Pipeline Inspection Device Using High-Density Elastomeric Casing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline inspection methods using 'foam pigs' made of expanded polymeric or elastomeric material are limited in providing reliable data on pipeline conditions, particularly in detecting restrictions and are prone to breakage, which can cause operational risks and require costly recovery operations.

Innovation Solution

An inspection device comprising a casing and sensors made of polymeric or elastomeric material with a density higher than 30 kg/m3, designed to minimize disruption and facilitate easy recovery, equipped with multiple sensors for continuous data registration and analysis, including pressure, temperature, and acceleration sensors, and capable of being isodense with the transported liquid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If foam pigs made of expanded polymeric material are used for pipeline inspection, then the inspection can be performed with minimal disruption to pipeline operations, but the reliability of data on pipeline conditions and restrictions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimal disruption to pipeline operationsVSAvoidreliability of data on pipeline conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the density parameter of the polymeric material from low-density expanded foam to higher-density material (greater than 30 kg/m3). This parameter change allows the inspection device to maintain structural integrity for reliable measurements while still being transportable by the pipeline flow with minimal disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite polymeric materials with specific density characteristics. The material combines the flexibility and flow-following capability of polymeric substances with enhanced mechanical properties through controlled density, achieving both minimal disruption and reliable data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If foam pigs are used to remove solid deposits by increasing density and diameter, then deposit removal capability is improved, but the risk of breakage and dispersion of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit removal capabilityVSAvoidbreakage and dispersion of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the density parameter within a specific range (greater than 30 kg/m3) to achieve the right balance. This density provides sufficient structural strength to prevent breakage while maintaining the ability to interact with and remove solid deposits through controlled mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric material acts as a flexible shell that can deform and adapt to pipeline conditions without breaking. The material's flexibility allows it to navigate restrictions and deposits while maintaining integrity, preventing component dispersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of information

If conventional pigs with complex instrumentation are used, then comprehensive pipeline inspection is achieved, but the device length exceeds one meter causing invasive disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive inspection capabilityVSAvoiddevice length

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material density parameter to enable a more compact device design. The higher-density polymeric material provides greater structural efficiency, allowing comprehensive instrumentation to be housed in a shorter device that still follows the pipeline flow effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides reliable data on pipeline defects and anomalies without disrupting pipeline operations, avoids costly recovery operations, and ensures safe inspection by minimizing the risk of breakage and dispersion of components.

Implementation Method 1

the expanded polymeric or elastomeric material of which they are made is compressed in the presence of restrictions which can be caused by the accumulation of said solid deposits in the pipelines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

said casing being of polymeric or elastomeric material having a density, measured according to the regulation ASTM D3574, higher than or equal to 30 kg/m3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS9188270B2Monitoring and analysis method of the conditions of a pipeline

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 SENTRIS SRL

AI summary

Monitoring and analysis method of the conditions of a pipeline, comprising: providing an inspection device (1) in expanded polymeric or elastomeric material comprising at least one measurement instrument (2, 3), said measurement instrument including at least one casing and at least one sensor; introducing said inspection device into the pipeline (5); recovering said inspection device; wherein said casing is made of polymeric or elastomeric material, having a density, measured according to the regulation ASTM D3574, higher than or equal to 30 kg/m3, preferably ranging from 700 to 2,000 kg/m3. Said method allows the continuous registration and storage of useful parameters for revealing defects and/or anomalies inside the pipeline (5) that transports gas and/or liquids, as well as possible variations in the internal diameter of the same.