Design and Development of Remotely Operated Pipeline Inspection Robot

Abstract

Pipeline Inspection Robot (PIR) which is a type of mobile robot is operated remotely or autonomously with little to no human intervention, inspecting various fields of the pipeline system and even cleaning the inner walls of the pipelines by using integrated programs. The development and application of PIR that is specifically used in monitoring the pipeline system are still not widely studied and applied, although Malaysia is a nation that is vastly developing in the industrial fields. The proposed PIR can help in monitoring and inspecting pipe diameter ranging from 215 to 280 mm that are impossible to reach and hazardous to human life. In addition, the PIR is needed to make the inspecting operation easier and able to save work time. This project is focusing on the design and development of suitable PIR for pipeline system monitoring. The PIR is designed by using the SolidWorks software and several simulations are conducted in the software such as the stress and strain analysis. The PIR is fabricated by using aluminium and uses the adaptive mechanism structure which allow the robot to adapt in pipe changing diameters. Moreover, the PIR is controlled by a microcontroller. Experiments are performed to verify the robot’s performance such as the ability of the robot to adapt in the pipeline. The results shown that the PIR has an average speed of 0.0096 m/s and can move accurately straight in the pipeline.