Underwater RFID Positioning for Autonomous Pipeline Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) face challenges in accurately positioning and identifying underwater equipment and pipelines at depths of up to 3,000 meters due to extreme pressure, low visibility, extreme temperatures, strong currents, and sedimentation, which can lead to loss of reference and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RFID system that uses passive RFID TAGs installed on underwater equipment and active reader/recorder systems on AUVs to facilitate accurate positioning and identification of underwater assets. This system allows AUVs to read RFID TAGs from a safe distance, avoiding contact and collision, and updates the vehicle's digital map with the location and identification of equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If AUVs are used for inspection without reference points, then automation is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary reference points deployed on the seabed that serve as mediators between the AUV and the inspection targets. These passive RFID tags provide electromagnetic field-based positioning references that enable the autonomous vehicle to maintain accurate position and orientation without direct human control, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If AUVs operate at safe distance from equipment, then collision risk is reduced, but identification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical proximity-based identification systems with electromagnetic field-based RFID technology. The RFID reader on the AUV can read tags from a distance of 60-120 cm through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical contact or extremely close proximity, thus maintaining both safety and identification accuracy.
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are installed on all equipment, then identification completeness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive RFID tags that are inexpensive, simple in structure, and easily deployable. These tags can be attached to equipment without complex installation procedures, and if needed, can be replaced or repositioned easily. Their low cost and simplicity offset the increased number of components, making the overall system manageable despite the increased quantity of tags.
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
The RFID system enhances the accuracy and efficiency of AUV operations by providing reliable reference points for positioning, reducing the risk of AUVs getting lost, and optimizing inspection routes, thereby saving time and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The AUV is equipped with a reader/recorder and transmits a specific protocol in radio frequency, in the range of 100 to 300 KHz for said TAG. The TAG is energized by the electromagnetic field received by its antenna and returns, through of a protocol, its identification and code, also in radio frequency
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to embodiments of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. An embodiment includes a reader/recorder (active element) in autonomous robotic underwater vehicles (AUVs) and an identifying TAG (RFID) (passive element) with memory for recording an ID (identification/code). The ID is read by the reader/recorder and immediately updates its position and identification of the equipment, system, or underwater pipeline for inspection by AUVs. TAGs are placed on equipment, pipelines, and existing underwater materials in the oil field area by the AUVs themselves, or onshore. For positioning and inspections, the codes of these RFID TAGs are linked to their location in the underwater oil field at its facility.