Optical Fiber Pipeline Flooding Detection via Vibration Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for detecting pipeline deterioration, such as thinning or corrosion, do not address flooding detection, which is necessary to prevent further pipe damage.

Innovation Solution

A flooding detection device utilizing an optical fiber along a pipeline to detect flooding by analyzing the propagation characteristics of vibration through the pipeline, including an optical signal reception, propagation characteristic detection, and flooding detection based on these characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic optical probes are attached to measure wall thickness for detecting pipe deterioration, then thinning and corrosion detection is improved, but flooding detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall thickness measurement precisionVSAvoidflooding detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber sensing system is designed to perform multiple detection functions including both wall thickness measurement and flooding detection by analyzing different characteristics of light propagation and vibration signals along the pipeline, enabling a single system to serve multiple inspection purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical fiber sensing is used to detect vibration propagation characteristics, then flooding detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflooding detection capabilityVSAvoidoptical signal reception and processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that converts complex optical signal variations into simplified flooding detection indicators by analyzing vibration propagation characteristics, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall detection system while maintaining high flooding detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the detection of flooding in pipelines, allowing for timely prevention of further pipe damage due to flooding.

Implementation Method 1

an optical signal reception means for receiving an optical signal including sensing information, from an optical fiber provided along a pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber sensing: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a propagation characteristic detection means for detecting a propagation characteristic of vibration in the pipeline by using the sensing information included in the optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration propagation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12516782B2Flooding detection device, flooding detection system, and flooding detection method

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 NEC CORP

AI summary

Provided is a flooding detection device or the like capable of detecting flooding in a pipeline. The flooding detection device comprises: an optical signal reception unit configured to receive an optical signal, including sensing information, from an optical fiber provided along the pipeline; at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to detect the propagation characteristics of vibrations in the pipeline using the sensing information included in the optical signal and detect flooding in the pipeline on the basis of the propagation characteristics.