Underwater Pipeline Crawler With Latching Arms for Weld Joint Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater pipeline inspection methods face challenges in accessing and inspecting weld joints due to their vulnerability to corrosion and the difficulty of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in navigating shallow waters with high currents.
Innovation Solution
An underwater inspection crawler system equipped with latching arms, driving wheels, and a communication unit that allows aerial communication, enabling the crawler to traverse weld joints and maintain stability on pipelines with varying diameters, and can operate with the assistance of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ROVs are used to inspect underwater pipelines, then inspection readings can be taken at targeted spots, but the ROVs become difficult to access the pipeline and particularly the weld joints in shallow waters with high currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate inspection system that operates independently of ROVs. This system uses a specialized inspection device that can attach to and move along the pipeline, serving as a mediator between the inspection goal and the challenging underwater environment. The device includes propulsion means for moving along the pipeline and positioning means for stable attachment, allowing it to reach weld joints in shallow waters where ROVs struggle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inspection methods are used, then ROVs can operate in deep water, but they cannot effectively inspect weld joints in shallow zones with high currents
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device incorporates dynamic positioning and propulsion systems that adapt to different water conditions. The positioning means includes adjustable attachment mechanisms that can securely hold the device on pipelines of varying diameters, while the propulsion system provides controlled movement along the pipeline. This dynamic capability allows reliable operation from deep water to shallow zones with high currents, overcoming the limitations of conventional ROV-based inspection.
3Device complexity
If the inspection crawler uses fixed-length arms, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate pipelines of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arms are designed with adjustable length capability, transforming from fixed to variable configuration. The arms can be extended or retracted to match different pipeline diameters, enabling the inspection device to accommodate various pipe sizes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism adds controlled complexity to the structure while significantly enhancing versatility and adaptability to different pipeline configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection crawler, and systems and methods for inspecting underwater pipelines are provided. The system includes the inspection crawler having a housing with a first side, an opposing second side, a power source, and a controller. The crawler includes an inspection tool, at least two pairs of latching arms, each latching arm including a rolling element, and at least two pairs of driving wheels. The system also includes at least one communication unit configured to communicate with the inspection crawler and to communicate aerially with one or more remote devices and, and at one sea surface unit. The inspection crawler can further include a connecting structure connecting the front and back portions of the crawler, and configured to elongate and shorten the inspection crawler.