Pipeline static charge detection and dissipation systems and methods

A method of operating a static charge testing system, comprising:

• inserting a first bore device of the static charge testing system into a pipeline bore of a pipeline system;
• injecting first propulsion fluid into the pipeline bore behind the first bore device to facilitate moving the first bore device along the pipeline bore;
• determining, using a first sensor in the first bore device, first sensor data indicative of presence of static charge in the pipeline bore while the first bore device is disposed in the pipeline bore;
• inserting a second bore device of the static charge testing system into the pipeline bore of the pipeline system;
• injecting second propulsion fluid into the pipeline bore behind the second bore device to facilitate moving the second bore device along the pipeline bore while the first bore device is concurrently disposed in the pipeline bore;
• and
• determining, using a second sensor in the second bore device, second sensor data indicative of whether static charge encountered by the first bore device in the pipeline bore has been successfully dissipated.

A static charge testing system comprising a bore device, wherein the bore device comprises:

• an electrical parameter sensor that is connected to electrically conductive material on an outer surface of the bore device;
• fluid blocking material implemented around the electrical parameter sensor to:
• define the outer surface of the bore device with a tapered end;
• and
• define an internal cavity within the bore device, wherein the tapered end and the internal cavity of the bore device are configured to enable the outer surface of the bore device to contract radially inward when the bore device passes from a first pipe bore of a first pipe segment to a fitting bore of a pipe fitting that is secured to the first pipe segment;
• and
• a spring disposed within the internal cavity of the bore device, wherein the spring is configured to facilitate expanding the outer surface of the bore device radially outward when the bore device passes from the fitting bore of the pipe fitting to a second pipe bore of a second pipe segment that is secured to the pipe fitting;
• a control sub-system communicatively coupled to bore device, wherein the control sub-system is configured to determine whether static charge is expected to be present based at least in part on sensor data determined by the electrical parameter sensor in the bore device;
• and
• a propulsion fluid source configured to inject ionic propulsion fluid behind the bore device to facilitate moving the bore device and dissipating static charge encountered by the bore device after the bore device has moved past the static charge.