Conduit Mapping Tool Radial Laser Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring the precise dimensions of long and narrow pipes and drill collars is challenging due to their geometry, making it difficult for measuring equipment to obtain accurate measurements, especially near the center.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a shaft with a sensor module that emits a laser beam radially and detects its reflection to measure distances from the conduit wall, aided by a centralizer to position the sensor at the conduit's center, allowing for accurate mapping of the conduit's inner surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measuring equipment is used in long and narrow conduits, then the equipment structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates especially near the center of the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measuring equipment with an optical measurement system. A laser emitter projects a laser beam radially outward to illuminate the conduit inner surface, and a photodetector receives the reflected light to calculate distance. This optical system achieves high measurement precision in long and narrow conduits where mechanical equipment fails, particularly near the conduit center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralizer as an intermediary device to position the sensor module at the center of the conduit. The centralizer includes positioning elements that engage with the conduit wall to maintain central alignment of the laser emitter and photodetector, ensuring accurate radial measurements throughout the conduit length.
2Measurement precision
If measuring equipment is positioned at the center of long and narrow conduits, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces difficult-to-position mechanical measuring equipment with an optical system that can be accurately positioned using the centralizer. The laser emitter and photodetector detect measurements through light reflection, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while achieving precise central alignment and measurement in long, narrow conduits.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor module with laser emitter and photodetector is used, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser emitter and photodetector into a single integrated sensor module that performs multiple functions: emitting the laser beam, receiving the reflected light, and calculating the distance to the conduit inner surface. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical system with laser emitter and photodetector to replace complex mechanical measuring mechanisms. The optical components provide precise measurements through light time-of-flight or triangulation calculations, eliminating the need for mechanical scales, gears, or contact-based measurement devices.
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 precise measurement and mapping of conduit dimensions with high accuracy, capable of measuring complex profiles and defects within conduits, improving the precision of pipe and drill collar dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device oriented so as to emit a laser beam that extends radially away from the central longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector oriented to receive at least a reflected portion of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for mapping a conduit wall, of which the apparatus includes a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis, and a sensor module coupled to the shaft and including an emitter configured to emit a light beam directed at least partially radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis, and a sensor configured to detect a reflected portion of the light beam, such that the sensor module is configured to measure a distance between the conduit wall and sensor module. The apparatus also includes a centralizer coupled to the shaft and configured to position the sensor module at a center of the conduit.