Anomaly detector for pipelines

Abstract

A sensor unit for use in sensing conditions in a pipeline comprises an untethered a ball-shaped surround adapted to roll along the interior surface of a pipeline, and instrument package within the ball-shaped surround. The package contains at least one magnetometer or accelerometer. Preferably, three magnetometers, arranged orthogonally, are present. Other sensors can also be present as required, such as an acoustic sensor to detect leaks and a temperature or chemical sensor. Recording means record the data acquired by the magnetometer(s) or accelerometer and the sensors, and optionally also record a timing trace.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a detector for detecting abnormal conditions in pipelines for transporting liquids. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to a sensor unit capable of inspecting a liquid conveying pipeline without disturbing the liquid conveyed in the pipeline. In one embodiment, the detector locates the location of a fluid leak where fluid escapes from the pipe. In another embodiment, the detector is used in concrete pipes with wire reinforcements and detects corroded or damaged parts of the wire reinforcements, or in metal pipes and detects corrosion and / or weld failures. The sensor unit also has a novel way of determining its position within the pipeline. Background technique [0002] It is known to use acoustic detectors to detect leaks in pipelines. For example, detectors may be placed on the underside of inspection openings, or detectors may be placed along cables suspended between inspection openings or alo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, it is difficult to locate such a sensor within the pipeline and the sensor can become trapped in the pipeline

Furthermore, such sensor units utilize electromagnetism for communication, which prevents the sensor unit from using magnetic sensors such as magnetometers to sense pipeline conditions

Images