Subsea Pipeline Density Measurement for Plug Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting submerged pipelines, such as the Discovery tool by Tracerco, are complex, time-consuming, expensive, and require heavy equipment, making them inefficient for detecting plug formations in subsea environments.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight measurement apparatus connected to an ROV, equipped with a radiation source and detector, that can securely attach to and move along submerged pipelines to measure density and composition, allowing for efficient and cost-effective diagnosis of flow abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Discovery tool is used for pipeline inspection, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but device complexity and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tomography systems with a simplified radiation-based measurement system. Instead of using heavy mechanical scanning equipment, the invention employs radiation sources and detectors that can be deployed on lightweight ROVs, substituting mechanical complexity with a more straightforward physical measurement approach based on radiation attenuation principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex Discovery tool system. By isolating the core capability of density measurement through radiation attenuation and implementing it on a standalone apparatus deployable on ROVs, the invention removes unnecessary complexity while retaining measurement accuracy for detecting plug formations.
2Reliability
If heavy inspection equipment is deployed, then comprehensive pipeline measurement is achieved, but installation time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical inspection equipment with lightweight radiation-based measurement systems deployed on ROVs. This substitution enables rapid deployment and quick measurements that do not require lengthy installation procedures, significantly reducing pipeline downtime while maintaining diagnostic reliability through accurate density measurements of plug formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of pipeline inspection by using radiation-based measurements that can be performed quickly without requiring the pipeline to be shut down for extended periods. The system achieves reliable plug detection through rapid density measurements, transforming the inspection process from a time-consuming mechanical operation to a fast, non-intrusive measurement procedure.
3Measurement precision
If conventional inspection methods are used, then thorough pipeline analysis is achieved, but operational cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex conventional inspection methods with a simplified radiation-based system that measures plug density through radiation attenuation. This substitution maintains measurement precision for detecting hydrocarbon plugs while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the system can be deployed on ROVs and provides direct density readings without requiring complex data processing or interpretation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective measurement approach using radiation sources and detectors that can be deployed on disposable or reusable ROVs. This approach provides accurate plug detection at a fraction of the cost of traditional inspection tools, making the operation economically viable while maintaining measurement precision through direct density measurements.
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 the measurement of miles of pipeline in a single day with reduced downtime and operational costs, providing a faster, cheaper, and more reliable method for diagnosing plugs without interrupting pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
a source and a detector for measuring a density and/or a composition of a section of the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring submerged surfaces. Embodiments include a measurement apparatus including a main frame, a source positioned outside a pipe and connected to the main frame, and a detector positioned outside the pipe at a location diametrically opposite the source and connected to the main frame. The source may transmit a first amount of radiation. The detector may receive a second amount of radiation, determine a composition of the pipe based on the first and second amounts of radiation, and send at least one measurement signal. A control canister positioned on the main frame or on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the apparatus may receive the at least one measurement signal from the detector and convey the at least one measurement signal to software located topside.