Degradable Polymer Casing for Pipeline Inspection Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection methods using magneto-inductive techniques are bulky, require prior cleaning, and can get stuck in pipelines, leading to operational risks and economic losses due to blockages, and devices with permanent magnets are heavy and slow, increasing the risk of blockage and damage.
Innovation Solution
A compact inspection apparatus with a central electromagnetic device, flexible magnetic conveyors, and sensors that degrade into non-hazardous components upon contact with hydrocarbons, allowing for safe passage and easy recovery, and utilizing a polymeric casing that breaks down to prevent blockages and facilitate passage through pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bulky and mechanically rigid apparatus is used for pipeline inspection, then the magnetic field generation and measurement capability is improved, but the apparatus requires previous cleaning of the pipeline and poses operational risks due to potential blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple segments or modules that can flex relative to each other, allowing the inspection device to navigate through pipelines with varying diameters and obstacles without requiring prior cleaning, while maintaining magnetic field measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs flexible magnetic conveyors and adaptable housing structures that can deform to pass through narrow or obstructed pipeline sections, eliminating the need for previous pipeline cleaning while preserving the functionality of magnetic field generation and detection
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus is made compact and flexible, then the passage through pipelines is improved, but the magnetic field generation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses dynamic electromagnetic devices that can adjust their operational state based on the pipeline conditions, maintaining effective magnetic field generation even in compact and flexible configurations by optimizing electromagnetic parameters in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation system employs parameter adjustments such as varying current intensity, frequency, or coil configuration to maintain measurement precision despite the compact and flexible design, ensuring accurate detection of pipeline wall thickness variations
3Device complexity
If permanent magnets are used instead of electromagnets, then the apparatus weight increases, but the magnetic field generation is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets with electromagnetic devices that generate magnetic fields through controlled electrical current, eliminating the need for heavy magnetic materials while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient magnetic field for wall thickness measurement
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 apparatus minimizes operational risks by breaking down into safe components, avoiding blockages and allowing continuous pipeline operation, while providing accurate structural integrity assessments without prior cleaning, ensuring safety and reducing economic losses.
Implementation Method 1
a central electromagnetic device (102), extending longitudinally in the pipeline (101), suitable for generating a magnetic field (106)
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetic conveyor (103') connected to an end of the central electromagnetic device (102), suitable for conveying the magnetic field (106) generated by the central electromagnetic device (102) to the wall of the pipeline (101)
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus (100) for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101) comprising a central electromagnetic device (102) suitable for generating a magnetic field (106); a pair of magnetic conveyors (103′, 103″) connected to the central electromagnetic device (102) suitable for conveying the magnetic field (106) to the wall of the pipeline (101); a system of sensors (104) for revealing the magnetic field (106) conveyed on the pipeline (101); electric means (105) for feeding the inspection apparatus (100) and acquiring and storing data relating to the magnetic field (106) revealed; wherein said central electromagnetic device (102) is divided into various ferromagnetic elements (107) held together by a casing (109) made of polymeric material suitable for degrading after prolonged contact with a mixture of hydrocarbons. Method wherein an inspection apparatus according to the present invention is used for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101).