Pipeline condition detecting method and apparatus
US9128019B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N17/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The current invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a pipeline and also predicting the future rate of deterioration and/or possible failure of the pipeline. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one portion of the pipeline for which the prediction is to be made and, for that portion, monitoring or inspecting and assessing the condition of the pipeline wall, and typically also assessing the condition of any coating of the pipeline at said portion as well as the condition of the soil adjacent the pipeline. The measurement is performed along the length of the portion and preferably around the circumference of the pipeline at said portion. Data is collected for each cell of a grid which represents the said portion and on the basis of the measured data and, selectively, previous data and or reference data, an accurate prediction can be made as to the future condition of the pipeline and also identify potential future problems or required remedial works.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.