Magnetizers for pigging tools having rotational elements
AssigneeNovitech Inc.
InventorsRon Thompson, Michael Yachnis, Jaidan Barretto
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Circumferential and axial magnetizers for a magnetic flux leakage pig. A magnet bar may comprise at least one magnet and may be configured to collapse radially inward to the shaft. Magnetizers may include a cushion disposed about the shaft and biasing the magnet bar against a pipe wall. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end of the magnet monitors magnetic flux. The central shaft of a circumferential magnetizer or axial magnetizer may comprise a joint linking an additional smart pig module. One or more rotational elements may be disposed on the magnet bar.
Claims30
A circumferential magnetizer module for a smart pig, comprising:
- a central shaft;
- and
- at least one magnet bar, adjustably coupled to the central shaft, the magnet bar configured to induce a steady magnetic field transverse to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft to a pipe wall, the at least one magnet bar comprising:
- at least one magnet comprising a north pole side and a south pole side;
- a north magnetic circuit pole coupled to the north pole side of the at least one magnet and extending radially away from the central shaft;
- a south magnetic circuit pole coupled to the south pole side of the at least one magnet and extending radially away from the central shaft;
- a sensor head to monitor magnetic flux comprising at least one sensor disposed between the north magnetic circuit pole and the south magnetic circuit pole;
- at least one insert disposed within each of the north magnetic circuit pole and the south magnetic circuit pole;
- and
- a rotational element disposed within each of the at least one inserts;
- wherein each of the rotational elements is configured to extend radially outward from an outer surface of its respective magnetic circuit pole.
An axial magnetizer module for a smart pig, comprising:
- a central shaft;
- and
- at least one magnet bar, adjustably coupled to the central shaft, the magnet bar configured to induce a steady magnetic field coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft, the at least one magnet bar comprising:
- a first magnet of a first polarity circumferentially disposed around a front end of the central shaft;
- a second magnet of a second polarity circumferentially disposed around a rear end of the central shaft;
- a front magnetic circuit pole coupled to the first magnet and extending radially outward from the central shaft;
- a rear magnetic circuit pole coupled to the second magnet and extending radially outward from the central shaft;
- a sensor head to monitor magnetic flux comprising at least one sensor disposed between the front magnetic circuit pole and rear magnetic circuit pole;
- at least one insert disposed within each of the front magnetic circuit pole and the rear magnetic circuit pole;
- and
- a rotational element disposed within each of the at least one inserts;
- wherein each of the rotational elements is configured to extend radially outward from an outer surface of its respective magnetic circuit pole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.