system and method of monitoring the integrity of at least part of a stationary structure

专利摘要:
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MONITORING INTEGRITY AT LEAST ONE PART OF A STATIONARY STRUCTURE. The invention relates to an integrity monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of at least part of a stationary structure. The system includes a vibration sensor to feel vibration as a function of time, a computer, transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer, means to acquire position as a function of time data of a moving object , such as a ship, a vehicle or an excavation tool, where the moving object includes a transmitter, and transmitting the position as a function of time data to the computer when the moving object is within a selected distance to a monitoring. The monitoring location includes the part of the stationary structure to be monitored and the vibration sensor is arranged to sense vibrations within the monitoring location. The computer includes hardware and software to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of time data.
公开号:BR112013009669B1
申请号:R112013009669-1
申请日:2011-11-03
公开日:2021-02-09
发明作者:Henrik Roland Hansen；Lars Højsgaard；Dirk Maiwald
申请人:Nkt Cables Group A/S；Energinet. Dk；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The invention relates to an integrity monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of at least a part of a stationary structure off the coast or on the coast, such as a pipe or a power cable. The invention also relates to a method of monitoring the integrity of at least part of a stationary structure. TECHNICAL FUNDAMENTALS
[002] It is well known to use acoustic sensors to monitor pipelines, for example, to observe a wire break or similar. An example of such a monitoring system is described, for example, in US 6,082,193. This monitoring system includes an array of acoustic sensors spaced along a cable and deployed in a fluid-filled concrete pipeline. The sensors are monitored for acoustic anomalies, particularly anomalies resulting from the breaking of a reinforcement wire for the concrete. The location of wire breaks can be found from the collected data.
[003] Acoustic monitoring systems have also been applied offshore. US 7,751,977 describes a system for preventing collision between a ship and a man-made structure, where an acoustic sensor is connected or placed close to the man-made structure. The data measured by the acoustic sensor is transmitted wirelessly to the ship.
[004] WO 03/100453 describes an acoustic monitoring system with several hydrophones. Through the aid of acoustic measurements, the system can detect imbalances, vibrations and leakage. US 2009/0132183 describes a technique for monitoring a pipeline operatively connected to an optical fiber. Optical fiber can, for example, combine Brillouin's backscatter observance and coherent Rayleigh noise.
[005] EP 2006 654 exposes several methods for detecting leakage by acoustic sensor of transmission and distribution tubes using hydrophones.
[006] In many situations, prior art acoustic sensor systems work well. However, in general there is a need for an improved monitoring system to monitor the integrity of a stationary structure and particularly for monitoring the integrity of stationary structures that should remain in position for a long time, such as several years. EXPOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[007] The purpose of the invention is to provide an integrity monitoring system to monitor the integrity of at least part of a stationary structure, which integrity monitoring system provides high security for the stationary structure and which integrity monitoring system can be simultaneously provided at relatively low cost compared to its high beneficial effect.
[008] The integrity monitoring system of the invention is defined in the claims and in the description, examples and drawings below.
[009] Additional advantages of the invention and embodiments of it will be clear from the dependent claims as well as from the following description, examples and drawings.
[0010] It should be emphasized that the term "includes / including" when used here is to be interpreted as an open term, that is, it should be taken to specify the presence of specifically declared characteristics, such as elements, units, integers, steps , components and combinations thereof, but does not prevent the presence or addition of one or more other stated features.
[0011] All features of the invention including ranges and preferred ranges can be combined in various ways within the scope of the invention, unless there are specific reasons for not combining such features.
[0012] A core feature of the integrity monitoring system of the invention is that the integrity monitoring system is arranged for or capable of obtaining data from at least two different sources and combining and / or comparing this data. Health monitoring can therefore in a very simple way be very secure. In addition, the integrity monitoring system can be provided and operated in an economically attractive way to monitor at least part of a stationary structure.
[0013] The term “stationary structure” is used here to mean any solid structure that in an undamaged condition is retained in a generally stationary position optionally subject to limited movement due to natural environmental influences, for example, by wind and / or water . If, for example, the stationary structure is an underwater structure, changes in the ocean floor, for example, by moving sediments, for example, sand dunes can in one embodiment lead to rid the flood of the stationary structure, for example, when vibrations are induced by underwater currents. Additional examples of stationary structures are given below.
[0014] In the following, the term “stationary structure” includes all or part of the stationary structure, unless another is specifically stated.
[0015] The integrity monitoring system of the invention for monitoring the integrity of at least a part of a stationary structure includes at least: - a vibration sensor; - a computer; - transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer; and - means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data.
[0016] It should be noted that the health monitoring system may include additional elements and / or functions as described below.
[0017] In addition, it should be noted that the computer can be integrated into any other element of the health monitoring system, for example, the computer or a part of it can be integrated with the vibration sensor. The computer can be any type of computing device or part of a device. A computer is defined here as a device that is capable of computing data. In other words, the computer can receive data and can be programmed to perform calculations using the received data. The computer can be a programmable machine that can receive input data, manipulate the data, and provide output in a useful format. A memory is usually an integrated part of the computer or is in data communication with a computer. The computer preferably operates using digital operating systems, and preferably uses integrated circuit technology and includes microprocessors. In most situations, it is preferred that the computer is or includes a PC or a part of it where one or more elements of computing can be incorporated into another element or other elements of the system, for example, being embedded in such other elements.
[0018] "Data" means any type of data, but in most situations it will be in the form of a digital data signal or analogue data signal or a combination, for example, converted using a graphic card or other data converting elements.
[0019] "Position as a function of time data" will also be called "position (h)" and means a physical position for a given time. The position can be in relation to the submarine structure or in geographic coordinates. The time can be in the form of time elapsed from a known starting point (for example, selected) or it can be in a standard time such as standard nautical time or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) or other standard time zones.
[0020] "Health monitoring" means that the monitoring is at least capable of detecting whether the part of the subsea structure to be monitored is severely damaged, such as damage that prevents its ordinary operation. Preferably, the integrity monitoring is sufficiently sensitive to even monitor less damage to the subsea structure or even prevent damage by monitoring parameter indicating increased risk of damage to the subsea structure.
[0021] "Vibrations" should here be interpreted to mean vibrations of any wavelength, but in particular acoustic vibrations, which should be interpreted to mean mechanical waves in liquids, and optionally in solids.
[0022] The health monitoring system includes at least one vibration sensor to sense vibration as a function of time, a computer, transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer, means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data of a moving object including a transmitter to the computer when the moving object is within a selected distance to a monitoring location, where the monitoring location includes the stationary structure part and the vibration sensor is arranged to feel vibrations within the monitoring location, the computer includes hardware and software to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of time data.
[0023] The movable object can in principle be any type of movable object that includes a transmitter such that its position as a function of time data can be transmitted to the computer, directly or by one or more other elements, for example, including a satellite, the Internet, one or more wireless transmissions, global position elements or other transmitting elements. The moving object can, for example, be a vehicle, an airplane, a power tool or a ship.
[0024] Additional examples will be provided below.
[0025] In one embodiment, the stationary structure is a substantially fixed structure, such as a structure applied in a stationary manner and / or lying on the ground and / or seabed and / or buried and / or an entrenched stationary structure.
[0026] "Substantially fixed" means that the stationary structure is not actively subject to movement ie it is not connected or includes a motorized unit. Preferably, the substantially fixed subsea structure is not subject to movement beyond a distance of about 20 m, more preferably the substantially fixed subsea structure is not subject to movement beyond a distance of about 10 m, even more preferably the structure substantially fixed submarine is subject to maximum movement up to a distance of about 5 m. The fixation can, for example, be provided by an anchor or anchor structure, one or more bolt / nut systems or other fixing elements that limit or obstruct movements of the stationary structure.
[0027] In one embodiment, the substantially fixed structure is subject to passive movement provided by unstructured influences of the environment, for example, provided by the influence of wind or water directly or indirectly.
[0028] In an embodiment in which the stationary structure is a substantially fixed structure, the structure is applied in a stationary manner with an underwater structure lying on the seabed or buried and / or an entrenched underwater structure or being a buried non-underwater structure.
[0029] "An underwater structure" here means a structure or part of a structure that is arranged under the sea surface, such that at least the part of the underwater structure to be monitored for its integrity is applied under the sea surface.
[0030] "A non-submarine structure" here means a structure or part of a structure that is not an underwater structure as defined above, such that at least the part of the non-underwater structure to be monitored for its integrity is applied above the surface of sea. Therefore, a stationary structure can include both an underwater structure and a non-underwater structure if a part of the stationary structure that is to be monitored for its integrity is above the sea surface and another part of the stationary structure that is to be monitored for its integrity is under sea surface.
[0031] The term “entrenched” is used to specify that the underwater structure is applied in a ditch, but not completely covered with sediment. The term “buried” is used to specify that the stationary structure, for example, the underwater structure is completely covered with sediment, sand, stone, concrete and / or asphalt.
[0032] The term "sediment" means any solid material that has been or is being eroded, transported and deposited. The term “roofing material” is a common name for material that covers or can cover the stationary structure and includes sediment, sand, stone, concrete and / or asphalt.
[0033] In order to obtain a significant benefit from applying an integrity monitoring system of the invention, the stationary structure can preferably be a structure that is at least partially at risk of being damaged by a moving object or a part of it or a part connected or mobile with the moving object.
[0034] In addition, the stationary structure can be partially or totally hidden from visual monitoring or it can have at least a large dimension that can make it difficult or expensive to monitor visually.
[0035] In one embodiment, the stationary structure is an elongated structure with a dimension of length that is at least about 100 times its largest dimension determined perpendicular to its dimension of length. The stationary structure can preferably have a length of at least about 10 m, such as at least about 100 m.
[0036] The integrity monitoring system is particularly beneficial in the situation where the stationary structure is or includes a cable, a tube and / or an optical fiber. Cables, tubes, optical fibers and combinations thereof are often quite long, difficult or expensive to monitor visually and can in many situations be subject to damage by moving parts such as moving objects or a part of it or a part connected or moving with the object mobile. The integrity monitoring system of the invention in particular provides a beneficial solution for monitoring cables, tubes, optical fibers and / or combinations of parts thereof.
[0037] In one embodiment, the stationary structure optionally is or includes a bundle of cables.
[0038] A bundle of cables consists of two or more different types of cables, tubes and / or fibers. They can be integrated more or less with each other, for example, being bundled together at least in two or more positions along their length or they can be integrated completely, for example, in an conduit, an umbilical or a layer of similar exterior cover.
[0039] In an embodiment where the stationary structure is an underwater structure, the underwater structure is a flow line applied in a substantially horizontal direction.
[0040] In an embodiment where the stationary structure is an underwater structure, the underwater structure is an elevator applied in a substantially vertical direction.
[0041] Such underwater structures are well known in the art and will not be described in further detail here.
[0042] In one embodiment, the stationary structure is a stationary transfer structure, such as a stationary structure capable of transmitting energy and / or electromagnetic waves and / or a stationary structure capable of transporting a flowable medium such as a fluid, for example , a hydrocarbon fluid and / or water.
[0043] Electromagnetic waves mean electromagnetic radiation with any wave frequency. Electromagnetic waves can, for example, be radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays. Electromagnetic waves can preferably have wavelengths of about 10 nm or more. For optical fibers, the wavelength will normally be from about 10 nm to about 2000 nm, and preferably within 400 nm to 1600 nm. In one embodiment, the wavelength may preferably be radio waves (from about 1 m and much longer) or microwaves (from about 1 m to about 1 mm).
[0044] Monitoring the integrity of a stationary transfer structure provides important security, and may even result in damage prevention due to leakage and spillage of hydrocarbons, and / or loss of supply gas, water or energy that can be expensive , for example, for factories, hospitals and others and / or cause annoyance for ordinary households. Due to the invention's integrity monitoring system, damage can be predicted and the stationary transfer structure can be stopped and / or replaced before a total explosion of the stationary transfer structure.
[0045] The integrity monitoring system may in one embodiment provide the option of repairing a slightly damaged stationary transfer structure to prevent it from exploding, and thereby prolong the life of the stationary transfer structure.
[0046] In one embodiment, the stationary structure includes a cable, such as a signal and / or power transmission cable, preferably selected from a high voltage power cable (above about 72 kV, for example, up to 550 kV or even higher), a medium voltage power cable (about 10 - 72 kV), a superconducting cable, a fiber optic cable and / or a communication cable.
[0047] In one embodiment, the stationary structure includes a tube, such as a tube for transporting fluids, such as water, gas and / or hydrocarbons, for example, crude oil. Therefore, fluid spill prevention can be provided as a result of the invention's integrity monitoring system.
[0048] The vibration sensor can in principle be any type of sensor that has a sensitivity sufficient to feel vibrations to provide a monitoring of the integrity of the stationary structure or the part of it to be monitored. Vibration sensors are generally known to a person skilled in the art, and the qualified person may find a vibration sensor or sensors satisfactory for a given health monitoring system, for example, by contacting a manufacturer of vibration sensors. When selecting vibration sensors, the qualified person may, for example, consider the sensitivity of the vibration sensor, for example, for different types of vibrations / noise, the cost of the vibration sensor, the predicted lifetime of the vibration sensor , the accuracy of the vibration sensor as well as its size and possible ways to get the vibration sensor out. Examples of preferred sensors, for example, for given integrity monitoring system applications are provided below.
[0049] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor is an acoustic sensor. Acoustic sensors are generally known in the art and are used for many different applications. The vibration sensor may preferably include a microphone, a hydrophone, a seismograph and / or an optical fiber acoustic sensor.
[0050] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor operates continuously and an output signal can be obtained continuously over time. Many types of vibration sensors are suitable for such continuous operation, but they can also be applied to operate at predetermined intervals, at impact and / or in vibrations above a certain selected dB level.
[0051] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor operates at predetermined intervals.
[0052] In one embodiment, the integrity monitoring system includes a regulatory function to regulate the operation of the vibration sensor.
[0053] The regulating function can be, for example, a regulating mechanism that can be adjusted automatically, semi-automatically or applied to regulate the activity and / or the sensitivity of the vibration sensor.
[0054] To save energy (for example, battery power), the regulatory function can in one embodiment be automatically regulated in relation to the activity. In most situations, however, an energy-saving mode would not make much sense, that is, in situations where all active components are placed on the shore and no battery-based system is involved. Generally, the amount of energy required is relatively low even without an energy saving mode.
[0055] In one embodiment, the regulatory function is a regulatory mechanism automatically or semi-automatically, regulating the sensitivity of the vibration sensor. Generally, noise in the environment around the stationary structure and also within the monitoring site will not be constant over time and will not be homogeneous across the complete stationary structure. In order to have a satisfactory sensitivity, it is therefore beneficial if the vibration sensor includes such a regulating mechanism automatically or semi-automatically to filter out noise. The regulating mechanism automatically or semi-automatically may, for example, include a gain control that is dependent on reach and time to take into account changes in background noise levels along the stationary structure and / or over time.
[0056] For increased security, the integrity monitoring system may in one embodiment include one or more redundant vibration sensors. These one or more redundant vibration sensors can be applied to replace defective vibration sensors and / or to test active vibration sensors, for example, to calibrate an active vibration sensor. The sensor or redundant sensors may be the same as or different from the vibration sensors that are supposed to replace and / or test. It is generally simpler if the redundant sensor or sensors selected to be substantially the same or at least similar in type as the vibration sensors, the redundant sensor or sensors are supposed to replace and / or test. In one embodiment, the redundant sensor or sensors are selected to be of a lower quality than the vibration sensors, the redundant sensor or sensors are supposed to replace and they are adapted only to be used while the original vibration sensors are being replaced.
[0057] The redundant sensor or sensors can preferably be placed immediately adjacent to the vibration sensors that they are adapted to replace and / or test.
[0058] In one embodiment, the redundant sensor or sensors are placed at a distance from the vibration sensors that they are adapted to replace and / or test. If, for example, the vibration sensor is an integrated vibration sensor, the redundant vibration sensor can be a non-integrated vibration sensor.
[0059] The vibration sensor can in principle be placed anywhere in relation to the stationary structure, as long as it is able to feel vibrations within the monitoring location including at least the part of the stationary structure to be monitored. The optimum location for the vibration sensors depends largely on the type of stationary structure to be monitored and where the monitoring is to be performed. In addition, some arrangements of the vibration sensors have been shown to provide additional benefits as will be explained later.
[0060] In one embodiment, the system includes a vibration sensor that is arranged in direct contact with the stationary structure to monitor vibrations from the stationary structure itself. In relatively noisy environments, it can be very beneficial to arrange the vibration sensor in direct contact with the stationary structure to monitor vibrations from the stationary structure itself. Hereby, it may be simpler to filter out noise and more accurate monitoring of the integrity of the stationary structure can be achieved. In addition, in situations where the vibration sensor may itself be very exposed to damage, the vibration sensor can be protected by being in direct contact - for example, by being integrated - with the stationary structure.
[0061] In one embodiment, the system includes a vibration sensor that is arranged to not be in direct contact with the stationary structure. This embodiment can have the additional benefit that a very precise determination between the stationary structure and the moving object can be obtained. For example, the health monitoring system can be arranged to initiate an alarm if a moving object is passing through a vibration sensor. If, for example, the stationary structure is a buried water pipe and the sensor is buried above, for example, 10 cm above the water pipe, and the moving object is a drilling tool, a warning can be issued if the drill bit Operational also comes near the water pipe, while still avoiding issuing false warnings just because the drilling tool is near the water pipe.
[0062] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor includes at least one hydrophone, such as a conventional electric hydrophone or a fiber laser hydrophone. This is particularly beneficial in a situation where the vibration sensor is to be operated in a wet or humid environment, for example, in an off-shore environment.
[0063] A hydrophone will in particular be applied to offshore systems where the stationary structure is an underwater structure. A hydrophone is a point sensor. Such sensors are well known in the art and will not be described in further detail here. In one embodiment, the hydrophone is a fiber laser hydrophone. Such a fiber laser hydrophone allows for a very long optical signal cable (connection). But it is still a point sensor. Examples of useful hydrophones are, for example, described in US 5,227,624, US 4,536,861, US 4,841,192, US 4,958,329 and US 5,136,549.
[0064] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor is a distributed vibration sensor.
[0065] A distributed sensor such as a fiber sensor provides the advantage that a long range, for example, such as 1 km or much longer, for example, even up to several hundred kilometers, such as 5100 km or 10-50 km can be monitored with a sensor. Therefore, a distributed vibration sensor is very beneficial to use in the integrity monitoring system in the situation where the stationary structure to be monitored is relatively long. The processing of data obtained by a distributed vibration sensor may, however, require complex computer programming. Software for such data processing is however available and can - without undue burden - be selected by a qualified person. Often the software required for a given distributed vibration sensor is sold together with the distributed vibration sensor.
[0066] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor includes a fiber optic sensor, the fiber optic sensor is preferably arranged to operate through a backscatter effect, such as Brillouin backscatter, Raman backscatter or Rayleigh backscatter.
[0067] In one embodiment, the optical sensor operates using polarization properties of the optical fiber, preferably such that the polarization properties of the backscattered signal are used to detect deformations, if any (for example, through acoustic waves) of the fiber.
[0068] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor includes a Fiber Bragg Grid (FBGs) sensor.
[0069] All of the aforementioned types of vibration sensors are well known in the art.
[0070] The transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer can be any type of medium that may or may not be integrated into any of the elements / objects of the integrity monitoring system or that may be provided completely or partially by an external element, such as the Internet. It is now well known that data can be transmitted in a plurality of different ways, including digital transmission media.
[0071] In one embodiment, the vibration sensor is integrated with or connected directly to the transmission medium. The vibration sensor can for example be connected directly to the computer and the transmission medium is provided by the direct connection, and / or the vibration sensor includes a transmitter for example a Bluetooth transmitter or a long range transmitter. The vibration sensor may preferably be a fiber optic sensor in this embodiment.
[0072] In one embodiment, the computer is not connected directly to the vibration sensor. In this embodiment, the computer is optionally a remote computer arranged at a distance from the vibration sensor, which distance in principle can be any distance. In one embodiment, the computer is a remote computer arranged at a distance from the vibration sensor that is at least about 1 m, such as at least about 5 m, such as at least about 100 m, such as up to about 100 km or even more.
[0073] The computer can for example be a central health monitoring computer that connects several health monitoring systems, where at least one of the health monitoring system is in accordance with the present invention. By this means, it is possible to provide central health monitoring for many stationary structures placed anywhere in the world. In this embodiment it is preferred that the transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer preferably includes transmitting data over the Internet.
[0074] In one embodiment, the computer is connected directly to the vibration sensor and the vibration sensor is a fiber vibration sensor and connecting directly provides at least a part of the transmission medium. In one embodiment, the transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer includes wireless transmission and / or transmission over an optical fiber and / or Power Line Communication (PLC), transmission without Wires can for example be a radio frequency or microwave transmission including both long-range and short-range (Bluetooth) transmissions.
[0075] In one embodiment, the medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer includes a recording medium. In this embodiment, the transmitted vibration data includes vibration as a function of time and vibration as a function of time data is delayed, for example with a delay time of about 10 minutes to about 30 days, such as about 1 hour to about 24 hours.
[0076] In the previous embodiment where the medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer includes a recording medium, the integrity monitoring system can operate by recording vibration as a function of time and transmitting the recorded data to the computer for example wireless with a time delay. In one embodiment, the health monitoring system operates by recording vibration as a function of time on a first recording medium for a certain length of time, ending recording on the first recording medium and transmitting the recorded data to the computer eg wirelessly or for example by physically connecting the first recording medium (which can be a mobile recording medium) to the computer. The system can be operated in such a way that the transmission of the data recorded in the first recording medium to the computer is conditioned in position as a function of time data of a mobile object transmitted to the computer and / or in the possible defect / damage observed in the stationary structure. . On the fly or overlapping with the time to finish recording on a first recording medium, recording on another recording medium can for example be started to obtain a complete recording. In this way, not all vibration data needs to be transmitted to the computer, but the vibration data can later be examined for example in the case of earlier incidents for example damage to the stationary structure or the vibration data can be checked in one phase later for other reasons.
[0077] The transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer can be arranged to transmit vibration as a function of time data, in particular if the vibration data is transmitted with a delay.
[0078] However, the vibration data can in one embodiment be transmitted without time data. In the previous situation, the time connected to the respective vibration data is generated by the system, preferably by the computer. This can in particular be beneficial if the vibration data is transmitted without delay or if the duration of the delay is known, for example if it is a constant time delay.
[0079] In one embodiment, the integrity monitoring system includes a recording medium for recording the transmitted vibration data as a function of time. This recording can be used for statistics for calibration and / or for later examination of an incident.
[0080] The means to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data of a moving object can include any means and combinations thereof. As mentioned above, data transmission, in particular in digital or analog form, is well known and many systems / methods can be applied by a qualified person without undue burden, but only using ordinary skill.
[0081] It is generally desired that the means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data of a moving object including a transmitter, include a wireless transmission medium.
[0082] In one embodiment, the means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data of a moving object includes a receiver capable of receiving the position as a function of time data directly from the transmitter (for example, using a transmitter VHF) of the moving object, by Internet transmission, by satellite and / or by an external antenna. The receiver can optionally be an integrated part of the computer or be in wireless or fiber optic communication with the computer.
[0083] In one embodiment, the means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data of a moving object includes a recording medium. In this embodiment, position transmitted as a function of time data is delayed, for example with a delay time of about 10 minutes to about 30 days, such as from about 1 hour to about 24 hours.
[0084] In the previous embodiment, where the means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data from a moving object to the computer includes a recording medium, the integrity monitoring system can operate by recording position as a function of time of a moving object and transmit the recorded data to the computer for example wirelessly with a time delay. In one embodiment, the health monitoring system operates by recording position as a function of time on a first recording medium for a certain length of time, ending recording on the first recording medium and transmitting the recorded data to the computer for example wirelessly or for example by physically connecting the first recording medium (which can be a mobile recording medium) to the computer. The system can be operated in such a way that the transmission of the data recorded in the first recording medium to the computer is conditioned in vibration as a function of time data transmitted to the computer and / or in the possible defect / damage observed in the stationary structure. On the fly or overlapping with the time to finish recording on a first recording medium, recording on another recording medium can for example be started to obtain a complete recording.
[0085] Thus, not all positions as a time function of a moving object need to be transmitted to the computer, but the position as a function of time data can later be examined for earlier incident examinations.
[0086] In one embodiment, the integrity monitoring system includes a recording medium for recording the transmitted position as a function of time data. This recording can be used for statistics for calibration and / or for later examination of an incident.
[0087] In one embodiment, the computer includes hardware and software including at least one processor to compare the position as a function of time data with the correlated vibration data at the same time such that it can be at least estimated if vibrations felt by the sensor vibrations at a given time were or included vibrations caused by a moving object, such as a ship.
[0088] Hardware means in this connection is the physical medium of the computer, and software means computer programs. As mentioned above, the hardware parts of this can be integrated into other parts of the health monitoring system, such as the vibration sensor. The software to be used in the health monitoring system can be well-known software applied to collect the various data, to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of time data and preferably to provide an output of the result for example in a display, a monitor and / or a printer.
[0089] In one embodiment, the computer includes or is in data communication with a monitor and / or a printer to display received data and the result of comparing the vibration data with the position as a function of time data.
[0090] As mentioned above, the integrity monitoring system can include a plurality of vibration sensors that can be identical or differ from one another.
[0091] The vibration sensor and optionally the software for the vibration sensor can preferably be selected such that the integrity monitoring system is able to determine the direction of a vibration relative to the vibration sensor and / or relative to the stationary structure.
[0092] In one embodiment, the integrity monitoring system includes at least one fiber optic vibration sensor in the form of a distributed or almost distributed sensor. An almost distributed sensor should be taken to mean a sensor that is not a distributed sensor, but that can be applied to provide sensor output as a distributed sensor had been.
[0093] The fiber optic vibration sensor and / or the computer can in one embodiment be adapted to acquire and optionally process output signals from a plurality of selected length sections N of the fiber optic vibration sensor, the selected sections N each is preferably at least about 1 m long, such as up to about 50 m, such as from about 1 to about 10 m, the length of the respective sections is preferably substantially the same.
[0094] In the previous embodiment, the plurality of selected length sections N of the fiber optic vibration sensor can be arranged for example substantially systematically along the length of the fiber optic vibration sensor, thereby simplifying the calculation process for obtain the distributed vibration data. Sections of length N can be overlapping sections, immediately adjacent sections or sections with a distance from each other.
[0095] In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor array for example in the form of an array of discrete sensors or in the form of a distributed or nearly distributed fiber sensor. The computer can preferably be adapted to acquire and process the vibration data from the sensor array. In a preferred embodiment, the computer includes software to determine a direction, distance and / or speed of a vibration-emitting object, where the vibration-emitting object is optionally the moving object.
[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the integrity monitoring system is arranged to perform a beamforming function on the vibration data of the distributed or near distributed sensor array or sensor.
[0097] In one embodiment, it is desired that the integrity monitoring system be arranged to perform a beamforming function that is, a direction of vibration (sound) can be calculated that allows the estimation of the direction of an incoming sound wave .
[0098] Sensor arrays and calculation methods (software) are well known in the art and additional description can for example be found in US 7,415,117 and US 7,369,459. The beamforming function can include a calculation based on a cross-carrier method. Additional information and examples on how to perform and optimize array processing can be found for example in “Optimum Array Processing (Detection, Estimation, and Modulation Theory, Part IV)” by Harry L. Van Trees (ISBN 0-471-09390-4 ).
[0099] According to the invention, the integrity monitoring system includes a means to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data of a moving object including a transmitter for the computer when the moving object is within a selected distance a a monitoring location, where the monitoring location includes the part of the stationary structure to be monitored. The monitoring location is preferably the location that is desired to monitor, and to simplify the system, the monitoring location can preferably be selected to be identical with the location occupied by the part of the stationary structure to be monitored. If several stationary structures are to be monitored by an integrity monitoring system, the monitoring location is preferably selected to be the smallest location that includes all the stationary structures to be monitored.
[00100] The selected distance to the monitoring location can be a distance in some directions or in all directions. If, for example, the stationary structure is a buried stationary structure, the selected distance need not include a selected distance under the stationary structure, since it is very unlikely that a moving object should reach the stationary structure from under the buried stationary structure.
[00101] In addition, the selected distance need not be the same in all directions, but it can vary, for example such that the distance selected in the horizontal direction is greater than the distance selected in the vertical direction. The selection of the distance is preferably made in relation to the risk of damage to moving objects or related / connected elements.
[00102] The system is arranged such that when a moving object including a transmitter is within the selected distance, position as a function of time data can be acquired and transmitted to the computer. As long as the moving object is not within the selected distance, position as a function of time data can be disregarded and not be acquired and / or transmitted to the computer. Hereby, non-pertinent position as a function of time data can be ignored by the system.
[00103] It should be noted that the selected distance can be selected so large that a large number of irrelevant positions as a function of time data are transmitted to the computer. In this situation it is desired that the computer includes software to order the position as a function of time data.
[00104] The integrity monitoring system of the invention can be an integrity for the on-shore monitoring system or an off-shore integrity monitoring system. As it should be clear to the qualified person, the detailed selected part of the on-shore integrity monitoring system and the off-shore integrity monitoring system can preferably be selected in relation to the type of system and in relation to whether or not it should be applied in water.
[00105] In a preferred embodiment, the integrity monitoring system is an off-shore integrity monitoring system, and the stationary structure is an underwater structure and the moving object is a ship.
[00106] The term "ship" is used here to denote any type of maritime ship, boat or submarine capable of crossing and / or capable of navigating in the ocean, in channels, and / or in rivers. In one embodiment, the vessels include at least all vessels over 300 t. In one embodiment, the vessels include at least all vessels over 40 tonnes, such as fishing boats of for example 25-100 m in length including trawlers.
[00107] The underwater structure can be for example like any of the stationary structure mentioned above that is applied offshore.
[00108] In one embodiment, the subsea structure is an elevator extending in a substantially vertical direction in at least one section of the subsea structure. "Substantially vertical direction" should be seen in relation to the sea surface of standing water and generally means that the lift is not applied to the seabed, entrenched and / or buried and that it is not applied essentially perpendicular to the sea surface. In one embodiment, the elevator extends from the ocean floor to a sea surface station such as a ship or platform.
[00109] In one embodiment, the underwater structure includes a flexible cable and / or a flexible tube applied to the seabed, entrenched and / or buried.
[00110] In the off-shore integrity monitoring system of the invention, the means for acquiring and transmitting position as a function of time data to the computer may preferably include acquiring data from an Automatic Identification System (AIS), the data being acquired directly from the ship's transmitter, by Internet transmission, by a ship traffic service (VTS) and / or by an external antenna, the ship's transmitter being a transponder.
[00111] AIS is an international ship tracking system. As of December 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all ships over 300 t to carry an AIS transponder on board, which transmits their position, speed and course, among other static information, such as identification , dimensions and travel details of the ship.
[00112] The purpose of AIS was initially to help ships avoid collisions, but also to help port authorities to better control maritime traffic. Generally, AIS transponders accepted on board ships include a positioning system, such as a LORAN-C or GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which collects position and movement details, and a VHF transmitter, which transmits this information and makes this data available to the public domain. AIS transponders can also be integrated with other electronic navigation sensors, such as a gyroscope or curve rate indicator. Other ships or base stations can receive this information, process it using simple software and display ship locations on a map plotter or on a computer.
[00113] AIS position data is available on the Internet by many governments as well as privately operated geographic information systems, such as www.marinetraffic.com, www.vesseltracker.com, www.vtexplorer.com, and www.shiptracking.eu . “A vessel traffic service (VTS)” is a maritime traffic monitoring system established by ports or port authorities. The purpose of VTS is to improve the safety and efficiency of navigation, safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment in the areas around the docks and ports. VTS is governed by SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 12, together with the Guidelines for Ship Traffic Services (IMO Resolution A.857 (20)) adopted by the International Maritime Organization on 27 November 1997.
[00114] A VTS will normally have a comprehensive traffic image, which means that all factors influencing traffic as well as information about all participating vessels and their intentions are readily available. Through the image of traffic, situations that are developing can be evaluated and answered promptly.
[00115] In one embodiment of the offshore integrity monitoring system, the position as a function of time data is acquired over the Internet to the computer.
[00116] In one embodiment, the monitoring location is selected to be substantially identical with the location occupied by the part of the subsea structure to be monitored.
[00117] In one embodiment, the monitoring site is selected to be an elongated area with a width of up to about 100 m, up to about 10 m in the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the global direction of the underwater structure, and high enough to include the underwater structure. The overall direction of the underwater structure is the direction of length of the underwater structure ignoring small curves along the length of 5 m or less.
[00118] In an embodiment of the offshore integrity monitoring system, the selected distance to the monitoring location provides a selected horizontal area, the system is arranged such that the computer is acquiring position as a function of ship time data with transmitter within the selected horizontal area.
[00119] In an embodiment of the off-shore integrity monitoring system, the selected distance to the monitoring location is selected such that at least one 40 ton average noisy ship and / or one ship emitting a vibration (sound) of about 100 dB that is within the sensing range of the vibration sensor is also within the selected distance.
[00120] In this way it can be ensured that when the vibration sensor detects a 40 t average ship, the position as a function of time data of the 40 t average ship is transmitted to the computer to be correlated with the data of vibration detected.
[00121] In one embodiment, the selected distance to the monitoring location is selected to be large enough that any ship in a position where it is sensitive by the vibration sensor (is in a position where it is recordable by the vibration sensor) will be within the selected distance.
[00122] In general, the most important vessels to have a position as a function of time data are trawlers and fishing vessels arriving, because such vessels often have equipment pulled along the seabed, and it has also often been observed that such vessels they are mistakenly sailing with their anchor pulled along the seabed. In such situations, underwater structures can be in high danger of being damaged. The selected distance from the offshore integrity monitoring system is therefore selected preferably such that the offshore integrity monitoring system can detect such trawlers and fishing vessels in sufficient time to activate an alarm and preferably warn vessels.
[00123] In this connection, it should be noted that the speed of sound and the distance from which a given sensor can feel a vibration, depend at least slightly on the water temperature, the salt content of the water and turbulence and flow of the water. Unless otherwise specified, the determination should therefore be determined on standing water, average temperature and salt concentration in the water.
[00124] In most situations, the average weather conditions, temperature, turbulence, salt concentration, etc., are well known for a given area and the selected distance can be selected with a safety margin, such that position as a function of time data for all ships that is felt by the vibration sensor can be transmitted to the computer.
[00125] In one embodiment, the selected distance to the monitoring site corresponds to at least about 100 m from the underwater structure, preferably at least about 1 km from the underwater structure, preferably at least about 2 km from the underwater structure, more preferably at least about 5 km from the underwater structure. When the monitoring site is the location occupied by the subsea structure, the distance to the subsea structure is identical to the distance to the monitoring site.
[00126] The vibration sensor should preferably have a relative long range when the system is an off-shore integrity monitoring system. It often takes a relatively long time to stop or turn a ship, and in the event of danger, it is preferred that an alarm can be provided relatively early in relation to potential damage. In addition, the off-shore vibration pattern is often relatively stable and simple to identify, such that such noise can be filtered out. The burden of having long-range / highly sensitive vibration sensors is often that such vibration sensors also capture a large amount of noise, but as mentioned this burden can be simple to overcome by filtering out the main or all of the noise.
[00127] In one embodiment, one or more vibration sensors are arranged to detect vibrations from an ordinary anchor drop and / or a drag from an anchor or similar tool along the sea floor within a distance of about 100 m of the subsea structure, preferably within a distance of about 500 m from the subsea structure. By this means, it may be possible to trigger an alarm long enough to prevent damage to an approaching ship with an anchor or other equipment pulled along the seabed.
[00128] In one embodiment, the one or more vibration sensors are arranged to detect vibrations of about 500 Hz at the monitoring site with a level up to about 30 dB, preferably up to about 10 dB, more preferably up to about 3 dB or even up to about 1 dB.
[00129] Generally the fiber optic sensors known today are less sensitive than the most effective hydrophones. However, for most vibration sensors, a detection range for vibrations in the range of about 50 Hz to about 1 kHz will be about 2 km or more for detecting the vibration (sound) provided by an average 40 t vessel. and / or a ship emitting a vibration (sound) of a quantity of 100 dB.
[00130] By providing a plurality of vibration sensors and arranging a beam formation therefrom, the detection range can be increased and the sensitivity of the monitoring system can be increased equally.
[00131] In one embodiment it is desired that the detection range around the underwater structure and the monitoring site is at least about 1 km, such as at least about 2 km and preferably up to about 10 km.
[00132] For a frequency of 500 Hz, the sandy seabed damping is expected to be about 0.12 dB / m. The sound velocity ratio at the water-sediment interface is in the range of 1.04-1.08. Sound speed in water is about 1470 m / s.
[00133] In one embodiment of the off-shore integrity monitoring system, the one or more vibration sensors are arranged to detect vibrations from about 50 Hz to about 1 kHz at the monitoring site with a level up to about 30 dB , preferably up to about 10 dB, more preferably up to about 3 dB or even up to about 1 dB.
[00134] In one embodiment of the offshore integrity monitoring system, the one or more vibration sensors are arranged to detect vibrations from about 500 Hz to about 1 kHz at a level up to about 100 dB caused by a ship to standing water when the ship is within a range of about 2 km from the subsea structure, preferably when the ship is within a range of about 4 km from the subsea structure, preferably when the ship is within a range of about 6 km from the subsea structure, preferably when the ship is within a range of about 10 km from the subsea structure.
[00135] As mentioned above, the vibration sensor can be arranged at a distance from the stationary structure, in contact with the stationary structure or optionally integrated into the stationary structure. In one embodiment of the off-shore integrity monitoring system, the vibration sensor is mounted at a mounting distance from the subsea structure.
[00136] The mounting distance can in principle be as long as desired as long as the vibration sensor is able to sense vibrations from the monitoring location. The installation distance can for example be up to about 1 km, such as up to about 500 m, such as up to about 100 m, such as up to about 25 m. In one embodiment, the mounting distance is between about 1 m and about 100 m.
[00137] In an embodiment of the offshore integrity monitoring system, the vibration sensor is in contact with or integrated into the subsea structure.
[00138] "In contact with" is used here to mean in physical contact with for example being mounted or simply placed in contact.
[00139] Preferably, the off-shore integrity monitoring system computer includes hardware and software including at least one processor to compare the position as a function of time data with the correlated vibration data at the same time as it may be at less estimated if vibrations felt by the vibration sensor at a given time were or included vibrations caused by an identified vessel. It is generally desired that the off-shore integrity monitoring system includes at least one memory for example one or more memories as described above.
[00140] In one embodiment, the computer includes or is in data communication with a database memory. A database memory should be interpreted here to be a memory including or arranged to include a database. A database is to be interpreted as an organized collection of data that can be used by one or more users. The database memory preferably stores at least some of the vibration as a function of time data and / or some of the position as a function of time data acquired by the computer.
[00141] The off-shore integrity monitoring system of the invention can hereby build a database of at least some of the vibration as a function of time data and / or some of the position as a function of acquired time data by computer, and the database can be used for example to calibrate the system, to predict incidents, to regulate conditions for activating an alarm or for other things.
[00142] In one embodiment, the system includes a database memory in data communication with the computer and the database memory includes a calibration curve for vibration pattern against ship distance for one or more ships or types ships, the computer includes software to calculate the distance to a passing ship.
[00143] In one embodiment, the subsea structure includes a buried or entrenched subsea structure and the system includes a database memory in data communication with the computer, where the database memory includes a calibration curve for standard vibration against ship distance for one or more ships or types of ships.
[00144] It may be desired that the integrity monitoring system be able to recognize a vibration pattern. For example, in a situation where a ship is repeatedly passing through a buried or entrenched underwater structure, for example, and the vibration sensor is buried or entrenched with or in addition to the underwater structure, the offshore integrity monitoring system can detect a change in level of vibration in the event that the level of roofing material has changed. If the off-shore integrity monitoring system can recognize the vibration pattern, optionally calculating the direction, speed and other, the off-shore integrity monitoring system computer can preferably include software to calculate the material level change of cover over the underwater structure.
[00145] By this means, the offshore integrity monitoring system may be able to calculate and / or predict whether and when the level of cover material is or becomes insufficient, and additional cover material may be applied before underwater structure damage for example to prevent underwater structure damage.
[00146] In an embodiment where the means for determining and transmitting position as a function of time data to the computer includes acquiring data from an Automatic Identification System (AIS), the computer is arranged to acquire additional data from AIS or another source. The computer can be arranged for example to acquire one or more of unique identification, course, speed, direction of movement, warnings, weather conditions and predictions / predictions of the mentioned data. It is generally desired that the additional data at least include a unique identification of the vessel.
[00147] Information on weather conditions can for example include wind direction and speed data as well as information on thunderstorms. Weather data can for example be provided directly via the Internet.
[00148] Information on weather conditions can for example predict potential risks by anchoring during high wind situations, and an alarm can be activated.
[00149] It may be that certain weather conditions decrease / increase the sensitivity of the vibration sensor. Meteorological conditions or forecasts of meteorological conditions can therefore in one embodiment be applied to regulate the fixed point of activation for an alarm, in other words, the fixed point of activation of the alarm depends on the weather conditions.
[00150] Regardless of which source the position as a function of weather data is acquired from, the health monitoring system can be arranged to collect weather-related data, such as weather forecasts and / or weather-related statistics and / or data related to weather conditions as a function of weather.
[00151] Statistics related to weather and / or data related to weather conditions as a function of weather can for example be used to predict how a health monitoring system will react in various types of weather and / or to provide an improved weather forecast , which again can be used to regulate one or more elements of the health monitoring system.
[00152] In one embodiment, the computer includes software to calculate a potential danger of damage to the undersea structure by a ship or ship equipment. This calculation can for example be based on at least some of the vibration data and position as a function of time data and optionally other data from a database memory, such as data related to climate and / or speed , direction of movement and / or course of the moving object.
[00153] In an embodiment of the offshore integrity monitoring system, the computer includes software to associate at least some of the vibration data, with a potential danger of damage to the subsea structure by a ship or ship equipment. By this means, an alarm can be activated when danger is estimated, calculated or in other ways predicted.
[00154] In one embodiment, the system includes an alarm arranged to be activated in the potential or actual danger of damage to the underwater structure. The computer can preferably be arranged to calculate the potential or actual danger of damage to the underwater structure. This calculation can preferably be based on at least some of the vibration data and at least some of the position as a function of time data. In one embodiment, the system is set to activate the alarm in the detection of vibration data with a predefined pattern and / or with a vibration level above a fixed point of maximum level. Hereby, the risk of placing a false alarm can be greatly reduced and a more secure alarm system is obtained.
[00155] In one embodiment, one or more of the following cases are evaluated as alarms.
[00156] - Detection of an abnormally low speed vessel with or without variable direction.
[00157] - Abnormally high vibration level.
[00158] - Very high vibration level that cannot be correlated to a specific moving object.
[00159] - Vibration / noise without AIS data available.
[00160] - Stable increase in the level of vibration over a period of time, for example 1 year / 6 months / 1 year for a certain part of an underwater structure.
[00161] In one embodiment, the integrity monitoring system is an integrity monitoring system on the coast. In this embodiment, the stationary structure is a non-submarine structure, for example any of the aforementioned stationary structures applied to the shore. The stationary structure preferably includes a cable and / or a tube.
[00162] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the stationary structure is buried or is supported on one or more pillars.
[00163] In the shore integrity monitoring system, the moving object can be any type of moving object that is movable on the shore and that includes a transmitter to transmit position as a function of time data. The movable object can be, for example, a vehicle, an airplane, and / or a power tool.
[00164] In the situation where the stationary structure is a transmitting stationary structure, for example a tube, a cable and / or a fiber, the movable object can for example be an industrial vehicle, a tractor, a vehicle with excavation tools and / or a motorized digging tool such as a drill.
[00165] Preferably, the moving object includes or is connected to a positioning system, such as GPS position (Global Positioning System) and optionally movement details, and a transmitter, arranged to transmit the data to the computer, preferably together with a unique identification of the moving object.
[00166] In one embodiment of the shore integrity monitoring system, the system includes a transponder to receive the position as a function of time data and to transmit the data to the computer optionally wirelessly and / or over the Internet, the transponder optionally it is additionally capable of receiving and transmitting the vibration data.
[00167] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the system is arranged such that the computer is acquiring position as a function of time data of moving objects with a transmitter within the selected distance to the monitoring location. The computer can for example acquire the position as a function of time data directly from the moving object by its transmitter.
[00168] In the coast monitoring system of the invention, the selected distance is preferably relatively short, particularly if the stationary structure is arranged as a relatively noisy environment.
[00169] In one embodiment of the shore integrity monitoring system, the selected distance from the monitoring site corresponds to at least about 10 m from the stationary structure, preferably at least about 100 m from the underwater structure, preferably at least about 500 m from the underwater structure.
[00170] In one embodiment of the shore integrity monitoring system, the selected distance to the monitoring site is at least about 10 m, preferably at least about 100 m, preferably at least about 500 m from the subsea structure.
[00171] In one embodiment, the selected distance may vary from one type of moving object to another type of moving object. For example, in one embodiment the selected distance for a drill can be about 20 cm and the selected distance for an industrial vehicle can be about 10 m.
[00172] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast in which the movable object is a motorized tool, the selected distance to the monitoring site is from about 5 cm to about 5 m, such as from 5 cm to about 1 m, such as from about 10 cm to about 50 cm.
[00173] In one embodiment of the shore integrity monitoring system, the one or more vibration sensors are arranged to detect vibrations from about 50 Hz to about 1 kHz at the monitoring site with a level up to about 30 dB, preferably up to about 10 dB, more preferably up to about 3 dB or even up to about 1 dB.
[00174] In one embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the vibration sensor is mounted at a mounting distance from the stationary structure. The installation distance can be, for example, up to about 100 m, such as up to about 25 m. In a highly noisy environment, the mounting distance should preferably be relatively short.
[00175] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the vibration sensor is in contact with or integrated into the stationary structure.
[00176] In an embodiment of the shore integrity monitoring system, the computer includes hardware and software including at least one processor to compare the position as a function of time data with the correlated vibration data at the same time so that it can be at least estimated whether vibrations felt by the vibration sensor at any given time were or included vibrations caused by an identified moving object.
[00177] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the computer includes or is in data communication with a database memory. The database memory can preferably store at least some of the vibration as a function of time data and / or at least some of the position as a function of time data acquired by the computer.
[00178] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the computer is arranged to acquire additional data, the additional data includes at least one of unique identification, course, speed, direction of movement, warnings, weather conditions and predictions / predictions of the mentioned data. The additional data preferably can at least include unique identification.
[00179] The additional data and the database can be applied in a corresponding way as described above for the integrity monitoring system on the coast.
[00180] In an embodiment of the integrity monitoring system on the coast, the computer includes software to calculate a potential danger of damage to the stationary structure by a moving object or equipment associated with such a moving object. The calculation can preferably be based on at least some of the vibration data and some of the positions as a function of time data and optionally other data from a database memory, for example the types of data described or mentioned above.
[00181] The off-shore integrity monitoring system may include an alarm in a similar manner as described for the off-shore integrity monitoring system and the alarm may be set to operate in a similar manner.
[00182] In an embodiment of the shore integrity monitoring system, the system includes an alarm arranged to be activated in the potential or real danger of damage to the stationary structure, the computer is arranged to calculate the potential or real danger of damage to the structure stationary, preferably based on at least some of the vibration data and at least some of the position as a function of time data. The system can preferably be set to activate the alarm in the detection of vibration data with a predefined pattern and / or with a vibration level above a fixed point of maximum vibration to reduce false alarm.
[00183] As indicated above, a plurality of integrity monitoring systems can be connected or can be combined for example such that a central surveillance of the integrity monitored stationary structure can be performed. The plurality of health monitoring systems can for example be combined such that their computers from the respective health monitoring systems are placed at a central point for central administration. In one embodiment, the plurality of health monitoring systems is combined by sharing part or parts with each other, the plurality of health monitoring systems may for example share a common central computer.
[00184] The invention also relates to a method of monitoring the integrity of at least part of a stationary structure. The method of the invention includes: (i) providing at least one vibration sensor to sense vibration as a function of time; (ii) providing a computer; (iii) provide a transmission medium to transmit vibration data from the vibration sensor to the computer; (iv) arranging the vibration sensor to feel vibrations within a monitoring location including at least the part of the stationary structure; (v) acquire position as a function of time data of a moving object including a transmitter when the ships are within a selected distance from the monitoring location; (vi) providing the computer to process the vibration and position data as a function of time data software to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of time data.
[00185] Examples of the previous one have already been described above. Furthermore, it is preferred that the method of the invention includes using an integrity monitoring system as described above.
[00186] The individual elements as well as combinations thereof can be as described above.
[00187] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the stationary structure is an underwater structure lying on the ocean floor or an underground and / or entrenched underwater structure or the stationary structure is a non-underwater structure. According to the invention, the method includes determining the integrity of at least a part of the stationary structure.
[00188] As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the stationary structure is or includes a cable, such as a signal and / or power transmission cable, preferably selected from a high voltage power cable (above about 72 kV for example up to about 550 kV or even higher), a medium voltage power cable (about 10 - 72 kV), a superconducting cable, a fiber optic cable and / or a communication cable.
[00189] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the vibration sensor operates continuously or at predetermined intervals, and the integrity monitoring system includes a regulating function to regulate the operation of the vibration sensor, the method includes regulating manually, semi-automatically or automatically the operation of the vibration sensor, for example in relation to the amount of noise, in relation to the number of moving objects within the selected distance, in relation to climate, in relation to time (night / day / working day / holiday,. .., etc.) and / or in relation to another.
[00190] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the regulating function is a regulating mechanism automatically or semi-automatically, and the method includes regulating the sensitivity of the vibration sensor, preferably depending on the concentration of vibrations within the selected distance from the monitoring site.
[00191] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes filtering out noise, preferably at least a portion of background noise is filtered out. Methods of filtering out noise are well known to a qualified person.
[00192] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes recording the position as a function of time data of a moving object and preferably the recorded data is or can be used for further analysis of an event.
[00193] If, for example, a monitored stationary structure is suddenly subjected to damage, the position recorded as a function of time data preferably in combination with recorded vibration data can be used to analyze the accident and optionally identify the moving object. For example, it may be that the operator of the moving object ignored an alarm and that damage can be claimed from the operator or owner of the moving object.
[00194] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes the computer comparing the position as a function of time data with the vibration data correlated at the same time, and based on this correlation it estimates whether vibrations felt by the vibration sensor a at a given moment were or included vibrations caused by a moving object.
[00195] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes determining the direction of a vibration relative to the vibration sensor and / or relative to the stationary structure. The method of determining the direction of vibration can for example be as described above.
[00196] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the system includes a sensor array for example in the form of a discrete sensor array or in the form of a distributed or nearly distributed fiber sensor, the method includes determining a direction, and distance / or speed of a vibration-emitting object, the vibration-emitting object optionally being the moving object.
[00197] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes beamforming the vibration data from the sensor array, for example as described above.
[00198] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the integrity monitoring system is an off-shore integrity monitoring system, the method includes determining the integrity of at least a part of an underwater structure.
[00199] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes that the computer is in communication with an Automatic Identification System (AIS).
[00200] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the system is an off-shore integrity monitoring system, and the method includes comparing the position as a function of time data with the correlated vibration data at the same time, such that can be at least estimated if vibrations felt by the vibration sensor at any given time were or included vibrations caused by an identified vessel.
[00201] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes storing at least some of the vibrations as a function of time data and at least some of the positions as a function of time data acquired by the computer in a database memory , and thereby build a data collection for example as described above. The method of the invention may furthermore include using the database for example as mentioned or described above.
[00202] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes obtaining and / or acquiring additional data, the additional data can be as described above and for example include at least one unique identification, course, speed, direction of movement, warnings , weather conditions and predictions / predictions of the mentioned data.
[00203] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes calculating a potential danger of damage to the stationary structure by a moving object or equipment associated with a moving object. The calculation is preferably based on at least some of the vibration data and the position as a function of time data and optionally other data from a database memory for example any of the data mentioned above.
[00204] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes associating the vibration data, and in particular the vibration data including high vibration level, with a potential danger of damage to the stationary structure, such as an underwater structure by a movable object or equipment associated with a movable object, such as a ship or ship equipment.
[00205] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes activating an alarm for example as described above. The alarm can be activated for example in the potential or real danger of damage to the stationary structure. The computer is preferably arranged to calculate the potential or actual danger of damage to the stationary structure, preferably based on at least some of the vibration data and at least some of the position as a function of time data. The method of the invention preferably includes regulating the system to activate the alarm in the detection of vibration data with a predefined pattern and / or with a vibration level above a fixed point of maximum vibration for reduction of false alarm.
[00206] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method includes calibrating the vibration data to the normal vibration pattern of the stationary structure.
[00207] In an embodiment of the method of the invention where the system is an off-shore system and includes a database memory in data communication with the computer, the database memory includes a calibration curve for vibration pattern against ship distance for one or more ships or types of ship, and the method includes calculating the distance to a passing ship and / or calculating a change in level of cover material on the submarine structure for example as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00208] The invention will be explained more fully below with respect to a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings, in which:
[00209] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a part of an integrity monitoring system of the invention where the stationary structure is a section of a tube.
[00210] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an off-shore integrity monitoring system of the invention.
[00211] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an off-shore and off-shore integrity monitoring system of the invention.
[00212] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an off-shore integrity monitoring system, where the system includes several fiber sensors and the subsea structure is partially buried and partially uncovered.
[00213] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an integrity monitoring system off the coast of the invention, where the system includes point sensors and the subsea structure is an elevator.
[00214] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an integrity monitoring system off the coast of the invention, where the system includes integrated sensors and the underwater structure is placed on the ocean floor.
[00215] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an integrity monitoring system off the coast of the invention, seen from above, where several ships are shown, some within the selected distance and some outside.
[00216] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a vibration sensor and a beam formation principle.
[00217] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the method of the invention, where the integrity monitoring system is an off-shore integrity monitoring system.
[00218] The figures are schematic and can be simplified for clarity. Everywhere, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.
[00219] Furthermore the extent of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and extent of the invention will become apparent to those qualified in the technique of this description. detailed.
[00220] The health monitoring system shown in Figure 1 is adapted to monitor the health of at least one section of length of a pipe 1. The health monitoring system includes a fiber sensor 2 helically wound around the pipe 1 The fiber sensor is or includes a vibration sensor for example as described above. The fiber sensor is connected to a sensor system not shown to supply light to the sensor and to receive and optionally analyze the resulting signals. The health monitoring system also includes a computer 3, which in this embodiment is illustrated as a personal computer, but as explained, the computer can be any other element or combination of elements that can perform the prescribed computation. The health monitoring system includes transmission medium not shown to transmit vibration data from vibration sensor 2 to computer 3. This transmission medium can be provided by a direct connection from fiber sensor 2 to computer 3, by transmission wirelessly and / or by any other means for example as described above.
[00221] The integrity monitoring system furthermore is arranged to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data of moving objects 4a, 4b including a transmitter 5 for computer 3 when moving objects 4a are within a selected distance 6a , 6b, shown here with dotted lines, for a monitoring location which in this embodiment is the location occupied by tube 1.
[00222] Movable objects 4a, 4b can be for example vehicles and / or tools for example as described above. Moving objects 4a, 4b include antennas 5, by which they can transmit their position or position data as a function of time data for example directly being received by computer 3 or by another system such as the Internet or a collecting system central data, which can transmit the position as a function of time data in addition to the computer 3.
[00223] As illustrated, the selected distance 6a, 6b to the monitoring location does not need to be equidistant across the direction of the monitoring location, but can often be longer in one direction (for example, the direction of the monitoring location and in the direction for the selected distance 6a) from the monitoring location than in another direction (for example, the direction of the monitoring location and in the direction for the selected distance 6b) from the monitoring location.
[00224] The computer is in this embodiment prescribed and programmed to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of time data and thereby estimate whether the moving object 4a within the selected distance 6a, 6b is at risk of damage to the tube 1.
[00225] The integrity monitoring system shown in Figure 2 is an off-shore integrity monitoring system and is adapted to monitor the integrity of at least one length section of the buried cable 11. The buried cable 11 is covered with material cover on the ocean floor 17. Just above the cable 11, there is a vibration sensor 12 in the form of a buried fiber sensor. The fiber sensor 12 is connected to a sensor system not shown to supply light to the sensor and to receive and optionally analyze the resulting signals. Line 10 illustrates a line between the coast and off the coast. Line 18 illustrates the sea surface. The off-shore health monitoring system includes a computer 13 as set out above. This computer 13 is in this embodiment arranged on the coast, for example in a central surveillance location, where optionally several integrity monitoring systems of the invention are kept under surveillance. Vibration / vibration data transmissions as a function of time and position data as a function of time data can be performed as described above.
[00226] Figure 3 shows a combined off-shore and off-shore integrity monitoring system of the invention. The combined shore / off shore integrity monitoring system is adapted to monitor the integrity of at least one section of length of a pipe 21 including a section of pipe on the coast 21a and a section of pipe near off the coast 21b. The shore part of the integrity monitoring system includes a data acquisition element 20a including a receiver and transmitter for receiving signals from moving objects on shore 24a and optionally from moving objects off shore 24b. In the shown embodiment, a moving object on the shore 24a is illustrated as a working vehicle with an excavating tool 29a and a transmitter 25a, and moving objects off the shore 24b are shown as a ship with a lowered anchor 29b and a transmitter 25b.
[00227] The off-shore part of the integrity monitoring system includes an unshown data acquisition element 20b arranged to acquire position as a function of AIS time data as described above. The position as a time data function obtained from both the data acquisition element on the coast 20a and the data acquisition element off the coast 20b is transmitted to a first computer 23 (1), where the irrelevant position as a data data function time is ordered and the relevant position as a function of time data can optionally be stored. The relevant position as a function of optionally delayed time data is transferred to a second computer 23 (2) for further analysis as described below.
[00228] The combined off-shore and off-shore integrity monitoring system of the invention includes a vibration sensor 22 in the form of a fiber sensor with an off-shore vibration sensor section 22a and an off-shore vibration sensor section from coast 22b. The vibration sensor 22 is connected to a sensor system 22c to supply light to the sensor and to receive and optionally analyze and / or store the resulting vibration signals. The vibration signals are transferred to the second computer 23 (2) either in real time as vibration signals as such or in real time or delayed as vibration as a function of time data.
[00229] Additional data, such as weather-related or other data as described above can be transmitted to the second computer 23 (2) either by the data acquisition element on the coast 20a and / or the data acquisition element off the coast 20b and / or by another acquisition element 20 (1).
[00230] The second computer 23 (2) includes software to compare vibration as a function of time data with position as a function of relative time data for the same time and based on this comparison and optionally additional data calculate the risk of damage to the tube 21, 21a, 21b on the coast as well as off the coast.
[00231] The second computer 23 (2) is in the embodiment shown in data communication with a third computer 23 (3), which is a surveillance computer and preferably includes a monitor and an alarm indicator. Several health monitoring systems can be coupled to the same surveillance computer, which can for example be kept under surveillance by an operator who for example is also keeping other surveillance computers under surveillance. If an alarm goes off, the operator can immediately warn moving objects that may be at risk of damage to a pipe. For example, if a captain on a ship 24b forgets to lift his anchor 29b and is pulled over the seabed within the selected distance to the monitoring location, this can trigger an alarm, and the operator can immediately identify the ship 24b and warn the captain, such that the captain can raise the anchor 29b before it is damaging the tube 22b.
[00232] Figure 4 illustrates an off-shore integrity monitoring system seen in perspective view. Plane 38 illustrates the sea surface and Plane 37a, 37b illustrates the ocean floor. The off-shore integrity monitoring system includes 3 optical vibration sensors 32a, 32b, 32c arranged in parallel to a tube 31a, 31b to be monitored for integrity. The distances shown MDa, MDb, MDc indicate the mounting distances of the vibration sensor 32a, 32b and 32c respectively.
[00233] The vibration sensors 32a, 32b and 32c are connected to a 32d sensor system to supply light to the sensor and to receive and optionally analyze and / or store the resulting vibration signals.
[00234] The off-shore integrity monitoring system also includes a computer 33. Computer 33 includes hardware and software to acquire position as a function of AIS time data as indicated in the drawing and as described above. The vibration signals obtained by the vibration sensors 32a, 32b and 32c are transferred to the computer 33 for analysis and comparison with the position as a function of time data as described above and optionally to record the various data.
[00235] Figure 4 shows in addition a ship 34 with a transmitter 35 and an anchor 39.
[00236] As indicated by the hatch section 37b of the seabed 37a, 37b, a part of the tube 31b and parts of the vibration sensors 32a, 32b and 32c are buried, while in the unhatched section 37a of the seabed 37a, 37b, the tube 31a and the vibration sensors 32a, 32b and 32c are uncovered. The uncovered tube section 31a can preferably be entrenched in particular the uncover is a chosen arrangement.
[00237] Such an uncovered pipe is relatively sensitive and can easily be damaged by an anchor that is pulled through the seabed. If vessel 34 is reaching tube 31a, 31b in the uncoated area 31a, sensor 32a closest to anchor 39 on vessel 34 will detect anchor 39 and its direction of movement and transfer the detected vibration data to computer 33. The The computer will also acquire position as a function of time data from ship 34, and comparing this data can be calculated if tube 31a is in danger of being damaged by anchor 39, in which case ship 34 can be warned.
[00238] If, for example, the uncovered part of the tube is not an intended structure, but the cover material has been removed over time, for example by ships passing over tube 31 in a navigation channel, the integrity monitoring system offshore may include a database memory with a calibration curve for vibration pattern against ship distance for one or more ships or types of ships.
[00239] Using this calibration curve, the integrity monitoring system is able to recognize a vibration pattern, such that it can be detected if the tube was discovered accidentally by passing ships. If the off-shore integrity monitoring system can recognize the vibration pattern, it can calculate the direction, speed and other, and the off-shore integrity monitoring system's computer 33 preferably includes software to calculate the change in level of cover material on the underwater structure 31a, 31b.
[00240] Figure 5 shows an underwater structure 41 for example as described above (cable / tube) connected to a structure off the coast 49a, 49b, such as a platform placed on the ocean floor 47. The structure off the coast 49a, 49b includes a part 49a under the sea surface 48 and a part 49b over the sea surface 48. Various point vibration sensors 42a, 42b, 42c are placed under the sea surface of the structure off the coast 49 a. A ship 44 is arriving at the structure off the coast 49a, 49b, for example to dock at the structure off the coast 49a, 49b.
[00241] The point vibration sensors 42a, 42b and 42c are part of a health monitoring system of the invention and are transmitting vibration data to a computer not shown, where the vibration data is compared with position as a function of time data acquired from the AIS of approaching ships.
[00242] In the event that the ship 44 is in danger of damaging the submarine structure 41, the integrity monitoring system can trigger an alarm as described above.
[00243] Figure 6 illustrates an off-shore integrity monitoring system seen in perspective view. Plane 58 illustrates the sea surface and Plane 57 illustrates the sea floor. The off-shore integrity monitoring system includes an optical vibration sensor 52 (shown as a dotted line) integrated in the underwater structure 51. The underwater structure 51 is entrenched, such that it does not protrude over the seabed 57.
[00244] The health monitoring system furthermore includes computer not shown, transmission medium not shown to transmit vibration data from vibration sensor 52 to the computer, medium not shown to acquire and transmit position as a function of run time data a movable object 54 including a transmitter 55 for the computer. In the shown embodiment, the movable object 54 is in the form of a ship 54 and includes a transmitter and an anchor 59, which is pulled across the seabed 57. The offshore integrity monitoring system operates as described above.
[00245] The integrity monitoring system shown in Figure 7 is adapted to monitor the integrity of at least a section of length of an underwater structure 61. The integrity monitoring system includes a fiber vibration sensor 61 placed immediately adjacent to the subsea structure 61. The fiber vibration sensor can be as described above. The fiber vibration sensor is connected to a sensor system not shown to supply light to the sensor and to receive and optionally analyze the resulting signals. The health monitoring system also includes a computer not shown and various means of transmission and means of acquisition as described above.
[00246] Submarine structure 61 and sensor 62 are connected to a structure off the coast 69, such as a platform for example as described in Figure 4.
[00247] The health monitoring system is arranged to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data of moving objects 64a, 64b including transmitters not shown to the computer not shown when moving objects 64a are within a selected SD distance , illustrated here with dotted lines 66, for a monitoring site which is in this embodiment the site occupied by the submarine structure 61.
[00248] As seen in Figure 7, some of the vessels 64b are outside the dotted line 66 indicating the area within the selected distance SD to the monitoring location, and in this embodiment, position as a function of time data for these vessels 64b are outside the dotted line 66 will not be acquired and transmitted to the computer not shown, while the position as a function of time data for ships 64a within the selected distance SD, surrounded by the dotted line 66 will be acquired and transmitted to the computer not shown.
[00249] The hatched area 60 indicates a protection zone 60, and the integrity monitoring system is regulated such that an alarm is triggered if / when a 40 t average noisy ship or a ship emitting sound of about 100 dB is inside protection zone 60.
[00250] In a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the elongated zone surrounded by the dotted line 66 is substantially parallel to the subsea structure and the subsea structure is applied along the median axis thereof, preferably with the offshore structure 69 arranged substantially in the center the curved end of the elongated zone.
[00251] Figure 8 shows a beam formation principle that can be used in the invention's integrity monitoring system.
[00252] The beam formation can for example be used in a method of estimating the distance between a stationary structure and a moving object or an event of noise emission by a moving object for example an anchor fall. The health monitoring system can for example be the health monitoring system shown in Figure 3. When vessel 24b drops anchor 29b, at a distance from vessel 24b and anchor 29b can be estimated / calculated using beam formation of the signals output of the fiber sensor 22b. The output signals are labeled with ..., N-2, N-1, N, N + 1, N + 2, ... relative to sensor length sections 22b. A typical length for an N section is 1 - 10 m. The distance between the sections is fixed, typical values are 1 - 3 m.
[00253] The output signals of an arrangement of several sections (for example 4) are processed together and space-oriented signals (beams, for example 5) are generated for each arrangement with number ..., K-1, K, K + 1, ... This allows the estimation of the direction of an incoming sound wave.
[00254] If, for example, anchor 29b is dropped on the seabed, the section with the highest exit level is determined. If, for example, this section is number N belonging to arrangement K. Then, the output signals from an arrangement in the vicinity of arrangement K are analyzed and an estimate of the event distance is determined by cross-bearing.
[00255] This method can for example be simplified for high signal-to-noise ratios by omitting arrangement processing. If an anchor is dropped on the seabed, the section with the highest exit level (N) is determined. The output signal of a second section (for example with number N + 5) is analyzed and correlated with the output signal of section N. The time difference between the two signals is used to estimate the event distance.
[00256] Figure 9 shows a diagram of a method of processing the invention. A vibration sensor 82a is connected to a sensor system 82b to feed light to the sensor and to receive the resulting vibration signals. Time data is acquired by the sensor system for example from a time setting unit 80 or from a clock not shown incorporated in the sensor system 82b. The vibration data is correlated with time data to provide vibration as a function of time data.
[00257] Vibration as a time data function is transmitted to a first computer 83 (1), where vibration as a time data function is classified, optionally filtered to remove stationary noise and is further analyzed for example by training beam. The vibration analyzed as a function of time data is transferred to a first database memory 89a. The first database memory 89a can also store the unanalyzed vibration as a function of time data.
[00258] The vibration analyzed as a function of time data is also transferred to a second computer 83 (2), where it is compared with other data.
[00259] Simultaneously, a first data acquisition element 90a acquires position as a function of time data and optionally other AIS data. Time data is acquired by the first data acquisition element 90 for example from a time setting unit 80 or from a clock not shown incorporated in the sensor system 82b. The position as a function of time data is correlated with the acquired time data to ensure that the vibration data and position data correlate with harmonized time data.
[00260] The position as a function of time data is transmitted to a second data acquisition element 90b, which second data acquisition element 90b also acquires data from other sources, such as from the Internet and a weather station. The second data acquisition element 90b can also acquire time data like the first data acquisition element 90a.
[00261] The data from the second data acquisition element 90b is transmitted to a filter element 88, where irrelevant data is filtered out. The filter can be adjusted depending on the data stored in the first database memory. Hereby, the noise detected by the vibration sensor 82a influences which data is filtered out.
[00262] The filtered data is transmitted to a third computer 83 (3). The second computer 83 (2) and the third computer 83 (3) are in one embodiment merged with a single computer and in another embodiment - the embodiment shown - the second computer 83 (2) and the third computer 83 (3) exchange data . On the second computer 83 (2), the data is sorted and arranged and transmitted to a second database memory 89b as well as to an operator monitor 87. On the third computer 83 (3), the position as a function of data from time and vibration as a function of time data are compared and other data are correlated simultaneously with each other and on the same computer or on a fourth computer 84 (4) (as in the embodiment shown), a threat assessment is performed and the result is transmitted to the monitor. Simultaneously, fourth computer 84 (4) can optionally trigger an alarm after confirmation from an operator, who is keeping monitor 87 under surveillance.
[00263] The fourth computer 83 (4) can also receive data from the second database memory 89b to assess threats, or to perform further analysis. Vibration also as a function of time data can be transmitted from the first computer 83 (1) to the second database memory 89b and / or to the monitor 87.
[00264] The figures are schematic and can be simplified for clarity. Everywhere, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.
[00265] Additional extension of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the technique of this description. detailed.
[00266] Some preferred embodiments have been shown in the foregoing, but it should be noted that the invention is not limited to these, but can be realized in other ways within the subject defined in the following claims.

权利要求:
Claims (17)
[0001]
1. Integrity monitoring system to monitor the integrity of at least a part of a stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69), comprising: at least minus a vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) to feel vibration as a function of time; a computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)); a transmission means for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) to the computer (3, 13, 23 ( 1), 23 (2), 23 (3)); a means to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data from a moving object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b) to the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) when the movable object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b) comprises a transmitter (5, 25a, 25b, 35, 55) and is inside from a selected distance (6a, 6b, SD) to a monitoring location, where the monitoring location includes at least a part of the stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b , 51, 61, 69) and the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) is arranged to feel vibrations within the monitoring location, characterized by the fact that vibration data is transmitted to the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) as vibration as a function of time data or the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) generates vibration as a function of time data from vibration data; and where the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) comprises hardware and is programmed to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of correlated time data at the same time , preferably the stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69) is a fixed structure, with the structure (1, 11, 21, 21a , 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69) preferably a structure applied in a stationary manner by being an underwater structure (11, 21b, 31b) placed on the seabed or buried and / or by being an entrenched underwater structure (31b, 51).
[0002]
2. Integrity monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69) is or comprises a cable, a tube and / or an optical fiber, the stationary structure optionally is or comprises a bundle of cables.
[0003]
Integrity monitoring system according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52 , 62) is an acoustic sensor such as a microphone, a hydrophone, a seismograph and / or an optical fiber acoustic sensor.
[0004]
4. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52 , 62) is a distributed vibration sensor, and preferably the vibration sensor comprises an optical fiber sensor, the optical fiber sensor is arranged to operate through the backscattering effect, such as Brillouin Backscattering, Raman Backscattering or Backscattering Rayleigh.
[0005]
5. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the means to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data of a moving object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34 , 44, 54, 64a, 64b) comprises a receiver (20a) capable of receiving the position as a function of time data directly from the transmitter of the moving object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b), by Internet transmission, by satellite and / or by an external antenna, the receiver optionally being an integrated part of the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) or being in wireless or fiber-optic communication with the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)).
[0006]
6. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) comprises hardware, at least one processor, and being programmed to compare the position as a function of time data with the correlated vibration data at the same time so that it can be estimated at least if vibrations felt by the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) at a given moment were or included vibrations caused by a moving object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b), such like a ship.
[0007]
7. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that it is adapted to determine the direction of a vibration relative to the vibration sensor (32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c) and / or relative to the stationary structure (31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b).
[0008]
8. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one fiber optic vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62), where the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) is a distributed or almost distributed sensor, where the fiber optic vibration sensor and / or the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) is adapted to acquire and optionally process output signals from a plurality of length sections selected N of the fiber optic vibration sensor, preferably the system is arranged to perform a beam formation function on the vibration data of the sensor array or of the distributed or nearly distributed sensor.
[0009]
9. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises a sensor array, for example, in the form of a discrete sensor array (42a, 42b, 42c) or in the form of a distributed or nearly distributed fiber sensor (32a, 32b, 32c), the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) is adapted to acquire and process the array's vibration data sensor, and the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) is programmed to determine a direction, distance and / or speed of a vibration-emitting object, the vibration-emitting object optionally being the movable object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b).
[0010]
10. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it is an off-shore integrity monitoring system, the stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b , 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69) is an underwater structure and the movable object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b) is a ship.
[0011]
11. Integrity monitoring system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the means to acquire and transmit position as a function of time data to the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) comprises acquiring data from an Automatic Identification System (AIS), the data being acquired directly from the ship's transmitter, by Internet transmission, by a vessel traffic service (VTS) and / or by an external antenna , the ship's transmitter being a transponder.
[0012]
12. Integrity monitoring system according to either of claims 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the selected distance to the monitoring location provides a selected horizontal area, the system being arranged in such a way that the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) is acquiring position as a function of ship time data with the transmitter (5, 25b, 35, 55) within the selected horizontal area.
[0013]
13. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that the means for determining and transmitting position as a function of time data to the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) comprises acquiring data from an Automatic Identification System (AIS), the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) is arranged to acquire additional data from AIS or another source, the additional data includes at least one of unique identification, course, speed, direction of movement, warnings, weather conditions and predictions / predictions of the mentioned data, preferably the additional data includes at least unique identification.
[0014]
14. Integrity monitoring system according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the fact that it also comprises an alarm arranged to be activated in the potential or real danger of damage to the underwater structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69), the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) is arranged to calculate the potential or actual danger of damage subsea structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69), preferably based on at least some of the vibration and position data as a function of data time, preferably the system is set to activate the alarm in the detection of vibration data with a predefined pattern and / or with a vibration level above a fixed point of maximum vibration to reduce false alarm.
[0015]
15. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the fact that the underwater structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69) comprises an underground or buried entrenched structure, with the system comprising a database memory in data communication with the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)), where the Database memory comprises a calibration curve for vibration pattern against ship distance for one or more ships or types of ships, and the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3) ) being programmed to calculate a change in the level of cover material on the underwater structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69).
[0016]
16. Integrity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it is an offshore integrity monitoring system, the stationary structure (21a) is a non-subsea structure, preferably comprising a cable and / or a tube, preferably the movable object (24a) is a vehicle, an airplane or a motorized tool comprising a positioning system, such as GPS (Global Positioning System) position and optionally movement details, and a transmitter, arranged to transmit the data to the computer (23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)), preferably together with a unique identification of the moving object (24a).
[0017]
17. Method of monitoring the integrity of at least a part of a stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69), characterized by the fact of understanding the steps of : (i) provide at least one vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) to feel vibration as a function of time; (ii) providing a computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)); (iii) provide a transmission medium for transmitting vibration data from the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) to the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)), where the vibration data is transmitted to the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) as vibration as a function of time data or the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) generates vibration as a function of time data from vibration data; (iv) arranging the vibration sensor (2, 12, 22, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 32c, 42a, 42b, 42c, 52, 62) to feel vibrations within a monitoring site comprising at least part of the stationary structure (1, 11, 21, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b, 41, 49a, 49b, 51, 61, 69); (v) acquiring position as a function of time data of a moving object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b, 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b) comprising a transmitter when the moving object (4a, 4b, 24a, 24b , 34, 44, 54, 64a, 64b) is within a selected distance to the monitoring location; (vi) provide the computer (3, 13, 23 (1), 23 (2), 23 (3)) to compare the vibration data with the position as a function of correlated time data at the same time, in which the The method comprises using an integrity monitoring system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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CN103201592A|2013-07-10|

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EP2635875A1|2013-09-11|

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CN103201592B|2017-03-15|

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CY1118876T1|2018-01-10|

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BR112013009669A2|2016-07-12|

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PL2635875T3|2017-08-31|

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JP2014502345A|2014-01-30|

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法律状态:
2018-12-18| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-11-12| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-12-22| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-02-09| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 03/11/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

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