System for determining conditions within a pipeline

A method for determining conditions within a pipeline, the method comprising:

• (a) positioning a platform engaging magnet at a first external position of the pipeline;
• (b) introducing a testing platform into the pipeline, the testing platform comprising a magnetically attractable component and at least one testing component;
• (c) attracting the testing platform to an initial position adjacent to the first external position via through-wall magnetic coupling between the platform engaging magnet and the magnetically attractable component of the testing platform;
• (d) moving the platform engaging magnet longitudinally and/or circumferentially along an exterior surface of the pipeline to a second external position of the pipeline, thereby causing movement of the testing platform to a measurement position adjacent to the second external position;
• and
• (e) performing at least one measurement at the measurement position with the at least one testing component to determine conditions associated with the measurement position.

A system for determining conditions within a hollow structure, the system comprising:

• a testing platform comprising:
• a magnetically attractable component;
• and
• at least one testing component;
• a magnetic positioning system comprising:
• a platform engaging magnet;
• and
• a three-dimensional positioner configured to position the platform engaging magnet longitudinally and circumferentially along an exterior surface of the hollow structure,
• wherein the magnetic positioning system is configured to selectively maintain the testing platform at a plurality of positions within the hollow structure via through-wall magnetic coupling between the platform engaging magnet and the magnetically attractable component of the testing platform.

A testing platform comprising:

• a hollow enclosure;
• a magnetically attractable component that is tethered to the hollow enclosure;
• and
• at least one testing component is disposed within an interior portion the hollow enclosure.

A testing platform comprising:

• at least one testing component;
• and
• a base comprising:
• a magnetically attractable component;
• and
• a plurality of attachment structures configured for the attachment of respective testing components of the at least one testing component,
• wherein:
• each of the plurality of attachment structures are coupled to the base via a respective support member;
• and
• the plurality of attachment structures are arranged in a radial array around the base.