Evaluation of Magnetostrictive Transducers for Guided Wave Monitoring of Pressurized Pipe at 200 °C

Abstract

Many piping networks in processing plants, such as refineries, chemical plants, and electric power generation plants, are operated at elevated temperatures (≥250 °F or 121 °C). Failure of these insulated high temperature pipes can cause a major disruption of plant operation. In addition to inspection during the regular plant shutdowns, processing industries are looking for ways to inspect and monitor these pipelines on-line to ensure safe operation of the plants. Permanent monitoring of high temperature structures would require addressing the following technical problems: supporting the sensor functionality at high temperatures, ensuring the probe durability, and maintaining good coupling of the probe to the structure. In this work, a probe utilizing magnetostrictive transduction was tested on a mockup at 200 °C and produced a steady high amplitude signal over a period of 270 days. Probe performance parameters such as signal to noise ratio, data reproducibility, and sensitivity to anomalies are discussed.

Location Specific Temperature Compensation of Guided Wave Signals in Structural Health Monitoring

“…A further benefit enabled by the use of PIMS is that after a positive detection, the progression of damage can easily be monitored so that predictions on the remaining life of the structure can be attempted. Recent publications presented examples of such systems based on piezoelectric transducers [9], [10], Lorentz-force-based EMAT transducers [11], and magnetostrictive-based EMATs [12].…”

Longitudinal Guided Wave Inspection of Small-Diameter Elbowed Steel Tubes with a Novel Squirrel-Cage Magnetostrictive Sensor

“…However, the electro-ultrasonic energy transfer efficiency of the MsS is limited because the inherent magnetostriction of steel is weak. To improve the energy transfer efficiency of MsS, smart materials with high magnetostriction such as nickel [21], iron-cobalt alloy [22,23], and Galfenol flakes-polymer composite [24] were used as the electroultrasonic energy transfer element and usually pasted onto the surface of the tested structures. The utilization of magnetostrictive strip or patch allows the guided wave inspection in nonferromagnetic waveguide with MsS.…”

Detection, Localisation and Assessment of Defects in Pipes Using Guided Wave Techniques: A Review

“…Vinogradov et al [184] used a magnetostrictive probe for a mock-up pipe at 200 °C. High amplitude was constantly obtained over a period of 270 days.…”