Pipeline inspection systems and methods

US10545121B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PII Pipetronix GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Volker Frueh · Karlsruhe, DE
• Heiko Witte · Blankenloch, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 23, 2018
• Grant date: Jan 28, 2020
• Expiry date: May 23, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/2636
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Pipeline inspection systems are provided. In one embodiment, a pipeline inspection system can include at least one sensor module having a module body and a plurality of sensor holders mounted to the module body. Each sensor holder can include a holder body with a first body end, a second body end, and a plurality of sensors positioned therebetween, and a plurality of rotational guides that can be coupled to the holder body and configured to be biased towards an interior surface of the pipeline wall so as to define a standoff distance between each sensor and the interior surface of the pipeline wall. Each sensor holder can be at least partially pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the holder body extending between the first body end and the second body end. Methods of inspecting a pipeline are also provided.