CORRECTION OF IN-LINE INSPECTION RUN DATA LOGS USING ACOUSTICAL DATA

• US 20080312850A1
• Filed: 06/16/2008
• Published: 12/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Shamus Mcdonnell
• Original Assignee: Shamus Mcdonnell
• Inventors: McDONNELL, Shamus
• Application Number:
  US12/139,988
• Publication Number:
  US 20080312850A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/015 Attenuation, scattering
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/2634 cylindrical from outside
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/14 using acoustic emission techniques echo of particles G01N29/046; measuring mechanical vibrations or acoustic waves in solids in general G01H1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/225 Supports, positioning or alignment in moving situation

Abstract

A method of correcting in-line inspection run data logs using acoustical data includes positioning above ground markers periodically along a length of a pipeline to be inspected. The above ground markers generating detection events as an inspection tool passes. Acoustic detectors are positioned periodically along the length of the pipeline. An inspection tool travels along the length of the pipeline. An inspection log is created based on the detection events. Acoustic data generated by the inspection tool is recorded, and used to adjust the inspection log.

Claims

1. A method of correcting in-line inspection run data logs using acoustical data, comprising:

positioning above ground markers periodically along a length of a pipeline to be inspected, the above ground markers generating detection events as an inspection tool passes;

positioning acoustic detectors periodically along the length of the pipeline;

causing an inspection tool to travel along the length of the pipeline;

creating an inspection log based on the detection events;

recording acoustic data generated by the inspection tool;

using the acoustic data to adjust the inspection log.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of using the acoustic data to calculate at least one of:

the speed of the inspection tool, the position of below grade references, distance between below grade references, and inspection tool passage time.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the above ground markers generate detection events in a data recorder in the above ground marker or in the inspection tool.