DE102004013157B3 - Method for fitting of measuring device in pipeline entails constructing device from central unit and at least one packing installed radially to it, and setting up packing so that rotation-free stable position of device is guaranteed - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for the fitting of a measuring device in a pipeline entails the introducing of the measuring device into the pipeline, the constructing of a device (100) from a central unit (105) and at least one packing (110,115) installed radially to it, the setting up and locating of at least one packing in such a way that a rotation-free stable position of the device in relation to the encompassing pipeline is guaranteed, and then tilting of the packing by a selected angle to the vertical by the installing of at least one positioning component. An independent claim is included for a device for fitting in a pipeline by the proposed method.

Description

background

field of use

The The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for obtaining meaningful Data about the condition of pipelines. Specifically, it is about a device or a method involving the undesired rotation of special measuring devices ("pigs") within a Prevent piping.

technical basics

Of the safe and uninterrupted operation of pipelines is paramount Target of their operators and users as well as their dependent economies. Accordingly, such pipelines are inspected at regular intervals and cleaned to maintain their functionality.

The common Maintenance method consists in the repeated cleaning of the tubes so-called "stupid Newts "whose task it is, impurities such as wax, deposit crusts, sand and to remove other foreign matter from the pipeline. So that should ensures an unhindered flow become. The more or less intensive inspection of these plants is done by comparatively "intelligent pigs", the detailed measurements perform on the pipeline, so statements about to allow their internal nature. Such a "intelligent Newt "is with one Set of more or less complex instruments equipped, including different probes and sensors using different techniques such as. Magnetic flux or ultrasound examinations are used bring. The purpose of these measurements is to run along pipelines potential weak spots or defects that affect the integrity of the tubes would to detect.

One Weak point of conventional pigging techniques is, however, that the detected defects in terms of their spatial position only inadequate can be located. Specifically means for example, one that was discovered by a pig within a pipeline Bump in terms of path length Although clearly fixable, their position in the other two Dimensions but remains indefinite: it is not apparent if the bump is at the bottom or top, left or right!

Out For this reason, there has long been a need for an equally meaningful as reliable Procedure that allows both type and exact spatial position of Determine pipeline defects.

Summary the presented invention

The presented invention Innovations with regard to a device or a method for meaningful determination with different state variables the systematic measurement of pipelines. First off you go It is about the operation of the meter within the pipeline. Crucial in this context is the way in which Device in the tube is introduced. For proper function needed the instrument (the "newt") at least one Sealing collar between its periphery and the surrounding Pipeline. It contributes the arrangement of this cuff (s) crucial to whether the Device uncontrolled rotating or stable in a predetermined spatial position the pipeline moves.

Furthermore becomes a device presented as such, due to its construction - central Main unit plus surrounding, specially arranged sleeve (s) - capable is a predetermined orientation when passing through a pipeline maintain.

Finally will presents a measuring instrument, which consists of a central unit and surrounding cuff (s), whose arrangement allows a stable, non-rotating locomotion, and that at least one sensory method of characterization the nature of the inner tube surface dominates.

Summary the drawings

In order to the above-mentioned specifics of this invention can also be understood in detail, some of them will be by way of example with reference to the attached Drawings explained.

1 shows a longitudinal section through a caliber pig within a pipeline.

2 shows a partially expanded longitudinal section with the various Competents of the pig.

detailed Description of the preferred implementation of the invention

Presented Here are a capable for rotational movement locomotive caliber pig and this Innovation underlying procedure. His principle is one Caliber pig a gauge that it allows the physical due to continuous data acquisition Texture (shape) of the tube interior along a pipeline section to reconstruct. Generally can be addressed as Kalibermolch any device that from a Central unit and one or more arranged around it Gasket (s) exists. The latter make it possible for the first time the central data acquisition unit gas or liquid driven by the Tube pumped can be. Under the term "condition" of the pipeline become a variety of different and independent factors summarized - including et al Deposits / encrustations, ovalities, dents, changes in diameter etc .. To the innovative aspects of the invention presented here The following is a brief description of the attached drawings received.

1 is the longitudinal section through a caliber pig ( 100 ) of the new design presented here within a pipeline ( 10 ). For purposes of illustration here a Kalibermolch is used as a representative of all other types of pigs. It goes without saying, however, that the invention presented here can in principle be used with any type of "smart pig" or "stupid pig".

The device ( 100 ) consists of a central unit ( 105 ) from a pair of front ( 110 ) and a pair of back cuffs ( 115 ) is surrounded. It should be noted that these cuffs are crucial for stabilizing the mounting position of the device. This is made possible by a tilting of the cuffs ( 110 . 115 ) by a certain angle ( 175 ) against the vertical. In the present case, this angle is 1 degree, but in practice it is so that this angle can take any value between 0.5 and 3 degrees as needed.

Typically one of the pairs of cuffs ( 110 . 115 ) - prefers the front ( 110 ) - tight against gases and liquids. This makes it possible for the newt ( 100 ) pressure-driven through the pipeline ( 10 ) to pump. The back cuffs ( 115 ) are either also sealing or have openings which allow the pumping fluid to act on the sealed front sleeves. The cuffs ( 110 . 115 ) can be made of any waterproof material, eg polyurethane.

An important component of the device is always the on-board computer (not shown here). It is located inside the central unit ( 105 ) and is responsible for receiving, processing and storing the measured data. The computer may additionally include an electronic clock and other digital components.

The device ( 100 ) also has a number of front arms ( 120 ) behind the front cuffs ( 110 ) are arranged. Each front arm is fixed to the central unit ( 105 ) connected. At the end of each arm sits an odometer wheel ( 125 ), whose revolutions cause electronic signals to be sent to the on-board computer. From them, the path traveled by the pig in the pipeline can be determined. In 1 are just two arms ( 120 ) or wheels ( 125 ), but in practice any number of odometers may be used without affecting the invention presented herein.

In addition, the device has ( 100 ) a series of backward arms ( 130 ) behind the back cuffs ( 115 ) can be found. These arms are also fixed to the central unit ( 105 ) connected. Each of these arms has at its rear end a Abrolleinheit ( 135 ). These unwind units are pushed outwards by special spreaders, so that they are normally attached to the inner surface of the pipeline ( 10 ) issue. This design serves to determine the shape of the tube passed through: the unwinding units ( 135 ) respond to changes in the pipe diameter, be it bumps, ovalities or wrinkles, etc., and send corresponding electronic signals to the computer, from which, in conjunction with the odometer values, the respective state can be reconstructed after a certain distance traveled. Again, only two arms ( 130 ) or wheels ( 135 ). Without deviating from the basic principles of this invention, any number of sensors can also be used in this case. In addition, the rear arms ( 130 ) and attached to them scanner ( 135 ) at any other point on the central unit ( 100 ) without this changing any of the basic principles of the invention.

at 2 is a partially expanded longitudinal section showing various components of the pig ( 100 ) shows. Particularly noteworthy here are a number of components ( 150 ), by means of which the spatial position of the device is determined. They are in the area of the front ( 110 ) and rear ( 115 ) Cuffs. For reasons of space, only the front components are discussed here. To emphasize, however, is that in this too The same applies equally to the rear equivalents. Main function of these components ( 150 ) it is the cuffs ( 110 ) by a certain angle ( 175 ) to tilt against the vertical. It should be noted that any value of this inclination angle is covered by this invention. In addition, it is noted that it does not matter if only a single, several or all sleeves are inclined by the predetermined angle.

Basically, these positioning components ( 150 ) made of slices which are produced in a predetermined wedge shape. In the present case, the inclination angle is one degree. However, he can - depending on the size of the pig ( 100 ) - vary. For example, smaller devices may require angles of two, three, or more degrees. In this regard, any angle is covered within the scope of this invention. In addition, it does not matter what material (steel, aluminum or whatever) the discs are made.

Main task of the components ( 150 ) it is the cuffs ( 110 ) at a selected angle ( 175 ) to tilt. As a result, the cuffs hold themselves inside the pipeline ( 10 ) moving pig ( 100 ) in a predetermined, stable position. Example: Causes the inclination of the cuffs ( 110 ) that a front arm ( 120 ) assumes the 12 o'clock position, the pig will make its way through the pipeline ( 10 ), without the front arm ( 120 ) deviates from this starting position. It is clear that the device ( 100 ) in any spatial position without this changing anything in the basic principles of this invention. The decisive advantage of such a preselected stable spatial position of a pig is that the measured values obtained allow significantly more meaningful conclusions on the exact nature (deposits, bumps, bends, welds, etc.) of the examined tubes, namely three-dimensionally - ie with regard to both axial as well as the vertical and lateral component!

Routinely, a pipeline ( 10 ) first cleaned by a "stupid newt", followed by an in-depth inspection by a "smart pig" ( 100 ). Usually, such a pig is introduced into the pipeline at one end of the pipeline under test by means of a so-called "lock", after which the device is pressed by pressure on the sleeves ( 110 . 115 ). Since the upper halves of the cuffs are around the selected angle ( 175 ), the applied pressure leads to a downwardly inclined "nose" ( 170 ) in the front part of the pig ( 100 ). In conjunction with other forces (gravity, frictional force, flow), this downwards slope causes the device to move relative to the surrounding pipeline during its run in the predetermined stable space ( 10 ) persists.

During its run through the pipeline ( 10 ) the newts register different changes in their condition. For example, if a rear arm ( 130 ) with its sensor ( 135 Pressed inward, this indicates a directed into the tube interior unevenness. This radial movement then triggers an electronic signal proportional to the size of the defect, etc., to the computer where it is also stored. In conjunction with the evaluation of other signals (eg those of the Odometer ( 125 ), the state of the inner pipeline surfaces can be reconstructed precisely.

After the newt ( 100 ) the entire distance to be surveyed has traveled without rotation and collected the required data, the device is received at the end of the pipe in a so-called "lock" and taken out of the tube.After this, the data required to determine the pipeline condition are downloaded from the on-board computer and further processed The measurements obtained provide a variety of information regarding the interior of the pipeline: extent and extent of deformation, distance from the starting point, location, etc. These data are then used to determine various pipeline condition sizes such as deposits / crusts, welds, ovalities, bumps, bends, etc. In the aggregate, the evaluated data will eventually allow the creation of a meaningful pipeline condition profile.

Claims (13)

A method of using a measuring device in one Pipeline. It contains: - Introduction of the measuring device in the Pipeline; Structure of the device from a central unit and at least one radially arranged around it Cuff; Construction and arrangement of at least one cuff in such a way, that a predetermined, rotation-free, stable position of the device relative guaranteed to the surrounding pipeline becomes; Tilting the cuff (s) by a selected angle against the vertical by incorporating at least one positioning component ( "Swash plate"); - Positioning of the measuring device in the desired Spatial position within the pipeline; - Fixation of the measuring device in the fixed position when passing through the entire route. The method of claim 1 and further the acquisition of measured values that shed light on variations in the nature of the inner pipeline surface. The method of claim 2 including the spatially exact, i.e. three-dimensional detection of variations in texture the pipeline. The method of claim 2 including the evaluation the data for determining the pipeline condition. The method of claim 1 including the detection data to determine the distance traveled by the meter. The method of claim 1 having a cuff tipping angle between 0.5 and 3 degrees. The method of claim 1 with a caliber pig as a measuring device. A machine for use in a pipeline - consisting out: - one Central Unit; - at least a cuff arranged around this, extending to the surrounding Pipeline wall stretches; at least one cuff built that way and arranged that the central unit in a fixed Spatial position is kept relative to the pipeline; Tilting at least a cuff around a selected one Angle to the vertical by installation of at least one intended Positioning component ("swash plate"), the shape of which Tilting of the cuff (s) effected by the selected angle. The device of claim 8 having a cuff tilt angle between 0.5 and 3 degrees. The device from claim 8 with in addition an odometer to determine the distance traveled by the device. The device Of claim 8 with an inserted measuring device, consisting of at least a sensor for collecting data about the nature of Pipeline inner surfaces. The device from claim 8 with an additional On-board computer unit for recording odometer and sensor supplied data. The device from claim 8, designed as a pipeline pig.