Novel Pipeline Inspection Multiparametric Sensor

Pipelines represent the most reliable and safe means of transport of hydrocarbons and are designed to grant the material distribution under several stress conditions. However, structural ageing, human interaction and natural occurrences can damage the fluid transport network causing leakage. Detection and localization of anomalies in pipeline structures is a fundamental operation, in order to avoid economic and commodity losses, safety problems and equipment failure. Hence, periodic monitoring is needed to save resources, which may imply great expenditures both in terms of economy and maintenance effort. Asset integrity monitoring of pipelines by means of conventional methods is expensive, invasive and not always applicable, due to the harsh environmental conditions, especially in underground lines, and the extensive length of the pipelines. This work proposes a low-cost pipeline inspection system, based on a multi-sensory device that can be inserted directly into the conduct alone or bonded to cleaning or inspection pigs. The aforementioned device can measure pipelines internal parameters such as pressure, and 3 axial accelerations during its rout inside the pipeline, allowing less invasive monitoring with respect to other methods. The user manages the system and collects useful data at a high level by means of a dedicated software application. The devices recharge and communication is completely wireless in order to obtain an intrinsic protection of the electronics from the environment. The device developed allow for measuring pressure ranging from 1 to 200 bar, temperature ranging from -20 to 80°C 3 axial acceleration ranging from 1g to 16g, 3 axial rotation ranging from 1 to 2000 dps, a sampling frequency settable from 1 to 200 Hz and a battery ranging from 48 to 72h. The device has been realized built in a special epoxy resin oil-proof, gas-proof, and water-proof and capable to withstand the chemical harsh environment typical of a pipeline. It is also equipped with an optional floating shell capable to make the same floatable and thus free flowing inside the oil stream. Such device has been successfully tested in various pipeline reporting fundamental date related to pipeline deposits, cleaning, geometry etc. with mission's length varied from 400-600 m to 25-30 km, with mission time ranging from few minutes several hours.