Method for assessing the integrity of a structure

• US 20050107963A1
• Filed: 03/03/2003
• Published: 05/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aker Solutions Limited (Akastor ASA)
• Original Assignee: Robert Campbell
• Inventors: Campbell, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,546,224 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/42
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 25/14 pressurised
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 17/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 23/0283 Predictive maintenance, e.g. involving the monitoring of a system and, based on the monitoring results, taking decisions on the maintenance schedule of the monitored system; Estimating remaining useful life [RUL] preventive maintenance, i.e. planning maintenance according to the available resources without monitoring the system G06Q10/06

Abstract

A method for assessing the integrity of a structure, comprising the steps of: i) collecting data relating to the initial dimensions of the structure, ii) creating a computer model of the structure, iii) collecting data relating to the estimated load on the structure, iv) analysing the structure, using the computer model of the structure and the load data, in order to define areas which are subject to relatively high stress, v) measuring, after a time interval, the dimensions of the structure in high stress areas, vi) updating the computer model of the structure, using the results of step v), re-analysing the structure, using the updated computer model and the load data, in order to calculate a value for the integrity of the structure.

Claims

1-24. -24. (canceled)

25. Method for assessing the integrity of a structure, comprising the steps of:

i) collecting data relating to the initial dimensions of the structure,

ii) creating a computer model of the structure,

iii) collecting data relating to the estimated load on the structure,

iv) analysing the structure, using the computer model of the structure and the load data, in order to define areas which are subject to relatively high stresses,

v) measuring, after a time interval, the dimensions of the structure in high stress areas,

vi) updating the computer model of the structure, using the results of step v),

vii) re-analysing the structure, using the updated computer model and the load data, in order to calculate a value for the integrity of the structure.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step of:

viii) repeating one or more times steps v), vi) and vii).

27. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step of:

ix) visualising the results of step vii).

28. Method according to claim 27, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

x) measuring the actual load on the structure,

xi) updating the data relating to the load on the structure, and thereafter

xii) re-analysing the structure, using the computer model and the updated load data, in order to calculate a value for the integrity of the structure.

29. Method according to claim 28, wherein the method comprises the step of:

xiii) repeating one or more times steps x), xi) and xii).

30. Method according to claim 28, wherein the method comprises the step of:

xiv) visualising the results of step xii).

31. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step of installing, after step iv), in high stress areas, a first set of sensors for measuring the dimensions of the structure in said high stress areas.

32. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step, of installing, after step iv), in high stress areas, a second set of sensors for measuring the load on the structure in said high stress areas.

33. Method according to claim 31, wherein the method comprises the step of connecting the sensors to a processing means, such as a computer, for transmitting data from the sensors to the processing means in real time.

34. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step of prior to step iv), collecting data relating to known defects of the structure and thereafter using said defect data, the computer model of the structure and the load data for defining areas which are subject to relatively high loads.

35. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step of prior to step iv), estimating the minimum size of defects in the structure and thereafter using said estimated defect data, the computer model of the structure and the load data for defining areas which are subject to relatively high loads.

36. Method according to claim 35, wherein the minimum size of the defects is estimated to be equal to the precision of the measurement equipment, used for measuring the dimensions of the structure.

37. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method comprises the step of prior to step iv), collecting data relating to the load history on the structure and thereafter using said load history, the computer model of the structure and the load data for defining areas which are subject to relatively high loads.

47. A computer program product comprising data and instructions that after being loaded by a processing arrangement provides said arrangement with the capacity to carry out a method according to claim 25.

48. A data carrier provided with a computer program product according to claim 47.

38. Processing arrangement for assessing the integrity of a structure, provided with processing means, such as a computer, for using data relating to the dimensions of the structure and the load on the structure in a calculation of a value representing the integrity of the structure, wherein the processing arrangement is provided with sensors to measure data relating to the dimensions of the structure and the load on the structure, the sensors being adapted to transmit said data in real-time, wherein the processing means are provided with receiving means for receiving said data and wherein the processing means are adapted to analyse the data in order to update the calculation of the value representing the integrity of the structure.

39. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the processing arrangement is provided with representation means for visualising the result of the calculation of the value representing the integrity of the structure.

40. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the sensors area adapted to measure pressure exerted on the structure.

41. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the sensors are adapted to measure temperature.

42. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the sensors are adapted to measure mechanical loading on the structure.

43. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the sensors are adapted to measure fluid loading on the structure.

44. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the sensors are adapted to measure vibration.

45. Processing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the sensors are adapted to measure acceleration experienced by the structure.

46. Structure, such as a plant, provided with a processing arrangement according to claim 38.