APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IN-LINE CHARGING OF A PIPELINE TOOL

摘要

An apparatus for electrically charging a rechargeable power source of a pipeline tool while the tool is located within a pipeline comprises a power module including a charging power source, an insertion module including an insertion mechanism having a charging plug for mating with a charging socket of the pipeline tool and a drive assembly operable to extend and retract the charging plug, and a power line electrically connecting the charging power source to the charging plug. The charging power source, power line, and charging plug may be enclosed by a pressure barrier and brought into pressure equalization with the pipeline, wherein the power line does not cross the barrier. The charging power source may include batteries or a generator. If a generator is employed and a pressure barrier must be maintained, a magnetic coupling may be used to transmit kinetic energy across the barrier for input to the generator.

主权项

1. An apparatus for electrically charging a rechargeable power source of a pipeline tool while the pipeline tool is located within a pipeline, the apparatus comprising:
a power module including a charging power source; an insertion module including an insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism having a charging plug for mating with a charging socket of the pipeline tool and a drive assembly operable to extend and retract the charging plug; and a power line electrically connecting the charging power source to the charging plug.