Robotic Pipeline Imaging Collar for Single-Pass Multi-Angle Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting above-ground pipelines are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, requiring multiple traversals and the use of hazardous radiation sources, which pose safety risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A robotic crawler equipped with imaging equipment that captures images from multiple angles in a single traversal, using reduced-radiation X-ray tubes and linear detectors, and processes the data to produce composite imaging results, reducing the need for multiple views and minimizing hazardous zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods with scaffolding and hand-positioned imaging equipment are used, then multiple angles of view can be captured, but the inspection process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming requiring multiple traversals
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging devices are combined into a single integrated collar system that captures multiple angles of view simultaneously during one traversal, eliminating the need for multiple separate traversals and manual repositioning of equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system transitions from sequential single-angle imaging to multi-angle simultaneous imaging by arranging detectors in a three-dimensional collar configuration around the pipeline, capturing comprehensive views in a single pass
2Ease of operation
If traditional collar systems with vehicle-mounted imaging equipment are used, then a single view of the pipeline can be obtained, but multiple traversals are still required and a large exclusion zone is needed due to hazardous radiation sources
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent detector units arranged in a collar configuration, with each detector capturing images from different angles simultaneously, allowing comprehensive inspection without requiring a large exclusion zone
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-view imaging to multi-view simultaneous imaging by positioning detectors in three-dimensional space around the pipeline, achieving complete inspection coverage while minimizing the radiation exclusion zone
3Measurement precision
If heavy imaging equipment is mounted on a vehicle for pipeline inspection, then imaging capability is provided, but the vehicle operability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The collar system is designed as a universal inspection device that can be applied to pipelines of various sizes and configurations, integrating imaging functionality directly into the collar structure without requiring separate heavy vehicle-mounted equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detector arrays are arranged in a collar configuration that replicates the imaging function across different angles and positions, eliminating the need for a single heavy vehicle-mounted imaging system
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 robotic system significantly reduces inspection time and labor, enhances safety by minimizing radiation exposure, and provides comprehensive imaging data with fewer traversals, improving the efficiency and safety of pipeline inspections.
Implementation Method 1
activate one or more transmission sources
Implementation Method 2
using reduced-radiation X-ray tubes and linear detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.