Transneft Diascan new generation multichannel geometry tool

Transneft Diascan has launched a pipeline inspection gadget (PIG), which belongs to a new generation of high resolution multichannel geometry tools, equipped with a navigation system.

The device has more than twice as many measurement levers as previous generations. In addition, the sensors’ construction has been modified. The levers’ mass has been significantly reduced, and polyurethane cover plates have been replaced with hard-alloy versions. This will enable Transneft Diascan to prolong the measurement system’s service life and reduce the levers’ flywheel effect upon movement of the geometry tool at great speeds which are typical for gas pipelines.

The new device has a system of hard wheel assemblies and supporting back plates, in contrast to the previous versions, which were basically equipped with polyurethane cuffs. It ensures much better centering of the geometry tool in motion and makes the device comparable to a dedicated pipeline position determination defectoscope by the accuracy of measurement of pipe bend radius and coordinates. This technical solution also allows gas pipeline diagnostics to be performed.

In comparison with the previous generations, the new geometry tool’s resolving power is 2.5 times higher, taking the interpretation of diagnostic data to a whole new level. Such construction characteristics as minor diameter air escape valves are now distinctly identifiable among the welded attachments. Due to the fact that measurement error for the width of geometry defects has been reduced more than twice, it makes it easier to classify the defect’s hazard level.

The multichannel geometry tool is meant for measurement of the inner flow area and bend radius of pipes with different diameters. It allows identifying such defects as dents, out-of-roundness, buckles, and specifying radius and direction of bends and turning angles of pipelines. The device is based on the electro-mechanic principle of measurement of deflection angle of levers having direct contact with the pipe’s inner wall. To specify pipelines’ attitude position, the geometry tool is equipped with a high-accuracy strapdown inertial navigation system.