Pipe Network Integrity Assessment Using Sectioned Data Algorithms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe networks face challenges in maintaining integrity due to various environmental and operational factors, leading to potential failures that result in significant adverse effects, including economic losses and damage to surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated integrity management of pipe networks that involves obtaining and evaluating design, manufacturing, environmental, and fluid data using algorithms to determine the condition of the pipe network in real-time, ensuring compliance with industry standards and hazardous environment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated integrity management systems are implemented to monitor pipe networks in real-time, then reliability and failure prediction improve, but device complexity and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrity evaluation system divides the pipe network into discrete sections and evaluates each section independently using multiple specialized algorithms (corrosion assessment, stress analysis, anomaly detection). This segmentation allows the complex overall system to be managed through modular, manageable components while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation system integrates multiple assessment algorithms and data processing capabilities into a single unified platform that can handle diverse input data types (environmental, operational, inspection) and produce comprehensive integrity assessments. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive data collection (design, manufacturing, environmental, operational) is performed to accurately assess pipe network condition, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects and stores design data, manufacturing data, and baseline environmental data during the pipe network's planning and construction phases, before the pipe is fully operational. This preliminary data collection establishes a comprehensive baseline that eliminates the need for extensive retroactive data gathering, reducing time loss during ongoing operations while maintaining assessment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation system continuously collects environmental and operational data during pipe network operation, processing information in real-time or near-real-time. This continuous data collection approach replaces periodic intensive sampling, maintaining measurement precision while distributing the time investment evenly across the monitoring period rather than concentrating it in discrete assessment events.
3Reliability
If multiple assessment algorithms are used to evaluate manufacturing, environmental, fluid, and maintenance data, then reliability of evaluation improves, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation system implements separate specialized algorithms for different assessment functions: corrosion assessment algorithms analyze environmental exposure and material degradation, stress analysis algorithms evaluate mechanical loads and structural integrity, and anomaly detection algorithms identify unexpected patterns. Each algorithm is optimized for its specific function, improving reliability while allowing independent development and maintenance of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs data processing modules that serve as intermediaries between raw data collection and algorithmic analysis. These intermediaries standardize and pre-process input data from multiple sources (sensors, inspection records, operational logs), converting diverse data formats into uniform inputs that simplify algorithm integration and reduce computational complexity while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating a pipe network in service may include obtaining design data, manufacturing data, environmental data, fluid data, data associated with installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair, and optional other sensor data for the pipe network. All of this data is evaluated using one or more algorithms. Based on this evaluation, a condition of the pipe network, or pipe network sections thereof, is determined. In some cases, a recommended course of action with respect to the pipe network is presented. In some cases, a dashboard is used to present data and/or receive user input. Example embodiments may self-correct and improve the algorithms used to evaluate the data and determine the condition of the pipe network.