Magnetic Field Sensor Array for Non-Invasive Pipeline Integrity Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline inspection methods, such as pigging, are invasive and can be costly and disruptive, and may not always be feasible due to pipeline geometry or material flow, while non-invasive methods lack the accuracy needed for reliable detection of structural integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive system using a sensor array with a control unit to measure and analyze magnetic field gradients, allowing for remote assessment of pipeline integrity by determining changes in the magnetic field, which can indicate regions of reduced structural integrity with improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pigging is used for pipeline inspection, then fault detection capability is improved, but pipeline contamination risk and operational disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidpipeline contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pigging system with a non-contact magnetic field sensing system. Sensors mounted on a survey vehicle detect magnetic field anomalies caused by structural defects in the pipeline, eliminating the need for physical insertion of pigs into the pipeline and thereby preventing contamination while maintaining fault detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field sensing as an intermediary between the inspection system and the pipeline. Instead of direct contact inspection, the system detects magnetic field disturbances caused by structural defects, allowing indirect but effective fault detection without physical intrusion into the pipeline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If pigging is used for pipeline inspection, then fault detection capability is improved, but operational disruption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidoperational disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pigging system that requires pipeline shutdown with a non-contact magnetic field sensing system. The survey vehicle travels along the pipeline externally, detecting defects without interrupting pipeline operations, thereby eliminating operational disruption while maintaining fault detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipeline continues to operate normally during the inspection process. The non-contact magnetic field sensing system performs inspection duties without requiring the pipeline to be taken offline, allowing the pipeline to serve its function continuously while being inspected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive magnetic field sensing is used, then pipeline contamination risk is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline contamination riskVSAvoidstructural integrity detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetic field sensing into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged in an array along the survey vehicle. This segmentation allows for precise localization and characterization of magnetic field anomalies, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining the non-invasive nature of the inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point magnetic field measurement to spatially distributed measurement across multiple sensor positions. By analyzing the spatial distribution and gradient of magnetic field anomalies across the sensor array, the system achieves high measurement accuracy for structural defect detection while remaining non-invasive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 method provides a more accurate and less disruptive means to identify and quantify regions of questionable structural integrity, reducing the need for invasive inspections and enabling more effective maintenance scheduling.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2820404B1Fault detection for pipelines

Publication Date: 2020.02.19 SPEIR HUNTER

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AI summary

The invention concerns structural integrity assessment apparatus for determining stress concentration zones in a structure, such as a pipeline. The apparatus allows particularly to detect defects in buried pipelines using magnetometric surveying where anomalies in the magnetic field around the pipelines are detected. The apparatus has a plurality of triaxial magnetic field sensors, each sensor being arranged to measure magnetic field components in a plurality of directions. A support is provided to maintain said sensors in a predetermined relative spacing and orientation. The support is moveable relative to a structure under assessment in use and may be portable. Three or more magnetic field sensors are provided which may be arranged in a linear, two-dimensional or three-dimensional array. The apparatus may include position determining means, such as a global positioning system (GPS), so that stress concentration zones can be located on the structure.