Adaptable inspection sensor for unpiggable pipelines

There are many physical and operational obstacles in pipelines that make the passage of inspection robots impossible, including small radius bends, low operating pressure, plug valves, large changes in pipe size, and no permanent access to the pipeline. The objective of this study is to address the challenges of inspecting unpiggable pipelines by developing an integrated system that combines a highly agile robotic platform with NDE sensor technology. The methodology involved the development of a battery-powered, train-like robotic platform by Foster-Miller and GEI/PII, which includes front and rear tractors that enable movement in both upstream and downstream directions, as well as additional cars for payload transportation. The research results indicate significant advancements in sensor technology, highlighting the use of segmented magnetic flux leakage sensors equipped with an advanced deployment mechanism. The platform has been designed to navigate various challenges such as plug valves, tight elbows, and changes in pipe diameter, thus demonstrating its applicability for both transmission and distribution pipelines. This offers a novel and efficient solution for inspecting hard-to-access pipeline sections.