Pipe Patents (Class 73/49.1)
  • Patent number: 11967537
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, a leak detection device, an outer wall, and a separation wall are provided on a substrate. A first hollow structure in contact with the semiconductor device and a second hollow structure in contact with the leak detection device are separated by the separation wall and formed in a hermetically sealed state. At least a part of a portion of the leak detection device in contact with the second hollow structure is made of a corrodible metal or an alloy containing a corrodible metal. At least a part of the outer wall is in contact with the second hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Hisaka
  • Patent number: 11960335
    Abstract: A leak prevention system includes a liquid cooling device for a server. The liquid cooling device includes a fluid area configured to receive a cooling fluid. The leak prevention system also includes at least one pair of detection wires disposed within the liquid cooling device and at least partially surrounding the fluid area. The leak prevention system also includes a sensor connected to the detection wires and configured to detect when a cooling fluid contacts the detection wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventor: Tianyi Gao
  • Patent number: 11844973
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a pipe network for a fire protection system having an evaluation unit with a communication device, and at least one sensor which is arranged on or within at least one pipe of a plurality of pipes of the pipe network and is in communicative signal connection with the communication device. The at least one sensor is configured to collect measurement data indicative of changes in a hydraulic condition of the at least one pipe and to transmit this measurement data to the communication device of the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the measurement data based on assigning the at least one pipe to the specific pipe category in order to generate an evaluation data record indicative of the hydraulic condition of the at least one pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Bechtloff, Joachim Böke
  • Patent number: 11840922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blow-out preventer BOP test spool system, comprising a test spool to be mounted between a well head and a blow-out preventer; the test spool having an inner cylindrical hole extending in vertical direction of the test spool; the inner cylindrical hole in vertical direction comprising an upper section and a lower section, wherein the lower section comprises a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the upper section; and a test plug, insertable into the inner cylindrical hole of the test spool, the test plug having a cylindrical outer shape with an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper section and is larger than the inner diameter of the lower section, such that the plug can abut a loading shoulder between the upper and lower section and the plug is not able to move further down within the test spool. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for testing a blow-out preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
    Inventors: Mohammed Abu Arab, Omar Auf Abdul Rahman
  • Patent number: 11841293
    Abstract: A system and method to inspect and monitor stress, strain, leakage, corrosion and disjointing of rigid metallic and non-metallic connector fittings used to join sections of non-metallic flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP), as well as inspecting and monitoring the structural health of RTP in the area of connections with casement shields concentrically mounted on and adhered to the outer surface of the RTP at or adjacent to connection with a rigid connector fitting, monitoring sensors installed in the casement shields, a management system for receiving, processing and transmitting information gathered from the sensors via SCADA or other computerized means for monitoring and regulating strain impact, determining stress level and direction, potential leaks and temperature spikes at connector fitting areas, and a mechanism for acoustical detection or simulation, with a computer system for receiving, processing and transmitting information gathered from acoustical micro packs on the casement shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: SMART PIPE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Dean Littlestar, Christopher Dean Littlestar, Aron Robert Ekelund, Ivan Capistran Mandich
  • Patent number: 11649155
    Abstract: An environmentally-friendly test port mounting in a conventional gasoline/diesel fuel dispenser cabinet to provide a technician access to the fuel line and perform various tests that enables testing to occur at a highline point in the line system. The technician may access the test port while the line system head pressure s maintained at a point above ground. The test port has a quick connect/disconnect fitting disposed in a collar intermediate a mounting for a filter in a conventional gasoline/diesel fuel dispenser and the filter to provide a technician access to the fuel line and perform various tests. The quick connect/disconnect fitting may also be coupled to a hose for draining fuel under pressure into a safety can to prevent spillage during replacement of the filter. The safety can may be emptied into the fuel tank to conserve the fuel, prevent polluting the environment and as a safety measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: VMI MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory E. Young
  • Patent number: 11506050
    Abstract: A pressure-testing system for a tubular product. Preferably, the tubular product is a joint or a stand of production tubing. The pressure testing assembly includes a controller; a fluid reservoir configured to contain a test fluid; a pump in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a fluid hose having a first end configured to receive the test fluid from the reservoir, and a second end configured to be fluidically connected to a hydrotest tool for the tubular product; and a transducer. The transducer sends signals to the controller indicative of pressure within the fluid hose. The controller is programmed to automatically (i) store a pressure threshold value (T) such that when pressure in the fluid hose reaches (T), the controller sends a signal to the pump to discontinue pumping; and (ii) store a pressure test value (PT) such when pressure in the fluid hose reaches (PT), the controller sends a signal to the pump to discontinue pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Adams Testing Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin J. Adams, Dylan J. Adams
  • Patent number: 11454565
    Abstract: A seal apparatus provides sufficient sealing and is compact and inexpensive. The seal apparatus includes a thread part screwed to the screw fastening part of a hollow component; a seal part that moves along an axis of the screw part and comes into pressure contact with the screw fastening part of the hollow component; a stopper part fixed to the screw part that restricts the movement of the seal part; a pressed part that moves the seal part into pressure contact with the screw fastening part; a spring disposed between the pressed part and the stopper part; and an accumulator formed between the stopper part and the seal part and into which a test fluid which is introduced into the hollow component for inspection flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SANOH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Shiina, Miyuki Takahashi, Kazuyuki Haraga, Hideharu Shimura, Yasuyuki Kunugiza, Yorichika Takizawa
  • Patent number: 11231145
    Abstract: A method includes providing a length of pipeline that has a housing defining a central bore extending the length of the pipe and a space formed within the housing and extending the length of the pipe. At least one condition within the space is continuously monitored within the space to detect in real time if a change in the housing occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew David Ethridge, Alexander Lee Winn
  • Patent number: 11215524
    Abstract: A gas leak monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be easily applied to a laboratory or the like to which a large amount of gas is supplied and also may detect a gas leak economically and efficiently. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to immediately check a gas leak and take a measure through a user terminal or a management module to prevent a large accident caused by the gas leak in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SAMIN SCIENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyo Cheol Chang
  • Patent number: 10911158
    Abstract: A method and system of high speed radio frequency communication between an outside of a metallic pipeline or vessel and an interior volume contained by the metallic pipeline or vessel includes passing a high speed radio frequency signal through a communication portal having a high speed radio frequency permittive material exposed to the interior volume of the metallic pipeline and to the outside. The high speed radio frequency signal may be transmitted from the interior volume to the outside or from the outside to the interior volume. The communication portal may be a cylindrical- or planar-shaped body connected to the metallic pipeline. A tool located within the interior volume may transmit, receive, or transmit and receive the high speed radio frequency signal. The high speed radio frequency signal may be configured according to a 2.45 GHz standard protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Poe, Ed Maynard, Philip M. Maltby
  • Patent number: 10597997
    Abstract: A method of pressure testing a well tool can include applying positive or negative pressure to an internal chamber of the well tool, or determining a reference pressure, and monitoring the pressure in the internal chamber using a pressure sensor in the internal chamber. Another method can include applying pressure to an internal chamber of a well tool at a surface location, thereby creating a pressure differential in one direction across a seal, and installing the well tool in a well, thereby creating another pressure differential in a possibly opposite direction across the seal. A well system can include a well tool including an internal chamber, and a pressure sensor disposed in the chamber, whereby the pressure sensor detects pressure within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Needham
  • Patent number: 10567090
    Abstract: A method and system of high speed radio frequency communication between an outside of a metallic pipeline or vessel and an interior volume contained by the metallic pipeline or vessel includes passing a high speed radio frequency signal through a communication portal having a high speed radio frequency permittive material exposed to the interior volume of the metallic pipeline and to the outside. The high speed radio frequency signal may be transmitted from the interior volume to the outside or from the outside to the interior volume. The communication portal may be a cylindrical- or planar-shaped body connected to the metallic pipeline. A tool located within the interior volume may transmit, receive, or transmit and receive the high speed radio frequency signal. The high speed radio frequency signal may be configured according to a 2.45 GHz standard protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Poe, Ed Maynard, Philip M. Maltby
  • Patent number: 9459175
    Abstract: A method for testing a flexible container includes arranging the flexible container on a winding core that can be rotated about a winding axis W and forms an internal support. The method continues by winding the flexible container around the winding axis W arranging an external support around the wound container and connecting at least one container opening of the container to a fluid source. The method proceeds by filling the container with a fluid from the fluid source to generate a predetermined positive pressure P1 in the flexible container at a first time T1 and determining whether the container is sufficiently leaktight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Dahlberg, Lars Boettcher, Thomas Regen, Stefan Obermann, Marc Hogreve
  • Patent number: 9301258
    Abstract: System, apparatus and method for collecting data from, and providing power to, a geophysical data acquisition device are described herein. The method may include charging a data transfer device comprising a data transfer port, a power transfer port and a battery module, coupling the data transfer device to a geophysical data acquisition device, deploying the geophysical data acquisition device and collecting data therewith, collecting data from the geophysical data acquisition device via the data transfer port and providing power to the geophysical data acquisition device via the power transfer port, replacing the data transfer device with a charged device, coupling the data transfer device to a charging station, transferring data from the data transfer device, and transferring power to the data transfer device via the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Thomas Preusser, Peter Maxwell, Jason Jurok
  • Patent number: 9278033
    Abstract: An absorbent article facilitating sensing the presence of a body exudate in the absorbent article includes an absorbent member; a sensor coil disposed on or in the article; and an electrical double-layer capacitor disposed on or in the article and in electrical communication with the sensor coil, wherein the capacitor is in fluid communication with the absorbent member. An absorbent article system also includes a detector circuit including an exciter coil configured for electromagnetic communication with the sensor coil, and sensor electronics configured to indicate the presence of a body exudate based on changes in the electromagnetic communication between the exciter coil and the sensor coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Kollakompil Abraham, Joseph Raymond Feldkamp, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Sridhar Ranganathan, Aster Ellen Kammrath
  • Patent number: 9097378
    Abstract: There is a need for a flexible, insulated jacket that can be used to substantially enclose a pipe junction, then inject a cooling substance into the jacket, and thereby freeze or substantially freeze the contents of the junction. Industries conveying fluids, including fluids such as hydrocarbons, using pipes and valves would benefit from such a jacket. The jacket is shaped to substantially enclose a pipe junction connecting two or more pipes. The jacket includes a flexible insulated body having fasteners. The jacket has an open position and a closed position. The body substantially encloses the pipe junction in the closed position. The jacket further includes at least two fluid injection valves communicated through the jacket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: BTI Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlo Mazzella
  • Publication number: 20150082869
    Abstract: A detection method for pipelines in machine-controlled leakage and compliance tests of an anesthetic machine, comprising: entering a machine control leakage test and compliance test state of an anesthetic machine; piping air in an air passage outside a folding bag according to a preset flow rate, and controlling and detecting a pressure value in the air passage and the air piping time at the same time; acquiring the pressure value in the air passage and the air piping time, and judging whether a condition for the anesthetic machine to stop piping air is achieved or not according to the pressure value and the air piping time; according to the pressure value and the air piping time, obtaining a pressure change rate in the air passage in the whole air piping process; according to the pressure change rate, judging whether pipelines in leakage and compliance tests are correctly connected or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Beijing Aeonmed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaodong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150082870
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to fluid leakage detection. More particularly, subject matter relates to a device for detecting fluid leakage in a fluid drain pipe attached to a power transformer device. The device comprises fluid collection compartment attached to bottom of the fluid drain pipe and a fluid level switch is positioned in the fluid collection compartment to generate alarm signal to indicate fluid leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: CTR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Vijaykumar K. Wakchaure
  • Patent number: 8935951
    Abstract: A test tool for use in testing a tubular component such as a pipe includes a body having first and second body portions together defining a sliding sleeve. Axially spaced sealing and gripping modules are provided, with one module located on the first body portion and another module located on the second body portion. A force-generating arrangement is provided to apply an axial test force to the tubular component via the modules. A test pressure is applied to a section of the wall of the tubular component and an axial load is applied to the wall section. Application of the axial load between the first and second modules applies the axial load to the wall section of the tubular component to facilitate strength testing of the tubular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Stats (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Angus George Bowie
  • Publication number: 20150000382
    Abstract: A method and a system for the detection of leaked fluid that leaked out of a fluid-carrying duct associated with at least one optical conductor. The method and the system monitor an aboveground portion of the duct along which the optical conductor runs. The mechanical mechanism includes a leaked-fluid collector configured to collect the leaked fluid, a leak-operated device configured to respond to the leaked fluid, and a strain application structure configured to use the leak-operated device to apply a strain deformation on the at least one optical conductor. The monitored leaks include leaks of liquid and leaks of pressurized gas. The leak-operated device is buoyant on the leaked fluid, or is a substance that expands in liquid, or is a hermetically sealed chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Yaacov FRUCHT
  • Patent number: 8899099
    Abstract: In order to determine leakage on a device, which contains gas that can be condensed, an adsorbent is used through which ambient gas of the object is conducted. The adsorbed gas is desorbed by means of actuating an excitation device and fed to a gas sensor containing a mass spectrometer. In this way, minute amounts of leaking gas can be determined by means of accumulation. The method is in particular suited for use in the serial production of refrigeration machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Grosse Bley, Gerhard Küster
  • Patent number: 8893542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Patent number: 8881576
    Abstract: The leak detection device comprises a plurality of measuring cells (10) in whose interior the absorption of a laser beam (17) is influenced by the presence of tracer gas. All of said measuring cells (10) are connected to a host unit (25) via light-conducting fibers (28,34). In the host unit (25), a laser (26) designed for modulation and a photodetector (37) are arranged. Modulation of the laser radiation is preferably performed by two-tone frequency modulation. This has the effect that the fiber length cannot significantly skew the result of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Vladimir Schwartz, Boris Chernobrod
  • Patent number: 8851099
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks in pressurized or vacuum pipes is disclosed. A pipe clamp comprises a housing that surrounds a pipe fitting. A containment chamber within the pipe clamp prevents leaked gas from escaping into the environment. The pipe clamp is installed in series with an exhaust line to remove the leaked gas from the containment chamber. A sensor may be configured and disposed to detect a change in pressure in the containment chamber to indicate the occurrence of a leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Businss Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. DeGeorge, Joseph Casaregola, William Robert Copeland, Scott Matthew Hargash, Matthew F. Stanton, Bryant L. Hancock, Kevin R. Geysen
  • Publication number: 20140260555
    Abstract: A system for detecting and communicating moisture leaking from a fluid conduit of the type comprising a fitting configured to mate with the fluid conduit, the fitting including an outer surface including an outer edge portion that is enclosed within the fluid conduit when positioning the fluid conduit over at least a portion of the outer surface, wherein the system includes a sensor for detecting moisture, the sensor being positioned proximate to the outer edge portion of the fitting and configured to generate a signal representing a result of moisture detection, and a receiver configured to receive the signal generated by the sensor. The system may include a communication circuit to provide wired or wireless communication between the sensor and the receiver. Other systems and method for detecting and communicating moisture leakage are further disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph J. Howard, Mark A. Hess, Benjamin Glace
  • Patent number: 8820143
    Abstract: The system includes structure for supporting at least one tube within a pipe. The tube has one end disposed close to, or in contact with, a wall of the pipe. A sensor is disposed within the at least one tube to detect a pressure gradient or fluid movement within the tube. Such pressure gradient or fluid movement indicates a leak in the pipe adjacent to the tube location. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a ring sized to fit within the pipe and the ring supports a plurality of tubes. In another aspect, the tube includes a restriction to prevent flow and pressure is measured on each side of the restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sanjay E. Sarma, Kamal Youcef-Toumi, Stephen Sai-Wung Ho, Dimitrios Chatzigeorgiou, Rached Ben Mansour
  • Patent number: 8776580
    Abstract: A system and process for detecting the place of leakage from umbilical hoses. This system includes an internal device (PIG) which is inserted in the hose of the umbilical cable which is leaking and external detecting equipment which is intended to identify the position of the PIG device which is already inside the umbilical. The device which is inserted in the umbilical and which is known as a PIG, is made of metal and the external detecting equipment comprises two parts: one formed by a ring which surrounds the umbilical, having a sensor system and another part which has the electronics, capable of identifying the presence of the PIG and, with this, modifying the signal, so that it can be identified. The system is presented as a process for detecting the exact place of leakage from umbilical hoses and the technology tested is easy to operate and the inspection is carried out at a good speed and continuously, without creating waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Luiz Antonio Lobianco e Souza, Cláudio Soligo Camerini, Luis Claudio Sousa Costa, Alexandre Soares Rabelo, William Albuquerque da Silva, Jorge Luiz Farias Brito
  • Patent number: 8763446
    Abstract: A tube weld seam test method and device for testing a tube weld seam (32) of a flexible tube (18) for leaks having: a first pinching device (10) and a second pinching device (12) for pinching closed the flexible tube (18) at a first position (A) and at a second position (B), the weld seam to be tested being arranged between the first and second positions (A; B); a compressing mechanism arranged for partly compressing a tube section enclosed between the first and second pinching devices (10; 12); and a pressure test device (14) arranged for testing an internal pressure of said tube section in order to test the tube weld seam for leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intervet International B.V.
    Inventors: Hans Almer Middelbeek, Jozefus A. C. Smit
  • Patent number: 8746040
    Abstract: In a test pressurizing system for a hose such as fire hose, a device is arranged for bearing of a pressurized hose in a way that it is surrounded by protective wall parts. Further, a mechanism is provided on the inside of the wall parts for marking of holes and/or other damages that can be maneuvered automatically or manually via the operator so that at least some protective wall part protects the operator under pressurization. The marking device may be combined with a device for automatic detection of holes and damages. This can for example admit marking of the hose with high precision, and/or be part of a fully automated solution for detection and marking of holes in the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Allgotech AB
    Inventor: Per-Arne Fritjofsson
  • Patent number: 8746042
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Valkyrie Commissioning Services Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8739607
    Abstract: A fixture for evaluating a metal-to-metal seal. A first metal seal surface and a second metal seal surface are brought into initial contact by engagement of a male connection of a first tubular component and a female connection of a second tubular component to form a metal-to-metal seal. A contact pressure regulator is provided to alter the contact load acting in the interfacial region between the first metal seal surface and the second metal seal surface in a predictable manner. An inlet passage is provided to communicate test fluid to an inlet side of the metal-to-metal seal. An outlet passage is provided on an outlet side of the metal-to-metal seal. In accordance with the method, a capacity of the metal-to-metal seal is expressed as the pressure differential required to just induce leakage given a measure of absolute contact load greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Noetic Engineering 2008 Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice Slack
  • Publication number: 20140130577
    Abstract: Leak detection apparatus for deployment in a pipe. The apparatus includes a carrier disposed for motion along the pipe and a detector connected to move with the carrier in an axial direction. The detector comprises a drum mounted for rotation about pitch and yaw axes. A flexible material is mounted on, and extends from, the drum and at least two sensors responsive to drum rotation are provided. The flexible material will be drawn into contact with a wall of the pipe at a leak location, thereby producing a torque on the drum, causing the drum to rotate, and the at least two sensors to generate signals from which leak location is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Dimitrios Chatzigeorgiou, Samir Mekid, Rached Ben-Mansour, Atia Khalifa, Kamal Youcef-Toumi
  • Patent number: 8714236
    Abstract: A zone-control unit for use in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the zone-control unit includes a heat exchanger, an inlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for supplying fluid to the heat exchanger, an outlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for receiving fluid from the heat exchanger, a bracket that maintains the inlet piping assembly and the outlet piping assembly in positional relationship, and an ancillary component coupled with the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: John C. Karamanos
  • Patent number: 8701467
    Abstract: A leak detection feature for a fluid conduit. The leak detection feature facilitates the monitoring of fluid leaks at the interface of two adjoining conduit flange fittings. An embodiment of a flange fitting with a leak detection feature for a fluid conduit having an opening. The flange fitting includes a flange body around the opening of the fluid conduit, a leak detection passageway formed in the flange body, and a leak detection port formed in the flange body. The flange body has a sealing face surface configured to mate with a cooperating flange fitting, and the leak detection passageway terminates at the sealing face surface. The leak detection port is in fluid communication with the leak detection passageway, and the leak detection port is configured for fluid communication with a leak sensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Carns, Theron L. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
  • Patent number: 8650934
    Abstract: A testing system for connectors usable with oil or natural gas wells using a test part connector and a control component connector. The system uses a test fluid in a test reservoir that is pumped to each connector simultaneously and using a test part pressure transducer and a control component pressure transducer to create a test response and a control response. The responses are then transmitted to a processor, which then compares the responses and presents compared results on a display, through a network and transmitted to a client device of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Petrotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 8646314
    Abstract: An externally engaging test barrier for use in testing hydrostatic pressure in a plumbing system having two abutting plumbing components. The test barrier includes a barrier body having a first face, a second face, and at least one peripheral engagement for engaging an external surface of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components to hold the barrier body in position across an end of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components. The peripheral engagement extends perpendicularly from the first face or the second face. A removable portion of the barrier body is defined by a frangible connection. The peripheral engagement of the barrier body is incapable of sealing the plumbing system during a hydrostatic pressure test, unless used in combination with a pipe coupling that forms an overlying sealing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 8640527
    Abstract: A leakage-sensing device for installation adjacent to a pipeline configured for conveying liquid or gaseous chemical materials. The leakage-sensing device comprises a length of cable configured to transmit and back-reflect signals. The cable is communicable with a signal-measuring device. The entire length of cable is encompassed by a torsioned and tensioned coiled biasing means. The cable and the torsioned and tensioned coiled biasing means are embedded in a chemically frangible casing material. The chemically frangible material is selected for its structural instability when contacted with the selected chemical material to be conveyed within the pipeline thereby releasing the torsioned and tensioned biasing means which subsequently imparts bending and/or twisting and/or elongating and/or contracting forces to the cable thereby causing the cable to physically interfere with and/or deform and/or break the transmission and back-reflection of signals along the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Elmer H. Hara
  • Publication number: 20140013829
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible tubular pipe (1) of the unbonded type and including, from the inside to the outside, an internal carcass (2), first and second polymeric sheaths (3, 4), at least one tensile armor layer (6, 7) and a polymeric sealing sheath (8) and also at each of its ends, a connecting endpiece (10) comprising i.a., a tubular sleeve (15). The tubular sleeve (15) of a first endpiece (10) includes means (30, 31, 32) for draining the gases from the gap (25) between the sheaths (3, 4) towards the outside of the pipe (1) and the tubular sleeve of the second endpiece (10) including means for draining the gases from the gap (25) between two sheaths (3, 4) towards the outside or towards the inside of the pipe (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Frédéric Demanze, Antoine Felix-Henry, Thomas Epsztein, Patrice Jung, Jean-Christophe Bourget, Cécile Izarn
  • Publication number: 20130327412
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks in pressurized or vacuum pipes is disclosed. A pipe clamp comprises a housing that surrounds a pipe fitting. A containment chamber within the pipe clamp prevents leaked gas from escaping into the environment. The pipe clamp is installed in series with an exhaust line to remove the leaked gas from the containment chamber. A sensor may be configured and disposed to detect a change in pressure in the containment chamber to indicate the occurrence of a leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph P. DeGeorge, Joseph Casaregola, William Robert Copeland, Scott Matthew Hargash, Matthew F. Stanton, Bryant L. Hancock, Kevin R. Geysen
  • Publication number: 20130327128
    Abstract: When a liquid level is changed even though an inflow of a heat medium into a specific heat transfer tube bundle is stopped, it is determined that there is no abnormality in the heat transfer tube bundle in which the inflow of the heat medium is stopped and then another heat transfer tube bundle is inspected. Next, when the inflow of the heat medium into the specific heat transfer tube bundle is stopped not to cause the change in the liquid level, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the heat transfer tube bundle to which the inflow of the heat medium is stopped. Thus, it is possible to determine that there is an abnormality in the heat transfer tube bundle in which the inflow of the heat medium is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Kamiyama, Tsuyoshi Miyachi, Takuya Okamoto, Yuichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8548754
    Abstract: Detecting a leak, or the like, with high accuracy on the basis of pressure and a flow volume acquired during use of fluid is made possible. A volume of gas flowing through a flow path 102 is measured by a flow volume measurement unit 106, and pressure is measured by a pressure measurement unit 108. Measured flow data and measured pressure data are input to an analysis unit 112, to thus analyze following of a pressure change by a flow volume change. A determination showing that a following flow volume change is present, that a following flow volume change is not present, or that a following flow volume change is uncertain is made according to a magnitude correlation between an amount of pressure change of a predetermined level or more and an amount of flow volume change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuji Iwamoto, Hajime Miyata, Youichi Itou, Daisuke Bessyo, Kenichi Kamon
  • Patent number: 8499617
    Abstract: The dual submarine leak detection system provides for controllable in-pipe leak detection. The dual submarine leak detection system includes first and second submarines joined to one another by a tether. Each of the submarines includes a housing and at least one leak detector mounted thereon. A communication transceiver is mounted in the housing for remotely communicating the leak condition and a location of the leak condition, as well as receiving control and communication signals. Each submarine further includes at least one selectively retractable leg mounted on the housing and selectively extending therefrom, and a motor mounted within the housing for driving a propeller to propel the submarine through a fluid-filled pipe. A control system further allows for controllable or programmable steering of the submarine through the fluid-filled pipe and any pipe joints associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Sami El Ferik, Bilal Ahmed Siddiqui, Rached Ben-Mansour, Fouad M. Al-Sunni
  • Publication number: 20130186181
    Abstract: Leak detection system. A rigid body is resiliently supported within an outer cage. Means are provided for detecting displacement of the rigid body with respect to the outer cage, the displacement indicating a leak when the rigid body is moved by a suction force generated by a local pressure gradient resulting from a leak within a pipe network. The invention allows a leak to be determined around the circumference of a pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicants: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rached Ben-Mansour, Dimitrios Chatzgeorgiou, Atia Khalifa, Changrak Choi, Kamal Youcef-Toumi
  • Patent number: 8479565
    Abstract: Provided are a fluid conveying tube and a fluid leakage detecting system which can convey a cryogenic fluid such as LNG and which can quickly and reliably detect leakage of the fluid within the tube and the position of the leakage. An optical fiber is continuously wound over the entire length of a flexible tube. Leakage information detected by an optical fiber temperature sensor is transmitted via a terminal to an externally provided temperature measurement device. Meanwhile, when similar leakage occurs in the vicinity of a coupling section, the gas pressure inside the heat insulating layer or the like increases due to the pressure of LNG within a corrugated tube or a pressure generated as a result of evaporation of LNG. When the pressure inside the heat insulating layer increases, information representing a change in the gas pressure is transmitted to a terminal via a hollow pipe. A tube or the like is externally connected to the terminal, and is connected to a pressure meter or like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Izumo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenichi Ishii, Toru Kagoura
  • Patent number: 8479566
    Abstract: A pipeline leak detection system, includes, in combination, a pipeline; pressure sensors positioned at regular spaced intervals along the pipeline to monitor pressure within the pipeline; and a monitoring station receiving data from the pressure sensors. The monitoring station establishes a normal pressure profile of relative pressures recorded by the pressure sensors along the pipeline in the absence of a leak and issues an alarm should one of the pressure sensors provide data which is uncharacteristic of the normal pressure profile, indicating a leak in the vicinity of the one pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Optimum Oilfield Instrumentation Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Haseloh, Donald LaFleur
  • Publication number: 20130160525
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: VALKYRIE COMMISSIONING SERVICES
    Inventor: Alan J. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20130145826
    Abstract: A leak detection sensor includes a transducer, the transducer including a base, a piezoelectric layer, and a conductive layer and at least two leads connected to the transducer. A method of making a leak detection sensor includes obtaining a transducer, the transducer including a base, a piezoelectric layer, and a conductive layer; and effecting a mounting hole such that the mounting hole is defined in the transducer. A jig includes a support and a punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Werner Guenther Richarz, Andrea Myles, Shabbir Yusuf
  • Publication number: 20130125626
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for detecting leaks in a pipe system. Embodiments of the apparatus include components for detectable gas generation and connection to a pipe system. Embodiments of the method include operating a detectable gas generator that is attached to a pipe system and locating a leak in the pipe system by locating the source of detectable gas from the pipe system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: John L. PRITCHETT
  • Patent number: 8436738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether an appliance is leaking gas is provided. Pressure measurements are taken after closing off the flow of gas to the appliance and within the appliance so as to isolate the gas within the distribution system of the appliance. If unacceptable changes in the pressure of the gas are detected, a warning signal can be provided and the flow of gas into the appliance can be maintained in an off state until further corrective steps are undertaken. Corrections for temperatures changes between pressure measurements can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Carter Bach, Paul Bryan Cadima