Pipeline inline inspection system and method based on particle radiation detection imaging

Abstract

A pipeline inline inspection system and method based on particle radiation detection imaging. The system comprises a radiation source (3) and a plurality of detectors (2); the plurality of detectors (2) are circumferentially and evenly distributed at intervals around the radiation source (3); the plurality of detectors (2) are respectively used for receiving, during inspection, a plurality of scattered particle radiations (6) formed after a plurality of incident particle radiations (5) emitted by the radiation source (3) are scattered by a pipeline wall (1) to be inspected.

Description

Pipeline In-Process Inspection System and Method Based on Particle Ray Detection Imaging

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411691816.3, filed on November 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of pipeline wall defect detection technology, specifically to a pipeline internal detection system and method based on particle ray detection imaging. Background Technology

[0003] Oil and gas pipelines are crucial infrastructure in the oil and gas transportation system, and their construction and operation are of great significance to the transportation of oil and gas resources in my country. Pipeline transportation is an important part of my country's transportation system and plays a vital role in national economic and social development. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a pipe inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging, including a ray source and multiple detectors. The multiple detectors are evenly distributed around the ray source in a circular pattern. Each of the multiple detectors is used to receive a number of incident particle rays emitted by the ray source and scattered particle rays formed by the scattering of the incident particle rays by the pipe wall under test.

[0005] In some embodiments, the in-pipe detection system further includes a mounting bracket on which the radiation source and the plurality of detectors are respectively mounted.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of detectors are respectively mounted on the mounting bracket by means of elastic elements.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of detectors are each in an arc-shaped structure.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pipeline detection system further includes a protective shield, which is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket and covers the radiation source.

[0009] In some embodiments, the protective shield is provided with multiple slits at even intervals for rays emitted from the radiation source to pass through.

[0010] In some embodiments, the length of each of the plurality of slits in the horizontal direction is 20 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the width of each of the plurality of slits along the axial direction is 4 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protective shield has a closed cylindrical structure, and the multiple slits are evenly spaced along the circumference of the protective shield.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pipeline detection system further includes an electronic package, and the plurality of detectors are respectively connected to the electronic package via signal cables.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pipeline inspection system further includes a data analysis computer, and the electronic package is communicatively connected to the data analysis computer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the radiation source is a gamma radiation source.

[0016] This disclosure also relates to a pipe internal inspection method based on particle ray detection imaging, implemented using the pipe internal inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging as described above, including the following specific steps:

[0017] The radiation source emits several incident particles, which are scattered upon reaching the inner wall of the pipe to be tested, forming several scattered particles. Multiple detectors receive these scattered particles respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic radial cross-section of a pipe inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic axial cross-section of a pipe inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to some embodiments.

[0020] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Pipe wall to be tested; 2. Detector; 3. X-ray source; 4. Protective shield; 5. Incident particle rays; 6. Scattered particle rays; 7. Electronic package; 8. Signal cable. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0023] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the detailed meaning of the above terms in this disclosure through the detailed circumstances.

[0025] Currently, mainstream pipeline internal inspection methods both domestically and internationally include triaxial high-definition magnetic flux leakage + geometric and ultrasonic technologies, which can detect and quantify volumetric and geometric deformation defects in pipes. However, due to factors such as the detection mechanism and the operating conditions of internal inspection equipment, current internal inspection technologies have a low detection rate for complex defects such as micro-defects in pipeline circumferential welds and planar cracks.

[0026] Therefore, it is urgent to explore and develop new sensing and detection technologies to break through traditional detection methods such as sound, light, magnetism, and electricity, and achieve high-quality detection of defects in pipeline circumferential welds.

[0027] Conventional transmission-type X-ray imaging technology has been widely used in non-destructive testing, security inspection, and other fields. It is suitable for detecting metal loss defects and has a good ability to detect defects such as cracks, porosity, and slag inclusions in circumferential welds. However, traditional transmission-type X-ray imaging technology requires the X-ray emission source and imaging system to be placed on opposite sides of the pipe, and it requires a long exposure time. This detection method is not suitable for integration into an internal detector for pipe internal inspection.

[0028] X-ray detection technology based on scattering imaging is another detection method for X-ray detection. It uses scattered X-rays for imaging and has the advantages of fast detection speed and non-contact operation. The system structure can be mounted on a detector inside the pipeline.

[0029] To address the technical challenges of internal inspection of minute and complex defects in pipelines, this paper proposes a pipeline internal inspection method based on particle ray detection imaging, leveraging the advantages of scattering imaging. This method aims to ultimately improve the detection accuracy and defect adaptability of the internal inspection system.

[0030] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides a pipe internal detection system based on particle ray detection imaging, including a ray source 3 and multiple detectors 2. The multiple detectors 2 are evenly distributed around the ray source 3 in a circular pattern. The multiple detectors 2 are used to receive multiple particle incident rays 5 emitted by the ray source 3 and multiple particle scattered rays 6 formed after being scattered by the pipe wall 1 to be tested.

[0033] During the testing process, the entire device is placed inside the pipe to be tested, and the fluid transported in the pipe is used as the power for the entire device to move inside the pipe. During the movement of the entire device, the X-ray source 3 emits several incident X-rays 5. After the incident X-rays 5 reach the wall of the pipe to be tested, they are scattered to form several scattered X-rays 6. Multiple detectors 2 receive the scattered X-rays 6 respectively, and the scattered X-rays 6 received by the multiple detectors 2 are used to analyze and determine whether there are defects on the pipe wall.

[0034] It should be noted that the aforementioned multiple detectors 2 employ existing technologies, and their detailed structures and principles will not be elaborated here.

[0035] The embodiments disclosed herein are reasonably designed and can realize rapid detection of pipe wall defects, especially minute defects, thereby improving the accuracy and adaptability of internal pipe inspection and solving the technical problem of internal inspection of minute and complex defects in pipes.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment further includes a mounting frame, on which the radiation source 3 and the plurality of detectors 2 are respectively mounted.

[0038] The solution has a simple structure and reasonable design. It integrates multiple detectors into one unit using a mounting bracket, making it easy to use.

[0039] Example 3

[0040] Based on Embodiment 2, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of detectors 2 are respectively mounted on the mounting bracket by elastic elements.

[0041] For example, in some embodiments, the elastic element can be a helical compression spring, a wave spring, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this aspect.

[0042] The scheme has a simple structure and reasonable design. Multiple detectors 2 use elastic elements to adapt to changes in the pipe wall. When there is a bulge in the inner wall of the pipe, the corresponding detector 2 can be adaptively contracted to perform the detection operation.

[0043] Example 4

[0044] Based on any one of Embodiments 2 to 3, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of detectors 2 are respectively in an arc-shaped structure.

[0045] The scheme has a simple structure and reasonable design. The curvature of multiple detectors 2 is adapted to the curvature of the inner wall of the pipe, which facilitates better reception of the rays scattered by the pipe wall and greatly improves the detection accuracy.

[0046] Example 5

[0047] Based on any one of Embodiments 2 to 3, the present disclosure further includes a protective shield 4, which is fixedly installed on the mounting frame and covers the radiation source 3; the protective shield 4 is provided with multiple slits evenly spaced on it for the radiation emitted from the radiation source 3 to pass through.

[0048] The scheme has a simple structure and reasonable design. It uses protective shielding body 4 to shield rays, avoid radiation generation, and ensure the personal safety of workers.

[0049] In some embodiments, the length of the plurality of slits in the horizontal direction is 20 mm.

[0050] By setting the gap length in the horizontal direction to 20mm, 360° collimated output can be effectively formed.

[0051] In some other embodiments, the width of the multiple slits along the axial direction is 4 mm.

[0052] By setting the width of the gap to 4mm in the horizontal direction, the radiation can be effectively limited to the circumferential direction, making it convenient to install a protective shielding device in the circumferential direction. The area outside the gap is a radiation-safe zone, which improves the safety of radiation.

[0053] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the protective shield 4 directs gamma rays, reduces gamma ray radiation dose, protects operators, and simultaneously provides an annular gap for ray exit. It must meet relevant domestic and international standards and must not produce any radioactive residue.

[0054] The outer layer of the protective shield 4 is a titanium alloy protective shell with a built-in positioning system and a safety interlocking mechanism.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aforementioned safety interlock mechanism includes a status indicator (e.g., an indicator light).

[0056] By equipping the equipment with a safety interlock mechanism, the safety of operators can be guaranteed and the integrity of the equipment itself can be protected.

[0057] Example 6

[0058] Based on Example 4, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective shield 4 is a closed cylinder.

[0059] The structure has multiple slits evenly spaced along the circumference of the protective shield 4.

[0060] The protective shield 4 has a reasonable shape design that is compatible with the distribution of multiple detectors 2, ensuring the shielding effect.

[0061] Example 7

[0062] Based on the above embodiments, this disclosure also includes an electronic package 7, wherein the plurality of detectors 2 are respectively connected to the electronic package 7 via signal cables 8.

[0063] The scheme has a simple structure and reasonable design. It uses an electronic package 7 to power various electronic components and simultaneously receives and stores signals collected by multiple detectors 2. The electronic package 7 sends the processed signals to a data analysis computer, which analyzes the intensity of the scattered rays to determine whether there are defects in the pipe wall. Theoretically, when there are no defects on the inner wall of the pipe, the intensity of all rays is consistent. If there are defects on the pipe wall, the intensity of the rays will be relatively weaker, indicating that there is a defect. Thus, the presence of defects on the inner wall can be effectively determined by the intensity of the rays.

[0064] Multiple detectors form a detector array, which receives gamma rays and converts them into electrical signals, transmitting the data to an electron packet via a signal cable. The detector array is distributed throughout the entire circumference of the inner wall of the tube, forming a ring shape, and employs a push-broom optical path design. The particle lift value is equal to that of the tube wall, and each array has a very high resolution, enabling very high detection accuracy.

[0065] Electronic Packet 7 receives data from the detector array ring and stores it in its internal high-capacity memory. After the detection operation is completed, the data is downloaded and analyzed.

[0066] Example 8

[0067] Based on Embodiment 7, this embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a data analysis computer, wherein the electronic package 7 is communicatively connected to the processor.

[0068] The data analysis computer (using existing technology) analyzes the intensity of the scattered rays to determine whether there are defects in the pipe wall; theoretically, when there are no defects on the inner wall of the pipe, the intensity of all rays is consistent, but if there are defects on the pipe wall, the intensity of the rays is relatively weaker, indicating that there is a defect there.

[0069] Based on the above scheme, the electronic package 7 includes a power supply and a memory. Each detector 2 is connected to the power supply via a signal cable 8. The power supply is connected to the memory via a signal cable 8. The memory is wirelessly connected to the data analysis computer.

[0070] Example 9

[0071] Based on the above embodiments, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the radiation source 3 is a gamma radiation source.

[0072] The advantages of gamma ray sources are mainly reflected in their high energy, strong penetrating power, non-invasive treatment, precise positioning, high efficiency and low cost.

[0073] The gamma-ray source is selected from radioactive elements with a half-life of about 10 years, and low-activity nuclides are selected from a safety perspective.

[0074] As a detection excitation source, the gamma-ray source does not require its own power supply; it only needs to power the detector array and the electron pack, thus reducing the number of batteries and featuring low power consumption and lightweight design.

[0075] Example 10

[0076] Based on the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a pipe internal inspection method based on particle ray detection imaging, implemented using the pipe internal inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging as described above, including the following steps:

[0077] The radiation source 3 emits several incident particle rays 5. After the incident particle rays 5 reach the pipe wall to be tested, they are scattered to form several scattered particle rays 6. Multiple detectors 2 respectively receive several scattered particle rays 6.

[0078] This disclosure also provides a pipeline internal inspection method based on particle ray detection imaging. This inspection method is reasonably designed and can realize the rapid detection of pipeline wall defects, especially micro defects, thereby improving the accuracy and defect adaptability of pipeline internal inspection and solving the technical problem of internal inspection of micro and complex pipeline defects.

[0079] The detection principle of the pipe wall inspection method provided in this disclosure is as follows:

[0080] The X-ray source 3 emits several incident particle rays 5. After reaching the pipe wall under test, the incident particle rays 5 are scattered to form several scattered particle rays 6. Multiple detectors 2 receive the scattered particle rays 6 respectively. At the same time, the electronic package 7 supplies power to each electronic component and receives and stores the signals collected by multiple detectors 2. The electronic package 7 sends the processed signals to the data analysis computer, which analyzes the intensity of the scattered rays to determine whether there is a defect in the pipe wall. Theoretically, when there is no defect on the inner wall of the pipe, the intensity of all rays is consistent. If there is a defect on the pipe wall, the intensity of the rays is relatively weaker, indicating that there is a defect. Thus, the presence of a defect on the inner wall can be effectively determined by the intensity of the rays.

[0081] This disclosure provides a novel method for internal pipeline inspection, which addresses the problem that current mainstream domestic and international internal inspection methods, such as magnetic flux leakage and ultrasonic eddy current, have low detection rates for complex defects such as micro-defects in pipeline circumferential welds and planar cracks, thereby improving the technical level in the field of internal inspection.

[0082] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a pipeline internal inspection method based on particle ray detection imaging, which improves the accuracy and defect adaptability of internal inspection and solves the technical problem of internal inspection of small and complex pipeline defects.

[0083] It should be noted that all electronic components involved in this disclosure adopt existing technology, and the electrical connections between the above-mentioned components and the control circuits between the components are existing technology.

[0084] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0085] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0086] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A pipeline internal inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging, comprising: The X-ray source (3) and multiple detectors (2) are arranged in a circular and uniformly spaced manner around the X-ray source (3). The multiple detectors (2) are used to receive multiple particle incident rays (5) emitted by the X-ray source (3) and multiple particle scattered rays (6) formed after being scattered by the pipe wall (1) to be tested.

2. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 1, wherein: The pipeline detection system also includes a mounting frame, on which the radiation source (3) and the plurality of detectors (2) are respectively mounted.

3. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of detectors (2) are respectively mounted on the mounting bracket by means of elastic elements.

4. The pipeline internal inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 2, wherein: The multiple detectors (2) are each in an arc shape.

5. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 2, wherein: The pipeline detection system also includes a protective shield (4), which is fixedly installed on the mounting frame and covers the radiation source (3).

6. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 5, wherein: The protective shield (4) is provided with multiple slits at even intervals for the rays emitted from the ray source (3) to pass through.

7. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 6, wherein: The length of each of the multiple gaps in the horizontal direction is 20mm.

8. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 6, wherein: The width of each of the multiple slits along the axial direction is 4 mm.

9. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 6, wherein: The protective shield (4) has a closed cylindrical structure, and the multiple gaps are evenly spaced along the circumference of the protective shield (4).

10. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The pipeline detection system also includes an electronic package (7), and the plurality of detectors (2) are respectively connected to the electronic package (7) via signal cables (8).

11. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to claim 10, wherein: The pipeline inspection system also includes a data analysis computer, and the electronic package (7) is communicatively connected to the data analysis computer.

12. The pipeline inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The radiation source (3) is a gamma radiation source.

13. A method for in-pipe inspection based on particle ray detection imaging, wherein: The pipeline internal inspection method is implemented using the pipeline internal inspection system based on particle ray detection imaging according to any one of claims 1-12, and the pipeline internal inspection method includes: The radiation source (3) emits a number of incident particle rays (5). After the incident particle rays (5) reach the pipe wall (1) to be tested, they are scattered to form a number of scattered particle rays (6). Multiple detectors (2) respectively receive the scattered particle rays (6).

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