Autonomous Pipe Inspection Module Fluid-Driven Progression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection methods, such as the Sahara solution, face limitations due to the need for a bulky cable with high stiffness, which generates significant friction, restricting the maximum cable length to approximately 1 km and preventing the acoustic sensor's progression beyond this length.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous module with data recording and power supply capabilities, connected via a simple mechanical link without data transmission or energy supply properties, allowing it to be pushed by the fluid flow and extending the inspection length significantly without hindering progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky cable with high stiffness is used to connect the acoustic sensor to the outside, then real-time data transmission and energy supply are enabled, but significant friction is generated with the fluid and pipe interior, limiting the maximum cable length to approximately 1 km
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the inspection task into two independent phases: data collection during module circulation, and data transmission after module recovery. The autonomous module collects acoustic data locally during circulation, then transmits all stored data to the analysis system after being pulled back through the access point, eliminating the need for continuous cable-based data transmission during circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the circulation phase and relocates it to the recovery phase. The autonomous module stores data locally during circulation using onboard memory, and only establishes data transmission connection after recovery through the access point, separating these two functions in time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a bulky cable with high stiffness is used to supply electrical energy to the acoustic sensor, then continuous power supply is enabled, but the large diameter generates significant friction, preventing progression beyond 1 km
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous module is self-sufficient in energy supply during circulation, using its own onboard battery power source. The mechanical link does not supply energy during circulation; instead, the module independently operates its sensors and storage systems, eliminating the need for external energy transmission through the link.
3Length of moving object
If a simple mechanical link with small section is used instead of a bulky cable, then the maximum insertion length is extended significantly, but the link cannot transmit data or supply energy externally
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous module performs preliminary data collection and local storage during circulation through the pipeline. By pre-collecting and caching acoustic data in onboard memory during the inspection phase, the system enables subsequent bulk data transmission after recovery, eliminating the need for continuous data transmission during circulation.
4Ease of operation
If the autonomous module is pushed by fluid flow, then external assistance is eliminated and the module can progress autonomously, but the module must be recoverable for data retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the circulation and recovery operations by using the same access point for both module introduction and retrieval. The module enters through the access point, circulates autonomously through the pipeline, and is pulled back through the same access point for data recovery, consolidating these operations at a single location.
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 reliable data acquisition and analysis over longer pipeline lengths, facilitating the detection of leaks and characterization of pipeline conditions without the need for external assistance, and allows for easy location and recovery of the module.
Implementation Method 1
an autonomous module in terms of data recording and power supply, comprising data acquisition means, a subsequent analysis of which allows obtaining information relating to the pipeline and/or the fluid and storage means data acquired by said data acquisition means, the autonomous module being arranged to be pushed by the flow of fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4e
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a system for obtaining information related to pipes (4) transporting a fluid flow (28), and/or related to the fluid. The system includes a self-contained module (1;30) including a data acquisition means (10), of which a backward analysis enables the obtainment of information related to the pipes and/or the fluid, and a data storage means (11) for storing data acquired by said data acquisition means, the self-contained module constructed to be pushed by the fluid flow after being fed into the pipes. The invention also includes a mechanical link (2) connected to the self-contained module and accessible from outside the pipes.