Millennium Projects
Technical Details
Millennium Project Number: 2011-006
Project Title: Robotics - Supporting Technologies
Project Start Date: 2nd Quarter 2011
Projected End Date: On-going
Technical Details:
The NYSEARCH effort in developing technologies for the inspection of unpiggable natural gas pipelines has reached the point of commercialization for the inspection platforms for 6”-8” pipelines, while the larger platform for 20”-26” pipelines will enter the commercial market later in 2012. While these are major accomplishments and milestones for the program, issues pertaining to increased efficiencies in the deployment of these technologies and introduction of additional sensory capabilities need to be addressed in order to increase the value of this technology to the members and industry. As a result, NYSEARCH initiated an effort to develop technologies that will increase the efficiency of the deployment of these technologies in terms of allowing in-line charging of the platforms and cleaning the pipelines of any debris and/or liquids prior to deployment. In addition, new sensors for the identification and sizing mechanical damage in pipelines, mainly in terms of dents and ovality issues, as well as cracks are being developed and will be integrated in the inspection platforms. The new sensors are designed within the limitations and particular constraints imposed by the unpiggable pipelines environment. Finally, tools for rescuing the inspection platform in case of failure within the pipeline are also being developed. Completion of the proposed work will have a positive effect on the capabilities of the NYSEARCH developed robotics technology increasing its capabilities and improving the efficiency of field deployments while decreasing risk