A pipeline leakage detection method and device based on bionic perception

Abstract

The present application relates to pipeline detection technical field, especially in pipeline leak detection method and device based on bionic perception, including support frame, two skin bowl structures and multiple sets of detection components, support frame is provided in the form of tubular structure in the pipeline to be detected, two skin bowl structures are located at both ends of the support frame respectively, the outer diameter of the skin bowl structure is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipeline to be detected, and the interference fit is formed, multiple sets of detection components are distributed along the length direction of the support frame, and the detection components of the same group are arranged in the form of annular array around the support frame, when the leakage point of the pipeline to be detected is located between the two skin bowl structures, the pressure between the two skin bowl structures acts on the leakage point, the flow field of the leakage point area changes, the detection components are affected to produce vibration displacement, so as to determine the position of the leakage point. The device relies on the flow field change signal accompanied by pipeline leakage to realize detection, avoids that software detection depends on hardware and is easily affected by sensor fault packet loss, and has simple principle and stable function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline inspection technology, and in particular to a pipeline leak detection method and device based on biomimetic sensing. Background Technology

[0002] Pipeline oil transportation has rapidly become widespread globally due to its stability, economy, and efficiency, far exceeding that of sea, road, and rail transport, forming a global oil transportation network.

[0003] However, as oil pipelines age, the aging of pipeline infrastructure becomes increasingly prominent, manifesting as corrosion, creep, deformation, and cracking. Because oil pipelines are typically buried underground or located on the seabed—locations difficult for maintenance personnel to access—oil leaks often go undetected. Large leaks not only cause significant economic losses and safety incidents, but the leaked substances also pose serious environmental hazards. Therefore, for pipeline leak accidents, the detection and location of the leak point directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of subsequent repair work. Only by achieving rapid leak detection and location can valuable time be gained for repair operations, and this is a decisive prerequisite for ensuring the efficient and safe progress of repair work.

[0004] Currently, mainstream pipeline leak detection methods can be divided into hardware detection methods and software detection methods:

[0005] Software-based detection methods utilize non-invasive detection and algorithm analysis to identify and locate pipeline leaks, employing data analysis of pipeline pressure, flow rate, and acoustic waves. Specifically, the pressure / flow balance detection method, based on the law of mass conservation, uses algorithms to identify leaks by recognizing flow differences and pressure attenuation; the pressure wave detection method leverages the propagation characteristics of negative pressure waves, combining formulas and algorithms to calculate the leak location; and the model prediction and data-driven approach establishes hydraulic or thermal models of the pipeline, comparing the deviation between real-time monitoring data and model predictions for leak detection. Furthermore, historical leak and normal operating condition data can be used to train the model, and anomalies can be identified and leaks located through model deviation analysis and LSTM algorithms. However, software-based detection methods have significant limitations: they are highly dependent on hardware; sensor malfunctions or data loss can lead to algorithmic errors, resulting in false positives or false negatives; they have poor environmental adaptability, are insensitive to minor leaks, and have low detection accuracy in complex pipe networks; and they have weak anti-interference capabilities, easily affected by environmental factors such as soil temperature and humidity, lightning, and electromagnetic fields, leading to distorted detection results.

[0006] Hardware inspection is an invasive process, typically involving a pipeline detector carrying inspection equipment to patrol the pipeline and check for leaks. Its detection mechanisms mainly include pipe wall crack and corrosion defect detection and acoustic detection. Among these, pipe wall defect detection technology is relatively mature and can be divided into three categories: ultrasonic detection, magnetic flux leakage detection, and mechanical contact detection. Ultrasonic detectors detect pipe wall defects using sound waves and are suitable for situations where fluid acts as a coupling agent within the pipeline; however, their application is limited by the transported medium. Magnetic flux leakage detectors identify defects by generating a magnetic field on the pipe wall; while offering high detection accuracy, they are not suitable for small-diameter, thin-walled, thick-walled pipes, have low spatial resolution, and the inspection reports generated by the "magnetic spots" are difficult to read. Mechanical detectors collect geometric information about the inner wall of a pipe by having their detection arms contact the pipe wall. These detectors are further categorized into wheel-type, rod-type, probe-type, and spring-loaded types. Wheel-type detectors use rolling friction to contact the pipe wall, avoiding scratches and making them more suitable for detecting pipe deformation, but they may miss small cracks or leaks. Probe-type detectors achieve higher accuracy due to their small cross-section and can identify small cracks and minor corrosion, but they can severely scratch the pipe wall. Spring-loaded detectors mount strain gauges on highly elastic detection arms, resulting in a smaller structure, higher accuracy, and greater flexibility in diameter adjustment. However, all of these hardware detection technologies infer leak locations by judging changes in the pipe's inner wall morphology, rather than directly measuring leaks. Therefore, they generally suffer from the risk of missed or false detections, and also have problems such as high cost, large equipment size, and susceptibility to clogging. Acoustic detectors collect acoustic signals for leak detection, but acoustic signals are susceptible to noise interference, and the complex data processing algorithms lead to a high false detection rate and low location accuracy.

[0007] In summary, current pipeline leak detection methods and corresponding detectors still have many shortcomings: insufficient detection reliability; software detection is susceptible to malfunctions or interference, and cannot identify minute leaks; pipe wall detection is an indirect detection method, not a dedicated leak detector, resulting in high false detection and false negative rates; acoustic detection is easily affected by environmental interference, and its algorithms are complex and have low positioning accuracy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a pipeline leak detection method and device that is simple in principle, highly reliable, and possesses high throughput, high positioning accuracy, and low false detection and false negative rates. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a biomimetic sensing-based pipeline leak detection method and device to address the above-mentioned technical problems. This device relies on the flow field change signal accompanying the pipeline leak to achieve detection, avoiding the problems of software detection relying on hardware and being susceptible to sensor failure / data packet loss, or the missed detection and false detection problems of hardware indirect detection (such as pipe wall morphology detection). The principle is simple and the function is stable.

[0009] This invention provides a pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing, comprising:

[0010] The supporting frame, in the form of a tubular structure, is installed inside the pipe to be inspected.

[0011] Two cup structures are located at both ends of the support frame, with the outer diameter of the cup structure being slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe to be tested, forming an interference fit.

[0012] Multiple sets of detection components are distributed at intervals along the length of the support frame, and the detection components in the same set are arranged in a ring array around the support frame;

[0013] When the leak point of the pipeline to be tested is located between two cup structures, the pressure between the two cups acts on the leak point, the flow field in the leak point area changes, and the detection component is affected and vibrates and displaces, thereby determining the location of the leak point.

[0014] In one embodiment, the leather cup structure includes at least two leather cups that fit together, each leather cup being a multi-lobed circular disc structure with radially spaced grooves, the spaced grooves of the two leather cups being staggered.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support frame includes a tube body, a first annular plate, and a second annular plate; two first annular plates are sleeved at both ends of the tube body, the cup structure is fixed to the first annular plate by a fixing component, and a plurality of second annular plates are sleeved on the tube body at intervals along the length of the tube body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fixing component includes a fixing plate, a positioning ring, and a second fastener; the fixing plate is attached to the side of the cup away from the tube body, the fixing plate is connected to the first annular plate by the second fastener, and the positioning ring is fixed on the fixing plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, multiple sets of detection components have a circumferential rotation angle along the length of the tube to achieve circumferential misalignment.

[0018] In one embodiment, the detection assembly includes an elastic element, a deformation measuring element, and a signal acquisition unit; one end of two elastic elements is plugged into each other, the other end of one elastic element is fixed to the second annular plate, and the other end of the other elastic element is connected to the signal acquisition unit; the deformation measuring element is disposed at the insertion point of the elastic element; when the signal acquisition unit passes through the leakage point area, it generates vibration displacement, and the elastic element will deform; the deformation measuring element is used to detect the deformation and convert it into an electrical signal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tube body is configured as an instrument compartment, which integrates a power module, a data acquisition card, a signal amplification module, a positioning module, and a communication module. The power module is a rechargeable battery pack used to provide a stable power supply. The positioning module works with the detection components to accurately locate the leak point. The communication module is used to establish a stable communication link between the inside of the instrument compartment and the outside of the pipe to be tested, completing bidirectional data and command transmission. The signal amplification module receives the analog electrical signal output by the deformation measuring element and linearly amplifies it. The data acquisition card is connected to the signal amplification module and can convert the amplified analog electrical signal into a digital signal and store it in real time.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second annular plate has multiple pairs of first mounting holes arranged in a circular array, each pair of first mounting holes being located on a radius of the second annular plate. The elastic element is configured as a sheet structure, with a second mounting hole corresponding to the first mounting hole at one end and a slot at the other end. The slots of two elastic elements are interlocked. The second mounting hole of one elastic element is opposite to the first mounting hole and connected by a third fastener. The second mounting hole of the other elastic element is connected to the signal acquisition unit by a first fastener.

[0021] In one embodiment, the signal acquisition unit is configured as a sheet-like structure, and the sheet-like surface is provided with multiple interconnected corrugated surfaces along a linear direction.

[0022] The present invention also provides a pipeline leak detection method based on biomimetic sensing, applied to the pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing described in any of the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0023] The pipeline leak detection device is placed inside the pipeline to be tested, and the airflow inside the pipeline pushes the cup structure to make the device move along the pipeline.

[0024] When the device travels to the leak point area and the leak point area is located between the two cup structures, the pressure between the cups will act on the leak point, changing the flow field in the leak point area;

[0025] The detection component is affected by the flow field changes in the leak area, which causes vibration displacement. Based on the vibration displacement, a deformation signal is generated, and then the deformation signal is converted into an electrical signal to determine the location of the leak.

[0026] The aforementioned biomimetic sensing-based pipeline leak detection method and device utilizes a cup structure with radial deformation capability. With external force, the cup contracts radially, allowing the detection device to be placed inside the pipeline to be inspected. After placement, the cup recovers elastically, forming an interference fit with the pipeline's inner diameter. The airflow within the pipeline propels the cup structure, while maintaining a pressure difference between the front and rear ends, further propelling the device stably along the pipeline. When the leak point is located between two cup structures, a constant pressure between the cups acts on the leak point, altering the flow field in the leak area. The detection component near the leak point vibrates and displaces due to this flow field change. By converting the vibration displacement signal, the location of the leak point is ultimately determined. This device detects leaks by relying on the flow field changes that accompany them, avoiding the problems of software detection being dependent on hardware and susceptible to sensor failures / data loss, or the false positives and false negatives caused by indirect hardware detection (such as pipe wall morphology detection). The principle is simple and the function is stable. The interference fit between the diaphragm and the pipe ensures that the detection component does not contact the pipe wall and is only subjected to the flow field force. At the same time, it ensures the concentricity and parallelism of the device in the pipe, effectively improving the positioning accuracy and reducing the false positive and false negative rates. It conforms to the core design logic of biomimetic perception, directly targets the leak flow field, is sensitive to small leaks, and is not affected by environmental factors such as soil temperature and humidity, lightning, and electromagnetic fields. It is suitable for oil and gas pipeline scenarios such as buried and subsea pipelines that are difficult for maintenance personnel to access. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the pipeline leakage detection device provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the pipeline leakage detection device provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the support frame provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the detection component provided by the present invention.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 10. Pipe to be tested; 11. Leak point; 100. Support frame; 110. Pipe body; 120. First annular plate; 130. Second annular plate; 131. First mounting hole; 200. Detection component; 210. Elastic element; 211. Second mounting hole; 212. Slot; 220. Deformation measuring element; 230. Signal acquisition unit; 231. Corrugated surface; 240. First fastener; 300. Cup structure; 310. Spacing groove; 400. Instrument compartment; 500. Fixing component; 510. Fixing plate; 520. Positioning ring; 530. Second fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Oil pipeline leaks are among the most dangerous and urgent accidents in pipeline transportation projects. Rapid detection and location of pipeline leaks are crucial to ensuring the safe operation of pipelines.

[0036] Currently, the mainstream pipeline leak detection methods are divided into hardware detection and software detection. Among them, software detection is not sensitive to minor leaks and has insufficient location capability. Among hardware detection methods, pipe wall defect detectors have the risk of missed detection and false detection, are costly and prone to clogging, while acoustic detectors are greatly affected by environmental noise and have difficulty in guaranteeing location accuracy. Conventional detection methods are difficult to meet the needs of efficient and accurate leak detection.

[0037] To address this issue, a spring design mimicking the structure of a seal's whiskers can be adopted. By leveraging the excellent sensing characteristics of seal whiskers for fluid flow fields, the performance of oil pipeline leak detection can be improved.

[0038] Existing detection methods cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of high sensitivity, low interference, and adaptability to high-pressure pipeline environments. For example, biomimetic sensors made of non-metallic materials are not strong enough to withstand the high-pressure conditions of oil pipelines, while traditional metal detectors lack targeted flow field sensing designs and cannot accurately capture flow field changes caused by leaks.

[0039] The whiskers of spotted seals have a periodic wavy structure, which can significantly suppress vortex-induced vibration and reduce background noise in a uniform (steady-state) flow field. In non-uniform flow fields (such as vortices generated by leakage or variable-speed flow), the amplitude will increase significantly and the response frequency will be consistent with the frequency of flow field changes. It has a high signal-to-noise ratio sensing characteristic of "steady-state vibration suppression and variable-speed vibration enhancement", which is perfectly suited to the needs of leakage flow field detection.

[0040] Considering the high-pressure operating environment of oil pipelines, high-strength materials are required. 55CrSiA high-strength spring steel combines elasticity and strength, and can replace traditional non-metallic biomimetic materials, avoiding detection failures caused by insufficient material strength.

[0041] Using 55CrSiA high-strength spring steel as the base material, and adopting a leaf spring-type integral structure (different from the traditional cylindrical bionic beard), it can be integrated into a spring-type detector as a detection arm, adapting to the space and working conditions required for pipeline inspection.

[0042] The wavy surface mimics the whiskers of a spotted seal. Key structural parameters include: basic dimensions (total length L and width b of the spring), and wave characteristics (crest height h, trough height k, crest spacing e, and inter-wave phase angle θ). Among these, crest height h and trough height k mainly affect the vibration suppression effect in the steady-state flow field, while crest spacing e and inter-wave phase angle θ mainly affect the vibration amplification effect in the leakage flow field.

[0043] Distributed full-bridge strain gauges (usually 6 gauges, arranged at the top, middle, bottom and front and back of the spring) are evenly spaced on the surface of the spring to collect vibration strain signals at different locations in real time, providing data support for flow field perception and attitude reconstruction.

[0044] Under steady-state flow field, the wave-like structure can disrupt the vortex tube and vortex braid structure in the wake, suppress vortex-induced vibration, and reduce background noise. Under leakage flow field (including vortex and velocity gradient changes), the structural characteristics can amplify the vibration amplitude of the spring sheet, highlight the characteristic signal of the leakage flow field, and significantly improve the detection signal-to-noise ratio.

[0045] Since the surface strain of the spring is linearly mapped to its attitude, multiple sets of signals collected by distributed strain gauges can be used to construct a spring attitude restoration algorithm, which can then be used to infer the velocity distribution pattern of the current flow field and accurately identify flow field anomalies caused by leakage.

[0046] If only seal whisker springs are used, the detection components will be integrated at the end of the detection device (such as the end of the spring-type detector, with 12 springs arranged circumferentially at the end of the detector). Although flow field detection can be achieved, it may still be affected by irrelevant factors such as fluid disturbance at the end of the pipe and frictional vibration of the device movement.

[0047] Therefore, the seal whisker shrapnel (the detection component mentioned later) can be adjusted and positioned in the middle of the detection device, so that the two ends of the device form a relatively closed detection environment inside the pipe to be detected:

[0048] On the one hand, it can reduce the impact of non-leakage flow field disturbances at the pipe end on the spring sheet. On the other hand, it can reduce the secondary vibration interference caused by friction between the end of the device and the inner wall of the pipe, allowing the spring sheet to focus more on capturing the flow field vibration signal caused by leakage, further improving the accuracy and stability of detection, and reducing the risk of false detection and missed detection.

[0049] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 This invention describes a method and apparatus for detecting pipeline leaks based on biomimetic sensing.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, a biomimetic sensing-based pipe leak detection device includes a support frame 100, two cup structures 300, and multiple sets of detection components 200. The support frame 100 is tubular and disposed inside the pipe 10 to be detected. The two cup structures 300 are located at opposite ends of the support frame 100, with the outer diameter of the cup structure 300 slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 10 to be detected, forming an interference fit. Multiple sets of detection components 200 are distributed at intervals along the length of the support frame 100, and the detection components 200 in the same set are arranged in a ring array around the support frame 100. When the leak point 11 of the pipe 10 to be detected is located between the two cup structures 300, the pressure between the two cups acts on the leak point 11, the flow field in the area of ​​the leak point 11 changes, and the detection components 200 are affected and vibrate and displace, thereby determining the location of the leak point 11.

[0051] The aforementioned biomimetic sensing-based pipeline leak detection device utilizes the radial deformation capability of the cup structure 300. With external force assistance, the cup is radially contracted, allowing the detection device to be placed inside the pipeline 10 to be detected. After placement, the cup recovers elastically, forming an interference fit with the inner diameter of the pipeline. The airflow within the pipeline 10 propels the cup structure 300, while the cup structure 300 maintains the pressure difference between the front and rear ends of the device, further propelling the device to move stably along the pipeline 10. When the leak point 11 of the pipeline 10 is located between the two cup structures 300, a certain pressure is maintained between the two cups, acting on the leak point 11 and thus changing the flow field in the area of ​​the leak point 11. The detection component 200 near the leak point 11 vibrates and displaces due to this change in flow field. By converting the vibration displacement related signals, the location of the leak point 11 is finally determined. This device detects leaks by relying on the flow field changes that accompany them, avoiding the problems of software detection being dependent on hardware and susceptible to sensor failures / data loss, or the false positives and false negatives caused by indirect hardware detection (such as pipe wall morphology detection). The principle is simple and the function is stable. The interference fit between the diaphragm and the pipe ensures that the detection component 200 does not contact the pipe wall and is only subjected to the flow field force. At the same time, it ensures the concentricity and parallelism of the device in the pipe, effectively improving the positioning accuracy and reducing the false positive and false negative rates. It conforms to the core design logic of biomimetic perception, directly targets the leak flow field, is sensitive to small leaks, and is not affected by environmental factors such as soil temperature and humidity, lightning, and electromagnetic fields. It is suitable for oil and gas pipeline scenarios such as buried and subsea pipelines that are difficult for maintenance personnel to access.

[0052] In one embodiment, the leather cup structure 300 includes at least two leather cups that fit together. The leather cups are circular multi-lobed structures with radially spaced grooves 310, and the spaced grooves 310 of the two leather cups are staggered.

[0053] Specifically, the radially slotted circular multi-lobed structure gives the cup a large radial deformation capability. Combined with the design of the two cups with staggered spacing grooves 310, it covers the gap between the cup lobes, improving the tightness of contact with the inner wall of the pipe and the sealing performance, ensuring that the pressure between the two cups is maintained. On the other hand, when encountering obstacles or pipe deformation, the deformation of the cup lobes can expand into the gap to fill the gap, avoid blockage, and ensure the continuous movement of the device.

[0054] Stable sealing performance can prevent pressure leakage in the detection area through the gap between the diaphragm and the pipe wall, ensuring a stable flow field in the detection area and providing a stable operating environment for the detection component 200. It also prevents damage to the detection component 200 due to debris inside the pipe or contact with the pipe wall. An anti-collision head can be added to the front end of the diaphragm structure 300, which preferentially contacts the impacting object, providing secondary protection for the aforementioned components.

[0055] In one embodiment, the support frame 100 includes a tube 110, a first annular plate 120, and a second annular plate 130; the two first annular plates 120 are sleeved at both ends of the tube 110, the cup structure 300 is fixed to the first annular plate 120 by a fixing component 500, and a plurality of second annular plates 130 are sleeved on the tube 110 at intervals along the length of the tube 110.

[0056] Specifically, the tube body 110 serves as the core skeleton, working in conjunction with the first annular plates 120 at both ends and the spaced second annular plates 130 to provide solid support for the cup structure 300 (fixed at both ends) and the detection components 200 (spaced along the length direction), ensuring that each component does not loosen or shift during movement and detection within the pipe, thus guaranteeing the overall structural stability of the device.

[0057] The first annular plate 120 is fixed to the cup structure 300, so that the cup can effectively push the device forward and maintain the pressure difference; the second annular plate 130 is spaced apart to accommodate multiple sets of detection components 200, so that the detection components 200 are located in the middle area of ​​the device and can be effectively protected by the cup structure 300, while comprehensively sensing the changes in the flow field inside the pipeline and improving the detection coverage.

[0058] In one embodiment, the fixing component 500 includes a fixing plate 510, a positioning ring 520, and a second fastener 530; the fixing plate 510 is attached to the side of the cup away from the tube body 110, the fixing plate 510 is connected to the first annular plate 120 by the second fastener 530, and the positioning ring 520 is fixed on the fixing plate 510.

[0059] Specifically, the fixing plate 510 is attached to the side of the cup away from the pipe body 110 and is rigidly connected to the first annular plate 120 through the second fastener 530. This can disperse the pre-pressure of the pipe and the thrust of the airflow on the cup, avoid excessive local stress on the cup and prevent the cup from being damaged. At the same time, it prevents the cup from detaching from the support frame 100 during travel and ensures the stability of the device.

[0060] The positioning ring 520 can also be used to attach hooks, making it easier to pull the device.

[0061] In one embodiment, multiple sets of detection components 200 have a circumferential rotation angle along the length of the tube body 110 to achieve circumferential misalignment.

[0062] Specifically, the multiple sets of detection components 200 are circumferentially misaligned (with a circumferential rotation angle) along the length of the pipe body 110, so that each set of components forms a spiral arrangement around the pipe axis. This arrangement can effectively absorb the wake interference of the preceding set of components and prevent the wake from obscuring the leakage flow field signal. At the same time, the spiral arrangement allows each set of components to sense the flow field change from different circumferential angles, amplifying the flow field signal in the leakage area to the maximum extent, improving the sensitivity of the detection components 200 to high eddies and non-uniform flow fields, and reducing the risk of missed detection.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the detection component 200 includes an elastic element 210, a deformation measuring element 220, and a signal acquisition unit 230; one end of two elastic elements 210 is inserted into each other, the other end of one elastic element 210 is fixed on the second annular plate 130, and the other end of the other elastic element 210 is connected to the signal acquisition unit 230. The deformation measuring element 220 is disposed at the insertion point of the elastic element 210. When the signal acquisition unit 230 passes through the area of ​​the leakage point 11, it generates vibration displacement, and the elastic element 210 will deform. The deformation measuring element 220 is used to detect the deformation and convert it into an electrical signal.

[0064] Specifically, the signal acquisition unit 230 adopts a biomimetic structural design and is made of 3D printed high-toughness photosensitive resin, which can accurately capture the high eddy currents and non-uniform flow fields in the leakage area and has high vibration displacement transmission efficiency; the elastic element 210 works in conjunction with the deformation measurement element 220 to convert minute vibration displacements into detectable deformation signals, thus avoiding the loss of leakage signals.

[0065] The elastic element 210 is made of spring steel (such as 50CrVA spring steel), which has high elasticity and toughness, is easy to recover after deformation, can stably transmit vibration displacement and is not easily fatigued; the deformation measuring element 220 uses a strain gauge (such as a full-bridge resistance strain gauge), which has high signal conversion accuracy and can accurately convert deformation into electrical signals, improving the reliability of detection data.

[0066] In the steady-state flow field of a normal pipe section, this component structure can effectively suppress vibration interference and ensure signal stability; it only amplifies vibration signals in the leakage flow field, avoiding false detections caused by environmental vibration.

[0067] In one embodiment, the pipe body 110 is configured with an instrument compartment 400, which integrates a power module, a data acquisition card, a signal amplification module, a positioning module, and a communication module. The power module is a rechargeable battery pack used to provide a stable power supply. The positioning module works with the detection component 200 to accurately locate the leak point 11. The communication module is used to establish a stable communication link between the inside of the instrument compartment 400 and the outside of the pipe 10 to be tested, and to complete bidirectional data and command transmission. The signal amplification module receives the analog electrical signal output by the deformation measuring element 220 and linearly amplifies it. The data acquisition card is connected to the signal amplification module and can convert the amplified analog electrical signal into a digital signal and store it in real time.

[0068] Specifically, the Instrument 400 adopts a sealed cabin design, which is waterproof, pressure resistant, high temperature resistant and explosion resistant. It can operate stably in the complex working conditions of oil and gas pipelines (such as underground and seabed) and protect the internal modules from media corrosion or external environmental influences.

[0069] The power module is a rechargeable battery pack with strong endurance, providing stable power to the entire device; the signal amplification module can linearly amplify the analog electrical signal output by the deformation measuring element 220, preventing weak leakage signals from being drowned out; the data acquisition card converts the amplified analog signal into a digital signal and stores it in real time, providing complete data for subsequent analysis; the positioning module works with the detection component 200 to accurately locate the leak point 11; the communication module establishes two-way communication between internal and external systems, enabling real-time uploading of detection data and issuance of control commands, ensuring that the detection process is controllable and traceable.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the second annular plate 130 has multiple pairs of first mounting holes 131 arranged in a ring array. Each pair of first mounting holes 131 is located on a radius of the second annular plate 130. The elastic element 210 is configured as a sheet structure. One end of the elastic element 210 has a second mounting hole 211 corresponding to the first mounting hole 131, and the other end of the elastic element 210 has a slot 212. The slots 212 of the two elastic elements 210 are inserted into each other. The second mounting hole 211 of one elastic element 210 is opposite to the first mounting hole 131 and is connected by a third fastener. The second mounting hole 211 of the other elastic element 210 is connected to the signal acquisition unit 230 by a first fastener 240.

[0071] Specifically, the first mounting holes 131 on the second annular plate 130 are arranged in a ring array and each pair is located on a radius. Together with the second mounting holes 211 of the elastic element 210, the circumferential mounting angle of the detection component 200 can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to the flow field detection requirements of pipes with different diameters. The elastic element 210 is inserted through the slot 212, which is convenient to assemble and has a firm connection, making it easy to maintain and replace.

[0072] The elastic element 210 has a sheet-like structure with a fast deformation response speed, which can transmit the vibration displacement of the signal acquisition unit 230 to the deformation measurement element 220 without loss. At the same time, the sheet-like structure is compatible with the contact area of ​​the flow field inside the pipe, which does not interfere with the flow field and can accurately sense the changes in the flow field, ensuring the detection accuracy.

[0073] In one embodiment, the signal acquisition unit 230 is configured as a sheet structure, and the sheet surface is provided with a plurality of interconnected corrugated surfaces 231 along a linear direction.

[0074] Specifically, the signal acquisition unit 230 is a 3D-printed elliptical cylinder with an elliptical cross-section (the material can be 3D-printed high-toughness photosensitive resin), and the surface is covered with periodic undulating flow-guiding ripples. This biomimetic design suppresses vibration interference in the steady flow field to ensure signal stability, and accurately amplifies vibration signals in the leakage flow field to improve leakage detection sensitivity.

[0075] The lengths of the major and minor axes of the cross-section ellipse of the signal acquisition unit 230 and the length of the elliptical cylinder can be adjusted according to the diameter of the pipe being detected, the viscosity of the medium, the density, and the flow velocity; the length and thickness of the elastic element 210 can be adjusted according to the pipe diameter, the required deformation, and the size of the deformation measuring element 220, making it suitable for oil and gas transmission pipelines of different specifications and with a wide range of applications.

[0076] In one embodiment, a biomimetic sensing-based pipeline leak detection method, applied to the biomimetic sensing-based pipeline leak detection device of any of the above embodiments, includes the following steps:

[0077] The pipeline leak detection device is placed inside the pipeline to be tested, and the airflow inside the pipeline pushes the cup structure to make the device move along the pipeline.

[0078] When the device travels to the leak point area and the leak point area is located between the two cup structures, the pressure between the cups will act on the leak point, changing the flow field in the leak point area;

[0079] The detection component is affected by the flow field changes in the leak area, which causes vibration displacement. Based on the vibration displacement, a deformation signal is generated, and then the deformation signal is converted into an electrical signal to determine the location of the leak.

[0080] The aforementioned biomimetic sensing-based pipeline leak detection method checks the radial deformation capacity of the cup structure (whether the multi-lobed misaligned overlapping structure is intact), the connection status of the detection components (whether the elastic element is firmly connected to the signal acquisition unit and deformation measurement element), and the instrument compartment module (whether the power supply, acquisition card, positioning device, etc. are normal). With external force assistance (such as a dedicated pipe insertion tool), the cup is radially contracted, and the device is slowly inserted into the inlet of the pipeline to be tested. After ensuring the cup is fully inside the pipeline, the external force is released, and the cup, through its own elastic recovery, forms an interference fit with the inner diameter of the pipeline. After the device is inserted into the pipeline, the airflow within the pipeline propels the cup structure, while the cup maintains the pressure difference between the front and rear ends of the device, propelling it axially along the pipeline. During this movement, the device's position information (feedback from the positioning module) is received in real time through the communication module in the instrument compartment, monitoring the device's speed to ensure uniform speed through each section of the pipeline. When the device reaches a normal pipe section, the detection components are affected by the axial flow field, causing only minor axial vibration in the elastic element, with no additional axial vibration, and the deformation measurement element shows no abnormal electrical signal output. When the device reaches the leak point area and leakage occurs... When the leak is located between the two piston cups, the pressure between the two piston cups acts on the leak point, causing a high-turbulence, non-uniform flow field in the leak area. The signal acquisition unit is subjected to this flow field, resulting in vibration displacement (along the axial and tangential directions of the pipeline). This vibration displacement causes the elastic element (made of spring steel) to deform. The cross-shaped strain gauges (deformation measurement elements) detect the axial and tangential deformation respectively: the strain gauge with the deformation direction consistent with the pipeline flow direction measures the axial flow field deformation, and the strain gauge with the deformation direction along the pipeline tangential measures the circumferential flow field deformation. The strain gauges convert the deformation signal into an analog electrical signal, which is transmitted to the signal amplification module in the instrument compartment for linear amplification. Then, the data acquisition card converts the amplified analog signal into a digital signal and stores it in real time. The positioning device in the instrument compartment records the current device position. Combined with the stored digital electrical signal (abnormal signal characteristics), the relative relationship between the leak point and the current position of the device is determined through algorithm analysis, thus accurately locating the leak point. At the same time, the communication module uploads the leak point location, electrical signal data, and other information to the external control terminal of the pipeline in real time, completing the leak detection and location feedback.

[0081] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0082] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing, characterized in that, include: A support frame, in the form of a tubular structure, is installed inside the pipe to be tested. The support frame includes a pipe body, a first annular plate, and a second annular plate. Two first annular plates are sleeved on both ends of the pipe body, and multiple second annular plates are sleeved on the pipe body at intervals along the length of the pipe body. Two cup structures are located at both ends of the support frame, with the outer diameter of the cup structure being slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe to be tested, forming an interference fit. Multiple sets of detection components are distributed at intervals along the length of the support frame, and the detection components in the same set are arranged in a ring array around the support frame. The multiple sets of detection components have a circumferential rotation angle in the length of the tube body to achieve circumferential misalignment. The detection assembly includes an elastic element, a deformation measuring element, and a signal acquisition unit; one end of two elastic elements is inserted into each other, the other end of one elastic element is fixed to the second annular plate, and the other end of the other elastic element is connected to the signal acquisition unit; the deformation measuring element is disposed at the insertion point of the elastic element; the signal acquisition unit is configured as a sheet structure, and the sheet surface is provided with multiple interconnected corrugated surfaces along a linear direction. The corrugated surface is a periodically undulating flow-guiding corrugation, which can suppress vibration interference in a steady flow field and ensure signal stability; it can also accurately amplify vibration signals in a leaking flow field and improve the sensitivity of leak detection. When the leak point of the pipeline to be inspected is located between two cup structures, the pressure between the two cups acts on the leak point, the flow field in the leak point area changes, the detection component is affected and vibrates and displaces, the elastic element will deform, and the deformation measuring element is used to detect the deformation and convert it into an electrical signal, thereby determining the location of the leak point; The leather cup structure includes at least two leather cups that fit together. Each leather cup is a multi-lobed circular plate structure with radially spaced grooves, and the spaced grooves of the two leather cups are staggered.

2. The pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leather cup structure is fixed to the first annular plate by a fixing component.

3. The pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing component includes a fixing plate, a positioning ring, and a second fastener; the fixing plate is attached to the side of the cup away from the tube body, the fixing plate is connected to the first annular plate by the second fastener, and the positioning ring is fixed on the fixing plate.

4. The pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The signal acquisition unit generates vibration displacement when passing through the leakage point area.

5. The pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tube body is configured as an instrument compartment, which integrates a power module, a data acquisition card, a signal amplification module, a positioning module, and a communication module. The power module is a rechargeable battery pack used to provide a stable power supply. The positioning module works with the detection components to accurately locate the leak point. The communication module is used to establish a stable communication link between the inside of the instrument compartment and the outside of the pipe to be tested, completing bidirectional data and command transmission. The signal amplification module receives the analog electrical signal output by the deformation measuring element and linearly amplifies it. The data acquisition card is connected to the signal amplification module and can convert the amplified analog electrical signal into a digital signal and store it in real time.

6. The pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second annular plate has multiple pairs of first mounting holes arranged in a ring array. Each pair of first mounting holes is located on a radius of the second annular plate. The elastic element is configured as a sheet structure. One end of the elastic element has a second mounting hole corresponding to the first mounting hole, and the other end of the elastic element has a slot. The slots of two elastic elements are inserted into each other. The second mounting hole of one elastic element is opposite to the first mounting hole and is connected by a third fastener. The second mounting hole of the other elastic element is connected to the signal acquisition unit by a first fastener.

7. A pipeline leak detection method based on biomimetic sensing, applied to the pipeline leak detection device based on biomimetic sensing as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes: The pipeline leak detection device is placed inside the pipeline to be tested, and the airflow inside the pipeline pushes the cup structure to make the device move along the pipeline. When the device travels to the leak point area and the leak point area is located between the two cup structures, the pressure between the cups will act on the leak point, changing the flow field in the leak point area; The detection component is affected by the flow field changes in the leak area, which causes vibration displacement. Based on the vibration displacement, a deformation signal is generated, and then the deformation signal is converted into an electrical signal to determine the location of the leak.

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