Overview
| Project No. | 920 |
|---|---|
| Contract No. | 693JK32010006POTA |
| Research Award Recipient | Northeast Gas Association 20 Waterview Boulevard, 4th Floor Parsippany, NJ 07054 |
| AOR/TTI | Robert Smith Kandilarya Barakat |
| Researcher Contact Info | Daphne D'Zurko (973) 265-1900 x214 ddzurko@northeastgas.org |
| Project Status | Closed |
|---|---|
| Start Fiscal Year | 2020 (09/25/2020) |
| End Fiscal Year | 2023 (12/31/2022) |
| PHMSA $$ Budgeted | $801,000.00 |
Main Objective
The objectives of the work proposed are to: 1) develop appropriate specifications for an in-line inspection system for NCDP pipes (consisting of a sensory system and a robotic platform) that meet industry and other stakeholders needs, 2) identify and evaluate state-of-the-art sensing system(s) for detecting delamination in NCDR pipes, and, 3) identify and evaluate robotic platforms able to carry such sensing systems inside natural gas plastic pipes.
Public Abstract
This proposal addresses a feasibility study to identify robotic technologies equipped with sensors capable to detect degradation/delamination in non-conforming Driscopipe ®8000 (NCDP) through live in-line inspection of such pipes in the field. A systematic study of sensory technologies that may be able to detect such delamination is needed to identify the best technology to be adopted for integration on a robotic platform. Established technologies, such as phased-array ultrasonics and emerging technologies in the field of NDE of plastic pipes, such as Terahertz and Microwave, will be considered and evaluated. A parallel study will identify the best robotic system able to carry such a sensor. The robotic system should be able to be launched, operated, and retrieved under live conditions and travel in natural gas plastic pipes over long distances without an attached tether. This work will be conducted by a team consisting of NYSEARCH, the research and development organization within the Northeast Gas Association (NGA); Invodane Engineering (IE), of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the robotic platform developer; and the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) at Iowa State University, the sensor system developer. This proposed project will last eighteen (18) months at a total cost of $1,001,500.