Remote Sensor Mounting Through Insulation for Pipeline Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing measuring devices to insulated equipment, such as pipelines, are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for manual operation, which requires scaffolding or rope access, and can lead to corrosion under insulation (CUI) issues.

Innovation Solution

A handheld apparatus with a penetrating element and a control device that allows for autonomous or remote operation to secure measuring devices to objects, including pipelines, using a gripping device and manipulator mechanism, enabling secure attachment without scaffolding and reducing CUI risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operations are used to connect sensor apparatus to pipelines, then the measuring device can be securely attached, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires scaffolding or rope access technology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of measuring deviceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated apparatus that uses a drill to create holes and a fastening means to secure the sensor apparatus to the pipeline. The apparatus includes a holder for positioning the sensor, a drill for hole creation, and a fastening mechanism, eliminating the need for manual drilling and fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary apparatus that bridges the gap between the operator and the pipeline. This apparatus includes a holder that positions the sensor apparatus, a drill that creates holes through the insulation and pipeline, and a fastening means that secures the sensor. The intermediary apparatus automates the connection process and eliminates the need for scaffolding or rope access technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual operations with drill and fastening means are used, then the measuring device can be secured to the pipeline, but safety risks increase due to required scaffolding or rope access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of measuring deviceVSAvoidsafety risks to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated apparatus that performs drilling and fastening. The apparatus includes a drill for hole creation and a fastening mechanism that secures the sensor apparatus to the pipeline automatically, eliminating the need for operators to work at heights on scaffolding or using rope access technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to perform the securing operation autonomously once positioned. The drill automatically creates holes through the insulation and pipeline, and the fastening means automatically secures the sensor apparatus, minimizing human intervention and exposure to hazardous conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If penetrating elements are used to secure measuring devices through metal sheets, then the devices can be attached to insulated equipment, but the risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion under insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual penetration operations with an automated drill that creates precise holes through the insulation and pipeline. The drill is part of an apparatus that positions the sensor apparatus accurately and creates holes with controlled depth and location, reducing the risk of damaging the pipeline or creating conditions for corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus creates localized penetration points rather than extensive damage to the insulation and pipeline. The drill creates small, precise holes only where necessary for sensor attachment, minimizing the affected areas and reducing the risk of corrosion. The fastening means is designed to secure the sensor without causing additional damage to the pipeline or insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11940296B2Apparatus and a method for securing at least one measuring device to an object

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 KAEFER BLU AS

AI summary

An apparatus and a method are for securing at least one measuring device to an object. The measuring device is configured for monitoring the object and is provided with a penetrating element for perforating a sheet forming part of the object. The apparatus has a body having a housing for holding the measuring device and an assembling device for moving the measuring device with respect to the housing. The assembling device has an engagement means movable between a retracted, passive position, and an extended, active position for engaging the measuring device to urge the penetrating element of the measuring device through the sheet of the object to secure the measuring device to the object. A control device is for operating the assembling device.