High-Resolution Acoustic Imaging of Pressurized Water Supply Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting incipient defects in urban water supply systems (UWSS) pipelines are inadequate, as they either lack the necessary resolution or are not applicable to intricate networks with obstructions, and existing technologies are costly, labor-intensive, and unable to detect defects smaller than 80 cm.
Innovation Solution
A method using a plurality of transducers to acoustically image the pipeline interior by converting electrical signals into acoustic signals, generating a 3D transfer matrix, and applying signal processing techniques like MIMO imaging and Time Reversal to identify defects as small as millimeters in size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If low frequency acoustic waves are used for defect detection, then the detection method can be applied to intricate pipeline networks with obstructions, but the measurement precision and ability to detect small defects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline inspection is segmented into multiple measurement points along the pipeline. Transducers are positioned at different locations to capture acoustic signals from various segments, enabling comprehensive coverage of intricate networks while maintaining detection precision through localized high-frequency measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional low-frequency acoustic methods to high-frequency acoustic wave propagation in a different dimensional approach. By using high-frequency waves and analyzing their propagation characteristics in multiple dimensions (time, frequency, spatial distribution), the system achieves both adaptability to complex networks and high measurement precision
2Reliability
If inline Smart PIGs are used for pipeline inspection, then existing physical defects can be detected, but the device complexity and cost increases, and real-time imaging capability is lost due to slow survey speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inline Smart PIG system with an acoustic-based inspection system. Instead of physically inserting and moving a complex mechanical device through the pipeline, the system uses high-frequency acoustic waves that can be introduced through existing access points, eliminating the need for complex mechanical propulsion and retrieval mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for defect detection. Rather than directly inserting physical sensors into the pipeline flow, acoustic waves serve as the intermediary carrier that propagates through the pipeline, interacts with defects, and returns information to external sensors for analysis
3Reliability
If inline Smart PIGs are used for pipeline survey, then defect detection is achieved, but the productivity decreases due to slow survey speed of approximately 0.3 m/s
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic acoustic signal transmission and reception cycles. Multiple acoustic waves are transmitted sequentially from different positions, with each wave providing rapid measurement data. This periodic action enables comprehensive pipeline inspection without the slow mechanical movement of traditional Smart PIGs, significantly improving productivity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and setup of transducers at strategic locations before conducting the actual acoustic measurement campaign. This preliminary action allows for optimized measurement paths and rapid data collection, eliminating the need for slow sequential movement through the entire pipeline length
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the detection of incipient defects at a millimeter scale, providing high-resolution images of pipe wall conditions and defects, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing water losses and energy wastage in UWSS.
Implementation Method 1
each of the transducers being capable of converting an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
sensing, by each transducer in the plurality of transducers, a transient response of the interior region due to an excitation caused by an acoustic source signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transient-based time reversal (TR) technique for acoustic imaging of a pressurized water supply pipeline is provided. Measured multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) imaging data at high frequency (10kH-100 kHz) are processed by an adapted Time Reversal-MUltiple SIgnal Classification (TR-MUSIC) algorithm to provide a high-resolution image of a pipeline section about 100 m long. The resultant image reveals the pipe wall inner and outer condition, and incipient and existing defects at a scale up to millimeters. The technique is tested and validated in a laboratory environment and in a large-scale facility on pressurized water-filled viscoelastic high-density polyethylene pipes. Furthermore, the technique can be applied to different fluids and pipe materials. In addition, the technique is computationally efficient, and nondestructive. The technique requires only local intrusion for placing transducers at an access point.