Pipe Measurement Using Removable Reference Target Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring subsea pipeline sections are inadequate for field conditions, as they require extensive setup, access to inaccessible parts, and are not suitable for challenging environments like storage yards or sea conditions, and they fail to efficiently capture the geometry of pipe ends and walls.
Innovation Solution
A method using a removable reference target support with scannable targets attached to the pipe, allowing a hand-held scanner to maintain positional reference during scanning, enabling efficient measurement of internal, external, and edge geometries without the need for extensive setup or external references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art scanning methods are used in controlled factory conditions, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and setup time increase significantly when applied to field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into a portable scanning device and a separate reference target assembly. The reference target support is detachably connected to the pipe, allowing the scanning device to be used independently without complex fixed infrastructure. This segmentation enables the system to maintain precision while reducing device complexity for field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference target assembly serves as an intermediary between the portable scanning device and the pipe. The reference targets provide a stable positional reference that mediates the measurement process, enabling accurate measurements without requiring complex fixed reference structures. This intermediary solution bridges the gap between portability and precision.
2Reliability
If fixed reference structures are used for scanning, then positional reference is stable, but setup time and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reference target support is pre-assembled with reference targets in fixed positions before being attached to the pipe. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the support is connected to the pipe during field operations, the positional reference is immediately stable without requiring time-consuming setup of complex fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference target support transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic, detachable component that can be quickly attached and removed. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain positional reference stability when needed while minimizing setup time by using a portable rather than fixed structure.
3Productivity
If pipe sections are measured in challenging field conditions, then measurements can be made close to fabrication time, but measurement accuracy decreases due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The reference target assembly acts as an intermediary that creates a stable measurement reference frame independent of environmental conditions. By providing artificial reference targets that are not affected by weather or sea conditions, the system enables accurate measurements to be taken in challenging field environments at any time before fabrication.
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, quick, and portable measurement of pipe sections in demanding environments, reducing setup time and ensuring reliable data capture, even in conditions like wet and windy marine operations, and is reusable across multiple pipe sections.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanner, which scans a surface of the pipe section by emitting laser beams and capturing reflected light
Implementation Method 2
scanning the object with a hand-held movable scanner, wherein the scanner uses the plurality of reference targets of the reference target support to provide a positional reference
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed of measuring a hollow object such as a pipe including temporarily attaching to that object a reference target support such as a stencil that supports a plurality of scannable reference targets. When scanning the object with a movable scanner, most conveniently a hand-held scanner, the reference targets provide a positional reference for the scanner. A reference target support that is attachable to or movable along a hollow object has a display face presenting and supporting a plurality of scannable reference targets. The display face can stand up from a surface of the object or can lie against a surface of the object. The reference target support and the scanner can be movable together along a pipe as an internal inspection pig.