WO2017032710A1 - Device for controlling speed - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for controlling the speed of a pipe testing system, comprising an outer shell, a first inner shell and a second inner shell. The first inner shell has at least one recess, the second inner shell has at least one recess, and the outer shell has at least one recess, the first inner shell and the second inner shell each being adjustable in relation to the outer shell.

Description

 Speed control device

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device for speed control, in particular for a pig used in pipeline inspections.

background

Pipelines are used in many areas for the transport of fluids. to

Ensuring a lossless transport, it is next to one

Final inspection of the pipeline after installation is essential to inspect the pipeline for defects at certain intervals or after detection of leakage.

For this purpose, the pipeline to be examined can be tested non-destructively and in situ, for example by means of ultrasound or eddy current. In such a test, for example, an assembly of ultrasonic sensors and sensors is mounted on a so-called pig and the pig used in the line. The pig then moves through the pipeline and receives the sensor signals as a function of the distance covered. After completion of the examination, the stored sensor signals can be read out and analyzed.

Such a pig can be driven independently and / or passively through a fluid flowing through the pipeline to be inspected. In the latter case, various mechanisms have already been proposed to control the velocity of the pig in the pipeline - from a simple brake to adjustable bypass ports which allow some of the fluid to pass or pass through the pig in a controlled manner. However, it would be desirable to be able to set the speed of the pig more precisely or over a larger range

Outline of the invention

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for

Speed control of a system for pipe testing, comprising an outer shell, a first inner shell and a second inner shell, wherein the first inner shell has at least one recess, the second inner shell has at least one recess and the outer shell has at least one recess, wherein the first inner shell and the second inner shell are each adjustable relative to the outer shell.

By such adjustability of the shells and thus the recesses relative to each other, the fluid flowing in the conduit opposite

 Effective area and thus the propulsion of the pig to be changed. As a result, a control or regulation based on certain specifications / parameters of the propulsion of the pig is possible.

The first inner shell may, at least partially, be arranged in the outer shell. The second inner shell may, at least partially, be arranged in the first inner shell.

The first inner shell may have at least one delimiting element which delimits the at least one recess of the first inner shell. Likewise, the second inner shell may have at least one delimiting element which delimits the at least one recess of the second inner shell. Finally, the outer shell may have at least one delimiting element that delimits the at least one recess of the outer shell.

At least one of the at least one recess of the first inner shell can in each case be larger than a delimiting element of the first inner shell. Each of the recesses of the first inner shell is preferably larger than a limiting element of the first inner shell delimiting this recess. Likewise, at least one of the at least one recess of the second inner shell can each be larger than a delimiting element of the second inner shell. Each of the recesses of the second inner shell is preferably larger than a limiting element of the second inner shell delimiting this recess. Finally, at least one of the at least one recess of the outer shell can each be larger than a delimiting element of the outer shell. Here, too, each of the recesses of the outer shell is preferably larger than a limiting element of the outer shell delimiting this recess. At least one of the at least one recess of the first inner shell can each be substantially twice as large as a delimiting element of the first inner shell. Preferably, each of the recesses of the first inner shell about twice as large as the respective recess limiting limiting element of the first inner shell. Also, the at least one of the at least one recess of the second inner shell can each in

Be substantially twice as large as a boundary element of the second

Inner shell. Again, preferably, each of the recesses of the second

 Inner shell about twice as large as a respective recess limiting boundary element of the second inner shell. At least one of the at least one recess of the outer shell may further each be substantially twice as large as a limiting element of the outer shell, wherein preferably each of the recesses of the outer shell twice as large as a respective recess bounding limiting element of the outer shell.

The at least one recess of the first inner shell can each in

Essentially the same size as the at least one recess of the second inner shell. Preferably, each of the recesses of the first inner shell is in

Essentially the same size as a corresponding recess of the second

 Inner shell. Likewise, the at least one recess of the first inner shell may be substantially the same size as the at least one recess of the

Outer shell. Preferably, each of the recesses of the first inner shell is substantially the same size as a corresponding recess of the outer shell. Likewise, the at least one limiting element of the first inner shell can each be substantially the same size as the at least one

Limiting element of the second inner shell and / or the at least one limiting element of the outer shell.

Terms such as larger, smaller or the same size preferably refer to the actual (in the case of the limitations) or fictitious (in the case of the recesses) (shell) surface of the respective shell. In other words, these terms preferably refer to the surface opposite to the fluid (in the case of its limitations) or through which the fluid flows. Alternatively, however, these terms can also refer to projections of the elements set in relation, for example along a specific (rotary) axis or shaft.

The at least one delimiting element of the first inner shell may extend from a hub of the first inner shell, preferably to the edge of the first inner shell, extend. The at least one boundary element of the second inner shell may extend from a hub of the second inner shell, preferably to the edge of the second inner shell. Likewise, the at least one

Limiting element of the outer shell of a hub of the outer shell, preferably to the edge of the outer shell extend.

The first inner shell, the second inner shell and the outer shell are preferably arranged on a common axis and can be rotated about this axis relative to each other.

The device may be configured to control the position of the first inner shell and the position of the second inner shell relative to the outer shell. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured to regulate the position of the first inner shell and the position of the second inner shell relative to the outer shell based on at least one parameter, in particular the speed of the system for pipe inspection. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pipe inspection system, in particular a pig, comprises a device for

Speed control according to the first aspect.

Brief description of the figures

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following figures:

Figure 1 shows two perspective views of an embodiment of a speed control apparatus of a pipe inspection system according to the present invention;

Figures 1 a and 1 b show a back and a front view of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 shows a side view of an outer shell according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2a shows a front view of the outer shell shown in FIG.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a first inner shell according to a

Embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3a shows a front view of the first inner shell shown in FIG.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a second inner shell according to a

Embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4a shows a front view of the second inner shell shown in FIG. Detailed description

An embodiment of a device according to the invention for

Velocity control of a system for pipeline testing, in particular of a pig, is shown in FIGS. 1, 1a and 1b.

The device 10 comprises an outer shell 20, a first inner shell 30 and a second inner shell 40, which are shown individually in FIGS. 2 / 2a, 3 / 3a and 4 / 4a respectively. The second inner shell 40 is arranged as shown in the first inner shell 30. The first inner shell 30 in turn is disposed within the outer shell 20. The first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40 are adjustable relative to one another and in each case relative to the outer shell 20. In this particular embodiment, the first inner shell 30 and the second

Inner shell 40 each rotatable relative to the outer shell 20 about a common axis.

The device 10 is typically at the top of a system for

Pipe inspection, in particular a pig, mounted (not shown) and is flowing from the flowing through the pipe fluid from the back. Due to the adjustability of the shells 20, 30, 40 relative to each other by the device 10, the oncoming fluid opposite surface and thus the propulsion of the system is adjustable. In the specific case of a pig consisting of several modules, the device 10 is typically at the foremost module, the

so-called train module arranged. The principle is that the

 The speed of the pig can be regulated by increasing or decreasing the bypass of the medium. The larger the bypass on the train module, the greater the difference in velocity between the medium and the pig.

The outer shell 20 shown in Figures 2 and 2a comprises three

Limiting elements 22, which extend from a hub 24 to a flange-shaped edge 26 of the outer shell 20. The hub 24 has a smaller diameter than the edge 26. The three boundary elements 22 therefore run towards the hub 24 and taper towards the hub 24. In this case, the three limiting elements 22 define three recesses 28 in the

Outer shell 20, wherein the recesses 28 also taper towards the hub 24. In the example shown, the limiting elements 22 and the recesses 28 are arranged substantially symmetrically about the hub 24 forming an axis. The limiting elements 22 are each about the same size, and the recesses 28 are also each about the same size. Each of the recesses 28 is larger in the figure 2 and in this example approximately twice as large as each of the limiting elements 22 is formed.

However, other shapes of the delimiting elements 22 and the recesses 28 and also the entire surface of the outer shell 20 are possible as well as other absolute and relative sizes of these elements.

Adjoining the hub 24 of the outer shell 20 to the interior of the outer shell 20 towards a pin-shaped and an axis defining coupling element 29, about which the first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40 can be rotatably coupled when inserted into the outer shell 20 with the outer shell 20.

The first inner shell 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 a has a similar structure compared to the outer shell 20. However, the first inner shell 30 is made slightly smaller in its outer dimensions so that it can be inserted into the outer shell 20.

The first inner shell 30 accordingly also comprises three limiting elements 32, which extend from a hub 34 to an edge 36 of the first inner shell 30. The hub 34 has a smaller diameter than the rim 36. The three limiting elements 32 also run towards the hub 34 and taper towards the hub 34, as a result of which they delimit three recesses 38, which likewise taper towards the hub 34, in the first inner shell 30. The first inner shell 30 comprises a coupling element 39 adjoining the hub 34 toward the interior, which is arranged to engage with the coupling element 29 of the outer shell 20

cooperate to rotatably support the first inner shell 30 on the outer shell 20. The second inner shell 40 shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a likewise has a similar structure compared to the outer shell 20 or the first inner shell 20. However, the second inner shell 40 is slightly smaller in size than both the outer shell 20 and the first inner shell 30 are made to be inserted into the first inner shell 30 as shown in FIG.

The second inner shell 40 thus likewise comprises three limiting elements 42, which extend from a hub 44 to an edge 46 of the second inner shell 40. The three limiting elements 42 also run towards the hub 44, taper towards the hub 44 and define three recesses 48 in the second inner shell 40. The second inner shell 40 comprises a coupling element 49 which adjoins the hub 44 towards the interior and which is arranged for this purpose is to cooperate with the coupling element 29 of the outer shell 20 to also rotatably support the second inner shell 40 on the outer shell 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the respective limit members 22, 32, 42 are substantially (taking into account the fact that the cups are nested) the same shape and size. Likewise, the recesses 28, 38, 48 are substantially (taking into account the fact that the trays are nested) the same shape and size.

Each of the recesses 28 between the delimiting elements 22 in the

Outer shell 20 is thus larger and preferably substantially twice as large as / as a respective delimiting element 32 of the first inner shell 30 or delimiting element 42 of the second inner shell 40

Recesses 28, as can be seen in the figures, thus essentially designed so that they can be jointly closed by a limiting element 32 of the first inner shell 30 and a limiting element 42 of the second inner shell 40 so that the inflowing fluid is substantially prevented to flow through the recess 28. In this relative position of the outer shell 20, the first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40, a maximum flow resistance is thus presented to the inflowing fluid, which leads to a maximum propulsion of the pig. In other words, as explained above, the principle is that the speed of the pig can be regulated by increasing or decreasing the bypass of the medium. The larger the bypass on the tensile module, the larger the Speed difference between medium and pig. In this relative position of the outer shell 20, the first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40, there is thus a minimal speed difference between the medium and the pig. On the other hand, the first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40 can be rotated relative to the outer shell 20 so that the boundary elements 32, 42 of the first and second inner shell can be brought into coincidence with the boundary elements 22 of the outer shell 20. In this relative position of the outer shell 20th , the first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40, a minimal flow resistance is thus presented to the inflowing fluid, which leads to a minimum propulsion of the pig. Again, the principle applies that the larger the bypass on the tensile modulus, the greater the speed difference between the medium and the pig. In this relative position of the outer shell 20, the first inner shell 30 and the second inner shell 40, there is thus a maximum speed difference between medium and pig - so the pig moves (substantially) slower through the line than the medium.

By this mechanism and the formation of the shells, recesses and limiting elements, the propulsion of the pig can thus be controlled easily but at the same time over a wide range or depending on (detected) parameters such as the absolute speed of the pig or the fluid or Regulate relative velocity between pig and fluid.

Claims

claims 1 . Device for controlling the speed of a system for  Pipe inspection, comprising an outer shell (20), a first inner shell (30) and a second inner shell (40), wherein the first inner shell (30) has at least one recess (38), the second inner shell (40) at least one recess (48) and the outer shell (20) has at least one recess (28), wherein the first inner shell (30) and the second inner shell (40) are each adjustable relative to the outer shell (20). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first inner shell (30) thereto  is arranged, at least partially in the outer shell (20) to be arranged, and the second inner shell (40) is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the first inner shell (30). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first inner shell (30).  has at least one limiting element (32) which defines the at least one recess (38) of the first inner shell (30), the second  Inner shell (40) has at least one limiting element (42) which delimits the at least one recess (48) of the second inner shell (40) and the outer shell (20) at least one limiting element (22), the at least one recess (28) of Outer shell limited. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the at least one recess (38) of the first inner shell (30) is larger than a respective  Limiting element (32) of the first inner shell (30), at least one of the at least one recess (48) of the second inner shell (40) is larger than a limiting element (42) of the second inner shell (40) and at least one of the at least one recess (28 ) of the outer shell (20) is in each case larger than a limiting element (22) of the outer shell (20). 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the at least one recess (38) of the first inner shell (30) is each substantially twice as large as the limiting element (32) of the first inner shell (30) the at least one of the at least one recess (48) of the second inner shell (40) is each substantially twice as large as the one  The limiting element (42) of the second inner shell (40) and the at least one of the at least one recess (28) of the outer shell (20) are each substantially twice as large as the limiting element (22) of the outer shell (20). 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the  at least one recess (38) of the first inner shell (30) is each substantially the same size as the at least one recess (48) of the second inner shell (40) and / or the at least one recess (28) of the outer shell (20). 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the  at least one limiting element (32) of the first inner shell (30) is each substantially the same size as the at least one  Limiting element (42) of the second inner shell (40) and / or the at least one limiting element (22) of the outer shell (20). 8. Device according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the at least one limiting element (32) of the first inner shell (30) from a hub (34) of the first inner shell (30) to the edge (36) of the first inner shell extends, the at least one delimiting element (42) of the second inner shell (40) extends from a hub (44) of the second inner shell (40) to the edge (36) of the second inner shell (40) and the at least one delimiting element (22) of the outer shell (20) from a hub (24) of the outer shell (20) to the edge (26) of the outer shell (20). 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first  Inner shell (30), the second inner shell (40) and the outer shell (20) arranged on a common axis and relative to this axis  can be rotated to each other. 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Device is adapted to the position of the first inner shell (30) and the position of the second inner shell (40) relative to the outer shell (20) based on at least one parameter, in particular the speed of the pipe inspection system. System for pipeline testing, in particular pig, with a device (10) for speed control according to one of the preceding claims.