Abstract
A tetherless robotic visual inspection system for natural gas distribution mains promises to provide gas utilities with valuble information regarding the condition of the infrastructure. The robot is named EXPLORER, and it allows the economical determination of the proper remedial action to rehabilitate or replace certain pieces of pipe. The robots's computer and electronics are protected in purged and pressurized housings. Communication between robot and operator is accomplished via wireless radio frequency technology, using pipe as a waveguide for long-range communications. Explorer has demonstrated the ability to provide long-distance visual inspection of low- and high-pressure distribution mains, in an efficient and safe manner.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages | 14-18 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Volume | 232 |
| No | 4 |
| Specialist publication | Pipeline and Gas Journal |
| State | Published - Apr 2005 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metals and Alloys