Claims:We claim:

1. A method for detecting a leakage point in a network of pipes (104) carrying high pressure fluid in a convertor gas cooling circuit (300), the method comprising:
positioning, at least one flowmeter (401) on each pipe of the network of pipes (104);
identifying a leakage pipe in the network of pipes (104), based on indication of flow of fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes (104) by the flowmeter (401);
identifying, a direction of flow of the fluid in the leakage pipe at every predetermined interval of distance along a length of the leakage pipe based on readings of the flowmeter (401);
detecting, a flow reversal point of the fluid in the leakage pipe based on the readings determined by the flowmeter (401); and
detecting a leakage point, by continuously determining the flow of the fluid near the flow reversal point, wherein a point where the flow of the fluid is substantially zero is an indication of the leakage point.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein identifying the leakage pipe in the network of pipes (104), comprises:
cooling, by a heat exchanger (105), a fluid in each pipe of the network of pipes (104) below a pre determined temperature;
ceasing, the flow of the fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes (104) to create a zero flow condition; and
identifying, the leakage pipe in the network of pipes (104) by monitoring flow of the fluid, indicated by the flowmeter (401) in each pipe of the network of pipes (104) in the zero flow condition, wherein an indication of flow of the fluid by the flowmeter (401) through any pipe of the network of pipes (104) is identified as the leakage pipe.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature of the fluid ranges from about 40 ºC to 50 ºC.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein positioning of the flowmeter (401) includes placing one or more probes (402) of the flowmeter (401) on an outer surface of each pipe of the network of pipes (104).
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the readings of the flowmeter (401) at predetermined intervals of distance to detect the flow reversal point, is determined by displacing the one or more probes (402) of the flowmeter (401) along the length of the leakage pipe.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined interval of distance along the length of the leakage pipe ranges from about 4 meters to 6 meters.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow reversal point is determined when polarity of the flowmeter reading changes.
8. A system (200) for detecting leakage point in a network of pipes (104) carrying high pressure fluid in a convertor gas cooling circuit (300), the system (200) comprising:
one or more pumps (106), to circulate a fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes (104);
a heat exchanger (105) fluidly connected to each pipe of the network of pipes (104), configured to cool the fluid flowing through each pipe of the network of pipes (104) below a predetermined temperature;
wherein, the one or more pumps (106) are regulated to create a zero flow condition for detecting the leakage point in the network of pipes (104); and
at least one flowmeter (401), positioned on each pipe of the network of pipes (104), wherein the at least one flowmeter (401) indicates flow of fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes (104);
wherein, the leakage point is detected by:
identifying, direction of flow of the fluid in the leakage pipe at every predetermined interval of distance along a length of the leakage pipe based on readings of the flowmeter (401);
detecting, a flow reversal point of the fluid in the leakage pipe based on the readings determined by the flowmeter (401); and
detecting a leakage point, by continuously determining the flow of the fluid near the flow reversal point, wherein the point where the flow of fluid is substantially zero, indicates the leakage point.
9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flowmeter (401) comprises one or more probes (402), positioned on an outer surface of each pipe of the network of pipes (104).
10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more probes (402) are configured to displace along the length of the leakage pipe to determine readings at predetermined interval of distance, to detect the flow reversal point.
11. The system (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flowmeter (401) is an ultrasonic flowmeter.
12. A converter gas cooling circuit (300) comprising the system (200) as claimed in claim 8.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure in general relates to leakage detection of a fluid. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for detection of leakage pipe in a network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose a method for detecting a leakage point in the leakage pipe of the network of pipes in a convertor gas cooling circuit of the steel making plant.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Steelmaking is a process of producing steel from iron ore, scrap and other intended raw materials. Generally, in steel making process, liquid pig iron is poured into the converter. Oxygen at a predefined flowrate is blown into the converter, to initiate oxidation process, in order to melt the metal and convert it to a high quality steel. During the oxidation process, huge amount of gas may be generated from the convertor, and a temperature of the gas may be around 1300 ºC. The gas so generated comprises a mixture of carbon monoxide of about 65%, carbon dioxide of about 15%, nitrogen of about 15%, a small amount of hydrogen and methane and also possess high calorific value. Due to the high calorific value, the gas is stored in a gas holder and may be used for some applications such as, the gas may be used to run specific type of gas engines. Before storing the gas in the gas holder, the gas is initially treated/processed by a way of cooling the gas to a temperature of around 700 ºC and filtering unwanted gas mixtures, to improve quality of the gas.

Generally, a cooling circuit is positioned over the convertor, in order to facilitate cooling of the gas generated from the convertor. The cooling circuit broadly comprises a movable hood assembly and a fixed hood assembly. The cooling circuit may include network of pipes positioned in both of the movable hood assembly and a fixed hood assembly. The network of pipes may be configured to carry chemically treated fluid medium, such as water under desired pressure. The network of pipes provides passage and surface area of contact for the gases, and thus facilitates in heat transfer between the gas and the fluid medium. Since, the network of pipes in the cooling system operate under adverse temperature and pressure conditions, the network of pipes may be prone to leakage, which leads to leakage of fluid into the convertor, which is an undesired phenomenon, as it may lead to dangerous steam explosion. The steam explosion may lead to damage of the furnace equipment, suspends steel making operation and may even cause disaster for operators of the furnace. Hence, timely and effective monitoring leakage in the network of pipes in the convertor cooling gas circuit is a predominant task.

Conventionally, various techniques have been adapted to monitor leakage in the network of pipes in the convertor gas cooling circuit. One such technique to detect leakage is a visual inspection technique carried out by the furnace operators. The conventional processes involve, disconnecting the movable hood assembly from the fixed hood assembly and moving the movable hood assembly to a parking position, which is a tedious and time-consuming process. Further, to identify the leakage points in the movable hood assembly and fixed hood assembly, scaffoldings are to be erected or the operator may have to be entered from roof top of the fixed hood assembly, which is a complex and time-consuming process. Hence, adapting, conventional process to determine leakage leads to long shutdown periods, high labour intensive and moreover provides unsafe work environment.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by method as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the method as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the technique of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a method for detecting a leakage point in a network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid in a convertor gas cooling circuit. The method comprises of positioning at least one flowmeter on each pipe of the network of pipes. A leakage pipe is identified based on indication of flow of fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes. Further, the method includes identifying a direction of flow of the fluid in the leakage pipe at every predetermined interval of distance along a length of the leakage pipe based on readings of the flowmeter. A flow reversal point is detected by monitoring readings of the flowmeter. Further, a leakage point is detected by continuously determining the flow of the fluid near the flow reversal point, wherein a point where the flow of the fluid is substantially zero is an indication of the leakage point.
In an embodiment, there is provided a method for identifying the leakage pipe in the network of pipes. The method comprises of initially cooling the fluid in each pipe of the network of pipes to a predetermined range by a heat exchanger. Further, the method comprises of ceasing the flow of the fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes to create a zero flow condition. Further, the leakage pipe is identified by monitoring flow of the fluid, indicated by the flowmeter on each pipe of the network of pipes in the zero flow condition. An indication of flow of the fluid by the flowmeter through any pipe of the network of pipes in zero flow condition is identified as the leakage pipe.
In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature of the fluid ranges from about 40 ºC to 50ºC.
In an embodiment, positioning of the flowmeter includes placing one or more probes of the flowmeter on an outer surface of each pipe of the network of pipes.
In an embodiment, the readings of the flowmeter at predetermined intervals of distance to detect the flow reversal point, is determined by displacing the one or more probes of the flowmeter along the length of the leakage pipe.
In an embodiment the predetermined interval of distance along the length of the leakage pipe ranges from about 4 meters to 6 meters.
In an embodiment the flow reversal point is determined when polarity of the flowmeter reading changes.
In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a system for detecting leakage point in a network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid in a convertor cooling circuit. The system comprises one or more pumps, to circulate a fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes. The one or more pumps are regulated to create a zero flow condition for detecting the leakage point in the network of pipes. Further, the system comprises a heat exchanger fluidly connected to each pipe of the network of pipes, configured to cool the fluid flowing through each pipe of the network of pipes below a predetermined temperature. Additionally, the system comprises at least one flowmeter, positioned on each pipe of the network of pipes, wherein the at least one flowmeter indicates flow of fluid through each pipe of the network of pipes. The system is adapted for detecting a leakage point. The leakage point is detected by identifying a direction of flow of the fluid in the leakage pipe at every predetermined interval of distance along a length of the leakage pipe based on readings of the flowmeter. A flow reversal point is detected by monitoring readings of the flowmeter. Further, a leakage point is detected by continuously determining the flow of the fluid near the flow reversal point, wherein a point where the flow of the fluid is substantially zero is an indication of the leakage point.
In an embodiment, the flowmeter comprises one or more probes, positioned on an outer surface of each pipe of the network of pipes.
In an embodiment, the one or more probes are configured to displace along the length of the leakage pipe to determine readings at predetermined interval of distance, to detect the flow reversal point.
In an embodiment, the flowmeter is an ultrasonic flowmeter.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure.1 illustrates a schematic representation of the convertor gas cooling circuit, adapted in a steel making process, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 is a block diagram of a system for detecting leakage in the network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a leakage point in the network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid, using the system of figure. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 4 illustrates a schematic view of leakage pipe employed with flowmeter on outer surface to detect the leakage point, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.
In order to overcome the limitations stated in the background, the present disclosure provides the following paragraphs which describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the method, and the system as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used to detect leakage point in the network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid, but not limiting to convertor gas cooling circuit in a steel making process.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system and method for detecting a leakage point in the network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid in the convertor gas cooling circuit [hereinafter referred as cooling circuit]. In the present disclosure, the fluid may be a liquid such as but not limiting to water. During steel making process, gas possessing high calorific value may be generated form the convertor, which may be utilized for running gas engines. In order to utilize the gas generated in an economical way, the temperature of the gas may be reduced from 1300ºC to around 700 ºC by adapting a cooling circuit comprising a network of pipes carrying high pressure fluid such as but not limiting to water, which acts as a coolant. Since, the network of pipes operates at adverse pressure and temperature conditions, the pipes in the network of pipes may be prone to leakage or may even burst, which leads to ingress of fluid into the convertor, thus resulting in steam explosion, which is an undesired phenomenon. The present disclosure is directed to detect the leakage pipe and leakage point in the network of pipes in an efficient way, to prevent leakage of fluid into the convertor.
The system includes one or more pumps, configured to circulate the fluid through each of the network of pipes from the expansion vessels containing high pressure fluid. Further, the one or more pumps may be regulated to create a zero flow condition. In an embodiment, zero flow condition depicts that the flow through each pipe of the network of pipes is ceased or stopped. Further, the system comprises a heat exchanger, fluidly connected to each pipe of the network of pipes and is configured to cool the fluid flowing through each pipe of the network of pipes. Additionally, the system comprises flowmeters, which may be positioned on each pipe of the network of pipes. In an embodiment, the flowmeters are configured to indicate flow of fluid through the pipes. In some embodiment, the one or more pumps and heat exchanger circuit for cooling may be adapted to function as part of the system. In other embodiment, separate pumps or cooling circuit may be provided.

In operation, after creating zero flow condition by regulating the one or more pumps, at least one flowmeter is positioned on each pipe of the network of pipes, to know flow of the fluid through the pipe. A leakage pipe in the network of pipes may be identified based on the indication of flow of fluid in the pipe by the flowmeter in the zero flow condition. Furthermore, the system may be employed to detect a leakage point in the leakage pipe, which may help in quick replacement or fixing of the damaged pipes in the network of pipes. The leakage point is detected by identifying a direction of flow of the fluid at every predetermined interval of distance along a length of the leakage pipe using readings of the flowmeter, to determine a flow reversal point. Further, flow of the fluid is continuously determined near the flow reversal point, to identify a point where the flow of fluid is substantially zero. The leakage point may be identified as a point where the flow is substantially zero near the flow reversal point.
In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference of accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Figure.1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a convertor gas cooling circuit (300). Figure.1 shows different components of the convertor gas cooling circuit (300). The cooling circuit (300) primarily comprises a movable hood assembly (103) and a fixed hood assembly (102). In an embodiment, the movable hood assembly (103) and the fixed hood assembly (102) each comprising a network of pipes (104), configured to receive high pressure fluid stored in the expansion vessels (107). In an embodiment, the expansion vessels (107) are pressurized with aid of nitrogen stored in the nitrogen vessel (108) at around 12 bar. Further, the cooling circuit (300) comprises one or more pumps (106), configured to pump or circulate the fluid from the expansion vessel into the network of pipes (104). The fluid pumped or circulated by the one or more pumps (106) from the expansion vessels (107) initially enters into the network of pipes (104) positioned in the movable hood assembly (103) and at later stages, the fluid from the movable hood assembly (103) enters the network of pipes (104) in the fixed hood assembly (102). As an example, the network of pipes (104) in the movable hood assembly (103) may comprise around 356 individual pipes and the network of pipes (104) in the fixed hood assembly (102) may comprise around 224 individual pipes (104). Additionally, the cooling circuit comprises (300) a heat exchanger (105) such as but not limiting to a fin fan type heat exchanger (105), which is fluidly connected to each pipe of the network of pipes (104). The heat exchanger (105) comprises a plurality of tubes (not shown), configured to carry the fluid to be cooled. Further, the heat exchanger (105) may include number of cooling fans (108), configured to blow air on to the plurality of tubes carrying fluid and thus facilitates effective heat exchange between the fluid and the air, thus results in cooling of the fluid flowing through the number of tubes. As an example, the cooling fans may eight in number. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger (105) facilitates in reducing the temperature of the fluid to desired range and thus, assists in effectively carrying out cooling of the gas generated from the convertor (100). During operation of the cooling circuit (300), the high pressure fluid stored in the expansion vessels (107) is pumped via the one or more pumps (106), initially into the network of pipes (104) in the movable hood assembly (103) and later the fluid enters into the network of pipes (104) in the fixed hood assembly (102). The gases generated from the convertor (100) enters the cooling circuit (300) via the movable hood assembly (103) and comes in contact with the network of pipes (104) and hence, heat transfer occurs between the gas and the fluid in the network of pipes (104) and thus temperature of gas may be reduced to desired range.
Moving now to Figure.2, it illustrates a system (200) to detect leakage point in the network of pipes (104) present in the cooling circuit (300). The system (200) consists of one or more pumps (106), configured to circulate the fluid stored in the expansion vessels (107) through each pipe of the network of pipes (104). In an embodiment, the pumps (106) may be regulated to create the zero flow condition. The zero flow condition in each pipe of the network of pipes (104) facilitates in detection of leakage point in the network of pipes (104) in an effective and easy manner. Further, the system (200) includes a heat exchanger (105), fluidly connected to each pipe of the network of pipes (104) in the cooling circuit (300). In an embodiment, the heat exchanger (105) is adapted to cool the fluid flowing through each pipe of the network of pipes (104) and thus facilitates in effective heat transfer and hence assists in cooling the fluid. The system (100) also includes flowmeters (401), wherein at least one flowmeter (401) is positioned on each pipe of the network of pipes (104) to indicate flow of the fluid through the corresponding pipe. In an embodiment, the flowmeters (401) may be but not limiting to ultrasonic flowmeters. In an embodiment one flowmeter could be used across all the pipes (104) for detecting flow of fluid.
Figure.3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a flow chart of depicting a method for detecting the leakage point in the network of pipes (104) by adapting the system (200). In the present disclosure, leakage point in the network of pipes (104) may be detected in an efficient and effective way so as to inhibit leakage of the fluid into the convertor (100), thus preventing steam explosion, which may interrupt steel making process. The method is now described with reference to the flowchart blocks and is as below. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. The method is particularly applicable to detection of leakage point in the network of pipes (104) carrying high pressure fluid in the convertor gas cooling circuit (300) and may also be extended to other applications in which the pipes carry high pressure fluid such as but not limiting to oil refineries, refractory cooling circuits and the like.
As indicated at block 201, temperature of the fluid flowing through the network of pipes (104) in the cooling circuit (300) is reduced to a predetermined range with the aid of heat exchanger (105). In an embodiment, the predetermined range of temperature may be around 40 ºC to 50 ºC. As an example, the predetermined temperature may be 45 ºC. Fluid from each pipe of the network of pipes (104) is circulated through the plurality of tubes (not shown) in the heat exchanger (105), wherein the plurality of tubes may receive cool air blown from the one or more fans (108) provided in the heat exchanger (105), in order to facilitate effective cooling of the fluid. In an embodiment, cooling fluid to predetermined temperature assists in creating a conducive atmosphere for the operators to carryout detection and sealing process.
At block 202, the method comprises of creating a zero flow condition. In an embodiment, zero flow condition depicts that the flow through each pipe of the network of pipes (104) is ceased or stopped. Further, in an embodiment, zero flow condition is achieved by regulating the one or more of pumps (106). In the present disclosure, regulating of pumps (106) may refer to switching off or stopping the operation of the one or more pumps (106). At block 203, at least one flowmeter (401) is positioned on each pipe of the network of pipes (104). In an embodiment, the flowmeter (401) comprises one or more probes (402) placed on the outer surface of the pipe, to facilitate positioning the flowmeter (401) at specific location on the pipe.

At block 204, the method includes a step of identifying a leakage pipe in the network of pipes (104). The leakage pipe is identified by monitoring flow of the fluid, indicated by the flowmeter (401) in the zero flow condition. In an embodiment, a condition for identifying a leakage pipe is an indication of flow of the fluid by the flowmeter (401) in the zero flow condition. As an example, the pipe or pipes in which flow of fluid occurs even in zero flow condition are inferred as leakage pipe (s). In an embodiment, flow of the fluid occurs in the leakage pipe, even at the zero flow condition due to pressure difference between the pipe and outside environment.

Once the leakage pipe is identified, the method includes a stage of detecting a leakage point in the leakage pipe [shown in block 207]. The method for detecting a leakage point in the leakage pipe is illustrated with reference to the figure. 4, which illustrates one of leakage pipe (400) identified in the network of pipes (104). At block 205, direction of flow of the fluid in the leakage pipe (400) is identified at every predetermined interval of distance along the length of the leakage pipe (400) using readings of the flowmeter (401). In an embodiment the predetermined interval of distance along the length of the leakage pipe (400) may be in the range of about 4 meters to 6 meters. As an example, the predetermined interval of distance may be around 5 meters. In an embodiment, direction of flow of fluid at predetermined intervals of distance, is determined based on the readings obtained by the flowmeter (401), by virtue of displacing the one or more probes (402) of the flowmeter (401) along the length of the leakage pipe (400). During the step of determining the direction of flow of the fluid in the leakage pipe, the readings of the flowmeter (401) may change polarity at a certain location in the leakage pipe (400) say point ‘A’ (depicted in figure. 4) when the probes (402) of the flowmeter (401) are displaced in the direction indicated as ‘B’ along the length of the leakage pipe. In an embodiment, change in polarity may refer to change in sign of the reading i.e. sign of the readings may change from positive to negative or from negative to positive. As an example, say from +40 lpm to -40 lpm or -40 lpm to +40 lpm. In an embodiment, the location where the polarity of flowmeter (401) reading changes is inferred as a flow reversal point [as shown in block 206]. In an embodiment, the flow reversal point ‘A’ refers to a point, where direction of flow of the fluid changes in the leakage pipe (400).

At block 207, to detect a leakage point, the method includes a step of continuously determining the flow of the fluid near the flow reversal point using flowmeter (401) readings, to identify a point where the flow of the fluid is substantially zero, based on the readings of the flowmeter (401).In an embodiment, determining flow of fluid near the flow reversal point may include displacing the probes (402) along the surface of the leakage pipe in short interval of distance say around 0. 5 meters to 1 meter, near the flow reversal point. In an embodiment, the point where the flow of fluid is substantially zero, is an indication of the leakage point. Upon detection of the leakage point in the leakage pipe, the portion of the pipe bearing the leak point say 100mm on either sides is cut and may be replaced with a new piece.

In an embodiment the probes (402) of the flowmeter (401) may be displaced in reverse direction (as compare to ‘B’), in predefined intervals, to identify the point where the flow of fluid is substantially zero.
In an embodiment, the process shown in blocks 205 and 206 may be repeated to detect multiple leakage points in the leakage pipe.

In an embodiment, the method of detecting leakage point in the convertor gas cooling circuit (300) is carried out upon shutdown of the steel making process.

The present disclosure discloses a system and method for detecting leakage point in the network of pipes (104) in a convertor gas cooling circuit (300), in an effective and efficient manner. This method assists in reducing labour intensive procedure, provides conducive workplace for furnace operators to carry out detection process and moreover eliminates the task of moving the cooling system to an isolated platform to rectify and seal the leakage.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Referral Numerals Description
300 Convertor gas cooling circuit
100 Convertor
102 Fixed Hood assembly
103 Movable Hood assembly
104 Network of pipes
105 Heat exchanger
106 One or more Pumps
107 Expansion vessel
108 Nitrogen storage
109 Fans
401 Flowmeter
402 Flowmeter Probes
400 Leakage pipe
A Flow reversal point