TOMSK, Jan 21 – RIA Tomsk. Scientists of Faculty of Innovative Technologies of Tomsk State University (TSU) received a patent for a device for pipelines automatic diagnostics and repair; the robotic complex (RC) created in Tomsk can move along horizontal and vertical pipes, determine the location of defects and eliminate them, the university’s press service said on Tuesday.
"The traditional diagnostic tools used in the oil and gas sector move inside the pipe along with gas or hydrocarbon feedstocks. The launch of such a device always creates certain difficulties. The difference of our RC is that it moves along the surface of the pipe, so there are no difficulties in connection with the launch and inspection of the pipeline", – the professor of TSU Vladimir Syryamkin is quoted in the message.
According to him, the device detects cracks, holes and other defects due to various sensors, including ultrasonic and infrared. Online artificial intelligence makes a damage map online. The robot can close minor defects immediately during the examination: it sprays suitable for this material from a special container.
"The device moves along the surface with any inclination – horizontal, vertical, inclined. If traditional devices are limited by the size of the pipe, the diameter does not matter for the new robotic complex. In addition to pipelines in the oil and gas sector, the robot can be used to diagnose pipes in the housing and communal services, in ships, and so on", – says Syryamkin.According to the press service, TSU received a patent for a robotic complex that has no analogues. In the future, the developers intend to offer three robots to the oil and gas industry workers: along with the new device, this is a RC on a caterpillar track, as well as a robot wheel that moves on a solid surface, water and air. Devices will be able to exchange information and will be beneficial to complement each other's functionality.