Subsea Pipeline Deformation Measurement via Infrared Interferometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring deformation in subsea pipelines, such as speckle interferometry, are not suitable for subsea environments due to complexity and requirements for vacuum conditions, and struggle with pipelines coated or buried in sediments, leading to challenges in plug location and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method using electromagnetic waves, particularly in the infrared range, is emitted towards the subsea pipeline's metal layer, with reflected waves analyzed using an interferometer to determine deformation, allowing for measurements even in buried or coated pipelines without costly excavation, and enabling plug detection by applying pressure or thermal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If speckle interferometry is used to measure pipeline deformation, then measurement capability is provided, but the method becomes complex to implement and requires vacuum environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interferometry systems with a simplified optical system that uses a laser source and interferometer to measure pipeline deformation. The mechanical complexity of traditional speckle interferometry is substituted with a more straightforward optical measurement approach that does not require vacuum conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by eliminating the requirement for vacuum environment and modifying the optical setup to work in atmospheric conditions. This allows the measurement system to operate in real-world industrial environments without complex vacuum chambers, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving deformation measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional interferometry methods are used, then deformation measurement is possible, but the methods cannot work if the pipeline has external coating or is buried
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a measurement system that universally applies to various pipeline configurations including those with external coatings and buried pipelines. The optical system can detect deformation through coatings and sediments, making it versatile for different installation conditions without requiring pipeline excavation or removal of coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pipeline's metal layer as an intermediary reflective surface. The electromagnetic waves reflect off the metal layer beneath coatings or sediments, allowing the interferometer to detect deformation indirectly through the coating or sediment layer without direct contact with the metal surface, thus enabling measurement of coated and buried pipelines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic waves are used in subsea environment, then measurement can be performed in aqueous environment, but signal amplitude may be attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of signal attenuation in water into a benefit by using the reflection principle. Instead of relying on transmitted signal amplitude which attenuates in water, the system uses reflected electromagnetic waves from the metal layer, where the reflection provides high contrast and reliable interference patterns that compensate for water attenuation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes amplitude-based detection with interference pattern displacement detection. Rather than measuring signal amplitude which is attenuated in water, the system measures the displacement of interference fringes, which provides reliable measurement information independent of signal strength attenuation in the subsea environment.
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
This approach allows for precise deformation measurement and plug detection in subsea pipelines, regardless of coating or burial, providing effective monitoring and reducing the risk of mechanical stress-related issues like hydrate or paraffin plug formation.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic wave is reflected by a metal layer of the subsea pipeline and the reflected electromagnetic wave is analysed
Implementation Method 2
the reflected electromagnetic wave is analysed to determine the deformation of the subsea pipeline... given that the signal used is the displacement of an interference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method for measuring the deformation of a subsea pipeline (1), wherein an electromagnetic wave is emitted towards subsea pipeline (1), the electromagnetic wave being reflected by a metal layer (2) of subsea pipeline (1) and the reflected electromagnetic wave being analysed to deduce the deformation of subsea pipeline (1).