A method of sealing a fluid leakage path (106), such as a fluid leakage path through a wall (104) of a structure, comprising the steps of supplying a loss control composition to a region of a wall (104) of a structure having a fluid leakage path (106) and causing the loss control composition (114) to enter and propagate along at least a portion of the fluid leakage path (106). The loss control composition comprises a mixture of at least one fluid and particles of material (116a, 116b) suspended in the fluid. The particles of material (116a, 116b) are configured to become trapped within the fluid leakage path (106) as the loss control composition propagates along the at least a portion of the fluid leakage path (106) such that the particles of material (116a, 116b) accumulate within the fluid leakage path (106) thereby sealing the fluid leakage path (106).
F16L 55/10 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses
F16L 55/164 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a sealing fluid being introduced in the pipe
F16L 55/1645 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a sealing material being introduced inside the pipe by means of a tool moving in the pipe
2.
Method of inhibiting leakage of a fluid through a defect in a wall of a pipe
A method of inhibiting leakage of a fluid through a defect (4) in a wall of a pipe (2), comprising the steps: introducing a loss control medium (30) into a first portion of a pipe (2); conveying the loss control medium (30) along the pipe from the first portion to a second portion of the pipe, wherein the second portion is embedded in a porous medium and has a defect (4) through which fluid conveyed by the pipe during normal use leaks into the porous medium; and applying a pressure to the loss control medium (30) such that at least a portion of the loss control medium (30) is expelled from the pipe through the defect (4) into the porous medium thereby causing the loss control medium to accumulate within the porous medium in the vicinity of the defect which inhibits flow of a liquid through the defect into the porous medium.
F16L 55/1645 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a sealing material being introduced inside the pipe by means of a tool moving in the pipe
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
3.
A METHOD OF INHIBITING LEAKAGE OF A FLUID THROUGH A DEFECT IN A WALL OF A PIPE
A method of inhibiting leakage of a fluid through a defect (4) in a wall of a pipe (2), comprising the steps: introducing a loss control medium (30) into a first portion of a pipe (2); conveying the loss control medium (30) along the pipe from the first portion to a second portion of the pipe, wherein the second portion is embedded in a porous medium and has a defect (4) through which fluid conveyed by the pipe during normal use leaks into the porous medium; and applying a pressure to the loss control medium (30) such that at least a portion of the loss control medium (30) is expelled from the pipe through the defect (4) into the porous medium thereby causing the loss control medium to accumulate within the porous medium in the vicinity of the defect which inhibits flow of a liquid through the defect into the porous medium.
F16L 55/1645 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a sealing material being introduced inside the pipe by means of a tool moving in the pipe
patents
