Automated control of the velocity of in-tube diagnostic tools for main gas pipelines: I. Development,design, and operating principle of a bypass device

The study considers the development, design, and operating principle of a bypass device integrated into existing in-tube diagnostic tools. The bypass device is designed for automated control of the velocity of in-tube pig flaw detectors in main gas pipelines. Equipment of in-tube diagnostic tools with an automated-control system for the velocity provides performance of in-tube inspection without decreasing gas transportation. This facilitates the flaw detection of main pipelines substantially and makes a dispatcher of a gas-compressor station free of controlling the velocity of passage of in-tube diagnostic tools. The results of assembling a bypass device used for automated control of the velocity of in-tube diagnostic tools for main gas pipelines are considered. Arrangement of the bypass device in existing diagnostic tools for nondestructive testing is based on the experience of development, design, and exploitation of pig flaw detectors, which make it possible to locate the elements of the bypass device without any substantial restructuring of the pig flaw detectors.