GB2629562A

GB2629562A - An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus, system and method thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2629562A
Application number: GB2306114.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Knight Tom
Original assignee: Endet Ltd
Current assignee: Endet Ltd
Priority date: 2023-04-26
Filing date: 2023-04-26
Publication date: 2024-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2043-04-26
Also published as: GB202306114D0; GB2629562B

Abstract

An in-line gas sensor apparatus 10 suitable for an energy gas pipeline 12, comprises; a pipe mounting body 14 connectable with the pipeline; an elongate probe 16 engaged with the pipe mounting body 14, the elongate probe having a gas sensor 18 at one end thereof, the elongate probe being moveably engaged with the mounting body to permit adjustment of a position of the sensor 18 relative to the mounting body 14; and a processor configured to analyse one or more gas parameters measured by the sensor and output energy gas parameter data. The elongate probe may be a printed circuit board and include a strain gauge. The processor may be mounted on the elongate probe. The sensor may be a capacitive or resistive hydrogen gas sensor. The probe may be retracted from the gas flow when not required to extend the life of the probe.

Description

AN IN-LINE ENERGY GAS SENSOR APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF The present invention relates to an in-line energy gas sensor apparatus for sensing energy gas properties within energy gas pipelines, and particularly but not exclusively, to gas pipelines transporting gases with hydrogen content.

The present invention also relates to an in-line energy gas sensor system, incorporating the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in an energy gas pipeline, and to a method of determining one or more energy gas properties within the energy gas pipeline.

Pipelines play an important role in transporting energy gas around the nation virtually undetected. With many thousands of miles of gas pipeline in the UK and the push towards Industry 4.0, the demand for improved in-situ monitoring apparatus and systems is large.

Currently, in-line sensors tend to be either placed in the energy gas fluid flow, for representative sensing of the bulk energy gas properties. In this instance, the longevity of the sensor is limited by being constantly exposed to flow. On the other hand, the longevity of sensors can be extended by compromising on the sensing location, moving the sensor further away from the direct flow and towards more stagnant areas of energy gas, also known as dead space. Positioning new sensors at different points on the energy gas pipeline, however, required interruption of the flow.

Another limitation of current in-line sensors is that analysis of the raw sensor readouts need to be analysed before being of some value to utility infrastructure providers and/or operators. In this instance, the correct software may be limited to certain devices and hence place limitations on the availability of real-time information, negating the benefits of such in-situ sensors.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an in-line energy gas sensor apparatus for an energy gas pipeline, the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus comprising: a pipe mounting body connected or connectable with an energy gas pipeline; an elongate probe body engaged with the pipe mounting body, the elongate probe body having a sensor being positioned at or adjacent to an end thereof, the sensor being configured to in use measure one or more energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline; and a processor, being in communication with the sensor, and configured to analyse the one or more energy gas parameters measured by the sensor, and output processed energy gas parameter data; the elongate probe body being movably engaged with the pipe mounting body to permit adjustment of a position of the sensor relative to the pipe mounting body.

Movement between the elongate probe body and the pipe mounting body allows the position of the sensor to be extended towards a main flow of the energy gas pipeline during active sensing and retracted during periods when not actively sensing or during installation. This can increase the longevity of such an apparatus whilst also placing the sensor in optimised sensing locations, for example, towards the centre of an energy gas fluid flow which is more representative of the bulk energy gas properties. Furthermore, the sensor can be extended and retracted whilst the energy gas is flowing, without the need to isolate a section of pipeline.

Advantageously, at least one said sensor may be provided. The at least one sensor may measure a plurality of energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline. There are many energy gas parameters and/or properties that may be of interest to a user, such as but not limited to: Wobbe index, calorific value (Cv), flow rate, flow coefficient, partial pressure of specific analytes, moisture concentration, pressure, temperature, hydrogen composition, odorant content, hydrocarbon composition, other chemical compositions and the like.

The energy gas pipeline may be a polyethylene energy gas pipeline and may include a polyethylene electrofusion fixture. In this case, the pipe mounting body may be connected or connectable to the polyethylene electrofusion fixture.

The polyethylene electrofusion fixture may include a primary subsidiary body and a secondary subsidiary body, the primary subsidiary body being connected or connectable to the polyethylene energy gas pipeline and having a cutting bore for receiving a cutter therethrough to engage the polyethylene energy gas pipeline, the secondary subsidiary body being connected to the primary subsidiary body, the pipe mounting body being connected to the secondary subsidiary body. Beneficially, the cutting bore and the the pipe mounting body can be of a single component fixture.

Optionally, the sensor or sensors may be or may include a hydrogen sensor configured to in use detect hydrogen. More specifically, the hydrogen sensor may be a capacitive hydrogen sensor. Other sensors can be used, and these could optionally be capacitive sensors, or resistive sensors, or any other appropriate type of sensor.

The present invention has been designed with hydrogen-sensing capabilities in mind, with a view to assisting with the upgrade of existing gas networks to integrate hydrogen therein. Other capacitive or resistive sensors, such as moisture or CO2 sensors may be used.

Beneficially, the processor may be positioned onboard the elongate probe body. Positioning the processor on the elongate probe body allows processing of the one or more energy gas parameters detected by the sensor or sensors, improving the accessibility of valuable information. In other words, the software to process sensor signals is not limited to specific external devices.

The use of printed circuit boards can be highly advantageous with stronger and more durable electrical connections and cost effective efficient manufacturing, to say the least. Hence, the elongate probe body may comprise a printed circuit board. In this case, the sensor and/or the processor may be mounted on the printed circuit board.

The elongate probe body may further comprise an electrical and/or data connector located at an end opposite to the said end of the elongate probe body and in communication with the processor. The connector may include an input and/or an output. Furthermore, in the instance of where the data connector is used, this may be a wired or wireless connector. Use of such an electrical and/or data connector may be particularly advantageous on pipelines below ground but can also be used on above ground installations for improved data transmittal.

In some instances, the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus may comprise a seal element located between the pipe mounting body and the elongate probe body. A seal element being provided inhibits leak paths through the apparatus, as well as possibly providing a suitable connection between the probe body and the pipe mounting body.

The seal element may comprise a primary seal and a secondary seal, the primary seal being a radial seal and the secondary seal being an axial seal. The seal element aids the adjustment of the sensor's position while the energy gas pipeline is live, preventing the escape of energy gas whilst the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus is in use.

In the case where the seal element comprises two separate seals, as opposed to one, the number of compressive interfaces is increased for more effective sealing in both the axial and radial or lateral directions. In instances where the seal element comprises two or more separate seals, the seal element may be more easily maintained by permitting part seal element replacement.

Optionally, the pipe mounting body comprises a locking means engageable with the elongate probe body for locking a position thereof relative to the pipe mounting body.

Once a desired position of the sensor is achieved, a locking means allows the position of the elongate probe body to be secured relative to the pipe mounting body, preventing or limiting any unintentional movement. The locking means may include a compression element for directly or indirectly applying a compressive force to the elongate probe body.

Additionally, or alternatively, the pipe mounting body may comprise a coupler body. In this case, the compression element may be a threaded element, engageable with the coupler body.

The in-line energy gas sensor apparatus may also further comprise a strain gauge, the strain gauge being in communication with the processor. In this instance, where the elongate probe body includes the printed circuit board, the strain gauge may be mounted thereon. It will be appreciated that the at least one sensor may include a strain gauge. On the other hand, such a strain gauge may not necessarily be at or adjacent to an end of the elongate probe body. Positioning the strain gauge away from the end of the elongate probe body may help to limit the amount of deformation that the strain gauge may experience for more accurate sensing.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an in-line energy gas sensor system comprising an energy gas pipeline having a main pipe body having a main pipe axis and a subsidiary pipe body engaged with the main pipe body laterally off the main pipe axis; and an in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the pipe mounting body of the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus being connected to the subsidiary pipe body; wherein the elongate probe body is movable between a retracted condition in which the sensor is located entirely within the subsidiary pipe body, and an extended condition in which the sensor is advanced towards or into the main pipe body.

The aforementioned system allows a sensor to be left in-situ for prolonged periods of time without various components needing to be replaced, as the sensor is able to move between the retracted and extended conditions. The retracted condition may be away from areas of high energy gas fluid velocity and towards areas that a more stagnant, reducing mechanical loading of the system. This may be of particular benefit if the flow in the main pipe body is turbulent, where turbulence can cause cyclic loading of pipeline attachments, increasing the prevalence of component fatigue.

Advantageously, the sensor can be moved between the retracted condition and the extended condition whilst there is energy gas in the main pipe body.

Optionally, the subsidiary pipe body may be connected to the main pipe body so as to be, or substantially be, orthogonal to the main pipe axis. Such an arrangement means that movement of the elongate probe body between the retracted condition and the extended condition is directly towards or away from the energy gas fluid flow of the main pipe body. This results in a more efficient way of achieving the extended and retracted conditions.

The subsidiary pipe body may include a primary subsidiary body and a secondary subsidiary body, the primary subsidiary body being connected to the main pipe body, the secondary subsidiary body being connected to the primary subsidiary body, the pipe mounting body being connected to the secondary subsidiary body. In this instance, the in-line energy gas sensor system may further comprise a cutter, wherein the primary subsidiary body has a cutting bore through which the cutter is engageable with the main pipe body for fluidly connecting the subsidiary pipe body and the main pipe. Such a system allows the retrospective attachment of the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus to an existing energy gas pipeline whilst permitting uninterrupted energy gas fluid flow through the main pipe body.

Optionally, the secondary subsidiary body may be connected to the primary subsidiary body so as to be or substantially be parallel to a plane containing the main pipe axis.

This results in the extended condition remaining in the subsidiary pipe body, without the sensor entering the energy gas fluid flow of the main pipe body. This may be beneficial in high pressure energy gas pipelines such as those in transmission networks.

In other instances, the secondary subsidiary body is connected to the primary subsidiary body so as to form an acute angle with the main pipe axis. The acute angle may be between 20° and 70°. This may be beneficial in lower-pressure energy gas pipelines such as those in distribution networks, as the extended condition may be such that the sensor is located within the main pipe body.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of determining one or more energy gas properties within an energy gas pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an in-line energy gas sensor system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; b) extending the elongate probe body such that the sensor is advanced towards the main pipe body or into the main pipe body of the energy gas pipeline whilst there is an energy gas fluid flow in the main pipe body; c) measuring one or more energy gas parameters with the sensor; and d) analysing, using the processor, the one or more energy gas parameters to determine one or more energy gas properties of an energy gas in the energy gas pipeline.

The method of determining one or more energy gas properties within an energy gas pipeline, facilitates a reliable way of continuous monitoring, which can mitigate against wastage of maintenance programs associated with poorly monitored utility infrastructure.

Optionally, during step a) the pipe mounting body is connected to the secondary subsidiary body in the retracted condition to permit motion of the cutter through the cutting bore, wherein the sensor is located entirely within the secondary subsidiary body in the retracted condition. This permits a safe way of tapping into energy gas pipelines that are live' for an un-interrupted customer supply.

Additionally, the method may further comprise a step after step d) of sending the one or more energy gas properties to an external device. Processing signals at the point of sensing and sending that information to an authorised person, without the need for specialized software on the external device, can be highly advantageous for them to take timely action. The communication of the processed signals to the external user device may be via wired or wireless communication.

The in-line energy gas sensor apparatus may be connected to the energy gas pipeline at a location toward, or at, an end of line position on an energy gas pipeline network. A key advantage to this is that energy gas theft can be detected at locations that are commonly targeted for illegal connections. Likewise, the in-line energy gas sensor system may be located at, or adjacent to, an end of line position on the energy gas pipeline network.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of an in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus shown in Figure 1 as indicated by A-A; Figure 3 shows an axial view of a first embodiment of an in-line energy gas sensor system in accordance with a second aspect of the invention, and including the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus of Figure 1 in an extended condition, an energy gas pipeline being transparent to illustrate the internal components; Figure 4 shows the in-line energy gas sensor system as shown in Figure 3 with the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in a retracted condition; Figure 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of an in-line energy gas sensor system, and including the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus of Figure 1 in an extended condition, the energy gas pipeline being transparent to illustrate the internal components; Figure 6 shows an axial view of the in-line energy gas sensor system shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a side view of the in-line energy gas sensor system shown in Figure 5 with the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in the retracted condition; Figure 8 shows a side view of a third embodiment of an in-line energy gas sensor system in accordance with a second aspect of the invention; and Figure 9 shows an axial view of the in-line energy gas sensor system of Figure 8, with the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in the extended condition, a subsidiary pipe body being transparent to illustrate the internal components.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown an example of an in-line energy gas sensor apparatus referenced globally as 10, for measuring and analysing one or more energy gas parameters within an energy gas pipeline 12, as seen in Figure 3. The in-line energy gas sensor apparatus will now be referred to more simply as the in-line sensor apparatus hereafter. The one or more energy gas parameters may include a hydrogen content of an energy gas within the energy gas pipeline, as in the embodiment shown.

The in-line sensor apparatus 10 comprises a pipe mounting body 14 and an elongate probe body 16.

The pipe mounting body 14 is configured to be connected to an energy gas pipeline, and the elongate probe body 16 is engaged with the pipe mounting body 14. Adjacent to, or at an end of, the elongate probe body 16 there is positioned a sensor 18, configured to measure the one or more energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline. Located at an end, opposite to the end at which the sensor 18 is located, there is an electrical and/or data connector 20. The sensor 18 and the elongate probe body 16 are electrically and/or communicably connected to one another. The electrical and/or data connector 20 may be coupled to the pipe mounting body 14 via a cable gland.

The elongate probe body 16 may include a printed circuit board 22. In this instance, the sensor 18 is mounted on the printed circuit board 22 and the electrical and/or data connector 20 is connected to the printed circuit board 22.

The printed circuit board 22 may be at least in part housed within an elongate probe housing 24. In this example, a sensing portion of the printed circuit board 22 is exposed, whilst a mounting portion is located within the elongate probe housing 24.

The elongate probe housing 24 is moveably engaged with the pipe mounting body 14. The elongate probe housing 24 may include a sensor assembly sealing surface 26, which interfaces with the pipe mounting body 14 during extension and retraction. Although the sensing portion has been described as being exposed, it will be apparent that both the sensing portion and the mounting portion can be treated or adapted so as to fluidly isolate them from the energy gas to be sensed such that any connections are not compromised. Indeed, the elongate probe body 16 may be fluidly isolated preventing possible damage to any of the componentry, with the exception of the sensor 18 or sensors which perform measuring functions.

The sensor 18 in this instance comprises more than one sensor, and more specifically three sensors for measuring a plurality of energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline. However, it will be appreciated that the sensor may simply include one sensor to measure one energy gas parameter, or one sensor to detect or measure more than one energy gas parameter. Additionally, it will be apparent to the notional skilled person that there may be two sensors or more than three sensors to measure a plurality of energy gas parameters. The at least one energy gas parameter, a plurality of energy gas parameters, and so on, may also be considered at least one energy gas property, a plurality of energy gas properties, and so on, respectively. A sensor in the form of a strain gauge 56 is also shown.

The sensor or sensors 18, may be or may include a hydrogen sensor or sensors and/or a capacitive sensor or sensors. More specifically, the hydrogen sensor may be a capacitive hydrogen sensor. In the instance where the sensor is or includes a capacitive or a capacitive hydrogen sensor, the sensor may include a sensing element comprising composite particles. The composite particles may have a porous titanium dioxide substrate that is at least in part coated with platinum particles, whereby sorption of energy gas onto or into the sensing element causes a change in dielectric properties of the sensing element according to the energy gas parameters. The processor can then measure and analyse this dielectric change of the sensing element to determine the energy gas parameter or parameters.

Engagement between the elongate probe body 16 and the pipe mounting body 14 is such that a position of the elongate probe body 16, and thus the sensor 18, can be adjusted with respect to the pipe mounting body 14.

The pipe mounting body 14 is connectable with the energy gas pipeline via a compression element 30 and a coupler body 32. The coupler body 32 of the pipe mounting body 14 is connectable to the energy gas pipeline and the compression element 30 is engaged with the coupler body 32 to apply pressure indirectly to the elongate probe body 16 via the compression element 30. The compression element 30 has a radial extent that is the same as that of the coupler body 32. Engagement between the compression element 30 and the coupler body 32 is achieved by a threaded element, such that the compression element 30 may be considered a compression nut.

The compression element 30 may also be considered a locking means for securing an axial position of the elongate probe body 16, though a separate locking means such as a pin or clamp could be provided. The locking means can lock or secure the position of the elongate probe body 16 with respect to the pipe mounting body 14. This may be achieved by the tightening or loosening of the compression element 30 on the coupler body 32 in the instance where the locking means is the threaded element.

Although the compression element 30 applies indirect pressure to the elongate probe body 16 in this example, it will be appreciated that the probe body may more simply comprise the compression element. The compression element may apply compressive pressure directly to the elongate probe body.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown the pipe mounting body 14 connected to a subsidiary pipe body 34 of the energy gas pipeline, as well as showing the elongate probe body 16, at least one seal element and a processor 38. The seal element comprises one or more seals 36a, 36b located between the pipe mounting body 14 and the elongate probe body 16 and may be flexible or resiliently flexible. The processor 38 is mounted on the printed circuit board 22, and more generally, the processor 38 is positioned onboard the elongate probe body 16. It may be possible, of course, to omit the processor entirely, in which case processing of the sensed signal could be conducted on an external device.

A fluid tight seal is created at an interface between the subsidiary pipe body 34 and the pipe mounting body 14. In this instance, the fluid tight seal is created by a compressive interference fit between the coupler body 32 and the subsidiary pipe body 34 which is an electrofusion tee leg in this instance. The coupler body 32 applies a uniform radial compressive stress at or adjacent to an end of the subsidiary pipe body 34.

The pipe mounting body 14 can include the coupler body 32, compression element 30 and the threaded element. The seal element includes a primary seal 36a and a secondary seal 36b. The primary seal 36a is a radial seal located between a seal receiver 40 of the coupler body 32 and the elongate probe body 16. The secondary seal 36b is an axial seal and at least located between the coupler body 32 and compression element 30. The secondary seal 36b is here provided as a top-hat insert, having a rim or flange which interfaces with an end of the coupler body 32, and an end which interfaces with the primary seal 36a. In use when the compression element 30 is threaded onto the coupler body 32, the secondary seal 36b is compressed, which in turn compresses the primary seal 36a. Axial compression can cause radial expansion of the primary seal 36a. Said radial expansion can perform two functions, sealing between the in-line sensor apparatus 10 and the energy gas pipeline and locking or securing the position of the elongate probe body 16 with respect to the pipe mounting body 14. It will be appreciated that the primary and secondary seal may be provided as a single component. It will also be appreciated that the seal element may comprise more than two seals.

Generally speaking, the processor 38 is in communication with the sensor 18 or sensors and configured to analyse signals from the sensor 18. The sensor 18 measures one or more energy gas parameters, and any signal therefrom is representative of the one or more energy gas parameters measured. In this more specific example of the invention, the processor 38 is mounted onboard the printed circuit board 22 and in communication with the electrical and/or data connector 20. However, it will be appreciated that the processor 38 may more generally be mounted in or on the elongate probe body 16 or the pipe mounting body 14.

The electrical and/or data connector 20 is mounted on the elongate probe housing 24 so as to extend therefrom. The electrical and/or data connector 20 may include a void 28 to in use receive a male connector of an external connection device. The electrical and/or data connector 20 may also include a connection seal at an opening of the void. It will be appreciated that the electrical and/or data connector 20 extending from the elongate probe body 16 allows for a more effective connection to an external device, independent of whether the connection is wired or wireless.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 which show an in-line energy gas sensor system referenced globally at 42 which includes the in-line sensor apparatus 10 and the energy gas pipeline 12. The in-line energy gas sensor system will now be referred to more simply as the in-line sensor system here after. The energy gas pipeline has a main pipe body 44 and the subsidiary pipe body 34 engaged with the main pipe body 44. Connected to the subsidiary body is the pipe mounting body 14 of the in-line sensor apparatus 10 and the energy gas pipeline.

The main pipe body 44 includes a main pipe axis 46. The skilled person would understand that pipes within the utility industry generally present a circular cross-section and that a cylindrical polar coordinate system of the main pipe body 44 can be defined with respect to the main pipe axis 46. Other pipe shapes may be feasible, of course. In terms of the present invention, the subsidiary pipe body 34 is engaged with the main pipe body 44 laterally off the main pipe axis 46.

The subsidiary pipe body 34 in this specific example of the invention, includes a primary subsidiary body 48 and a secondary subsidiary body 50, typically a main tee and purge tee. The primary subsidiary body 48 is connected to the main pipe body 44. The secondary subsidiary body 50 is connected to the primary subsidiary body 48. The pipe mounting body 14 is connected to the secondary subsidiary body 50. The pipe mounting body 14 is mounted axially and at an end of the secondary subsidiary body.

The primary subsidiary body 48 is connected to the main pipe body 44 so as to be, or substantially be, orthogonal to the main pipe axis 46. In this case, the secondary subsidiary body 50 is connected to the primary subsidiary body 48 so as to be, or substantially be, parallel to a plane containing the main pipe axis 46.

In use, the elongate probe body 16 is moveable between an extended condition, as shown in Figure 3, and a retracted condition, as shown in Figure 4. This is capable of being performed whilst there is an energy gas within the main pipe body 44. Movement of the elongate probe body 16 with respect to the pipe mounting body 14 from the retracted condition to the extended condition is defined as the sensor 18 advancing towards the main pipe body 44 or towards the main pipe axis 46 in at least one dimension. More specifically, this includes the sensors 18 advancing into the primary subsidiary body 48. Note that in the example shown in Figure 3, the sensors 18 of the elongate probe body 16 are almost in the vertical or 'y' plane of the main pipe body 44 running through the main pipe axis 46, and the elongate probe body 16 is advancing indirectly towards the main pipe axis 46 when moving from the retracted condition, shown in Figure 3, to the extended condition, shown in Figure 4. In other words, by moving the sensors 18 towards the said vertical plane, the sensors 18 are moved slightly closer to the main pipe axis 46.

Movement from the extended to the retracted condition is defined by the sensor 18 moving away from the main pipe body 44 or away from the main pipe axis 46 in at least one dimension so as to be entirely within the subsidiary pipe body 34. In this case, the retracted condition is defined as the sensor 18 being located entirely within the secondary subsidiary body 50.

In the instance where the subsidiary pipe body 34 is retrofitted to the main pipe body 44, the primary subsidiary body 48 may define a cutting bore 52. The cutting bore 52 is a through-bore which can receive a cutter, not shown in Figures 3 and 4 since the main and subsidiary pipe bodies 44, 34 are already fluidly interconnected. In use, the cutter engages the main pipe body 44 to cut or tap into the main pipe body 44, fluidly connecting the main pipe body 44 and the subsidiary pipe body 34 without needing to interrupt the energy gas fluid flow. As the cutter travels down the cutting bore 52 to engage the main pipe body 44, the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus 10 is in the retracted condition of being entirely within the secondary subsidiary body 50. In this instance, the whole of the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus in its entirety is located within the secondary subsidiary body 50, not necessarily just the sensor 18.

The subsidiary pipe body 34 may also include a cap 54 which caps the top of the primary subsidiary body 48. It will be appreciated that the cap 54 may need to be removed to allow the cutter to be received within the cutting bore 52.

Once the main pipe body 44 has been cut and fluidly connected to the subsidiary pipe body 34, the cutter is retracted, and the primary subsidiary body 48 is sealed to prevent the escape of energy gas from the energy gas pipeline. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that such a cutting process can occur while the main pipe body 44 has energy gas fluid flow, also known as 'live'. Of course, such a process can occur whilst the main pipe body 44 is isolated and does not present said energy gas fluid flow.

After the primary subsidiary body 48 has been sealed, the sensor 18 can be moved between the retracted and the extended condition whilst there is energy gas in the main pipe body 44 and the subsidiary pipe body 34. This movement can occur without energy gas escaping from the energy gas pipeline. Although movement of the sensor 18 has been described as between two discrete positions, the extended and retracted conditions, it will be appreciated that the sensor 18 can be secured at any position therebetween.

Although movement of the sensor 18 has been described occurring while there is energy gas within the main pipe body 44, it will be appreciated that this movement can occur whilst the main pipe body 44 has been isolated and with no such energy gas fluid flow.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, there is shown a second embodiment of an in-line sensor system 142. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4, such that description of like or similar features have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figures 5 to 7 as Figures 3 and 4, the reference numerals from Figures 3 and 4 have been used with 100 added.

In this instance, the primary subsidiary body 148 of the subsidiary pipe body 134 is connected to the main pipe body 144 so as to be, or substantially be, orthogonal to the main pipe axis 146. The secondary subsidiary body 150 is connected to the primary subsidiary body 148 at an acute angle with respect to the main pipe axis 146. The acute angle may be between 20° and 70°, and more specifically may be, or may substantially be 45°, without there being any spatial issue of abutment against either the main pipe body 144 or the primary subsidiary body 148.

It is noted that the entire subsidiary pipe body 134 is connected to the main pipe body 144 via a saddle 158, as in the previous embodiment.

The secondary subsidiary body 150, when connected to the primary subsidiary body 148 to form an acute angle with the main pipe axis 146, also forms an additional acute angle between the primary subsidiary body 148 and the secondary pipe body. The additional acute angle is 90° minus the acute angle.

In use, the said acute angle allows the sensor 18 to move into the main pipe body 144 during movement to the extended condition, as best shown in Figure 6, without the elongate probe body 16 needing to be positioned directly orthogonal to the main pipe axis 146. The in-line sensor apparatus 10 in the retracted condition is mostly within the secondary subsidiary body 150, with the sensor 18 protruding slightly into the primary subsidiary body 148. In this instance, the in-line sensor apparatus 10 does not protrude into the cutting bore 152, as shown in Figure 7.

The strain gauge 56 is also provided on the elongate probe body 16 and communicably connected to the processor 38, and more specifically, mounted onboard the printed circuit board 22. The location of the strain gauge 56 is preferably adjacent to the elongate probe housing 24 to reduce the amount of deflection experienced by the strain gauge 56. Such a strain gauge 56 can measure, or can help measure, energy gas parameters such as flow rate.

The in-line sensor apparatus 10 is attached to the secondary subsidiary body 50, 150 via the pipe mounting body 14. The elongate probe body 16 can then be moved relative to the pipe mounting body 14 to achieve the retracted condition, as shown in Figures 4 and 7. The cap 54, 154 is then removed to expose a cutter opening and provide access to the cutting bore 52, 152. The cutter is then received into the cutting bore 52, 152 until it engages with the main pipe body 44, 144.

Upon engagement of the cutter with the main pipe body 44, 144, a bore is made in a wall of the main pipe body 44, 144 so as to fluidly connect the main pipe body 44, 144 and the subsidiary pipe body 34, 134. The cutter is then retracted, and the cap 54, 154 is replaced to the opening of the cutting bore 52, 152. The cap 54, 154 in this instance may also include a cap seal to seal the opening of the cutting bore 52, 152.

Once the subsidiary pipe body 34, 134 is sealed, the elongate probe body 16 is advanced towards the main pipe body 44, 144 to achieve the extended condition. The sensor 18 is then in position to measure the one or more energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline. It will be appreciated that movement of the elongate probe body 16 to achieve the retracted and the extended condition can be performed while the energy gas pipeline 12, 112 is live.

The measured one or more energy gas parameters by the sensor 18 can then be sent to the processor 38. The one or more energy gas parameters may be a collection of one or more signals. The processer 38 then analyses the one or more energy gas parameters to determine and output processed energy gas parameter data. The outputted processed energy gas parameter data may be, or may be indicative of, but not limited to, any one of Wobbe index, calorific value (Cv), flow rate, flow coefficient, partial pressure of specific analytes, moisture concentration, pressure, temperature, hydrogen composition, odorant content, hydrocarbon composition, other chemical compositions, and the like.

The outputted processed energy gas parameter data is sent to an external device, which may simply be an external display device. The communication of the outputted processed energy gas parameter data to the said external device may be via the electrical and/or data connector 20. In some situations, both the outputted processed energy gas parameter data and the outputted processed energy gas parameter data may be outputted to the said external device.

In the instance where the electrical and/or data connector is wired, the data connector may be fibre-optic. On the other hand, a wireless data connector may be Bluetooth, ANT+, W-Fi or the like.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a third embodiment of the in-line sensor system 242. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4, such that description of like or similar features have been omitted for clarity. For similar or identical features in Figures 8 and 9 as Figures 3 and 4, the reference numerals from Figures 3 and 4 have been used with 200 added.

The pipe mounting body 14 of the in-line sensor apparatus 10 is connected to the subsidiary pipe body 234. The subsidiary pipe body 234 in this instance is a section of pipe, fluidly connected to the main pipe body 244 so as to be, or substantially be, orthogonal to the main pipe axis 246.

In this instance the subsidiary pipe body 234 and main pipe body 244 present a hollow circular cross-section. The subsidiary pipe body 234 has a diameter smaller than that of a diameter of the main pipe body 244. Preferably, the diameter of the subsidiary pipe body 234 is less than half that of the diameter of the main pipe body 244. More preferably, the diameter of the subsidiary pipe body 234 is, or approximately is, one third of the diameter of the main pipe body 244.

Movement of the elongate probe body 16 and the pipe mounting body 14 may be achieved manually. On the other hand, this may be achieved by an actuator. It will be appreciated that the actuator may be remotely operated, but not necessarily so. The actuator may also be in communication with the processor.

It is therefore possible to provide an in-line sensor apparatus for an energy gas pipeline that includes a pipe mounting body, an elongate probe body and a sensor, arranged such that the sensor can move towards and away from a main pipe body of an energy gas pipeline. This allows the sensor to move between the extended and retracted conditions without the need to disrupt the flow within the energy gas pipeline. Furthermore, raw sensor signals can be processed on the apparatus before being sent to an external display device.

Although properties for detection in the energy gas pipeline have been described with respect to energy gas and more specifically of hydrogen content, it will be appreciated that energy gas may be any fluid used in the energy industry and more specifically that utilised in the gas industry. Such fluid used in the energy industry may include natural gas, town gas, synthetic gas, and the like. The term fluid may also refer to a liquid, whereby the term liquid may include oil. The one or more energy gas properties to be detected and/or analysed may include, but not limited to, any one of Wobbe index, calorific value (Cv), flow rate, flow coefficient, partial pressure of specific analytes, moisture concentration, pressure, temperature, hydrogen composition, odorant content, hydrocarbon composition, other chemical compositions, and the like.

Furthermore, although the subsidiary pipe body has been described as a type of connection such as an electrofusion fixture, and more specifically an electrofusion tee or a section of pipeline, it will be appreciated that subsidiary pipe body may be a purge tee, a Y-shaped tee, or the like.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the energy gas pipeline will, in most instances, be manufactured from polyethylene and that polyethylene fixtures can be electrofused and fluidly connected thereto. In this case the pipe mounting body of the in-line energy gas sensor apparatus may be connected or connectable to the electrofusion fixture.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus for an energy gas pipeline, the in-line sensor apparatus comprising: a pipe mounting body connected or connectable with an energy gas pipeline; an elongate probe body engaged with the pipe mounting body, the elongate probe body having a sensor being positioned at or adjacent to an end thereof, the sensor being configured to in use measure one or more energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline; and a processor being in communication with the sensor and configured to analyse the one or more energy gas parameters measured by the sensor and output processed energy gas parameter data; the elongate probe body being movably engaged with the pipe mounting body to permit adjustment of a position of the sensor relative to the pipe mounting body.
2. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy gas pipeline is a polyethylene energy gas pipeline and includes a polyethylene electrofusion fixture, and wherein the pipe mounting body is connected or connectable to the polyethylene electrofusion fixture.
3. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the polyethylene electrofusion fixture may include a primary subsidiary body and a secondary subsidiary body, the primary subsidiary body being connected or connectable to the polyethylene energy gas pipeline and having a cutting bore for receiving a cutter therethrough to engage the polyethylene energy gas pipeline, the secondary subsidiary body being connected to the primary subsidiary body, the pipe mounting body being connected to the secondary subsidiary body.
4. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is a hydrogen sensor configured to in use detect hydrogen.
5. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor.
6. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor is a resistive sensor.
7. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is positioned onboard the elongate probe body.
8. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate probe body comprises a printed circuit board, the sensor and/or the processor being mounted on the printed circuit board.
9. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one said sensor is provided for measuring a plurality of energy gas parameters within the energy gas pipeline.
10. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate probe body further comprises an electrical and/or data connector located at an end opposite to the said end of the elongate probe body and in communication with the processor.
11. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a seal element located between the pipe mounting body and the elongate probe body.
12. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the seal element comprises a primary seal and a secondary seal, the primary seal being a radial seal and the secondary seal being an axial seal.
13. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe mounting body comprises a locking means engageable with the elongate probe body for locking a position thereof relative to the pipe mounting body.
14. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a strain gauge, the strain gauge being in communication with the processor.
15. An in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the strain gauge is mounted on the printed circuit board.
16. An in-line energy gas sensor system comprising: an energy gas pipeline having a main pipe body having a main pipe axis and a subsidiary pipe body engaged with the main pipe body laterally off the main pipe axis; and an in-line energy gas sensor apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the pipe mounting body being connected to the subsidiary pipe body; wherein the elongate probe body is movable between a retracted condition in which the sensor is located entirely within the subsidiary pipe body, and an extended condition in which the sensor is advanced towards or into the main pipe body.
17. An in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the sensor is moveable between the retracted condition and the extended condition whilst there is an energy gas in the main pipe body.
18. An in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the subsidiary pipe body is connected to the main pipe body so as to be or substantially be orthogonal to the main pipe axis.
19. An in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the subsidiary pipe body includes a primary subsidiary body and a secondary subsidiary body, the primary subsidiary body being connected to the main pipe body, the secondary subsidiary body being connected to the primary subsidiary body, the pipe mounting body being connected to the secondary subsidiary body.
20. An in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a cutter, and wherein the primary subsidiary body has a cutting bore through which the cutter is engageable with the main pipe body for fluidly connecting the subsidiary pipe body and the main pipe.
21. An in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the secondary subsidiary body is connected to the primary subsidiary body so as to be or substantially be parallel to a plane containing the main pipe axis.
22. An in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the secondary subsidiary body is connected to the primary subsidiary body so as to form an acute angle with the main pipe axis.
23. A method of analysing one or more energy gas parameters within an energy gas pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an in-line energy gas sensor system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22; b) extending the elongate probe body such that the sensor is advanced towards the main pipe body or into the main pipe body of the energy gas pipeline whilst there is an energy gas fluid flow in the main pipe body; c) measuring one or more energy gas parameters with the sensor; and d) analysing, using the processor, the one or more energy gas parameters to determine and output processed energy gas parameter data.
24. A method as claimed in claim 23 when dependent on any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein during step a) the pipe mounting body is connected to the secondary subsidiary body in the retracted condition to permit motion of the cutter through the cutting bore, wherein the sensor is located entirely within the secondary subsidiary body in the retracted condition.
25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, further comprising a step after step d) of sending the one or more energy gas properties to an external device.