External repair method for in-service leaking fluid conduits and containers
AssigneeGas Technology Institute
InventorDaniel Thomas Germata
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for external repair of a leak in an in-service fluid containment vessel in which a fluid venting device is affixed to the outer surface of the fluid containment vessel so as to enable venting of the leaking fluid to the atmosphere during the remainder of the method steps. A composite repair material is applied over the fluid venting device and the fluid containment vessel and allowed to cure. During the curing period, fluid leaking from the fluid containment vessel is vented to the atmosphere. After curing of the composite repair material, a sealant is provided to the leak by way of the fluid venting device.
Claims19
A method for repairing a leak in a live fluid containment vessel comprising the steps of:
- affixing a fluid venting device having a leaked fluid inlet in fluid communication with said leak and having a vented fluid outlet to said fluid containment vessel;
- covering said fluid venting device with a composite repair material;
- simultaneously curing said composite repair material and removing fluid leaking from said fluid containment vessel through said fluid venting device;
- applying a sealant under pressure at a higher pressure than an internal pressure of said fluid containment vessel to an interior space of said fluid venting device, whereby a portion of said sealant flows into said leak;
- and
- curing said sealant, producing a repaired fluid containment vessel.
A method for repairing a pipeline leak of an operational pipeline comprising the steps of
- covering said pipeline leak with a fluid venting device having a leaked fluid inlet and a vented fluid outlet, producing a fluid communication between said pipeline leak and said leaked fluid inlet;
- applying a composite repair material layer to said fluid venting device and said operational pipeline, producing a covered fluid venting device;
- venting leaked fluid within said fluid venting device through said vented fluid outlet;
- curing said composite repair material;
- applying a sealant to said fluid venting device at a pressure sufficient to enable said sealant to flow into and fill said pipeline leak;
- and
- curing said sealant in said pipeline leak, producing a repaired pipeline.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.