Patent ID: 8491722
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: B08B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline comprising: a) driving an intelligent pig (“IP”), which includes an electronics module arrangement, along an interior of the tube or the pipeline by fluid pressure; b) transmitting a monitoring signal, through a fluid that provides the fluid pressure, to an inner surface of a wall of the tube or piping and an outer surface of the wall of the tube or piping; c) receiving signals returned from the wall through the fluid; d) controlling and operating the IP; e) analyzing the returned signals; f) calculating a time difference between a receipt of the signal to the inner surface of the wall and the receipt of the signal to the outer surface of the wall so that a thickness of the wall can be calculated; and g) storing data relating to a condition of the wall of the tube or the pipeline; wherein the IP is driven by a specialist pumping unit machine that includes controls and control software that can identify a location of the IP within the tube or the piping, and the specialist pumping unit machine controls fluid flow and pressure.