Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.64486/m.65.1.10

Analysis of the Trafficability of Spherical Internal Detec-tors in Pipelines

Yue Cui ; Hebei Key of Laboratory of Intelligence Equipment Digitalize Design and Process Simulation, Tangshan University, Tangshan 063000, China
Hui-Qing Lan ; Key Laboratory of Vehicle Advanced Manufacturing, Measuring and Control Technology (Min-istry of Education), Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China;Tangshan Research Insti-tute of Beijing Jiaotong University, Tangshan 063000, China *
Nan Lin ; China Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute, Beijing 100029, China
Ke-Xin Tan ; China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
Zhao-Qi Jiang ; Hebei Key of Laboratory of Intelligence Equipment Digitalize Design and Process Simulation, Tangshan University, Tangshan 063000, China
Xiang-Bin Yang ; Hebei Key of Laboratory of Intelligence Equipment Digitalize Design and Process Simulation, Tangshan University, Tangshan 063000, China

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This study aims to enhance the motion stability of a spherical internal detector within a flow field, thereby preventing jamming or deviations during the inspection process. Firstly, a fluid-structure interaction model of a spherical detector in a pipe-line was built, and flow field calculations were performed for a straight pipe and a 60° elbow with a 600 mm diameter, examining various ball-to-pipe diameter ratios. The analysis, including the flow field and pressure distribution characteristics of the spherical internal detector within the pipe configurations, was supplemented by experimental verification. The findings reveal that the thrust generated by the spherical internal detector correlates positively with the ball-to-pipe diameter ratio. However, an excessively high ratio 0.8 led to a rapid decrease in fluid velocity in the wake region and an increase in the radial region. Significantly, when the spherical internal detector navigates through a 60° pipe elbow, its angular velocity triples compared to that in a straight pipe section, potentially reducing the detector’s ser-vice life. For 600 mm diameter pipes, it is recommended that the optimal condition is achieved with a ball-to-pipe diameter ratio of 0.6 and an initial fluid flow velocity of 1.5 m/s to extend service life while ensuring optimal trafficability of the spherical internal detector.

Keywords

spherical internal detector; fluid-structure interaction; trafficability; flow velocity; angular velocity

Hrčak ID:

336517

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/336517

Publication date:

1.1.2026.

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