US5167867A
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: 1991-08-13
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Granted: 1992-12-01
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Expires: 2011-08-13
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 an odorant (preferably dimethylsulphide), a mutual solvent and water, is injected into a pipeline or facility so that the test-fluid escapes through the leak and an odorant which, by virtue 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 03:28
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10L; C10L3/00; C10L3/003; C10L3/006; F; F17; F17D; F17D5/00; F17D5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
A test-fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising: (a) an odorant selected from the group consisting of thio phenols, xanthate esters, thiophenes, sulphides and thio esters; (b) a mutual solvent; and (c) water wherein said odorant, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from the test-fluid composition to be detected at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leak.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
A test-fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising: (a) an odorant selected from the group consisting of thio phenols, xanthate esters, thiophenes, sulphides and thio esters; (b) a mutual solvent; and (c) water wherein said odorant, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from the test-fluid composition to be detected at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leak.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mutual solvent comprises from about 0.7 to about 99.9 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mutual solvent comprises from about 0.7 to about 50 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
A test fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising: (a) an odorant selected from the group consisting of dimethyl disulphide and a mixture of dimethyl sulphide and N-butyl mercaptan; (b) a mutual solvent; and (c) water wherein said odorant, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from the test-fluid composition to be detected at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leak.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
A test fluid composition for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities comprising: (a) an odorant selected from the group consisting of dimethyl disulphide and a mixture of dimethyl sulphide and N-butyl mercaptan; (b) a mutual solvent; and (c) water wherein said odorant, by virtue of its chemical and physical properties, is released from the test-fluid composition to be detected at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leak.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 4 wherein said mutual solvent comprises from about 0.7 to about 99.9 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition in accordance with claim 4 wherein said mutual solvent comprises from about 0.7 to about 50 volume percent of said composition.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) injecting a test-fluid comprising an odorant, a mutual solvent and water into said pipeline such that said test-fluid escapes through said leaks and said odorant is released from said test-fluid; and (b) detecting said odorant at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leaks.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) injecting a test-fluid comprising an odorant, a mutual solvent and water into said pipeline such that said test-fluid escapes through said leaks and said odorant is released from said test-fluid; and (b) detecting said odorant at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leaks.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said test-fluid is injected directly into a gas pipeline stream.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said odorant is detected by dog olfaction.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
41 words
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) injecting an odorant comprising dimethyl sulphide into said pipeline; and (b) detecting said odorant at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leaks by dog olfaction.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
41 words
A method for accurately locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities which comprises: (a) injecting an odorant comprising dimethyl sulphide into said pipeline; and (b) detecting said odorant at a location in the immediate vicinity of said leaks by dog olfaction.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method in accordance with claim 10 wherein said odorant is injected directly into a gas pipeline stream.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-01 | 1996-06-01 | 1996-12-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-01 | 2000-06-01 | 2000-12-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-01 | 2004-06-01 | 2004-12-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |