Air Habitat for Detection and Repair of Submarine Oil Pipelines in Complex Sea Conditions*

The designed structure in this study can accurately measure defects in underwater oil pipelines that occur during operation. Once the approximate location of the defect in the pipeline is confirmed, the structure can surround the exposed pipeline that needs repair and create a gas environment around the pipeline on the seabed through a sophisticated sealing and inflation system. Then, the motors can scan the pipeline to reconstruct the deformation and defect of the pipeline surface, further developing a targeted pipeline repair plan, which is essential for extending the service life of the pipeline. The study developed a sealing scheme that allows measurement in the large enclosed space surrounding the pipeline on the seabed and can adapt to different angles of the bent pipeline sections. In conclusion, by accurately measuring defects in underwater oil pipelines and developing targeted repair plans, the risk of pipeline failures and leaks can be greatly reduced, thereby improving the service life of pipelines and reducing environmental pollution and human casualties.