Single-Point Pressure Wave Tracking for Pipeline Pigs and Blockages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pig tracking in pipelines is cumbersome, requiring multiple equipment pieces and limited to monitoring signalers at set locations, making it difficult to locate stuck pigs and hydrates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive system that induces high-pressure fluid pulses into the pipeline to create longitudinal pressure waves, which travel to and reflect from objects, allowing real-time tracking using a pressure transducer and system controller, enabling accurate distance calculation and location mapping without the need for extensive equipment along the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pieces of equipment are attached to the pipeline and additional equipment is attached to the outside of the pipeline to track pig location, then pig tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking functions into a single pig signaler device that emits signals detectable by external receivers. Instead of using separate equipment for signal generation and detection, the system integrates the signaling capability within the pig itself while using a centralized external receiver that can track the pig's location along the pipeline, thereby reducing the overall number of equipment pieces required.
Solution Approach 2:
The external receiver is designed to be a universal device that can track pigs at multiple locations along the pipeline rather than requiring dedicated tracking equipment at each monitoring point. This multi-functional receiver can detect and process signals from pigs throughout the entire pipeline system, reducing the total equipment quantity while maintaining comprehensive tracking coverage.
2Measurement precision
If pig tracking is performed by monitoring pig signalers at set locations along the pipeline, then tracking capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signaling function from the external monitoring system and places it directly on the pig itself. The pig signaler is self-contained within the pig, automatically emitting signals as it moves through the pipeline. This eliminates the need for complex external monitoring infrastructure at multiple locations, simplifying operation while maintaining accurate location detection through the pig's own signal emissions.
3Measurement precision
If numerous pieces of equipment are used for pig tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pig signaler is pre-installed on the pig before it enters the pipeline, and the external receiver is positioned to detect signals along the pipeline route in advance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time equipment deployment and configuration during pig tracking operations, reducing the time required for equipment setup and operation while maintaining continuous tracking accuracy.
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 real-time, accurate tracking of objects within low-pressure conduits, reducing equipment requirements and improving distance and accuracy, allowing for effective monitoring of pipeline pigs and hydrates, even at great distances, and providing continuous location updates.
Implementation Method 1
passing high-pressure fluid into the conduit to induce a longitudinal pressure wave that may travel down the conduit to the object (e.g., a blockage) and reflect back
Implementation Method 2
The duration it may take for the pressure wave to travel to the object and return may be measured using a high-frequency and high-resolution pressure transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to non-intrusive tracking or locating of objects in a conduit from a single location. A system comprises a vessel comprising a pressurized fluid, a valve positioned to control a flow of the pressurized fluid into the conduit to induce at least one pressure wave directed at the object, a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the conduit, the pressure transducer positioned to measure at least one pressure response in the conduit due to contact of the at least one pressure wave with the object, and a system controller operable to: receive pressure data from the pressure transducer, wherein the pressure data includes the at least one pressure response and determines a distance of the object in the conduit, relative to a reference point, based on the at least one pressure response.