A system to retrieve a buoyant leak detector (76) traveling with the fluid flowing in a pipeline (24), includes a catchment device (38) located above the bottom interior of the pipeline. Flexible, elongate manifold structures (30) are constructed with fluid outlet openings (54) extending along the manifold structures. The manifold structures are deployable to lie across the lower inside perimeter of the pipeline, upstream from the catchment device. A source of pressurized air is routed to the manifold structures, whereby air bubbles are emitted from the nozzles of the manifold structure to form a sheet or curtain of air bubbles that flow in the direction downstream of the fluid flow in the pipeline and at an angle upwardly from the location of the manifold structures to cause the leak detector to be deflected by the bubble curtain toward the catchment device.

Methods and systems for leak detection are provided herein. A method for leak detection can comprise conveying an acoustic leak detection tool inside the innermost tubular of the multiple nested tubulars; taking measurements of the multiple nested tubulars at multiple measurement depths with the acoustic leak detection tool; arranging the measurements into a response image; and feeding the response image to a pre-trained deep neural network (DNN) to produce a flow likelihood image, wherein the DNN comprises at least one convolutional layer, and wherein the flow likelihood image comprises a representation of one or more flow patterns in at least one annulus formed by the multiple nested tubulars.

A pipe repair device includes a body defining a first body end, a second body end, and a middle body section therebetween; a pivotable arm attached to the body, wherein the pivotable arm is pivotable relative to the body to radially reposition the pivotable arm relative to the body; a locomotion subsystem configured to drive the pipe repair device through a pipe, the locomotion subsystem mounted to the pivotable arm and configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe; and a stent mounted to the body, the stent comprising a sealing layer and a spring.

A ball valve for use in industrial pipelines is described. The ball valve includes: a valve body; an inlet closure piece attached to the valve body; an outlet closure piece, the valve body, the inlet closure piece, and the outlet closure piece together defining an interior cavity; a ball disposed in the interior cavity, the ball defining a bore extending through the ball; a valve seat adjacent the ball; a first strain sensor mounted on the inlet closure piece; a second strain sensor mounted on the outlet closure piece; a seat misalignment sensor system including a ring sensor and a magnetized insert ring disposed in the valve seat; and an electronic controller system in communication with the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor, the electronic control system configured: to estimate the position of a pig passing through the valve; and to identify valve seat misalignment.

The disclosed invention provides a device and method to detect leaks in pipelines and heal them instantly using twin ball technology. The device comprises two twin balls of novel construction inserted into the pipeline. The sensor ball receives acoustical data through internal sensors. Once the threshold of the sound level is surpassed, the smart ball will send a signal to the second flowing ball. The second ball will flow towards the leaking outlet and eject a healing fluid to close the leak and prevent further damage. The sensor ball will also alert the user to the size and location of the leak via Wi-Fi monitoring and text messaging. This twin balls technology could be used in pipelines of varying sizes and flow rates.

The disclosed technology provides ways to suppress or eliminate the effects of roadnoise when performing acoustic leak detection in a wellbore environment. In some aspects, a method of the technology includes steps for receiving acoustic training data, wherein the acoustic training data comprises signals representing acoustic tool contact with a wellbore surface, and generating a suppression model based on the acoustic training data, wherein the suppression model is configured to suppress roadnoise received at a hydrophone array disposed within the wellbore. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

There is provided a sensor device for measuring fluid and fluid conduit properties, and a method for activating the sensor device. The sensor device comprises an outer capsule for providing fluid-tight containment to an interior compartment of the sensor device in a closed position. The outer capsule comprises a first capsule portion and a second capsule portion. An aperture is located in the second capsule portion and fluidly connects the inner compartment to an exterior of the outer capsule. A mounting bracket is disposed within the inner compartment, the mounting bracket connects the first capsule portion to the second capsule portion and provides structural integrity and pressure resistivity for the outer capsule. At least one pressure sensor is constrained between the mounting bracket and an inner surface of the second capsule portion and is aligned with the aperture of the second capsule portion.

A device is produced as a small sphere with neutral buoyancy, within which there is, at least, one hydrophone that is connected to a signal processor, which stores the information on a memory card and that is powered by at least one battery. This signal processor has a clock module, through which the sailing time elapsed for each audio signal received by the hydrophone is recorded in the memory. Therefore, based on the sailing time, the exact position of the detected anomalies or leaks can be ascertained. The device is complemented by a series of external synchronisation systems, laid out every certain distance, by which the position error that could be accumulated by the device is neutralised. Thus, a simple device is attained, which is cheap, solid, durable and highly effective.

Self-leveling inspection system methods and devices for use in inspecting buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. The system includes a camera head with an image sensor, an orientation sensor, and a signal processing module including a processing programmed to receive an image from the image sensor, and an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, generate a second image based at least in part on information provided from the orientation sensor, and store the second image in a non-transitory memory.

A system for locating a leak site in an underground water pipeline comprises a leak detection element, means for introducing the leak detection element into the pipeline through an outlet of a hydrant, and means for detecting the location of the leak detection element from above the ground. The means for introducing the leak detection element into the pipeline includes capping means adapted for attachment to, and sealing of, the outlet of the hydrant. The capping means has at least one opening therethrough to allow passage of an elongate rod or hose through the capping means and into the outlet of the hydrant. The capping means is provided with a substantially waterproof membrane to provide a seal between the capping means and the outlet of the hydrant, and the at least one opening is provided with a substantially waterproof membrane to provide a seal between the rod or hose and the at least one opening. A method for locating a leak site in an underground water pipeline is also provided.