a substantially circular hole at one of the outlet or inlet points, thereby sealing that outlet or inlet point; a second position wherein the other spherical member cooperates with a substantially circular hole the other outlet or inlet point, thereby sealing that outlet or inlet point; and a third position wherein neither of the two outlet or inlet points is sealed.17. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second sealing means comprises a spring loaded valve for each inlet point to the outlet junction whereby each such valve is biased towards a closed position by a biasing spring.18. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pipeline system further comprises an indication means operable to produce a signal in the event of a leak.19. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the signal comprises a visual and/or audio signal.20. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the indication means is operable to indicate the approximate location of the leak.21. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the indication means produces a signal which indicates which one of the pipeline branches has developed a leak.22. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the signal indicates the approximate area of the leak within the pipeline branch that has developed a lcak.23. A pipeline system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein the indication means is operable to produce the signal in response to a change in pressure as measured by a pressure sensor.24. A pipeline system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein the indication means is operable to produce the signal in response to a change in the state of the first andlor second sealing means.25. A pipeline system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the indication means is operable to produce a signal in response to the opening or closing of one or more valves, 26. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said pipeline system is suitable for conveying: a liquid, a gas or a mixture thereof from the inlet to the outlet.27. A pipeline system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said pipeline system is formed from a suitable material having regard to the fluid which is to be conveyed and the temperature and pressure of the fluid to be conveyed.