PIPE SYSTEM WITH ANNULUS UTILIZATION AND MONITORING
A system for monitoring leakage in a pipe system including a pipe, a flexible tube extending through an inside of the pipe, an end fitting assembly connecting each end of the tube to a corresponding end of the pipe which creates an annulus and a monitoring system for detecting leakage from the tube into the annulus. A method for creating multiple flow paths in an existing pipe is also provided.
1 . A system for monitoring leakage in a pipe system, comprising:
a pipe;
an flexible tube extending through an inside of the pipe;
an end fitting assembly connecting each end of the tube to a corresponding end of the pipe, creating an annulus; and
a monitoring system for detecting leakage from the tube into the annulus.
2 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the tube is a reinforced thermoplastic pipe.
3 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the end fitting assembly includes a pipe flange connected to the end of the pipe, a middle flange with an end fitting connected to the end of the tube, and a connector flange on an opposite side of the middle flange from the pipe flange.
4 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system includes a sensor that is connected to the annulus.
5 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system is connected to the annulus via a wire inserted through an opening in the pipe.
6 . The system according to claim 3 , wherein the pipe flange, middle flange and connector flange are coated with a polymeric material.
7 . The system according to claim 3 , wherein a gasket is positioned between both the pipe flange and middle flange and the connector flange and middle flange.
8 . A system for creating multiple flow paths in an existing pipe, comprising:
a pipe;
an flexible tube inserted inside the pipe;
end fitting assemblies connecting each end of the tube to a corresponding end of the pipe, creating an annulus; and
the end fitting assemblies configured to allow fluid to flow into the annulus.
9 . A method for retrofitting an existing pipe for leakage monitoring, comprising:
accessing an existing pipe;
inserting a tube inside of the existing pipe;
sealing each end of the tube to a corresponding end of the existing pipe using end fitting assemblies, creating a sealed annulus between the tube and the existing pipe;
connecting a monitoring device to the annulus; and
upon transporting a fluid through the tube, detecting with the monitoring device any leakage in the annulus.
10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising inserting the tube inside of the existing pipe using a winch.
11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the monitoring device is connected to the annulus via a wire inserted through an opening in at least one of the end fitting assemblies.
12 . A method for creating multiple flow paths in an existing pipe system, comprising:
accessing an existing pipe;
inserting a tube inside of the existing pipe;
sealing each end of the tube to a corresponding end of the existing pipe using end fitting assemblies, creating a sealed annulus;
connecting a fluid flow to the sealed annulus; and
directing a fluid to flow into the annulus.
13 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein the fluid flow in the annulus in a countercurrent direction to the flow in the existing pipe.