RTR Scanner Frame Assembly With Quick-Release Band Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for inspecting girth welds in oil and gas pipelines using real-time radiography scanners are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for manual handling and complex mechanical connections, posing safety risks to technicians and straining equipment.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a guide rail and pinion gear system that allows for easy circumferential displacement and vertical adjustment of the scanner assembly, featuring quick-release buckles and hinges for efficient installation, dismantling, and transportation, reducing the need for manual handling and preserving the alignment of the radioactive source emitter and detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the RTR scanner and metal band are manually carried by multiple crew members from one weld position to the next, then the heavy equipment can be transported, but safety risks to crew members increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The metal band is divided into multiple sections that can be independently handled and positioned. The frame assembly is separated from the scanner components, allowing the heavy metal band to be positioned first using mechanical advantage, followed by attachment of the lighter frame and scanner components. This segmentation reduces the weight that must be manually carried at any one time.
Solution Approach 2:
A rope and pulley system acts as an intermediary mechanical advantage system to lift and position the heavy metal band and frame assembly. The pulley system distributes the lifting force across multiple rope sections, reducing the effort required by individual crew members and eliminating the need to directly carry the heavy equipment.
2Reliability
If complicated mechanical connections are used for metal band mounting, then the scanner can be securely attached to the pipeline, but significant human effort and time are required for installation and dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism uses dynamic quick-release latches that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged. These latches transition from a locked to unlocked state with a single mechanical action, allowing the metal band to be quickly secured to the pipeline and just as quickly removed when inspection is complete. This provides both secure attachment during inspection and rapid deployment/removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal band is pre-assembled with integrated mounting features and quick-release mechanisms before deployment. The frame assembly is pre-configured with attachment points that align with the metal band's mounting features, allowing for rapid connection without complex field assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If the fourth crew member is dedicated to facilitating installation and dismantling of the metal band, then proper installation can be ensured, but the process becomes even more labor and time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through its quick-release latch mechanism. The metal band's mounting features automatically align with the frame assembly's attachment points when positioned correctly, and the latches self-lock upon engagement. This self-service design allows two crew members to handle the entire installation process without requiring a dedicated fourth person for quality control.
4Measurement precision
If the source emitter and detector are manually positioned on the metal band, then the radioactive signal can be properly transmitted through the pipe, but time and effort are spent on positioning at each weld position
Solution Approach 1:
The source emitter and detector are pre-positioned on the frame assembly at the correct diametrically opposed locations before the frame is attached to the metal band. The frame assembly includes pre-drilled mounting holes and alignment features that ensure the detectors are positioned at the precise locations required for accurate weld inspection, eliminating the need for time-consuming field positioning at each weld site.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the scanner components, maintains the precise diametric alignment of the source and detector, and facilitates rapid attachment and removal from the metal band. This multi-functional design ensures consistent positioning across all weld inspections without requiring repositioning or realignment at each location.
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
The solution significantly reduces the time and effort required for inspecting multiple welds, enhances safety by minimizing manual handling of heavy equipment, and maintains the alignment of the scanner components, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
a source emitter capable of generating a detection signal receivable by the detector which provides information regarding the pipeline girth weld
Implementation Method 2
the guide rail is a gear rack, and the frame assembly further comprises a pinion gear for operably engaging the gear rack; wherein upon the pinion gear traversing the gear rack, the frame assembly is circumferentially displaced around the band
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for inspection of pipeline girth weld, having a support frame releasably coupled to a mounting band that comprises of two clamshell halves. The clamshell halves are coupled via quick release coupling mechanisms. By removing one of the clamshells, or uncouple the two clamshells at one coupling point, the frame assembly permits a RTR scanner assembly to be laterally displaced along the length of the pipeline.