Magnetic Sensor Array for Pipeline Stress Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection methods, such as In-Line-Inspection (ILI) tools, are invasive and can be impractical or risky, especially in pipelines with complex geometries or where flow cannot be stopped, and they often require frequent maintenance, which is costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system using a portable array of three-axis fluxgate magnetic field sensors and a GNSS positioning system to measure changes in the magnetic field around a pipeline, allowing for remote assessment of structural integrity and stress concentrations, thereby identifying regions requiring maintenance or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If In-Line-Inspection (ILI) tools are inserted into the pipeline for fault detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the invasive nature and requirement for pipeline shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical In-Line-Inspection tool system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Portable magnetic sensors detect stress concentrations and faults in the pipeline wall without physical insertion, eliminating the need for pipeline shutdown and complex tool deployment while maintaining fault detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary medium to detect pipeline faults. Instead of directly inserting physical sensors into the pipeline, the system uses magnetic field interaction with the pipeline wall to indirectly detect stress concentrations and structural anomalies, enabling non-invasive inspection
2Measurement precision
If In-Line-Inspection (ILI) tools are used for pipeline inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent maintenance and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ILI tools with portable magnetic sensors that can be quickly deployed and retrieved from the pipeline right-of-way. This eliminates the time-consuming processes of tool insertion, propulsion through the pipeline, and retrieval, reducing maintenance time while preserving fault detection accuracy through magnetic field measurements
3Measurement precision
If pigs are propelled along the pipeline for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential contamination and stuck pigs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field as an intermediary to detect pipeline faults without introducing foreign objects into the pipeline. The magnetic sensors detect stress concentrations through the pipeline wall from the external environment, eliminating the risk of contamination from pigged tools while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pig system with external magnetic sensing. Instead of propelling physical tools through the pipeline that risk getting stuck or contaminating the flow, the system uses portable magnetic sensors positioned externally to detect faults through magnetic field interaction with the pipeline structure
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 improved accuracy in detecting and locating structural anomalies, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling with minimal disruption to pipeline operations and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
determine a change in a magnetic field in the vicinity of the structure
Data Source
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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.