In-Bracket Pipe Excitation for High-Resolution Acoustic Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing the condition of pipes in fluid distribution systems are limited in resolution, as they only evaluate the condition of the pipe section as a whole and require significant excavation and sensor repositioning for each test, making them costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
The method involves placing acoustic sensors on appurtenances rather than directly on the pipe, allowing for in-bracket excitation at multiple locations to calculate acoustic propagation velocity, enabling higher resolution condition assessment without the need for frequent sensor repositioning or excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pipe assessment methods are used, then the condition of the pipe section can be evaluated, but the resolution is limited and sensor repositioning is required for each test
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe section is divided into multiple segments by performing in-bracket excitations at different locations between the two acoustic sensors. Each excitation location provides information about a specific segment, enabling high-resolution assessment of the entire pipe section without moving the sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The assessment methodology transitions from evaluating the entire pipe section as a single unit to analyzing multiple segments along the longitudinal dimension. This is achieved by performing excitations at different positions between the sensors, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the measurement process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor repositioning is performed for each test, then different pipe sections can be assessed, but the process becomes costly and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The two acoustic sensors positioned at the ends of the pipe section serve multiple functions: they detect acoustic waves generated at any excitation location between them. This universal detection capability allows assessment of multiple pipe segments without repositioning the sensors, reducing operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pipe's own structure and the acoustic wave propagation characteristics to perform self-assessment. By analyzing the time delays of acoustic waves traveling between fixed sensors through different excitation points, the system automatically identifies segment conditions without external intervention or sensor movement.
3Measurement precision
If in-bracket excitation is performed at multiple locations, then higher resolution assessment is achieved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational process segments the pipe section into multiple assessable regions by analyzing acoustic wave propagation from different excitation locations. Each excitation provides data for a specific segment, and the computational algorithm processes these segmented measurements to produce high-resolution assessment results.
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 allows for a more flexible and higher-resolution assessment of pipe conditions by calculating acoustic propagation velocity at multiple sections using in-bracket excitation, reducing the need for frequent sensor repositioning and excavation, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of pipe condition evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
acoustical impulses propagating through the pipe and produce signal data representing the sensed acoustical impulses
Implementation Method 2
acoustic sensors...configured to sense acoustical impulses and produce signal data
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for performing high-resolution assessment of the condition of pipes of a fluid distribution system using in-bracket excitation. Acoustical impulses are generated in a pipe at two excitation locations along the pipe while signal data is recorded from two acoustic sensors, at least one of the excitation locations being located in-bracket of the two acoustic sensors. A first time delay between the arrival of the acoustical impulses at the two acoustic sensors is computed from the signal data recorded during generation of the impulses at the first excitation location, and a second time delay between the arrival of the impulses at the two sensors is computed from the signal data recorded during generation of the impulses at the second excitation location. An acoustic propagation velocity is computed for a section of the pipe defined by the first and second excitation location based on the first time delay, the second time delay, and a distance between the excitation locations, and a condition of the section of pipe is determined from the computed acoustic propagation velocity.