Insulated Pipe Radiography for Corrosion and Erosion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting insulated pipes for corrosion and erosion require the removal of insulation, increasing costs and logistical complexity, and lack the ability to perform comprehensive assessments without repositioning the inspection system.
Innovation Solution
A corrosion and erosion monitoring system using digital radiography that travels along the length of an insulated pipe, distinguishing pipe insulation from the pipe wall, allowing inspections at multiple locations without removing the system or insulation, utilizing a modular acquisition system with a crawler device, radiographic source, and detector to generate digital images for accurate wall loss measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used, then corrosion and erosion can be detected, but insulation must be removed which increases costs and logistical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radiographic imaging as an intermediary method to detect corrosion and erosion through the insulation layer without requiring physical removal of the insulation. The radiographic source and detector create images that penetrate the insulation to visualize the pipe wall condition, eliminating the need for insulation removal while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods (which require physical access and insulation removal) with a radiographic imaging system. This substitution allows non-contact detection through the insulation layer, reducing logistical complexity and inspection costs while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If inspection system is repositioned at multiple locations, then comprehensive assessment can be performed, but time and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a modular acquisition system that can be positioned at multiple locations along the pipe to perform comprehensive assessments. The system includes a radiographic source, detector, and crawler device that can be deployed at different positions to inspect various sections of the insulated pipe, enabling thorough evaluation without requiring repeated system repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a crawler device that can dynamically move along the pipe to different inspection locations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the inspection system to access multiple locations along the pipe length, performing comprehensive assessments efficiently without the need for manual disassembly and repositioning of the entire inspection system.
3Productivity
If digital radiography is used, then immediate image availability and processing is enabled, but equipment complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital radiography to create digital copies (images) of the pipe wall condition through the insulation layer. These digital images can be immediately processed, stored, and analyzed to detect corrosion and erosion, enabling rapid inspection results without the need for chemical film processing. The digital nature of the images allows for immediate availability and further analysis.
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 accurate and efficient detection of corrosion and erosion along insulated pipes without insulation removal, reducing maintenance and repair costs, and providing automated, automated calibration and inspection capabilities for improved safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
digital radiography that travels along the length of an insulated pipe, distinguishing pipe insulation from the pipe wall
Implementation Method 2
radiographic source, and detector to generate digital images for accurate wall loss measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for determining a wall loss measurement associated with corrosion and/or erosion present within an insulated pipe. A calibration image is acquired for the pipe wall at a first location and used in conjunction with an inspection image acquired for the pipe wall at a second location to determine an inspection thickness of the pope wall. An amount of wall loss measurement can be determined based on a difference of a calibration thickness for the pipe wall at the first location and the inspection thickness of the pipe wall at the second location. The wall loss measurement characterizing an amount of wall material lost due to corrosion and/or erosion present in the pipe wall at the second location. The wall loss measurement can be output for further processing and/or display.