Modular Sensor Pig for NORM and Scale Deposit Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to effectively detect and locate Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in subsea pipelines, which is crucial for planning scale removal operations and decommissioning processes, as they do not provide accurate positioning and thickness measurements of scale deposits, posing challenges in efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A strategically instrumented pig equipped with sensors for detecting NORM, thickness, and internal position, featuring a compact electronic design with rubber modules for flexibility, allowing passage through curves and varying diameters, including a Nal(Tl) scintillator detector for underwater use and ultrasound-type position sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pigs are used for cleaning and inspection, then basic cleaning function is achieved, but detection of NORM and precise location of scale deposits is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The pig is divided into multiple modular sensor units that can be independently configured. Each module contains specific sensors (NORM detectors, thickness gauges, position sensors) that can be activated based on inspection requirements, allowing precise detection without requiring a completely complex integrated system from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The pig is designed as a multi-functional device that combines cleaning capabilities with multiple detection functions (NORM detection, scale thickness measurement, position tracking). This universal design allows a single device to perform various inspection tasks that would otherwise require separate specialized tools, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid sensor assemblies are used, then sensor stability is maintained, but the pig cannot pass through curves and varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible configuration. The modular sensor units are arranged along a flexible backbone that can bend and adapt to the pipeline's geometry while maintaining sensor orientation and stability through active positioning mechanisms and flexible connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is enclosed in a flexible protective shell that allows the pig to navigate curves and diameter variations. This flexible enclosure protects the sensors while permitting the necessary deformation to pass through challenging pipeline sections, maintaining both adaptability and sensor reliability.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor coverage is implemented, then complete inspection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into modular sensor units distributed along the pig's length. Each module can be independently configured with specific sensor types based on the inspection requirements for that section, allowing comprehensive coverage without requiring all sensors to be present throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements sensor coverage proportional to the actual inspection needs rather than providing uniform maximum coverage throughout. Sensors are strategically positioned at critical locations where scale deposits are most likely to form or where NORM presence is suspected, achieving sufficient inspection accuracy without the complexity of complete uniform coverage.
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 precise detection and location of scale deposits within subsea pipelines, improving the planning and efficiency of scale removal operations and ensuring safe decommissioning by providing accurate data for chemical treatment and material disposal.
Implementation Method 1
Nal(Tl) scintillator detector for underwater use
Implementation Method 2
ultrasound-type position sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposed here discloses an instrumented PIG that uses a sufficient number of sensors for detecting the NORM of the scales, variation in the thickness of the scale deposit, internal diameter and detection of the internal position of the beginning and ending of these along the piping. The modular form of the NORM instrumented PIG (1) provides enough flexibility to the invention to allow the passage in curves and ability to tolerate variations in diameters. The system has a mechanical design in which the sensors are mounted on rubber modules, interconnected with each other, forming a mechanically flexible assembly.