Pipeline Condition Detecting Method and Apparatus

Abstract

The current invention relates to an apparatus for detecting at least one characteristic of a pipeline. The apparatus includes means for generating a magnetic flux along a portion of a pipeline wall, means for detecting the magnetic field, and at least one proximity sensor. The apparatus further includes means for generating an indication of whether defects are located in the internal or external wall of the pipeline.

1 . Apparatus for the detection of at least one characteristic of a pipeline, said apparatus comprising a body including means for generating a magnetic flux along a portion of the pipeline wall, a means for detecting the magnetic field created and at least one proximity sensor wherein said apparatus includes means for generating an indication of whether any defects located arise on the internal wall or external wall of the pipeline. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes means for generating azimuth data to indicate the location of the apparatus with respect to the circumference of the pipeline. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is used to detect the presence of pitting depending inwardly from the external wall or internal wall of the pipeline. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein electronic circuitry is provided on a single printed circuit board in the body. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein the electronic circuitry is carried as a separate part to the monitoring apparatus body. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the body is modular and can be increased or decreased in length and/or width so as to allow the same to be adapted for the specific monitoring task to be performed. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the body can be selectively formed from a series of modules, each of said modules including at least one means to generate a magnetic flux and the selection of the number of modules for a monitoring task is made with respect to the strength of magnetic flux required. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein an air gap is provided between the body and the pipeline being monitored. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the air gap is crossed by a series of spaced conductive wires mounted on the body. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the said wires retain contact between the pipeline and body to allow the magnetic flux generated from the body into the pipeline to pass along the wires. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the wires are provided as a series of bristles, said bristles provided in spaced groups across the underside of the body. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the sensors used in the apparatus are bidirectional or tri directional sensors. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes one or more guide means which allow the guided movement of the body along the portion of the pipeline which is to be monitored. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein guide means are provided to allow the body to be moved circumferentially around the pipeline portion which is to be monitored. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus further includes a grid comprising a plurality of cells, each cell allocated to a particular location area on said portion of pipeline, and providing for each cell data obtained from the sensors of the apparatus for the particular pipeline location area to which the cell is allocated. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar device which is movable along the surface of the wall, said device transmitting signals which can be processed to indicate the depth of the wall surface with respect to a predetermined datum thickness value. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes wheels which contact guide means mounted on the pipeline or the pipeline to facilitate movement of the apparatus with respect to the pipeline.