Arc Gamma Detector Array for Subsea Pipeline Density Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for scanning pipelines, especially underwater and sub-sea structures, face challenges in achieving high-resolution density mapping due to the need for high-energy gamma radiation and heavy, cumbersome scanning apparatus, which is impractical for precise rotation and data collection.
Innovation Solution
A method using an array of gamma radiation detector units with scintillators and photodetectors, arranged in an arc configuration, to measure gamma radiation attenuation across multiple paths simultaneously, allowing for precise detection of density changes and flaws in pipeline walls, while minimizing the need for heavy collimation and apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy collimation is used on a large number of detectors to maintain high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is divided into multiple detector units arranged in an arc, each detecting radiation from a specific angular position. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution through the array configuration rather than requiring heavy collimation on each individual detector, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If a large number of detectors are used to achieve reasonable measurement time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple detector units arranged in an arc configuration, where each detector captures radiation data from a specific angular position simultaneously. This parallel detection approach enables reasonable measurement times while avoiding the need for a single overly complex detector system, thus improving productivity without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectors are arranged in an arc configuration rather than a linear array, utilizing angular positioning to achieve comprehensive radiation path coverage. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple detectors to work simultaneously with reduced interference, improving measurement efficiency while keeping individual detector units relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If high energy gamma radiation is used to penetrate dense pipeline structures, then measurement precision is improved, but the required apparatus weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the radiation detection task across multiple detector units positioned in an arc, each detecting radiation that has traversed different paths through the pipeline wall. This allows the use of high-energy gamma radiation for penetrating dense structures while distributing the detection burden, reducing the weight and complexity requirements for each individual detector and the overall apparatus.
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
Enables high-resolution density mapping and flaw detection in pipelines with reduced apparatus weight and complexity, facilitating efficient scanning of sub-sea structures by using a compact, array-based system that can accurately measure radiation attenuation across multiple paths.
Implementation Method 1
each detector unit comprising: a radiation detector comprising a scintillator comprising a scintillating material and having a detecting surface
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector for detecting light emitted by the scintillator in response to gamma radiation
Implementation Method 3
a collimator placed between the scintillator and the source of radiation
Implementation Method 4
measuring the number of photons of gamma radiation detected by each one of said detectors; calculating a density value for each path from the measurement of photons detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a scanning method for scanning a sub-sea pipeline in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors.