Cushion for pipeline inspection device module
AssigneeNovitech Inc.
InventorsRon Thompson, Min Xu, Calin Cristian Ganea
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. A novel magnetizer cushion is described, as are smart pigs containing one or more circumferential or axial magnetizers.
Claims14
A cushion for a pipeline inspection device module, comprising:
- a cylindrical member constructed of a polymeric material and configured to be disposed about at least a portion of a central shaft of a module of a pipeline inspection device, the cylindrical member having an expanded state and one or more compressed states;
- wherein in its expanded state, the cylindrical member is configured to bias one or more module members radially outwardly;
- and
- wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical member is configured to compress to one of the one or more compressed states when the one or more module members experience an inward force.
A module of a pipeline inspection device, comprising:
- a central shaft;
- one or more module members compressibly coupled to and disposed radially outwardly from the central shaft;
- and
- a cylindrical member constructed of a polymeric material and configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the central shaft, the cylindrical member disposed radially inwardly of the one or more module members, the cylindrical member having an expanded state and one or more compressed states;
- wherein in its expanded state, the cylindrical member is configured to bias the one or more module members radially outwardly;
- and
- wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical member is configured to compress to a compressed state when at least one of the one or more module members experiences an inward force.
A method, comprising:
- launching a pipeline inspection device comprising a module into a pipeline, the module having:
- a central shaft;
- one or more module members compressibly coupled to and disposed radially outwardly from the central shaft and biased against a pipeline wall;
- and
- a cylindrical member constructed of a polymeric material and configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the central shaft, the cylindrical member disposed radially inwardly of the one or more module members, the cylindrical member having an expanded state and one or more compressed states;
- wherein in its expanded state, the cylindrical member biases the one or more module members against a pipeline wall;
- and
- wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical member is configured to compress to a compressed state when at least one of the one or more module members experiences an inward force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.