Steerable X-Ray Fluorescence Pipe Inspection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting buried lead pipes are slow, expensive, and impractical due to the need for specialized equipment and visual inspection, which is inefficient for locating lead contamination in water supply infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A compact XRF analyzer device with a flexible outer housing and a radioactive x-ray source shielded within, capable of being inserted into pipes to detect elemental composition by emitting and detecting fluorescence x-rays, allowing for precise identification of lead presence without the need for extensive excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual inspection methods are used to detect buried lead pipes, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes slow and expensive requiring extensive excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical excavation and visual inspection with an XRF analyzer device that uses electromagnetic radiation (x-rays) to detect lead pipes. The x-ray source emits radiation that interacts with the pipe material, and the detector captures the fluorescence signal to identify lead presence, eliminating the need for physical excavation and manual visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an XRF analyzer device as an intermediary between the buried lead pipe and the inspector. The device contains an x-ray source and detector that mediate the detection process by emitting radiation, capturing fluorescence signals, and processing data to identify lead pipes, thereby eliminating the need for direct visual inspection through excavation.
2Ease of operation
If a compact housing is used for the XRF analyzer, then ease of insertion into pipes is improved, but the shielding and detection components become more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the x-ray source and detector are housed within a compact outer housing. The radioactive source is contained within a shield, and the detector is positioned to receive fluorescence x-rays through a viewing port. This nested arrangement allows all necessary components to fit within a small diameter housing that can be inserted into pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible insertion member with a small outer diameter that allows the rigid XRF analyzer housing to be inserted into pipes. The flexible nature of the insertion member enables navigation through pipe bends and fittings while the compact housing maintains the necessary shielding and detection components.
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 efficient and accurate detection of lead pipes buried underground, reducing the need for costly excavation and providing reliable data on lead concentration, facilitating effective remediation of lead contamination in water supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a well-known technique that can be used to identify the elemental composition of materials. An x-ray source such as a radioactive isotope or an x-ray tube can be used to create x-rays that irradiate the sample to be inspected, and an energy-resolving detector can be used to detect the characteristic fluorescence x-rays emitted by the material upon excitation.
Implementation Method 2
A radioactive x-ray source may be encompassed by a shield within the housing. A shutter may be coupled to the shield and configured to selectively open to enable radiation from the x-ray source to exit the shield and illuminate an inner wall of the pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for steerable x-ray inspection of a sample includes an outer housing that can be inserted into an interior of the sample via a flexible insertion member; an x-ray source within the outer housing that can output source x-rays into the sample; an x-ray detector within the housing and capable of detecting fluorescence x-rays emitted from the sample upon excitation by the source x-rays; and a steering device coupled to an end of the insertion member and configured to adjust, selectively, a position of the flexible insertion member for steering the outer housing within the sample.