Abstract

The present invention discloses a device and system for magnetographic analysis of mechanical flaws and defects along structures located underwater for example, metallic pipelines, utilizing an autonomous magnetic tomography method (MTM) apparatus based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect for magnetographic identification, in the form of an array of flexible autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) torpedo constructions of interconnected elements or pods. The array of AUV torpedo constructions are flexibly linked together so that the device can readily navigate within the contours of pipeline to be inspected using the flow media as propulsion means or alternatively by means of independent motive means without interfering with the system flow. The torpedo construction elements or pods each contain three MTM sensors situated 120 degrees apart on a non-perpendicular cross section arrangement, and perform a variety of independent functions. e.g., data storage data, sensor data memory unit, odometer distance measurements, GPS location, geomagnetic navigation capability.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63G 8/00 - Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines
• G01N 27/82 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws
• G01N 27/85 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws by investigating stray magnetic fields using magnetographic methods
• G01N 17/02 - Electrochemical measuring systems for weathering, corrosion or corrosion-protection measurement

Abstract

A device and method for discovering, identification and monitoring of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The technique is specifically optimized for extended, not-accessible underground and underwater metallic structures quality control, emergency alarms as well as timeline planning for structural repairs and maintenance work. Examples of the technique implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs, etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 3/00 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation
• G01R 35/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass

Abstract

A method for metallic structure maintenance is disclosed. The method includes a magneto-graphic/Magnetic Tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The method is specifically optimized for extended, non-accessible underground and underwater metallic structures in providing quality control, emergency alarms as well as timeline planning for structural repairs and maintenance work. Examples of the method implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships reservoirs, etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 1/12 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in the magnetic properties of materials resulting from the application of stress