Multi-sensor pipe inspection system and method
AssigneeHydromax USA, LLC
InventorsGuy Schiavone, Adam Fredrick Stewart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An approach for collecting disparate data within a pipe involves a sensor arrangement configured to be deployed within the pipe. The sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect disparate data related to the pipe. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is coupled to a respective collection computer on the sensor arrangement. A synchronization module is configured to synchronize the disparate data. A database is configured to store the synchronized data. A processor is configured to process the synchronized data. A user interface configured to present the synchronized data to a user.
Claims17
A system for collecting disparate data within a pipe, comprising:
- a sensor arrangement configured to be deployed within the pipe, the sensor arrangement comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect disparate data related to the pipe, at least two of the sensors operating at different scan rates;
- a plurality of collection computers each coupled to a respective sensor, the collection computers configured to receive a synchronization signal for synchronizing clocks on the collection computers;
- a processor configured to synchronize the disparate data of the sensors operating at different scan rates by continuously reapplying a time offset to the clocks on the collection computers and referencing a reference point relative to the plurality of sensors for a time-based longitudinal alignment;
- a database configured to store the synchronized data;
- the processor configured to process the synchronized data;
- and
- a user interface configured to present the synchronized data to a user, wherein the synchronized data represents at least one of structural and material defects of the pipe.
A method for collecting disparate data within a pipe, comprising:
- deploying a sensor arrangement within the pipe;
- collecting disparate data related to the pipe using a plurality of sensors, at least two of the sensors operating at different scan rates;
- synchronizing the disparate data from the plurality of sensors by continuously reapplying a time offset to the clocks on the collection computers and referencing a reference point relative to the plurality of sensors for longitudinal alignment;
- storing the synchronized data in a database;
- processing the synchronized data;
- and presenting the synchronized data to a user, wherein the synchronized data represents at least one of structural and material defects of the pipe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.