Wireless Data Transmission for Internal Pipe Pigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection systems face issues with cable damage and seal failure due to obstacles, which reduces the operational reliability and service life of internal pipe pigs, especially when trying to accommodate numerous non-destructive testing sensors within the limited space.
Innovation Solution
Implementing wireless data and control signal transmission using high-frequency electromagnetic signals between internal pipe measurement and control means and on-board processing units, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing data accumulation near the pipeline wall for later radio channel transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical cable protection is used to protect connecting cables outside the pig body, then cable damage is prevented, but the device becomes too cumbrous and cannot accommodate the great number of sensors due to lack of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable protection systems with wireless data transmission technology. Sensors communicate with the pig body through wireless signals (acoustic, electromagnetic, or radio frequency) eliminating the need for physical cables and their protective mechanisms. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through wireless communication while dramatically reducing device complexity and available space for sensors.
2Reliability
If wireless data transmission is implemented using high-frequency electromagnetic signals, then cable damage and seal failure are prevented, but data transmission distance within the pipeline is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate data storage and relay units positioned at strategic locations within the pipeline. These units receive data from sensors via wireless transmission, store it temporarily, and forward it to the next relay point or to external systems. This intermediary approach extends the effective transmission distance beyond the limitations of direct high-frequency wireless communication while maintaining the reliability benefits of cable-free operation.
3Reliability
If connecting cables are removed from the pig design, then cable damage and seal failure are eliminated, but data transmission and control signal exchange become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless communication platform that handles multiple functions: data transmission from sensors, control signal delivery to actuators, pig location tracking, and system configuration. By consolidating these diverse communication needs into a single wireless infrastructure, the system eliminates cables and improves reliability while managing complexity through multi-functionality rather than separate dedicated systems for each function.
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
This solution enhances the operational reliability of internal pipe pigs by preventing cable damage and seal failures, improving service life by enabling reliable wireless data transmission and control signal exchange, and allowing for more efficient data processing and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a powerful transmitter for sending high-frequency electromagnetic signals, which is installed inside the pig body, and a receiver with an antenna located within the pipeline at a remote distance from the pig
Implementation Method 2
a system for transmitting data and receiving control signals via high-frequency electromagnetic signals (of more than 1 kHz) which propagate within the pipeline and pass through a radio transparent slit in a pipeline fitting
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to apparatuses for internal pipe non-destructive control of pipelines. Technical result is increasing of operational reliability of the internal pipe pig based on use of wireless means for transmitting data and control signals between both internal pipe measurement, diagnosis and control means outside the pig and on-board processing and storing means. An internal pipe pig comprises an electronic system of the pig, comprising wireless data transmission means which comprise at least one electromagnetic signal transmitter, measuring and measured data processing means comprising at least one measuring unit and at least one data processing unit, wherein the wireless data transmission means also comprise at least one high-frequency electromagnetic signal receiver for receiving the transmitted data, which is connected to the data processing unit.