Pipeline Inspection Gauge Speed Control for Stall and Overspeed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart pipeline inspection tools experience speed variations and over-speed conditions when encountering problematic features in pipelines, leading to inaccurate data acquisition due to rapid acceleration or deceleration, which existing gas bypass speed control systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a speed control system for inline pipeline inspection tools, including a tractor drive system and an active brake system, which utilize actuators and contact members to adjust speed and maintain forward propulsion or apply braking forces to prevent tool slowdowns and over-speed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free-swimming pigs are propelled by product pressure through pipelines, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the speed stability deteriorates causing repeated stops and starts when encountering problematic features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the speed of the ILI tool and adjusts the bypass valve position accordingly. When the tool encounters a problematic feature and speed decreases, the system detects this change and opens the bypass valve to redirect product flow, maintaining consistent propulsion force and speed throughout the inspection journey.
2Measurement precision
If gas bypass speed control systems are used to maintain predetermined speed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass valve as an intermediary component that redirects product flow around the ILI tool. This mediator allows the system to maintain predetermined speed by controlling the amount of product that bypasses the tool, providing smooth speed regulation without requiring complex direct propulsion mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool encounters problematic features such as heavy welds or tight bends, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the speed control deteriorates causing rapid acceleration and over-speed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively opening the bypass valve before the ILI tool encounters problematic features like heavy welds or tight bends. The speed control system detects upcoming speed variations and adjusts product flow in advance, preventing over-speed conditions when the tool navigates through challenging pipeline sections.
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 system ensures consistent data acquisition by maintaining the tool's predetermined speed, reducing energy buildup, and minimizing over-speed conditions, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of inspection data.
Implementation Method 1
a contact member configured to be positioned against an inner surface of the pipeline and a first actuator configured to act on the contact member to adjust a speed of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A speed control apparatus for an inline pipeline inspection tool includes a body configured to be moved by a compressible product moving through a pipeline and a speed control mechanism supported by the body. The speed control mechanism includes a contact member that is positionable against an inner surface of the pipeline and an actuator configured to act on the contact member to adjust a speed of the body when the speed deviates from a predetermined speed. The speed control apparatus forms a drive system that provides forward propulsion to prevent the tool from slowing or stopping due to a problematic feature in the pipeline. The speed control apparatus also forms a brake system that minimizes overspeed conditions that can occur when built-up pressure initially dislodges the tool from the problematic feature in the pipeline.