Magnetic Field Sensor Array for Buried Pipeline 3D Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the precise location and depth of buried pipelines are inaccurate due to incomplete installation records and ground movement, leading to risks of missing or damaging pipelines during excavation.
Innovation Solution
A method using a plurality of magnetic field sensors arranged at fixed spacings to sense the Earth's magnetic field disturbances caused by buried structures, determining angular spacing and distance to calculate the depth and location of elongate structures like pipelines without requiring signal emission or reflection, allowing for 3D mapping of buried structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pipe locators are used to determine pipeline depth at individual locations, then depth measurement is obtained, but the survey process becomes slow and time-consuming for long pipeline sections
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline survey is divided into multiple measurement locations along the pipeline length. At each location, depth measurements are taken by the magnetic field sensors. This segmentation allows systematic coverage of the entire pipeline while maintaining measurement accuracy at each point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point depth measurements to three-dimensional mapping by collecting magnetic field data at multiple locations along the pipeline. The system determines not only depth but also lateral position and orientation, creating a comprehensive 3D model of the buried pipeline structure.
2Ease of operation
If excavation is performed at estimated pipeline locations based on incomplete records, then excavation work can proceed, but the risk of missing or damaging the pipeline increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field survey is conducted before excavation work begins. This preliminary measurement establishes the precise three-dimensional location of the pipeline, allowing excavation plans to be optimized in advance and avoiding the need for trial-and-error digging at estimated locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time or near-real-time feedback on pipeline location and depth measurements. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of excavation plans to precisely match the actual pipeline position, eliminating guesswork and reducing the risk of damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic field sensors are used to detect buried pipelines, then three-dimensional mapping capability is achieved, but the system complexity increases compared to conventional locators
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions: determining pipeline depth, lateral position, orientation, and three-dimensional mapping. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified measurement system that collects magnetic field data at multiple sensor locations and processes the information to derive all spatial parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the buried pipeline and the detection system. The sensors detect disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field caused by the pipeline's presence and orientation, translating these field disturbances into precise spatial information without requiring direct contact with the pipeline.
4Loss of information
If installation records are relied upon for pipeline location information, then initial documentation is available, but the information becomes inaccurate due to ground movement and record incompleteness
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline itself serves as the source of location information through its effect on the magnetic field. The pipeline's magnetic signature provides direct, real-time spatial information that is independent of historical records, allowing the system to self-determine its position and depth without relying on potentially inaccurate installation documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, gradient) caused by the pipeline's presence. By analyzing these parameter changes at multiple sensor locations, the system derives accurate spatial information that reflects the pipeline's current position, accounting for any ground movement or settlement since installation.
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 accurate and up-to-date depth and location information for buried structures, enhancing the accuracy of structural integrity assessments and reducing the risk of pipeline damage during excavation.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor being arranged to sense a magnetic field of a remote structure induced by the Earth's magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods for determining the position of an elongate structure. A number of magnetic field sensors arranged at fixed spacing, each sensor being arranged to sense a magnetic field of a remote structure induced by the Earth's magnetic field in at least two orthogonal directions. In use, the magnetic field sensors are arranged remotely of an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis, such that the magnetic field sensors are spaced in a lateral direction relative to said longitudinal axis. An angular spacing for the magnetic field sensors about the longitudinal axis is determined according to the magnetic field readings in the two orthogonal directions and a distance between one or more of said magnetic field sensors and said elongate structure is determined based on said angular spacing determination.