F16L2101/30

Stabilizer for a pipeline inspection device
11566744 · 2023-01-31 · ·

There is provided a pipeline inspection device stabilizer apparatus for use with a pipeline inspection device configured to assess the condition of a pipeline while being carried by a moving liquid in the pipeline, the device including an inspection module, the apparatus comprising a forward spacer secured in front of the inspection module and a rear spacer secured behind the inspection module, each of the front spacer and the rear spacer configured to move between a collapsed position close to the device and an outward position extending away from the device and towards the pipeline wall, wherein when in the outward position the front and rear spacers contact the pipeline wall to distance the inspection module from the pipeline wall and maintain axial alignment or substantial axial alignment of the inspection module with the longitudinal center of the pipeline.

MOTORIZED APPARATUS FOR PIPE INSPECTION AND REPAIR

Methods, systems, and apparatus are described for maintaining the interior cavities of pipes. In one aspect, a motorized apparatus includes a main body having a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the main body, where the main body comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The motorized apparatus further includes at least one drive assembly coupled to at least one of the first end and the second end of the main body, where the at least one drive assembly comprises driven members that engage with an inner surface of the pipe and move the motorized apparatus through an interior cavity of the pipe. The motorized apparatus further includes a maintenance head movably coupled to the main body that moves along the length of the main body and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the main body, where the maintenance head comprises at least one tool configured to perform an action on the inner surface of the pipe.

Systems and methods for maintaining pipes

A motorized apparatus for use in maintaining a pipe having a sidewall is provided. The motorized apparatus includes a body assembly sized to fit within and to travel along an interior cavity of the pipe. The body assembly includes a first end and a second end and extending along a longitudinal axis. The body assembly also includes a plurality of leg assemblies coupled circumferentially around the body assembly. Each leg assembly includes a telescoping portion, a bias member coupled to the telescoping portion, and a drive mechanism configured to interact with the sidewall as the body assembly travels along the pipe. The body assembly also includes at least one sensor configured to collect data associated with a force between the sidewall and the drive mechanism, and an actuator assembly coupled to each leg assembly and configured to independently actuate each the leg assembly.

SYSTEM FOR CURING AND/OR INSPECTING A PIPELINE LINING AND METHOD FOR CURING AND/OR INSPECTING A PIPELINE LINING
20230018832 · 2023-01-19 ·

The invention relates to a system (10) for curing and/or inspecting a pipeline lining (30) positioned in a pipeline (20), the pipeline lining (30) comprising an outer plastics material layer and an inner fiber composite layer, the fiber composite layer comprising a plastics material which is to be cured and/or which is at least partially cured. In accordance with the invention, the system (10) comprises at least one high-frequency unit (40) which comprises at least one microwave-generator unit (41) and at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) for curing a plastics material which is to be cured, at least the at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) being movable in the pipeline (20) by means of a transporting device (60).

STRESS CONCENTRATION MAPPING IN INSULATED PIPEWORK
20230221283 · 2023-07-13 · ·

A magnetic inspection system and method for detecting and mapping magnetic anomalies in a section of pipe. The inspection system includes a probe with first and second arrays of magnetic field sensors arranged in first and second layers such that the first and second arrays are spaced from the section of pipe under inspection by different radial distances. Data from the probe is used to create a graphical representation of the inspected area.

Non-Intrusive Tracking Of Objects In Pipelines And Wellbores

Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to non-intrusive tracking of objects in a conduit from a single location. A system comprises a component positioned to control flow into or out of the conduit to induce pressure waves in the conduit; a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the conduit, the pressure transducer positioned to measure pressure responses in the conduit due to contact of the pressure waves with the object; and a system controller operable to: receive pressure data from the pressure transducer, wherein the pressure data includes the pressure responses to the pressure waves; and determine a distance of the object in the conduit, relative to the component or the pressure transducer, based on the pressure responses.

Water main flushing with high pressure jetting and directional control
11555296 · 2023-01-17 · ·

A high pressure jetting system includes a recirculating unit connected to an isolated section of a water supply system which remains under system pressure. The recirculating unit includes a filter unit and a pump unit generating a circulating flow of water. A first pig launch and recovery apparatus couples a first hydrant to the recirculating unit and a second pig launch and recovery apparatus couples a second hydrant to the recirculating unit. A camera unit including a camera and drogue chute enters through the first apparatus and travels in a flushing flow direction to the second apparatus. The drogue chute is then removed from the camera. The camera then couples to a jetting unit having a jetting head and hose and re-enters through the second apparatus. The jetting unit emits a plurality of water jets to move in a counter-current flow direction and remove material from the water mains.

Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Pipeline Condition Assessment
20230221284 · 2023-07-13 ·

Apparatus, systems, and methods for pipeline condition assessment using phased array ultrasonic transducers are disclosed. A sensing module for assessing pipeline condition comprises a body; and one or more phased array ultrasonic transducers (PAUTs) assembled on the surface of the body, each PAUT configured to emit multi-channel ultrasonic waves for scanning a pipe wall.

Grouting material delivery and application system

A grouting material delivery and application system for coating the exterior of a collapsed liner with an even distribution of grouting material prior to insertion into a damaged conduit. The apparatus includes a wetout funnel for receiving grouting material to evenly coat the exterior of the liner. The wetout funnel includes opposite walls forming a v-shape with a slot at the bottom of the v-shape and a squeegee disposed at the slot for controlling the coating of grouting material for a uniform covering on the liner as it passes through the wetout funnel. A first ejector pipe having an inflow end and an outflow end for receiving and dispensing grouting material to coat one half of the exterior of the liner. A second ejector pipe having an inflow end and an outflow end for receiving and dispensing grouting material to coat the opposite half of the exterior of the liner.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSPECTING PIPELINES USING A ROBOTIC IMAGING SYSTEM
20230214979 · 2023-07-06 ·

Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.