Pipeline Element Guided Wave Sensor Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline monitoring systems for fluid circulation pipelines, especially in challenging environments like offshore sectors, face limitations in detecting defects such as fatigue cracks and corrosion due to high background noise, which restricts the inspection length and sensitivity, particularly for fine defects, and require complex and costly installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave sensor system integrated into the pipeline with control electronics and electrical cables fixed under a protective covering, allowing for high-frequency detection of defects and automatic calibration, enabling effective monitoring of welded joints and long pipeline sections with multiple sensors working in conjunction to cover blind areas and correct for signal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If guided wave sensors are used to detect defects in pipelines, then measurement precision is improved, but background noise increases which reduces detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (signal processors, filters, and reference echo databases) that mediate between the raw sensor signals and the final defect detection. These intermediaries process the guided wave signals to separate defect echoes from background noise, effectively resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision while dealing with high background noise environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by comparing current sensor readings with reference echoes stored in a database. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between normal pipeline variations and actual defects, improving detection sensitivity despite high background noise conditions.
2Productivity
If inspection length is extended to cover longer pipeline sections, then productivity is improved, but detection sensitivity decreases due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long pipeline inspection task into manageable segments by placing multiple sensors at intervals along the pipeline. Each sensor covers a specific section, and the results are integrated to provide comprehensive coverage. This segmentation allows long inspection lengths while maintaining detection sensitivity in each local section.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension approach (one sensor covering long distance) to a multi-dimensional approach (multiple sensors covering shorter distances simultaneously). By distributing sensors along the pipeline length, the system achieves both extended inspection coverage and maintained detection sensitivity through parallel monitoring of multiple sections.
3Productivity
If multiple sensors are installed to cover blind areas and extend inspection length, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensors and electronic devices that perform multiple functions: generating guided waves, receiving echoes, processing signals, and communicating data. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby extending inspection coverage while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple sensors and their associated electronics into integrated units that can be distributed along the pipeline. By combining signal generation, reception, and processing capabilities into unified sensor nodes, the system achieves extended inspection coverage while managing complexity through standardized modular units.
4Reliability
If complex installation methods like submersion operations or epoxy resin embedding are used, then sensor fixation reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors and fixation mechanisms that are self-contained and self-securing. The sensors include integrated mounting features that allow them to attach to the pipeline without requiring external embedding materials or complex submersion operations. This self-service approach maintains fixation reliability while dramatically simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor fixation mechanisms are pre-configured and pre-tested during manufacturing, allowing for simple field installation. The sensors come with built-in mounting features that have already been optimized for reliable attachment, eliminating the need for complex on-site installation procedures like epoxy embedding or specialized submersion operations.
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
The system enables efficient detection of various defects, including fine cracks and corrosion, over extended pipeline lengths with improved sensitivity and reduced installation costs, allowing for frequent and effective monitoring without the need for complex submersion operations or epoxy resin embedding.
Implementation Method 1
sensors which are arranged to transmit what are known as 'guided' sound waves, which propagate along the pipeline and the behaviour of which will be disrupted in the presence of geometric irregularities, in particular defects
Implementation Method 2
By studying the echoes resulting from these sound waves it is possible to detect the existence of a defect
Implementation Method 3
A magnetostrictive sensor 50 can be used as a guided wave sensor 5
Data Source
AI summary
An element configured to be mounted at an end of a pipe suited to circulation of a fluid to extend the pipe. The element includes a hollow profiled body including a peripheral surface and a protective covering at least partially covering the peripheral surface. The element further includes a sensor of guided waves type, control electronics for the guided wave sensor, and an electric cable configured to connect the control electronics to corresponding electronics of the pipe. The electric cable and the guided wave sensor are fixed to the peripheral surface of the body under at least part of the protective covering.