Multi-sensor inspection for identification of pressurized pipe defects that leak
US9933329B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M5/0083
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.