Abstract
A consortium of four companies is developing an autonomous inspection system for
small diameter, low pressure gas distribution mains.
Such a system could eventually replace the current practice of leak survey and
improve the assessment of the quality of the mains, being able to investigate the
mains from the inside and very closely.
A complete system consisting of small robotic platforms, docking stations for battery
recharging and data communication, and entrance locks is envisioned.
The logistics of such a system seem feasible, although the technological challenge is
daunting.
Besides the development cost the other major parameter determining the cost of the
system is the allowed maximum distance between docking stations.
Preliminary analysis of the business case show that a robotic platform driving at a
speed of 0.2 km/h and an availability of 50% would earn 160 000 € annually, being
the value of its inspection results. This justifies a serious attempt for further
evaluation of the vision.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | International Gas Union Research Conference 2008 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of a meeting held 8-10 October 2008, Paris, France |
| Publisher | Curran Associates Inc. |
| Pages | 254-266 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-1-61567-870-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Oct 2008 |
| Event | International Gas Union Research Conference, IGRC 2008 - La Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, La Villette, Paris, France Duration: 8 Oct 2008 → 10 Oct 2008 |
Conference
| Conference | International Gas Union Research Conference, IGRC 2008 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | IGRC |
| Country/Territory | France |
| City | La Villette, Paris |
| Period | 8/10/08 → 10/10/08 |
Keywords
- Robot
- IR-78218
- service robotics
- CE-Advanced Robotics
- EWI-19794
- Pipe inspection