Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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Engineers from the Higher School of Automation and Robotics at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have developed a robotic system for in-line inspection of existing main pipelines before gas flow. The development is supported by the federal program "Priority 2030."
The Russian Federation's gas transmission system—the largest in the world—includes over 180,000 kilometers of trunk pipelines, over 700 compressor stations, and an extensive network of regional pipelines. To manage the technical condition and integrity of pipeline assets, as well as to ensure the operational safety of the entire network, a system of periodic in-line inspection using robotic technologies is currently being implemented.
The problem is that previously, after the construction of a new pipeline, diagnostics were performed after gas had been supplied. If defects were detected in the pipeline, this could lead to the failure of expensive equipment at compressor stations and other facilities. Therefore, developing a technology that would allow for rapid initial diagnostics of pipelines during construction is highly sought after and relevant today, including for economic reasons, explains Oleg Shmakov, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Automation and Robotics at IMMIT SPbPU.
To address this challenge, specialists at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a unique autonomous in-line robotic diagnostic system (IRDS), a robotic platform. The robot can travel up to 60 km at tilt angles of up to 30 degrees within a 1,400 mm diameter pipeline. Furthermore, since the IDS's most important function is to provide a diagnostic system capable of autonomously detecting pipe defects, the Polytechnic University researchers are also developing algorithms for automatically detecting defects using data from the IDS sensors.
Another key feature of the SPbPU engineers' development is its energy efficiency. The diagnostic complex is designed to operate at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, requiring careful attention to all energy consumers within the system. The complex's high energy efficiency is ensured by an energy recovery system.
The first prototype of the robot, developed with the participation of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, is already undergoing pilot testing. Work is also underway to analyze the data received from the sensors so that all operational feedback can be incorporated into the next version of the VRDK.
Today, our main goal is to increase the speed of processing diagnostic data. We are currently collecting statistics and plan to use artificial intelligence technologies to process them. We are also identifying the specifics of VRDK operation in real pipelines at subzero temperatures. "More broadly, we are working to create a safe future where our homes will always be warm and cozy. Robots will perform all the complex work in extreme conditions, and we will help them with this," says Oleg Shmakov.
According to Polytechnic researchers, the implementation of a new VRDK capable of conducting diagnostics in autonomous mode will be possible as early as 2027.
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