PIPELINE IN-LINE INSPECTION SYSTEM
First Claim
1. An in-line inspection device that comprises:
- a single tool body having a forward end and a back end;
a flexible sealing member attached to the forward end of the tool body;
a plurality of measuring arms that contact an inner surface of the sealing member to measure interior dimensions of a pipe through which the device passes;
a support cup or disk attached to the back end of the tool body;
at least one odometer sensor; and
a processor configured to record interior dimension measurements and associated odometer measurements.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an in-line inspection system for providing recorded measurements of internal deviations of pipeline walls. It is particularly adapted for use with pipelines carrying gas or liquid (fluids) to diagnose pipeline defects including partial obstructions by dents, out-of-round portions, or valves which reduce the available cross section and carrying capacity of the line as well as restrict the insertion of other in-line inspection technologies. Moreover, certain embodiments are light, maneuverable, and designed to be useable by any individual to obtain immediate results. Such embodiments offer new business models for providing inspection services and should result in sharply reduced inspection costs.
7 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An in-line inspection device that comprises:
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a single tool body having a forward end and a back end; a flexible sealing member attached to the forward end of the tool body; a plurality of measuring arms that contact an inner surface of the sealing member to measure interior dimensions of a pipe through which the device passes; a support cup or disk attached to the back end of the tool body; at least one odometer sensor; and a processor configured to record interior dimension measurements and associated odometer measurements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A pipeline inspection system that comprises:
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an in-line inspection device that records interior dimensions of a pipeline as a function of time or distance while passing through said pipeline; and a user interface module that retrieves recorded data from the in-line inspection device and displays a summary of events detected by the in-line inspection device. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A user interface module that comprises:
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a user interface having; a launch control that causes an in-line inspection device to prepare for launch, and a download control that causes the in-line inspection device to communicate recorded data to the user interface module; and a processor that analyzes data retrieved from the in-line inspection device and displays a data summary for user review. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A pipeline inspection method that comprises:
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obtaining a portable inspection system that includes a portable user interface module and an in-line inspection device that weighs less than 4 lbs per inch of a nominal pipeline diameter for which it was designed; inserting the in-line inspection device into a pipeline; preparing the in-line inspection device to launch with the actuation of a control on the user interface module; retrieving the in-line inspection device after it has passed through some portion of the pipeline; and downloading data from the in-line inspection device to the user interface module; and reviewing a display of events detected by the in-line inspection device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of facilitating pipeline inspection, the method comprising:
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receiving an inspection system order that specifies at least a nominal diameter of a pipeline; assembling a package that includes; an in-line inspection device suitable for passing through said pipeline to collect pipeline defect data; and a portable user interface module that downloads and displays recorded data from the in-line inspection device; and providing the package. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification