RFID Sensor Channel for Buried Pipeline Corrosion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrosion monitoring technologies are challenging to implement for buried infrastructures like underground or underwater pipelines due to their remote locations and harsh environments, requiring direct connections that limit sensor placement and are difficult to maintain, especially for wireless sensors which struggle with signal transmission through soil or water.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency wireless sensing device using an RFID sensor with a channel for signal transmission, featuring a sensing element that switches between conductive and non-conductive states to indicate environmental changes, allowing for wireless operation and detection of corrosion or leaks without direct connection, utilizing a channel filled with non-conductive material to enhance signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless RFID sensors are used for buried infrastructure monitoring, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but signal transmission capability deteriorates due to soil and water interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal transmission medium (such as a rod or probe) as an intermediary between the RFID sensor and the surrounding soil/environment. This intermediary provides a dedicated pathway for RF signals to travel, mediating the interaction between the sensor and the interfering soil/water medium, thereby enabling reliable signal transmission while maintaining wireless operation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional wired corrosion sensors are installed in buried pipelines, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the physical connection infrastructure (wires and cables) and incorporates it into a self-contained wireless RFID sensor unit. By taking out the wiring requirement and embedding the necessary signal transmission capabilities within the sensor itself, the system achieves corrosion detection precision while eliminating the complexity of wired installations.
3Reliability
If corrosion monitoring is performed on buried infrastructures using available sensors, then reliability of detection is improved, but loss of time and cost increase due to difficult access and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless RFID sensor is designed to be self-contained and self-configuring, requiring no complex installation procedures, wiring, or calibration by external technicians. The sensor can be independently deployed in the buried infrastructure environment and automatically begins monitoring, thereby maintaining high detection reliability while eliminating time-consuming installation and configuration processes.
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 effective, cost-efficient, and low-maintenance corrosion monitoring and leak detection in buried structures, allowing for longer read distances and reduced maintenance, as the sensing device can operate wirelessly and detect changes in structural integrity without physical connection, improving the reliability of monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing element is responsive to a change induced by its environment to switch from a conductive state to a non-conductive state, or to switch from a non-conductive state to a conductive state
Implementation Method 2
a channel for directing transmission of signals between the RFID sensor and the reader
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides an apparatus comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor comprising: an antenna configured to receive an interrogation signal from a reader and to transmit a response signal to the reader; at least one integrated circuit (IC) connected to the antenna; and at least one sensing element. The apparatus further comprises a channel for directing transmission of signals between the antenna and the reader, wherein the RFID sensor is attached or directly adjacent to a first end of the channel. The sensing element is responsive to a change induced by its environment to switch from a conductive state to a non-conductive state, or from a non-conductive state to a conductive state. The present application further provides a method for monitoring the integrity or the change in environment of a buried structure using the RFID sensor-containing apparatus.