Design and construction of an in-pipe robot for inspection and maintenance

Fadi N. Sibai, Amer Ahmed Sayegh, Ihsan Al-Taie

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inspection and maintenance of aging pipelines is crucial to the reliable and continued distribution of hydrocarbons. In this paper, we describe the design and construction of a robotic platform for inspection and minor maintenance of pipelines. The 7.5 kg robotic platform was demonstrated to move straight inside 12″ to 16″ diameter pipes in a forward or backward direction, and either horizontally or vertically. The experimental robotic platform has three sets of two wheels, and three driving motors. The equations governing the mechanical frame's component sizes are presented and the robotic frame component dimensions derived. The paper also discusses the construction and testing of the robot. Future work includes adding sensors, controls for turning, a microcontroller board, and a robotic arm for performing maintenance tasks. © 2012 IEEE.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2012 International Conference on Computer Systems and Industrial Informatics
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
ISBN (Print)9781467351577
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012

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