Use of magnetic fluids in process system for pipe isolations

This paper investigates the use of magnetic fluids known as ferrofluids to act as ad hoc valves within pipe systems to create isolation points for stemming pipe leakages and to halt leakages before they become largescale disasters. The sealing abilities of ferrofluids were proven for microvalves (ID ≤ 1 mm) in hydrostatic experiments and extended to the macroscale applications (ID ≥ 6 mm). Theoretical prediction and magnetic finite element analysis (FEA) were also undertaken to predict the burst pressure, and a comparison of both results against the experimental measurement was made. The up-scale results (10–18 mm ID) indicated that it is feasible to develop a ferrofluid that can be extended to approximate the applicable magnet strength to achieve higher burst pressure. It was concluded that the ferrofluid isolation valves hold potential in macroscale environments for process engineering in favour of a positive isolation.