Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Subsea Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for subsea leak detection in pipelines are labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring manual operation of remote-operated vehicles and relying on single sensors, which can lead to unreliable results and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with multiple navigation and measurement components, including SONAR, cameras, and resistivity sensors, that navigates and monitors pipelines autonomously, detecting leaks and obstacles without human intervention, and processes data to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons using sensor fusion techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of remote-operated vehicles (ROV) is used for leak detection, then operators can control and manage the operation, but the operation requires a large amount of man hours and increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that performs leak detection operations independently without requiring manual control. The AUV navigates autonomously along the pipeline, collects data from multiple sensors, and returns the data to the surface for analysis, thereby eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention and significantly reducing man hours while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The leak detection system divides the detection task into multiple independent sensor components (acoustic sensors, fluorometric sensors, temperature sensors, methane sensors) distributed along the pipeline. Each sensor independently monitors specific parameters, and their combined data provides comprehensive leak detection coverage, improving both efficiency and reliability
2Device complexity
If single sensor is used for leak detection, then the system is simpler, but the detection results are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple different types of sensors (acoustic, fluorometric, temperature, methane) into a single integrated AUV platform. These sensors detect different physical and chemical parameters simultaneously, and their data is combined to confirm leak events, thereby significantly improving detection reliability while the AUV integration manages overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where data from multiple sensors is continuously monitored and cross-validated. When a potential leak is detected by one sensor, other sensors provide confirming or refuting data, creating a feedback loop that enhances detection accuracy and reduces false positives
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional leak detection methods are used, then the process is simpler, but the detection is time consuming and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV system enables continuous monitoring of the pipeline by autonomously navigating along its entire length and collecting data from multiple sensors simultaneously. This continuous detection process eliminates the time-consuming nature of traditional periodic inspections while maintaining implementation feasibility through standardized AUV deployment procedures
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
The AUV system significantly reduces operational costs and enhances detection accuracy by allowing autonomous navigation and multi-sensor confirmation of leaks, enabling more efficient and reliable subsea pipeline monitoring and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more navigation components (e.g., equipped with a sound navigating and ranging system (SONAR))
Implementation Method 2
receiving reflected signals from the body of water; and processing the received reflected signals to provide acoustic data
Implementation Method 3
obtain resistivity measurement data from one or more resistivity sensors disposed in fluid communication with the body of water; and processing the resistivity measurement data to provide an indication regarding the presence of hydrocarbons
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system is described for enhanced subsea leak detection by using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that is equipped with measurement components and navigation components. The method and system may include a one or more wireless communication components for navigation. Also, the method and system may include one or more sensors to detect leakage from a pipeline.