Patent ID: 7011102
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: F16L,G01M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pipeline system comprising: a first pipeline section having a first secondary pipeline section disposed around a first primary pipeline section, wherein a first interstitial space is formed between the first secondary pipeline section and the first primary pipeline section; a second pipeline section having a second secondary pipeline section disposed around a second primary pipeline section, wherein a second interstitial space is formed between the second secondary pipeline section and the second primary pipeline section, wherein the first primary pipeline section is coupled to the second primary pipeline section; a fitting coupling the first secondary pipeline section and the second secondary pipeline section, wherein an annulus is defined between the fitting and the coupled primary pipeline sections, and wherein the first and second interstitial spaces are in fluid communication with the annulus; a fluid reservoir having a volume of fluid, wherein the annulus and the first and second interstitial spaces are filled with the fluid such that fluid entering or exiting the first and second interstitial spaces and the annulus changes the volume of fluid in the fluid reservoir; and a sensor for detecting changes in the volume of fluid in the fluid reservoir.