Pipeline marker with flux concentrator
First Claim
1. A pipeline marker comprising:
- a power source;
a computer system electrically connected to the power source and comprising a processor and at least one memory device operably connected to the processor;
first and second flux detection systems, each comprising a magnetic flux sensor, a first flux concentrator positioned on a first side of the magnetic flux sensor, and a second flux concentrator positioned on a second, opposite side of the magnetic flux sensor;
the first flux detection system, wherein the first flux concentrator thereof is formed of magnetically permeable material shaped and positioned to receive magnetic flux at a first magnetic flux density and deliver the magnetic flux to the magnetic flux sensor corresponding thereto at a second magnetic flux density that is greater than the first magnetic flux density;
the first flux detection system rotated in orientation with respect to the second flux detection system;
the computer system programmed to record signal output by the magnetic flux sensor of the first flux detection system and signal output by the magnetic flux sensor of the second flux detection system; and
a housing containing the power source, the computer system, and the first and second flux detection systems.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Defects in a pipeline may be detected by an in-line inspection tool passing therethrough. However, as the tool travels through the pipeline, errors associated with certain onboard components may accumulate. These errors may reduce the accuracy with which the locations of detected defects can be determined. Accordingly, markers may be positioned at various locations along the pipeline. Each marker may include a radio receiver to receive signal transmitted by an in-line tool passing thereby and one or more magnetic flux detection systems that may detect a magnetic field emanating from the in-line tool. The radio receiver may include an antenna comprising two or more coils connected in series and positioned side-by-side. The flux detection system may include one or more flux concentrators to amplify the strength of the magnetic field. Signals received through the antenna or flux detection system may be used to correct any errors associated with the onboard components charting the progression of the in-line tool through the pipeline.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A pipeline marker comprising:
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a power source; a computer system electrically connected to the power source and comprising a processor and at least one memory device operably connected to the processor; first and second flux detection systems, each comprising a magnetic flux sensor, a first flux concentrator positioned on a first side of the magnetic flux sensor, and a second flux concentrator positioned on a second, opposite side of the magnetic flux sensor; the first flux detection system, wherein the first flux concentrator thereof is formed of magnetically permeable material shaped and positioned to receive magnetic flux at a first magnetic flux density and deliver the magnetic flux to the magnetic flux sensor corresponding thereto at a second magnetic flux density that is greater than the first magnetic flux density; the first flux detection system rotated in orientation with respect to the second flux detection system; the computer system programmed to record signal output by the magnetic flux sensor of the first flux detection system and signal output by the magnetic flux sensor of the second flux detection system; and a housing containing the power source, the computer system, and the first and second flux detection systems. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method comprising:
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inserting within a pipeline an in-line tool generating a magnetic flux field; positioning a marker at a location external to and proximate the pipeline, the marker comprising a power source, a computer system electrically connected to the power source and comprising a processor and at least one memory device operable connected to the processor, a flux detection system comprising a magnetic flux sensor, a first flux concentrator positioned on a first side of the magnetic flux sensor, and a second flux concentrator positioned on a second, opposite side of the magnetic flux sensor, and the computer system programmed to record signals output by the magnetic flux sensor; and detecting, by the marker, the presence of the in-line tool as it passes the location. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method comprising:
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positioning a device at a location external to and proximate a pipeline, the device comprising a power source, a computer system electrically connected to the power source and comprising a processor and memory operable connected to the processor, a first flux detection system comprising a first magnetic flux sensor, a first flux concentrator positioned on a first side of the first magnetic flux sensor, and a second flux concentrator positioned on a second, opposite side of the first magnetic flux sensor, and a housing enclosing the power source, the computer system, and the first flux detection system; receiving, by the first flux concentrator at a first magnetic flux density, magnetic flux originating from a tool traveling within the pipeline; delivering, by the first flux concentrator, the magnetic flux to the first magnetic flux sensor at a second magnetic flux density that is greater than the first magnetic flux density; and recording, by the computer system during the delivering, signal output by the first magnetic flux sensor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification