Pipe Internal Inspection Tool Design and Assembler
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Internal Pipe Inspection Tool
1. Project Introduction
This project involves the design and application of a manual internal pipeline inspection tool intended for 12-inch and 16-inch diameter pipelines.
The primary purpose of this system is to perform internal inspection of pipelines to evaluate coating condition, detect defects, and collect inspection data using NDT probes and real-time visual monitoring.
2. Pipeline Access and Mobility System
The inspection tool will travel inside the pipeline using a wheel-based access and mobility system.
The tool will be equipped with adjustable wheels to maintain continuous contact with the internal pipe wall
The wheel system will be designed to operate inside both 12-inch and 16-inch internal diameters
This configuration ensures stable movement, proper centering, and controlled navigation inside the pipeline
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3. Front Rotating Segment and Rear Static Segment
3.1 Front Rotating Segment
The front section of the tool will be rotatable
This rotating section will carry the inspection probes
The purpose of rotation is to allow the probes to take readings at different circumferential positions of the pipe:
3 o’clock
6 o’clock
9 o’clock
12 o’clock
By rotating the front section, complete 360-degree circumferential inspection of the pipe’s internal surface can be achieved
The rotation can be manual or mechanically controlled, depending on final design selection
3.2 Rear Static Segment
The rear segment of the tool will be static (non-rotating)
This segment will provide:
Structural support
Wheel assemblies
Routing for pneumatic lines and camera cables
The static design ensures stability, alignment, and smooth tool operation during inspection
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4. Probe System and Actuators
The inspection tool will be equipped with two inspection probes, each independently deployable.
4.1 Probe 1
Probe 1 will be deployed using a pneumatic actuator
The actuator will push the probe forward to make contact with the internal pipe surface
After inspection, the probe will retract back to its safe position
This probe will be used for required NDT measurements
4.2 Probe 2
Probe 2 will also be operated using a pneumatic actuator
Both probes will function independently to allow:
Multiple measurements
Redundant inspection
Different probe orientations or test types
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5. Probe Concept Design (Text Description)
Each probe assembly will consist of the following main components:
NDT probe / sensor head
Spring-loaded mounting mechanism to maintain consistent contact pressure
Pneumatic cylinder (single-acting or double-acting)
Linear guide rail or sliding carriage
Mechanical end stops to prevent over-travel
Operating Principle:
1. Pneumatic pressure is applied to the actuator
2. The probe moves forward and makes contact with the pipe’s internal surface
3. The front rotating segment is rotated to position the probe at different clock positions
4. Inspection readings are recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock locations
5. When pressure is released, the probe retracts automatically
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6. Camera System
The inspection tool will be equipped with three cameras to enable real-time visual inspection.
Front-facing camera for forward view
Side or probe-focused camera to monitor probe contact
Rear or general monitoring camera
Camera Features:
Real-time video transmission
Video signal transmitted to the external control unit via cable
Live video displayed on an external screen for the operator
---
7. Control and Data Transmission System
Pneumatic lines and camera cables will be routed through a single umbilical cable
The external control unit will allow the operator to:
Deploy and retract probes
Rotate the front segment.
Monitor live video feeds and recordin.
1. Project Introduction
This project involves the design and application of a manual internal pipeline inspection tool intended for 12-inch and 16-inch diameter pipelines.
The primary purpose of this system is to perform internal inspection of pipelines to evaluate coating condition, detect defects, and collect inspection data using NDT probes and real-time visual monitoring.
2. Pipeline Access and Mobility System
The inspection tool will travel inside the pipeline using a wheel-based access and mobility system.
The tool will be equipped with adjustable wheels to maintain continuous contact with the internal pipe wall
The wheel system will be designed to operate inside both 12-inch and 16-inch internal diameters
This configuration ensures stable movement, proper centering, and controlled navigation inside the pipeline
---
3. Front Rotating Segment and Rear Static Segment
3.1 Front Rotating Segment
The front section of the tool will be rotatable
This rotating section will carry the inspection probes
The purpose of rotation is to allow the probes to take readings at different circumferential positions of the pipe:
3 o’clock
6 o’clock
9 o’clock
12 o’clock
By rotating the front section, complete 360-degree circumferential inspection of the pipe’s internal surface can be achieved
The rotation can be manual or mechanically controlled, depending on final design selection
3.2 Rear Static Segment
The rear segment of the tool will be static (non-rotating)
This segment will provide:
Structural support
Wheel assemblies
Routing for pneumatic lines and camera cables
The static design ensures stability, alignment, and smooth tool operation during inspection
---
4. Probe System and Actuators
The inspection tool will be equipped with two inspection probes, each independently deployable.
4.1 Probe 1
Probe 1 will be deployed using a pneumatic actuator
The actuator will push the probe forward to make contact with the internal pipe surface
After inspection, the probe will retract back to its safe position
This probe will be used for required NDT measurements
4.2 Probe 2
Probe 2 will also be operated using a pneumatic actuator
Both probes will function independently to allow:
Multiple measurements
Redundant inspection
Different probe orientations or test types
---
5. Probe Concept Design (Text Description)
Each probe assembly will consist of the following main components:
NDT probe / sensor head
Spring-loaded mounting mechanism to maintain consistent contact pressure
Pneumatic cylinder (single-acting or double-acting)
Linear guide rail or sliding carriage
Mechanical end stops to prevent over-travel
Operating Principle:
1. Pneumatic pressure is applied to the actuator
2. The probe moves forward and makes contact with the pipe’s internal surface
3. The front rotating segment is rotated to position the probe at different clock positions
4. Inspection readings are recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock locations
5. When pressure is released, the probe retracts automatically
---
6. Camera System
The inspection tool will be equipped with three cameras to enable real-time visual inspection.
Front-facing camera for forward view
Side or probe-focused camera to monitor probe contact
Rear or general monitoring camera
Camera Features:
Real-time video transmission
Video signal transmitted to the external control unit via cable
Live video displayed on an external screen for the operator
---
7. Control and Data Transmission System
Pneumatic lines and camera cables will be routed through a single umbilical cable
The external control unit will allow the operator to:
Deploy and retract probes
Rotate the front segment.
Monitor live video feeds and recordin.