Trackable pipeline scraper for active tracking and locating
US9200743B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S3/80
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tracking system for use with a pipeline includes a scraper having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper, and a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper. Each of the local processors is in communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor. A central processor is in communication with the local processors and determines the location of the scraper using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound, in a fluid within the pipeline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.