Pipeline Inspection Tool Position Tracking via Acoustic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the position and progress of pipe inspection tools within pipelines are limited, as they typically rely on sensors attached to the tool itself or discrete geophone-type sensors, lacking a continuous and accurate means to track the tool's location and speed from outside the pipe.
Innovation Solution
The use of arrays or continua of acoustic sensors placed alongside or in the backfill of a pipeline to detect the noise generated by a pipe inspection tool, allowing for the determination of its location and speed through acoustic signal processing, including the removal of background noise and association with on-board logging system timestamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the pipe inspection tool itself, then the tool's position can be tracked, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic sensors as an intermediary system placed outside the pipeline to detect acoustic signals generated by the pipe inspection tool. This mediator approach allows position tracking without modifying the tool itself, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through acoustic signal detection and triangulation
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete geophone-type sensors are used at specific locations, then the system is simpler to install, but continuous tracking of the tool's location and speed cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipeline into multiple sections with acoustic sensors positioned at intervals along the pipeline. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity of installation while achieving continuous tracking capability, as each sensor segment contributes to the overall position determination through acoustic signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from discrete point measurements to continuous spatial monitoring by using multiple acoustic sensors positioned at different locations around the pipeline. This dimensional approach enables continuous tracking of the tool's position and speed by analyzing acoustic signals from multiple angles and positions
3Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are placed in the backfill alongside the pipeline, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but background noise from the environment interferes with detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes background noise from the acoustic signals by comparing signals from multiple sensors and identifying patterns specific to the pipe inspection tool versus environmental noise. This allows continuous monitoring capability to be maintained while eliminating the harmful effect of background noise interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of background noise into a beneficial feature by using it as a reference for calibration and by utilizing the acoustic signals from the tool that pass through the noisy environment. The system learns to distinguish tool signals from background noise, transforming the harmful interference into a means for enhancing detection capability
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
Provides an accurate and real-time monitoring of the pipe inspection tool's progress and condition, enabling better operational planning and immediate identification of problem areas within the pipeline, such as corrosion or deposits, without additional capital costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus; the pipeline inspection tool being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.