Method for preventing spills resulting from pipeline failures

Abstract

A petroleum pipeline safety system for preventing contamination of an environmentally sensitive area close to a pipeline includes an upstream portion of the pipeline supplying a flow of fluid material, a crossing portion of the pipeline receiving the flow of fluid material from the upstream portion and conveying the flow of fluid material through the environmentally sensitive area to a downstream portion of the pipeline, the downstream portion, a pipeline pressure activated valve selectively capable of blocking the flow of fluid material from entering the crossing portion based upon a change in pressure within the crossing portion, and a fluid capacitor connected to the upstream portion configured to filter out a pressure spike in the upstream portion associated with the valve blocking the flow of fluid material.

Claims

1. A petroleum pipeline safety system for preventing contamination of an environmentally sensitive area close to a pipeline, the system comprising: a first portion of the pipeline including an upstream portion of the pipeline supplying a flow of fluid material; a second portion of the pipeline including a crossing portion of the pipeline, receiving the flow of fluid material from the upstream portion and conveying the flow of fluid material through the environmentally sensitive area to a downstream portion of the pipeline; a third portion of the pipeline including the downstream portion of the pipeline; a pipeline pressure activated valve selectively capable of blocking the flow of fluid material from entering the crossing portion based upon a change in pressure within the crossing portion; a flow restrictor downstream of the pipeline pressure activated valve and upstream of the crossing portion of the pipeline, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to create a lower pipeline internal pressure within the crossing portion as compared to a pipeline internal pressure within the upstream portion; a reduced-pressure supply tube including a first end and a second end and connected at the first end to the crossing portion of the pipeline and connected at the second end to the pipeline pressure activated valve, wherein reduced-pressure supply tube is configured to supply the lower pipeline internal pressure created by the flow restrictor to the pipeline pressure activated valve and wherein the pipeline pressure activated valve is a differential pressure actuated valve and is configured to be selectively held in an open position based upon the lower pipeline internal pressure; and a pump downstream of the crossing portion of the pipeline.

2. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid capacitor connected to the upstream portion configured to filter out a pressure spike in the upstream portion associated with the pipeline pressure activated valve blocking the flow of fluid material.

3. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 2, wherein the fluid capacitor is configured to stabilize the pressure within the pipeline to stabilize operation of the pipeline pressure activated valve.

4. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 2, wherein the fluid capacitor comprises a closed top and an air portion trapped within the fluid capacitor.

5. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 2, wherein the fluid capacitor is connected in-line with the pipeline.

6. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 1, wherein the flow restrictor is further configured to create the lower pipeline internal pressure within the crossing portion at a pressure lower than ambient atmosphere.

7. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 1, further comprising a purging solution tank configured to release a purging solution into the crossing portion when the pipeline pressure activated valve blocks the flow of fluid material.

8. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 1, further comprising a redundant pumping station configured to pump stationary fluid material from the crossing portion.

9. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 8, further comprising an electrical power generator attached to the redundant pumping station.

10. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 1, further comprising: a purging solution tank; and a differential pressure actuated valve configured to release a purging solution from the purging solution tank into the crossing portion when the pipeline pressure activated valve blocks the flow of fluid material.

11. A petroleum pipeline safety system for preventing contamination of an environmentally sensitive area close to a pipeline, the system comprising: a first portion of the pipeline including an upstream portion of the pipeline supplying a flow of fluid material; a second portion of the pipeline including a crossing portion of the pipeline, receiving the flow of fluid material from the upstream portion and conveying the flow of fluid material through the environmentally sensitive area to a downstream portion of the pipeline; a third portion of the pipeline including the downstream portion of the pipeline; a pipeline pressure activated valve selectively capable of blocking the flow of fluid material from entering the crossing portion based upon a change in pressure within the crossing portion; a fluid capacitor connected to the upstream portion configured to filter out a pressure spike in the upstream portion associated with the pipeline pressure activated valve blocking the flow of fluid material, wherein the fluid capacitor is connected in-line with the pipeline; a flow restrictor downstream of the pipeline pressure activated valve and upstream of the crossing portion of the pipeline, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to create a lower pipeline internal pressure within the crossing portion as compared to a pipeline internal pressure within the upstream portion and at a pressure lower than ambient atmosphere; a reduced-pressure supply tube including a first end and a second end and connected at the first end to the crossing portion of the pipeline and connected at the second end to the pipeline pressure activated valve, wherein reduced-pressure supply tube is configured to supply the lower pipeline internal pressure created by the flow restrictor to the pipeline pressure activated valve and wherein the pipeline pressure activated valve is a differential pressure actuated valve and is configured to be selectively held in an open position based upon the lower pipeline internal pressure; and a pump downstream of the crossing portion of the pipeline.

12. The petroleum pipeline safety system of claim 11, further comprising: a purging solution tank configured to release a purging solution into the crossing portion when the pipeline pressure activated valve blocks the flow of fluid material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a plan view of the facility on the upstream side of the crossing, in accordance with the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the facility on the downstream side of the crossing, in accordance with the present disclosure;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the facility on the upstream side of the crossing of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the facility on the downstream side of the crossing of FIG. 2, in accordance with the present disclosure;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary only, and the invention may be embodied in various forms, especially so as to provide optimal performance in various environments and applications. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be to scale, and features may be exaggerated or minimized in order to best depict the system herein described. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

(11) Referring now to the drawings, wherein the numerals refer to the various features of the system, composed of various parts that comprise the whole.

(12) As disclosed in this patent application, the system is comprised of an upstream and a downstream portion of the system.

(13) The upstream portion is comprised of a restrictor, functioning to restrict flow so that the pump located on the downstream side of the crossing creates a lower, or negative pressure in the crossing portion of the pipeline. In the preferred embodiment, the upstream portion also includes a valve for shutting off flow in the event of a breach in the pipeline in the crossing section, and a fluid capacitor, or accumulator, upstream of the valve to prevent sudden pressure spikes upstream of the facility upon valve closure. Other features may include a connection through which a purging solution may introduced into the crossing section of the pipeline in order to evacuate transported material remaining in the crossing section of the pipeline alter valve closure so that there is minimal contamination resulting from the breach or the repairs of such breach. This connection may include a tank to keep purging materials present at all times, or can be used to introduce purging solution brought to the site as needed.

(14) The downstream portion is comprised of a pump which draws transported material through the crossing section of the pipeline downstream of the restrictor. This downstream portion may include other features, such as a redundant pump that can be automatically engaged in the event of any failure of the primary pump, a generator system that may automatically start in the event of a power failure, and a tank for collecting potentially contaminated transported material to prevent compromise of downstream facilities.

(15) FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed petroleum pipeline safety system. Pipeline 1 leads into optional fluid capacitor 2, or fluid accumulator, and then from fluid capacitor 2, to optional valve 3. Restrictor 4, is located downstream of the valve, when a valve is used. Whenever the valve is used and is a differential-pressure actuated valve, reduced-pressure supply tube 5, is installed between valve 3, and pipeline 1A, downstream of restrictor 4, through connection 11, in order to provide the lower pressure used to hold valve 3, in the open position. As shown, provision is made for introducing a purging solution into pipeline 1A, downstream of restrictor 4, through access pipe 6, connected to pipeline 1A, through connector 13, and provided with valve 8, which is normally closed. As shown, tank 7, is provided for holding a purging solution, but can be replaced with a connector for receiving purging solution transported to the site as needed. From this facility, pipeline 1A, proceeds into and across the crossing, or protected section of pipeline, 10.

(16) Pipeline 1A, proceeds from crossing 10, to pump 12, and then downstream through pipeline 1B. As shown, there is optional holding tank 15, connected to pipeline 1B, through connector 13, and connection pipe 6A, through normally closed valve 14. When this tank is provided, second valve 16, normally open, is provided to shut off flow to pipeline 17, proceeding downstream of the downstream facility.

(17) FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1. Fluid capacitor 102 is illustrated, including capacitor supply tube 104 and capacitor column 106. Supply tube 104 is illustrated tapping from a neighboring pipeline. Capacitor column 106 includes a hollow interior which is filled in part with an oil portion 108 and an air portion 110. Capacitor column 106 includes open top 114. When pressure within supply tube 104 increases or decreases, the height of oil portion 108 within capacitor column 106 changes. Open top 114 permits air from air portion 110 to move in or out of column 106 when the height of oil portion 108 changes, the air within air portion 110 remaining at ambient pressure. Open top 114 includes optional cap 112 keeping rain and other contaminants from entering column 106.

(18) Electronic capacitors are well known in the art and are used to filter out voltage spikes. Electronic capacitors include separated metallic plates and are known to resist changes in voltage, the changes in voltage taking time to charge the plates. Such resistance to changes in voltage can be used to filter the voltage, protecting the attached circuit from voltage spikes.

(19) Pipelines are subject to pressure spikes, in particular, in relation to a sudden closing of a valve. Oil is a heavy fluid, and an entire pipeline of flowing oil can include substantial momentum. Sudden closure of a valve can cause all flow of oil to come to a sudden halt at the valve, thereby resulting in a significant pressure spike. Such pressure spikes can be destructive, exceeding the maximum pressure rating for the pipeline or attached equipment. Fluid capacitors as disclosed herein can filter out or resist sharp changes in pressure within the attached pipeline. In relation to fluid capacitor 102 of FIG. 5, changes in oil pressure or fluid pressure within supply tube 104 cause changes in height of oil portion 108. The resulting change in head pressure within capacitor column 106 acts to resist changes in the oil pressure within supply tube 104, thereby filtering out sharp spike in oil pressure.

(20) FIG. 6 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1. Fluid capacitor 202 is illustrated, including capacitor supply tube 204 and capacitor column 206. Supply tube 204 is illustrated tapping from a neighboring pipeline. Capacitor column 206 includes a hollow interior which is filled in part with an oil portion 208 and an air portion 210. Capacitor column 206 includes closed top 212. Changes in oil pressure within supply tube 204 cause a change in height of oil portion 208. Because closed top 212 does not allow air from air portion 210 to escape, the change in height of oil portion 208 results in a change in air pressure within air portion 210. By permitting oil portion 208 to change in height, pressure spikes within supply 204 can be filtered.

(21) FIG. 7 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1. Fluid capacitor 302 is illustrated, including first pipeline portion 304, capacitor column 306, and second pipeline portion 305. Fluid capacitor 302 is illustrated mounted to the illustrated pipeline portions as an in-line component. As an in-line component, in some embodiments, fluid capacitor 302 can react more quickly to changes in pipeline pressure than fluid capacitor 102 of FIG. 5. Capacitor column 306 includes a hollow interior which is filled in part with an oil portion 308 and an air portion 310. Capacitor column 306 includes open top 314. When pressure within pipeline portions 304 and 305 increase or decrease, the height of oil portion 308 within capacitor column 306 changes. Open top 314 permits air from air portion 310 to move in or out of column 306 when the height of oil portion 308 changes, the air within air portion 310 remaining at ambient pressure. Open top 314 includes optional cap 312 keeping rain and other contaminants from entering column 306. Fluid capacitor 302 is illustrated including an optional floating ball 320 within column 306 and a mating cap valve 322 within column 306. Air from air portion 310 can move past a hole in mating cap valve 322 and through neighboring open top 314. As fluid enters column 306 and the fluid level rises, floating ball 320 can engage with mating cap valve 322, block the hole in mating cap valve 322, and stop fluid from exiting the open top 314 of fluid capacitor 302. Floating ball 320 and mating cap valve 322 can collectively be described as a floating ball check valve within fluid capacitor 302.

(22) FIG. 8 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of a fluid capacitor which can be used with the pipeline of FIG. 1. Fluid capacitor 402 is illustrated, including first pipeline portion 404, capacitor column 406, and second pipeline portion 405. Fluid capacitor 402 is illustrated mounted to the illustrated pipeline portions as an in-line component. As an in-line component, in some embodiments, fluid capacitor 402 can react more quickly to changes in pipeline pressure than fluid capacitor 402 of FIG. 6. Capacitor column 406 includes a hollow interior which is filled in part with an oil portion 408 and an air portion 410. Capacitor column 406 includes closed top 412. Changes in oil pressure within pipeline portions 404 and 405 cause a change in height of oil portion 408. Because closed top 412 does not allow air from air portion 410 to escape, the change in height of oil portion 408 results in a change in air pressure within air portion 410. By permitting oil portion 408 to change in height, pressure spikes within supply 404 can be filtered.

(23) Illustrated fluid capacitors can include different dimensions, proportions, and specific designs. The illustrated fluid capacitors are exemplary, and are not intended to be limiting to the disclosure.

(24) The disclosed pipeline can include a valve that shuts automatically based upon changes in pressure within the pipeline. It will be appreciated that such a valve should be sensitive enough to catch significant leaks in the pipeline, for example, including changes of pressure in the pipeline without the pipeline being completely severed. However, the closing of the valve can be a significant event, for example, which can result in depriving a refinery of oil and requiring an operator to go to the valve and reset it. The valve can include a tuning mechanism for example, including an adjustable feedback loop within the pipeline, which can be used to filter out brief, insignificant changes in oil pressure while causing the required valve actuation for an actual failure of the pipeline. Such a filtering of the feedback pressure to the valve can include a fluid capacitor, such as the fluid capacitors described herein, to filter out momentary fluctuations in pressure.

(25) A number of pipeline pressure activated valves can be used to stop a flow of oil, refined fuel, or other fluid materials through a pipeline to protect an environmentally sensitive area close to the pipeline. In one embodiment, the valve can be electrically activated, with pressure sensors within or attached to the pipeline providing a monitored value or values for use to control the valve. Similarly, a hydraulically or pneumatically controlled valve can similarly be utilized to control flow through the pipeline. In another embodiment a differential pressure actuated valve can be utilized, wherein no outside electrical or other power source is required. In such a valve, pressure from within the attached pipeline is used to maintain the valve in an open state, and when the pressure changes past a calibrated pressure value, the valve closes by action of the pipeline pressure acting upon the valve. An exemplary embodiment of a differential pressure actuated valve is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/817,244 filed on Nov. 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(26) When a device or structure is said to be upstream of a portion of the pipeline, the device or structure is located or attached to the pipeline at a point from which the flow of fluid material flows toward the direction of the portion of the pipeline in question. When a device or structure is said to be downstream of a portion of the pipeline, the device or structure is located or attached to the pipeline at a point from to which the flow of fluid material flows from the portion of the pipeline in question.

(27) The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications of those embodiments. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.