TRACKING OF OBJECTS IN PIPELINES Russian patent published in 2014 - IPC G01D5/48 

FIELD: measurement equipment.

SUBSTANCE: methods and a device are disclosed for tracking of objects in channels, especially for tracking of a projectile movement in a pipeline. Distributed acoustic measurement is used to produce response signals from a combination of discrete longitudinal measurement sections of a fibre-optic cable installed along the length of the channel. Acoustic signature may contain a sequence of pressure pulses specified by an object passing joints, etc. in the channel. Preferably the method provides for registration of pressure waves specified by the object motion along the channel. Registration of the characteristic signal of the pressure wave makes it possible to differentiate the object from other acoustic disturbances. In pipeline applications the projectile may be tracked in real time mode, if the projectile stops, a warning signal may be generated, and the projectile position will be known.

EFFECT: method provides for registration of acoustic signature, corresponding to an object moving in a channel.

17 cl, 7 dwg