機器人較現有的技術在查出瓦斯管道漏氣上提供更好的效率。
研究人員設計了一種可以透過高速偵測壓力變動察覺瓦斯漏氣情形的機器人。 此一系統是由從麻省理工學院(MIT)的石油和礦物(KFUPM)研究所的研究員和在沙烏地阿拉伯Fahd 國王大學所共同開發，較諸傳統使用聲音、洩漏振動或使用管內相機探測器之漏氣檢測方法有較好的效果。
此一新式設備包括一個能夠通過管道移動的小型輪式機器人，和一種密封在管道寬度範圍的鼓狀膜。當洩漏發生時，液體流動往膜導致它稍微變形。 此種變形可以經由一個仔細設計的機械系統力度感測器(類似用於電腦觸控板的感測器)和透過無線通訊傳回的資訊查出。
此一系統的共同設計者”麻省理工學院的機械工程教授卡邁勒·優素福 - 圖米表示：“此種技術可以明確和可靠的檢測以往在很長一段時間都無法發現的的非常小的洩漏”。
依據麻省理工學院的機械工程博士生Dimitrios Chatzigeorgiou 表示，該系統可以在相當低的壓力下檢測出只有1到2毫米的洩漏。
研究人員已經開始與瓦斯公司和自來水公司洽談，該系統還可以檢測水管或油管的洩漏， 可以在真實情況下實地測試。
機 器人可以在 3 英里的管道中移動，偵測方法比常規的聲音或視覺測量快得多。機器人的低成本、 自動化性質使他們適合無限期地留在管道裡提供持續監測。根據機械工程教授和研究之共同設計者之一Rached Ben-Mansour表示，目前洩漏檢測系統通常每年要投入了 $250000 監控 100 公里長的管道。"我們希望這個系統會更實惠，更快和更靈敏"。
機器人能以適合所有類型的管道大小製造。
影片：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1N2fJV20ww
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Source: http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2014/jun/pipe-inspection-robots.cfm
Robots prevent explosions by detecting gas pipe leaks
19 June 2014
By Tereza Pultarova
Robots could detect leaks in gas pipelines with better efficiency than existing technology
Researchers have devised a robotic system capable of scanning gas pipes for leaks at rapid pace by sensing pressure changes.
The system, developed jointly by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia, offers better efficiency compared with existing leak detection methods, usually based on measuring sounds and vibrations caused by the leaks or using camera detectors inside the pipes.
The new device consists of a small wheeled robot capable of moving through the pipes, and a drum-like membrane that forms a seal across the width of the pipe. When a leak is encountered, liquid flowing toward it distorts the membrane, pulling it slightly toward the leak. That distortion can be detected by force-resistive sensors via a carefully designed mechanical system (similar to the sensors used in computer trackpads), and the information sent back via wireless communications.
“This technology allows for an unambiguous and reliable sensing of very small leaks that often go undetected for long periods of time,” said MIT mechanical engineering professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi, a co-author of the system.
According to Dimitrios Chatzigeorgiou, a PhD student in mechanical engineering at MIT, the system “can detect leaks of just 1 to 2 millimetres in size, and at relatively low pressure.”
The researchers have begun discussions with gas companies and water companies — the system can also detect leaks in water pipes, or in petroleum pipelines — about setting up field tests in real-world conditions.
The robots can move through the pipes at 3 mph, making the method much faster than conventional acoustic or visual surveying. The low cost and automated nature of the robots makes them suitable to be left inside the pipes indefinitely, providing continuous monitoring.
According to Rached Ben-Mansour, a professor of mechanical engineering at KFUPM and co-author of the study, current leak-detection systems typically cost about $250,000 annually to monitor 100 kilometres of a pipe. “We’re hoping this system will be much more affordable, as well as faster and more sensitive,” he said.
The robots could be manufactured in various sizes to fit virtually all types of pipes.
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