Low-Cost, Full-Field, Surface Profiling Tool for Mechanical Damage Evaluation

Mechanical damage (typically from third party excavations) is the most frequent source of leaks and ruptures in pipelines. The most common type of mechanical damage is dents, sometimes associated with secondary features such as gouges, external corrosion, or cracks. Currently used techniques for assessing dents are not accurate enough for reliable determination of fitness for service. In this project, Intelligent Optical Systems will determine the feasibility of implementing a novel surface-profiling tool for mechanical damage evaluation based on the real-time processing of a single digital image. This inexpensive, full-field approach provides the full shape of the damaged region with high accuracy, and overcomes limitations in the assessment process. In Phase I, we will develop detailed proof of principles of the proposed technology, determine precision as a function of lighting and environmental conditions, and determine software and hardware designs.