Test-fluid composition and method for detecting leaks in pipelines and associated facilities
AssigneeExxon Production Research Company
InventorsLeslie R. Quaife, James Szarka, Kelly J. Moynihan, Michael E. Moir
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Abstract
A method of locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities and a novel leak-detection test-fluid are disclosed. The novel test-fluid, comprising an odorant (preferably dimethylsulphide), a mutual solvent and water, is injected into a pipeline or facility so that the test-fluid escapes through the leak and an odorant which, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from other test-fluid components to be detected in the vicinity of the leak.
Claims11
A test-fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising:
- (a) an odorant selected from the group consisting of thio phenols, xanthate esters, thiophenes, sulphides and thio esters;
- (b) a mutual solvent;
- and
- (c) water
- wherein said odorant, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from the test-fluid composition to be detected at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leak.
A test fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising:
- (a) an odorant selected from the group consisting of dimethyl disulphide and a mixture of dimethyl sulphide and N-butyl mercaptan;
- (b) a mutual solvent;
- and
- (c) water
- wherein said odorant, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from the test-fluid composition to be detected at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leak.
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises:
- (a) injecting a test-fluid comprising an odorant, a mutual solvent and water into said pipeline such that said test-fluid escapes through said leaks and said odorant is released from said test-fluid;
- and
- (b) detecting said odorant at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leaks.
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises:
- (a) injecting an odorant comprising dimethyl sulphide into said pipeline;
- and
- (b) detecting said odorant at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leaks by dog olfaction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.