Deformable Disc Pipe Pig with Electromagnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection technologies are costly, time-consuming, and prone to getting stuck in pipelines, limiting their versatility and requiring specialized equipment for insertion and retrieval, and are not effective in navigating bends or varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A pipe pig with radially extending discs, including sensor discs equipped with electromagnetic sensors for data collection, and deformable materials for flexibility, which can propel through pipelines using fluid pressure and navigate different diameters and bends without needing specialized launch or retrieval stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection pigs are used, then data collection capability is achieved, but the device becomes heavy, expensive, and requires specialist launching and receiving stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based sensing systems with electromagnetic sensors that detect pipe wall conditions through electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical arms and contact points, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe pig is designed with a simple tubular body and deformable discs that can function in multiple pipeline configurations (different diameters, bends, and orientations) without requiring specialized launching and receiving stations, making the device universally applicable across various pipeline scenarios
2Measurement precision
If rigid-bodied inspection pigs with moveable arms are used, then sensor data collection is enabled, but the pig gets stuck in bends and cannot negotiate varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deformable discs made of flexible material that can bend and adapt to the pipe's geometry, allowing the pig to navigate bends and varying diameters smoothly without getting stuck, while the electromagnetic sensors remain effective for data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe pig transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, adaptable form where the deformable discs can change shape and configuration in response to the pipeline's geometry, enabling the device to maintain functionality across diverse pipeline conditions
3Measurement precision
If inspection pigs are sized for specific diameter pipelines, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but multiple pigs are required for different pipeline specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe pig is designed as a universal device that can operate in pipelines of various diameters and configurations using a single standardized design, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized pigs for different pipeline specifications
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 pipe pig reduces operational costs and risks of getting stuck, enabling efficient data collection on pipeline conditions and allowing for inspection of various pipeline diameters and configurations without requiring specialist equipment for insertion and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The means for inducing an electric current in the wall of the pipe may include a generating coil for producing a magnetic field, where the generating coil may produce a time varying magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The means for receiving an electromagnetic signal from the wall of the pipe may include a receiving sensor
Implementation Method 3
which can propel through pipelines using fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe pig for travelling along the bore of a pipe, the pipe pig comprising a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of discs extending radially from the longitudinal axis. At least one of the discs is a sensor disc that includes a plurality of electromagnetic sensors disposed therein.