WO2009156957A2 - Use of hydrophobic material - Google Patents
Use of hydrophobic material Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009156957A2 WO2009156957A2 PCT/IB2009/052715 IB2009052715W WO2009156957A2 WO 2009156957 A2 WO2009156957 A2 WO 2009156957A2 IB 2009052715 W IB2009052715 W IB 2009052715W WO 2009156957 A2 WO2009156957 A2 WO 2009156957A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- water
- equipment
- hydrophobic
- underground
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 abstract description 9
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003673 groundwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002893 slag Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/01—Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelines; Protecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like
- E21B47/017—Protecting measuring instruments
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a use for hydrophobic materials, in particular for protection of underground equipment.
- sensors are typically placed underground in the vicinity of pipelines, tanks and other vessels containing hydrocarbons. Sensors may also be used to detect hydrocarbon emulsions in water such as in drainage systems.
- the present invention relates to uses of hydrophobic materials, for example particulates and aggregates.
- the use will be described in relation to a sensor for the detection of hydrocarbons in soil and water, however, is not intended to be limiting.
- use of hydrophobic material is for aiding in the detection of hydrocarbons in soil.
- a layer of hydrophobic material disposed in a container in which the sensor is placed.
- the hydrophobic material repels water thereby ensuring that the sensor will remain in a dry environment.
- hydrophobic material e.g. aggregates or particulates
- hydrophobic sand or hydrophobic fiber material may be of a variety of suitable types, such as hydrophobic sand or hydrophobic fiber material, or any other hydrophobic material; see for example, US Patent Application
- hydrophobic material wherein the material is disposed adjacent at least a portion of a piece of underground equipment whereby a water barrier is formed at the portion(s) of the underground equipment to essentially isolate the equipment from water, including constituents in that water at those portion(s).
- a method of detecting the presence of a non-polar liquid in an underground environment comprising: positioning a sensor, adapted to detect the non-polar liquid, in an underground environment at or in proximity to where the non-polar liquid is to be detected; locating a hydrophobic material, or combination of hydrophobic materials, adjacent a portion of the sensor; and operating the sensor.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of an embodiment of a use of hydrophobic material of the present invention.
- hydrophobic material or materials as a barrier or protective layer for a sensor adapted to sense one or more hydrocarbons in an underground environment; however such embodiment should not be understood as limiting and various other uses and applications are possible within the scope of the invention.
- a typical application is for the detecting/sensing of one or more hydrocarbons in soil in the area of a pipe, tank or the like situated in the soil, and which is typically subject to moisture, for example as a result of rain or ground water.
- Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary use of a hydrophobic material, for example hydrophobic sand 1 surrounding a hydrocarbon sensor 2.
- the hydrophobic sand 1 acts as a barrier and by its hydrophobic feature the hydrophobic sand blocks water from coming in contact with the hydrocarbon sensor 2.
- the hydrocarbon sensor 2 can function in a dry or essentially dry environment.
- the hydrocarbon sensor 2 is disposed in a hydrocarbon-porous container, panel(s), fabric or the like, and the hydrophobic sand 1 is then placed within the container to cover a portion, or preferably completely cover/surround, the sensor. Such embodiment may ease installation/application.
- a method of sensing a hydrocarbon located in soil, typically underground comprises Advantages of the aforementioned use and method include that they are cost effective and convenient, as well as do not pose a barrier to the non-polar liquid to migrate to the sensor 2 for detection.
Abstract
Use of a hydrophobic material wherein the material is disposed adjacent at least a portion of a piece of underground equipment whereby a water barrier is formed at the portion(s) of said equipment to essentially isolate the equipment from water, including constituents in that water at those portion(s). The use is particularly suited an application of protecting a sensor adapted to sense a hydrocarbon leaked into the soil. A method for detecting such a hydrocarbon is also disclosed.
Description
USE OF HYDROPHOBIC MATERIAL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a use for hydrophobic materials, in particular for protection of underground equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Detecting hydrocarbons in soil by means of sensors is problematic due to the presence of water which generally disrupts operation of the sensors and results in false readings. For this reason, there are few if any uncomplicated, reasonably priced and efficient underground sensors, in particular for the detection of hydrocarbons in soil. In the case of hydrocarbon sensing in soil, e.g. to detect leaks, sensors are typically placed underground in the vicinity of pipelines, tanks and other vessels containing hydrocarbons. Sensors may also be used to detect hydrocarbon emulsions in water such as in drainage systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to uses of hydrophobic materials, for example particulates and aggregates.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a use of hydrophobic material for protecting, and potentially improving, the operation of underground equipment, as is particularly applicable in this purpose for electronic underground equipment. The use will be described in relation to a sensor for the detection of hydrocarbons in soil and water, however, is not intended to be limiting. In another object of the present invention, use of hydrophobic material is for aiding in the detection of hydrocarbons in soil.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for the detection of hydrocarbons and the like in underground locations.
According to some embodiments, a layer of hydrophobic material disposed in a container in which the sensor is placed. The hydrophobic material repels water thereby ensuring that the sensor will remain in a dry environment.
The hydrophobic material (e.g. aggregates or particulates) may be of a variety of suitable types, such as hydrophobic sand or hydrophobic fiber material, or any other hydrophobic material; see for example, US Patent Application
Publication 2006/257643 (to Zeev Birger, assignee: Superseal Ltd.) which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a use of hydrophobic material wherein the material is disposed adjacent at least a portion of a piece of underground equipment whereby a water barrier is formed at the portion(s) of the underground equipment to essentially isolate the equipment from water, including constituents in that water at those portion(s).
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of detecting the presence of a non-polar liquid in an underground environment, the method comprising: positioning a sensor, adapted to detect the non-polar liquid, in an underground environment at or in proximity to where the non-polar liquid is to be detected; locating a hydrophobic material, or combination of hydrophobic materials, adjacent a portion of the sensor; and operating the sensor.
The term "material" will be used herein to denote all suitable particulates and aggregates, for example, crushed stones, gravel, sand, waste slag etc.; and the terms "particulates", "aggregates" and "sand" may be used interchangeably. Without limitation, examples of appropriate hydrophobic particulates and aggregates that can be used in the present invention are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication 2006/257643 (to Zeev Birger, assignee: Superseal Ltd.) which is incorporated by herein in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may be understood upon reading of the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to Fig. 1 which is a schematic side sectional view of an embodiment of a use of hydrophobic material of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
An exemplary embodiment will be described in regard to use of hydrophobic material or materials as a barrier or protective layer for a sensor adapted to sense one or more hydrocarbons in an underground environment; however such embodiment should not be understood as limiting and various other uses and applications are possible within the scope of the invention. A typical application is for the detecting/sensing of one or more hydrocarbons in soil in the area of a pipe, tank or the like situated in the soil, and which is typically subject to moisture, for example as a result of rain or ground water.
Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary use of a hydrophobic material, for example hydrophobic sand 1 surrounding a hydrocarbon sensor 2. The hydrophobic sand 1 acts as a barrier and by its hydrophobic feature the hydrophobic sand blocks water from coming in contact with the hydrocarbon sensor 2. Thus, the hydrocarbon sensor 2 can function in a dry or essentially dry environment.
In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon sensor 2 is disposed in a hydrocarbon-porous container, panel(s), fabric or the like, and the hydrophobic sand 1 is then placed within the container to cover a portion, or preferably completely cover/surround, the sensor. Such embodiment may ease installation/application.
According to an embodiment of another aspect of the invention, related to the aforementioned use, there is provided a method of sensing a hydrocarbon located in soil, typically underground. The method comprises
Advantages of the aforementioned use and method include that they are cost effective and convenient, as well as do not pose a barrier to the non-polar liquid to migrate to the sensor 2 for detection.
It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and that there are various embodiments of the present invention that may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the features described in the above-described embodiments may be used separately or in any suitable combination; or the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.
Claims
1. Use of a hydrophobic material wherein the material is disposed adjacent at least a portion of a piece of underground equipment whereby a water barrier is formed at the portion(s) of said equipment to essentially isolate the equipment from water, including constituents in that water at those portion(s).
2. The use as in claim 1, wherein the underground equipment is a sensor.
3. The use as in claim 2, wherein the sensor is adapted to sense a non-polar liquid.
4. The use as in claim 3, wherein the non-polar liquid is a hydrocarbon.
5. A method of detecting the presence of a non-polar liquid in an underground environment, the method comprising: positioning a sensor, adapted to detect the non-polar liquid, in an underground environment at or in proximity to where the non-polar liquid is to be detected; locating a hydrophobic material, or combination of hydrophobic materials, adjacent a portion of the sensor; and operating the sensor.
6. The method as in claim 5, wherein the non-polar liquid is a hydrocarbon.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US7507708P | 2008-06-24 | 2008-06-24 | |
| US61/075,077 | 2008-06-24 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2009156957A2 true WO2009156957A2 (en) | 2009-12-30 |
| WO2009156957A3 WO2009156957A3 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
Family
ID=41445048
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2009/052715 WO2009156957A2 (en) | 2008-06-24 | 2009-06-24 | Use of hydrophobic material |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2009156957A2 (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4877923A (en) * | 1988-08-01 | 1989-10-31 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sensors for detecting and locating liquid leaks |
| WO1992007249A1 (en) * | 1990-10-10 | 1992-04-30 | Boston Advanced Technologies, Inc. | Methods and sensor systems for sensing hydrocarbon-containing fluids based on fluorescence detection |
| US5425268A (en) * | 1994-03-03 | 1995-06-20 | Union Oil Company Of California | Water immersible vapor sensor |
| WO2000058714A1 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2000-10-05 | Cranfield University | Detection of liquids |
| WO2005005566A2 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2005-01-20 | Superseal Ltd. | Hydrophobic composites and particulates and applications thereof |
-
2009
- 2009-06-24 WO PCT/IB2009/052715 patent/WO2009156957A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4877923A (en) * | 1988-08-01 | 1989-10-31 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sensors for detecting and locating liquid leaks |
| WO1992007249A1 (en) * | 1990-10-10 | 1992-04-30 | Boston Advanced Technologies, Inc. | Methods and sensor systems for sensing hydrocarbon-containing fluids based on fluorescence detection |
| US5425268A (en) * | 1994-03-03 | 1995-06-20 | Union Oil Company Of California | Water immersible vapor sensor |
| WO2000058714A1 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2000-10-05 | Cranfield University | Detection of liquids |
| WO2005005566A2 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2005-01-20 | Superseal Ltd. | Hydrophobic composites and particulates and applications thereof |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2009156957A3 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
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