Self-powered pipeline vehicle for carrying out an operation on a pipeline and method
US6031371A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle includes a train of modules interlinked by suspension units to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in the modules. A detector module determines the presence of a service junction using magnetic field information. A manipulative module allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline while providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This may include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules. A remote probe typically containing a magnetic field generator can be used to assist in service junction location by the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.