Nonmetal pipeline detecting and positioning device, method and system
By integrating a sound generator and a microphone into the detection housing, the problems of low accuracy and efficiency in non-metallic pipe detection are solved, achieving efficient and accurate non-metallic pipe detection, reducing costs and improving ease of operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PETROCHINA CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies for non-metallic pipeline detection suffer from low accuracy, high cost, and low efficiency, especially for non-metallic pipelines buried at great depths without manholes.
The detection housing, which integrates a sound generator, a microphone, and a main controller, determines the location of non-metallic pipes by emitting and receiving sound waves. Combined with a display device, the detection results are displayed in real time. The modular design improves the ease of operation and accuracy.
It enables efficient and accurate detection of non-metallic pipelines, reduces costs, improves operational convenience and detection efficiency, is applicable to various non-metallic materials and complex environments, and reduces the risk of accidental excavation of pipelines.
Smart Images

Figure CN121995436A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipeline detection technology, and relates to a non-metallic pipeline detection and positioning device, method and system. Background Technology
[0002] Buried pipelines play a crucial role in modern urban infrastructure construction. However, current buried pipeline detection technologies face numerous challenges in detecting non-metallic pipelines. Traditional buried pipeline detection techniques primarily target metallic pipelines. The principle involves utilizing the conductivity of metal pipelines: a signal transmitter sends an electromagnetic signal to the pipeline, and a receiver detects along the pipeline, using the strength of the received electromagnetic signal to locate the pipeline. This method has been widely used in detecting metallic pipelines and boasts high accuracy and reliability. However, these electromagnetic induction and magnetic methods become ineffective when dealing with non-metallic pipelines. For example, methods such as direct connection, clamping, active source induction, passive source search, magnetic field strength, and magnetic gradient are all ineffective for non-metallic pipelines. This is because non-metallic pipelines lack electrical and magnetic conductivity and cannot interact with electromagnetic signals.
[0003] Under current technological conditions, the location of non-metallic pipelines is typically determined primarily by surveys, supplemented by simpler methods such as opening manholes for observation. While this method can pinpoint the location of non-metallic pipelines to some extent, it has significant limitations. First, surveys require substantial manpower and time, and their accuracy is difficult to guarantee. Second, opening manholes for observation is only applicable to non-metallic pipelines with manholes; it is ineffective for pipelines buried at great depths without manholes. Furthermore, to address the detection of non-metallic pipelines, a method of installing metallic tracer wires above the pipelines is currently employed to facilitate the use of electromagnetic technology for pipeline location determination. However, this method also presents several problems. First, the tracer wires need to be buried in the ground during pipeline laying, which undoubtedly increases the cost and construction period. Second, the tracer wires are thin and easily affected by external factors, such as soil compression and corrosion, making it difficult to guarantee the tracing effect. Moreover, burying tracer wires for already laid non-metallic pipelines becomes impractical.
[0004] To address the challenges of detecting non-metallic pipelines, researchers have been continuously exploring new technologies and methods. Currently, several emerging detection technologies are gaining traction, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic testing, and infrared detection. While these technologies can detect non-metallic pipelines to some extent, they still have certain limitations. For example, GPR requires the deployment of transmitting and receiving antennas on the ground, making it less effective for non-metallic pipelines buried at significant depths; ultrasonic testing requires the injection of liquid or gas into the pipeline as a propagation medium, rendering it unusable for some non-metallic pipelines where such a medium cannot be injected; and infrared detection is significantly affected by ambient temperature, with accuracy compromised by large temperature variations. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem in the prior art that the tracing effect is difficult to guarantee when the tracer line is difficult to lay, and that it is impossible to accurately detect and locate non-metallic pipelines, and to provide a non-metallic pipeline detection and positioning device and method.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: The present invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device, comprising a detection housing and a main controller; a sound generating device and a microphone are installed inside the detection housing; a display device for obtaining the position of the non-metallic pipe is provided on the detection housing; the sound generating device, the microphone and the display device are all connected to the main controller.
[0007] Preferably, a moving device is provided below the detection box.
[0008] Preferably, the moving device includes a plurality of connecting rods and a plurality of rollers; The connecting rods are installed on the sides of the detection box, and the rollers are movably connected to the bottom of the connecting rods.
[0009] Preferably, a handheld lever is provided above the detection box.
[0010] Preferably, a pinch handle is connected to the hand handle.
[0011] Preferably, a sound-absorbing buffer strip is provided on the detection box.
[0012] Preferably, the sound-absorbing buffer strip is disposed on the side of the detection box.
[0013] Preferably, there are several microphones, which are evenly distributed at the bottom of the detection box.
[0014] The present invention proposes a method for detecting and locating non-metallic pipes, comprising: Acquire pipeline data and construct an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines based on the pipeline data; The sound generating device in the detection box emits detection sound waves to the detection area, and the microphone in the detection box collects the echo sound waves of the detection area. The echo sound wave is input into the echo analysis model of the non-metallic pipe to obtain the non-metallic pipe detection result. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection result, the main controller and display device are combined to realize the detection of non-metallic pipe.
[0015] The present invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning system, comprising: A model building module is used to acquire pipeline data and build an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines based on the pipeline data. The data acquisition module is used to emit detection sound waves to the detection area through the sound generating device in the detection box, and to collect the echo sound waves of the detection area through the microphone in the detection box. The data processing module is used to input the echo sound wave into the echo analysis model of the non-metallic pipe to obtain the non-metallic pipe detection result. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection result, the main controller and display device are used to realize the detection of the non-metallic pipe.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device. The detection housing integrates a sound generator, a microphone, and a main controller into a single, unified detection unit. This design simplifies operation, allowing operators to carry only the detection housing to detect non-metallic pipes, eliminating the need for multiple, disparate devices and improving efficiency. The combined use of the sound generator and microphone allows for precise location determination of the non-metallic pipe by emitting a specific frequency sound and receiving its echo after propagation within the pipe. Compared to traditional detection methods, this sound propagation-based approach is not limited by the non-conductive and non-magnetic properties of non-metallic pipes, effectively addressing the challenges of non-metallic pipe detection. The main controller precisely analyzes and processes the sound signal emitted by the sound generator and the echo signal received by the microphone, extracting specific signals related to the non-metallic pipe and significantly improving detection accuracy. A display device, directly mounted on the detection housing, provides real-time display of the non-metallic pipe's location. Operators can visually observe the pipe's position during detection, eliminating the need for complex data interpretation and analysis, greatly reducing operational difficulty and enhancing the convenience of the detection process. This device is not limited by the material of non-metallic pipes; it can detect and locate pipes made of plastic, concrete, or other non-metallic materials through sound propagation. This makes it widely applicable in various non-metallic pipe detection scenarios. It also performs well in detecting non-metallic pipes at different burial depths. The sound emitted by the sound generator can travel a certain distance through media such as soil, and the microphone can receive the sound signal after reflection and propagation through the non-metallic pipe, thus enabling the detection of pipes at different burial depths. Compared to the traditional method of setting metal tracer lines above non-metallic pipes, this device eliminates the need to bury tracer lines during pipe laying, thereby reducing pipe laying costs. Accurate non-metallic pipe detection and location can prevent accidental excavation and damage to pipes during urban construction and pipeline maintenance.
[0017] Furthermore, the mobile design allows the detection unit to be easily and quickly moved between different detection areas. Operators no longer need to laboriously carry the entire detection device, significantly saving physical effort and time, thus enabling more efficient completion of large-area non-metallic pipe detection tasks. Continuous detection operations are possible without frequent stops and equipment rearrangement. After completing detection in one area, it can quickly move to the next area to continue detection, reducing downtime during the detection process and improving overall detection efficiency.
[0018] Furthermore, the handheld lever allows the detection box to probe at different angles, expanding the detection range. Operators can tilt, rotate, or raise the detection box as needed to obtain more detection information and improve the accuracy of determining the location of non-metallic pipes. In complex terrain and confined spaces, the handheld lever helps operators flexibly place the detection box in a suitable position for better detection.
[0019] Furthermore, the sound-absorbing strip effectively isolates direct sound propagation between the sound generating device and the microphone. During detection, the sound generating device emits a specific frequency sound signal to detect non-metallic pipes. Without the sound-absorbing strip, this sound might be directly received by the microphone, generating interference signals. The sound-absorbing strip reduces this internal sound crosstalk, ensuring that the microphone receives primarily the effective sound signal after external propagation through pipe reflections, thus improving the accuracy of the detection results. When detecting in complex environments, the sound-absorbing strip acts as a barrier, reducing external noise entering the detection chamber. This allows the microphone to more clearly receive the weak reflected sound signals from the non-metallic pipes, preventing external noise from masking or interfering with the detection signal, and contributing to improved detection sensitivity and accuracy.
[0020] This invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning system. By dividing the system into a model building module, a data acquisition module, and a data processing module, it obtains detection results for non-metallic pipes, thereby achieving non-metallic pipe detection. The modular approach ensures that each module is independent, facilitating unified management of all modules. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the internal structure of the detection box of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the non-metallic pipe detection and positioning system of the present invention.
[0025] The components are: 1-detection box, 2-sound generating device, 3-pickup, 4-connecting rod, 5-handheld rod, 6-display device, 7-roller, 8-handle, 9-buffered sound insulation strip. Detailed Implementation
[0026] 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.
[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0029] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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 the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0030] Furthermore, the use of the term "horizontal" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: This invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a detection housing 1 and a main controller; a sound generating device 2 and a microphone 3 are installed inside the detection housing 1; a display device 6 for obtaining the location of non-metallic pipes is provided on the detection housing 1; the sound generating device 2, the microphone 3, and the display device 6 are all connected to the main controller. There are several microphones 3, which are evenly distributed at the bottom of the detection housing 1.
[0033] Preferably, a moving device is provided below the detection housing 1. The moving device includes several connecting rods 4 and several rollers 7. Connecting rods 4 are installed on the sides of the detection housing 1, and the rollers 7 are movably connected to the bottom of the connecting rods 4. The moving device allows the detection housing 1 to be easily and quickly moved between different detection areas. Operators do not need to laboriously carry the entire detection device, greatly saving physical strength and time, thus enabling more efficient completion of large-area non-metallic pipe detection tasks. Continuous detection operations can be achieved without frequent stops and equipment rearrangement. After completing detection in one area, it can quickly move to the next area to continue detection, reducing interruption time in the detection process and improving overall detection efficiency.
[0034] A handheld lever 5 is mounted above the detection housing 1, and a pinch handle 8 is connected to the handheld lever 5. The cooperation of the handheld lever 5 and the pinch handle 8 allows the detection housing to detect at different angles, expanding the detection range. Operators can tilt, rotate, or raise the detection housing 1 as needed to obtain more detection information and improve the accuracy of determining the location of non-metallic pipes. In complex terrain and confined spaces, the cooperation of the handheld lever 5 and the pinch handle 8 helps operators flexibly place the detection housing 1 in a suitable position for better detection. For example, in areas with dense pipes or obstructions, the position of the detection housing can be adjusted using the handheld lever to ensure accurate detection of non-metallic pipes.
[0035] A sound-absorbing buffer strip 9 is installed on the side of the detection housing 1. The sound-absorbing buffer strip 9 effectively isolates direct sound transmission between the sound generating device 2 and the microphone 3. During detection, the sound generating device 2 emits a specific frequency sound signal to detect non-metallic pipes. Without the sound-absorbing buffer strip 9, these sounds might be directly received by the microphone 3, generating interference signals. The sound-absorbing buffer strip 9 reduces this internal sound crosstalk, ensuring that the microphone 3 receives primarily the effective sound signal after external propagation such as reflections from the pipe, thus improving the accuracy of the detection results. When detecting in complex environments, the sound-absorbing buffer strip 9 acts as a barrier, reducing the amount of external noise entering the detection housing. This allows the microphone 3 to more clearly receive the weak reflected sound signals from the non-metallic pipes, preventing external noise from masking or interfering with the detection signal, and contributing to improved detection sensitivity and accuracy.
[0036] The present invention proposes a method for detecting and locating non-metallic pipes, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Obtain pipeline data and construct an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines based on the pipeline data; The pipeline data obtained includes the pipeline material type, pipeline width, and pipe wall thickness; the pipeline material type, pipeline width, and pipe wall thickness of the non-metallic pipeline to be detected are obtained through querying and retrieval.
[0037] The pipeline detection model based on pipeline data is an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines that need to be detected. It can accurately determine the location of non-metallic pipelines by analyzing the echo received by the microphone after the sound emitted by the sound generator comes into contact with the non-metallic pipeline.
[0038] Specifically: Based on the echo coefficient, a filtering function is determined. The filtering function is used to filter all echo waves received by the microphone to obtain echo waves that match the non-metallic pipe to be tested. Among them, based on the pipe material type, the echo coefficient of the non-metallic pipe to be tested for the detection sound wave is calculated. The echo coefficient is the intensity and frequency of the sound wave reflected by the non-metallic pipe after receiving the detection sound wave.
[0039] Based on the screening function, a pipeline detection model is established. The pipeline detection model can calculate the echo of the screened non-metallic pipeline that meets the requirements of the test to obtain the location of the non-metallic pipeline. The pipe width and wall thickness are input into the pipe detection model to obtain the shape of the non-metallic pipe to be tested.
[0040] Step 2: The sound generating device 2 in the detection box 1 emits detection sound waves to the detection area, and the microphone 3 in the detection box 1 collects the echo sound waves of the detection area. Step 3: Input the echo sound wave into the echo analysis model of the non-metallic pipe to obtain the non-metallic pipe detection result. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection result, combine the main controller and display device 6 to realize the detection of the non-metallic pipe.
[0041] The non-metallic pipe detection results include the location and shape of the non-metallic pipe. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection results, a non-metallic pipe location map is drawn and transmitted to the display device 6 for display.
[0042] This invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning system, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it includes a model building module, a data acquisition module, and a data processing module; The model building module is used to acquire pipeline data and build an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines based on the pipeline data. The data acquisition module is used to send detection sound waves to the detection area through the sound generating device 2 in the detection box 1, and to collect the echo sound waves of the detection area through the pickup 3 in the detection box 1. The data processing module is used to input the echo sound wave into the echo analysis model of the non-metallic pipe to obtain the non-metallic pipe detection result. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection result, the main controller and display device 6 are combined to realize the detection of the non-metallic pipe.
[0043] The present invention proposes a non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device. By using a sound generating device 2 and a pickup 3 installed at the bottom of the detection box 1, it can effectively collect sound wave data of underground non-metallic pipes to realize the detection and positioning of underground non-metallic pipes. The location of the pipe is displayed by a display device 6, which facilitates the tracking and detection of non-metallic pipes and obtains the specific distribution route of non-metallic pipes. Therefore, there is no need to bury metal wires or dig manholes. It can directly detect non-metallic pipes, reducing costs and saving time.
[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device, characterized in that, It includes a detection box (1) and a main controller; a sound generating device (2) and a microphone (3) are installed inside the detection box (1); a display device (6) for obtaining the position of non-metallic pipes is provided on the detection box (1); the sound generating device (2), the microphone (3) and the display device (6) are all connected to the main controller.
2. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A moving device is provided below the detection box (1).
3. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving device includes several connecting rods (4) and several rollers (7); The connecting rod (4) is installed on the side of the detection box (1), and the roller (7) is movably connected to the bottom of the connecting rod (4).
4. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A handheld lever (5) is provided above the detection box (1).
5. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A pinch handle (8) is attached to the hand lever (5).
6. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sound-absorbing buffer strip (9) is provided on the detection box (1).
7. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sound-absorbing buffer strip (9) is located on the side of the detection box (1).
8. The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are several microphones (3), and the microphones (3) are evenly distributed at the bottom of the detection box (1).
9. A method for detecting and locating non-metallic pipes, characterized in that, The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: Acquire pipeline data and construct an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines based on the pipeline data; The sound generating device (2) in the detection box (1) emits detection sound waves to the detection area, and the pickup (3) in the detection box (1) collects the echo sound waves of the detection area. The echo sound wave is input into the echo analysis model of the non-metallic pipe to obtain the non-metallic pipe detection result. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection result, the main controller and display device (6) are combined to realize the detection of the non-metallic pipe.
10. A non-metallic pipe detection and positioning system, characterized in that, The non-metallic pipe detection and positioning method according to claim 9 includes: A model building module is used to acquire pipeline data and build an echo analysis model for non-metallic pipelines based on the pipeline data. The data acquisition module is used to send detection sound waves to the detection area through the sound generating device (2) in the detection box (1) and to collect the echo sound waves of the detection area through the pickup (3) in the detection box (1). The data processing module is used to input the echo sound wave into the echo analysis model of the non-metallic pipe to obtain the non-metallic pipe detection result. Based on the non-metallic pipe detection result, the main controller and display device (6) are combined to realize the detection of the non-metallic pipe.