System and method for pipeline inspection
AssigneeULC Robotics, Inc.
InventorsG. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.
Claims20
A system for pipeline inspection, comprising:
- a transport module operable to traverse an interior of a pipeline;
- and
- a sensor arrangement carried by the transport module and including a sensor configured to measure at least one characteristic of the pipeline, the sensor arrangement being operable to move the sensor toward and away from an inside surface of a wall of the pipeline, the sensor arrangement further including a cover movable between a closed position covering a surface of the sensor and an open position exposing the surface of the sensor to an ambient environment.
A system for pipeline inspection, comprising:
- a transport module operable to traverse an interior of a pipeline;
- and
- a sensor arrangement movable by the transport module and including a sensor and a cleaning arrangement connectable to a fluid source and including a plurality of apertures disposed proximate to a surface of the sensor such that fluid from the fluid source is movable through the apertures and over the surface of the sensor.
A method for pipeline inspection, comprising:
- positioning a sensor arrangement at a desired location in a pipeline
- retracting a cover of the sensor arrangement to expose a surface of a sensor;
- moving the sensor toward an inside surface of a wall of the pipeline;
- using the sensor to obtain information about the pipeline;
- and
- moving the cover of the sensor arrangement over the surface of the sensor to remove debris from the surface of the sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.