Backscatter X-Ray Pipe Inspection Fluid Scattering Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray inspection methods for pipes carrying fluids face challenges in detecting inconsistencies due to increased scattering from fluids, which reduces the ability to accurately identify issues like corrosion or wall thickness variations.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system that uses a backscatter x-ray system with a controller to emit an x-ray beam and detect backscatter, filtering out data attributable to the fluid to enhance the detection of inconsistencies on the pipe walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If backscatter x-ray systems are used to inspect pipes carrying fluids, then inspection can be performed without halting fluid transport, but the presence of fluids increases scattering and reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful scattering effect of fluids from the x-ray inspection data through signal processing. By separating the fluid scattering component from the total detected signal, the system eliminates the interference caused by fluids, allowing accurate detection of pipe wall inconsistencies even when pipes are fully operational and carrying fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing algorithms as an intermediary between the x-ray detection system and the final inspection results. These algorithms act as a mediator that processes the raw backscatter signals, separates fluid scattering effects from pipe wall anomalies, and produces corrected images that reveal true pipe conditions without the obscuring influence of fluid presence.
2Measurement precision
If fluids are removed from pipes to perform accurate x-ray inspection, then detection accuracy improves, but inspection time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation of the inspection system while pipes remain in service carrying fluids. By using backscatter x-ray technology combined with signal processing to eliminate fluid interference, the system maintains continuous detection capability without requiring pipe emptying or shutdown, thus eliminating the time loss associated with draining and refilling pipes for inspection.
3Measurement precision
If fluids are removed from pipes for inspection, then scattering interference is eliminated, but the complexity and cost of the inspection process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical process of removing fluids from pipes with a signal processing approach. Instead of physically draining pipes to eliminate scattering interference, the system uses computational methods to subtract fluid scattering effects from the detected x-ray signals, thereby eliminating the need for complex fluid removal infrastructure and associated operational complexity.
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 allows for more accurate and efficient detection of inconsistencies in pipes carrying fluids without the need to halt fluid transport, enabling quicker and more cost-effective inspections of elongate structures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system configured to detect backscatter caused by the x-ray beam encountering an elongate structure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method and a system for scanning an elongate structure (102), such as a pipeline. A scan of the elongate structure (102) with a fluid (108) in a cavity (122) of the elongate structure (102) is received. The scan is generated by a scanner (112) using an x-ray beam. Data in the scan is filtered to remove a portion of the data in the scan attributable to the fluid to form filtered data, enabling detecting an inconsistency on a wall of the elongate structure (102), such as defects or corrosion, in the filtered data.