Device Maps Centerline And Wall Details Of Live Pipelines

This article provides a brief overview of an innovative, inertial-based smart probe technology that can map the centerline of pipelines of a wide range of diameters, configurations and operating pressures.

The device, called a smart probe, obtains XYZ centerline mapping, bend radius, internal angle and misalignments or deformation data for most pipelines -- newly installed, live or shut down. Accurate pipeline location and trajectory, along with bend characterization, are important data in regulatory compliance and essential in creating or validating GIS systems.

The data that is collected via the smart probe is not only quantifiable (correlation to as-built documentation) but is also a qualitative check of all geometric and condition data sets. Smart probe data can be utilized to aid owners, engineers, designers and contractors in identifying, mapping, and planning for the management and integrity of pipeline assets.

Geospatial Corporation’s technology approach offers the pipeline operator flexibility and low impact to acquire an accurate 3D centerline. It can be coupled with cleaning and maintenance operations resulting in tangible downstream savings by creating and/or validating existing location data.

The Technology

The smart probe technology consists of two main components. The first is an array of data collection instruments which includes accelerometers, gyroscopes and odometers contained within each of the probe bodies. The second is a post-mission software package which extracts, computes, and interprets the collected data and allows for the seamless transfer of the collected information into various GIS databases.

As the smart probe moves through the pipeline it records all changes in inclination, heading and velocity at 800 Hz, and stores the information internally. Once launched into the operating pipeline, the probe collects data autonomously as with most ILI tools and typical tracking and above-ground marker (AGM) operations are carried out.

The smart probe operates in a relative coordinate frame, measuring a continuous centerline 3D trajectory. Registering and correcting the probe is achieved by launch, trap, and above-ground marker tracking stations surveyed along the pipeline route using precise GPS methods (+/-0.10m accuracy). This provides the absolute XYZ pipeline positions in any datum or coordinate system worldwide. By transferring the complete pipe centerline into CAD or a GIS database, accurate XYZ registration creates the baseline or validation of the true location of the infrastructure asset.

A key goal in developing the smart probe technology was to design the instrumentation in such a way that it is capable of being utilized within a series of different probe body styles that would allow for the use of the technology within the widest range of pipeline types, sizes and environments. To this end, the initial instrumentation was miniaturized with a goal of developing a smart probe capable of operating within a 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) diameter pipeline. An articulating body on this probe allows for movement through a pipeline with as small as a 43.18-cm (17-inch) radius bend.