In-Line Pipeline Inspection for Protective Casing Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipeline casing inspections require excavation, which is costly, logistically challenging, and can damage the casings, increasing the risk of pipeline failure.
Innovation Solution
An in-line inspection device equipped with axially-oriented transmitters and receivers that travel inside the pipeline to detect anomalies in the casing and pipeline by transmitting and detecting signals at varying frequencies, allowing for non-invasive assessment of structural integrity and wall thickness without direct excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional excavation methods are used to inspect pipeline casings, then inspection can be performed, but the process becomes financially costly and logistically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical excavation system with an electromagnetic inspection system. The in-line inspection device uses electromagnetic transmitters and receivers to detect casing anomalies without physical excavation, thereby reducing logistical complexity and costs while maintaining inspection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary in-line inspection device that travels through the pipeline to perform inspections. This device acts as a mediator between the pipeline interior and exterior, enabling non-invasive detection of casing defects without requiring external excavation access
2Measurement precision
If excavation is performed to inspect pipeline casings, then anomalies can be detected, but the casing may be damaged, increasing the likelihood of pipeline failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical excavation with electromagnetic field-based detection. The transmitters generate electromagnetic signals that penetrate the casing and pipeline, and receivers detect scattered signals indicating anomalies, eliminating physical contact that could cause damage while maintaining high detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electromagnetic signal copy or representation of the casing structure. By analyzing scattered electromagnetic signals, the system reconstructs information about casing integrity and anomaly locations without physically touching or potentially damaging the casing
3Measurement precision
If excavation is required for pipeline casing inspection, then structural integrity can be assessed, but significant planning and logistics are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the pipeline system to inspect itself through the in-line inspection device that travels through the pipeline using existing fluid flow or propulsion mechanisms. This self-inspection capability eliminates the need for external excavation operations and extensive preparation planning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary electromagnetic characterization of the casing and pipeline during normal operation. By continuously or periodically deploying the inspection device, the system proactively identifies anomalies before they become critical failures, eliminating urgent excavation planning
4Reliability
If traditional excavation methods are used, then pipeline casing inspection can be performed, but financial costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical excavation operations with a reusable in-line inspection device that travels through the pipeline. The electromagnetic detection system requires minimal infrastructure disruption and can inspect multiple pipeline sections sequentially, dramatically reducing per-inspection costs while maintaining reliability
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 detection of anomalies and defects within the pipeline and protective casing without damaging them, reducing the likelihood of failure and minimizing logistical and financial burdens associated with traditional excavation methods.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter of the one or more transmitters transmits an electromagnetic signal toward the protective casing... a receiver of the one or more receivers detects a scattered signal scattered by the protective casing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include in-line inspection devices, methods to perform in-line inspections of pipeline and protective casings, and methods to determine anomalies of pipeline and protective casings. The method includes deploying an in-line inspection device in a section of a pipeline enclosed by a protective casing. While the in-line inspection device is traveling along the pipeline, the method also includes transmitting, at a frequency, a transmitted signal toward the protective casing; and detecting a scattered signal scattered by the protective casing. The method further includes detecting a scattered signal scattered by the protective casing. The method further includes locating an anomaly of the protective casing based on the scattered signal.