CPC F16L 55/1645 (2013.01) [G01M 3/2823 (2013.01)] | 23 Claims |
1. A method of inhibiting leakage of a fluid through a defect in a wall of a pipe, comprising the steps:
introducing a loss control medium into a first portion of a pipe;
conveying the loss control medium 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 through which fluid conveyed by the pipe during normal use leaks into the porous medium; and
applying a pressure to the loss control medium such that at least a portion of the loss control medium is expelled from the pipe through the defect into the porous medium thereby causing the loss control medium to accumulate within the porous medium in the vicinity of the defect, wherein the loss control medium within the porous medium inhibits flow of a liquid into the porous medium after the liquid has passed through the defect.
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