Pipeline Plug Tracking via Fiber Optic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating and removing a lodged plug in subterranean or subsea pipelines is challenging due to the unknown position of the blockage, leading to expensive and time-consuming searches, especially in remote areas where disassembly of pipeline sections is required.
Innovation Solution
Deploying a plug with a fiber optically connected line that allows real-time tracking and communication for accurate location determination, enabling control signals to be sent for inspections and measurements, and utilizing sensors like RFID tags and magnetic pickup coils to monitor the plug's position and pipeline conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a plug is deployed without real-time tracking, then the pipeline can be pigged and inspected, but the location of the plug becomes unknown making it difficult and expensive to locate and remove blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the plug continuously transmits its location information back to the surface facility through a fiber optic cable. This is achieved by using a light source on the plug that reflects light back through the fiber optic cable, allowing real-time monitoring of the plug's position. This feedback mechanism eliminates the loss of information about plug location and enables immediate detection when a plug becomes lodged.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable serves as an intermediary that connects the plug to the surface facility, enabling continuous communication and location tracking. The cable acts as a mediator that transmits both control signals to the plug and location information back to the surface, resolving the information loss problem without requiring direct line-of-sight or complex wireless communication systems.
2Measurement precision
If real-time tracking with fiber optics is implemented, then accurate plug location is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from complex electronic systems and implements it using a simple optical reflection principle. Instead of using sophisticated sensors, processors, and communication systems, the invention uses a basic light source and reflector mechanism that works passively through the fiber optic cable, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying/reflection principles where light from the fiber optic cable is reflected back by the plug's light source. This simple optical copy mechanism provides accurate location information without requiring complex electronic sensors or processors, achieving high measurement precision with minimal device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the plug is equipped with sensors and fiber optic connection, then real-time monitoring and control are enabled, but the plug design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the plug, enables real-time location tracking, and allows bidirectional communication for control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and systems, achieving high automation capability without proportionally increasing plug structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tracking, communication, and structural support functions into a single integrated fiber optic cable system. By combining these functions into one component rather than using separate systems, the plug achieves real-time control capability while minimizing the increase in overall structural 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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective location and removal of stuck plugs by providing real-time tracking and enabling precise determination of the plug's position, reducing the need for extensive pipeline disassembly and enhancing inspection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic line (122) coupled to the plug (116)
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic pickup coil (118) coupled to the plug (116), wherein the magnetic pickup coil generates a signal in response to detecting a change in a surrounding magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A plug may be deployed within a pipeline along with a fluid. The plug is coupled to a fiber optic line dispensed from fiber optic dispenser located outside or within the pipeline. The plug may transmit a signal via the fiber optic line that is indicative of the location of the plug within the pipeline. The signal may comprise light pulses associated with the traversal of a pipeline joint by the plug. The location may allow the plug to be reclaimed efficiently and economically should the plug become lodged within the pipeline. The plug may communicate other measurement information via the fiber optic line and this information may be used to adjust operational parameters associated with the pipeline.