Pirate, the development of an autonomous gas distribution system inspection robot

Abstract

A consortium of four companies is developing an autonomous inspection system for small diameter, low pressure gas distribution mains. Such a system could eventually replace the current practice of leak survey and improve the assessment of the quality of the mains, being able to investigate the mains from the inside and very closely. A complete system consisting of small robotic platforms, docking stations for battery recharging and data communication, and entrance locks is envisioned. The logistics of such a system seem feasible, although the technological challenge is daunting. Besides the development cost the other major parameter determining the cost of the system is the allowed maximum distance between docking stations. Preliminary analysis of the business case show that a robotic platform driving at a speed of 0.2 km/h and an availability of 50% would earn 160 000 € annually, being the value of its inspection results. This justifies a serious attempt for further evaluation of the vision