Passive Magnetometry Fluid Conduit Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conduit inspection methods, particularly in pipelines from the 1960s, face challenges due to poorly documented history, unknown conditions, and economic constraints, requiring a more efficient and adaptable approach that can assess overall condition and identify anomalies without the need for heavy, bulky equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using passive magnetometry to collect magnetic flux data from inside the fluid conduit, analyzing residual magnetization to determine conduit condition, identify anomalies, and detect features like bends and joints, employing a sensor device that can be free-floating or attached to a cleaning pig, and a data processing system for outlier detection and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MFL tools or other ILI techniques are used, then magnetic flux leakage or defect detection is achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky, heavy, and requires active magnetization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active magnetic field generation and complex mechanical scanning systems with passive magnetometry sensors that detect residual magnetic flux leakage. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy magnets, active magnetization equipment, and bulky mechanical structures, achieving defect detection through passive sensing of magnetic field anomalies caused by corrosion or defects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and isolates the specific function of detecting magnetic flux leakage from the complex active MFL system. By using only passive sensors to detect residual magnetization patterns, the system removes the unnecessary components (active magnets, power supplies, complex control systems) while retaining the essential defect detection capability
2Ease of operation
If exterior measurement approaches are used, then access to pipeline is simplified, but only small parts or sections can be assessed rather than complete pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The passive magnetometry sensor device is designed to be universally applicable for inspecting complete pipelines. The sensor can be deployed internally and travels through the entire pipeline length, providing comprehensive coverage of all sections rather than limited exterior spot checks, thus achieving both ease of operation and complete pipeline assessment
3Reliability
If traditional inspection approaches are used, then periodic inspection is performed, but cost and convenience issues limit frequency to every 5-7 years
Solution Approach 1:
The passive magnetometry sensor device is designed as a cost-effective, disposable or single-use inspection tool. Its low cost allows frequent deployment without significant economic burden, enabling inspection intervals to be reduced from every 5-7 years to much more frequent schedules, thereby improving reliability through increased monitoring frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the inspection parameter from periodic (every 5-7 years) to potentially continuous or frequent monitoring. The passive nature and low cost of the sensor enable transformation of the inspection regime from rare, comprehensive checks to frequent, routine monitoring, significantly reducing the time loss between inspections
4Measurement precision
If active magnetization is used, then magnetic flux leakage measurement is enabled, but the process becomes disruptive and requires equipment inside the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active magnetization with passive magnetometry, substituting a disruptive physical process with a non-intrusive sensing approach. The passive sensors detect residual magnetic flux patterns without requiring active field generation, eliminating disruption to pipeline operation and avoiding the need for complex equipment inside the conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline's own residual magnetic field serves as the measurement source. Instead of requiring external active magnetization, the system utilizes the naturally occurring or previously established residual magnetization in the ferromagnetic pipeline material, allowing the object itself to provide the measurement signal without external intervention
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 frequent, cost-effective, and non-disruptive inspection of fluid conduits, providing detailed condition assessments and anomaly detection, even in hard-to-reach areas, without the need for active magnetization or direct contact, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional inspection methods.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic flux data represents a residual magnetization of the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
A method of inspecting a fluid conduit using passive magnetometry includes collecting magnetic flux data from inside the fluid conduit without actively magnetizing the fluid conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and sensor devices for fluid conduit inspection using passive magnetometry are provided. A method of inspecting a fluid conduit using passive magnetometry includes collecting magnetic flux data from inside the fluid conduit without actively magnetizing the fluid conduit, the magnetic flux data representing a residual magnetization of the fluid conduit, and identifying a conduit condition for the fluid conduit using the magnetic flux data. A computer system includes a memory for storing magnetic flux data collected from inside the fluid conduit without active magnetization of the fluid conduit, the magnetic flux data representing a residual magnetization of the fluid conduit; and a processor in communication with the memory and configured to generate an electronic representation of a conduit condition for the fluid conduit based on the magnetic flux data, wherein the electronic representation is stored in the memory.