U.S. patent application number 13/618440 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for methods and system design for providing leak detection of volatile liquid hydrocarbon vapors.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Dean Matthew Erickson, Gary Cletus Mobley, JR., Len Alan Wolf. Invention is credited to Dean Matthew Erickson, Gary Cletus Mobley, JR., Len Alan Wolf.
Application Number | 20140080403 13/618440 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50274948 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140080403 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erickson; Dean Matthew ; et
al. |
March 20, 2014 |
METHODS AND SYSTEM DESIGN FOR PROVIDING LEAK DETECTION OF VOLATILE
LIQUID HYDROCARBON VAPORS
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to a ventilation unit configured to
exhaust drawn-in air from an enclosure, and a detection unit
integrated with the ventilation unit and configured to detect a
vapor. Embodiments are directed to a collection mechanism
configured to collect liquid, a detection unit configured to sample
vapor emitted from the liquid of the collection mechanism, and a
ventilation unit integrated with the detection unit and configured
to exhaust the vapor subsequent to the vapor having been sampled by
the detection unit.
Inventors: |
Erickson; Dean Matthew;
(Simpsonville, SC) ; Mobley, JR.; Gary Cletus;
(Greenville, SC) ; Wolf; Len Alan; (Greenville,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Erickson; Dean Matthew
Mobley, JR.; Gary Cletus
Wolf; Len Alan |
Simpsonville
Greenville
Greenville |
SC
SC
SC |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
50274948 |
Appl. No.: |
13/618440 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/339 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
F24F 2007/001 20130101; F24F 7/065 20130101; F24F 2110/50
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/339 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/00 20060101
F24F007/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a ventilation unit configured to exhaust
drawn-in air from an enclosure; and a detection unit integrated
with the ventilation unit and configured to detect a vapor.
2. The system of claim 1, where the vapor is associated with
evaporation of a liquid contained in a closed environment.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the closed environment is at
least partially defined by a floor comprising openings configured
to drain the liquid into a collection mechanism.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the detection unit is integrated
with the ventilation unit via a common fan or blower.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the vapor is heavier than
air.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the vapor comprises smoke.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured
to cause an action to be taken when an amount of the vapor exceeds
a threshold.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one damper
configured as an inlet for the drawn-in air.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation unit is
configured to exhaust the vapor after the vapor is sampled by the
detection unit.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an outlet; and an
isolation mechanism configured to selectively transfer liquid
associated with the vapor from a collection mechanism to the
outlet.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the isolation mechanism
comprises a valve, and wherein a position of the valve is
determined by the detection unit.
12. An apparatus comprising: a collection mechanism configured to
collect liquid; a detection unit configured to sample vapor emitted
from the liquid of the collection mechanism; and a ventilation unit
integrated with the detection unit and configured to exhaust the
vapor subsequent to the vapor having been sampled by the detection
unit.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ventilation unit
comprises: at least one damper configured as an inlet for
drawing-in air.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a floor
configured to allow the liquid to fall through the floor and to
collect in the collection mechanism; and a negative pressure
ventilation system configured to provide the air to a volume below
the floor via at least one opening or a series of openings which
are configured so as to collect vapor from all areas of the
floor.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the detection unit is
integrated with the ventilation unit via a common fan or
blower.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the detection unit comprises
at least one sensor configured to detect the vapor.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the detection unit is
configured to generate a message when the vapor exceeds a
threshold, and wherein the message comprises at least one of: an
email, a text message, a voice message, a display graphic, and an
auditory alarm.
18. A method comprising: collecting liquid in a collection
mechanism; detecting, by a detection unit, vapors emitted from the
collected liquid; and exhausting, via a ventilation unit integrated
with the detection unit, drawn-in air mixed with the vapors from an
enclosure.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the detection unit is
integrated with the ventilation unit via a common fan or
blower.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the enclosure is coupled to a
turbine, and wherein the liquid comprises naphtha leaked by the
turbine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to leak
detection. For example, aspects of the disclosure are directed to
detecting a leak based on an emission of vapors.
[0002] Increasingly, fuels that have a low ignition temperature are
being used in connection with one or more applications, such as a
gas turbine. If a leak in a gas turbine develops, evaporation of
the liquid fuel may pose a risk of ignition, particularly if the
associated vapors are allowed to aggregate or form pockets.
[0003] Extraction pipes have been used as a part of a detection
mechanism to detect leaking liquid. The extraction pipes may be
located on a floor of a compartment or enclosure. The extraction
pipes may be associated with a blower or fan that may be configured
to draw air across one or more sensors. The enclosure may include a
ventilation system that may be configured to maintain an
air-exchange relationship to reduce the likelihood or probability
of pockets of vapor developing. The ventilation system includes a
blower or fan, separate from the blower or fan associated with the
extraction pipes, to facilitate the air-exchange relationship.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a system
comprises a ventilation unit configured to exhaust drawn-in air
from an enclosure, and a detection unit integrated with the
ventilation unit and configured to detect a vapor.
[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus
comprises a collection mechanism configured to collect liquid, a
detection unit configured to sample vapor emitted from the liquid
of the collection mechanism, and a ventilation unit integrated with
the detection unit and configured to exhaust the vapor subsequent
to the vapor having been sampled by the detection unit.
[0006] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method
comprises collecting liquid in a collection mechanism, detecting,
by a detection unit, vapors emitted from the collected liquid, and
exhausting, via a ventilation unit integrated with the detection
unit, drawn-in air mixed with the vapors from an enclosure.
[0007] These and other advantages and features will become more
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and
distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the
specification. The foregoing and other features of the disclosure
are apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure; and
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method in accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[0011] The detailed description explains embodiments of the
disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of
example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure,
apparatuses, systems and methods are described for detecting vapor,
such as vapor associated with a gas. While largely stated in terms
of vapor associated with fuel, the techniques and methodologies
described herein may be adapted to accommodate other forms of
detection. For example, aspects of the disclosure are directed to a
detection of smoke.
[0013] It is noted that various connections are set forth between
elements in the following description and in the drawings (the
contents of which are included in this disclosure by way of
reference). It is noted that these connections in general and,
unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this
specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. In
this regard, a coupling of entities may refer to either a direct or
an indirect connection.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in connection with one or
more embodiments. The system 100 may be used to detect vapor, such
as vapor associated with one or more fuels. The vapor may be the
result of an evaporation process with respect to, e.g., leaking
liquid fuel. The leak may be the result of, e.g., a poor or
inadequate mechanical coupling between connection points or joints
used in an application, such as a gas turbine application.
[0015] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises an enclosure
101. In some embodiments, the enclosure 101 is used to contain
liquid, such as leaking liquid. Optionally, the enclosure 101 is
used to provide a closed environment for the liquid and any vapors
that may be generated by the liquid.
[0016] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more
dampers 102, such as dampers 102a and 102b. While two dampers 102
are shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 may include any number of
dampers 102.
[0017] In some embodiments, the dampers 102 are associated with a
ventilation mechanism or system that optionally is configured to
provide for air-intake, cooling, or dilution. For example, the
ventilation system may maintain temperatures in the system 100, so
as to reduce the likelihood or probability of pockets of vapor
developing. While not shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments a
controller is configured to control the dampers 102 to achieve a
specified rate or volume of air-intake, air temperature, etc., with
respect to the system 100.
[0018] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more
pumps 104, such as pumps 104a and 104b. While two pumps 104 are
shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 may include any number of pumps
104.
[0019] In some embodiments, the pumps 104 are configured to
transfer liquid, such as liquid contributing to a leak, to a
collection mechanism 106 via a flooring 108. In some embodiments,
the pumps 104 are configured to return liquid (e.g., fuel) to,
e.g., a gas turbine, for continued use.
[0020] In some embodiments, the flooring 108 is associated with a
"false" flooring. Optionally, the flooring 108 comprises one or
more penetration points or openings. In some embodiments, the
openings allow liquid to fall through or penetrate the flooring 108
and to collect in the collection mechanism 106. In some
embodiments, a series of openings are provided for. In some
embodiments, the openings are configured to collect vapor from
areas of the flooring 108, such as all areas of the flooring 108.
In some embodiments, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code, such
as CFX or Fluent, may be used.
[0021] In some embodiments, the flooring 108 has a uniform pressure
drop. The uniform pressure drop may be used to ensure an effective
capture velocity over the entire floor 108.
[0022] In some embodiments, the collection mechanism 106 comprises
a sump. In some embodiments, the collection mechanism 106 is
configured to receive liquid from the flooring 108 via the
openings. The liquid may be stored, either temporarily or
permanently, in the collection mechanism 106. In some embodiments,
the collection mechanism 106 is used to ensure that liquid is
contained in a closed environment. For example, the collection
mechanism 106 may be used to capture, e.g., all liquids. In some
embodiments, liquid contained in the collection mechanism 106 is
returned to, e.g., a gas turbine, for use, or is disposed of
[0023] Liquid contained in the collection mechanism 106 may emit
one or more vapors 110. The vapors 110 may be generated as a result
of an evaporation of the liquid contained in the collection
mechanism 106. In some embodiments, the vapors 110 are indicative
of a gas that is heavier than air. In some embodiments, the vapors
110 are indicative of a gas that is lighter than air.
[0024] In some embodiments air 112 is extracted, possibly as part
of a ventilation mechanism or system as previously described. The
air 112 may serve a number of functions. In some embodiments the
air 112 is inserted or forced below the flooring 108 by, e.g., a
negative pressure ventilation system, in order to facilitate an
air-exchange relationship to reduce the likelihood or probability
of pockets of vapor 110 from developing.
[0025] In some embodiments, one or more blowers or fans are
included. For example, one or more fans 114 may be used to draw the
vapors 110 (potentially mixed with air 112) across or proximate to
a detection unit 116 and subsequently out of the system 100 via an
exhaust output or line 118. In this manner, in some embodiments the
fan 114 functions as both a sample-draw fan (e.g., with respect to
the detection unit 116) as well as a ventilation fan (e.g., with
respect to the dampers 102 and/or the exhaust output or line 118).
More generally, aspects of the disclosure may integrate a detection
system and a ventilation system. As a result of such integration, a
reduction in the number of components (e.g., fans or blowers)
optionally is realized. The savings or reduction in components may
be even greater when one considers that multiple components may
(have) be(en) used in order to provide redundancy.
[0026] In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 comprises one or
more sensors. Optionally, the sensors are configured to detect a
presence and/or an amount of one or more gases based on the vapors
110, and potentially the air 112, being directed from the
collection mechanism 106 towards the detection unit 116 via the fan
114.
[0027] In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 is configured to
provide a status regarding the one or more gases. For example, if
the amount of a detected gas (potentially measured as a volume, a
concentration, etc.) exceeds a threshold, the detection unit 116
may generate a message. The message may take the form of an email,
a text message, a voice message, a display graphic, an auditory
alarm, etc. In some embodiments, when the amount of the detected
gas exceeds a threshold, a determination may be made by, e.g., the
detection unit 116 that a leak is present.
[0028] In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 causes
measurements taken by the sensor(s) to be saved or stored,
potentially in one or more memories, databases, etc. In some
embodiments, a saving/storing of the measurements is used for
data-logging purposes, in connection with troubleshooting, repair,
or maintenance activities, to generate one or more reports, to
provide any other opportunity for analysis, etc.
[0029] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more
baffles 120, such as baffles 120a and 120b. While two baffles 120
are shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 may include any number of
baffles 120.
[0030] In some embodiments, the baffles 120 are configured to
control or regulate a flow of fluid in the system 100. In some
embodiments, the baffles 120 are used to restrain the flow of
vapors 110 and/or liquid in the collection mechanism 106. The
baffles 120 may be used to control the flow of fluid in a given
direction, such as toward the detection unit 116.
[0031] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more
isolation mechanisms. For example, in some embodiments a valve 122,
when in an "open" state or position, is used to drain liquid from
the collection mechanism 106 by way of a drain outlet 124. The
valve 122, when in a "closed" state or position, might not allow
liquid to leave the collection mechanism 106 via the drain outlet
124. In some embodiments, the valve 122 is normally closed, but
might be opened in the event of, e.g., a sizable leak (e.g., a leak
beyond a threshold).
[0032] In some embodiments, the state or position of the valve 122
is manually commanded. For example, the state or position of the
valve 122 may be responsive to a user input (e.g., depression of a
switch, button, or key, a voice command, etc.). In some
embodiments, the state or position of the valve 122 may be
automatically determined by an entity, such as the detection unit
116. In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 is configured to
command the valve 122 to open when the amount of the vapor 110
exceeds a threshold and to close when the amount of the vapor 110
is less than that threshold. In some embodiments, hysteresis may be
applied to the threshold in order to avoid excessively opening and
closing the valve 122 within a given period of time when the amount
of the vapor 110 is proximate the threshold.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a method that may be used in connection
with one or more embodiments. The method of FIG. 2 may execute in
conjunction with one or more systems, apparatuses, devices, or
components, such as those described herein. In some embodiments,
the method of FIG. 2 is used to detect that one or more gases are
present. For example, the method may be used to detect that one or
more gases are present in an amount exceeding a threshold, which
may serve as an indication that there is a leak in connection with
an associated application or system. In this regard, in some
embodiments the method of FIG. 2 is used to monitor for a leak.
[0034] In step 202, liquid is collected. The liquid may be
collected in one or more collection mechanisms, such as the
collection mechanism 106. The liquid may be indicative of a leak
associated with, e.g., a turbine.
[0035] In step 204, air is drawn through a floor of an enclosure,
such as enclosure 101. For example, in some embodiments a negative
pressure ventilation system that is coupled to a volume below a
floor (e.g., floor 108) draws air from the enclosure via openings
in the floor.
[0036] In step 206, a fan or blower (e.g., fan 114) causes vapors
(e.g., the vapors 110) emitted from the collected liquid associated
with step 202 to be detected by one or more detection units (e.g.,
detection unit 116), possibly in combination with the drawn-in air
of step 204. As part of step 206, the fan/blower may also output or
exhaust the vapors and/or drawn-in air after having been exposed to
the detection unit (e.g., after having been sampled by the
detection unit). A portion of the vapors and/or drawn-in air may be
collected for analysis or examination.
[0037] In step 208, a measurement of one or more parameters based
on the vapors and/or air associated with step 206 is conducted. For
example, the detection unit may compare an amount of the vapors to
one or more thresholds. Based on the comparison, in some
embodiments the detection unit causes one or more actions to be
taken. For example, the detection unit may: cause a regulation of a
flow rate or speed of the fan/blower, provide for a state of one or
more baffles (e.g., baffles 120), provide for a state or position
of an isolation mechanism (e.g., valve 122) associated with the
collection mechanism, generate one or more messages, etc.
[0038] The method of FIG. 2 is illustrative. In some embodiments,
some of the steps (or portions thereof) are optional. In some
embodiments, additional steps not shown are included. In some
embodiments, the steps execute in an order or sequence different
from what is shown in FIG. 2.
[0039] Aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of
the collection, sampling, and testing of vapors that may be given
off during the evaporation process of one or more liquids, such as
liquid that may be heavier or denser than air. One skilled in the
art will appreciate that aspects of the disclosure may be adapted
to accommodate different types of products, such as different types
of liquids. For example, the techniques described herein may be
applied in connection with gas turbines where naphtha may be used
as a combustion fuel. Additional applications are within the scope
and spirit of the disclosure.
[0040] As described herein, in some embodiments various functions
or acts may take place at a given location and/or in connection
with the operation of one or more apparatuses, systems, or devices.
For example, in some embodiments, a portion of a given function or
act may be performed at a first device or location, and the
remainder of the function or act may be performed at one or more
additional devices or locations.
[0041] Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented using one or
more technologies. In some embodiments, an apparatus or system
comprises one or more processors and memory storing instructions
that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the
apparatus or system to perform one or more methodological acts as
described herein. Various mechanical components are used in some
embodiments.
[0042] In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure are
implemented as one or more apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. In
some embodiments, instructions are stored on one or more
computer-readable media, such as a transitory and/or non-transitory
computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the instructions,
when executed, cause an entity (e.g., an apparatus or system) to
perform one or more methodological acts as described herein.
[0043] In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure are tied to
particular machines. For example, as described herein, an enclosure
optionally comprises a floor configured to pass liquids to a
collection mechanism, such as a sump. In some embodiments, a
ventilation mechanism, such as a negative pressure ventilation
system, is configured to draw air from the enclosure through the
floor. A mixture of air and vapor may then be conveyed through a
ventilation mechanism via one or more fans or blowers. In some
embodiments, one or more detectors is located within, e.g., a
ducting. In some embodiments, the detector(s) is/are configured to
detect the presence or amount of one or more gases evaporated off
of the liquid collected in the collection mechanism. Optionally,
the detected gas(es) is/are used to determine whether a leak is
present.
[0044] In some embodiments, gas detection is provided for gases
that are heavier than air. In some embodiments, an improved leak
detection resolution is realized. For example, relatively small
leaks may be detected, even if those leaks are not proximate an
opening of an extraction pipe.
[0045] While aspects of the disclosure have been described in
detail in connection with only a select number of embodiments, it
should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to
such embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure
may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly,
the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *