Compact Pipeline Marker with Non-Coaxial Multi-Coil Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection markers are unreliable due to their inability to accurately detect weak magnetic signals from in-line tools, fail to discriminate between tool signals and stray magnetic fields, and are bulky, making them difficult to transport and deploy.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact markers equipped with a non-coaxial multi-coil antenna and magnetic flux detection systems, including flux concentrators, that use signal characteristics to accurately locate in-line tools and distinguish between tool signals and extraneous fields, allowing for precise error correction and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing markers use simple magnetic field detection, then the marker structure remains simple, but the detection reliability is poor due to weak signals and inability to discriminate from stray fields
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detection is segmented into multiple independent coils arranged in non-coaxial configurations. Each coil detects specific components of the magnetic field, and their outputs are processed separately before being combined. This segmentation improves reliability by providing multiple independent detection channels that can discriminate tool signals from stray fields, while the modular coil structure keeps individual components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Different coils are positioned with specific orientations and locations to detect different aspects of the magnetic field. The flux concentrators are strategically placed at specific locations to enhance local field detection. This local quality approach allows the system to discriminate between tool signals and stray fields by analyzing spatial and directional characteristics, improving detection reliability without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire marker.
2Volume of moving object
If the receiving coil is made smaller to reduce marker size, then the marker becomes more compact and easier to transport, but the sensitivity of the receiver decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coils are nested or closely packed in a compact non-coaxial arrangement within the marker housing. The flux concentrators are positioned to focus magnetic flux directly onto the coil windings, effectively amplifying the detected signal density. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain high sensitivity with a smaller overall marker volume, as the concentrated flux compensates for the reduced coil size.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker incorporates magnetic flux concentrators made from high-permeability magnetic materials combined with the receiving coils. This composite structure of magnetic materials and electromagnetic coils creates a flux-concentrating antenna system that enhances sensitivity. The magnetic materials act as flux guides, concentrating weak magnetic fields from distant tools onto the small coil windings, thereby maintaining detection sensitivity despite the reduced marker size.
3Reliability
If existing markers include components to minimize stray magnetic field effects, then the discrimination capability improves, but the marker size increases and becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The coils are arranged in an asymmetric non-coaxial configuration rather than a symmetric coaxial arrangement. This asymmetry allows the system to detect the characteristic directional pattern of tool magnetic fields while being less sensitive to omnidirectional stray fields. The asymmetric geometry provides inherent discrimination capability without requiring additional bulky shielding components, as the spatial arrangement itself filters out unwanted signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-axis coaxial detection to a multi-dimensional non-coaxial coil arrangement. By detecting magnetic field components in multiple spatial dimensions and orientations, the system can discriminate tool signals from stray fields based on their directional characteristics. This dimensional approach to discrimination eliminates the need for bulky stray field rejection components, as the discrimination is achieved through geometric arrangement rather than additional shielding mass.
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 solution provides reliable and accurate location reference points for in-line tools, enhancing the accuracy of pipeline defect detection while enabling easier deployment and transportation due to its compact size.
Implementation Method 1
compact markers equipped with a non-coaxial multi-coil antenna and magnetic flux detection systems
Implementation Method 2
The in-line tool may be detected by the presence of any component (e.g., axial, radial, circumferential) of the flux field generated thereby
Implementation Method 3
magnetic flux detection systems, including flux concentrators, that use signal characteristics to accurately locate in-line tools
Data Source
AI summary
Defects in a pipeline may be detected by an in-line inspection tool passing therethrough. However, as the tool travels through the pipeline, errors associated with certain onboard components may accumulate. These errors may reduce the accuracy with which the locations of detected defects can be determined. Accordingly, markers may be positioned at various locations along the pipeline. Each marker may include a radio receiver to receive signal transmitted by an in-line tool passing thereby and one or more magnetic flux detection systems that may detect a magnetic field emanating from the in-line tool. The radio receiver may include an antenna comprising two or more coils connected in series and positioned side-by-side. The flux detection system may include one or more flux concentrators to amplify the strength of the magnetic field. Signals received through the antenna or flux detection system may be used to correct any errors associated with the onboard components charting the progression of the in-line tool through the pipeline.