Pipeline Weld Identification System Using RFID and Barcode Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to reliably identify the position and quality of welds in pipelines and tanks, particularly in the construction and monitoring of hydrocarbon-based pipelines, where ensuring the quality of joins is critical but challenging due to the complexity of the welding process.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an element identifier reader and a management device to combine identification codes from joined elements, generating a unique join code through barcode or RFID technology, enabling unambiguous identification of welded joins for manufacturing, inspection, and maintenance purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual welding inspection and identification methods are used, then the complexity of the system is low, but the reliability of weld identification and quality control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping each tube element with identification means (barcodes, RFID tags, or data carriers) before the welding process. This allows the identification data to be captured and stored in advance, eliminating the need for complex post-weld identification systems and ensuring reliable tracking of each welded joint from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital replicas of identification data on data carriers (barcodes, RFID tags) that are attached to or integrated with each tube element. These copies contain all necessary identification information, allowing automated reading and processing without requiring complex physical inspection or manual record-keeping systems.
2Reliability
If automated identification systems with multiple reading means are implemented, then the reliability of weld identification improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional identification system that can handle multiple types of identification means (barcodes, RFID tags, data carriers) through a single integrated approach. The system includes reading means capable of detecting various identification types, a processing device that can handle different data formats, and a database that stores diverse identification records, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the identification system adaptable to different identification technologies and data formats. The processing device can adjust its parameters to read and process various types of identification data (visual barcodes, electromagnetic RFID signals, or other data carrier formats), allowing the system to maintain simplicity while handling diverse identification requirements reliably.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive data collection and processing systems are used to track all weld information, then the quality control improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing all weld identification data during the welding process itself using automated reading means. The processing device immediately processes this data and stores it in the database, eliminating the need for subsequent manual data collection and processing. This ensures comprehensive quality control while minimizing time loss, as all identification activities are completed as part of the welding operation.
4Ease of operation
If simple identification methods are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to provide unambiguous join identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating machine-readable copies of identification data on barcodes, RFID tags, or data carriers attached to each tube element. These copies contain unique identification information that can be automatically read and processed, providing unambiguous identification of each welded joint. The system maintains ease of operation through automated reading and processing, eliminating the need for complex manual identification procedures while ensuring clear and reliable join identification.
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 solution ensures reliable and efficient identification of welds, enhancing the quality control and maintenance processes by providing a simple and effective method to track and verify the integrity of connections in pipelines, tanks, and other assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The identifier reader 22 comprises a read head 31 for reading barcodes
Implementation Method 2
an RFID tag read head 32
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying elements involved in joints of elements configured to form a duct, such as a pipeline, which works on element identifiers for an element identification code. The system includes an element identifier reader and a management device for supplying by a combination device the joint identification codes between two elements according to element identification codes of the two elements. The system is also useful for production of tanks for hydrocarbon by-products and for control and maintenance, for example, of pipeline networks and tanks.