External Sensor Array for Non-Intrusive Pipeline Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring fluid flow in pipelines are invasive, potentially damaging, and use harmful materials, failing to provide a safe and effective means to detect structural failures before environmental and financial damage occurs.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive sensor assembly with a pressure sensor, density sensor, corrosion sensor, and vibration sensor, attached externally to the pipeline, transmitting data wirelessly for predictive analysis using artificial intelligence to detect potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monitoring technology is inserted through pipeline walls, then monitoring data can be obtained, but the penetration causes leaks to pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules (sensors, processors, transmitters) that can be attached externally to the pipeline without penetrating the pipeline wall, thus avoiding leaks while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by attaching sensors to the external surface of the pipeline through adhesive or magnetic means, allowing the sensors to detect internal pipeline conditions without physically penetrating the pipeline wall, thereby preventing leaks
2Measurement precision
If radioactive materials are used in monitoring pipelines, then pipeline monitoring is achieved, but harmful effects occur to personnel and the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful radioactive monitoring approach into a beneficial non-radioactive alternative using conventional sensors that detect pipeline conditions through external attachment, eliminating harmful radiation exposure to personnel and the environment while maintaining effective monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs conventional, non-radioactive sensor components that are safe for personnel and environment, replacing expensive and hazardous radioactive materials with affordable, disposable electronic sensors that achieve the same monitoring objective without harmful effects
3Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring techniques are used, then pipeline monitoring is performed, but damage occurs to the structures being monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into external components that attach to the pipeline surface without penetrating or compromising the structural integrity of the pipeline, allowing flow monitoring while preserving structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism (adhesive or magnetic) that allows sensors to contact the pipeline externally for monitoring purposes without penetrating the pipeline wall, thus avoiding damage to the structural integrity while enabling flow monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for sensing flow material in a passage of a member is disclosed. The assembly has a housing, a communication device disposed at least partially in the housing, and a controller disposed at least partially in the housing. The assembly also has a sensor array disposed at least partially in the housing, and an external-surface-mounting attachment portion configured to non-intrusively attach the assembly to a surface. The sensor array includes a pressure sensor, a density sensor, a corrosion sensor, and a vibration sensor. The controller controls the communication device to transmit sensed data collected by the sensor array at a frequency of between about one transmission per second and about fifty transmissions per second.