Pipeline Object Tracking Using Induced Pressure Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline monitoring technologies face challenges in accurately tracking the location of pigs and other objects due to the build-up of deposits, leading to potential blockages and increased downtime, while requiring multiple equipment setups along the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive method using induced pressure waves within the conduit to track objects by analyzing pressure responses, eliminating the need for external sensors, and utilizing existing infrastructure like valves and pumps to induce and measure pressure waves for real-time location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pieces of equipment are installed along the pipeline to track pig location, then location tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tracking functionality from multiple external equipment pieces and consolidates it into a single pig signaler device mounted on the pig itself. This eliminates the need for numerous external sensors and equipment along the pipeline, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism (pressure wave interaction with the pig) that enables tracking without direct physical contact or multiple external sensors. The single pig signaler interacts with pressure waves to provide location information, serving as a mediator between the pig and the monitoring system.
2Productivity
If pig location is not monitored in real-time, then equipment complexity is reduced, but downtime and operational costs increase when pigs get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the pig signaler continuously provides location information back to the monitoring system. This real-time feedback enables operators to track the pig's position, detect when it gets stuck, and respond promptly, minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If velocity tracking of the pig is not implemented, then measurement requirements are simplified, but pig overspeed issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges location tracking and velocity measurement functions into a single integrated system. By continuously measuring the pig's position over time using the pressure wave interaction method, the system derives both location and velocity information from the same measurement mechanism, ensuring reliable velocity control without requiring separate measurement equipment.
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
Provides accurate, real-time location tracking of objects within pipelines without the need for external sensors, allowing for continuous monitoring and reducing downtime by determining object location and velocity, thus optimizing pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
The tracking may occur by inducing a pressure wave in the conduit and analyzing a pressure response to determine a real-time location of the object within the conduit, relative to a position of a source of the pressure wave inducement
Implementation Method 2
a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the conduit, the pressure transducer positioned to measure pressure responses in the conduit due to contact of pressure waves with the object
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to non-intrusive tracking of objects in a conduit from a single location. A system comprises a component positioned to control flow into or out of the conduit to induce pressure waves in the conduit; a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the conduit, the pressure transducer positioned to measure pressure responses in the conduit due to contact of the pressure waves with the object; and a system controller operable to: receive pressure data from the pressure transducer, wherein the pressure data includes the pressure responses to the pressure waves; and determine a distance of the object in the conduit, relative to the component or the pressure transducer, based on the pressure responses.