Robotic pipe inspection with ultrasonic sensor arrays

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The aim is to develop an ultrasonic sensor system and associated data analysis tools to extract information from the interior of a buried pipe, such as a water or gas pipe. The first major challenge is to extract accurate and relevant information, which in this case will relate to the current condition (or "health") of the pipe. For example, this could mean the local pipe geometry or the presence of corrosion and cracking. This requires the development of novel ultrasonic non-destructive systems that can accurately detect, locate and size defects and other relevant conditions in a variety of pressurised and partially filled pipes with a flow. The second challenge is to extract this information reliably, which involves developing statistical methods for minimising the effects of uncertainty in the measurements (e.g. position). One important approach to be explored here is to use the ultrasonic data as a signature to locate the sensors - this is usually termed data-driven imaging. The third major challenge is in the development of the sensing and data analysis hardware which needs to be energy efficient and integrated with the other systems on-board the robots. This will mostly be hardware available within the Bristol group but work will be required to develop it into a working sensors system. The ultrasonics and non-destructive testing (UNDT) group in Bristol are uniquely placed to address these issues, with complimentary experience of imaging and ultrasonic system design and integration that will result in an output much greater than the sum of its parts. The project will combine experimentation, with simulations, which together will lead to a deep understanding of the performance of the new sensors. Parts of the project will also require data analysis and signal processing. In this way the project requires good all-round engineering skills. By the end of the project it is expected that a demonstrator device will be made and tested on an industrial relevant scenario, e.g. a real buried pipe in a test facility. The project will also link up with various industrial partners, such as water supply companies in order to develop sensors systems suitable to the real-world applications.