Dynamics of a Large-Diameter and Multi-Section Pipeline Inspection Gauge When Crossing Obstacles

Abstract

The dynamic behavior generated by the collision between multi-section Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) and obstacles inside the pipeline is highly complex. The transmission patterns of vibration and their effects when the front and rear sections are respectively excited are not yet fully known. This study investigates the vibration response and transmission law during the obstacle-crossing process of a large-diameter, heavy and multi-section PIG. By constructing a high fidelity, full size, full factor nonlinear multi-system dynamic model of double section Φ1219mm PIGs, the changes in vibration acceleration of the PIG's center of mass under different operating speeds are simulated using MSC/ADAMS. A full-size traction experimental setup has been built. The simulation results are compared with traction experiment and field experiment. The findings indicate that the sudden change in axial acceleration caused by collision is mainly concentrated in the low frequency range of 0-50 Hz.

Keywords: Multi-Section PIG, Multi-system model, Impact and vibration, dynamic response, Girth weld