Pipeline Condition Assessment Using Pressure Wave Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline condition assessment techniques, particularly those using fluid transients and pressure waves, face challenges in accurately detecting distributed deterioration in complex pipeline systems with multiple deteriorated sections or complex geometries, due to computational intensity and limitations in dealing with multiple reflections and hydraulic components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of pressure waves in a pipeline system, detection of interaction signals at closely spaced measurement locations, and determination of system response functions to characterize the pipeline, including separation of directional reflected pressure waves and calculation of transfer functions to assess pipeline conditions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid transient-based techniques with pressure waves are used to assess pipeline conditions, then the inspection efficiency and coverage are improved, but the computational complexity increases when dealing with multiple reflections and complex pipeline geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipeline system into multiple sections with designated wave generation locations and measurement locations. By segmenting the inspection process into discrete measurement points along the pipeline, the system can efficiently assess different sections without requiring complex computational analysis of the entire pipeline simultaneously, thus maintaining high inspection efficiency while reducing computational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure transducers are deployed to detect distributed deterioration, then the measurement accuracy and detection capability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure transducers that serve multiple functions: they detect pressure waves generated at specific locations, measure reflected waves from deterioration, and provide data for characterizing pipeline conditions. This multi-functionality allows the same measurement devices to accomplish multiple assessment tasks, improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses generated pressure waves as intermediaries to indirectly detect pipeline deterioration. Instead of directly measuring structural conditions, the system introduces pressure waves that interact with deterioration and carries information back to measurement locations, enabling accurate detection of distributed deterioration while keeping the measurement system relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If traditional inspection methods like CCTV or GPR are used, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect distributed deterioration and assess severity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods (CCTV cameras, physical probes) with a fluid-based pressure wave system. By using pressure waves traveling through the pipeline fluid, the system achieves superior detection capability for distributed deterioration and severity assessment while maintaining equipment simplicity, as the pressure wave generation and detection equipment is less complex than deploying CCTV systems or ground-penetrating radar.
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
This approach allows for accurate and efficient assessment of pipeline conditions, reducing computational complexity and effectively handling complex geometries and multiple deteriorated sections, thereby enabling early detection of distributed deterioration and targeted maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipeline system at a pressure wave generating location along the pipeline system
Implementation Method 2
detecting pressure wave interaction signals at two closely spaced measurement locations along the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for assessing the condition of a pipeline in a pipeline system is disclosed. The method includes generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipeline system at a pressure wave generating location along the pipeline system and detecting pressure wave interaction signals at two closely spaced measurement locations along the pipeline. The method then includes determining a system response function for the pipeline based on the detected pressure wave interaction signals for each measurement location and characterising the pipeline based on the system response function.