Optical Fiber Pipe Vibration Sensing for Degradation Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection techniques, such as those using temperature distribution measurements, are limited to high-temperature pipes with insulation and cannot detect pipe degradation in pipes with non-high-temperature substances or without insulation.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber sensing system that lays optical fibers in pipes to detect vibrations, which are then analyzed to determine pipe degradation states regardless of the substance or pipe structure, using methods like pattern matching or machine learning to extract vibration patterns and assess pipe condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature distribution measurement is used to detect pipe abnormal conditions, then abnormal conditions can be detected, but the method can only be applied to high-temperature pipes with insulation materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from temperature distribution to vibration characteristics. By using vibration sensors instead of temperature measurements, the system can detect pipe abnormalities regardless of temperature conditions or insulation presence, thus expanding applicability while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal field-based detection method with a mechanical vibration-based detection method. This substitution allows the system to function independently of thermal conditions, enabling detection in both high-temperature and ambient-temperature pipes with or without insulation
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection by skilled workers is performed, then accurate pipe condition assessment can be achieved, but it requires costly worker dispatch and extensive setup preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service inspection by deploying sensors that automatically monitor pipe vibrations and detect abnormalities without requiring skilled workers. The system performs self-diagnosis of pipe conditions, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated sensor-based detection system. This substitution eliminates the need for worker dispatch and setup preparation while continuously providing accurate pipe condition monitoring
3Ease of operation
If scaffolding or excavation is prepared for worker inspection, then access to pipes can be achieved, but it is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual access methods (scaffolding, excavation) with non-contact or minimal-contact sensor deployment. Sensors can be attached directly to pipes or positioned nearby to detect vibrations, eliminating the need for complex setup structures and reducing both cost and time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vibration sensors as intermediaries to detect pipe conditions without requiring direct worker access to the pipe. The sensors transmit vibration information to a analysis system, enabling indirect monitoring that avoids the need for scaffolding or excavation
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 the detection of pipe degradation across various conditions, including non-high-temperature substances and uninsulated pipes, providing a cost-effective and time-efficient method for pipe inspection without the need for manual labor or extensive setup.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber that is laid in a pipe; a reception unit configured to receive, from the optical fiber, an optical signal superimposed with vibration detected by the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber sensing system according to the present disclosure comprises: an optical fiber (10) that is laid in a pipe (30); a reception unit (21) configured to receive, from the optical fiber (10), an optical signal superimposed with vibration detected by the optical fiber (10); and an assessment unit (22) configured to extract a vibration pattern of the vibration detected by the optical fiber (10) from the optical signal and determine the degradation state of the pipe (30) based on the extracted vibration pattern.