US5049312A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Test-fluid composition and method for detecting leaks in pipelines and associated facilities
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1990-09-25
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Granted: 1991-09-17
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Expires: 2010-09-25
Abstract
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 dimethylsulphide and a mutual solvent, is injected into a pipeline or facility so that the test-fluid escapes through the leak and an odorant which, by virture of its chemical and physical properties, is released from other test-fluid components to be detected in the vicinity of the leak.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie R. Quaife
- 👤 James Szarka
- 👤 Kelly J. Moynihan
- 👤 Michael E. Moir
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:54
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10L; C10L3/00; C10L3/003; C10L3/006; F; F17; F17D; F17D5/00; F17D5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
41 words
A test-fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising: (a) dimethylsulphide (b) a mutual solvent; and (c) water such that said dimethylsulphide is released from said test-fluid and is detected at a location immediate to said leaks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
41 words
A test-fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising: (a) dimethylsulphide (b) a mutual solvent; and (c) water such that said dimethylsulphide is released from said test-fluid and is detected at a location immediate to said leaks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said dimethylsulphide comprises from about 0.1 to about 15 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said dimethylsulphide comprises from about 0.1 to about 7 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said dimethylsulphide comprises from about 0.1 to about 0.3 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mutual solvent comprises from about 2 to about 99.9 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mutual solvent comprises from about 15 to about 50 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mutual solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohols and glycols.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mutual solvent comprises methanol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said water comprises from about 50 to about 85 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said test-fluid contains additives selected from the group consisting of bacteriocides, oxygen scavengers and inhibitors.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
61 words
A test-fluid composition for locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) dimethylsulphide, from about 0.1 to about 0.3 volume percent; (b) methanol, from about 15 to about 50 volume percent; and (c) water, from about 50 to about 85 percent such that dimethylsulphide is released from said test-fluid and is detected at a location immediate to said leaks.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
61 words
A test-fluid composition for locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) dimethylsulphide, from about 0.1 to about 0.3 volume percent; (b) methanol, from about 15 to about 50 volume percent; and (c) water, from about 50 to about 85 percent such that dimethylsulphide is released from said test-fluid and is detected at a location immediate to said leaks.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) injecting a test-fluid comprising dimethylsulphide a mutual solvent and water through said pipeline such that said test-fluid escapes through said leaks and said dimethylsulphide is released from said test-fluid; and (b) detecting said dimethylsulphide at a location immediate to said leaks.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) injecting a test-fluid comprising dimethylsulphide a mutual solvent and water through said pipeline such that said test-fluid escapes through said leaks and said dimethylsulphide is released from said test-fluid; and (b) detecting said dimethylsulphide at a location immediate to said leaks.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said test-fluid composition is injected as a slug.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said pipeline is filled with said test-fluid composition.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said dimethylsulphide is detected by dog olfaction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-16 | 1995-03-18 | 1995-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-16 | 1999-03-18 | 1999-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-16 | 2003-03-18 | 2003-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |