DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF INTERNAL PIPE DEFECT DETECTOR USING VISUAL METHOD

Abstract

The project focuses on the development of wireless robot system that can inspect pipeline internally. The goal of the project is to design and fabricate a prototype which can navigate defect through pipelines. Pipelines are typically buried under ground; they are in contact with the soil and subjected to corrosion. Although it is less common, corrosion may also occur on inside surface of the pipe and reduces the strength of pipe. If a crack becomes sever the pipe can leak and in worst case may fail catastrophically. Pipe inspection is especially necessary when one should inspect an underground pipe. Internal Pipe Defect Detector (IPDD) aims to carry out inspection of pipelines through visual inspection with being mobile and powered by battery to make it wireless operated with a controller. Inspection robot has ability to move inside horizontal and vertical pipe along with long complex distance including bend in pipe. Pipe inspection robot can maintain traction between the wheels and pipe surface all the time due to its repositioning mechanism and this enables it to move or transverse vertical pipe section. Expansion and reduction in diameter is encountered in the device. This is achieved by the expansion and contraction of the spring in the device along with Sliding mechanism and four bar mechanism. As spring contracts diameter decreases and when expand it increases. The range of the diameter depends on the movement of transaction element along with the contraction and expansion capability of the spring. Image transmission takes place with the help of camera fitted in the device. This can be visualized in a monitor or can be saved for future analysis. The device is capable of forward and backward motion which is controlled by key pressed from the transmitter. Transmitter transmits data which is received by the receiver and decodes then forward and backward motion is achieved. The device is driven with the help of motor which are connected to battery. The range of the controller depends upon the module used. If Bluetooth module is used it would have a short range, while if Wi-Fi module used it can be used for long range