Metal Pipeline Expansion Joint Identification for Inspection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process engineering industrial plants, movable components in fluid-carrying pipelines are difficult to classify during inspections due to varying designs and specifications, leading to potential misinterpretation of measurement results and inadequate inspection frequencies, particularly for safety-critical components.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a digitally readable information element, such as a QR code or RFID chip, into movable components to provide instant access to component-specific information via a web server or database, allowing for easy identification and monitoring of operating states, including historical data and real-time parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable components are installed in process engineering industrial plants, then they enable compensation for thermal expansion and pressure pulses, but they become difficult to classify during inspections due to varying designs and specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by attaching a digitally readable information element (QR code, data matrix code, or RFID tag) to the movable component. This digital copy contains all necessary identification and specification data, allowing inspectors to quickly retrieve component information without manually examining the physical component's design features. The digital copy serves as a standardized interface that simplifies inspection regardless of the component's varying physical designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a digitally readable information element as a mediator between the inspector and the movable component. Instead of directly examining the component's physical characteristics, inspectors interact with the digital information element, which then provides access to component specifications through a database or web server. This intermediary layer standardizes the inspection process across different component designs.
2Productivity
If component-specific information is not readily accessible during inspections, then inspection efficiency decreases, but safety risks increase due to potential misinterpretation of measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing inspectors with immediate access to accurate component-specific information through digitally readable information elements. The system retrieves and displays relevant data (such as permissible deflection angles, axial displacement limits, and operating parameters) directly at the inspection location, enabling inspectors to immediately verify whether measured values are within acceptable ranges. This real-time feedback loop enhances both inspection efficiency and safety assurance by eliminating delays and reducing the risk of misinterpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing all necessary component specifications, permissible operating ranges, and inspection criteria in a database or web server before the inspection takes place. This advance preparation ensures that when an inspector scans the digitally readable information element, all required information is immediately available for comparison with measured values, eliminating the need for manual reference to documentation or external resources during the inspection process.
3Device complexity
If traditional measurement methods are used without digital information elements, then device complexity remains low, but information loss occurs during inspection classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create a digital representation of the component's identification and specification data in the form of a QR code, data matrix code, or RFID tag. This digital copy contains encoded information that can be read and processed electronically, preventing information loss during inspection. The digital copy serves as a reliable storage medium that preserves all necessary component-specific information without degradation or misinterpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection methods with electronic/digital systems. Instead of physically examining component features and manually recording measurements, inspectors use electronic readers to scan the digitally readable information element and automatically retrieve component specifications from a database. This substitution of mechanical inspection with electronic information retrieval maintains simplicity while preventing information loss through automated data capture and comparison.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a movable metal component for compensating for internal movements of a fluid conduit, in particular a fluid-carrying pipeline, wherein the movable component is in particular movable in length and/or angularly and/or axially and/or laterally. A digitally readable information element 6, 7 is attached to the movable component.