Monitoring pipeline integrity
US8903558B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B15/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of detecting and responding to a threat condition includes receiving, at a sensing module, an input acquired in proximity to a pipeline of a fluid distribution system, the input including data associated with a vibration measurement of the pipeline acquired by a sensor exterior of the pipeline. The method also includes determining whether the input indicates a threat condition by comparing the data to a previously recorded baseline vibration measurement. The method further includes automatically closing a first fluid transmission valve in response to a determined threat condition, thereby restricting flow of fluid through the pipeline in a vicinity of the first fluid transmission valve, and wirelessly transmitting a message for receipt by a control module that is remote from the sensing module, the message including indications of the determined threat condition, the first fluid transmission valve, and an identifier associated with the sensing module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.