Abstract: The present disclosure provide pipe scanning systems suitable for performing integrity and reliability inspection of pipelines, including insulated and non-insulated pipelines. The pipe scanning system may include a track disposed about a surface of the pipeline (e.g., on top of the insulation for insulated pipelines or on top of the pipe for non-insulated pipelines) and a scanning device mounted on the track via a drive carriage. The drive carriage includes components to facilitate movement of the drive carriage and the scanning device along the track such that the scanning device travels about the circumference of the pipeline. The scanning device includes an x-ray emitter and a digital x-ray detector that may capture media content indicative of a scanned section of the pipeline (e.g., a 360° circumferential scan), and the media content may be analyzed to detect the presence of one or more defects, such as corrosion under insulation (CUI).

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for utilizing acoustic sensors to detect defects via online or in situ monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Sensors may capture acoustic waves associated with AM manufacturing operations. The acoustic emissions in combination with other sensing data, such as cameras or thermometers, may be used to characterize the state of the AM process, such as to detect a defect has occurred or confirm a defect has not occurred. When defects are detected, the AM process may be stopped to prevent further processing of a defective part. When defects are predicted as likely to occur, operational parameters of the AM device or process may be adjusted to mitigate the occurrence of a defect. The techniques disclosed herein enable detection of defects that occur underneath the surface of the part being manufactured, as well as correct issues with the AM device or process before a defect occurs.

Abstract: A method includes determining, based on physical characteristics indicated by first data, a plurality of sensor operations associated with a plurality of structures. The method further includes updating a structural health management system to indicate the plurality of sensor operations and, after updating the structural health management system, sending a plurality of notifications to the plurality of portable field devices. The method further includes receiving, in response to sending the plurality of notifications, second data from the plurality of portable field devices indicating results of the plurality of sensor operations. The results are generated by a plurality of tools used to perform the plurality of sensor operations. The method further includes performing, based on the results of the plurality of sensor operations, a plurality of remote structural health monitoring operations to determine one or more structural health characteristics of each structure of the plurality of structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media configured to monitor wind turbines and detect damage to one or more components of the wind turbines, such as damage to the blades. The techniques disclosed herein may utilize sensors (e.g., acoustic sensors) disposed within air cavities of one or more blades of the wind turbines to detect acoustic signals or acoustic energy caused by corrosive impacts (e.g., wind, dust, rain, hail, lightning, etc.) to the wind turbine. Information associated with the acoustic signals may be provided to and received by a processor used to determine whether one or more of the blades of the wind turbines have been damaged. The techniques disclosed herein may facilitate real-time or near-real-time monitoring of wind turbines for damage, which may enable more efficient operation and maintenance of wind turbines.

Abstract: The present disclosure provide pipe scanning systems suitable for performing integrity and reliability inspection of pipelines, including insulated and non-insulated pipelines. The pipe scanning system may include a track disposed about a surface of the pipeline (e.g., on top of the insulation for insulated pipelines or on top of the pipe for non-insulated pipelines) and a scanning device mounted on the track via a drive carriage. The drive carriage includes components to facilitate movement of the drive carriage and the scanning device along the track such that the scanning device travels about the circumference of the pipeline. The scanning device includes an x-ray emitter and a digital x-ray detector that may capture media content indicative of a scanned section of the pipeline (e.g., a 360° circumferential scan), and the media content may be analyzed to detect the presence of one or more defects, such as corrosion under insulation (CUI).

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for utilizing acoustic sensors to detect defects via online or in situ monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Sensors may capture acoustic waves associated with AM manufacturing operations. The acoustic emissions in combination with other sensing data, such as cameras or thermometers, may be used to characterize the state of the AM process, such as to detect a defect has occurred or confirm a defect has not occurred. When defects are detected, the AM process may be stopped to prevent further processing of a defective part. When defects are predicted as likely to occur, operational parameters of the AM device or process may be adjusted to mitigate the occurrence of a defect. The techniques disclosed herein enable detection of defects that occur underneath the surface of the part being manufactured, as well as correct issues with the AM device or process before a defect occurs.

Abstract: Embodiments of tuning fork-based sensors are disclosed. The sensors may include a measurement sensor that includes a diaphragm disposed on a proximal end and a plurality of forks extending from the diaphragm toward the distal end of the sensor. The diaphragm may have a domed geometry defining a curved surface. The plurality of forks may extending from the curved surface of the diaphragm toward the distal end and each of the plurality of forks may include a stub portion connected to the diaphragm, a stem portion, and a paddle portion. Some sensors, such as measurement sensors, may include a stem portion formed from a corrosive material. A reference sensor may be provided to compensate for changes in frequency measurements due to temperature, viscosity, or other environmental factors present in the environment where the sensors are deployed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media configured to monitor wind turbines and detect damage to one or more components of the wind turbines, such as damage to the blades. The techniques disclosed herein may utilize sensors (e.g., acoustic sensors) disposed within air cavities of one or more blades of the wind turbines to detect acoustic signals or acoustic energy caused by corrosive impacts (e.g., wind, dust, rain, hail, lightning, etc.) to the wind turbine. Information associated with the acoustic signals may be provided to and received by a processor used to determine whether one or more of the blades of the wind turbines have been damaged. The techniques disclosed herein may facilitate real-time or near-real-time monitoring of wind turbines for damage, which may enable more efficient operation and maintenance of wind turbines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

Abstract: A method includes determining, based on physical characteristics indicated by first data, a plurality of sensor operations associated with a plurality of structures. The method further includes updating a structural health management system to indicate the plurality of sensor operations and, after updating the structural health management system, sending a plurality of notifications to the plurality of portable field devices. The method further includes receiving, in response to sending the plurality of notifications, second data from the plurality of portable field devices indicating results of the plurality of sensor operations. The results are generated by a plurality of tools used to perform the plurality of sensor operations. The method further includes performing, based on the results of the plurality of sensor operations, a plurality of remote structural health monitoring operations to determine one or more structural health characteristics of each structure of the plurality of structures.

Abstract: A method includes determining, based on physical characteristics indicated by first data, a plurality of sensor operations associated with a plurality of structures. The method further includes updating a structural health management system to indicate the plurality of sensor operations and, after updating the structural health management system, sending a plurality of notifications to the plurality of portable field devices. The method further includes receiving, in response to sending the plurality of notifications, second data from the plurality of portable field devices indicating results of the plurality of sensor operations. The results are generated by a plurality of tools used to perform the plurality of sensor operations. The method further includes performing, based on the results of the plurality of sensor operations, a plurality of remote structural health monitoring operations to determine one or more structural health characteristics of each structure of the plurality of structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.

Abstract: Devices and methods for conducting pipeline inspecting operations are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices with a plurality of arms, which carry imaging equipment, such as radiation sources and linear detectors disposed on or coupled to arms of the plurality of arms. The robotic crawler is configured to traverse a target pipeline, and the arms of the plurality of arms are configured to rotate with respect to the pipeline to move the radiation sources and/or the linear detectors in order to avoid an obstruction on the target pipeline while traversing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.