Pipeline Pig Detection Using External Vibration Band-Pass Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline pig detection methods require invasive sensing mechanisms and are not capable of differentiating the passage of a pig based on resonance over time, often relying on mechanical or magnetic triggers and frequency-dependent acoustic signatures.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive vibration sensor-based system that detects impulses in an axial or axial and radial direction, using band-pass filtering to identify the passage of a pig independent of the pipeline's baseline frequency, without transmitting frequencies or emitting acoustic signals, and can operate over a wide range of frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or magnetic triggers are used for pig detection, then detection capability is achieved, but invasive installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical triggers and magnetic triggers with acoustic sensors that detect the acoustic signature of the pig. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive installation mechanisms while maintaining reliable detection capability through non-intrusive acoustic monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect pig passage. Instead of direct mechanical or magnetic contact, the system uses acoustic signals that travel through the pipeline medium to carry information about pig presence, enabling non-invasive detection.
2Reliability
If frequency-dependent acoustic signatures are used, then pig passage can be detected, but detection is limited to specific frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic sensors capable of detecting a broad spectrum of frequencies, making the system universally applicable across different pipeline conditions and pig types. The sensor system is designed to capture acoustic signatures across multiple frequency ranges, enhancing versatility rather than being limited to a single frequency band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic signal processing that adapts to varying frequency characteristics of different pigs and pipeline conditions. The system can adjust its detection parameters and analyze acoustic signatures across changing frequency spectra, making it adaptable rather than fixed to specific frequency ranges.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic transducers are mounted in the same unit with selected distance, then fluid velocity can be measured, but the system cannot detect pipeline pigs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pig detection function from the fluid velocity measurement system by using acoustic sensors positioned to specifically detect the acoustic signature of pigs. This separation allows the system to independently perform pig detection while maintaining fluid velocity measurement capabilities, rather than requiring the same transducer configuration for both functions.
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 pipeline pig passage without material testing or invasive installation, reducing maintenance costs and safety risks, while providing reliable detection across varying pipeline conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive vibration sensor-based system that detects impulses in an axial or axial and radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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 the impulse. 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.