Automated Tubular Inspection Segregation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting and verifying the condition of tubulars, especially in oil and gas operations, are manual and risky, potentially leading to accidents and environmental hazards due to improper inspection and handling of contaminated pipes.
Innovation Solution
An automated modular quality control center assembly that includes an inlet module, transfer module, and segregation module with a survey instrument detector and control module to remotely inspect tubulars for condition and contamination, minimizing manual handling and ensuring safe segregation based on predefined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to verify tubular condition, then inspection can be performed, but safety risks and environmental hazards increase due to improper handling of contaminated pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors and detectors. The robotic arm manipulates tubulars while survey instruments detect contamination and structural conditions, eliminating direct human contact with potentially hazardous materials and significantly improving inspection safety while reducing accident risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between human operators and contaminated tubulars. This intermediary performs all hazardous handling and inspection tasks, allowing humans to remain at a safe distance while still achieving inspection objectives, thus resolving the contradiction between performing inspection and avoiding safety risks
2Reliability
If automated inspection systems are implemented, then inspection safety improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated inspection system into distinct modular components: a robotic arm for manipulation, separate survey instruments for detection, a control system for coordination, and a data processing unit for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and operation while maintaining overall system safety
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functional capabilities, combining manipulation, positioning, and inspection functions in a single platform. The robotic arm can handle various tubular sizes and configurations, while survey instruments can detect multiple types of contamination and structural issues, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems and thereby managing complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote inspection is performed to minimize manual handling, then accident risk decreases, but inspection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses survey instruments to create detailed digital representations or copies of the tubular condition, including contamination levels and structural integrity data. These digital copies allow for precise remote analysis without requiring direct physical contact, maintaining both safety and measurement precision through advanced sensing and data processing technologies
Data Source
AI summary
An automated modular quality control center assembly for tubulars having an automated inlet module, an automated transfer module, and an automated parameter defined segregation module. The automated inlet module has a pipe conveyor, which receives the tubulars from an initial pipe rack. The tubulars are rolled off the automated inlet module pipe conveyor to an automated transfer module pipe conveyor. The tubulars on the automated transfer module pipe conveyor pass in close proximity to and are scanned by the survey instrument detector. An automated pass fail pipe conveyor receives the tubulars from automated transfer module pipe conveyor. A pass test exit pipe rack or a fail test exit pipe rack receives the tubulars from the automated pass fail pipe conveyor that pass or fail a preset survey instrument limit of the survey instrument detector.