WOFI system
Keen to follow the evolutions of its most important fields and to be an key player of the technological developments of the future, this is the mindset that the MECA teams have had for 5 years while working on integrating sensors and measurement systems in composite materials (see also AVATAR project).
Through a collaboration with Alliatech and GRT Gaz, Meca works on monitoring the deformations in the composite reinforcements of pipelines.
This work led to the development of a prototype of an integrated remote state monitoring system called WOFI (Wet tape composite repair tools using fiber optics with wired or wireless transmission system).
The WOFI system:
Background and main issues:
Monitoring the state of the gas transmission system is a major issue. As the network is mainly buried underground, it is difficult to identify and repair defects due to the location of the pipes (road, exploited land, bridge). This leads to heavy and costly operations.
Repair of pipelines is important in order to keep the gas transport networks in good condition.
The WOFI system provides precise and remote monitoring of deformations in critical areas, therefore guaranteeing the durability of repairs over time.
Pipelines reinforced with SW II and equipped with WOFI system
Results:
Meca combines its expertise in structural behavior and its skills in instrumentation to develop an integrated remote state monitoring system called WOFI (Wet tape composite repair tools using fiber optics with wired or wireless transmission system).
This innovative control system provides:
- Identification of a repaired defect
- Justification of a composite Wrap repair for long service lives
- Improved knowledge on loading conditions
The system being developed by Meca can be adapted to other types of structures.
Meca's approach for this type of application is to efficiently combine control of the behavior of materials and structures with direct measurements carried out via a small number of sensors, placed in strategic positions. We have added the possibility of radio transmission to the intelligent measuring system. The signal passes through the ground and the prototype system also allows for remote data retrieval, which therefore requires no physical intervention. An advantage of this wireless system is that it does not interfere with the operation of the land.
Data is retrieved only when needed and the sensors are optimally positioned to reduce their number. This "Low Data" operation reduces material costs and intrusiveness thanks to the intelligence of data processing.
The advantages of fiber optics are its size, precision and durability over time. This allows the sensors to be placed inside the parts being monitored (in this example, the composite reinforcement).
Meca also develops software to analyze data from the sensors in order to give indications on the state of the object being studied.
This system, which is currently being developed, has already been installed in several structures. The results demonstrated the relevance of these models and helped to refine them.
-