Millennium Projects
Technical Details
Millennium Project Number: M-2001-010
Project Title:Development of an Inspection Tool for Un-Piggable Transmission Mains (Foster-Miller)
Project Start Date: 2001
Projected End Date: 2004
Technical Details:
The objective of this project was to develop a robotic inspection platform with a portfolio of sensors to measure corrosion and mechanical damage on internal and external surfaces of un-piggable transmission mains. Phase I work was focused on determining the specific constraints that un-piggable transmission mains present for an un-tethered inspection platform and determining the technology barriers for the development of such a platform. In addition, the contractor, Foster Miller and its subcontractor and commercial partner GE/PII evaluated a range of sensors that could be used with this platform given differing pipe characteristics in the high consequence areas of NYSEARCH member service territories as well as other utilities cofunding this work.
Phase II of the project focused on conducting the preliminary design of a robotic platform and sensor that met the specifications developed at the conclusion of Phase I. The platform was based on the “Pipe Mouse” robot developed by Foster Miller in the 1990’s for the inspection of distribution mains. The sensor was based on Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) technology, but segmented to be able to negotiate all pipeline obstacles, including plug valves and mitered bends.
Because of the high need and priority of this program, a second project was also put in place to examine competing approaches and to stimulate commercial interest (M2001-014). However, at the conclusion of Phase II, this project was not pursued further, following its review by the funders. This program was partially supported by the NETL of the USDOE.