Fiber Bragg Grating Monitoring for Internal Pipe Metal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring internal corrosion in pipelines covered by composite sleeves are ineffective, as the sleeves act as a barrier to optical inspection, leading to costly and unnecessary replacements due to the inability to monitor corrosion progression in real time.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors mounted on the outer surface of pipelines with composite sleeves to measure hoop strain variations, which correlate with internal metal loss, allowing for accurate and non-invasive detection of uniform and localized corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If composite sleeve is applied to repair pipeline, then installation ease and durability are improved, but ability to monitor corrosion progression deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optical inspection methods with FBG sensor technology. The FBG sensors detect corrosion progression through strain measurements caused by metal loss, converting mechanical deformation into optical signal changes that can be monitored through the composite sleeve material.
Solution Approach 2:
The FBG sensors act as an intermediary between the composite sleeve and the monitoring system. They are embedded within or attached to the sleeve structure, allowing corrosion data to be transmitted through the sleeve material without requiring direct optical access to the pipeline interior.
2Device complexity
If conventional inspection methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical inspection tools with FBG sensor-based optical fiber technology. The FBG sensors provide precise measurement of wall thickness reduction through wavelength shifts, achieving high detection precision while maintaining relatively simple installation through adhesive bonding or embedding.
3Measurement precision
If ILI tools are deployed, then inspection capability is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies FBG sensors during the pipeline repair process itself, before the pipeline returns to service. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for subsequent complex ILI tool deployments, as the sensors are already in place to continuously monitor corrosion progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ILI tools with lightweight FBG sensor systems that can be installed during routine maintenance activities. The optical fiber-based sensors are significantly simpler to deploy and maintain compared to traditional mechanical inspection tools.
4Ease of operation
If periodic inspections are conducted, then operational simplicity is maintained, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through FBG sensors that remain permanently installed on the pipeline. The sensors continuously measure strain changes caused by corrosion, providing real-time data without requiring periodic interruption of pipeline operations for inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces periodic mechanical inspection routines with continuous optical sensing. The FBG sensors provide uninterrupted monitoring of corrosion progression, transforming discrete periodic measurements into continuous real-time data streams.
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 proactive maintenance by precisely monitoring internal metal loss, reducing unnecessary replacements and extending pipeline service life while being cost-effective and suitable for harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
A testing fiber Bragg grating (FBG) detector is mounted on the outer surface of the pipe over the defect
Implementation Method 2
A difference in hoop strain between the testing FBG detector and the reference FBG detector is monitored
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for monitoring internal corrosion in a compromised pipe are provided. An exemplary includes applying a reinforcement layer on an outer surface of a pipe over a defect detected in an internal surface of the pipe. A testing fiber Bragg grating (FBG) detector is mounted on the outer surface of the pipe over the defect. A reference FBG detector is mounted on the outer surface of the pipe. A difference in hoop strain between the testing FBG detector and the reference FBG detector is monitored to identify variations in wall thickness over the defect.