Pipeline Induced Current Detection Through Fourier Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying induced currents in pipelines is difficult, especially when they are buried, making it challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts and posing risks of corrosion and electrical shock.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system that includes a monitor and process assembly to receive signals from pipelines, calculate root mean square and average values, transform data to a frequency domain, and display the results to identify induced currents, using Fourier transformations to distinguish between induced and cathodic protection currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and ability to identify induced currents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system segments the complex task of induced current identification into distinct functional modules: signal acquisition from the pipeline, RMS value calculation, average value calculation, Fourier transformation for frequency domain analysis, and display/output. This modular segmentation enables precise measurement of induced currents while managing system complexity through organized functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate processing steps between raw signal acquisition and final identification: calculating RMS values to characterize signal magnitude, computing average values to establish baselines, and performing Fourier transformations to separate induced currents from cathodic protection currents in the frequency domain. These intermediaries enable precise identification that would be impossible with direct observation alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If induced currents are not identified, then loss of information about pipeline conditions is minimized, but object-affected harmful factors (corrosion and electrical shock risks) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system establishes a feedback loop by continuously acquiring pipeline signals, processing them through RMS and average calculations, performing Fourier transformations to identify induced current frequencies, and displaying results. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time detection of induced currents, allowing timely mitigation actions to prevent corrosion and electrical shock hazards while maintaining awareness of pipeline conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical inspection methods with electrical signal analysis. Instead of mechanical or visual examination to assess pipeline safety, the system uses electrical field measurements, signal processing, and Fourier analysis to detect induced currents that cause corrosion and safety hazards. This substitution enables non-intrusive, continuous monitoring that provides critical information without physical intervention.
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
Effectively identifies induced currents, enabling timely mitigation and reducing corrosion and electrical shock risks by providing real-time monitoring and analysis of pipeline signals.
Implementation Method 1
transforming, by the monitor and process assembly, the first time domain data set to a first frequency domain data set
Implementation Method 2
Calculating, by the monitor and process assembly, a root mean square of the first signal. Calculating, by the monitor and process assembly, an average of the first signal.
Implementation Method 3
The receiver is configured to receive a first signal indicative of at least one of a voltage or a current from a pipeline.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology of the present application provides a method, apparatus, and non-transitory medium to identify induced voltages and/or currents on a pipeline. The technology includes a monitor and process assembly that receives a first signal indicative of at least a voltage or current on a pipeline. The assembly calculates a root mean square (RMS) and an average for the first signal, which RMS and averages are collected as time domain data. The time domain data is transformed to the frequency domain, by a Fourier transformation, which is displayed to determine if a voltage or current signal is on the pipeline.