Experimental Evaluation of Novel Hybrid Microwave/Ultrasonic Technique to Locate and Characterize Pipe Wall Thinning

Abstract

Research using microwaves (MWs) to detect pipe wall thinning (PWT) distinguishes the presence of wall thinning, but does not accurately locate the discontinuities. Ultrasonic testing (UT) is capable of accurately locating the PWT defect, but cannot do so without time-consuming linear scanning. This novel work combines the MW technique as a way to predict the location of a series of PWT specimens, and the UT technique as a way to characterize the PWT specimens in terms of location, depth, and profile shape. The UT probe is guided to the predicted location derived from the Phase One MW results, generating the Phase Two results to determine accurate location, depth measurement, and profile shape detection. The work uses the previously successful experimental setup for testing of an aluminum pipe with 154.051 mm inner diameter (ID) and 1 m length. A vector network analyzer (VNA) generates a MW sweeping frequency range of 1.4–2.3 GHz. This signal is propagated within reference pipes with both open end and short-circuit configurations for calibration of the system. The calibrated system is used to detect the presence and location of six PWT specimens, with two profile shapes, at three depths of thinning and three locations along the pipe. The predicted locations from Phase One are then used to guide a calibrated, manually guided straight beam UT probe to the predicted position. From that point, the UT probe is used in order to accurately localize and determine the depth and shape profile of the specimens.

Collaborative detection and on-line monitoring of pipeline stress in oil and gas stations

“…This method reduces the overall detection workload and has better adaptability, but requires high accuracy for each detection method. Alobaidi et al [18] use microwaves to predict the location of pipeline thinning defects and combines the method with UT to define parameters such as the depth and shape profile of thinning defects. The two detection methods are joined together by an automated system.…”

Thermographic Inspection of Internal Defects in Steel Structures: Analysis of Signal Processing Techniques in Pulsed Thermography

“…This calls for a reliable testing and evaluation method to ensure that the functionality of the system is not compromised due to thickness reduction. Recently, numerous nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, such as x-ray [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], microwave [ 10 , 11 , 12 ], ultrasonic [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], magnetic flux leakage [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], acoustic emission [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], and eddy current [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], have been used for the measurement of pipe wall thinning. Each of these techniques have their own advantages and limitations.…”

“…Sensors 2020, 20, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 17 to thickness reduction. Recently, numerous nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, such as x-ray [7][8][9], microwave [10][11][12], ultrasonic [13][14][15][16], magnetic flux leakage [17][18][19], acoustic emission [20][21][22], and eddy current [23][24][25], have been used for the measurement of pipe wall thinning. Each of these techniques have their own advantages and limitations.…”

Application Research of the Non-Destructive Testing Using Optical Fiber Sensor

“…Certainly, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. At present, ultrasonic testing (UT) technology [1] and Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing (MFLT) technology [2] are the most mature and widely used in pipeline and plate inspection. However, there are some shortcomings in ultrasonic testing technology, such as the need for coupling agent and the high requirement for the pipe surface cleanliness.…”