Pipe apparatus, pipe system, and method of detecting a leak in a conduit
US11333304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/18
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is described a pipe apparatus having two circular coaxial layers, inner and outer, defining an annular gap therebetween. At least one segmentation ring with a predesigned opening is placed within the annular gap. The pipe system is composed of interconnected pipe apparatuses of the same type. Compact wireless stations are embedded in the segmentation rings within sealed predesigned openings forming a wireless information and communication network (WICN). Each segmentation ring incorporates a pressure relief mechanism. When a layer of a given pipe apparatus breaks and fluid leaks into the annular gap in a given segment, the segmentation rings surrounding that segment temporarily retain the fluid and the WICN is disturbed in the affected area. At least one external central unit monitors WICN activity and integrity inside the pipe system and detects such leakage, before the leak spreads to another segment of the pipe system, without reaching the outside environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.