DE102020115215A1 - Measurement platform and method for locating and monitoring pipelines under water - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring platform (1) for locating and monitoring pipelines under water and for monitoring the functionality of the mechanical corrosion protection. It has a floating body (2) which is designed to accommodate sensor elements (8) and has at least two drive elements (3) on an underside (2.1). In addition, there is a position detection unit (20) for determining a current position and a current orientation of the floating body (2). According to the invention, one of the at least two drive elements (3) is located in opposite areas at the ends of the underside (2.1) of the floating body (2) ) arranged. Each drive element (3) can be pivoted about an axis oriented essentially orthogonally to the underside (2.1) of the floating body (2). The invention also relates to a method for operating a measuring platform (1).

Description

The invention relates to a measuring platform for locating and monitoring pipelines under water according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to an arrangement and a method for operating a measuring platform.

In order to transport raw materials such as crude oil and natural gas from the relevant production areas to processing plants, for example, and to forward the raw materials to the consumer, large-scale pipelines are used very often. The maintenance and regular inspection of these pipelines are not only a technical and logistical challenge due to the large spatial dimensions of the pipelines. While above-ground pipelines in the countryside are generally quite easily accessible, the inspection of pipelines that are laid at the bottom as well as below the bottom of bodies of water makes considerable additional requirements.

In addition to inspecting the pipelines, some of which are at great depths, the exact positions of the pipelines must be determined. In fast-flowing waters in particular, the actual course of the pipeline can change as a result of the flow effect. In addition, the dynamic and geological processes at the bottom of rivers, for example during snowmelt or flood events, place high demands on the pipeline's resilience and wear resistance. The positions of the pipelines on the banks are of particular importance, as they are static and are exposed to high loads due to the movements of the pipelines within the waters.

Various technical solutions are known from the prior art, by means of which pipelines laid under the sea can be found and inspected.

For example, in the US 2014/0234029 A1 an underwater vehicle discloses that it is connected to a mother ship via a supply line and is remotely controlled. The submersible is equipped with a number of sensors and tools and can be controlled remotely from the mother ship.

For example, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is in the U.S. 5,047,990 A described.

These underwater vehicles are suitable for use in bodies of water with great depths and sufficient maneuvering space and low currents.

The position detection and inspection of pipelines in shallow waters with strongly changing flow speeds and different flow directions is not possible with the vehicles mentioned above.

Remote controllable or autonomous boats from various manufacturers such as the C-Cat3 from ASV (GB), the Q-Boat 1800 from Teledyne (USA) or the ARCboat Lite from HR Wallingford (GB) are known for such areas of application . These boats are all light and have a shallow draft. They can be remotely controlled and equipped with different sensors. The feed is generated by two propellers that are driven by electric motors. The propellers are arranged at the stern on all models and propel the boat forward in its longitudinal direction. The low weight of the boats and effective steering systems allow their high maneuverability.

The ARCboat Lite also has a breakthrough through the entire hull, called a “moon-pool” or “moontube”, roughly in the middle of the hull. Various sensors can be used in this moon pool, which are used for data acquisition, especially in areas below the boat.

Despite their very good maneuverability, the mentioned boats have limits for certain measuring tasks, for example the precise localization of a pipeline. Locating corrosion protection defects, i.e. recording specific measured values with a very high level of local accuracy and sensitivity, is not possible with any of the aforementioned or similar boats. This disadvantage is particularly evident at higher flow velocities.

The invention is based on the object of proposing a device for locating and / or monitoring pipelines under water which is improved over the prior art. It is also an object of the invention to provide a use of such a device.

The object is achieved with a measuring platform according to claim 1, an arrangement according to claim 7 and a method according to claim 8. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The measuring platform is designed to locate and / or monitor pipelines under water. She has a float that is designed to accommodate measuring devices, hereinafter also referred to as sensors or sensor elements, and which has at least two drive elements on an underside for the controlled drive of the floating body. The drive elements are operated by means of drive units, for example electric motors. In addition, there is a position detection unit for determining a current position and a current orientation of the floating body. Furthermore, the measuring platform has a control unit, for example a computer, for controlling the drive units as a function of a determined current position and / or orientation of the floating body. A current position is determined in relation to a selected coordinate system; a current orientation can likewise be determined in relation to a coordinate system and / or to terrain structures. Such terrain structures can be, for example, a bank of a body of water or a channel or a ridge on the bottom of the body of water.

A measuring platform according to the invention is characterized in that in each case one of the at least two drive elements is arranged in areas at the ends of the underside of the floating body which are opposite one another. Each drive element can be pivoted about an axis directed essentially orthogonally to the underside of the floating body (pivot axis). The pivot axis is directed essentially orthogonally when it is inclined not more than 25 °, better not more than 15 °, in particular not more than 10 ° with respect to the underside.

An essential aspect of the invention consists in the separate arrangement of the drive elements and the possibility of their relative orientation and control independently of one another. Each of the drive elements can therefore be operated in a controlled manner independently of the other drive element with regard to its orientation relative to the float, as well as with regard to its individual drive power and drive direction (e.g. the direction of rotation of a propeller). The measuring platform can be moved in any direction regardless of its current orientation. For this purpose, the drive elements only have to be brought into the required relative position to the float and / or to the coordinate system used and to be controlled and driven with regard to their speed and optionally also with regard to their direction of rotation. The alignment, drive power and direction of the drive elements can be coordinated with one another by means of a control unit in order to bring about a desired driving maneuver. The control of the drive elements, the current alignment of the floating body, existing currents and the position to be controlled are advantageously related to one another and the necessary control commands are generated. In addition, when the control unit generates the control commands, it can advantageously be taken into account which current orientation the measuring platform is to assume when it reaches a position to be controlled, for example an examination position at which measurements are to be carried out.

Due to the design of the measuring platform according to the invention, for example a current direction of movement of the measuring platform can be changed by a large angle, for example 90 degrees or more, without changing the alignment of the measuring platform. For example, an alignment of the measuring platform relative to a water flow, to a coordinate system or to a terrain structure can be maintained while the direction of travel is changed. Conversely, the measuring platform can be maneuvered as required in a very narrow space, despite the presence of a current. For example, the measuring platform can turn at its respective position (“at the place”).

The drive elements can be directed at an angle other than 90 °, for example up to 75 °, in particular up to 80 °, from the respective pivot axis. For example, a propeller present on the drive element can be tilted by up to 15 °, in particular up to 10 °, for example 7 °, relative to the pivot axis. Such a slight incline is hydrodynamically advantageous. In addition, the formation of air bubbles can be reduced by a corresponding inclination of the drive elements during the drive elements, whereby the measuring processes of the sensor elements are advantageously influenced.

The drive elements can each be operated by means of a drive unit arranged in and / or on the floating body. Such a drive unit can comprise at least one motor, in particular at least one electric motor. For example, one motor can generate the rotational movement of a propeller, while another motor, acting as an actuator, adjusts the relative alignment of the drive element. In order not to unnecessarily impair the sensitivity of the sensor elements used during measurements below the measuring platform, the drive unit can be connected to the drive element by means of a gear or a shaft. If the drive unit is located in or on the floating body, its drive power can be transmitted to the drive element by means of a shaft, for example.

In a further embodiment of the measuring platform, the drive unit can be designed as a pump. In this case, the drive element can, for example, be a pivotable nozzle be ejected by means of the pump pumped water and thus a feed is generated. A relative alignment of the drive element can be adjusted by means of a motor.

Each drive element can advantageously have at least one tail unit, for example a guide plate or a guide surface. This tail unit, which can also be made in several parts, advantageously supports, for example, straight-ahead travel of the measuring platform due to its effect as a rudder or fin.

In order to support rapid changes of direction of the measuring platform, the float advantageously has an aspect ratio, that is to say a ratio of length to width, of at most 3 to 1; advantageously of at most 2.5 to 1, preferably of at most 2 to 1. The measuring platform thus has no pronounced structural and hydrodynamic preferred direction and can therefore also be moved sideways with little resistance. At the same time, a flat design, in particular the underside of the float, supports the journey and change of direction of the measuring platform.

In order to be able to attach measuring devices to the measuring platform in a simple and flexible manner, which in particular are intended to acquire data from an area below the measuring platform, the float has at least one adapter area. This is designed in particular as a breakthrough through the floating body ("moon pool"). Further adapter areas can be present in the cover of the top of the float. If necessary, these can accommodate communication devices, antennas, position detection devices and / or measuring devices, for example.

The measuring platform is buoyant due to its floating body and advantageously has a shallow draft. In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the floating body, and thus the measuring platform, is submersible. For this purpose, it has at least one immersion cell and a controllable pump unit for the regulated filling and emptying of the at least one immersion cell. Such a design of the measuring platform according to the invention enables its use also under water. In addition, the measuring platform can be trimmed and / or its depth, and thus its inertia within certain limits, can be adjusted by specifically filling the at least one immersion cell. This option is advantageous, for example, when heavy or bulky measuring devices are mounted on the measuring platform.

The measuring platform can have at least one communication element of the position detection unit, which can be designed as an antenna. If the measuring platform is submersible, the communication element extends at least as far as the vicinity of the water surface, even when the float is submerged. For example, the communication element can be designed as a rigid or flexible rod antenna. In this way, in cooperation with suitable transmit and receive powers and transmit and receive frequencies, stable communication between the position detection unit and a reference position unit located outside the measuring platform is possible.

The communication element or further communication elements can be used to interact with the measurement platform. For example, the measuring platform can be remotely controlled manually if required. Measurement data recorded by means of the sensor elements can also be transmitted continuously or in blocks to an external receiver, for example to a receiving station on the bank or on a ship.

Due to the very sensitive measurement methods to be used with the measurement platform, in particular electromagnetic measurements with special antennas, all drive units are isolated from any electrical voltage. All current-carrying cables of the measuring platform are not only insulated, but also shielded as best as possible in order to avoid direct current magnetic fields.

In order to be able to control the measuring platform according to the invention preferably autonomously and thereby achieve a high positional accuracy, the invention also relates to an arrangement of a measuring platform according to one of the preceding claims and a stationary reference position unit. The position detection unit is connected to the reference position unit in a manner suitable for transmitting data, in particular by radio. A stationary reference position unit is in particular a device for differential global positioning (Differential Global Positioning System; DGPS).

The high maneuverability and the possibility of very fast and highly precise position determination enable the measuring platform according to the invention to perform maneuvers that cannot be carried out with corresponding devices of the known prior art.

These principles now enable a precise, in particular contactless, inspection and monitoring of pipelines that have been found. With appropriate sensor elements, the condition of the pipeline at a specific examination position can be recorded and evaluated with high accuracy and repeatability.

The very good maneuverability advantageously allows a method for operating the measuring platform in which, for example, an examination position is determined or an examination position is determined on the basis of recorded measured values. The examination position is a position of the measuring platform, for example on a flowing body of water, which is not only intended to be passed over by the measuring platform, but at which several and / or longer-lasting measurements are to be carried out.

The examination position can be established, for example, on the basis of such measured values that were recorded, for example, at other points in a pipeline. The submarine and / or subterranean course of a pipeline can thus be tracked by means of the measuring platform and measured values can be recorded in the process. In addition to position data of the pipeline, measured values are, for example, data on the condition of the pipeline, such as the condition of its protective cover and / or the condition of a metallic pipe wall. On the basis of the recorded measured values, an operator of the measuring platform can trigger measuring processes at a specific examination position. However, such measurement processes are advantageously initiated and carried out autonomously by the control unit on the basis of the measured values recorded so far as well as predetermined decision criteria.

Alternatively, an examination position can be specified in advance. For example, the positions of the pipeline on the bank are often known. Since these are particularly stressed sections of the pipeline, these positions can be specifically approached and checked. The same applies if the positions of the pipeline in the body of water are known with sufficient accuracy. Minor corrections to the positioning of the measuring platform at the established examination position are also included in the method according to the invention.

In particular, the measuring platform at the examination position can be moved around a virtual, essentially vertical, axis of rotation into a number of predetermined measuring positions. This means that the measuring platform according to the invention is held, for example, at a specific examination position on a body of water and, moreover, its relative alignment to the flow can be changed in a controlled manner without leaving the examination position. This is possible even when driving on flowing water or in a current.

The measuring platform according to the invention can advantageously be used to carry out a measuring method which is referred to here as a 4-position measurement by way of example. The measuring platform is brought into a first position or measuring position at the examination position, in which the virtual axis of rotation is located at the examination position. At least one measurement is carried out in this first measurement position and the corresponding measurement data is recorded. The measuring platform is then rotated around the virtual axis of rotation into a second measuring position by controlling the respective angular positions of the drive elements and the respective drive powers in such a way that the measuring platform is moved into the second measuring position and held in this second measuring position. The measuring positions are advantageously orientations of the measuring platform offset from one another by 90 °.

For the control commands required for this, measurement data, in particular for the acquisition of the individual data for the detection of damage to anti-corrosion coatings of the pipeline and for the local flow direction and flow speed of the water, can be evaluated and used, which were already recorded during the previous journey of the measuring platform and which can be used as comparison values.

A corresponding procedure is followed in order to move to a third, a fourth and possibly at least one further measurement position at the relevant examination position. In further refinements of the method according to the invention, the measurement positions already assumed once can be approached again, for example to repeat or continue measurements or to carry out other measurements at the relevant measurement position. In addition, it is possible to move to further measurement positions at an examination position in order to record measurement data there which, for example, serve to verify the measurement data recorded so far.

In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the virtual axis of rotation runs through the position of a sensor element of the measuring platform, for example an anode. The measuring platform is therefore rotated around that point on the measuring platform at which the sensor element is located. A second anode at a point on the measurement platform that is further away from the virtual axis of rotation allows the required measurement data to be collected. The measured values of the two anodes can be related to one another in order to be able to derive, for example, statements about the corrosion status of an examined pipeline. A combination of at least one anode as a sensor element with a 4-position measurement advantageously allows a very precise and verifiable location of a pipeline, its monitoring and the spatial assignment of the measurement data.

Due to the design of the floating body and the pivotable drive elements, the measuring platform according to the invention enables very precise maneuverability, even in flowing waters. In addition to finding pipelines under water or in the bottom of a body of water, a unique selling point of the measuring platform is that it can also be used to precisely and traceably check the condition of the pipeline, in particular the condition of the structural corrosion protection measures and the functionality of the mechanical corrosion protection.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Messplattform in einer Seitenansicht;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung des Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Messplattform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Antriebselements;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Messplattform in einer Ansicht von oben ins Innere der Messplattform;
• 5a eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Messverfahrens mit zwei dargestellten Messpositionen;
• 5b eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Messverfahrens mit vier dargestellten Messpositionen; und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung umfassen eine Messplattform und eine ortsfeste Referenzpositionseinheit.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments and illustrations. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a measuring platform according to the invention in a side view;
• 2 a schematic representation of the embodiment of a measuring platform according to the invention in a perspective view;
• 3 a schematic representation of a drive element;
• 4th a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a measuring platform according to the invention in a view from above into the interior of the measuring platform;
• 5a a schematic representation of an embodiment of a measurement method according to the invention with two measurement positions shown;
• 5b a schematic representation of an embodiment of the measurement method according to the invention with four measurement positions shown; and
• 6th a schematic representation of an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention comprise a measuring platform and a stationary reference position unit.

The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically. The same reference symbols identify the same technical elements in each case.

A measuring platform according to the invention 1 has a floating body as an essential component 2 with a bottom 2.1 and a top 2.2 and at least two drive elements 3 on, with one of the drive elements 3 in opposite areas at the ends of the underside 2.1 of the float 2 is arranged ( 1 ). Each of the drive elements 3 is independent of one another by one orthogonal to the bottom 2.1 of the float 2 directed axis (swivel axis S. ; illustrated with a broken solid line) can be pivoted (see also 2 ). The drive elements 3 are from two sides by protective bars 4th Protected against damage caused by running onto flat ground or obstacles.

At the top 2.2 of the float 2 is optionally a railing 5 available that grasp and carry the measuring platform 1 allowed and at the same time serves as a bumper and the float 2 protects against damage, for example when landing. At the same time, the railing 5 can be used as a connecting element for the use of a hydraulic crane. Furthermore is a communication element 6th in the form of an antenna on the top 2.2 appropriate.

In an adapter area designed as a breakthrough or "moon pool" 7th (please refer 2 ) is a sensor element 8th inserted that out at the bottom 2.1 from the adapter area 7th protrudes and for the acquisition of measurement data in an area below the measurement platform 1 serves.

The adapter area 7th is located in the first embodiment of a measuring platform according to the invention 1 centrally in the float 2 ( 2 ). On one of the drive elements 3 is its mobility around the pivot axis by means of double arrows S. as well as its rotary movement to drive the measuring platform 1 made clear.

A drive element 3 In one possible version, it includes toothed belt pulleys 10 , each with a hollow shaft 11th (drawn interrupted) with one in a housing 12th housed gearbox (not shown) are in connection ( 3 ). The toothed belt pulleys 10 are inside the floating body 2 arranged. One on a respective toothed belt pulley 10 applied torque is via the corresponding hollow shaft 11th forwarded and causes either a pivoting movement of the housing 12th around the pivot axis S. or the drive, for example one on a drive shaft 13th attached propellers (see 1 and 2 ).

On the case 12th can optionally have a tail unit 14th , for example in the form of three guide plates, be attached to the directional stability of the measuring platform 1 can be improved significantly while driving or with incoming water.

In the 4th is a schematic view of the interior of the float 2 of a second embodiment of the measuring platform 1 shown in a top view. By means of a drive unit each 15th becomes each of the drive elements 3 (please refer 1 until 3 ) pivoted and driven independently of each other. The drive power is in each case provided by a drive motor 15.1 provided while the pivoting movement of the concerned Drive element 3 around the pivot axis S. (only designated once) by means of an actuator 15.2 is effected. Both drives 15.1 and 15.2 stand with the toothed belt wheels 10 by means of a toothed belt each 16 for the transmission of the drive or actuating forces in connection.

Inside the float 2 are still two diving cells 19th available, which by means of a pump unit 18th can be filled and emptied in a controlled manner. There is also a position detection unit 20th built in, the current position of the measuring platform 1 determined in a desired coordinate system and with a control unit 17th connected is. The control unit 17th is used to control the drive units 15th , in particular as a function of data from the position detection unit 20th , as well as the pump unit 18th .

In further versions of the measuring platform 1 are the technical elements mentioned except the pump unit 18th and the diving cells 19th present. Further possible versions of the measuring platform 1 each have only one actuator 15.2 who have favourited the pump unit 18th and optionally at least one diving cell 19th . As a drive element 3 serves a swiveling nozzle through which the pump unit 18th Water is pressed or sucked in. The relative alignment of the nozzle is controlled by the actuator 15.2 . There can be several pump units 18th to supply the drive elements 3 and / or the at least one immersion cell 19th to be available.

The flat design of the measuring platform 1 as well as the drive elements that can be swiveled through 360 ° 3 enable driving maneuvers that are not possible with vehicles according to the prior art. In 5a illustrates a maneuver in which the measurement platform 1 around a virtual axis of rotation vD (symbolized with a cross) is rotated between two measuring positions. The virtual axis of rotation vD is for example by a sensor element 8th in the form of an anode determined in the adapter area 7th (moon-pool) is used. At an edge area of the measuring platform 1 is another sensor element 8th arranged in the form of an anode.

In a first measuring position (full line) the measuring platform 1 through the appropriately controlled drive elements 3 held against a current (illustrated by a broad arrow) at a certain position (examination position) on the water. After the measurement by means of the further sensor element 8th are controlled by the control unit 17th Control commands are generated, the implementation of which results in a pivoting movement of the measuring platform 1 leads by 90 ° to the second measuring position. The measuring platform remains during this pivoting movement 1 , especially those in the adapter area 7th arranged anode 8th , on the virtual axis of rotation vD . The further sensor element 8th (another anode 8th ) is therefore moved around the examination position in a defined arc and is used to acquire further measurement data at the second measurement position.

This maneuver can include further measurement positions. For example, a 4-position measurement can be carried out at four measurement positions by the measurement platform 1 is rotated one after the other into the four measuring positions ( 5b) . At each measurement position, the additional sensor element 8th a measurement carried out. In this way, measurement data from different directions, for example an area of a pipeline, are collected 22nd (please refer 6th ) recorded and can be evaluated.

To ensure a high level of precision in the localization and current positions of the measuring platform 1 To secure, a stationary reference position unit is advantageously located in an arrangement according to the invention 21 (e.g. a benchmark of the pipeline operator) for example on the bank of a body of water. In 6th a section of the river is shown in simplified form. The local profile of the flow velocities on the surface of the water is symbolized by arrows. There is a pipeline at the bottom of the water 22nd .

The position detection unit 20th inside the measuring platform 1 and the fixed reference position unit 21 stand above the means of communication 6th (please refer 1 and 4th ) in data exchange with each other. The measuring platform 1 can be remotely controlled in this way or move autonomously on the water using the autopilot.

The measuring platform 1 is currently moving diagonally to the current of the water (arrow as solid line). Due to the maneuverability of the measuring platform according to the invention already described above 1 this could also be moved in one of the directions shown by way of example with arrows (broken solid lines) without affecting the relative alignment of the measuring platform 1 to the flow of the water needs to be changed.

List of reference symbols

1

Measuring platform

2

Float

2.1

bottom

2.2

Top

3

Drive element

4th

Protection bar, skid

5

Railing

6th

Communication element, antenna

7th

Breakthrough, moon-pool

8th

Sensor element, anode

9

Propeller drive

10

Toothed belt pulley

11th

Hollow shaft

12th

casing

13th

drive shaft

14th

Tail unit

15th

Drive unit

15.1

Drive motor

15.2

Actuator

16

Timing belt

17th

Control unit, calculator

18th

Pump unit

19th

Dive cell

20th

Position detection unit

21

Reference position unit

22nd

Pipeline

S.

Swivel axis

vD

virtual axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 2014/0234029 A1 [0005]
• US 5047990 A [0006]

Claims (11)

Measuring platform (1) for locating and / or monitoring pipelines (22) under water, with a floating body (2) which - is designed to accommodate sensor elements (8), - at least two drive elements (3 ) for the controlled movement of the float (2) and drive units (15) for operating the drive elements (3), - has a position detection unit (20) for determining a current position and a current orientation of the float (2) and - has a control unit (17) ) for controlling the drive units (15) as a function of a determined current position and / or orientation of the floating body (2), characterized in that - each of the at least two drive elements (3) in opposite areas at the ends of the underside (2.1 ) of the floating body (2) is arranged, and - each drive element (3) by one essentially orthogonal to the underside (2.1) of the floating body rs (2) directed axis is pivotable. Measuring platform (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the drive elements (3) are operated or can be operated by means of a drive unit (15) each arranged in and / or on the floating body (3). Measuring platform (1) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the floating body (2) is submersible and has at least one immersion cell (19) and a controllable pump unit (18) for controlled filling and emptying of the at least one immersion cell (19). Measuring platform (1) Claim 3 , characterized by at least one communication element (6) of the position detection unit (20) which, when the floating body (2) is submerged, extends at least as far as the vicinity of the water surface. Measuring platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (2) has an aspect ratio of at most 3 to 1; advantageously of at most 2.5 to 1, preferably at most 2 to 1. Measuring platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating body (2) has at least one adapter area (7) in which optionally different sensor elements (8) can be inserted. Arrangement comprising a measuring platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a stationary reference position unit (21), characterized in that the position detection unit (20) is connected to the reference position unit (21) in a manner suitable for transmitting data. Method for operating a measuring platform (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th or according to an arrangement Claim 7 , in which - an examination position is determined or an examination position is determined on the basis of recorded measured values, - the measuring platform (1) at the examination position is moved around a virtual axis of rotation (vD) into a number of predetermined measuring positions, and - at least each of the measuring positions a measurement is carried out. Procedure according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the virtual axis of rotation (vD) runs through the position of a sensor element (8) of the measuring platform (1), in particular an anode. Procedure according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the measuring positions are in each case orientations of the measuring platform (1) offset by 90 ° to one another. Method according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that measured values are recorded from a pipeline (22) located at the examination position.

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