WO2018185338A1 - Système capteur - Google Patents

Système capteur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018185338A1
WO2018185338A1 PCT/EP2018/059035 EP2018059035W WO2018185338A1 WO 2018185338 A1 WO2018185338 A1 WO 2018185338A1 EP 2018059035 W EP2018059035 W EP 2018059035W WO 2018185338 A1 WO2018185338 A1 WO 2018185338A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
pipe
pipeline
sensor system
unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/059035
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2018185338A8 (fr
Inventor
Brendan Peter Hyland
Grant MCLEAN
Original Assignee
Wfs Technologies Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1705507.0A external-priority patent/GB201705507D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1709009.3A external-priority patent/GB201709009D0/en
Application filed by Wfs Technologies Ltd filed Critical Wfs Technologies Ltd
Priority to EP18737150.5A priority Critical patent/EP3701228A1/fr
Publication of WO2018185338A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018185338A1/fr
Publication of WO2018185338A8 publication Critical patent/WO2018185338A8/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D11/30—Supports specially adapted for an instrument; Supports specially adapted for a set of instruments
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
    • G01K1/14—Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
    • G01K1/143—Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations for measuring surface temperatures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/223—Supports, positioning or alignment in fixed situation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/26—Scanned objects
    • G01N2291/263—Surfaces
    • G01N2291/2634—Surfaces cylindrical from outside

Definitions

  • New pipeline systems typically have integrally fitted temperature sensors so that the temperature of fluid flowing through the pipe can be monitored effectively.
  • a sensor system for mounting on a pipe, the sensor system comprising a sensor unit having at least one sensor for sensing criteria associated with the pipe, a securing mechanism for securing the system to the pipe, an isolation mechanism for isolating the at least one sensor from an ambient environment surrounding the pipe.
  • the senor By isolating the sensor from the ambient environment surrounding the pipe, the sensor can record data relating to the measurable criteria which is clearly indicative of the measure of criteria relating directly to the pipeline without any inference from the ambient environment.
  • the sensor system further comprises a resilient biasing member operable to act upon the at least one sensor wherein the at least one sensor is resiliently biased against the pipe.
  • a resilient biasing member operable to act upon the at least one sensor wherein the at least one sensor is resiliently biased against the pipe.
  • the securing mechanism is a magnetic securing means.
  • the sensor system can be easily attached and detached from the pipe which will typically be formed of a ferrous material.
  • the sensor unit may further comprise a data logger.
  • a data logger will enable storage of data relating to the sensed criteria.
  • the sensor unit may further comprise a wireless transceiver.
  • a wireless transceiver will enable the provision of sensed data to remote transceivers.
  • each transceiver has an electrically insulated magnetic coupled antenna.
  • each transceiver has an electric field coupled antenna.
  • the antenna may be a wire loop, coil or similar arrangement.
  • Such antenna create both magnetic and electromagnetic fields.
  • the magnetic or magneto-inductive field is generally considered to comprise two components of different magnitude that, along with other factors, attenuate with distance (r), at rates proportional to l/r2 and l/r3 respectively. Together they are often termed the near field components.
  • the electromagnetic field has a still different magnitude and, along with other factors, attenuates with distance at a rate proportional to 1/r. It is often termed the far field or propagating component.
  • the at least one sensor may be one of a selection from a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor and a vibration monitor.
  • the sensor unit is provided with at least two sensors.
  • the provision of more than one sensor in the sensor unit enables multiple criteria to be monitored.
  • the sensor system may be battery powered, the battery may be rechargeable and in particular may be inductively rechargeable.
  • the power is transmitted by magnetic coupling between the system transceiver and a remote transceiver.
  • each transceiver includes a circular coil structure surrounded by a flux guiding enclosure that inductively couples energy from a primary coil in the second transceiver to a secondary coil in the first transceiver.
  • the transferred energy is used to power the sensor and the first transceiver. In this way, there is no limit to the lifespan of the sensor.
  • the data can be transferred with the mobile apparatus at a greater distance from the sensor than that required for power transfer.
  • the first and the second range may be approximately equal.
  • data and power transfer can be simultaneous.
  • the data may be compressed prior to transmission from the system. In this way the occupied transmission bandwidth can be reduced. This allows use of a lower carrier frequency which leads to lower attenuation. This in turn allows data transfer through fluids over greater transmission distances. In this way, the first range can be increased by lowering the carrier frequency.
  • the data transmission is bi-directional.
  • command and control signals can be transferred to the sensor system.
  • a sensor system for a pipeline comprising at least one sensor unit, a data processor unit, and a transceiver unit, wherein the sensor system is secured to the pipeline by a layer of pipeline insulation within which the sensor is embedded such that the at least one sensor unit is adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline.
  • the sensor system is secured to the pipeline in an easy to install manner and is operable to sense direct data in real time thus improving accuracy and reducing time constant.
  • the sensor is in direct contact with an outer surface of the pipeline.
  • the senor is in indirect contact with an outer surface of the pipeline.
  • a fluid cushion is disposed between the sensor and the outer surface of the pipeline. A fluid cushion between the sensor and outer surface of the pipeline enables the components to be in indirect contact.
  • Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure IB is a cross section view of a sensor system of Figure 1 A;
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a transceiver for use in a sensor system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an antenna for use in the transmitter or receiver of the transceiver of Figure 5.
  • a sensor system generally indicated by reference numeral 10
  • the sensor system 10 comprising a housing 14 having a sensor unit 20 attached to a skirt arrangement 21 which is shaped to generally conform with the surface of a pipe 12.
  • the sensor unit includes a temperature sensor 22.
  • the sensor system 10 is further provided with a battery 29 which can be recharged wirelessly by inductive transfer of power to transceiver 28.
  • a battery 29 which can be recharged wirelessly by inductive transfer of power to transceiver 28.
  • Figure 1 which illustrates an embodiment of the sensor system generally indicated by reference numeral 10, removably attached to a pipeline, in this case subsea pipe 12, which is formed of an inner pipe 30 and an outer pipe insulating layer 32.
  • the outer pipe insulating layer 32 has a thickness a.
  • the sensor system 10 comprises a housing 14 having a sensor unit 20 attached to a skirt arrangement which is shaped to generally conform with the surface of a pipe 12.
  • the skirt arrangement may be formed, for example, from a rubber or similar type material.
  • a temperature sensor 22a Within sensor unit 20, and thus isolated from the external ambient environment 30, is, in this case, a temperature sensor 22a.
  • the skirt arrangement 21 is provided with an insulation layer 23, which may be formed of a neoprene type or similar type of material.
  • the insulation layer 23 which has a thickness b where b is as thick as, or thicker than a.
  • the skirt insulation layer 23 enables the area under the skirt 21 to retain the heat of the oil in the pipeline.
  • the thermal insulation constant is the important factor so choice of material to maximise thermal insulation constant for a given thickness is a key factor in selection of the skirt material.
  • the thermal insulation of the skirt is greater than five times the thermal insulation constant of the pipe.
  • the ambient environment is prevented from acting as a coolant in the isolated area where the temperature sensor 22a is located. Instead, the temperature gradient occurs at the outer edges of the skirt 21. Providing the sensor 22a with an insulation layer, the air around the sensor 22a is able to heat up even when the pipe itself is insulated by the pipe insulation layer 32.
  • the thermal resistance function of the skirt insulation layer 23 on a system with a pipe having an insulation layer 32 is comparable to the function of a potential divider in an electrical circuit.
  • the sensor 22a is able to measure a temperature which is exactly half the temperature of the oil in the inner pipe 30.
  • Increasing the thickness of skirt insulation layer 32 can further provide increased thermal resistance to the isolated environment for sensor 22a.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a sensor system similar to that of Figure 1 with like components referred to with the same reference numerals for ease of understanding.
  • a bubble of fluid 25 in this case a bubble of water, but it will be appreciated that the fluid may be air, gas or a liquid which is the same as, or different to, that being carried within the pipe.
  • the fluid caught between the sensor and the pipe surface works in a manner similar that to fluid caught below a wetsuit in that the temperature of the fluid 25 rises to correspond with the temperature of the pipe and thus assists in providing an accurate
  • the sensor system 110 comprises a sensor device 120 embedded within by a thermal insulation shell 130.
  • the sensor device 120 comprises a sensor unit 122 which is held such that the sensor detectors (not shown) are secured directly against pipeline surface 114.
  • the sensor device 120 further comprises a data processor unit, in this case data logger 124 and a transceiver system including a wireless antenna 126 for transmission and reception of wireless data to and from the sensor device 120.
  • the sensor device 120 is embedded within the thermal insulation 130 such that the sensor unit 122 is in direct contact with the pipe surface 114. Recesses are formed within the insulation 130 which receive the sensor device components 122, 124, 126.
  • the antenna may transmit data using electromagnetic signals. It will be appreciated that acoustic and optical sensors may also be integrated into the system 120.
  • Figure 5 of the drawings illustrates the parts of transceiver 28 and it will be appreciated it similarly illustrates the components used in transceiver 128.
  • the sensor interface 56 receives data from the measurement systems in the sensor 22 which is forwarded to data processor 58. Data is then passed to signal processor 60 which generates a modulated signal which is modulated onto a carrier signal by modulator 62. Transmit amplifier 64 then generates the desired signal amplitude required by transmit transducer 66.
  • the transceiver 28 can send data or command signals to the data processor 58 of the remote transceiver (not shown) which are transmitted by the above described path. These command signals can be used by the remote receiver (not shown) which is likely to be mounted on an AUV, to detect the location of a wireless transceiver 22 to determine if the transceiver 28 is within proximity or range to transmit data and/ or power.
  • Transceivers 28 also has a receive transducer 70 which receives a modulated signal which is amplified by receive amplifier 72.
  • De modulator 74 mixes the received signal to base band and detects symbol transitions. The signal is then passed to signal processor 76 which processes the received signal to extract data. Data is then passed to data processor 58 which in turn forwards the data to control interface 68.
  • Transceiver 28 can also be provided with a memory 78 which can store data for onward transfer.
  • Figure 6 shows an example of an antenna that can be used in the transmitter and receiver of Figure 5.
  • This has a high permeability ferrite core 80. Wound round the core are multiple loops 82 of an insulated wire. The number of turns of the wire and length to diameter ratio of the core 80 can be selected depending on the application. However, for operation at 125 kHz, one thousand turns and a 10:1 length to diameter ratio is suitable.
  • the antenna is connected to the relevant transmitter/ receiver assembly parts described in Figure 2 and is included in a sealed housing 84. Within the housing the antenna may be surrounded by air or some other suitable insulator 86, for example, low conductivity medium such as distilled water that is impedance matched to the propagating medium which in this case is ambient environment 30.
  • the antenna can also be used to magnetically couple energy between the
  • the housing acts as a magnetic flux guide and the multiple loops 82 with the ferrite core 80 provide a transformer when a pair of transceivers are brought together.
  • the two transceivers In order for successful energy transfer the two transceivers must be arranged close together, there being an acceptable gap of only l-2cm.
  • Coupling efficiency reduces as frequency increases because of leakage inductance effects. Eddy current losses increase with frequency so also act to reduce the bandwidth available for data transmission. Data and power transmission can be separated in frequency to allow simultaneous operation of the two functions. Transfer efficiency is more critical for power transfer than for data communication applications so a higher frequency will usually be assigned to the data
  • transceiver 28 is described with a common antenna for transmit and receive, separate antennas may be used. Additionally, a separate transmitter coil arrangement can be provided solely for power transfer.
  • the sensor system 10 is retrofittable to pipe 10 and enables the sensor 22 to be held in an environment protected from the ambient environment 30 such that the temperature of the fluid flowing through the pipe 12 can be measured without the temperature of the environment affecting the sensed value.
  • other sensors such as acoustic sensors and vibration sensors can be isolated from the ambient environment 30 in order to measure the necessary criteria required of pipe 12.
  • the sensed criteria can be recorded as data and subsequently the transceiver 28 may provide the recorded data to a remote receiver such as an ROV, either upon interrogation or by emitting an output at a regular predetermined interval.
  • the principle advantage of the present invention is that it provides a sensor system for retrofitting to a pipe and which can be isolated from the ambient environment in order to record true data relating to a criteria of the pipe such as the temperature of the fluid flowing within.
  • the data can be harvested and the sensors recharged wirelessly.
  • a further advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that it provides a sensor system which can be simply and effectively, yet securely, attached and detached from a pipe thus enabling short, medium or long term depending on the site requirements.
  • Another advantage of an embodiment of the invention is a pipeline sensor system is securely and safely provided with no additional installation costs above those associated with pipeline insulation installation.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that by having sensor units able to be in direct contact with the pipeline, the accuracy of measured data can be increased.
  • the sensor system may be secured to a pipe using magnets as detailed above, however, alternatively a strap or clip arrangement may be used to secure the system 10 to the pipe 12.
  • the ultrasonic flow meter which may be included in the sensor unit 20 may be utilised to detect flow rate of fluid through the pipe being monitored so that any localised or general silting of the pipeline may be determined.
  • a vibration monitor may be included in sensor unit 20 and may be utilised to determine if vibration is occurring, whether it is intermittent,
  • An acoustic sensor can be included in the sensor unit 20 and may be used to detect noise occurrence from within or acting upon the pipe.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne système capteur destiné à être monté sur une canalisation, le système capteur comportant une unité de capteur comprenant au moins un capteur pour détecter des critères associés à la canalisation, un mécanisme de fixation pour fixer le système à la canalisation, un mécanisme d'isolation pour isoler ledit au moins un capteur d'un environnement ambiant entourant la canalisation. Le capteur peut être sollicité de manière flexible contre la canalisation et peut être intégré à l'intérieur d'une couche d'isolation disposée autour de la canalisation.
PCT/EP2018/059035 2017-04-05 2018-04-09 Système capteur WO2018185338A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18737150.5A EP3701228A1 (fr) 2017-06-06 2018-04-09 Système capteur

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1705507.0A GB201705507D0 (en) 2017-04-05 2017-04-05 Sensor system
GB1705507.0 2017-04-05
GB1709009.3 2017-06-06
GBGB1709009.3A GB201709009D0 (en) 2017-06-06 2017-06-06 Sensor system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018185338A1 true WO2018185338A1 (fr) 2018-10-11
WO2018185338A8 WO2018185338A8 (fr) 2019-03-07

Family

ID=62816485

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2018/059035 WO2018185338A1 (fr) 2017-04-05 2018-04-09 Système capteur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2018185338A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2592072A (en) 2020-02-17 2021-08-18 Trelleborg Offshore Uk Ltd Cladding
WO2021165668A1 (fr) 2020-02-17 2021-08-26 Trelleborg Offshore Uk Ltd Module de flottabilité

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2833346A1 (fr) * 2001-12-06 2003-06-13 Jules Richard Instr Sa Dispositif de mesure de la temperature d'un fluide dans un conduit et systeme de controle utilisant un tel dispositif
WO2010139983A1 (fr) * 2009-06-03 2010-12-09 Rwr Systems Limited Ensemble détecteur et procédé de détection
WO2015118326A1 (fr) * 2014-02-04 2015-08-13 Wfs Technologies Ltd Système capteur

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2833346A1 (fr) * 2001-12-06 2003-06-13 Jules Richard Instr Sa Dispositif de mesure de la temperature d'un fluide dans un conduit et systeme de controle utilisant un tel dispositif
WO2010139983A1 (fr) * 2009-06-03 2010-12-09 Rwr Systems Limited Ensemble détecteur et procédé de détection
WO2015118326A1 (fr) * 2014-02-04 2015-08-13 Wfs Technologies Ltd Système capteur

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2592072A (en) 2020-02-17 2021-08-18 Trelleborg Offshore Uk Ltd Cladding
WO2021165669A1 (fr) 2020-02-17 2021-08-26 Trelleborg Offshore Uk Ltd Gainage
WO2021165668A1 (fr) 2020-02-17 2021-08-26 Trelleborg Offshore Uk Ltd Module de flottabilité
GB2593668A (en) 2020-02-17 2021-10-06 Trelleborg Offshore Uk Ltd Buoyancy module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018185338A8 (fr) 2019-03-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2015118326A1 (fr) Système capteur
EP2601544B1 (fr) Système de communication sans fil pour la surveillance des espaces annulaires de tubages de puits sous-marins
JP4484066B2 (ja) 漏水検出方法及び漏水検出システム
RU2004116763A (ru) Способы, устройство и системы для полдучения информации о геологической формации с помощью датчиков, установленных на обсадной трубе в стволе скважины
US20090159276A1 (en) Methods and Apparatus for Communicating Across Casing
KR101876407B1 (ko) 비-간섭성 온도 측정 장치
AU2018246016B2 (en) Cable system for downhole use and method of perforating a wellbore tubular
EP3511519B1 (fr) Ensemble de logement sous-marin
JP4225654B2 (ja) 物体の埋設位置検出方法及びその装置
WO2018185338A1 (fr) Système capteur
CA2824669A1 (fr) Dispositif de transfert de signaux electriques et/ou d'energie electrique
US20180337737A1 (en) Communication system network
US10451209B2 (en) Segment of pipe-in-pipe pipeline and the use of an acoustic transducer measurement system for the reduced pressure annulus
KR101454773B1 (ko) 다중신호 검출형 누수감지장치를 구비한 이중보온관
WO2013068739A2 (fr) Contrôle amélioré d'installations sous-marines
EP3701228A1 (fr) Système capteur
AU2018403510B2 (en) Subsea housing assembly and subsea sensor
KR101370956B1 (ko) 지중관로의 위치정보 획득 방법
CA2845350C (fr) Ensemble cables assurant l'alimentation par le biais d'un couplage inductif
WO2013088157A1 (fr) Système et procédé de surveillance d'amarrage pour appareil en mer
WO2021181978A1 (fr) Dispositif et procédé
EP2975317A1 (fr) Procédé pour commander le chauffage et la communication dans un système de canalisation
US8725075B2 (en) Method for communicating an electrical signal
JP5800352B2 (ja) 通信装置及び電子機器
JP2015061314A (ja) 非接触電力・信号伝送システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18737150

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2018737150

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20191105

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2018737150

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20200107