Cost-effective sensor installations innovation challenge
Winner announcement
Equinor wishes to install small, wireless sensors at regular intervals on insulated pipes. The standard way to work on these pipes is by erecting a scaffold to allow access for a work crew. Scaffolding is not only work-hour intensive, but also expensive, and carries a safety hazard when installing, using and removing. Therefore, Equinor would like to learn if there are methods that can significantly reduce installation costs and launched the “Cost-effective sensor installations challenge”.
The innovation challenge received 30 proposals from all over the world and the competition was tough. Out of these, we have chosen five proposals based on our criteria for the contest. The five chosen companies will receive €5000 each and be invited to Kårstø onshore plant for field testing of their proposals.
We would like to thank everyone who visited Equinor Innovate and showed an interest in the challenge. We are especially grateful to all the innovators who contributed to the “Cost-effective sensor installations” challenge.
Congratulations to the five winners who are Voliro, Aarbakke Innovation, Inventas, Nlink, Hilti
Voliro
Voliro is developing advanced aerial robots specifically designed to perform physical work at elevation. Thanks to the thrust vectoring capability and precise localization, it is possible to approach elevated insulated pipes and drill holes at any orientation. In a next step, using machine vision algorithms, it is possible to fit and install sensors in the holes.
Inventas
Trying to make a universal device being able to mount sensors in all possible positions is seen as extremely complicated. Inventas’ approach is a design-led problem solving and product development process. Our initial proposal is a concept where a partially autonomous robot traverse the easy accessible sections of the pipe, and a manual intervention tool with access from the ground is used in the more challenging areas. Site surveys and concept iterations will be an important part of the process.
Aarbakke Innovation
Aarbakke Innovation AS (AAI) is a company providing innovative solutions to the oil and gas industry.
Our solution, the "Pipe Sensor Deployer", will be capable of rotating around the piping, as well as running longitudinal along the piping. This will enable installation of sensors in all positions on the piping. The PSD will be equipped with a drilling mechanism & a magazine for sensors.
nLink
nLink delivers advanced mobile robotics. Our robots are semi-autonomous, precise and efficient. nLink delivers on the job site by combining millimeter precession and computer-controlled robotics that is integrated into the work process. So you can see the progress in real-time.
Hilti
Hilti is a world leader in the design and manufacture of cutting-edge technologies, software and services for the professional construction industry.
The proposal to enable a cost-effective sensor installation is based on an existing Hilti solution to fasten drywall boards with a tool extension tube. Main adaptations to the existing solution are features to support the positioning and handling processes. The operator works from ground level and uses the tool extension to drill the hole in elevated height. In a subsequent step the sensor is then installed with a similar extension concept.