Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Mapping for Corroded Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thickness mapping technologies, such as guided wave tomography, fail to accurately assess wall thickness loss in structures with non-uniform thickness, like corroded pipes, due to the use of a straight ray model that does not account for ultrasonic waves propagating through complex, curved structures.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses ultrasonic waves transmitted through a transducer system to create a three-dimensional representation of wall thickness loss distribution, which is then converted into a two-dimensional model for analysis, allowing for the generation of an accurate wall thickness loss distribution map by an inversion system, even in complex structures like pipes with non-uniform thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional guided wave tomography uses a straight ray model to generate wall thickness representation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates for structures with non-uniform thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of wave propagation modeling from straight ray paths to curved ray paths that account for refraction effects. This allows the model to adapt to non-uniform thickness variations in the structure, improving measurement precision without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curvature into the ray propagation model by using curved ray paths instead of straight lines. This curvature accounts for the refraction of ultrasonic waves as they pass through regions of varying thickness, enabling accurate thickness mapping of corroded pipes and other non-uniform structures
2Device complexity
If conventional gauging devices are used to scan regions of interest, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates for difficult-to-access regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with an automated ultrasonic tomography system. Instead of manually moving gauging devices to difficult-to-access regions, the system uses ultrasonic waves that can penetrate and map the entire structure, including hard-to-reach areas, through non-contact or minimal-contact transducer placement
3Device complexity
If three-dimensional wall thickness representation is converted to two-dimensional model, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically transforms three-dimensional wall thickness data into two-dimensional cross-sectional maps while preserving critical thickness loss information. The inversion process reconstructs 2D images that maintain the essential features of thickness variation, enabling visualization and analysis of corrosion patterns without requiring complex 3D display systems
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 precise monitoring and mapping of wall thickness loss in complex structures, providing an accurate representation of thickness variations and enabling pre-emptive maintenance to prevent damage.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer system converts the initial electronic signals into an ultrasonic wave and propagates the ultrasonic wave through the region of interest
Implementation Method 2
The transducer system converts the propagated ultrasonic waves into propagated electronic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer storage mediums accurately measure wall thickness in a region of interest included in complex curved structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to generating a wall thickness loss distribution map of a region of interest that provides an accurate representation of wall thickness for the region of interest included in a complex curved structure. The wall thickness loss distribution map is generated from a two-dimensional model of the wall thickness loss distribution of the region of interest. The two-dimensional model is converted from a three-dimensional representation of the wall thickness loss distribution of the region of interest. The three-dimensional representation of the wall thickness is generated by ultrasonic waves generated by a transducer system that propagated through the region of interest.