Buried Pipeline Coating Assessment for Corrosion Maintenance Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buried pipelines face challenges in maintaining the integrity of their external coatings due to environmental erosion, and existing inspection methods lack a comprehensive approach to prioritize maintenance effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that categorizes buried pipelines based on compatibility with cathodic protection and setup status, using data from inspection tools like close interval survey, ACVG, and DCVG tools to analyze coating degradation and determine a prioritization schedule for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive inspection using multiple tools (CIS, ACVG, DCVG) is performed to accurately assess coating degradation, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and inspection cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple specialized tools (CIS for close interval survey, ACVG for alternating current voltage gradient, DCVG for direct current voltage gradient) that can be selected and applied based on specific inspection needs. This allows comprehensive assessment through coordinated use of simpler individual tools rather than one complex all-purpose tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a unified assessment framework that can process and integrate data from multiple different inspection tools (CIS, ACVG, DCVG) to provide comprehensive coating degradation evaluation. This multi-functional approach allows a single assessment system to handle various inspection methods and provide holistic pipeline integrity assessment.
2Reliability
If detailed classification of pipelines into multiple categories (scrapable/shielding, scrapable/non-shielding, un-scrapable shielding, un-scrapable non-shielding) is implemented, then reliability and针对性 of maintenance improve, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline population is segmented into distinct categories based on coating properties (shielding vs. non-shielding) and repairability (scrapable vs. un-scrapable). This segmentation enables tailored maintenance strategies for each category, improving reliability by addressing specific characteristics of different pipeline types rather than applying uniform maintenance approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Different assessment and maintenance approaches are applied to different pipeline categories based on their specific characteristics. For example, shielding coatings may require different assessment thresholds and maintenance intervals compared to non-shielding coatings, optimizing maintenance effectiveness for each local condition.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring with inspection tools is performed to track operating conditions, then reliability and early detection capability improve, but loss of time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring that would cause constant operational disruption, the system employs periodic inspection cycles where pipelines are assessed at scheduled intervals. This allows reliable tracking of coating degradation over time while minimizing operational disruption, as inspections can be planned and executed during scheduled maintenance windows rather than requiring constant monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a computer-implemented method that includes: determining a category of a buried pipeline based on a compatibility with cathodic protection and a setup status of the buried pipeline, wherein the buried pipeline includes an external coating on an exterior surface of the buried pipeline; accessing input data from one or more inspection tools, wherein the one or more inspection tools are configured to monitor respective operating conditions of the buried pipeline; analyzing the input data from the one or more inspection tools in a manner specific to the determined category of the buried pipeline; and determining a prioritization schedule to maintain the external coating on the exterior surface of the buried pipeline.