Robotized system for inspection of tubing

• Grant number: 01/08405-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: February 01, 2003
• End date: August 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Walter de Britto Vidal Filho
• Grantee: Walter de Britto Vidal Filho
• Company: MWA Comércio e Serviços Ltda. - ME

Abstract

The project involves the presentation of a venture in the area of working mobile robots to develop a robot for inspecting ducts from their interiors. In the first phase of the work a prototype will be developed along with a technical verification of its viability. The prototype will be based on a platform for movement in straight or curved, horizontal or sloping tubing, with diameters varying from 250 to 500 millimeters; it will have a control architecture to which an operator issues orders in response to images captured by high resolution cameras positioned at both ends of the vehicle. The video cameras will possess an actioning mechanism. To this first prototype a piece of ultra-sound equipment will be attached for measuring the thickness of the duct wall. Some market requirements to be addressed by the company by means of the project currently being presented will be: the undertaking of inspections without the need for dismantling or moving – which reduces the cost and the time spent on the job; the inspection of buried tubing; the inspection of tubing where “instrumented PIG” type of equipment is unable to operate; the localized inspection of tubing, valves and/or duct accessories. The main users of the product/services to be catered for by MWA should be businesses from the oil and gas sectors, chemical and petrochemical industries and petrol refineries. (AU)