Pipeline secondary containment system and method
AssigneeE. O. Butts Consultants Ltd.
InventorNicholas E. Butts
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pipeline system with a localized environment for preventing, detecting, and containing leakage from a subterranean pipeline transporting hydrocarbon liquids and gases is disclosed. A steel pipe is enclosed in a sleeve of high density polyethylene and overlaid with a layer of geotextile material. Positioned in the interstitial space between the pipe and sleeve is a layer of geotextile material impregnated with hydrated lime which dissolves in the presence of water to create a highly alkaline solution to protect the pipe. Also positioned adjacent the inner layer are leak sensors/monitors for detection of leaks of hydrocarbon fluids and aqueous solutions.
Claims20
A method of creating a localized environment for preventing, detecting and containing leakage from a subterranean pipeline transporting hydrocarbon liquids and gases, comprising:
- positioning a protective inner geotextile layer concentric with said pipeline,
- positioning leak sensing means adjacent said inner layer,
- connecting said leak sensing means to means for remotely detecting changes in the electrical characteristics of said leak sensing means,
- positioning a collar concentric with said pipeline,
- positioning a standpipe on said collar,
- positioning corrosion protection means in said inner layer,
- positioning cathodic protection means in said inner layer,
- enclosing said pipeline and said inner layer in an enclosure concentric with said pipeline,
- sealing said enclosure to said collar,
- positioning an outer geotextile layer around said enclosure concentric with said pipeline,
- positioning an outer geotextile layer around said collar concentric with said pipeline,
- connecting said leak sensing means in series through said standpipe to means for remotely detecting changes in the electrical characteristics of said sensing and protection means.
A pipeline system with a localized environment for preventing, detecting and containing leakage of hydrocarbon liquids and gases, comprising:
- a segment of steel pipe,
- a protective inner geotextile layer concentric with said segment,
- a collar positioned at one end and concentric with said segment,
- a standpipe positioned on said collar,
- said segment and said inner layer being enclosed in an enclosure concentric with said segment,
- said enclosure being sealed to said collar,
- an outer geotextile layer around said enclosure concentric with said segment,
- an outer geotextile layer around said collar concentric with said segment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.