Permafrost Pipeline Position Monitoring with Local GNSS Benchmarking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the position and deformation of above-ground pipelines in permafrost regions face challenges due to electrical supply instability and precision instrument reliability issues, particularly in remote and low-temperature conditions, limiting their effectiveness for high-altitude position maintenance and deformation detection.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical geodetic devices and mobile satellite geodetic transmitters to monitor deformation control benchmarks, attaching sites to a local coordinate system, and using a network of permanent reference stations with GNSS and fiber-optic communication for precise and efficient data collection and transmission, enabling continuous monitoring of pipeline high-altitude positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic tachometers and precision instruments are used for monitoring pipeline position, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to electrical supply instability and instrument failure in remote permafrost conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic tachometers and electrical measurement systems with optical theodolites and satellite-based GNSS receivers. These optical and satellite-based systems do not require local electrical power supply, eliminating the reliability issues associated with electrical equipment in remote permafrost regions while maintaining high measurement precision for pipeline position monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system utilizes satellite-based GNSS positioning and optical reference points that are self-contained and do not require external electrical infrastructure. The theodolite and GNSS equipment can operate autonomously in remote areas, with data stored internally and transmitted when communication is available, making the system self-sufficient in harsh environments
2Measurement precision
If optical geodetic devices and satellite transmitters are deployed across the pipeline route, then measurement precision and data accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into discrete segments: permanent GNSS reference stations at fixed locations, mobile theodolite survey points along the pipeline, and deformation control benchmarks at specific intervals. Each segment operates independently but contributes to the overall pipeline position monitoring, allowing the complex measurement task to be broken into manageable parts that can be executed and maintained separately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional monitoring approach where the same theodolite and GNSS equipment can measure both the position of deformation control benchmarks and the high-altitude position of pipeline supports. The system serves multiple purposes: establishing local coordinate systems, monitoring benchmark deformation, tracking pipeline support positions, and detecting ground subsidence, thereby reducing the need for specialized equipment for each function
3Reliability
If frequent monitoring measurements are conducted to detect deformation, then reliability of pipeline condition assessment is improved, but loss of time and labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Deformation control benchmarks are pre-installed on pipeline supports at strategic locations before operation begins. Permanent GNSS reference stations are established in advance with known coordinates in the local coordinate system. This preliminary setup creates a ready-made measurement framework that enables rapid subsequent monitoring without requiring time-consuming installation during each survey
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous monitoring capability through permanent GNSS reference stations that continuously record position data, and through efficient theodolite measurement procedures that can quickly capture pipeline support positions. The pre-established local coordinate system and deformation control benchmarks allow for uninterrupted monitoring sequences, minimizing the time required for each assessment while maintaining reliable detection of deformation trends over time
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the field of engineering geodesy and may be used for monitoring of the condition, including position and deformation of pipelines. The technical result achieved during the use of the claimed invention is the use of the complex of interrelated monitoring measures that include the control position of deformation control benchmarks with the help of optic geodetic devices and with the help of mobile satellite geodetic receivers, the control the position of deep benchmarks with the help of mobile satellite geodetic receivers, the use of the state system of coordinates only at the initial stage for reference of the network sites to the local system of coordinates, geodetic measurements in the local system of coordinates, the decrease of the time and labor for works of detection of the oil pipeline coordinates for operational needs, simplification of the planned high-altitude position data exchange, storage and transfer during measurement at the increase of authenticity (precision) and the rate of formation of the result concerning the received data about the current position of pipelines and support, independent claims - 1, figures - 4.