PHASE 2 DESIGN PROJECT

EGR 3380 - Fall 2000

PIPE INSPECTION DEVICE

A need exists for a pipe inspection device that is capable of descending into a vertical pipe, inspecting the interior walls of the pipe for defects, and recording the locations (depths) of the defects. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of such a device, design teams shall design, construct and test a prototype device according to the following specifications.

1. The pipe to be inspected has an inside diameter of 3.75 ± 0.05 inches.

2. The length of the demonstration pipe shall be in the range 4 ft L 5 ft.

3. The demonstration pipe will be mounted vertically, will be open at both ends, and the lower end will be 1 ft. off the ground.

4. The pipe inspection device (PID) shall be inserted completely within the top of the pipe, with no portion of the device initially exceeding a depth of 12 inches. Before activation, the PID must remain stationary in this starting position indefinitely, without operator assistance.

5. The PID shall be activated by a single instantaneous switching action. After activation, the PID shall operate autonomously; i.e., no further interaction is allowed between device and operator until the device completes its operation.

6. For the purpose of the feasibility demonstration, the open lower end of the pipe will simulate a major defect. Therefore, after activation, the PID shall determine, by measurement along the inside walls of the pipe, the length of the pipe from the top edge of the pipe to the bottom edge of the pipe. The length of the pipe shall be determined to an accuracy of ±1.0 inch.

7. After measurement, the PID shall reset itself to its starting position and be ready for a second operation.

8. The information generated by the PID regarding pipe length shall be digitally displayed, and shall be visible to the operator through the top opening of the pipe (within the 12 inch start zone). The displayed information shall become available to the operator sometime during or after the operation of the device, and shall be recorded by the operator.

9. The operator may convert the value recorded from the digital display into a pipe length in inches by a formula to be provided to the faculty by the design team prior to device operation.