Pipeline Blockage Location Using Dynamic Pressure Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline operators face challenges in tracking pipeline inspection gauges (pigs) in real-time, especially when they lack 'smart' capabilities, and existing solutions can be inaccurate due to traction wheel fouling or battery exhaustion, requiring a method to locate blockages without relying on telemetry.
Innovation Solution
A system using dynamic pressure wave propagation in pipelines, where a pressure transducer and processing device analyze pressure waveforms to determine the location of blockages, allowing for real-time tracking without the need for instrumentation or cabling, and can initiate pressure waves using valves, air guns, or acoustic transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pipeline inspection gauges are equipped with onboard circuitry and traction wheels to track distance, then location tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic tracking system (traction wheels and onboard circuitry) with a pressure-based detection system. Pressure transducers mounted on the pipeline detect pressure changes caused by the moving blockage, eliminating the need for mechanical components and electronic systems on the gauge itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure waves as an intermediary medium to transfer information about the blockage location. Instead of the gauge directly reporting its position, the gauge modifies pressure waves that travel through the pipeline, and these modified waves carry location information back to detectors.
2Measurement precision
If smart pigs with telemetry systems are used, then real-time location information is obtained, but reliability decreases due to battery exhaustion and traction wheel fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline itself serves as the detection medium. The existing fluid flow and pressure system in the pipeline are utilized to detect blockage location, eliminating the need for external power sources, batteries, or mechanical tracking components on the gauge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the unreliable mechanical telemetry system with a pressure-based detection system that uses the natural fluid dynamics of the pipeline, removing dependencies on batteries and mechanical wheels that can fail.
3Measurement precision
If pressure transducers and processing devices are installed along the pipeline to detect blockages, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transducers serve multiple functions: they monitor normal pipeline pressure operations and simultaneously detect blockage locations by analyzing pressure wave patterns. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure waves as an intermediary to transmit blockage location information over long distances through the existing pipeline fluid, eliminating the need for complex electronic communication infrastructure or additional sensing cables along the pipeline.
4Measurement precision
If additional instrumentation and cabling are installed to track pipeline inspection gauges, then location monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation and installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing pipeline fluid and pressure system as an intermediary to transmit tracking information, eliminating the need to install additional cabling, sensors, or communication infrastructure along the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing pressure monitoring infrastructure of the pipeline is utilized for dual purposes: normal operational pressure monitoring and blockage location detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking infrastructure.
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
Enables accurate, cost-effective, and minimally disruptive real-time tracking of blockages within pipelines, functioning during normal operations without the need for additional infrastructure or power sources, applicable to both smart and non-smart pigs.
Implementation Method 1
recording pressure as a function of time in response a dynamic pressure change in the pipeline to produce a pressure waveform
Data Source
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AI summary
Dynamic pressure wave propagation can be used in pipelines to provide information about the available, unobstructed diameter and any partial or complete blockages in the pipeline. Certain aspects and features can be used to locate a pipeline inspection gauge (pig) that may be deployed in the pipeline, since in terms of a pressure profile, the pig is no different than any other type of pipeline blockage. Regular pulsing of the pipeline with a pressure wave can further be used to track a blockage over time. A valve or any other suitable device such as an air gun can be used to generate the pressure wave. A time series analysis can be carried out to determine and track the location of the blockage.