High-Frequency Acoustic Wave Defect Detection in Pressurized Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defect detection technologies in pressurized pipelines are inefficient, particularly in identifying leaks and blockages, due to limitations in resolution and applicability, with existing methods relying on low-frequency waves and being prone to noise and modeling errors.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-frequency acoustic waves (10 kHz to 100 kHz) for defect detection, leveraging the time reversal property to generate and process probing waves, which interact with defects to produce reflected waves that are then analyzed using a computer device to accurately locate anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If low-frequency waves are used for defect detection, then the detection method is simpler to implement, but the resolution and ability to identify small defects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the acoustic waves from low-frequency (conventional) to high-frequency (10 kHz to 100 kHz) range. This parameter change enables the detection system to resolve smaller defects with sizes proportional to the probing wavelength, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining implementation feasibility through standard acoustic transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibration at high frequencies (10 kHz to 100 kHz) to probe the pipeline system. The high-frequency acoustic waves interact with defects through scattering and reflection mechanisms, enabling enhanced resolution for detecting leaks and blockages compared to low-frequency methods.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency waves are used for defect detection, then the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but the complexity of signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback-based signal processing approach where the measured acoustic response is compared against a pipeline model to iteratively identify defect locations. The system uses the reflected and scattered high-frequency wave signals to update defect estimates, improving precision while managing processing complexity through model-guided analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical signal processing with computational methods. Instead of using complex hardware filtering and processing systems, the invention uses software-based signal analysis including Fourier transforms, wave equation modeling, and defect location algorithms to process high-frequency acoustic signals efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If conventional defect detection technologies are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the productivity and efficiency of defect identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous defect detection by continuously generating high-frequency acoustic waves through the pipeline and continuously monitoring the reflected signals. This continuous probing action allows for real-time identification of leaks and blockages, significantly improving detection efficiency compared to periodic or manual inspection methods while maintaining ease of operation through automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated defect detection system that performs self-diagnosis of the pipeline. The system autonomously generates acoustic signals, processes the reflected waves, identifies defects, and locates anomalies without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while keeping the system easy to operate through automatic functionality.
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 enhanced resolution and real-time detection of defects, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by utilizing high-frequency waves that are dispersive and capable of resolving anomalies with sizes proportional to the probing wavelength, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling precise identification of leaks and blockages.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by an acoustic source located at xs, a probing wave of a frequency range from 10 kHz to 100 kHz
Implementation Method 2
the probing wave being scattered by the at least one defect to create a reflected wave
Implementation Method 3
the measured response being attributed essentially to a superposition of the probing wave and the reflected wave
Data Source
AI summary
A defect detection method is provided for a pressurized pipe having at least one defect. According to the method, an acoustic source generates a probing wave of a frequency range from 10 kHz to 100 kHz, where the probing wave is scattered by the at least one defect to create a reflected wave; an acoustic receiver measures a wave response to obtain a measured response, where the measured response is attributed essentially to a superposition of the probing wave and the reflected wave; and a computer device processes the measured response to locate the at least one defect.