Guided Wave Signal Processing for Pipe Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current guided wave testing methods for elongate members, such as pipes, face challenges in accurately calibrating reflection coefficients due to variations in girth weld dimensions and the inability to account for girth weld roots, leading to errors in defect sizing and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes multiple reflections from reflectors to determine reflection coefficients, allowing for more reliable calibration of guided wave tests by calculating parameters such as reflection coefficients and amplitudes from signals corresponding to single and multiple reflections, including the use of even-numbered reflections to enhance accuracy and reduce noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If girth weld reflections are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed using existing pipeline features, but the varying dimensions of weld reinforcement and root penetration lead to significant calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration approach from using single reflections (which depend on variable weld dimensions) to using multiple reflections between two reflectors. This parameter change in the calibration method allows the system to eliminate dependence on weld reinforcement dimensions and root penetration, as the multiple reflection path does not involve the weld root. The calibration becomes based on the round-trip travel time and amplitude attenuation between two known reflector positions, which are more stable and measurable parameters.
2Measurement precision
If direct measurement of weld reinforcement and width is performed, then calibration accuracy improves, but the method cannot account for girth weld root effects and requires additional measurement equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (specialized gauges for measuring weld reinforcement and width) with a guided wave-based measurement system. Instead of physically measuring the weld dimensions, the system uses the travel time and amplitude of guided waves reflecting between two reflectors to determine calibration parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for direct physical measurement of weld features and automatically accounts for the entire weld structure including the root, without requiring additional measurement equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reflections are used for calibration, then reflection coefficient measurement accuracy improves, but the signal processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the specific signal components corresponding to multiple reflections between two reflectors from the overall guided wave signal. By identifying and separating the reflection paths (direct reflections from each reflector and multiple reflections between them), the system can calculate the reflection coefficients using only the relevant signal portions. This extraction approach simplifies the processing by focusing on specific identifiable signal features rather than attempting to process the entire complex signal, making the increased accuracy achievable without overwhelming complexity.
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
This approach provides a more accurate measurement of reflection coefficients, improving the reliability of guided wave testing by accounting for variations in weld dimensions and defect sizing, reducing costly false calls and increasing inspection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one guided wave is generated in the elongate member, the at least one guided wave is reflected by reflectors in the elongate member and reflected guided waves are detected
Data Source
AI summary
Processing signals acquired during guided wave testing A method of processing signals acquired during guided wave testing of an elongate member (2), such as a pipe, in which at least one guided wave (7) is generated in the elongate member, the at least one guided wave is reflected by reflectors (8) in the elongate member and reflected guided waves (9) are detected. The method comprises determining at least one reflection coefficient or a parameter for calibrating a guide wave test in dependence upon reflections from the reflectors which include at least one multiple reflection. The reflections may include a single reflection from a first reflector, a single reflection from a second reflector and a multiple reflection from the first and second reflectors.