Pipeline Pig Vibration Sensing for Non-Invasive Passage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pig signaling devices in pipelines rely on invasive sensing mechanisms and are not capable of differentiating the passage of a pig based on resonance over time, as they are frequency-dependent and not designed to detect impulses in axial, radial, or axial and radial directions.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive pig signaling system using a vibration sensor with band pass filtering to detect impulses independent of pipeline baseline frequencies, allowing for the detection of pig passage without invasive installation or frequency dependency, utilizing a housing with a mechanical or magnetic base and a battery-powered sensor that receives and amplifies vibrations above natural resonance frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive sensing mechanisms are used to detect pig passage, then detection reliability is improved, but pipeline integrity and installation complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sensing mechanisms with non-invasive vibration sensors that attach to the external pipeline surface. The vibration sensor detects pig passage through vibrations transmitted through the pipeline wall, eliminating the need for cutting, welding, or inserting sensors into the pipeline interior, thus maintaining pipeline integrity while achieving reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline wall itself serves as an intermediary medium that transmits vibrations from the passing pig to the external vibration sensor. This allows the sensor to detect pig passage without direct contact with the pig or intrusion into the pipeline interior, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and installation complexity
2Measurement precision
If frequency-dependent acoustic transducers are used, then fluid flow velocity measurement is improved, but pig detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a vibration sensor that detects mechanical vibrations transmitted through the pipeline wall caused by pig passage. Unlike frequency-dependent acoustic transducers designed for fluid flow measurement, this sensor is specifically tuned to detect the characteristic vibration signature of a passing pig, enabling versatile detection of pig passage independent of fluid flow characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic frequency analysis of fluid flow to vibration amplitude and pattern analysis of the pipeline wall. This parameter change allows the system to detect pig passage through vibration characteristics rather than fluid acoustic signatures, achieving adaptability for pig detection while maintaining the ability to use different sensor types for different measurement needs
3Measurement precision
If active sensors transmitting signals through pipeline product are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor is a passive device that detects pig passage by sensing vibrations naturally transmitted through the pipeline wall during normal pig operation. The sensor does not require active signal transmission or external power sources for signal generation, eliminating the need for battery replacement or complex power management systems while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active electromagnetic signal transmission with passive mechanical vibration detection. The sensor simply listens for vibration patterns in the pipeline wall caused by pig passage, eliminating the need for active transmitters, receivers, and associated power consumption, thus reducing energy requirements and system complexity
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
Enables cost-effective, non-invasive detection of pig passage across various pipeline sections with reduced power consumption and no risk of leaks or debris issues, providing reliable and efficient signaling without interfering with the pipeline's internal fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration sensor, the vibration sensor detecting the impulse
Implementation Method 2
signal processing including at least one band pass filter configured to receive data collected by the at least one vibration sensor. The filter selected may pass frequencies above or below that of the pipeline section's baseline
Implementation Method 3
None of the prior art signals use differentiation of resonance to determine the passage of a pig with respect to time
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting passage of a pipeline pig, the system and method including a passive impulse detector (10) having a housing (13); a non-intrusive connection (15) of the housing to an exterior wall (17) of a pipeline (P), at least one vibration sensor (11) housed by the housing, and signal processing (23) including at least one band pass filter (27) configured to receive data collected by the vibration sensor, the vibration sensor and band pass filter configured to monitor frequencies in a predetermined range indicating a series of impulses caused by start-and-stop movement of the pipeline pig. The selected frequencies should be those more easily detectable above the baseline (signature or natural resonance) frequency of the section of pipeline being monitored. In some embodiments, the selected frequencies are lower frequencies. No portion of the passive pipeline pig signal intrudes into an interior of the pipeline.