Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• B63G 8/00 - Navires submersibles, p.ex. sous-marins
• G01N 27/82 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant des variables magnétiques pour rechercher la présence des criques
• G01N 27/85 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant des variables magnétiques pour rechercher la présence des criques en étudiant des champs magnétiques de dispersion en utilisant des méthodes magnétographiques
• G01N 17/02 - Systèmes de mesure électro-chimique de l'action due aux intempéries, de la corrosion ou de la protection contre la corrosion

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• G01V 3/00 - Prospection ou détection électrique ou magnétique; Mesure des caractéristiques du champ magnétique de la terre, p.ex. de la déclinaison ou de la déviation
• G01R 35/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• G01L 1/12 - Mesure des forces ou des contraintes, en général en mesurant les variations des propriétés magnétiques d'un matériau, résultant de l'application d'un effort