SCRAPER TRACKING SYSTEM

摘要

A tracking system (10) for use with a pipeline (14) includes a scraper (12) having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors (18) positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper (12), and a plurality of local processors (20) positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper (12). Each of the local processors (20) is in communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor (18). A central processor is in communication with the local processors (20) and determines the location of the scraper (12) using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound in a fluid within the pipeline (14).