Patent Application
20150145688
The present disclosure relates to collecting sensed characteristics of pipeline.
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Pipelines carry various fluids or gasses to dispersed geographical locations. In order to reach the geographical locations, the pipelines may be forced to follow natural landscapes that render segments of the pipelines unavailable and/or inconvenient for inspection and maintenance. For example, a pipeline may have to be buried underground or under a body of water in order to traverse the natural landscape before reaching a specified geographical location.
Over time, the pipelines may deteriorate or become inefficient and exhibit defects due to corrosion or natural phenomena which can result under normal operating conditions. Consequently, the flow and pressure within the pipelines may change as a result of a defect in the pipelines. In order to ensure the pipelines maintain structural and operational integrity, technicians regularly inspect the pipelines. Accordingly, systems and methods capable of navigating and inspecting the pipelines are desirable.
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
In one aspect of the present disclosure a sensor system for sensing conditions of a pipeline is disclosed as including a plurality of sensors that sense at least one condition of the pipeline, generate at least one signal indicative of a value corresponding to the at least one condition, and wirelessly communicates the at least one signal. Also included as part of the sensor system is a pipeline device configured to navigate the pipeline that receives the at least one signal, stores the value corresponding to the at least one condition in an associated memory, and selectively communicates the stored values in response to receiving a request to communicate the stored values.
In further aspects of the present disclosure, the sensor system includes a sensor data module that generates a values database and a communication module that receives values stored in the values database and that selectively communicates the values. The sensor data module determines whether the value corresponding to the at least one condition is greater than a predetermined threshold value and communicates the value to the communication module when the value is greater than the predetermined threshold value. The communication module communicates the value to a remotely located computing device.
Still further, the present disclosure provides a method for sensing conditions of a pipeline including sensing at least one condition of the pipeline, generating at least one signal indicative of a value corresponding to the at least one condition, wirelessly communicating the at least one signal, navigating the pipeline, receiving the at least one signal, storing the value corresponding to the at least one condition, and selectively communicating the stored values in response to receiving a request to communicate the stored values. In addition, the method can include generating a values database, determining whether the value corresponding to the at least one condition is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and selectively communicating the values from the values database such as when the value is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With particular reference to
The wireless sensor device 10 may also include features as described in issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,944 B2, filed Jan. 6, 2005, titled Remote Monitoring of Pipelines Using Wireless Sensor Network, issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,249 B2, filed Jul. 9, 2007, titled Fluidized Sensor for Mapping a Pipeline and patent application U.S. App. No. U.S. 2007/0210929 A1, filed Mar. 7, 2006, titled Mapping and Detection of Pipelines Using Low Power Wireless Sensor Network. The entire disclosures of the above issued patents and patent application are incorporated herein by reference.
The wireless sensor device 10 includes a case 14. The case 14 is arranged to enclose internal components of the wireless sensor device 10. The case 14 may also be arranged to couple a plurality of external components to the wireless sensor device 10. For example, the case 14 couples at least one external wireless sensor to the wireless sensor device 10. In some implementations, the case 14 is configured to be spherical. For example, the case 14 is arranged to form a sphere that surrounds the internal components of the wireless sensor device 10. The spherical nature of the case 14 allows the wireless sensor device 10 to traverse the gas pipeline by rolling through the gas pipeline. It is understood that while only a sphere is described, the case 14 may be any suitable shape for traversing the pipeline.
The wireless sensor device 10 also includes a power supply 18, a sensor data module 22, and a communication module 26. The power supply 18 is arranged to supply electric power to various components of the wireless sensor device 10. For example, the power supply 18 is electrically coupled to the sensor data module 22 and the communication module 26. The power supply 18 supplies electric power to the sensor data module 22 and the communication module 26. It is understood the power supply 18 may be a battery. The battery may be comprised of a plurality of cells arranged to supply electric power to the various components of the wireless sensor device 10.
The plurality of cells may be rechargeable. For example, the battery is arranged to receive electric power from an external power supply. The battery stores the electric power. The battery then selectively discharges the stored electric power based on a predetermined discharge plan. Alternatively, the battery may discharge the stored electric power based on a command from various components of the wireless sensor device 10.
In another implementation, the power supply 18 may supply power to components external to the wireless sensor device 10. For example, in some implementations, the wireless sensor device 10 includes a plurality of external sensors. The power supply 18 is electrically coupled to the plurality of external sensors via at least one cable. The power supply 18 supplies electric power to the plurality of external sensors. Further, the plurality of external sensors may transmit sensed data over the at least one cable to the sensor data module 22.
The sensor data module 22 receives sensed data from a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors may be arranged within the wireless sensor device 10. Alternatively, the plurality of sensors may be external to the wireless sensor device 10. For example, the wireless sensor device 10 includes sensors 32A-32D as shown in
In some implementations, one of the sensors 32A-32D may sense a motion of the wireless sensor device 10, global position system (GPS) coordinates of the wireless sensor device 10, and an air pressure surrounding the wireless sensor device 10. It is understood that the sensor 32 may be any suitable sensor and may be arranged to sense any characteristic related to the wireless sensor device 10 or an area proximal to the wireless sensor device 10.
Each of the sensors 32A-32D are arranged to generate a signal indicative of a sensed condition. For example, the sensor 32A may be a moisture sensor. The sensor 32A is configured to sense an amount of moisture in an area proximal to the wireless sensor device 10. The sensor 32A generates a moisture signal indicative of the sensed moisture. In some implementations, the sensor 32A senses an amount of moisture present in a gas flowing through the gas pipeline network. The sensor 32A generates a moisture signal indicative of the amount of moisture.
The sensor 32A then communicates the moisture signal to the sensor data module 22. It is understood that while only a moisture signal is described, the sensors 32A-32D may generate signals indicative of any sensed characteristics and communicate the generated signals to the sensor data module 22. Further, while only sensors 32A-32D are described, the wireless sensor device 10 may include sensors in addition to the sensors 32A-32D. Similarly, the wireless sensor device 10 may include fewer sensors than the sensors 32A-32D.
In another implementation, the sensors 32A-32D communicate with the sensor data module 22 via a wireless communication link. For example, each of the sensors 32A-32D include a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate over a wireless link to the sensor data module 22 within the sensor device 10. The wireless communication circuit may communicate via a Bluetooth, RFID, or any other suitable near field or short range RF communication link. In some implementations, the sensors 32A-32D are radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. For example, the sensors 32A-32D are configured as a wireless non-contact device. The sensors 32A-32D use radio frequency electromagnetic fields to communicate the sensed conditions to the sensor data module 22.
The sensor data module 22 is configured to wirelessly receive a plurality of sensor signals from the sensors 32A-32D. For example, the sensor data module 22 may be an RFID reader. The sensor data module 22 is configured to communicate with a plurality of RFID tags, for example, the sensors 32A-32D. The sensor data module 22 stores the received plurality of sensor signals in an associated memory within the sensor data module 22.
In another implementation, the sensor data module 22 receives a plurality of sensor signals from a plurality of remotely located sensors 36A-36D as shown in
The pipeline system 300 also includes an entry opening 206 and an exit opening 210. The entry opening 206 may serve as a starting point for the wireless sensor device 10. For example, a pipeline technician places the wireless sensor device 10 at the entry opening 206. The wireless sensor device 10 then traverses the pipeline 204 following a flow of gas 208 through the pipeline 204. The wireless sensor device 10 traverses the pipeline 204 by being carried by the gas pressure and/or flow of the gas 208 within the pipeline 204. The wireless sensor device 10 then exits at the exit opening 210.
The remotely located sensors 36A-36D are coupled to an interior wall of the pipeline 204. For example, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D are configured to include an adhesive panel. The adhesive panel couples the remotely located sensors 36A-36D to the interior wall of the pipeline 204. In some implementations, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D are coupled to the interior wall at predefined locations. For example, a technician installs each of the remotely located sensors 36A-36D at the predefined locations.
In another implementation, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D are coupled to the interior wall at random locations. For example, a technician releases the remotely located sensors 36A-36D into the gas flow 208 of the pipeline 204. The remotely located sensors 36A-36D are configured to be carried by the gas flow. At random locations on the interior wall, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D couple themselves to the interior wall. In some implementations, the random locations may correspond to a defective location of interest of the interior wall. For example, the interior wall may include at least one defect. The at least one defect disrupts the gas flow 208. The disruption in the gas flow 208 directs at least one of the remotely located sensors 36A-36D.
An adhesive panel of the at least one remotely located sensor 36A-36D is then coupled to the defect in the interior wall. In another example, the pipeline 204 includes elevated moisture levels. The elevated moisture levels cause pooling of moisture. At least one of the remotely located sensors 36A-36D is attracted to the pooled moisture. It is understood that the pipeline 204 may include various defect and characteristics that each of the remotely located sensors 36A-36D may adhere to. Further, while only remotely located sensors 36A-36D are described, it is understood that the pipeline 204 may include sensors in addition to the remotely located sensors 36A-36D. Similarly, the pipeline may include fewer sensors than the remotely located sensors 36A-36D.
The remotely located sensors 36A-36D include similar characteristics to the sensors 32A-32D, described above. For example, the remotely located sensor 36A may be configured as a moisture sensor. In some implementations, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D may be configured to sense air pressure within the pipeline 204, a temperature within the pipeline 204, a GPS location of one of the remotely located sensors 36A-36D, and any other characteristics associated with the pipeline 204.
The remotely located sensors 36A-36D are arranged to generate a signal indicative of a sensed condition. For example, the sensor 36A may be a moisture sensor. The sensor 36A is configured to sense an amount of moisture in an area within the pipeline 204. The sensor 36A generates a moisture signal indicative of the sensed moisture. In some implementations, the sensor 36A senses an amount of moisture present in the gas flow 208 gas. The sensor 36A generates a moisture signal indicative of the amount of moisture present in the gas flow 208.
As the wireless sensor device 10 traverses the pipeline 204, the sensor 36A communicates the moisture signal to the sensor data module 22. In this way, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D sense characteristics of areas of the pipeline 204 proximal to the remotely located sensors 36A-36D and communicate the sensed characteristics to the wireless sensor device 10. It is understood that while only a moisture signal is described, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D may generate signals indicative of any sensed characteristics and communicate the generated signals to the sensor data module 22.
The remotely located sensors 36A-36D communicate with the sensor data module 22 via a wireless communication link. For example, each of the sensors 36A-36D includes a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate over a wireless network. For example, the wireless communication circuit may communicate via a Bluetooth, RFID, or any other suitable near field or short range communication link. In some implementations, the remotely located sensors 36A-36D are configured as RFID tags as described above with respect to the sensors 32A-32D.
The sensor data module 22 is configured to wirelessly receive a plurality of sensor signals from the sensors 36A-36D. For example, the sensor data module 22 is configured as an RFID reader as described above. The sensor data module 22 stores the received plurality of sensor signals in an associated memory within the sensor data module 22.
The sensor data module 22 may perform further processing on the plurality of sensor signals from the sensors 32A-32D and the remotely located sensors 36A-36D. For example, the sensor data module 22 receives the moisture signal from the sensor 32A. The sensor data module 22 stores a moisture value indicated by the moisture signal in the associated memory. The moisture value may be a unit of measurement of moisture sensed by the sensor 32A. In some implementations, the sensor data module 22 determines whether the moisture value is greater than a predetermined moisture threshold. The predetermined moisture threshold may be a threshold determined to be indicative of a defect in the pipeline or in the gas present in the pipeline 204. The sensor data module 22 generates a moisture level warning signal based on the determination of whether the moisture value is greater than the predetermined moisture threshold.
The sensor data module 22 communicates the moisture level warning signal to the communication module 26. The communication module 26 may then wirelessly communicate the moisture level warning signal to a remotely located computing device. For example, the remotely located computing device may be a computer system configured to receive signals from the wireless sensor device 10. The computer system is monitored by a user that determines whether to initiate a defect response process based on a received signal from the wireless sensor device 10. In some implementations, the defect response process may include sending a repair team to assess the pipeline 204.
In some implementations, the sensor data module 22 communicates stored values to the communication module 26. For example, the sensor data module 22 receives a plurality of sensor signals from the sensors 32A-32D and/or the remotely located sensors 36A-36D. The sensor data module 22 stores values indicated by the plurality of sensor signals in associated memory. At a predetermined time, the sensor data module 22 communicates the stored values to the communication module 26. The predetermined time may be preprogramed into the sensor data module 22. The predetermined time may range from immediately after receiving a sensor signal to a period such, as 5 minutes, for example. In another implementation, the sensor data module 22 communicates the stored values to the communication module 26 based on a request to communicate the stored values received by the sensor data module 22. For example, the sensor data module 22 may receive a request from the remotely located computing device (not shown). Further, the communication module 26 may generate a request to receive the stored values.
In yet another implementation, the sensor data module 22 may receive a request to communicate the stored values after the wireless sensor device 10 exits the pipeline 204. For example, the wireless sensor device 10 may be coupled to a proximally located computing device 212. The proximally located computing device 212 may be a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, or any other suitable computing devices.
The communication module 26 then communicates the stored values. In some implementations, the communication module 26 communicates wirelessly with the remotely located computing device. For example, the communication module 26 may include a Wi-Fi circuit. The communication module 26 communicates via the Wi-Fi circuit to the remotely located computing device. In another implementation, the communication module 26 communicates with the proximally located computing device 212.
For example, the communication module 26 may communicate wirelessly with the proximally located computing device 212. In other implementations, the communication module 26 communicates with the proximally located computing device 212 via a universal serial bus (USB) connection, optical links, a Bluetooth connection, or a FireWire connection. It is understood that the principles of the present disclosure envision the communication module 26 utilizing any suitable means of communicating the stored values to the proximally located computing device 212 and the remotely located computing device.
With particular reference to
With particular reference to
The RFID reader 516 communicates the received data signals to a micro controller unit (MCU) 520. In some implementations, the MCU 520 is configured to include a Raspberry PI computer. Further, the RFID reader 516 may be configured to communicate with the MCU 520 via a serial to universal serial bus (USB) communication link. The MCU 520 receives a timestamp from a time delay of arrival (TDOA) client 524. The TDOA client 524 may communicate via a similar serial to USB communication link as the RFID reader 516.
The MCU 520 generates an output signal based on matching the data signals corresponding to an analog signal generated by the H2O sensor 504 with a corresponding timestamp received from the TDOA client 514. The MCU 520 communicates the output signal to a user interface 528. The user interface 528 is configured to display data correlating to the output signal in a human readable format.
The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure.
As used herein, the term module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. The term module may include memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor.
The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and/or objects. The term shared, as used above, means that some or all code from multiple modules may be executed using a single (shared) processor. In addition, some or all code from multiple modules may be stored by a single (shared) memory. The term group, as used above, means that some or all code from a single module may be executed using a group of processors. In addition, some or all code from a single module may be stored using a group of memories.
The apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.
