Abstract

Disclosed is a method to determine whether a pipeline has been cut, the method including (a) transmitting an electromagnetic signal through the pipeline; (b) monitoring any reflected signal(s); and (c) interpreting the reflected signal to determine whether the pipeline has been cut.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 27/04 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant in circuits having distributed constants
• E21B 29/00 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• E21B 29/12 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling

Abstract

A method of testing an unbonded flexible pipeline comprising a polymer pressure sheath, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) transmitting an electromagnetic signal along the polymer pressure sheath; (b) seeking one or more reflected signals; and (c) analysing the or each reflected signal to determine one or more characteristics of the electrical permittivity of the polymer pressure sheath. In this way, a non-invasive electromagnetic signal can be generated to be passed along the polymer pressure sheath of the pipeline, and any reflected signals can be interpreted and analysed to ascertain any change in the dielectric properties of the polymer pressure sheath, in particular the presence or existence of one or more discontinuities such as cracks or holes, in advance of possible failure, in particular catastrophic failure, of the polymer pressure sheath. Characteristics of the reflected signal(s) can include distance, extent, etc. of discontinuities along the pipeline. This invention can be applied both to new pipelines during their manufacture and/or instalment, as well as existing pipelines being in situ or in service, thereby providing a single method for analysing all forms of pipelines.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 3/14 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing elastic covers or coatings, e.g. soapy water for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing elastic covers or coatings, e.g. soapy water for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing elastic covers or coatings, e.g. soapy water for valves
• G01M 3/18 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for valves
• G01M 11/00 - Testing of optical apparatusTesting structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings

Abstract

A method of testing the through cut of a pipeline comprising at least the steps of: (a) transmitting an electromagnetic signal through the pipeline; (b) monitoring any reflected signal (s); and (c) interpreting the or each reflected signal to test for the through cut of the pipeline. In this way, a non-invasive electromagnetic signal can be passed through, along, across or otherwise within the pipeline, and any reflected signal(s) can be interpreted and analysed based on one or more characteristics of the received signal(s) to ascertain the change in the conductivity of the pipeline due to the cutting thereof, in particular when or whether the cutting of the pipeline is complete or has been completed such that there is a through cut.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 29/00 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground
• E21B 29/12 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications

Abstract

An apparatus for inspecting a pipe comprising a body adapted for passage through the bore of a pipe to be inspected, a main transducer array comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced transducers for transmitting ultrasound energy, the transducers being mounted on the body for movement between a retracted position, wherein the body can freely move through the bore of the pipe, and an extended position wherein the plurality of transducers are pressed into operative contact with the inner wall of the pipe. An actuator selectively urges the plurality of transducers to their extended positions. A control transmits ultrasound energy into the pipe to propagate a guided wave within the pipe walls in at least one longitudinal direction along the pipe when the transducers are in their operative position and receives the propagated wave and analyzes the wave to determine the presence or absence of defects in the pipe wall.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/24 - Probes

Abstract

An apparatus for inspecting a pipe comprising a body adapted for passage through the bore of a pipe to be inspected, a main transducer array comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced transducers for transmitting ultrasound energy, the transducers being mounted on the body for movement between a retracted position, wherein the body can freely move through the bore of the pipe, and an extended position wherein the plurality of transducers are pressed into operative contact with the inner wall of the pipe, actuating means being provided for selectively urging the plurality of transducers to their extended positions, control means being provided for transmitting ultrasound energy into said pipe to propagate a guided wave within the pipe walls in at least one longitudinal direction along the pipe when the transducers are in their operative position and for receiving the propagated wave and analysing said wave to determine the presence or absence or defects in the pipe wall.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
• G01N 29/265 - Arrangements for orientation or scanning by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
• G01N 29/28 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details providing acoustic coupling
• F16L 55/26 - Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means