Subsea Pipeline Sensor Modules for Wireless Internal Data Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring internal parameters such as pressure and temperature within subsea pipelines involve dragging a sensor array with a long cable, which is inefficient and limited in accessibility and data acquisition capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A scalable system comprising an inside module with sensors and a wireless power source, and an outside module with a data processor and communicator, allowing for reliable data transmission and power transfer over extended distances and harsh environments, using various sensor technologies including piezo transducers, magnetic inductors, and acoustic wheatstones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a sensor array with a long cable is dragged through the pipeline, then data can be collected, but the method is inefficient and limited in accessibility and data acquisition capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition efficiencyVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring function into separate modular components: inside modules with sensors and power sources that can be deployed independently within the pipeline, and outside modules with data processors that remain external. This segmentation eliminates the need for dragging long cables through the pipeline while maintaining data collection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-dragging system with wireless communication and power transmission technologies. Data and power are transmitted wirelessly between inside and outside modules, eliminating the mechanical constraint of physical cable deployment and significantly improving accessibility and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is implemented over extended distances, then accessibility is improved, but power transfer reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidpower transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by positioning inside modules within the pipeline and outside modules externally before data collection begins. This pre-deployment allows the system to establish wireless power and data transmission channels in advance, ensuring reliable operation over extended distances without requiring real-time cable manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate components including spool pieces that facilitate module deployment and positioning, and wireless transmission media that bridge the gap between inside and outside modules. These intermediaries enable reliable power and data transfer over extended distances by providing stable transmission pathways without direct mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are deployed inside the pipeline, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inside modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can perform multiple sensing functions (pressure, temperature, flow) and wireless communication operations. This standardization allows multiple sensors to be deployed with identical modular units, improving measurement precision across multiple parameters while keeping individual module complexity manageable through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous and reliable data communication and power transfer within subsea pipelines, facilitating accurate measurement and transmission of internal parameters like pressure and temperature over long distances and challenging conditions.

Implementation Method 1

various sensor technologies including piezo transducers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

magnetic inductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

acoustic wheatstones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20260049886A1Scalable system for measurement and transfer of data from inside a pipeline disposed subsea and methods of use

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An operationally unintrusive, and scalable system for measurement and transfer of pressure and temperature data from inside a fluid flow tubular such as a subsea pipeline to an existing remote site such as an infrastructure or a subsea vehicle that does not need to penetrate the fluid flow tubular's wall.