Pipeline Inspection Apparatus Guided Wave Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional in-line pipeline inspection methods face challenges in accurately detecting cracks and corrosion near dented regions due to mechanical alignment issues and the arbitrary shape of dents, leading to unreliable inspection data and potential undetection of serious defects.

Innovation Solution

A pipeline inspection apparatus with primary and secondary operating modes, where the secondary mode is triggered as the apparatus approaches a dented region, providing specific inspection data using a guidedwave propagation method that is less sensitive to geometric anomalies, and combining this with primary data for a direct assessment of cracks and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional in-line inspection methods are used to detect cracks and corrosion, then inspection sensitivity is maintained under normal conditions, but detection reliability deteriorates in dented regions due to mechanical alignment issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection apparatus dynamically switches between a first inspection mode for normal regions and a second inspection mode for dented regions. The system adapts its inspection methodology based on the detected geometry, transitioning from alignment-dependent methods to alignment-independent methods when dents are identified, thereby maintaining detection reliability across varying pipeline conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the inspection parameters by switching between different inspection modes. The first mode uses conventional alignment-dependent inspection parameters, while the second mode employs alignment-independent parameters that remain effective despite geometric distortions caused by dents, thus resolving the reliability issue in dented regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If dimensional tools are used to determine dent geometry and probability analysis is performed, then indirect assessment of cracks or corrosion is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to error-prone indirect analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindirect assessment capabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces indirect mechanical dimensional measurement with direct sensor-based detection. Instead of using dimensional tools to measure dent geometry and performing probability analysis, the inspection sensors directly detect cracks and corrosion in dented regions using the second inspection mode, eliminating the error-prone intermediate steps of geometric measurement and probabilistic inference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If inspection apparatus travels through dented regions at speed, then inspection efficiency is maintained, but alignment between sensors and surface deteriorates compromising inspection quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidsensor alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the alignment dependency from the inspection process by implementing a second inspection mode that does not require precise mechanical alignment. This allows the apparatus to maintain its travel speed through dented regions without compromising inspection quality, as the second mode is inherently insensitive to alignment variations caused by dent geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This approach enables more accurate detection of cracks and corrosion along the pipeline, including dented regions, by using a combination of primary and secondary inspection data sets, improving the reliability of inspection results and reducing the likelihood of undetected defects.

Implementation Method 1

using a guidedwave propagation method that is less sensitive to geometric anomalies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGuided wave propagation: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS9404903B2Method for pipeline inspection

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 PII LIMITED

AI summary

A method for pipeline inspection is provided. The method includes carrying out an inspection run in which a pipeline inspection apparatus travels inside a pipeline, wherein sensors on the apparatus are configured to conduct an in-line inspection of wall material along a length of the pipeline. The method includes initiating a first inspection mode to produce a primary inspection data set, wherein the first inspection mode comprises an inspection of the pipeline wall material upstream and downstream of a location of a dented region in the pipeline, selectively initiating a second inspection mode to produce a secondary inspection data set, wherein the second inspection mode includes an inspection of the pipeline wall material in the dented region in the length of the pipeline, and combining the primary and the secondary inspection data sets to provide a direct assessment for the presence of cracks and/or corrosion in wall material along the pipeline.