Pipeline Pig Tunnel Detection via Magnetometer and VLF EM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for accurately detecting subsurface tunnels, particularly in real-time, and fail to effectively measure their dimensions and temporal changes, especially from multiple locations within a horizontal conduit.
Innovation Solution
Adaptation of a pipeline pig tool equipped with detection devices like quantum magnetometers, electromagnetic induction-logging sondes, and acoustic tools to move through a horizontal conduit, acquiring data to determine the presence, location, shape, size, and depth of subsurface tunnels, while minimizing measurement errors through data stacking and precise location regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection devices are mounted outside the conduit (e.g., on cars or airplanes), then the detection range is extended, but motion jitter increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conduit as an intermediary medium that guides and constrains the detection device. The conduit acts as a mediator between the detection device and the external environment, providing a stable transmission path while isolating the device from external motion disturbances. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the detection device to maintain precise measurements while being transported through the conduit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces external mechanical mounting systems (cars, airplanes) with an internal conduit-based transmission system. Instead of relying on external vehicles that introduce motion jitter, the detection device is transmitted through the conduit using fluid pressure or magnetic fields, eliminating mechanical vibration and improving measurement stability.
2Reliability
If multiple horizontal conduits are deployed to cover target regions, then detection coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conduit system multi-functional by enabling bidirectional transmission of detection devices. The same conduit can be used for both forward and backward detection, and multiple conduits can be reused after deployment. This universality allows a single conduit to serve multiple detection purposes and time periods, reducing the total number of conduits needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery and reuse mechanism for conduits. After detection devices complete their measurement task in a conduit, the conduit is retrieved, cleaned, and reused for subsequent detection operations. This recovering approach eliminates the need to deploy new conduits for each detection mission, significantly reducing the quantity of conduits required while maintaining reliable detection coverage.
3Productivity
If detection devices move through the conduit, then real-time detection is achieved, but measurement errors increase due to motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the detection device's position and motion within the conduit. Real-time feedback signals allow the system to compensate for motion-induced measurement errors by adjusting detection parameters dynamically, maintaining both high detection speed and measurement accuracy despite the moving conditions.
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 approach allows for accurate, cost-effective, and real-time detection of subsurface tunnels from multiple locations, reducing random noise and increasing the detection range, enabling the use of fewer conduits to cover target regions, and facilitating the reuse of spoolable conduits.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring magnetometer data by measuring, using the onboard Earth's-field quantum magnetometer tool, distortions in the Earth's magnetic-field due to magnetic anomalies
Implementation Method 2
acquiring VLF EM resistivity data by measuring, using the onboard VLF EM resistivity subsurface-survey tool, a distortion of the VLF electromagnetic field caused by the presence of the tunnel
Implementation Method 3
acoustic detection tools comprising an acoustic transmitter (or transceiver) and an acoustic receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for detecting a subsurface tunnel includes propelling an instrumented pipeline pig through a horizontal detection conduit, acquiring and analyzing magnetometer measurements and VLF EM resistivity measurements to detect distortions and/or anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field and/or VLF electromagnetic field, respectively, and correlating the data with position data of the pipeline pig to compute a parameter of a tunnel such as, for example, location, size and depth.