Micromagnetic Sensor Assembly for Pipeline Material Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micromagnetic sensor arrangements for in-line inspection of pipelines are limited in their ability to determine material characteristics, particularly at high magnetization frequencies, and cannot capture additional data that could improve material characterization.
Innovation Solution
A method using a micromagnetic sensor arrangement that magnetizes a magnetizable metal body with a varying magnetic field, utilizing post-oscillation signals after excitation is turned off, and Fourier transformation to determine material characteristics, which can include mechanical properties like toughness and local hardness increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micromagnetic sensor arrangement is used for in-line inspection of pipelines, then inspection capability is provided, but ability to determine material characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of signal analysis by introducing post-oscillation measurement time windows and using Fourier transformation to analyze frequency components. This allows extraction of material characteristics from the decaying signal behavior after excitation, transforming the limited inspection capability into enhanced material characterization capability through parameter-based signal analysis.
2Loss of information
If conventional micromagnetic examination is used, then basic inspection is achieved, but additional data for improved material characterization cannot be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary magnetization excitation to the pipeline before measuring the post-oscillation signal. By pre-exciting the magnetic circuit and then measuring the decay characteristics, the system extracts material properties that would otherwise be inaccessible. This preliminary action enables information extraction without requiring complex additional hardware beyond the basic sensor arrangement.
3Productivity
If high frequency magnetization is applied, then inspection speed is improved, but determination of material characteristics becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/physical measurement of material properties with signal processing substitution. By using Fourier transformation to analyze the frequency spectrum of post-oscillation signals, the system can determine material characteristics from high-frequency magnetization data that would otherwise be too complex to interpret. This substitution enables both high-speed inspection and accurate material characterization.
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
The method allows for improved determination of material characteristics, including those previously undeterminable, by leveraging post-oscillation signals and high-frequency magnetization, enabling more accurate in-line inspection of pipelines.
Implementation Method 1
current or voltage excitation of the sensor arrangement is carried out via at least one excitation coil for the signal excitation. By the current or voltage excitation, a magnetic core of the excitation coil of the micromagnetic sensor arrangement generates a magnetic field, by which the body to be tested is magnetized.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field of a magnetic circuit comprising the sensor arrangement and the body, which varies as a function of time, is obtained. Because of the varying magnetic field of the magnetic circuit, a signal is obtained in the receiver, and is measured.
Implementation Method 3
after the excitation of the sensor arrangement is turned off, a post-oscillation of the magnetic circuit and of the signal in the receiver due to the decaying magnetic field takes place. Additional information, which improves the quality of the method for determining a material characteristic, may be obtained from the decay of the signal, the post-oscillation after turning off.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining at least one material characteristic of a magnetizable metal body by means of a micromagnetic sensor arrangement, which comprises at least one excitation coil having a magnetic core for signal excitation and at least one receiver. The body is magnetized by the sensor arrangement via current or voltage excitation of the sensor arrangement, which comprises at least one sign change between a positive part of a half-wave and a negative part of a half-wave. At least one signal is measured in the receiver, and the signal is Fourier transformed. The material characteristic are determined from at least one Fourier component. The excitation is turned off, and the post-oscillation of the signal is measured in the receiver. At least the part of the signal resulting from the post-oscillation in the Fourier transformation is used.