Radial Propulsion Pipeline Inspection for Valve and Tee Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection devices face challenges in navigating through complex pipeline features such as butterfly valves and unfavorable tee junctions, especially when the devices are tethered or have radially extending petals, which can lead to device entrapment, assembly complexities, and increased operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A maneuverable liquid pipeline inspection device equipped with a radial propulsion system that allows the device to move in three-dimensional space within a liquid-filled pipeline, enabling it to navigate around pipeline features by generating thrust forces in vertical and horizontal directions. This system includes position sensors and control electronics that actuate the propulsion system based on sensor data to maneuver the device effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If radially extending petals are used to maintain device centering in the pipeline, then the device can be kept at the center of the fluid-filled interior, but the petals take up space and may be a barrier to access of certain pipeline features such as butterfly valves
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including a main body and separate support petals that can be independently controlled. The petals can be retracted into the body or extended from it, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on the pipeline features it encounters.
Solution Approach 2:
The support petals are made movable between extended and retracted positions rather than being fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the device to maintain centering when needed while clearing the way for pipeline features when necessary, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the device is tethered to the surface for power and data transmission, then the operator can deploy and retrieve the device, but the recovery operation becomes complicated in high velocity liquid environments
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates onboard power sources and communication systems that allow it to operate and transmit data independently once deployed. The device can autonomously navigate and perform inspections without continuous surface intervention, simplifying the recovery operation.
3Productivity
If the device follows the flow of liquid in the pipeline, then the device can be inserted and extracted without interrupting pipeline operation, but the drag of the device carries it downstream and away from the deployment position
Solution Approach 1:
The device is deployed upstream of the target inspection area and uses the liquid flow to carry it downstream toward the deployment position. Once it reaches the desired location, the maneuvering system activates to hold position or move to specific points of interest, combining passive flow-following with active positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces traditional mechanical towing or anchoring systems with a maneuvering system that uses propellers or jets to generate thrust. This allows the device to counteract the downstream drag force and maintain position or move precisely to inspection points while the pipeline continues to operate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device encounters unfavorable pipeline tee junctions with high inertia, then the device may continue across the tee instead of turning into the lateral, but adding maneuvering capability increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The maneuvering system adds lateral thrust capability perpendicular to the main flow direction, enabling the device to turn into lateral tees by applying force in a different dimension. This allows the device to overcome its forward inertia and navigate complex pipeline junctions effectively.
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 device can efficiently navigate through complex pipeline features without getting stuck, reducing operational complexities and ensuring safe and effective pipeline inspection without interrupting pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
A maneuverable liquid pipeline inspection device equipped with a radial propulsion system that allows the device to move in three-dimensional space within a liquid-filled pipeline, enabling it to navigate around pipeline features by generating thrust forces in vertical and horizontal directions
Implementation Method 2
When deployed into the liquid-filled pipeline, the drag of the device in the liquid carries the device downstream and away from the deployment position
Implementation Method 3
The petals are moveable between an expanded and collapsed position in relation to the body and are biased towards the expanded position by the use of springs
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assessing the condition of a pipeline containing a liquid is provided. The device includes an actuatable maneuvering module to generate a force sufficient to move the device from one side to another side along a horizontal plane and to move the device from top to bottom along a vertical plane, or any combinations thereof, so as to maneuver the device.