A camera system developed by Nebraska’s Zhigang Shen is able to efficiently identify internal defects in pipelines that shuttle gases nationwide.
In development since 2018, Shen’s patent-pending innovation is a new depth camera array system that provides complete and accurate visual surface coverage of straight and curbed pipelines in a time and cost-saving manner. The system uses photogrammetry — a process that captures photographic images to survey an object — to generate 3D pipeline models. The process is able to identify internal defects, including corrosion, dents and cracks. In some cases, it can be deployed without the need for camera calibrations, a GPS signal, or prior knowledge of pipeline geometry.
“Unlike many other pipeline tools, our system does four things simultaneously: measuring, mapping, modeling, and detecting,” said Shen, professor in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, and director of the Building and Infrastructure Informational Management lab. “We believe our technology provides a unique solution to this significant and difficult industry problem.”
The device is expected to support the more than 2.7 million miles of natural gas pipelines that cross the United States. The pipelines are considered one of the safest and most feasible ways to transport gases and hydrocarbons. The condition of most of the large pipeline networks is often an unknown and many are aging, accelerating the need for fast, accurate inspection methods like that developed by Shen.
The technology offers other premium features. Integrity of the data and robust inspection of the pipe is maintained at theoretical speeds of up to 55 mph, making it considerably faster than other products on the market. The depth camera array is also operative in remote areas without GPS tracking access and can work with multiple pipe materials, including concrete, metal, and plastic. It can be mounted to a pipeline inspection gauge for those pipelines that support the process and operate independently on a rover for those that do not.
Current efforts involve the incorporation of a brushless motor to prevent sparks in the pipe and water-proofing the system. These efforts demonstrate the practicality of the technology for real-world applications.
This technology is being offered by NUtech Ventures, the commercialization affiliate for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. For more information about technology and licensing opportunities, send email to info@nutechventures.org.
