Patent ID: 6032699
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B67D,F16L,G01M

Abstract:
A fluid-carrying pipe assembly comprising:an elongated flexible inner fluid-carrying pipe;an elongated flexible containment pipe surrounding the inner fluid-carrying pipe and containing any fluid leaks from the inner fluid-carrying pipe;an interstitial space formed between the inner fluid-carrying pipe and the containment pipe;first and second ends of the containment pipe sealed to the inner fluid-carrying pipe to form a containment chamber surrounding the inner pipe and including the interstitial space;a source of pressurized inert gas connected to and pressurizing the containment chamber; anda pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the inert gas within the containment chamber to determine when a leak has occurred in the inner fluid-carrying pipe, the pressure of the inert gas within the containment chamber greater than the pressure of the fluid within the inner fluid-carrying pipe.